Form 40-F
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
|
|
|
o |
|
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
|
|
þ |
|
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Commission
File Number 0-13727
Pan American Silver Corp.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
|
|
British Columbia
(Province or other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
|
|
1044
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
|
|
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No..) |
1500 625 Howe Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T6
(604) 684-1175
(Address and telephone number of Registrants principal executive offices)
CT Corporation System
111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10011
(212) 894-8940
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number
(including area code) of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
|
|
|
Title of each class
Common Shares, No Par Value
|
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market
Toronto Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
þ Annual information form þ Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by this annual report.
The Registrant had 76,195,426 Common Shares
outstanding as at December 31, 2006
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). If Yes is marked, indicate the filing
number assigned to the registrant in connection with such Rule.
Yes
o 82- ______ No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER COVER OF THIS FORM
|
|
|
Document No. 1:
|
|
Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2006, dated March 21, 2007. |
|
|
|
Document No. 2:
|
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 2006. |
|
|
|
Document No. 3:
|
|
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the
financial year ended December 31, 2006, prepared in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles, and reconciled to United States generally
accepted accounting principles in accordance with Item 18
of Form 20-F. |
Document No. 1
Annual
Information
Form
For the Year
Ended December 31, 2006
Dated: March 21, 2007
1500-625 Howe Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T6
Web Site: www.panamericansilver.com
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Information Form, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, contain
certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian provincial securities laws relating to Pan American and its
operations. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking
statements. When used in this Annual Information Form, the words anticipate, believe,
estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, budget, may, schedule and other similar
expressions, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to,
among other things:
|
|
|
the sufficiency of Pan Americans current working capital and anticipated operating
cash flow; |
|
|
|
|
the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and estimates of future
production and future cash and total costs of production at Quiruvilca, Huaron,
Morococha, La Colorada, San Vicente, Alamo Dorado, Manantial Espejo, the stockpiles or
other properties; |
|
|
|
|
estimated production rates for silver and other payable metals produced by Pan
American, timing of production and the cash and total costs of production at each of
the Companys properties; |
|
|
|
|
the estimated cost of and availability of funding for ongoing capital replacement or
improvement programs; |
|
|
|
|
the estimated cost of construction, development and ramp-up of Alamo Dorado,
Manantial Espejo or other projects; |
|
|
|
|
the estimates of expected or anticipated economic returns from a mining project, as
reflected in feasibility studies prepared in relation to development of projects; |
|
|
|
|
estimated exploration expenditures to be incurred on the Companys various silver
exploration properties; |
|
|
|
|
compliance with environmental regulations; |
|
|
|
|
the effects of laws, regulations and government policies affecting the Companys operations; |
|
|
|
|
forecast capital and non-operating spending; and |
|
|
|
|
future sales of the metals produced by Pan American. |
These statements reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are
necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to
significant uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause
actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results,
performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements contained in this Annual Information Form including, without limitation, risks related
to technological and operational nature of the Companys business, changes in local government
legislation, taxation or the political or economic environment, the actual results of current
exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters to deal
with unanticipated economic factors, future prices of silver, gold and base metals, increased
competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their rising
costs, unpredictable risks and hazards relating to the operation and development of our mines or
properties, the speculative nature of exploration and development, as well as those factors
identified under the captions Outlook for 2007 and Competitive Conditions and Risks Related to
Pan Americans Business in this Annual Information Form. Investors are cautioned against
attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to
identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other
factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not
intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect
changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements,
other than as required by applicable law.
Please see Cautionary Note to U.S. investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and
Inferred Resources on page 2 of this Annual Information Form.
-i-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
i |
|
|
|
ii |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A-1 |
|
-ii-
INTRODUCTION
In this Annual Information Form, the term Company refers to Pan American Silver Corp. and
the term Pan American refers to the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Reporting Currency
Pan Americans reporting currency is the United States dollar. Unless otherwise indicated,
all currency amounts in this Annual Information Form are stated in United States dollars.
References to C$ are to Canadian dollars.
Accounting Policies and Financial Information
Financial information is presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in Canada (Canadian GAAP). Unless otherwise indicated, financial information contained in this
Annual Information Form is presented in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Differences between
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and those generally accepted in the United
States, as applicable to Pan American, are explained in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006 are incorporated by reference herein
and are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This Annual Information Form refers to various non-GAAP measures, such as cash and total cost
per ounce of silver, which are used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance at
each of the Companys mines and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for
performance, but do not have standardized meaning. To facilitate a better understanding of these
measures as calculated by the Company, please refer to the Companys Managements Discussion and
Analysis where detailed descriptions and reconciliations, where applicable, have been provided.
Conversion Table
In this Annual Information Form, metric units are used with respect to mineral properties
located in Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina and elsewhere, unless otherwise indicated. Conversion
rates from imperial measures to metric units and from metric units to imperial measures are
provided in the table set out below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imperial Measure |
|
= |
|
Metric Unit |
|
|
Metric Unit |
|
= |
|
Imperial Measure |
2.47 acres |
|
|
|
1 hectare |
|
|
0.4047 hectares |
|
|
|
1 acre |
3.28 feet |
|
|
|
1 metre |
|
|
0.3048 metres |
|
|
|
1 foot |
0.62 miles |
|
|
|
1 kilometre |
|
|
1.609 kilometres |
|
|
|
1 mile |
0.032 ounces (troy) |
|
|
|
1 gram |
|
|
31.1 grams |
|
|
|
1 ounce (troy) |
1.102 tons (short) |
|
|
|
1 tonne |
|
|
0.907 tonnes |
|
|
|
1 ton |
0.029 ounces (troy)/ton |
|
|
|
1 gram/tonne |
|
|
34.28 grams/tonne |
|
|
|
1 ounce (troy)/ton |
Glossary of Terms
The glossary of terms set forth under the heading Glossary of Terms of this Annual
Information Form contains definitions of certain terms used herein.
-1-
Scientific and Technical Information
Scientific or technical information in this Annual Information Form relating to mineral
reserves or mineral resources is based on information prepared under the supervision of, or has
been reviewed by, Michael Steinmann, Senior Vice President, Geology and Exploration of Pan American
and Martin Wafforn, Vice President, Mine Engineering of Pan American. Scientific or technical
information relating to the geology of particular properties, and the exploration programs
described in this Annual Information Form, are prepared and/or designed and carried out under the
supervision of Michael Steinmann, Senior Vice President, Geology and Exploration of Pan American.
Each of Michael Steinmann and Martin Wafforn is a Qualified Person as defined in National
Instrument 43-101. A Qualified Person means an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with
at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral
project assessment, or any combination of these, has experience relevant to the subject matter of
the mineral project, and is a member in good standing of a professional association.
Classification of Mineral Reserves and Resources
In this Annual Information Form, the definitions of proven and probable mineral reserves and
measured, indicated and inferred resources are those used by Canadian provincial securities
regulatory authorities and conform to the definitions utilized by the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves
Definitions and Guidelines adopted on August 20, 2000 and amended December 11, 2005.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred
Resources
In this Annual Information Form, the terms measured resources and indicated resources are
used. The Company advises U.S. investors that while such terms are recognized and permitted under
Canadian securities rules, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them.
U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these
categories will ever be converted into proven or probable reserves.
This Annual Information Form also uses the term inferred resources. The Company advises
U.S. investors that while such term is recognized and permitted under Canadian securities rules,
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. Inferred resources have a
great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and
legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will
ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities rules, estimates of inferred
mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors
are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically
or legally mineable.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Incorporation
The Company is the continuing corporation of Pan American Energy Corporation, which was
incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on March 7, 1979. The Company underwent two
name changes by way of amendment to its memorandum, the last occurring on April 11, 1995, when the
present name of the Company was adopted. Amendments to the memorandum of the Company to date have
been limited to name changes and capital alterations. In May of 2006, the Company obtained
shareholder approval to amend its memorandum and articles
-2-
including the increase in the authorized share capital of the Company from 100,000,000 to
200,000,000 common shares in connection with the Companys required transition under the Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia).
The Companys head office is situated at 1500 625 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada, V6C 2T6 and its registered and records offices are situated at 1200 Waterfront Centre, 200
Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7X 1T2. The Companys web site can be found
at www.panamericansilver.com.
Capital Structure
The Companys authorized share capital consists of 200,000,000 common shares without par
value. The holders of common shares are entitled to: (i) one vote per common share at all meetings
of shareholders; (ii) receive dividends as and when declared by the directors of the Company; and
(iii) receive a pro rata share of the assets of the Company available for distribution to the
shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. There are
no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights attached to the common shares.
Subsidiaries
A significant portion of the Companys business is carried on through its various
subsidiaries. The following table shows, as at December 31, 2006, the significant subsidiaries,
joint ventures and associated companies of the Company, including their respective jurisdictions of
incorporation and the percentage of voting securities in each that are held by the Company directly
or indirectly:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Ownership (%) |
Pan American Silver (Barbados) Corp. (Pan American Barbados) |
|
Barbados |
|
100 |
Pan American Silver Peru S.A.C. (Pan American Peru) |
|
Peru |
|
100 |
Pan American Silver S.A. Mina Quiruvilca (Mina Quiruvilca) 1 |
|
Peru |
|
99.93 |
Compania Minera Argentum (Argentum) 2 |
|
Peru |
|
92.012 |
Corner Bay Silver Inc. (Corner Bay) |
|
Canada |
|
100 |
Minera Corner Bay S.A. de C.V. (MCB) |
|
Mexico |
|
100 |
Plata Panamericana S.A. de C.V. (Pan American Mexico) |
|
Mexico |
|
100 |
Pan American Minerals, Inc. (Pan American U.S.) |
|
Nevada |
|
100 |
Pan American Silver (Bolivia) S.A. (Pan American Bolivia) |
|
Bolivia |
|
553 |
Compania Minera Alto Valle S.A. (Alto Valle) |
|
Argentina |
|
1004 |
Minera Triton Argentina S.A. (MTA) |
|
Argentina |
|
1004 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
As of January 2006, Mina Quiruvilca merged with Cia. Minera Huaron S.A., a
Peruvian company in which Pan American previously held a 99.85% interest. |
|
2 |
|
In April 2005, Argentum amalgamated with Compania Minera Natividad
(Natividad), a company in which Pan American previously held a 100% interest. The Company
is the indirect owner of 92.01% of the voting shares of Argentum and 63.46% of the
non-voting investment shares for a total ownership interest of 88.5%. |
|
3 |
|
Pursuant to a shareholders agreement entered into in January 2006, the
remaining 45% interest in the capital of Pan American Bolivia is held by Empressa Minera
Unificoda S.A. (EMUSA), a Bolivian mining company, and Trafigura Beheer B.V., a Dutch
company involved in the purchase and sale of mineral concentrates, with 40% and 5%,
respectively. |
|
4 |
|
In March 2006, Pan American negotiated and entered into a purchase agreement
with Silver Standard Resources (SSR) to acquire SSRs 50% interest in MTA and Alto Valle,
respectively, thus becoming a 100% indirect owner of the Manantial Espejo project. |
-3-
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Business of Pan American
Pan American is principally engaged in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development
and operation of, silver producing properties and assets. The Companys principal product is
silver, although copper, zinc, lead and gold are also produced and sold. At present, the Company
carries on mining operations and is developing mining projects in Mexico, Peru, Argentina and
Bolivia, and has control over non-producing silver resources in the United States and Argentina.
Exploration work is carried out in all of the aforementioned countries, as well as elsewhere
throughout the world.
Corporate Strategy and Financial Objectives
Pan Americans corporate strategy is to continuously strengthen its position as one of the
worlds largest and lowest cost primary silver mining companies by acquiring or discovering silver
resources that have the potential to be developed economically and add meaningfully to Pan
Americans production profile while lowering consolidated unit costs of production.
The key elements of Pan Americans strategy are to:
|
|
|
Increase silver production During its twelve year history, Pan American has
increased its annual silver production each year, including a 16% increase from 11.2
million ounces in 2004 to 13.0 million ounces in 2006. This has been accomplished
through a combination of acquisition and development and expansion efforts. During the
most recent year, Pan American (i) completed mine construction of its Alamo Dorado mine
in Mexico; (ii) purchased the remaining 50% of the silver-gold Manantial Espejo project
in Argentina and began construction of the mine; and (iii) increased its exploration
efforts focussed on areas around its existing mines and early stage exploration
activities in Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Ecuador. |
|
|
|
|
Silver production increased during the year ended December 31, 2006, to 13.0 million
ounces, which was a 4% increase over 2005. Silver production as at December 31, 2005
was approximately 12.5 million ounces, which was a 12% increase over 2004. |
|
|
|
|
Increase Reserves and Resources At December 31, 2006 proven and probable silver
mineral reserves for Pan American were 213.4 million ounces which represents a 20%
increase over the year earlier. At the Companys operating and development properties,
measured and indicated resources increased 12.1 million ounces, while inferred
resources grew by 9.9 million ounces. |
|
|
|
|
Continue to be a Low Cost Producer Together with increased production, Pan
American has been successful at reducing its cash costs of production. Full year 2006
cash costs to produce an ounce of silver were $1.89. Although low cash costs
experienced in 2006 were attributable to higher realized by-product base metal prices,
Pan Americans growth strategy includes focusing on reducing overall unit production
costs. To keep production costs down, the Company is adding newer more mechanized mines
(such as Alamo Dorado and Manantial Espejo) to its portfolio of assets, and will
continue to review mining plans at its operating mines in order to find greater
productivities and efficiencies as well as develop financial strategies to reduce
exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations and base metal price fluctuations. |
-5-
|
|
|
Acquire additional silver exploration properties Pan American is seeking to
acquire a portfolio of promising silver exploration properties. Pan Americans
exploration and acquisition focus is on silver properties with bulk mineable targets
that have the possibility of possessing over 50 million ounces of silver mineralization
to supplement Pan Americans existing base of silver exploration properties. |
|
|
|
|
Generate sustainable profits from mining operations Financial performance is
monitored annually against targets for operating earnings and cash flow from
operations, as well as against operating measures such as production. Pan American
continuously develops and implements tax planning strategies, and seeks to organize its
corporate structure and activities to optimize its overall tax position. |
Developments over the Last Three Financial Years
During the last three financial years the Company has undertaken the following:
|
|
|
2004 (i) completed an expansion of and commenced commercial production at the La
Colorada mine in Mexico; (ii) assumed the operator role in respect of the Manantial
Espejo development project in Argentina; (iii) reached two agreements, one to purchase
an 81% interest in Argentum for approximately $33.8 million and the other to purchase
all of the issued and outstanding shares of Natividad for $1.5 million in cash,
together resulting in Pan American obtaining concessions and mining operations referred
to as the Morococha mine (subsequently, Pan American acquired an additional 5%
interest in Argentum for $1.5 million); (iv) made an offering of 3,333,333 common
shares at a price of $16.50 per share for proceeds of $55 million; (v) sold 6,839
hectares of mining concessions and surface rights in the vicinity of the Quiruvilca
mine to Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick) for $3,582,575 and for the assumption of
$67,425 of payments owing in respect of these mining concessions; (vi) made a formal
offer (the Conversion Offer) to encourage conversion by holders of the Companys
$86.25 million outstanding principal amount of Debentures (as at December 31, 2004
holders of approximately $717,000 principal amount of Debentures remained unconverted,
and the Company issued 9,145,700 million common shares, and made cash payments of
approximately $11.5 million, in respect of such conversions); and (vii) sold its 20%
interest in the Dukat silver mine in Magadan State, Russia to OAO MNPO Polimetall, the
mines owner and operator, for $20.5 million in cash and the right to receive up to
$22.5 million in contingent future payments. |
|
|
|
|
2005 (i) completed the feasibility study for, and commenced construction of, an
open pit silver mine at the Alamo Dorado silver project in Mexico; (ii) entered into a
consignment agreement with Northwest Territorial Mint to produce a new line of silver
bullion products; (iii) completed 14,000 metres of exploration and infill drilling at
Morococha, resulting in an increase in proven and probable reserves and an extension of
the life of the mine; (iv) completed, and submitted to the Argentine authorities, an
environmental impact statement for the development of the Manantial Espejo joint
venture silver project; (v) resumed commercial production at the San Vicente mine under
a toll milling agreement with a nearby mill and renegotiated an agreement with EMUSA, a
Bolivian mining company, to increase Pan Americans interest in the San Vicente mine
from 50% to 55%; (vi) conducted extensive exploration activity which replaced all
ounces mined and increased total proven and probable reserves by 30.5 million ounces;
and (vii) the Company issued 255,781 warrants to the International Finance Corporation
in exchange for the termination of past and future obligations relating to production
from the La Colorada mine. |
|
|
|
|
2006 (i) completed construction of the Alamo Dorado mine; (ii) acquired the
remaining 50% interest in the Manantial Espejo project from Silver Standard Resources
Inc. for 1.95 million common shares of the Company; (iii) obtained approval of the
environmental impact statement necessary to begin |
-6-
|
|
|
development of the Manantial Espejo silver-gold mine and commenced construction of the
mine; (iv) completed an equity financing, the gross proceeds of which totalled $150
million earmarked primarily for the development of the Manantial Espejo mine; (v)
conducted over 90,000 metres of exploration drilling on the Companys existing mine site
properties, largely contributing to a 20% increase in the Companys proven and probable
reserves and an increase in reserves and resources at each of the companys operating
and development properties; (vi) redeemed or converted the outstanding principal amount
of the Companys 5.25% convertible debentures remaining after the Conversion Offer made
in 2004; (vi) completed the first phase of the sulphide plant refurbishment at La
Colorada; and (vii) increased overall Company consolidated silver production to 13.0
million ounces. |
Outlook for 2007
In 2007, Pan American expects to: (i) increase annual consolidated silver production largely
from production at Pan Americans newest mine, Alamo Dorado; (ii) maintain close to the current
level of production at the Quiruvilca, Huaron, Morococha and La Colorada mines; (iii) substantially
advance construction of the underground ramp system and the open pit at the Manantial Espejo
project; (iv) reach sustained commercial production levels at Alamo Dorado; (v) undertake a 100,000
metre diamond drill program at Pan Americans existing sites and exploration properties; (vi) begin
underground development work at Morococha; and (vii) complete ramp up of production from the
Amolillo oxide zone at La Colorada.
Pan American will continue to investigate, evaluate and, where appropriate, acquire additional
silver production, exploration and development properties.
-7-
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND OPERATIONS
Pan Americans principal products and sources of sales are silver bullion, zinc, lead and
copper concentrates in addition to gold bullion. In 2006, the Quiruvilca, Huaron, Morococha, San
Vicente and La Colorada mines and the Stockpiles accounted for all of Pan Americans production of
concentrates and doré. Information related to Pan
Americans segmented information is set forth in Note
15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is referred to in the Managements Discussion and
Analysis of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006 (the MD&A) under the heading
Operating Performance.
Consolidated production for the year ended December 31, 2006 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quiruvilca |
|
Huaron |
|
La Colorada1 |
|
Morococha2 |
|
San Vicente3 |
|
Consolidated |
Tonnes milled |
|
|
370,115 |
|
|
|
693,285 |
|
|
|
233,743 |
|
|
|
577,201 |
|
|
|
29,618 |
|
|
|
1,903,963 |
|
Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver grams/tonne |
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Gold grams/tonne |
|
|
0.91 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
% Zinc |
|
|
2.79 |
|
|
|
2.59 |
|
|
|
2.10 |
|
|
|
3.73 |
|
|
|
3.44 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
% Lead |
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
% Copper |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ounces silver |
|
|
2,105,475 |
|
|
|
3,664,660 |
|
|
|
3,493,995 |
|
|
|
2,923,267 |
|
|
|
264,573 |
|
|
|
13,018,354 |
4 |
Ounces gold |
|
|
1,106 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
3,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,438 |
|
Tonnes zinc |
|
|
8,712 |
|
|
|
11,735 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,115 |
|
|
|
805 |
|
|
|
39,366 |
|
Tonnes lead |
|
|
2,574 |
|
|
|
6,858 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
5,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,307 |
|
Tonnes copper |
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,546 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
4,546 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
La Colorada zinc and lead grades are for sulphide ore only. |
|
2 |
|
Morococha data represents Pan Americans 88.5% interest in the mines
production. |
|
3 |
|
San Vicente data represents Pan Americans 55% interest in the mines
production. |
|
4 |
|
Includes 566,383 ounces of silver produced from the Stockpiles in Peru. |
Pan Americans principal buyers of refined silver and gold are International bullion
banks. Silver and gold doré is delivered truck to refineries in Mexico and the USA, and
subsequently transferred to the account of the appropriate buyer.
Pan Americans principal market for copper concentrates and ore form the Stockpiles is Peru.
The majority of the copper concentrates and all of the Stockpiles are sold to Doe Run Perus
metallurgical complex in La Oroya, Peru. Copper concentrates and Stockpiles are delivered to La
Oroya by truck.
Pan Americans principal markets for zinc concentrates are Peru, Japan, Brazil and Spain. Zinc
concentrate is delivered to Peruvian customers by truck. Zinc concentrates are delivered to
customers in Japan, Brazil, and Spain by truck to the port of Callao, Peru and from there by ship.
Pan Americans principal markets for lead concentrates from the Peruvian mines are Peru,
Russia, China and Belgium. Lead concentrate is distributed to the Peruvian customers by truck. Lead
concentrates that are exported are delivered by truck to the port of Callao, Peru and from there by
ship.
Lead concentrates produced from the La Colorada mine are sold to a customer in Mexico. Lead
concentrates are distributed to the Mexican customer by truck.
-8-
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
The mining industry is intensely competitive particularly in the acquisition of additional
reserves and resources in all of its phases of operation and Pan American competes with many
companies possessing similar or greater financial and technical resources.
Pan Americans competitive position is largely determined by its costs compared to other
producers throughout the world and its ability to maintain its financial integrity through the lows
of the metal price cycles. Costs are governed to a large extent by the location, grade and nature
of Pan Americans mineral reserves as well as by operating and management skills. In contrast with
diversified mining companies, Pan American focuses on silver production, development and
exploration, and is therefore subject to unique competitive advantages and disadvantages related to
the price of silver and to a lesser extent, the price of base metal by-products. If silver prices
substantially increase, Pan American will be in a relatively stronger competitive position than
diversified mining companies that produce, develop and explore for other minerals in addition to
silver. Conversely, if silver prices substantially decrease, Pan American will be at a competitive
disadvantage to diversified mining companies.
EMPLOYEES
The Company has 18 full-time employees and four part-time employees at its head office in
Vancouver, including the executive chairman, a chief executive officer, chief financial officer,
controller, two geologists, a metallurgical engineer, two mining engineers, one safety specialist,
one environmental specialist, two certified general accountants, two lawyers, one treasury
specialist, one human resource specialist, and one corporate/investor relations specialist and
support staff.
As at December 31, 2006, Mina Quiruvilca employed 890 persons (375 permanent and 515
temporary) in connection with the operation of the Quiruvilca mine. Approximately 278 of the
workers employed by Mina Quiruvilca are members of either the Sindicato de Trabajadores de Pan
American Silver S.A.C. Mina Quiruvilca (the Quiruvilca Union) or the Sindicato de Trabajadores
de Shorey y Anexos (the Shorey Union).
Minera Huaron directly employs 625 full time employees (208 permanent and 417 temporary) and
indirectly employs 940 persons through agreements with Peruvian mining contractors.
Argentum directly employs 556 full time employees (49 permanent and 507 temporary) and
indirectly employs 1,142 persons through agreements with Peruvian mining contractors.
Pan American Silver Peru employs 38 full-time employees and three contractors.
Throughout Mexico, Pan American Silver Corporations subsidiaries employ 10 geologists, 20
process engineers, 20 mining engineers, and 21 administrative professionals in the supervision and
management of exploration and production activities. Plata Panamericana employs 550 employees at
the La Colorada mine and Minera Corner Bay employs 220 employees at the Alamo Dorado mine.
Pan American Bolivia has 40 full time employees, including three metallurgists, four mining
engineers, three geologists, one civil engineer, two mechanical engineers, one environmental
engineer and one safety specialist. Pan American Bolivia also employs approximately 230 unionized
employees, 30 temporary workers and 15 trainers.
MTA employs 76 full time employees, including two geologists, four mine engineers, two
metallurgists, one environmental specialist, and one community relations professional.
-9-
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Pan American conducts research and development activities through its feasibility work in
order to develop improved production processes and exploration techniques. Costs associated with
this work are expensed as incurred. Pan American undertook research and development at Alamo
Dorado and in connection with the Stockpiles, but did not incur any significant research and
development costs during 2004, 2005, or 2006 and has not budgeted for any significant costs during
2007.
WORKING CAPITAL
Management of Pan American believes that its working capital of $204.6 million as at December
31, 2006, plus its expected operating cash flows in the future and its liquid assets are sufficient
to sustain funding for projects currently underway, and capital expenditures in connection thereto,
and to discharge liabilities as they come due in the foreseeable future.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
All phases of Pan Americans operations are subject to environmental regulation in the various
jurisdictions in which it operates. To the best of managements knowledge, Pan Americans
activities in 2006 were, and continue to be, in compliance in all material respects with such
environmental regulations applicable to its mining operations, development and exploration
activities. The Company has implemented an environmental policy and a health and safety policy in
which the Company accepts its corporate responsibility to practice environmental protection and
provide a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, and commits to comply with all relevant
industry standards, environmental legislation and regulations in the countries where it carries on
business.
In the financial year-end dated December 31, 2006, Pan Americans environmental costs were
approximately $1.2 million. Operating costs were incurred principally for the acid water treatment
plant at Quiruvilca and project costs were principally for reclamation of historic mining
activities at Huaron and Quiruvilca and to the expansion of the tailings dam at Morococha.
As at December 31, 2006, the Company has estimated the present value of expenditures required
for closure and reclamation costs in respect of the Quiruvilca, Morococha, Huaron, La Colorada and
Alamo Dorado mines and the Manantial Espejo project to be approximately $44.3 million. This was an
increase from the estimate of $39.4 million at December 31, 2005. Other than specific environmental
concerns discussed in this Annual Information Form, the Company is not aware of any material
environmental matter requiring significant capital outlays in the immediate future.
ENVIRONMENT
During 2006, a review of the environmental performance of the Quiruvilca, Huaron, Morococha,
La Colorada and San Vicente mines was conducted by the Corporate Director of Environmental Affairs.
The review included an inspection of the mine sites with key operations personnel, a review of
environmental monitoring program procedures and results and review of principal environmental
issues related to each of these operations. The key observations and recommendations from the
reviews are reported monthly to senior management and quarterly to the Board of Directors. The
reclamation and closure cost estimates for each of the operating mines and development projects
were updated to reflect the conditions as of December 31, 2006 and the estimate line item
composition was standardized throughout all of the mines and projects.
Key accomplishments during 2006 related to the environmental management of the mines and
development projects and include: (i) preparation and submittal of closure plans for the
Quiruvilca, Morococha and Huaron mines in accordance with the requirement of the Peruvian Ministry
of Energy and Mines (MEM) guidelines; (ii)
-10-
initiation of the final reclamation of the La Codiciada wasterock pile at the Quiruvilca Mine;
(iii) ongoing treatment of acid mine water effluent at the Quiruvilca mine; (iv) reclamation of
small wasterock and tailings areas at the Quiruvilca mine (v) expansion and upgrade of the mine
water collection and treatment system at the Huaron mine; (vi) initiation of the reclamation of the
tailings areas at the Huaron mine; (vii) planning for the expansion of the La Colorada tailings
facility; (viii) expansion of the Morococha tailings facility; and (ix) initiation of the update of
the environmental license for the San Vicente mine.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
During 2006, a formal Corporate Health and Safety Audit was conducted at Quiruvilca, Huaron,
La Colorada, and the San Vicente mines. The audits consisted of a week long audit of the safety and
health aspects of each of the mines and focused on a review of the health, and safety systems,
safety training, and general condition of each mine. Participating in the audit was a third party
consultant as well as safety managers from other Pan American operations. Audit findings were
recorded and a schedule for mitigation was developed. All of the aforementioned mines are
aggressively addressing the Health and Safety findings and mitigation progress is reported to the
Companys board of directors on a quarterly basis.
During 2006 Pan American experienced a significant improvement in its safety record, with an
overall 47% reduction in lost time accidents (LTA) at our wholly owned operating mines (70 LTAs
in 2005 compared to 37 LTAs in 2006). These achievements are directly related to the time and
attention focussed throughout 2005 and 2006 on health and safety by management of the Company. In
2005, Pan American introduced complete safety audits at all of its operations, increased the
frequency of, and requirements for, training programs, and purchased advanced mine rescue
equipment. Pan American will continue to make substantial investments in its safety programs
throughout 2007, particularly through the implementation of more training programs and systems to
streamline the aforementioned safety audits of each mine.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Pursuant to Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 51-102, the following
properties and projects have been identified by Pan American as being material: the Quiruvilca
Mine, Huaron Mine, La Colorada Mine, Alamo Dorado Mine, and the Morococha Mine. The Company does
not consider the San Vicente Mine, the Silver Stockpiles, or any of the Companys development or
investment properties to be material properties for the purposes of this Annual Information Form.
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information
The process for economic assessment of the ore reserves and resources at Pan American Silver
Corps operating mines, and those development projects that have previously been the subject of a
positive feasibility study and NI 43-101 Technical Report is as follows:
Each resource block at each mine or project are assigned a resource confidence rating based on
CIM standards, as well as tonnes and metal grades typically using Minesight, Datamine, Autocad,
database and/or Excel Spreadsheet software.
Mining parameters such as dilution and losses due to pillars or mining are applied to the
resource blocks based on experience with the expected mining method for the block at the particular
mine or, in the case of projects, on the basis of engineering studies. These factors are reviewed
and adjusted on at least an annual basis using information from a number of geologic and
engineering observations including reconciliation data to the tonnes and grades measured in the
process plant.
For the Huaron, Quiruvilca, Morococha, San Vicente and La Colorada mines metal price factors
are calculated for each mine using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A separate factor is calculated
for each of the metals
-11-
of economic significance at the particular mine. These metals (not necessarily in order of
overall economic significance) are: silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold. The key inputs used in
order to calculate the factors are: metal prices established for ore reserve and resource
calculation each year, metallurgical recovery for each metal, the weight of each concentrate
produced for each tonne of ore at a particular grade, expected grade of concentrate, any elements
that are present that detract from the value, current terms for smelting each of the concentrates
produced at a mine or project, refinery terms for treatment of doré, the costs of smelting and or
refining, the percentage of each metal payable by the smelter or the refinery, the cost of
transporting concentrate or doré to the smelter or refinery including insurance and other costs
that may be incurred in the process of selling the product like port fees and cost of concentrate
storage and handling. In the case of the Huaron mine, individual factors are calculated separately
for the main ore veins or structures in order to account for variances in metallurgical recovery.
The La Colorada mine has separate calculations for oxide and sulphide ores as these two types of
ore are processed in separate plants.
The factors are applied to the metal grades in each of the resource blocks and summated in
order to calculate a Net smelter return (NSR) value per tonne for each of the blocks in the
resource model.
In order to determine if a block can be deemed economic, the expected mine operating costs are
used to calculate the value per tonne that is required from each block in each area of the mine.
Blocks that are in the Measured and Indicated category that fit into a previously created mine plan
are then converted to Proven and Probable reserves. Measured resource blocks are converted into
either Proven or Probable reserves, and Indicated resource blocks are converted into Probable
reserves all at the discretion of Pan Americans Qualified Persons. Measured and Indicated resource
blocks that do not fit into a mine plan; are in an area of the mine where a development decision
has not been taken, or are in an area where more information is required to determine mineability
remain as Measured and Indicated Resource blocks as long as they are potentially economic. Inferred
resource blocks remain as inferred resources as long as the estimated grade is such that they will
be potentially economic. A cut off value per tonne is established each year for each mine or
project.
The metal prices used for the December 31, 2006 ore reserve and resource calculations are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Silver US$/Ounce |
|
$ |
9.00 |
|
Zinc US$/Tonne |
|
$ |
2,100 |
|
Lead US$/Tonne |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Copper US$/Tonne |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Gold US$/Ounce |
|
$ |
525 |
|
The cut off (in $/Tonne) for reserve and resource calculations at the Huaron, Quiruvilca,
Morococha, San Vicente and La Colorada mines are shown in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore Reserves |
|
Ore Resource |
|
|
Cut Off ($/Tonne) |
|
Cut Off ($/Tonne) |
Huaron |
|
|
32.00 |
|
|
|
25.00 |
|
Quiruvilca |
|
|
27.00 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
|
Morococha |
|
|
34.00 |
|
|
|
27.00 |
|
San Vicente |
|
|
34.00 |
|
|
|
17.00 |
|
La Colorada |
|
|
56.18 |
|
|
|
56.18 |
|
The cut off values per tonne for Huaron, Quiruvilca, Morococha and La Colorada are the averages
applied for each mine. These are all values that pay at a minimum the variable costs of production
(incremental ore). As the average value per tonne of the ore reserve is higher than these minimum
values, the mine plans at each operation are designed to ensure that the fixed costs of the
operation are paid by the higher grade ore. At each of the operations shown in the table, the
current throughput capacity of the process plant(s) is either greater than the capacity of the
mine, or the mine would not be able to produce enough ore to keep the mill operating at full
capacity without the addition of incremental ore.
-12-
Mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates for the Companys development projects are
prepared on the following basis:
The Alamo Dorado mine uses a cut off grade that varies by each block, primarily as a function
of the copper grade and expected cyanide consumption during the treatment process. The lowest value
for cut off grade used at Alamo Dorado is 54 g/t silver equivalent grade. The metallurgical
recoveries for gold and silver are calculated for each block using the following formulae:
Silver recovery = 0.95 5 / silver grade (g/t) 0.0005 * Copper grade (ppm)
Gold recovery = 0.95 0.001 / gold grade (g/t) 0.0005 * Copper grade (ppm)
For all ores at Manantial Espejo the metallurgical recovery of the plant was assumed to be
93.57% for silver and 94.25% for gold. Payable amounts in the doré product of the mine are assumed
to be 99.75% for silver and 98.87% for gold. The cut off grade applied for all open pit ores was 73
g/t. The nominal cutoff used to define underground Maria longhole stoping ore was 160gpt AgEq. The
nominal cutoff used to define underground Maria and Melissa shrinkage stoping ore was 194gpt AgEq.
The nominal cutoff used to define underground Concepcion cut and fill stoping ore was 210gpt AgEq.
In all underground reserves, stoping blocks were visually defined using the cited cutoffs with a
long section display of silver equivalent grade. However, once the stopes were defined, all
recovered material inside of the stopes was defined as ore, regardless of grade. In all cases,
the value ratio used to determine silver equivalency was 59.787. This ratio and the cutoffs were
determined by the same method as in the feasibility study, using feasibility costs, payables,
taxes, royalties, and metallurgical recoveries. However, all of the input values were revised to
match the final results of the feasibility, with the exception of gold and silver sales prices,
which were $525 and $9.00 respectively.
Although Pan American believes that its reserve and resource estimates will not be materially
impacted by external factors such as metallurgical, safety and environmental, permitting, legal,
taxation and other factors disclosed in this Annual Information Form, there can be no assurance
that they will not be impacted. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral
reserves and resources. The accuracy of any reserve and resource estimation is the function of the
quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results
from drillings, testing and production, as well as a material change in metals prices or a change
in the planned mining method, subsequent to the date of the estimate, may justify revision of such
estimates.
A. OPERATING MINES
(i) Quiruvilca Mine
Ownership and Property Description
The Quiruvilca mine is owned and operated by Pan American Silver S.A. Mina Quiruvilca, a
company in which the Company, indirectly through its subsidiaries, owns 100% of the outstanding
voting shares and 99.93% of the total outstanding equity. Pan American Silver S.A.C. Mina
Quiruvilca and Cia Minera Huaron merged to form the new Pan American Silver S.A. Mina Quiruvilca
effective January 2006.
The Quiruvilca mine is an underground mine located in the District of Quiruvilca, Province of
Santiago de Chuco, Department of La Libertad in northwest Peru. The Quiruvilca mineral property
consists of 152 mining concessions covering 1,287 hectares. On March 25, 2004, Mina Quiruvilca
sold 6,839 hectares of mining concessions and surface rights in the vicinity of Quiruvilca mine to
Barrick for $3,582,575 and for the assumption of $67,425 of payments owing in respect of these
mining concessions. All issued permits and licences required for the conduct of Quiruvilca mining
operations are currently in good standing, however the mine is awaiting an Industrial Water
Discharge Authorization to be granted by the General Health Division of the Health Ministry.
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The Quiruvilca mine lies in the Andes mountain range above the tree line located 76 kilometres
east of the coastal city of Trujillo. Elevations in the immediate area of the mine range from
3,450 metres to 4,075 metres above
-13-
sea level. Access to the Quiruvilca mine is by a 137 kilometre all weather road east from the
city of Trujillo. The first 65 kilometres of the road are paved and the remaining 72 kilometres
consist of a gravel road. The gravel portion of the road is currently being upgraded and asphalted
working from the mine down towards the presently paved portion of the road. Pan American paid for
a small portion of the road upgrade costs near the Quiruvilca mine with the rest of the road work
upgrade being paid for by Barrick. Trujillo is connected to Lima by a paved all-weather highway.
The relief at the mine site is hilly and uneven with local slopes of more than sixty degrees,
typical of the Peruvian Andes. Natural vegetation is mainly grasses which form meadows. These
meadows have permitted development of varied livestock operations. The climate at the mine site is
classified as cold climate or boreal. Average minimum and maximum temperatures in the region
range from 5.7 to 14.8 degrees Celsius. One of the characteristics of this climate is wet summers
(highest rainfall occurs from January to April) and dry winters. The Quiruvilca mine operates
throughout the entire year.
The primary source of power for the Quiruvilca mine is the Peruvian national power grid via a
138kV line from the city of Trujillo to the Motil substation. A 33kV line connects the mine site
to the Motil substation. Pan American owns and operates a diesel generating system, which provides
a back up source of power for the Quiruvilca mine.
Pan American is permitted to pump water from the Los Angeles Lake, to the east of the Andean
divide to two dams east of the town of Quiruvilca as well as from other local rivers and streams in
the area. Process water is drawn from these dams.
Perus economy is dependent on mining and there is a sufficient local source of mining
personnel and related infrastructure.
Royalties and Encumbrances
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, the Quiruvilca property is not subject to any
royalties or encumbrances other than the mining royalty tax described under Quiruvilca Mine -
Taxation below.
In October 2003, the Peruvian government passed legislation requiring active mining operations
to file closure plans within twelve months of the date of passage of the legislation.
Administrative rules associated with this legislation which lay out detailed closure requirements,
including bonding and tax deductibility of reclamation and rehabilitation expenses, were
promulgated in October 2005. Pursuant to these rules detailed closure plans and cost estimates for
each of Pan Americans Peruvian operations were compiled by a certified third party consultant and
submitted by October 2006, and are awaiting review by the relevant Peruvian authority.
Quiruvilcas largest liability relates to its future closure and remediation. In connection
therewith, the Company has estimated the present value of expenditures required for future
reclamation and asset retirement at the Quiruvilca mine to be $15.6 million. In each of 2005 and
2006, $0.8 million was spent on reclamation activities.
Taxation
The principal taxes applicable in Peru affecting Pan American include income tax, employee
profit sharing taxes, annual fees for holding mineral properties, various payroll and social
security taxes and a refundable value added tax.
In June 2004, Perus Congress approved a new bill that allows royalties to be charged on
mining projects. These royalties are payable on Peruvian mine production at the following
progressive rates: (i) 1.0% for companies with sales up to $60 million; (ii) 2.0% for companies
with sales between $60 million and $120 million; and (iii)
-14-
3.0% for companies with sales greater than $120 million. This royalty is a net smelter
returns royalty, which cost is deductible for income tax purposes. The 1% royalty on Quiruvilcas
production amounted to approximately $0.7 million in 2006, $0.2 million in 2005 and $0.1 million in
2004.
The Quiruvilca operation generated income tax provisions of approximately $7.6 million, $0.9
million and $nil in 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. In addition, employee profit sharing taxes
of $2.2 million, $0.03 million and $nil were generated in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
History
Mineralization was first reported in the area of the Quiruvilca mine in 1789. Small-scale
silver mining in the area was carried on from the 1870s until 1924. Between 1924 and 1925,
Northern Peru Mining and Smelting Co. (NPMS), the predecessor to Mina Quiruvilca, which was
formed by ASARCO, acquired certain mining concessions in the area and began mining operations. The
operation was shut down in 1931. The Quiruvilca mine was re-opened in 1940 and has been in
operation since that time. Since 1940 NPMS claimed additional mineral concessions in the area and
purchased several adjacent mining concessions as well as surface and water rights in the area.
Initially, mining by NPMS focused on the copper bearing veins in the Enargite Zone (as defined
below) but gradually focus was shifted to veins in the Zinc-Lead Zone (as defined below). In March
1967, the mill started to treat complex ores producing copper, lead and zinc concentrates.
In August 1995, Pan American acquired 80% of the outstanding voting shares (representing a
53.3% total equity interest) in Mina Quiruvilca from NPMS, and between September 1995 and March
1996, it increased its interest in Mina Quiruvilca to 100% of the outstanding voting shares and
99.7% of the total outstanding equity.
Geology and Mineralization
The Quiruvilca mine is located at the west side of the Western Cordillera within the eastern
edge of a major sequence of volcanic rocks, interpreted as part of the Calipuy Volcanic Formation
of Mid-Miocene age. This volcanic formation, with a thickness of about 2,000 metres, consists of
andesite flows and flow breccias inter-layered with thin basalt flows and occasional tuffaceous
lacustrine sediments.
The mineralization at Quiruvilca is contained in a series of narrow veins filling fractures
and faults. Over 130 veins have been identified in the mine area. At least three-quarters of
these veins have been in production at some point in time. Although narrow, the veins at
Quiruvilca tend to have an extensive lateral and vertical continuity with abundant splits, cymoid
loops, pinch and swell structures. In some places, the veins show some thick ore shoots connected
to thinner sub-economic to non-economic zones. The width varies from up to two metres in the
central zone to stringers. The average width of veins currently being mined is 0.56 metres and the
average dip of the veins is 700.
The mineralization exhibits strong metal zoning. The central copper zone, some 700 metres by
2,800 metres in area, consists of predominately enargite-pyrite, with lesser chalcopyrite,
tennantite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite and galena (the Enargite Zone). The Enargite Zone is
surrounded by a relatively narrow transition zone of tennantite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite and
galena (the Transition Zone). The Transition Zone is in turn surrounded by a zinc-lead zone of
predominately sphalerite and galena, which extends some 500 metres beyond the Transition Zone (the
Zinc-Lead Zone). In recent years some 70% of the Quiruvilca mines production has come from the
Zinc-Lead Zone. An outer zone consists of stibnite, arsenopyrite and pyrite.
-15-
Exploration, Drilling, Sampling and Analysis
Exploration at the Quiruvilca property is conducted using a combination of diamond drilling
and underground drifting. Two to three diamond drills are in continuous operation at the property,
drilling holes between 50 and 350 metres in length. This is generally followed by underground
drifting and cross-cutting at 70 metre spacing. During 2006, 10,989 metres of drilling was done,
along with 3,774 metres of drifting for reserve delineation and access for mining.
Each diamond drill core is split in half, with one half sent for assaying and one half
retained in a secure on-site facility. The veins in the cross-cuts are channel sampled, and a two
to three kilogram sample is sent for analysis.
Assaying is done at Quiruvilcas laboratory. The laboratory conducts a routine internal
quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program that includes external check samples and the
routine submission of standards.
Additionally, there is a QA/QC program supervised by the geology department, which includes
the submission of at least 1 certified standard and blank per day as well as tertiary lab check
assays on 2-5% of the samples and 1-2% of internal check samples.
All sampling, whether diamond drilling or channel sampling, is done under the direct
supervision of the Quiruvilca mine geology department.
Reoriented exploration and development has provided additional positive results, such as the
confirmation of the high silver grade Union Vein and high zinc grade Zoila Gata vein on the 340 and
400 levels, and diamond drilling of the Jose Godoy vein on the upper levels.
Mineral Reserves
The Companys management estimates that proven and probable mineral reserves at the Quiruvilca
mine as at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
Quiruvilca Mineral Reserves 1, 2, 3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
|
% Zinc |
|
% Lead |
|
% Copper |
Proven |
|
|
1,049,205 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
3.36 |
|
|
|
1.15 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
Probable |
|
|
604,340 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
4.23 |
|
|
|
1.43 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
1,653,545 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
3.68 |
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $2,100 per tonne
of zinc, $1,000 per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne of copper. |
|
2 |
|
Estimates of mineral reserves are calculated on the basis of
blocks exposed by underground workings on one or more sides and having an in-place
diluted value equal to or above the cutoff grade ($27/tonne). Proven and probable
mineral reserves are extrapolated between 15 and 30 metres down dip depending on
vein continuity. See also information in this Annual Information Form under the
heading Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
|
3 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for Quiruvilca were prepared under the
supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice
President Geology & Exploration, and Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President of
Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons as that term is defined in National
Instrument 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). |
-16-
Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves
Mineral reserves are adjusted annually by the amount mined, by additions and deletions
resulting from new geological information and interpretation and in connection with changes in
operating parameters and metal prices. However, proven and probable mineral reserves are not
usually revised in response to short-term cyclical price variations of metal markets. The
following is a reconciliation of the proven and probable mineral reserves at Quiruvilca to December
31, 2006:
Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves at Quiruvilca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
Opening balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
1,504,925 |
1 |
Additions |
|
|
518,735 |
|
Less Tonnes mined |
|
|
<370,115> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing balance, December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1,653,545 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
December 31, 2005 reserves were calculated using
a price of $6.25 per ounce of silver and $1,150 per tonne of
zinc. Changes in reserves or resources, as applicable, are
attributed to information provided by drilling and
subsequent reclassification of reserves or resources, an
increase in the silver price, changes in pit designs,
reconciliation between the mill and the resource model, and
changes to operating costs. |
The Quiruvilca mine has proven and probable reserves which indicate a projected mine life
of four years at current production rates. In addition, the mine holds a substantial amount of
measured and indicated resources, which management of the Company believes could be, depending on
metal prices and capital requirements, converted into proven and probable reserves, extending the
mine life of the mine.
Mineral Resources
The Companys management estimates that mineral resources at the Quiruvilca mine as at
December 31, 2006 are as follows:
Quiruvilca Mineral Resources 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
|
% Zinc |
|
% Lead |
|
% Copper |
Measured |
|
|
4,249,215 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
2.20 |
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
1.22 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
637,920 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
4.40 |
|
|
|
1.58 |
|
|
|
0.85 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
3,862,415 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
3.88 |
|
|
|
1.44 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
These resources are in addition to mineral reserves.
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $2,100 per tonne of
zinc, $1,000 per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne of copper. See also
information under the heading Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate
information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for Quiruvilca were prepared under
the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice
President Geology & Exploration, and Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President
of Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI
43-101. |
Mining
The Quiruvilca mine extends over an area that is four kilometres east/west by three kilometres
north/south and from an elevation of 4,050 metres at the top of the mountain down to the 400 level
(elevation 3,468 metres).
-17-
Access to the mine is from four adits driven into the side of the mountain at elevations
ranging from 3,648 metres to 3,870 metres.
Battery locomotives are used to haul ore and waste from the stopes and development headings to
ore and waste passes. Ore from the upper levels of the mine is delivered to ore passes, which
transfer it to the 220 main haulage level. Trolley locomotives with mine cars are used to
transport ore from the ore passes on the 220 level to coarse ore bins at the crushing plant.
A 590 metre long, 76 cm wide conveyor is used to transport ore and waste from below the 220
level to a surface bin at the 220 level. The conveyor belt has a capacity of 150 tonnes per hour.
The mine completed the extension of this conveyor belt down to the 340 level in August of 2005.
Ore from the 400 level will be transported up to the 340 level in order to utilize the conveyor
belt for haulage to surface. Ore from the 400 level Luz Angelica vein system will be trucked up a
ramp, and ore from the Zoila Gata vein system will be hoisted via an inclined shaft. The haulage
and access systems for the 400 level were started in 2006 and are expected to be completed in 2007.
Of the 29 veins presently being mined, ten contributed approximately 70% of the production
during 2006 calendar year. These ten veins average 0.73 metres in width.
There are, on average, 60 active stopes at any given time, all using the cut and fill mining
method. Approximately one-third of the stopes are typically in the drilling and blasting phase,
one-third in the mucking phase and one-third in the filling phase at any given time. In stopes
where hydraulic backfill is not available, or in places where the vein is very narrow and would not
otherwise be economic, resueing is employed with the waste rock remaining in the stope as backfill.
In all other stopes, tailings are poured into the stope hydraulically to serve as backfill.
Tailings from the mill are directed to the hydraulic fill plant located near the Santa
Catalina tailings pond. The fine fraction is removed with cyclones, and the coarse fraction is
directed to the storage tanks in the hydraulic fill plant. The sand-fill is pumped 2,700 metres to
the Luz Angelica distribution plant, or a further 1,600 metres to the Central distribution plant
through a 76 millimetre HDPE line. The distribution plants are equipped with 170 cubic metre
storage tanks. When backfill is required underground, the fill is re-slurried and pumped
underground. The monthly hydraulic backfill volume employed at the mine averages 5,200 cubic
metres.
Milling
The mill flowsheet consists of three-stage-crushing, ball mill grinding and selective
flotation of the ore to produce copper, lead and zinc concentrates, followed by thickening and
filtering of the concentrates.
Throughout 2006, daily treatment capacity was 1,287 tonnes, with an operative mill working six
days a week. In 2006, the concentrator plant processed 370,115 tonnes of ore and is expected to
process approximately the same amount of ore in 2007.
In 2006, Quiruvilca continued to generate positive cash flow and income, with recorded cash
costs of negative $0.04 per ounce with the negative cash costs being caused by the high base metal
prices, as Pan American reports cash costs net of base metal credits.
Environment
Environmental regulations are evolving in Peru and it is expected that these requirements will
eventually reach North American standards. As part of the developing regulatory framework, in 1995
mining companies were required to submit environmental evaluation reports (EVAP) summarizing
general environmental conditions at
-18-
their mines and environmental remediation plans. Mina Quiruvilca filed an evaluation report
with the MEM in 1995 and filed a Program for Environmental Remediation and Management (PAMA) in
1996 in compliance with Peruvian regulations. The PAMA addressed, among other things,
stabilization of tailings impoundments, tailings reclamation, mine acid water neutralization and
other effluent treatment, revegetation and a contingency plan. For each of these issues, Pan
American provided an implementation schedule and estimates of capital expenditures. The PAMA was
approved by the MEM in 1997 and the terms of the PAMA were to have been completed by March 2002.
However, based on discussions with the MEM auditors, some projects were re-classified as more
appropriate for inclusion in a final closure and remediation plan.
Quiruvilcas PAMA-related expenditures for the years 1997 to 2005 were audited by independent
consultants and reviewed by Peruvian environmental regulators. Overall expenditures were greater
than budgeted and considerably more than the 1% of gross sales required under Peruvian law. While
the PAMA process defined remediation projects, expenditures and time frames to achieve compliance
primarily with respect to water quality, it explicitly excluded closure projects, and in many cases
did not fully consider remediation of historic liabilities, whether caused by third parties or
predecessor companies.
In October 2003, the Peruvian government passed legislation requiring active mining operations
to file closure plans within twelve months of the date of passage of the legislation.
Administrative rules associated with this legislation which laid out detailed closure requirements,
including bonding and tax deductibility of reclamation and rehabilitation expenses, were
promulgated in October 2005. These rules required that detailed closure plans and cost estimates be
compiled by a certified third party consultant by October 2006. Quiruvilcas original closure plan
was filed in early March 2004.
In September of 2006 Pan American submitted a comprehensive closure plan for the Quiruvilca
Mine to the MEM in accordance with the ministrys regulations. The closure plan was prepared by
third party consultants registered with the Peruvian authorities as qualified to present closure
plans to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The closure plan includes a summary of the proposed
closure scheme for each of the major areas of impact such as mine water, tailings areas, wasterock
dumps, plant site infrastructure, and underground mines. A detailed cost estimate was prepared
based on Pan Americans and the consultants shared experience with closure works over the past 12
years at Quiruvilca and experience with other projects in Peru. As required by the ministry the
costs were summarized in three phases; concurrent closure, final closure and post closure.
The total estimated cost for the MEM closure plan for Quiruvilca was $14.3 million. This cost
estimate serves as the basis for the calculation of the financial guarantee required by the
ministrys closure plan regulations. In the case where the final closure solution for a specific
facility or area of the mining operation was not precisely definable, due to questions of the
technical feasibility of different alternatives or the potential for yet evaluated alternatives, a
base case cost was estimated for the closure item. This cost estimate was used to avoid any
potential over commitment for the payment of the financial guarantee. For the purpose of the
corporate estimate of closure and reclamation costs, the uncertainty of the closure solution was
managed with the application of probabilities to potential closure scenarios. The current present
value of the closure expenditures included the provision for potentially higher costs for
construction of a soil cover over the operating tailings facility and alternative potential
solutions for closing the underground mine and post closure mine water treatment. The current
estimated present value of expenditures is $15.6 million.
The most significant environmental issues currently associated with the Quiruvilca mine are
metal-laden acid water discharge from the mine, acid rock drainage from the mines tailings deposit
areas and the containment and stability of mine tailings ponds. All acid water discharge from the
Quiruvilca mine is either treated at the mines High Density Sludge plant or by passive systems.
During 2006, all effluents at the monitoring point met the applicable discharge limits.
-19-
Health and Safety
All Quiruvilca employees are required to undergo safety training and all new underground
employees are required to undergo training prior to being assigned to their first position. In
addition, supervisors and workers including contractors, are attending the Centromin Basic Mining
Concepts and Safety training in Lima. This training focuses on proper mining methods with an
emphasis on safety. Safety training continued through 2006 and will continue on through 2007. A
formal safety audit was conducted by the Companys Director of Safety and Training at the
Quiruvilca Mine in 2006.
Capital Expenditures
Since 1995, Pan American has undertaken a program of capital and non-operating expenditures at
the Quiruvilca mine to improve its operations, ensure compliance with its PAMA and reduce operating
costs.
During 2006, capital expenditures were approximately $2.7 million and consisted of: (i)
equipment replacement and improvements totalling $0.5 million; (ii) mine development and deepening
to the 400 level totalling $0.5 million; (iii) definition drilling in the north zone of the mine
totalling $0.9 million; and (iv) ongoing closure expenditures totalling $0.8 million.
Pan American has budgeted $4.8 million for 2007 capital expenditures at the Quiruvilca mine
consisting primarily of $1.7 million for mine development and equipment, $0.9 million for mine
equipment, $1.0 million for expansion of the Santa Catalina tailings dam, and $0.3 million for
ongoing reclamation.
Marketing
The principal products from the Quiruvilca mine are zinc, and silver-rich lead and copper
concentrates. All of these concentrates are sold under arms length contracts to metals trading
companies or integrated mining and smelting companies. Under the terms of all of its sales
contracts, Mina Quiruvilca receives payment for an agreed percentage of the silver, lead, zinc, or
copper contained in the concentrate, after deductions for smelting and refining costs.
In 2006, zinc concentrate was sold to Glencore International AG under a contract which runs
until 2009.
Currently, the Quiruvilca mine sells its lead concentrate to Glencore pursuant to a contract
with fixed terms through to the end of 2007.
A contract for the sale of copper concentrate was renewed with Doe Run Peru for 2007 and 2008.
Spot sales were made to BHL, Traxys and Xstrata Canada during 2006.
During 2006, the revenue per type of concentrate produced at the Quiruvilca mine was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$18.8 million |
|
|
15,949 |
|
|
$ |
1,179 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$8.2 million |
|
|
6,372 |
|
|
$ |
1,287 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$23.2 million |
|
|
6,705 |
|
|
$ |
3,460 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length customers. |
-20-
During 2005, the revenue per type of concentrate produced by the Quiruvilca mine was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$6.9 million |
|
|
18,011 |
|
|
$ |
381 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$3.0 million |
|
|
3,237 |
|
|
$ |
919 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$12.3 million |
|
|
6,681 |
|
|
$ |
1,838 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length customers. |
The zinc concentrates produced by the Quiruvilca mine are highly marketable as they
contain high zinc grade, low levels of impurities and low silver content. The lead concentrates
have arsenic and antimony as impurities but are attractive to lead smelters due to their high lead,
silver and gold content. Although the silver-rich copper concentrate produced by the Quiruvilca
mine contains arsenic and antimony impurities, it has maintained marketability due to the high
amount of silver contained in the concentrate. To date, Pan American has been able to secure
contracts for the sale of the Quiruvilca concentrates.
(ii) Huaron Mine
Ownership and Property Description
As of January 2006, the Huaron mine is owned and operated by Pan American Silver S.A. Mina
Quiruvilca, a company in which the Company, indirectly through its subsidiaries, owns 100% of the
outstanding voting shares and 99.93% of the total outstanding equity. Pan American Silver S.A.C.
Mina Quiruvilca and Cia Minera Huaron merged to form the new Pan American Silver S.A. Mina
Quiruvilca effective January 2006.
The Huaron mine is an underground silver mine located in the Department of Pasco, Province of
Pasco, District of Huayllay in central Peru, 320 km northeast of Lima. The property consists of
exploitation claims covering approximately 17,075 hectares, approximately 40,000 hectares of
exploration claims and 473 hectares of surface rights and a lease over 178 hectares of surface
rights covering the main workings. To the Companys knowledge, all permits and licences required
for the conduct of mining operations at Huaron are currently in good standing other than the Use of
Explosives Authorization which is subject to a regularization proceeding before the Ministry of
Energy and Mines.
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The Huaron mine lies on the eastern flank of the western branch of the Andean mountain range
from an elevation of 4,250 metres to 4,800 metres above sea level. Access to the Huaron property is
by a continuously maintained 285 kilometre paved highway between Lima and Unish and a 35 kilometre
road between Unish and the Huaron property. A program by the Peru government to upgrade the road
to a paved highway between Unish and the Huaron property is partially complete.
The relief at the mine site is hilly and uneven with local slopes of more than sixty degrees.
Natural vegetation is mainly grasses, forming meadows. These meadows have permitted development of
varied livestock operations. The climate at the mine site is classified as cold climate or
boreal with average annual temperatures ranging from three to ten degrees Celsius. The Huaron
mine operates throughout the entire year.
The primary source of power for the Huaron mine is the Peruvian national power grid. The
supply of water has been abundant and is provided by local lakes and rivers.
-21-
Perus economy is dependent on mining and there is a sufficient local source of mining
personnel and related infrastructure.
Royalties and Encumbrances
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, the Huaron property is not subject to any royalties
or encumbrances other than the mining royalty tax described under Huaron Mine Taxation below.
Huarons future environmental liabilities at December 31, 2006 have been estimated by the
Company at $9.2 million. See Quiruvilca Mine Royalties and Encumbrances for a description of
changes in Peruvian mine closure legislation.
Taxation
The principal taxes of Peru affecting the Huaron mine include income tax, employee profit
sharing taxes, annual fees for holding mineral properties, various payroll and social security
taxes, refundable value added tax and Peruvian mining royalty tax.
The Huaron operation generated income tax provisions of approximately $10.2 million, $1.1
million and $1.7 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. In addition, employee profit sharing
taxes of $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $0.5 million were generated in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
Huarons revenue for 2006 was approximately $70.6 million. A 1% royalty was payable on the
first $60 million, while the balance of the revenue attracted a 2% royalty. The total royalty tax
on Huarons production amounted to approximately $1.0 million in 2006, $0.3 million in 2005 and
$0.2 million in 2004. See Quiruvilca Mine Taxation for a discussion of the Peruvian mining
royalty tax.
History
The Huaron mine is an underground mine with narrow and wide veins of silver-rich base metal
sulphides, as well as replacement mineralization in conglomerates and dissemination in sediments.
The mine, mill and supporting villages were originally built and operated by a subsidiary of the
French Penarroya company from 1912 to 1987. In 1987 the mine was sold to Mauricio Hochschild and
Cia Ltda. Prior to its acquisition by Pan American, approximately 22 million tonnes of silver-rich
base metals sulphide ore were mined from the Huaron property. Silver was the main constituent,
contributing about 49% of the historic sales value, with zinc, lead and copper, 33%, 15% and 3%
respectively, making up the remainder. Ore from the mine was processed on-site by crushing,
grinding, and differential floatation to produce copper, lead and zinc concentrates.
In April, 1998, a portion of the lakebed of nearby Lake Naticocha collapsed and water from the
lake flowed into the adjacent Animon mine (operated by an unrelated company) and, through
interconnected tunnels, the water entered and flooded the Huaron mine, causing its closure.
After the April 1998 flooding, the Huaron mine operations were shut down, the labour force was
terminated, the village closed and work was undertaken to clean up the flood damage, drain the
workings and prepare for an eventual restart of production. The water level in the lake which
provided the source of floodwater is maintained well below the level where it flooded into the old
workings and the Company does not expect a threat of further flooding. The Animon mine, in
accordance with a settlement agreement reached with Cia. Minera Huaron S.A. in September 2000,
constructed a channel to route water around the lake to provide water for the Huarons mine
operation and to reduce the water in upstream lakes to prevent agricultural flooding which had
created local social pressures.
-22-
Geology and Mineralization
The main lithology in the Huaron area is a sequence of continental redbeds consisting of
interbedded sandstones, limestones, marls, conglomerates, breccias and cherts of the Abigarrada and
Casapalca Formations of Upper Cretaceous to Lower Tertiary age. These rocks unconformably overlay
massive marine limestones of the Upper Cretaceous Jumasha Formation. To the west of the mine a
series of andesites and dacites of the mid to lower Tertiary Calipuy Formation outcrop. A series
of sub-vertical porphyritic quartz monzonite dykes, strike generally north-south and cut across the
mine stratigraphy.
The rocks in the central part of the mine and at lower elevations are principally thinly
bedded marls and sandstones known as the lower redbeds. In the eastern side of the mine the upper
redbeds occur. The upper section of these rocks consists of calcareous Sevilla chert that overlies
sandstones and marls. The bottom of this sequence consists of the Barnabe quartzite conglomerate.
In the western side of the mine the stratigraphy consist of a series of interbedded conglomerates
(San Pedro) and sandstones. The conglomerate contains poorly sorted limestone and quartz clasts in
a sandy matrix.
The Huaron mine is within an anticline formed by east-west compressional forces. The axis of
the anticline is approximately north-south, gently plunging to the north. There are two main fault
systems: (i) north-south striking thrust faults, parallel to the axis of the anticline; and (ii)
east-west striking tensional faults. The intrusives strike in two principal directions N70°E and
S10°E. Most of the area is covered with recent soils except where the more resistant cherts and
conglomerates form ridges parallel to the flanks of the anticline. These outcrops are
discontinuous and frequently offset by the crosscutting east-west faults.
Huaron is a polymetallic deposit (hosting silver, lead, zinc and copper) consisting of
mineralized structures probably related to Miocene monzonite dykes principally within but not
confined to the Huaron anticline. Mineralization is encountered in veins parallel to the main
fault systems, in replacement bodies associated with the calcareaous sections of the conglomerates
and other favourable stratigraphic horizons, and as dissemination in the monzonitic ingrusions at
vein intersections.
The first pulse of mineralization was associated with the emplacement of intrusive bodies and
subsequent opening of the structures, during which zinc, iron, tin, and tungsten minerals were
deposited. This was followed by a copper, lead and silver rich stage, and finally by an
antimony/silver phase associated with quartz.
More than 95 minerals have been identified at Huaron with the most important economic minerals
being tennantite-tetrahydrite containing most of the silver, sphalerite and galena. The principal
gangue minerals are pyrite, quartz, calcite and rhodochrosite. Enargite and pyrrhotite are common
in the central copper core of the mine and zinc oxides and silicates are encountered in structures
with deep weathering. Silver is also found in pyrargyrite, proustite, polybasite and pearceite.
There is a definite mineral zoning at Huaron and the mine has been divided into seven separate
zones. There is a central copper core (Zone 5) where the principal economic mineral was enargite.
The structures contain copper with pyrite and quartz. This area was extensively mined by previous
operators but, because of the high arsenic and antimony content and poor metal recoveries, mining
in this area could be problematic. To the east and west of the central core are Zones 2, 3 and 4
where silver, lead and zinc are found in carbonates, principally calcite and rhodochrosite. Zone 1
to the north of the central core contains silver, lead and zinc associated with pyrite. Zone 6 is
along the west side of the axis of the anticline and south of Zone 2 is principally lead and zinc
with lower silver values within carbonates. Zone 7 is a narrow band running north-south along the
general axis of the anticline and to the south of Zone 3 and contains principally sphalerite and
sulfosalts with rhodochrosite.
-23-
The central core of the district has adularia-sericite alteration overprinted with strong
silicification and epidote-pyrite. This core is surrounded by a zone containing
epidote-pyrite-quartz that grades outwardly to a zone containing chlorite and magnetite. The
mineralized structures are concentrated in the central core of the district but important
structures continue into the outer zones.
Exploration, Drilling, Sampling and Analysis
Exploration at Huaron is conducted using a combination of underground drilling and drifting.
Generally, underground drillholes that intersect promising ore grade mineralization are followed up
by drifting for resource and reserve definition. During 2006, 11,755 metres were drilled using
three drill rigs. In addition, 6,256 metres of underground drifting were completed for resource and
reserve definition.
Drill core is split with half remaining on-site for further reference. Assaying, for both
drill samples and underground channel samples, is done at the mine laboratory. The quality
assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program includes sample checks performed at an outside lab and
the submission of standards to the mine lab.
Additionally, there is a QA/QC program supervised by the geology department. It includes the
submission of at least 1 certified standard and blank per day as well as tertiary lab check assays
on 2-5% of the samples and 1-2% of the check samples.
All of the geologic activities, including sampling, are conducted under the direct supervision
of the Huaron Chief Geologist.
Strategic Restructuring
In the fall of 2003, Pan American initiated a technical and economic evaluation to determine
the benefits of re-engineering the main haulage system at the Huaron mine. As a result of that
evaluation, the haulage system is being changed from diesel trucks to electric locomotives. In
addition, an evaluation is underway to determine whether to use the existing mine shafts (not
operative) to reduce mine haulage costs.
Mineral Reserves
The Companys management estimates proven and probable mineral reserves at the Huaron mine, as
at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
Huaron Reserves 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
% Zinc |
|
% Lead |
|
% Copper |
Proven |
|
|
4,638,300 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
3.16 |
|
|
|
1.57 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
Probable |
|
|
4,048,556 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
3.21 |
|
|
|
1.79 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
8,686,856 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
3.18 |
|
|
|
1.67 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver,
$2,100 per tonne of zinc, $1,000 per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne
of copper. See also information in this Annual Information Form under
the heading Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate
information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for Huaron were prepared
under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann,
P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology & Exploration, and Martin G.
Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President of Mine Engineering, as Qualified
Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101. |
-24-
Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves
Mineral reserves are adjusted by the amount mined, by additions and deletions resulting from
new geological information and interpretation and in connection with changes in operating
parameters and metal price assumptions. However, proven and probable mineral reserves are not
usually revised in response to short-term cyclical price variations of metal markets. The
following is a reconciliation of the proven and probable mineral reserves at Huaron to December 31,
2006:
Reconciliation of Mineral Reserves at Huaron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tonnes |
Opening balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
7,354,026 |
1 |
Additions |
|
|
2,026,115 |
|
Less tonnes mined from reserves |
|
|
<693,285> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing balance, December 31, 2006 |
|
|
8,686,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
December 31, 2005 reserves were calculated using a
price of $6.25 per ounce of silver and $1,150 per tonne of zinc.
December 31, 2006 reserves were calculated using a price of $9.00
per ounce of silver and $2,100 per tonne of zinc. Changes in
reserves or resources, as applicable, are attributed to
information provided by drilling and subsequent reclassification
of reserves or resources, an increase in the silver price,
changes in pit designs, reconciliation between the mill and the
resource model, and changes to operating costs. |
The Huaron mine has proven and probable reserves which indicate a projected mine life of
at least ten years at current production rates.
Mineral Resources
The Companys management estimates that mineral resources at the Huaron mine, as of December
31, 2006, are as follows:
Huaron Resources1,2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
% Zinc |
|
% Lead |
|
% Copper |
Measured |
|
|
1,581,966 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
3.68 |
|
|
|
2.02 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
1,168,964 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
3.83 |
|
|
|
1.86 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
3,457,751 |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
3.03 |
|
|
|
1.69 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
These resources are in addition to Huaron mineral reserves.
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $2,100 per
tonne of zinc, $1,000 per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne of copper.
See also information in this Annual Information Form under the heading
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for Huaron were prepared
under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann,
P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology & Exploration, and Martin G.
Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice President of Mine Engineering, as Qualified
Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101. |
Mining
The Huaron mine is located at an elevation of 4,250 metres above sea level to 4,650 metres
above sea level. Pan Americans mining activities will extend over an area of two kilometres by
two kilometres.
The main mine access is via a four metre by four metre ramp which is used for truck haulage
and electric locomotive haulage of ore out of the mine. There are two existing shafts on the
property but these have not been used since the late 1980s. A thorough analysis of the cost to
refurbish shaft D has been completed and subject to confirmation of a positive economic analysis it
will be refurbished to reduce haulage costs.
-25-
In 2006, stopes from 32 different veins (averaging 2.38 metres wide) were mined with
approximately 77 stopes active at any time. During 2006, the mine mechanized some of the stopes by
introducing small scoop trams. This had the effect of increasing productivity and by the end of
the year only 35 stopes were required to maintain production. The mining method is 100%
cut-and-fill using mill tailings as the backfill material.
Rehabilitation of the 500 level was completed in April 2005 in order to change the ore haulage
system from commercial 12 cubic metre-capacity trucks to electric locomotives for the ore
transport. This will continue to result in savings in operating costs, and provide access to new
zones with ore reserves. Evaluation is currently underway to rehabilitate and use existing mine
shafts to replace part of the existing truck haulage system.
During 2006, 263,357 tonnes of ore were extracted from the 500 and 600 levels. It is expected
that the Company will continue to extract ore from these same levels in 2007.
During 2006, the mine started the development of a new conveyorway ramp from the current
bottom of the mine (250 level) to the 180 level in the north zone. This work will deepen the north
zone of the mine by 70 metres and provide access to known vein extensions that have not been
previously mined.
Milling
During 2005, the concentrator plant processed 639,849 tonnes of ore in comparison to 635,845
tonnes processed in 2004. The plant has operated basically the same circuits of crushing, ball
mill grinding, selective flotation and filtering since it started in 2001. In 2006 approximately
693,285 tonnes of ore was processed.
Environment
Before Pan American acquired its interest in the Huaron Mine, Minera Huaron had filed a
program of environmental remediation and management (PAMA) with the government on July 26, 1996
in compliance with Peruvian regulations. The PAMA addressed, among other things, stability of
tailings impoundments, water quality and the fact that liquid effluents from the mine exceeded
certain permissible levels of metals, as well as the required revegetation of a historic tailings
area near the adjacent town. The PAMA set forth an implementation time line of nine months for
Huaron to make certain expenditures to address the environmental issues raised. In January of 1997
and March of 1998, the Minister of Energy and Environment consented to the modification of certain
expenditures under the PAMA and an extension of the implementation time line.
As a result of the 1998 flood of the adjacent Animon mine, waters inundated portions of the
Huaron Mine, causing the closure of the mine. For this reason, Minera Huaron was not able to
satisfy all of its obligations under the PAMA in accordance with the established implementation
time line. Given the magnitude of the incident at the Huaron mine, in December 2001, the Minister
of Energy and Environment granted further modification of the PAMA and an extension of the time for
implementation. At the same time, the Minister of Energy and Environment approved a special
program of environmental management (PEMA) to continue until the end of 2005.
Minera Huaron completed requirements under the PAMA program, and compliance and expenditures
have been audited by third party consultants. Under the PEMA program, work was focussed on two
projects: remediation of water quality exiting the old workings and closure of the historic
Huayllay tailings impoundment. Remedial work started on the Huayllay tailings impoundment in 2004
and was completed in 2005. In October 2003, the Peruvian government passed legislation requiring
active mining operations to file closure plans within six months of the date of passage of the
legislation. Administrative rules associated with this legislation which laid out detailed
closure requirements, including bonding and tax deductibility of reclamation and rehabilitation
expenses, were promulgated in October 2005. These rules require that detailed closure plans and
cost estimates be compiled by a certified third party consultant by October 2006. Huarons original
closure plan was filed by mid-year 2004.
-26-
In August of 2006 Pan American submitted a comprehensive closure plan for the Huaron Mine to
the MEM in accordance with that ministrys regulations. The closure plan was prepared by third
party consultants registered with the Peruvian authorities as qualified to present closure plans to
the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The closure plan includes a summary of the proposed closure
scheme for each of the major areas of impact such as mine water, tailings areas, wasterock dumps,
plantsite infrastructure, and underground mine. A detailed cost estimate was prepared based on Pan
Americans and the consultants shared experience with closure works over the past 12 years and
experience with other projects in Peru. As required by the ministry the costs were summarized in
three phases; concurrent closure, final closure and post closure.
The total estimated cost for the MEM closure plan for Huaron was $8.5 million. This cost
estimate serves as the basis for the calculation of the financial guarantee required by ministrys
closure plan regulations. In the case where the final closure solution for a specific facility or
area of the mining operation was not precisely definable, due to questions of the technical
feasibility of different alternatives or the potential for yet evaluated alternatives, a base case
cost was estimated for the closure item. This cost estimate was used to avoid any potential over
commitment for the payment of the financial guarantee. For the purpose of the corporate estimate
of closure and reclamation costs, uncertainty of closure solution was managed with the application
of probabilities to potential closure scenarios. The current present value of closure expenditures
at Huaron were estimated including a provision for the probability of increased costs for the
construction of soil cover over the tailings area. The current present value of expenditures is
$9.2 million.
The most significant environmental issues currently associated with the mine are metal-laden
waters discharged from the mine, localized areas of acid rock drainage from the mines tailings
deposit areas and the containment and stability of the active tailings ponds. During 2004 and 2005,
water quality at the compliance point has met pH standards and a majority of metal compliance
standards. The closure planning process, now underway with the support of independent consultants,
will define closure and mitigation options for improving water quality exiting the site. The site
water quality at Huaron has improved due to the expansion and modification of the effluent
management and treatment system. Water from the tailings facility and the upper levels of the mine
are now combined with the flows from the lower level of the mine. The flows are directed via a
borehole from the upper level to the lower level of the mine where they are directed to a lime
addition and sedimentation treatment system. Following the implementation of this change the water
quality at the downstream discharge point is at levels permitted by Peruvian regulations. The
sampling program is continuing to monitor the expected improvement in water quality.
Health and Safety
Following its purchase of the mine, Pan American implemented a modified version of the third
party safety and training program for employees and contractors used successfully at its Quiruvilca
Mine. In April of 2006 a formal safety audit was conducted by a third party consultant and the
Director of Safety and Training at the Huaron Mine. All Huaron Mine employees are required to
undergo safety and environmental training and all new underground employees are required to undergo
task specific training prior to being assigned to their first position. In addition, supervisors
and workers attend the Centromin Basic Mining Concepts and Safety training in Lima. This
training focuses on proper mining methods with an emphasis on safety. This training will continue
through 2007.
Capital Expenditures
In 2006, capital expenditures at the Huaron mine were approximately $5.4 million and consisted
primarily of: (i) equipment replacement and improvement totalling $1.8 million; (ii) mine
development and deepening totalling $3.4 million; and (iii) ongoing closure expenditures totalling
$0.2 million.
-27-
Significant capital spending is expected at Huaron in 2007 as the Company invests in the
deepening project. The budget for 2007 totals $12.3 million and includes: (i) mine capital amount
of $6.2 million, an amount that includes the deepening to the 180 level and installation of a
conveyor belt between 180 and 250 levels, and the rehabilitation and upgrading works needed to
bring D shaft back into operation; (ii) diamond drilling totalling $1.3 million; (iii) process
capital of $2.3 million primarily to provide additional backfill capacity and to raise the tailings
dam; (iv) maintenance and other equipment repairs and improvement of $1.4 million; (v) safety and
environmental of $0.3 million; and (vi) administration and information technology of $0.8 million.
Marketing
The products of value produced from the Huaron mine are silver rich zinc, lead and copper
concentrates. All contracts are with arms length buyers. Huaron receives payment for an agreed
percentage of the silver, lead, zinc or copper contained in the concentrates it sells after
deduction of smelting and refining costs.
During 2004, the existing zinc concentrate contract was modified to provide for the commitment
for the sale of total production until 2008, then following that period a commitment for the sale
of 60% of total zinc concentrate based on market benchmark terms until 2011. In 2005, following a
tender process, Pan American reached an agreement with Votorantim and settled the terms for 40% of
2009 zinc production (the remainder of the unsold concentrate).
In 2006 the copper concentrate contract with Doe Run Peru was extended until the end of 2008
with fixed terms.
In relation to the lead concentrate, Pan American reached an agreement with Glencore in 2005
whereby 100% of 2006 and 2007 lead concentrate production would be sold to Glencore.
In 2005 and 2006, the revenues per type of concentrate produced at the Huaron mine were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
2006 |
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$23.2 million |
|
|
24,975 |
|
|
$ |
929 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$17.1 million |
|
|
17,002 |
|
|
$ |
1,006 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$31.3 million |
|
|
6,716 |
|
|
$ |
4,661 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
2005 |
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$ |
7,208,913 |
|
|
|
23,182 |
|
|
$ |
311 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$ |
9,887,443 |
|
|
|
15,992 |
|
|
$ |
618 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$ |
17,770,711 |
|
|
|
7,470 |
|
|
$ |
2,379 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length customers. |
To date, Pan American has not had any difficulty in securing contracts for the sale of
Huaron concentrates.
-28-
(iii) La Colorada Mine
Ownership and Property Description
Pan American Silvers wholly-owned subsidiary, Pan American Mexico, owns and operates the La
Colorada mine.
The La Colorada property consists of six contiguous blocks of exploration permits and
exploitation claims totalling approximately 2,230 hectares (approximately 1,189 hectares are
designated by exploration permits and 1,041 hectares by exploitation claims). Three of the
exploration permits are in the process of being converted to exploitation claim status. The
property also consists of approximately 464 hectares of surface rights which cover the main mine
workings and the mines ore zones.
All permits and licences required for the conduct of mining operations at La Colorada are
currently in good standing.
A technical report on the La Colorada mine (the La Colorada Report) dated March 17, 2006 was
prepared for Pan American in accordance with NI 43-101. The La Colorada Report was authored by
Martin Wafforn P. Eng. and Michael Steinmann P. Geo., both of whom are Qualified Persons, as the
term is defined in NI 43-101, and employed by the Company. The following summary of the La
Colorada mine is primarily based on the La Colorada Report.
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The La Colorada mine is located in the Chalchihuites district in Zacatecas State, Mexico,
approximately 156 kilometres northwest of the city of Zacatecas and 99 kilometres south of the city
of Durango. The main municipality in the district is the city of Chalchihuites, 16 kilometres
northwest of the La Colorada Mine, with a population of approximately 1,000. The districts
general coordinates are 23º, 23 North Latitude and 103º, 46 West Latitutde. The property is
situated at elevations between 2,100 and 2,550 metres above sea level.
The La Colorada mine is accessed primarily from the city of Durango by a continuously
maintained 120 kilometre all-weather, paved, two lane highway (Highway 45) and a 23 kilometre
public, all weather, gravel road. The mine is also accessible from the city of Zacatecas by similar
types of roads.
The physiography of the region around the mine site resembles a basin and range area with wide
flat valleys and narrow relatively low mountains and ranges.
The climate at the project site is arid to semi-arid. Vegetation typically includes mesquite
and cactus. The rainy season is from July to September. Precipitation during this rainy season can
be extreme and cause regional flooding and wash-outs. However, in general, precipitation in the
area is quite low and the mine is able to operate year round.
Electrical power is supplied from the Mexican national power grid that feeds the mine property
distribution system. However, as a result of the heavy demands and use of the national power grid,
which has caused random power outages at the mine, additional diesel generators will be installed
to provide the additional power necessary for the expansion of the mine dewatering system.
The existing water system at the La Colorada mine is currently supplied from an underground
source. As permitted by Mexican law, underground water is pumped to surface head tanks for use in
the mill process and for domestic services. Underground water is also pumped to a water treatment
plant, which was constructed in 2002, to
-29-
provide potable water. Pan American estimates that the current volume of water supply meets
the existing and planned future requirements of the project.
There is a long history of silver mining in Zacatecas State and as a result there is adequate
infrastructure and an experienced workforce in the area.
Royalties and Encumbrances
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, the La Colorada property is not subject to any other
royalties or encumbrances. La Coloradas future environmental liabilities at December 31, 2006 have
been estimated by the Company at approximately $5.4 million.
Taxation
The principal taxes of Mexico affecting the La Colorada operations include income tax, assets
tax, annual fees for holding mineral properties, various payroll and social security taxes and a
refundable value added tax. The La Colorada operations generated an income tax benefit of
approximately $5.7 million in 2006 and $Nil for 2005 and 2004.
History
The production history of the Chalchihuites district began during pre-colonial times as
artesanal mining for silver malachite. During the sixteenth century, the Spaniards founded the
village of Chalchihuites and began intermittent exploitation of the mineral deposits in the area.
By the nineteenth century, the Spanish operations achieved continuous silver production, which was
interrupted by the Mexican War of Independence.
In 1925, the Dorado family operated mines at two locations on the La Colorada property. From
1929 to 1955 Candelaria y Canoas S.A., a subsidiary of Fresnillo S.A., installed a 100 tonne per
day flotation plant and worked the old dumps of two previous mines on the La Colorada property.
From 1933 to the end of World War II La Compañía de Industrias Peñoles also conducted mining
operations on a single breccia pipe on the property. From 1949 to 1993, Compañía de Minas Victoria
Eugenia S.A. de C.V. operated a number of mines on the La Colorada property.
In 1994, Minas La Colorada S.A. de C.V. (MLC) acquired the exploration and exploitation
claims and surface rights of Compañía de Minas Victoria Eugenia S.A. de C.V. Until 1997, MLC
conducted mining operations on three of the old mines on the La Colorada property. Production was
at a rate of approximately 150 tonnes per day.
Pan American acquired La Colorada in March 1998.
Geology and Mineralization
The La Colorada property is located on the eastern flanks of the Sierra Madre Occidental at
the contact between the lower volcanic complex and the upper volcanic supergroup.
The oldest rocks exposed in the mine area are Cretaceous carbonates and calcareous clastic
rocks. Overlying the calcareous rocks is a conglomerate unit containing clasts derived mostly from
the subadjacent sedimentary rocks. Most of the outcrop in the mine area is represented by
intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks of the regional lower volcanic complex.
-30-
The stratigraphically highest rocks in the mine area are felsic tuffs correlated with the
upper volcanic sequence. These tuffs unconformably overlie the trachyte along the southern
property boundary, and are distinctly maroon coloured and show varying degrees of welding.
Thirteen breccia pipes have been mapped on the surface or in underground workings. All of the
pipes are located along or to the south of the No Conocida (NCP/NC2) vein complex. The pipes are
round to ovoid in shape, up to 100 metres in diameter, and can extend vertically more than 400
metres below the surface. The breccias contain clasts of limestone and trachyte (often
mineralized) in an altered trachyte matrix. The ratio of limestone to trachyte clasts varies from
pipe to pipe.
East to northeast striking faults form the dominant structures in the project area and play a
strong role in localizing mineralization. Most of these faults dip moderately to steeply to the
south and juxtapose younger hanging wall strata against older footwall rocks. Evidence suggests
down-dip motion on these faults, however, most of the faults have been reactivated at some point so
the movement direction during the initial formation is uncertain. Stratigraphic contacts are
displaced from tens to over a hundred metres lower on down dropped blocks.
The trachyte unit displays an eastward tilting that may reflect displacement on regional,
orogenparallel structures outside the project area. This tilting probably reflects the final
episode of deformation.
La Colorada represents a typical epithermal silver gold deposit, with a transition in the
lower reaches of the deposit to a more base metal predominant system. There are indications of
what might be skarn style mineralization in the deepest drill holes on the property.
There are four dominant styles of mineralization at La Colorada: (i) breccia pipes; (ii)
vein-hosted mineralization; (iii) replacement mantos within limestone; and (iv) deeper seated
transitional mineralization (transition zone).
Mineralization in the breccia pipes generally has lower silver values and elevated base metal
values. Mineralization is associated with intense silicification and occurs as disseminated galena
and sphalerite with minor chalcopyright and bornite. Sulphides are found in the clasts and the
matrix.
Most mineralized veins on the property strike east to northeast and dip moderately to steeply
to the south. Veins occur in the trachyte and limestone units and cut across the bedding and
contacts with little change in the width or grades of the vein. Mineralized widths in the veins
are generally less than two metres but may be wider if there is a halo of replacement or brecciated
material. The No Conocida Poniente (NCP) Corridor strikes east-west and dips moderately to the
south, with true widths of approximately up to 15 metres, but most of the economic mineralization
is located in quartz veins, which are on average 1 to 2 metres wide.
Vein fillings consist of quartz, calcite, and locally barite and rhodochorosite. Where the
veins are unoxidized, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, native silver and silver sulfosalts are present.
The major mineralised veins, are strongly brecciated and locally oxidized, obscuring original
textural features. Less deformed veins show mineralogical layering, crystal-lined open vugs, and
hydrofracture vein breccias, indicating typical multi-stage growth.
The depth to the surface and the permeability of the mineralized zone control the level of
oxidation in the veins. These factors result in an uneven but generally well-defined redox
boundary.
Manto style mineralization is found near vein contacts where the primary host rock is
limestone. At Recompensa, the mantos appear to be controlled by thrust faulting adjacent to the
veins, and can form bodies up to six metres wide. Most commonly they occur in the footwall north
of the steeply dipping vein, but depending on the
-31-
orientation of the fault they can occur in the footwall, the hanging wall, or both. The
mineralogy of the mantos is characterized by galena and sphalerite with minor pyrite and
chalcopyrite. Gangue minerals are quartz, rhodochorosite, pyrolusite and other manganese oxides.
The deep seated transition mineralization consists of both vein type mineralization and more
diffuse stockwork and breccia zones.
The current Mineral Resource and Reserve contains only vein hosted mineralization. The
Mineral Reserve/Resource ore zones at La Colorada as well as their orientation (strike/dip) and
style of mineralization are as follows:
|
|
|
NCP Average orientation 075/60S. This zone is characterized by a broad mineralized
shear within limestone containing one or more quartz veins parallel to the orientation of
the shear. The majority of the silver mineralization is found in the quartz veins. Mining
is in progress on various sublevels down to the 423 level. The NCP vein is east of the
Candelaria Breccia. The vein splits to the west into at least 5 mineralized and
recoverable veins termed Footwall, Hangingwall, Hangingwall2, Split and Inversa. Inferred
Resources have been estimated to the 520 level. The NCP veins are economically the most
important and contain 46% of the remaining resource and reserve ounces of silver. |
|
|
|
|
NC2 Average orientation 045/70S. NC2 is a narrow (one-to-two metre) mainly sulphide
and partly oxide vein. It has a strike length of over 700 metres and is open to the east
with potential extension to the west. Mining is currently occurring on levels down to the
380 level and has been drilled to below the 495 level where inferred resources have been
estimated. The NC2 vein is the most important source of sulphide mineralization and
contains 23% of the remaining resource and reserve ounces of silver. |
|
|
|
|
Amolillo Average orientation is 045/70S. Amolillo is mainly an oxide vein located 500
metres north of the NC2 and NCP vein complex. The vein has recently been converted to
reserve status with 2006 drilling success and the drilling has shown the vein to be open to
the east, west and down dip. Pan American decided to rehabilitate and further develop the
Amolillo vein in 2006, and has since purchased equipment and commenced mining on the 30 and
70 levels. |
|
|
|
|
Recompensa Average orientation is 090/80N. Recompensa is a combination of vein and
manto mineralization located more than one kilometre northwest of the NC2 and NCP vein
complex. The vein mineralization is narrow (less than one metre). Recompensa contains
both oxide and sulphide material. Only resources have been estimated in this structure. |
|
|
|
|
4235 Average orientation 090/75N. 4235 is a narrow (approximately one metre) vein
which occurs in the hanging wall of the NCP and NC2 vein systems. It has a strike length
of approximately 140 metres, and has been exposed by development on the 295 level and by
drilling above and below that level. The western half of 4235 is sulphide and the eastern
half is oxide. Only resources have been estimated in this structure. |
Exploration and Drilling
The bulk of Pan Americans exploration of the La Colorada property has been surface and
underground diamond drilling and underground drifting on the veins and mineralized zones.
Historically, from 1997 to 2006 Pan American has drilled 108 surface holes and 147 underground
holes, for 43,548 total metres of drilling. Surface drilling used NQ and HQ sized core and
underground drilling used BQ sized core, except for certain NCP Corridor drilling in 2000, which
was done with HQ sized core in an attempt to improve recovery. Prior to Pan Americans involvement
in the La Colorada project, previous operators had drilled 131 holes
-32-
for a total of 8,665 metres. These holes were not used in Pan Americans reserve or resource
calculation, with the exception of four holes where the original core was found and assayed by Pan
American.
Drill holes generally range in length from 100 to 300 metres with dips of plus 45º to minus
90º. Standard logging and sampling processes have been used to record information from the holes
drilled by Pan American. Interval samples have been cut with a diamond saw and the remaining half
core is stored on-site. Hole collars have been surveyed by total station survey equipment.
Recovery in the drill holes has generally been high (plus 80%), with the exception of holes
drilled into the NCP Corridor ore zone and areas of high water flow. In the NCP Corridor zone, the
recovery averaged 67%. There was no bias in the poorer recovery drill holes.
Underground drifting along the mineralized structure was used in previous years and in 2006 as
a method of exploration. Approximately 4,332 metres of development in ore was completed during
2006. The drifting allowed detailed sampling, mapping and structural interpretation of the ore
zones, as well as key grade information. Development to the west of NCP was important in
increasing the reserve and resource base in 2006 and provided information about vein extensions
that will be the subject of further exploration in 2007.
An exploration drilling program of 7,840 metres in 2006, targeted various areas throughout the
property. There were many successful holes the best program of which resulted in the conversion of
Amolillo to reserve status and provided additional targets along this structure. The Recompensa
mine continued to be rehabilitated to provide access for underground sampling and diamond drilling
programs to be conducted in 2007.
Sampling and Analysis
The La Colorada database consists of two types of samples underground channel samples and
diamond drill core samples.
Underground development is channel sampled every four metres. Samples were broken out
geologically, and vein and wall rock is sampled separately. Sample size is approximately three
kilos. To provide an accurate representation of vein grades, samples are taken regardless of
whether the vein appears to be above cut-off or not. Any waste lenses within the vein are included
in the vein sample. In almost all cases the vein is distinguishable from the wall rock, due to the
high quartz and sulphide content of the vein material.
In addition to the samples taken from development, the database includes stope samples. Stope
sampling methodology is the same as the development sampling, however the stope cycles sometimes
prevent samples from being taken every 4 metres.
Drill holes are sampled and logged according to industry-accepted standards. Holes are logged
for lithology, alteration, mineralogy and recovery. As with the underground sampling, the samples
are broken out by geology, and vein and wall rock are sampled separately.
Pan American has used three commercial labs for exploration assaying at La Colorada: Bondar
Clegg (Vancouver, B.C.), ALS Chemex (Vancouver, B.C.) and Luismin (Durango, Mexico). All assaying
by the commercial labs for gold and silver has been done using fire assay with either an AA or
gravimetric finish on a one-assay tonne charge. Base metals were assayed using acid solution and
atomic absorption (AA) determination. Some exploration and all mining samples are completed at
the La Colorada lab which uses fire assay for gold and silver on a ten gram charge with a
gravimetric finish. Base metals are assayed using acid digestion and AA determination.
-33-
A QA/QC program consisting of check assays and blank samples at an independent laboratory was
used throughout the drilling program conducted prior to 2004. Additionally, there is a QA/QC
program supervised by the geology department. It includes the submission of tertiary lab check
assays (mostly to ALS Chemex) on 2-5% of the samples and 1-2% of check samples. This program was
started with the new diamond drilling campaign in 2005.
All of the drilling, sampling and QA/QC programs were conducted under the direct supervision
of Pan Americans geology staff.
The 2005 Mineral Reserve and Resource used ore lithology densities based on previous years
estimates that were calculated primarily from drill core analysis. Densities in 2005 were based on
host rock lithology and oxidation state. Densities in the 2006 Mineral Resource and Reserve were
based on oxidation state and base metal grades and were increased by an average 10% following a
review of waste and ore density measurements taken in 2005 and 2006. Prior resource and reserve
estimates replaced missing minor element (gold, lead, zinc) assays with zeros. This was found to
under-estimate the minor element content and in 2006, the median value was used instead of zero.
The 2005 Mineral Resource and Reserve included a 0.95 factor for silver grades. This was
removed in the 2006 Mineral Resource and Reserve and replaced with a high grade cut based on
normalization of the frequency distribution of grade in order to improve local estimation.
The 2005 and 2006 Mineral Reserve estimate include a minimum true mining width of 2.0m.
The 2005 and 2006 Mineral Reserve estimate include 10% mining loss of ore and 7.5% mining
dilution. Dilution is added at zero grade.
Mineral Reserves
The Companys management estimates that mineral reserves at La Colorada, as at December 31,
2006, are as follows:
La Colorada Mineral Reserves 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
Grams of Gold |
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
per tonne |
|
% Lead |
|
% Zinc |
Proven |
|
|
608,072 |
|
|
|
493 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
|
|
|
1.58 |
|
Probable |
|
|
579,699 |
|
|
|
543 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
0.95 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,187,771 |
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
|
|
1.59 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $525 per
ounce of gold, $1000 per tonne of lead and $2100 per tonne of zinc. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserves for La Colorada have been prepared under the
supervision or were reviewed by Michael Steinmann, P. Geo., Senior Vice
President Geology & Exploration, and Martin Wafforn, P. Eng., Vice-President
of Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI
43-101. |
|
3 |
|
The La Colorada mine applies incremental cut off grades as
the combined process plants currently have more capacity than the mines. See
also information in this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
Consumption of the proven and probable oxide and sulphide reserves at current production
rates would result in a mine life extending to 2010.
-34-
Mineral Resources
The Companys management estimates that mineral resources at La Colorada as
at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
La Colorada Mineral Resources 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
Grams of Gold |
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
per tonne |
|
% Lead |
|
% Zinc |
Measured |
|
|
184,161 |
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.98 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
550,693 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
1.57 |
|
|
|
1.43 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
1,718,422 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
2.24 |
|
|
|
2.32 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
These resources are in addition to La Colorada mineral reserves.
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $525 per ounce of gold,
$1000 per tonne of lead and $2100 per tonne of zinc. See also information in
this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral Reserve and Mineral
Resource estimate information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for La Colorada have been prepared
under the supervision, or were reviewed by Michael Steinmann, P. Geo., Senior
Vice President Geology & Exploration, and Martin Wafforn, P. Eng.,
Vice-President of Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons, as that term is
defined in NI 43-101. |
Mining
The mining method utilized for the oxide ore is mechanized cut and fill from the propertys
NCP, NC2 and Amolillo veins. Fill material is sourced from development muck, waste slashed from
walls in the stopes and surface stockpiled material. No tailings backfill is planned. Split sets,
cemented split sets and shot-crete are used for ground control on various patterns depending on
ground support requirements.
Mechanized equipment includes three yard, two yard and 1.5 yard scoop trams, low profile nine
tonne trucks for haulage in ramps, jack-legs and a one boom electric hydraulic jumbo for drilling
and battery locomotives/Granby cars for sill haulage. The replacement of the main hoist winch is
due to be complete in early 2007.
The La Colorada mine plan was developed for mining all areas concurrently. The plan is based
on providing up to 600 tonnes per day of ore to the oxide mill that was commissioned in 2004 and a
further 250 tonnes per day of ore to the sulphide mill.
In June 2004, La Colorada stopped producing sulphides when the sulphide resource was exhausted
above the de-watered level of the mine. Golder Associates Ltd. visited La Colorada and developed a
de-watering model to gain access to the sulphide resource below the water level. A study was
carried out to determine the mechanical/electrical/development requirements to handle the water.
The study was finished during 2004 and the production of sulphides began again in July, 2006.
The Amolillo section of the mine began production in the second half of 2006. This will
augment production from Candelaria.
Milling
Milling consists of a 600 tonne per day conventional cyanide recovery plant for oxide ore as
well as the 250 tonne per day for sulphide ore processing. The sulphide plant was refurbished to
100 tpd in July 2006 and to 250 tpd in early January 2007 and currently produces a concentrate that
is valuable primarily for its lead and silver content. In the first half of 2007 it is planned
that an existing zinc flotation circuit will be refurbished and expanded. This circuit will
-35-
allow a separate zinc concentrate to be produced and sold. The majority of the silver will
continue to report to the lead concentrate. The oxide plant produces a silver doré from a zinc
precipitate recovery circuit and on-site refinery.
Environment
An environmental impact study (EIS) and risk assessment by Clifton Associates Ltd. on the La
Colorada property was submitted to Mexican environmental authorities in early March 1999. The EIS
described the impact of proposed development and mining activities and provides conceptual plans
for closure and remediation. The EIS was approved by the Mexican authorities in November 1999.
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, Pan Americans operations at the La Colorada mine
currently comply in all material respects with applicable Mexican laws.
The three most significant environmental issues identified in Pan Americans corporate HSE
Audit conducted in 2004, associated with the La Colorada property were the erosional stability of
existing tailings facilities on the property, domestic waste water discharge from on-site
buildings, and an uncovered solid waste landfill on the western portion of the La Colorada
property. The waste water treatment facility was identified for upgrade in 2006 with the
installation of a treatment facility expected in 2007.
The existing tailings facilities will be rehabilitated by a combination of the removal of some
tailings for the expansion of the operating tailings facility and regrading and covering of the
remnant tailings impoundment. This is an ongoing process as tailings are removed for the expansion
of the existing tailings impoundment. A second stage of the dam expansion is expected to be
carried out in 2007.
A solid waste landfill is located on the western portion of the La Colorada property. The
historic landfill wastes on the arroyo slope are not covered but new fill is deposited into open
trenches atop the landfill and covered on a weekly basis.
Pan American has estimated the present value of the final site reclamation costs for the La
Colorada property to be approximately $4.3 million. During 2005, Pan American began reclamation
work concurrent with mining operations by reclaiming old tailings on the property. This work
allows efficient use of people and equipment on-site for operations and will continue in 2007.
Health and Safety
A formal safety audit was conducted in December of 2006 at the La Colorada Mine by a third
party consultant and the Companys Director of Safety and Training. In 2006 all protocols and
procedures were updated at the mine as a result of a safety audit investigation conducted by the
Director of Safety and Training.
Capital Expenditures
In 2006, capital expenditures at La Colorada totalled $8.0 million and consisted of: (i) mine
equipment replacement and improvement totalling $2.4 million; (ii) mine development totalling $3.1
million; (iii) plant equipment replacement and improvement totalling $1.2 million; and (iv) diamond
drilling totalling $1.3 million.
La Coloradas budget for 2007 totals $8.0 million, and includes: (i) mine development and
exploration amount of $1.9 million; (ii) diamond drilling totalling $1.5 million; (iii) tailings
dam raise of $1.0 million; and (iv) other infrastructure and mine repairs and improvement for $3.6
million.
Marketing
All of La Coloradas concentrate production is sold under a one-year contract (renewable)
expiring in 2007 to an arms length smelter located in Torreón, Mexico. All silver doré produced
from the oxide mill at La Colorada
-36-
is sent for refining at arms length refineries located in Torreón, Mexico and subsequently
sold to various banks dealing in bullion.
During 2006 the revenue produced by the La Colorada mine was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Quantity |
Silver and Gold in Doré |
|
$37.7 million |
|
3,185,000 ounces silver and 3,600 ounces gold |
Lead Concentrate |
|
$3.2 million |
|
441 tonnes |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length customers. |
During 2005 the revenue produced by the La Colorada mine was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Quantity |
Silver and Gold in Doré |
|
$21.6 million |
|
2,508,000 ounces of silver and 2,500 ounces of gold |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length customers. |
During 2004 the revenue produced by the La Colorada mine was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Quantity |
|
|
|
|
per Tonne |
|
Silver and Gold in Doré |
|
$11.1 million |
|
1,810,380 ounces of silver and 2,235 ounces of gold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$0.1 million |
|
223 tonnes |
|
|
|
$ |
494 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$1.4 million |
|
484 tonnes |
|
|
|
$ |
2,908 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of arms length customers. |
To date, Pan American has not had any difficulty in securing contracts for the sale of
the La Colorada concentrates or doré.
(iv) Alamo Dorado
Ownership and Property Description
In 2003, the Company completed an acquisition of Corner Bay and its subsidiaries, which
originally held the rights to conduct exploration activity on the Alamo Dorado mineral deposit.
Today, the Alamo Dorado project is managed and operated through Pan Americans wholly owned Mexican
subsidiary, Minera Corner Bay S.A. de C.V. (MCB).
The Alamo Dorado project is located 40 kilometres south-southeast of the town of Alamos in the
southeast corner of the State of Sonora, near the border with the State of Sinaloa in northwest
Mexico at 26º, 44, 44.2 North Latitude and 108º, 40, 00.7 West Longitude.
The Alamo Dorado Project consists of two contiguous exploitation concessions, the 509 hectare
Alamo Ocho Concession and the 4,865 hectare Alamo Dorado Concession, five non-contiguous
exploration concessions
-37-
covering 6,014 hectares, and surface rights covering 763.64 hectares. All of the mineral
reserves and resources for the Alamo Dorado project lie within the boundaries of the Alamo Ocho and
Alamo Dorado concessions and these surface rights. The Alamo Ocho Concession expires in 2050, the
Alamo Dorado Concession expires in 2054 and the five exploration concessions expire 50 years from
the date in which they were registered in the mining register. The Alamo Ocho Concession was
purchased by Corner Bay from Alfredo Duran Viramontes and Roberto Duran Viramontes for $425,000 in
semi-annual payments from 1997 to 2002 and a balance payment of $300,000, all of which have been
paid.
MCB has in its possession all of the principal permits necessary for the operation of Alamo
Dorado. MCB obtained an explosives permit from SEDENA following the construction of the explosives
storage facilities in 2004. A conversion of MCBs existing temporary land use permit from SEMARNAT,
the Mexican national environmental agency for the proposed mine, to construction status was
issued in December 2004. MCB also submitted, and SEMARNAT approved, a land use permit modification
for the milling scenario with dry stack disposal of non-hazardous tailings in an unlined facility
in January 2005. MCB has also secured a permit from INAH, the Mexican national archaeological and
historical institute, for the Alamo Dorado mine site area and a blasting permit from SEDENA, the
Mexican national secretary of defence. The SEMARNAT land use permit for the construction of the
115 KV power line and water line for the project have now been acquired. The municipal construction
permit for the Municipality of Alamos has also been acquired.
MCB has an existing agreement with SEMARNAT for compensation activities in mitigation for the
environmental impact of the Alamo Dorado project. MCB is conducting its compensation activities on
schedule and within the framework of its agreement with SEMARNAT.
MCB has also received a water use permit from the Mexican National Water Commission that
allows extraction of 1.5 million cubic metres of water annually for project use from a series of
three ground water wells developed 27 kilometres from the site by MCB. MCB has also obtained rights
to the water and surface rights for the wells and pipelines from three of the local land owner
groups called Ejidos.
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The Alamo Dorado project can be accessed from the United States via interstate 19 south of
Tucson crossing into Mexico at the border town of Nogales, Arizona continuing on the Mexican toll
highway 15 which is a well-maintained, four-lane, paved road that starts at the border town of
Nogales, Sonora and heads south through Hermosillo, Ciudad Obregon and into Navojoa. From Navojoa,
the road to Alamos, Sonora, is an overwidth two-lane paved road (recently upgraded in 2006). The
project is 40 kilometres southeast of the town of Alamos and is accessed primarily via a moderately
maintained dirt road which was recently upgraded by MCB. A secondary access route exists that is
used for heavy deliveries and shipments. There are water crossings that are impassable for short
periods during heavy local downpours in the rainy season. During these periods, personnel will
access the site solely via a route which includes a bridge suitable for passenger vehicles, but
which would not be used for bulk consumable shipments. Major airports in the state of Sonora are
located in Hermosillo in the central sector of the state, and Ciudad Obregon to the south. The
airport at Ciudad Obregon is approximately 75 kilometres north of Navojoa or 125 kilometres
northwest of the Alamo Dorado site. The town of Alamos also has a sealed airstrip that is in the
process of certification for international air traffic.
The climate of the Alamo Dorado project area is transitional between the tropical climates
further south and the subtropical desert lands typical of the Pacific Coast of Baja, California.
The area is generally dry with the warmest period typically occurring between March to July.
Precipitation occurs during a short but intense rainy season that typically extends from July
through September. The mine operates year round.
-38-
The terrain in the vicinity of the Alamo Dorado project site consists of moderate to steep
foothills that characterizes the area located between the coastal plain of the Sea of Cortez to the
west and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range to the east. Local relief ranges from 300
metres above sea level to approximately 550 metres above sea level at the top of Cerro Colorado
Ridge in which the Alamo Dorado deposit occurs. The tops of the hills consist primarily of
unmineralized bedrock exposures with flanks that are covered by coarse colluvium. Drainages in the
nearby valleys are typically incised about two-to-four metres in depth, indicative of shallow
bedrock and relatively high rainfall runoff.
Construction of the Alamo Dorado mine was completed by the end of 2006 and the site now has
the following facilities in full operation: Mobile mine equipment shop warehouse facility, and
laboratory facilities completed in 2005; explosives magazine constructed in 2004; fully developed
open pit mine following pre-stripping activities completed during 2004 and 2005; precious metals
processing plant completed by the end of 2006, including but not limited to, the crusher, grinding
mills, leach tanks, filter plant, refinery and an acidification, volatilization and
reneutralization (AVR) plant; installation of a 115 kva power transmission line from the Miguel
Hidalgo hydroelectric station 35 kilometres away was completed in 2006; development of three water
supply wells 27 km to the southwest complete with pumps and a pipeline was completed in 2006;
administration and communication facilities were completed in 2006; and a tailings embankment was
constructed in 2006 and the initial plant tailings were placed in the facility by the end of 2006.
Royalties and Encumbrances
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, the Alamo Dorado project is not subject to any
royalties or encumbrances.
Taxation
The principal taxes of Mexico affecting Alamo Dorado include income tax, asset tax, annual
fees for holding mineral properties, various payroll and social security taxes and a refundable
value added tax.
History
Prior to 1997, there is no record of any modern exploration conducted on the Alamo Dorado
project nor are there any records of production, although there is evidence of a few old adits in
the general area. All recorded drilling at the property has been undertaken since 1997.
Geologists from MCB visited the property in 1997 and collected some grab samples from various
locations along the north trending ridge. Encouraged by the positive assay results from those
samples, MCB began a systematic surface sampling program and eventually obtained an agreement to
purchase the Alamo Ocho concession from the owners. The surface sampling program outlined a
300-metre-long north-south trending silver-gold anomaly situated along the east side of the Cerro
Colorado Ridge.
Exploration on the Alamo Dorado project has been comprised primarily of reverse circulation
drill campaigns conducted annually from 1998 to 2001. A structural geology examination of the
property was undertaken in 2000 through mapping of surface exposures along drill access roads. A
more comprehensive 1:2500 scale geologic mapping program was conducted in 2001 over an area of
about four square kilometres in the project area. Results established surface extents of the
volcanic lithologic units, cross cutting dykes and alteration patterns and provided a linkage for
the interpretation of the drilling geological data. Exploration that was completed through 2002
formed the basis for Mintec to create a resource model for the property. MCB also contracted with
an independent third party to conduct and complete a feasibility study for a heap leach operation
with 35,504 million
-39-
tonnes of 68 g/t silver ore reserve. Mintecs resource model supported the study. The study
was completed in June 2002.
On February 20, 2003, the Company acquired Corner Bay pursuant to a plan of arrangement under
the Canada Business Corporations Act, and in connection therewith the Company issued 7,636,659
common shares and 3,818,329 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of up to five
years at a price of Canadian $12.00 per common share. The Company also granted options to purchase
up to 553,847 common shares of the Company to former employees of Corner Bay and its subsidiaries.
In 2003 Pan American contracted with SRK Consulting to perform a structural evaluation of
Alamo deposit. The SRK study concluded that reserves were structurally controlled rather than
disseminated as previously interpreted. Mineralization was found to be generally higher grade
along structurally controlled zones and not a lower grade disseminated deposit as previously
interpreted. This raised the prospect that the mineralization might be better suited to a milling
type operation rather than a heap leach operation, as previously interpreted.
Resource Modelling Inc. (RMI) was contracted by Pan American in 2003 to construct a new
resource model using the revised structural interpretation of the mineralization. RMIs new
resource model reduced the overall silver resource on Alamo Dorado by approximately 40%, primarily
due to the loss of approximately half of the previously interpreted gold mineralization.
An infill drilling program was conducted on the Alamo Dorado concession in the first half of
2004 in order to confirm the revised interpretation of the reserves, and to provide core samples
for the metallurgical testing needed for design of a mill and recovery plant.
In 2004, Pan American contracted a third party to conduct a study to confirm whether a milling
operation was the optimum type of recovery operation for the Alamo Dorado mining project. This
study indicated that project economics could be improved by using grind-leach circuits in a mill
instead of the previously evaluated heap leach concept. In 2004 AMEC prepared, a throughput
tradeoff study for the milling option which indicated that a 4,000 tonne per day throughput was the
optimum production rate for a milling circuit.
In September 2004, Pan American commenced an update of the Alamo Dorado Feasibility Study for
a new project based upon the revised resource model, and a conventional milling and leaching
circuit. A number of consulting firms were engaged to collaborate on the study. The Feasibility
Study NI 43-101 Technical Report for Alamo Dorado project was completed March 31, 2005 by M3
Engineering & Technology Corp.
In 2005, the Companys board of directors approved a $76.6 million project to construct and
operate the Alamo Dorado silver mine.
As a part of the new feasibility work, Pan American conducted a pilot scale demonstration of
the leaching, filtering and AVR process technology which was selected for the project. In
addition, the solutions produced in the pilot plant were used for laboratory scale testing of the
electrowinning technologies under consideration, and tailings samples were taken for physical,
chemical and environmental characterization. Results of the pilot plant tests were satisfactory
and substantiated the estimates and forecasts in the feasibility study.
In March 2005, M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation was selected as the EPCM contractor to
conduct the engineering and design, as well as oversee the construction of the project. Design
commenced immediately and on site construction began in April, 2005.
The majority of the mine equipment was selected, procured, and shipped to the site in
mid-2005. Mine pre-stripping operations commenced at the Alamo Dorado project in August, 2005 and
continued ramp-up until June
-40-
2006 where highest production was proven at the highest requirement of the life-of-mine plan
(13Ktpd). By the end of December 2006 the mine had stockpiled 620Kt of ore at 62gpt Ag and 0.31gpt
Au, mined 4143Kt of in-pit waste, mined over 700Kt of ex-pit waste including developing 12.6km of
access roads, completing the tailings facility phase 1 footwall and under-drains, completing the
sediment retention dam, completing 1.5km of sediment control channels and aiding mill earthworks
construction.
Construction of the open pit mine and processing facility was completed in the fourth quarter
of 2006 as efforts turned to commissioning of the filtration, refining, and acidification
volatilization reneutralization (AVR) for cyanide recovery circuits. Total construction costs
for the project have amounted to approximately $81.5 million. In addition, costs to build the
initial ore stockpile and in-circuit silver inventories, which totalled $2.3 million, have been
recorded as current working capital. Slow start-up of the filtration circuit pushed initial silver
production to Q1 2007. The mine completed its first silver pour in the first quarter of 2007, and
is now in the process of ramping up to expected production levels of 4,000 tonnes per day. During
2006 the mill processed 35Kt of ore at 60gpt Ag and 0.3gpt Au with essentially all production
reporting to in-process inventory at the end of the year.
The completed process facilities include a 42 gyratory crusher, 6.7 m diameter SAG mill, 4.3X
7.5 m ball mill, 8 leach tanks for 100 hours of leach retention, 2 each 162 square metre vacuum
belt filters, 30-cell electrowinning circuit, and an AVR for cyanide recovery and reuse. Although
no unit operation of the process plant is unique or untested technology, the flow scheme is
innovative and allows the direct deposition of non toxic moist (22% moisture) solid tailings to
cake directly to the tailings facility. Support facilities include a 35 kilometre 115 kVA line fed
from a local hydroelectric station, a 27 kilometre water line supplying from three wells, a
microwave connection to modern telecommunication systems, and a two MW generator for backup power
supply.
Geology and Mineralization
The Alamo Dorado project is located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Range, a late Cretaceous to
Tertiary age volcanic province that extends for hundreds of kilometres through north-western
Mexico. In the mine area the volcanics lie upon a basement of Jurassic metamorphosed sedimentary
rocks that were locally intruded by various Tertiary age intrusives. The overlying volcanic
sequence is grouped into lower and upper units based on the different styles of volcanism that are
present. The Lower Volcanic Sequence is of late Cretaceous to early Tertiary age and consists of
up to 1,000 metres of tuffs, flows, and volcanic breccias that are andesitic to dacitic in
composition. The Upper Volcanic Sequence is of middle Tertiary (Oligocene-Miocene) age and
consists of more than 1,000 metres of ash flow and ash fall tuffs of rhyolite to dacite composition
that lie unconformably upon the Lower Volcanic Sequence.
A period of particularly active tectonism including intrusion and uplift occurred between the
deposition of the Lower Volcanic Sequence and the Upper Volcanic Sequence. Uplift and faulting of
the Sierra Madre Occidental province was accompanied by the intrusion of felsic to mafic
composition dykes, along with the local emplacement of intrusive stocks and batholiths. Mining
districts in the Sierra Madre Occidental province are typically located along sheared and faulted
structural zones formed in the Lower Volcanic Sequence, and to a lesser extent, within the
underlying granitic intrusives. These deposits are characterized by low sulfidation epithermal
precious metal systems that locally may contain base metals.
Uplift of the Sierra Madre Occidental province continued following Tertiary volcanism.
Erosion of the uplifted area has resulted in deep canyons and rugged topography.
In the Alamo Dorado mining concession the Upper Volcanic Sequence is present in the higher
parts of the surrounding hills, but has largely been removed by extensive erosion. Near the
eastern concession boundary there are relatively underformed, gently dipping stratified rocks,
which are probably Oligo-Miocene in age and are part of the Upper Volcanic Sequence.
-41-
The host rocks at the Alamo Dorado mine consist of a sequence of ductile deformed, steeply
dipping, Mesozoic epiclastic marine rocks that contain minor intercalated siliceous exhalite and
pillow basalt.
During the early Tertiary the marine sediments were accreted onto the fore arc terrain of a
north-west trending magmatic arc. The Laramide orogenic event probably caused at least the first
phase of ductile deformation which resulted in the development of a strong penetrative planar
fabric and the metamorphism of the sediments to greenschist facies.
Deformation of the rocks at Alamo Dorado was episodic and progressed before, during and after
deposit formation. Alteration of the metasedimentary rocks to an assemblage of quartz-muscovite
occurred in and marginal to major fault zones.
The metamorphosed marine sedimentary rocks were intruded by dacite dykes, a diorite feldspar
porphyry dyke, a hornblende phyric intermediate dyke, at least 2 phases of granodiorite stocks and
minor aplite dykes.
Mineralization and alteration at Alamo Dorado is controlled by an early cryptic structural
zone that has since been transposed and kink folded by the regional ductile deformation events.
The current shape of the orebody is controlled by a combination of the post-mineral ductile
deformation events, and the relatively late, north-west trending block faults, which
compartmentalize different portions of the deposit. Silver and gold mineralization may have been
associated with the emplacement of the diorite feldspar porphyry dyke and/or 1st phase
granodiorite stock, both of which display hydrothermal alternation and contain silver
mineralization.
Hypogene silver mineralisation occurs predominantly as argentite with fine (50 µm 0.1 µm)
disseminated pyrite in clear glassy quartz veins, within quartz crystals of siliceous gangue and
within fractures in siliceous gangue. It also occurs as tetrahedrite inter-grown with pyrite,
galena and sphalerite.
In a high grade pervasively silicified-pyritised rock silver mineralization is reported
acanthite intergrown with and rimming galena in a late quartz-sphalerite-pyrite-galena-chalcopyrite
vein, in addition to an unidentified silver sulphosalt inter-grown with chalcopyrite.
Within a sample of diorite feldspar porphyry dyke trace silver mineralization occurring as a
silver sulphosalt is recognized with disseminated pyrite-chalcopyrite-galena in altered mafic
minerals and a quartz-chlorite groundmass gangue.
The occurrence and mineralogy of gold mineralization is unclear, due to the low gold grades
within the deposit, it is difficult to find gold grains within samples. One 4 µm grain of gold was
observed with argentite in fractures within clusters of pyrite.
In the oxide environment silver is very mobile, this was evidenced by strong leaching of Ag
mineralization especially from the top 15m of the Alamo Dorado deposit. Within the oxide horizon
silver mineralization occurs in the form of silver chloride mineral chloroargyrite, in this
environment acanthite and silver sulpho-salts are also stable. Due to the deep weathering of the
deposit in the area of the pit, chloroargyrite is a dominant silver mineral.
Exploration
No additional exploration was conducted at the Alamo Dorado property during the construction
and commissioning of the new mine.
Drilling, Sampling and Analysis
The Alamo Dorado project has been evaluated in five separate drilling campaigns using reverse
circulation (RC) drilling techniques and diamond drill coring methods. A total of 79 drill holes
were drilled on the property in 1997: 75 RC holes and four core holes. The 19 discovery drill
holes were drilled in 1998 and 11 of the 19 holes were deepened in
-42-
1999. An additional 23 new RC drill holes were drilled in 1999, along with four large
diameter core holes. The core drilling was specifically for metallurgical testing. In 2000, 14
previously drilled holes were deepened and 25 new RC holes were drilled. Eight more RC holes were
drilled in 2001. In 2004 infill core holes were drilled for confirmation of the new resource
model, and for physical samples needed for milling, leaching and pilot plant testing.
Drilling totals 31,604 metres in 130 drill holes. The holes generally range in length from 90
to 390 metres, averaging 243 metres. Drill holes were drilled at a declination of between 38° and
70°, with a single vertical hole. The major bearing was easterly with a subordinate number of
holes drilled from the west. Drill hole collars were located respective to a property grid.
Standard logging and sampling conventions were used to capture information from the cuttings
and drill core. Inspection of the model and drill hole data in plans and sections, together with
the spatial statistical work showed reasonable geologic and grade continuity in the main area of
mineralization.
A program was conducted to assure the quality of its sample preparation and assaying. The
routine assaying was done at Bondar Clegg, a recognized assay laboratory. This laboratory
performed duplicate assays on course reject material, and the precision of these duplicate assays
(approximate 15% relative standard deviation of pair differences) is typical of that achieved for
similar deposits within the mining industry. Check assays were done on pulps at a number of
laboratories. The vast majority of these checks confirm the original assays which will be used to
perform resource estimation. A small percentage of potentially contaminated assay intervals were
identified in RC holes, all within zones drilled under wet conditions. These data were set to zero
for the purpose of reserve and resource estimation. Management of Pan America is of the opinion
that the Alamo Dorado projects quality assurance program meets industry standards.
Data verification and QA/QC checks were performed on various occasions by retained consultants
on different vintages of the Alamo Dorado database. The bulk of the assays in the database were
examined in 2002 as a part of a feasibility study that was undertaken by MCB. In addition, RMI
selected 21 drill holes so that independent third parties could perform an assay verification
check. These holes were selected from all of the major drill campaigns and were spatially located
throughout the deposit. These QA/QC checks met industrial standards.
Based on these various data verifications that have been conducted, the Alamo Dorado assay
database has been shown to be accurate and suitable for use in estimating resources. Very few
errors have been found with respect to the assay values that are stored in the electronic database
versus certified assays.
For mining, samples are taken from the Ingersoll Rand blast-hole cones using 2 trays inserted
under the drill shroud. The samples do not contain sub-drill material. The blast-holes are
drilled on a 4x5m staggered pattern. The sample tray material is combined and single pass split at
the rig to a minimum weight of 5kg (normal average 8kg). The samples are analysed on site at the
Alamo Dorado laboratory. The samples are split, dried, pulverized, split and fire assayed with AA
finish for Ag and Au. Duplicate samples are analysed for every 20th sample and all
duplicates are also assayed by external laboratory (principally ALS Chemex). A certified standard
is inserted to every batch or a minimum of 1:20 samples. Every 100th sample is tested
for Net Acid Producing Potential as an assurance process. Every 20th sample is also
sampled for minor elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn.
Mineral Reserves
Principally based on the 2005 Feasibility Study, but amended for stockpiled ore estimates,
milling depletion and current operating cost projections the estimated proven and probable mineral
reserves at the Alamo Dorado project are as follows:
-43-
Alamo Dorado Mineral Reserves 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
Grams of Gold |
Class Reserve Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
per tonne |
Proven |
|
|
1,642,000 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
Probable |
|
|
10,794,000 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
12,436,000 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce of silver
and $525 per ounce of gold. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for Alamo Dorado were
prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael
Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology & Exploration, and
Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President of Mine Engineering as
Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101. See also
information in this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
The Alamo Dorado mine uses a cut off grade that varies by each block, primarily as a
function of the copper grade and expected cyanide consumption during the treatment process. The
lowest value for cut off grade used at Alamo Dorado is 54 g/t silver equivalent grade. The
metallurgical recoveries for gold and silver are calculated for each block using the following
formulae: Silver recovery = 0.95 5 / silver grade (g/t) 0.0005 * Copper grade (ppm) Gold
recovery = 0.95 0.001 / gold grade (g/t) 0.0005 * Copper grade (ppm).
Mineral Resources
Based on the Feasibility Study prepared in 2005, utilizing the same pit shell design as used
in the Feasibility Study, but assuming a higher metal price of $9.00 silver and $525 per ounce
gold, estimated mineral resources at the Alamo Dorado project are as follows:
Alamo Dorado Mineral Resources 1, 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
Grams of Gold |
Class Reserve Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
per tonne |
Measured |
|
|
263,000 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
3,610,000 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
518,000 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $ 9.00 per ounce of
silver and $525 per ounce of gold. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for Alamo Dorado were
prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael
Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology & Exploration, and
Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President of Mine Engineering as
Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101. See also
information in this Annual Information Form under the heading
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
Mining
Alamo Dorado is a conventional surface mine that utilizes a 7.5 cubic metre hydraulic shovel,
a 6.5 cubic metre front end loader and six 53 tonne mechanical rock trucks for the principal
earthmoving. The mine is designed to deliver 4,000 tonnes of ore per day to the plant and remove
the necessary waste rock to the waste dumps. At the end of 2006, there were 12,436,000 tonnes of
proven and probable ore reserves, with 11,816,000 tonnes remaining to be mined from the pit and the
rest in ore stockpiles. There are approximately a total of 25,036,000 tonnes of ore and waste
remaining to be mined in the pit, meaning that the estimated required overall strip ratio is
1.12:1, or 8,500 tonnes per day. The equipment fleet selected for Alamo Dorado has demonstrated
capacity of up to 13,000 tonnes per day on a single shift per day basis. Additional mining capacity
would be available if required by adding another operating shift. The overall strip ratio of 1.65
to 1 waste to ore reported in the NI 43-101 technical report of March 31, 2005 has been improved
by: mining a higher strip ratio to start the pit; reducing the effective cut off grade from
-44-
60 g/t to 54 g/t silver equivalent grade primarily the result of higher metal prices, and
improving the pit design. The mine is being developed in two phases, with an initial phase designed
to develop downward into the deeper, higher grade reserves which will complete by early 2009, and a
second phase of development balancing the material movements with the first phase which will expand
the pit to its final high-wall and depth. This second phase is expected to commence in early 2008
and is expected to complete in 2013. As of the end of 2006, the mine was on schedule with its mine
plan.
The mine stockpiles high grade, low grade and mineralized waste category material. The high
grade cut-over was selected to maximize return on investment whilst not compromising ore block
integrity. The low grade material is above the incremental break even cut-off. The mineralized
waste is stockpiled at mineral prices 10% above the current Reserve.
After mining completes, processing of the low grade stockpiles will commence.
The estimated life of Alamo Dorados reserves at the current design levels will allow the
project to operate within the life cycle of the initial mine equipment and should not require
significant replacement capital.
Milling
Ore from the Alamo Dorado deposit is treated by conventional crushing and SAG/Ball mill
grinding to 74 um, followed by thickening, agitated cyanide leaching, leach residue filtration,
direct electrowinning to produce a cathode sludge, AVR cyanide recovery and recirculation, leach
residue washing with AVR product solutions, dry stack tailings and conventional silver and gold
doré bar production from melting of the cathode sludge. The nominal treatment rate will be 4,000
tonnes per day of ore on a 24-hour per day schedule. To date, this nominal treatment rate has been
achieved, and in some instances exceeded, however it has not operated on a consistent basis. The
mines tailings treatment process is expected to recover at least 97.5% of the sodium cyanide used
and also neutralize mill tailings, thus reducing the mines environmental impact and reclamation
costs.
The plant completed capital constructing in the fourth quarter of 2006 with commissioning
progressing through year end 2006 and into early 2007.
The design of a dry stackable tailings facility consists of downstream constructed embankment
that will buttress the moist tailings cake placement. The impoundment area for tailings placement
will not be lined given the design expectation that the moist cake will meet non-toxic
classification. As at the end of 2006 the first phase embankment was completed as were the related
under-drains and channel seepage beneath the facility into a lined collection pond below the
embankment. This collection pond will be equipped with a pump to transfer solutions back to the
mill and reduce overall mill make-up water requirements in 2007.
Environment
The original environmental permitting work considered options developed for the 2002
Feasibility Study, and was provided by Corner Bay in conjunction with Agauyo Consultoria Ambiental,
Corner Bays environmental consultant and coordinator. AMEC reviewed the environmental impact
statement and risk assessment study, as well as ancillary documents submitted by Corner Bay to the
Mexican Secretary for Environmental and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to identify potential major
deficiencies and for appropriateness for permitting Alamo Dorado. Environmental impacts arising
from the development of the mine are greatly outweighed by the overall benefits. SEMARNAT
recommended a finding of no significant impact in the original impact statement/permitting
document. Following completion of the updated feasibility study, the original environmental impact
statement and risk assessment study documents were revised, resubmitted and approved by SEMARNAT.
Project construction commenced in 2005 based on the approved environmental impact statement and an
improved modification of the
-45-
SEMARNAT Temporary Land Use Permit for the operation of a milling operation and disposal of
non-toxic tailings in a dry stack tailings area.
Pan American has estimated final site reclamation costs for the Alamo Dorado property to be
approximately $5.1 million.
Health and Safely
In 2005, an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) was developed for the Alamo Dorado project. The
detailed plan outlines responses to safety and environmental emergencies. The plan may also be
incorporated at other Pan American operations. In 2006, Alamo Dorado completed MSHA (Mine Safety
and Health Administration) training for all Pan American employees, and also completed one million
hours without a lost time incident in June of 2006. In February, 2007 a formal safety audit of the
Alamo Dorado Mine was completed by a third party consultant and the Companys Director of Safety
and Training.
Capital Expenditures
Construction of the Alamo Dorado mine was completed by year end 2006. Total project
expenditures through the end of 2006 were approximately $81.5 million. The mine then entered into
a period of commissioning and is expected to reach commercial production in the second quarter of
2007.
The 2005 Feasibility Study included an economic analysis using a price of silver of $7.00 per
ounce, in which the Alamo Dorado project was projected to generate a 16% return on investment and
undiscounted net cash of $68.5 million over the project life. There has been no updated economics
completed on the project since the completion of the Feasibility Study in early 2005, however, the
reserves stated in this Annual Information Form have been evaluated using Pan Americans long term
reserve pricing of $9.00 per silver ounce and $525 per gold ounce.
Marketing Sales
Production from the Alamo Dorado mine is in the form of dorè bars, which will be refined at
arms length refineries prior to the sale of refined silver and gold to bullion bankers. At the
date of this Annual Information Form, Pan American has entered into a multi-year refining contract
with a Mexican refiner, Penoles for part of the production from Alamo Dorado and does not
anticipate any difficulty in securing refining arrangements for the balance of the production in
due course.
(v) Morococha Mine
Ownership and Property Description
The Morococha mine is owned and operated by Argentum, a Peruvian company in which Pan
American, through its subsidiary Pan American Peru, has a 92.01% voting interest as at December 31,
2006 (the remaining interest is held by Alejandro Gubbins and Compania Minera Casapalca S.A.. The
Company holds approximately 63.4% of certain non-voting investment shares of Argentum, with the
remaining securities being held by other titleholders. The Companys consolidated interest of
voting shares and investment shares is 88.5% as at December 31, 2006.
The Morococha mine is located in the Morococha District, Yauli Province, Junin Department,
Peru, on the east side of the continental divide just below Ticlo summit, approximately 38
kilometres west of the city of La Oroya and 137 kilometres east of Lima. The Morococha mines
general coordinates are latitude 11° 36 S and longitude 76° 10 W.
-46-
The Morococha property is comprised of three economic administrative units (UEA) and
various concessions held outside of these UEAs. The three UEAs contain 435 mining concessions
owned outright by Argentum, 15 mining concessions held jointly with Perus national mining company,
Centromin Peru (Centromin), nine concessions held jointly with other third parties, one leased
concession (El Proletario), 11 concessions leased from Silver Lead Mining Company and 35
concessions leased from Corporacion Minera Sacracancha S.A., which together total 9,166.73
hectares. In addition, there are 19 mining concessions outside of the three UEAs that comprise
part of the Morococha property, eight of which have been assigned to Volcan, four of which are
owned jointly with Volcan and five of which are leased from third parties, which together total
2,129.57 hectares. The majority of the mining concessions comprising the Morococha property are
contiguous. All known mineralized zones in which mining operations are currently conducted, and in
which known mineral reserves exist, are set out within these concessions.
Argentum does not hold registered legal title of most of the surface lands that overlie the
mining concessions which comprise the Morococha property. These rights are owned by Centromin, the
Peruvian national mining company. The Morococha propertys process plants, shafts and access roads
are all located on lands of which legal title is registered in the name of Centromin. Argentums
and its predecessors use of these surface lands have been exercised for decades with Centromins
knowledge and its claim to continued use is based on long term use Peruvian law. Please see Risks Related to
Pan Americans Business Title to Assets.
Recently, Centromin has raised contentious issues with respect to certain surface lands over
which Argentum has exercised use for years. In two instances, Centromin has alleged that Argentum
has wrongfully erected fences, built camps and constructed terraces which invade and infringe upon
private property belonging to Centromin. As such, Centromin has demanded they be removed. In
addition to claiming invasions of private property, Centromin asserts that Argentum is using the
fences and constructions for the purposes of dumping minerals and waste, thereby raising
environmental issues. Management of the Company maintains that many of such fences and
constructions have been in place for over a decade, and that Centromin has effectively granted
Argentum easements over its property for purposes in relation thereto, and is of the opinion that
Centromin has no foundation for claiming infringement of private property or environmental damage.
Pan American will vigorously uphold its property rights.
Centromin has granted Argentum a right to use certain of Centromins surface lands throughout
the useful life of its mining operations, provided such use does not interfere with the development
of a mine in respect of the Toromocha disseminated copper system, which overlies certain of
Argentums mining concessions and underground mining operations. Argentum is obligated to pay
Centromin $60,000 (which amount will be adjusted annually to account for inflation) quarterly
commencing May 28, 2003 as consideration for this right. Peru Copper Inc., a copper mining company
carrying on business in Peru, has recently been granted by Centromin the option to acquire mining
concessions and surface rights in respect of the Toromocha property. Peru Copper and Pan American
had discussions with respect to negotiating resolution of surface rights issues that may arise
between them in connection with their respective operations but are not in discussions at this
time.
The Morococha mine is in the process of obtaining the following authorizations (i) a domestic
sewage discharge authorization which is pending to be granted by the General Health Division of the
Health Ministry; (ii) an authorization from the Ministry of Energy and Mines to enlarge the Amistad
mill; and (iii) A user certificate of chemical raw materials and supervised products to be issued
by the Peruvian Police Drug Department.
A report entitled Morococha Operations, Yauli Province, Peru Technical Report, dated
February 2004 (the REI Report), was prepared for the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 by an
independent Qualified Person, as the term is defined in NI 43-101, Donald F. Earnest, P. Geol.,
President of Resource Evaluation Inc. (REI). Certain statements in the following summary of the
Morococha property are based on and, in some cases, extracted directly from the REI Report.
-47-
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The Morococha mine is accessible via Perus paved central highway, by travelling approximately
137 kilometres east of Perus capital city of Lima, then five kilometres south via a public,
all-weather gravel road. Rail service from Lima is also available via a national rail line that
passes adjacent to the Morococha operations.
The topography of the Morococha property is characterized by steep, rugged ridges and peaks
ranging in elevation from 4,400 metres to 4,900 metres above sea level. Vegetation is sparse and
wildlife is limited to mostly birds and small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The climate of the
Morococha district is typical of the Andean Cordillera in Peru, with two distinct seasons wetter
summer months (November through March) and dryer, colder winter months (April through October).
Because all mining currently takes place underground, climate has minimal effect on ore production
at the Morococha property.
Mining has taken place on the Morococha property and nearby areas (Casapalca, Cerro de Pasco)
for more than 100 years, resulting in a well developed regional transportation and power
infrastructure and a large local labour pool. Water for processing is plentiful, and tailings
disposal areas are adequate. Several mine development waste disposal sites exist on the Morococha
property and are sufficient to meet the needs of mining operations. Two existing processing plant
sites are sufficient for all proposed operations.
Royalties and Encumbrances
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, the Morococha property is not subject to any
royalties or encumbrances, other than the mining royalty tax described under Morococha Mine-
Taxation below.
Pan American has estimated the present value final site reclamation costs for the Morococha
property as of December 31, 2006 to be approximately $10.6 million. See Quiruvilca Mine
Royalties and Encumbrances for a description of changes in Peruvian mine closure legislation.
Taxation
The principal taxes of Peru affecting Argentum include income tax, employee profit sharing
taxes, annual fees for holding mineral properties, various payroll and social security taxes, a
refundable value added tax and a Peruvian mining royalty tax.
The Morococha operation generated income tax provisions of approximately $14.1 million, $2.9
million and $1.7 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively. In addition, employee profit sharing
taxes of $3.5 million, $0.8 million and, $0.5 million were generated in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
Morococha sales in 2006 were approximately $84.3 million. Pursuant to Peruvian royalty
regulations, the first $60 million of sales attracted a 1% royalty while the balance attracted a 2%
royalty. The total royalty on Morocochas production amounted to approximately $1.1 million in
2006, $0.4 million in 2005 and $0.2 million in 2004. See Quiruvilca Mine Taxation for a
description of the Peruvian mining royalty tax.
History
Mining began in the region around the Morococha property before 1500, and production has been
continuous in the district since the late 1800s.
Between 1915 and 1918, much of the district was reorganized and incorporated into the Cerro de
Pasco Mining Company (Cerro de Pasco). By 1924, Cerro de Pasco was producing at a rate of 1,500
tonnes per day from primarily copper ores containing 6% copper. Between 1929 and 1934, Cerro de
Pasco excavated the 11.5
-48-
kilometre Kingsmill Tunnel, successfully dewatering all of the Morococha district mine
workings above the 4,020 metre tunnel elevation. The Kingsmill tunnel is still in use and is a
vital feature of the Morococha mining district, providing production access for deeper underground
mining operations that otherwise would have been too challenging and expensive to develop.
In the 1940s, the Gubbins family began operating mines in the Morococha district through
Minera Santa Rita S.A. and Minera Yauli S.A., which were subsequently consolidated in the late
1990s into SMC. Cerro de Pasco continued to operate in the Morococha district until 1974, when its
mines were nationalized by the Peruvian government. Production from the Cerro de Pasco mines in
the district continued under the Peruvian national mining company, Centromin, until 2003, when SMC
acquired these operations from Centromin through privatization.
On January 20, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with 14 arms-length individuals,
estates and companies, all of whom are members of the Gubbins family or entities in which members
of the Gubbins family hold beneficial interests (the Morococha Vendors), to purchase 92.014% of
the voting shares of Argentum, a sociedad anónima organized under Peruvian company law, for
$35,425,390 in cash. Argentum acquired, through a corporate restructuring undertaken under
Peruvian company law, the Anticona and Manuelita mining units and related infrastructure and
processing assets from SMC. At the time of acquisition, Argentum held in its treasury as cash, all
profits earned by SMCs Anticona and Manuelita mining operations since November 1, 2003. The
transaction was subject to regulatory approval and a number of conditions, including: (i) the
completion of the corporate restructuring; (ii) the listing on the Lima Stock Exchange of 100% of
the shares of Argentum, including those issued in connection with the corporate restructuring; and
(iii) Pan American successfully undertaking a public bid for not less than 92.014% of the voting
shares of Argentum through the Lima Stock Exchange.
On February 24, 2004, the Company entered into a further agreement with the Morococha Vendors
to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of Natividad, a corporation organized under
Peruvian company law, which holds mining concessions and operations that are complementary to the
Anticona and Manuelita mining units for $1.5 million in cash. Closing of the acquisitions of
Argentum and Natividad occurred contemporaneously in August 2004, with effect as of July 1, 2004
and in 2005, Argentum amalgamated with Natividad. Argentum made all necessary applications for
delisting its shares from the Lima Stock Exchange and the delisting process was completed in 2006.
In addition, Pan American Peru is currently making a bid to acquire the labour shares in Argentum,
and as at December 31, 2006 the company holds 63.5% of such labour shares. The labour shares were
created as a means through which workers would be able to take part in the companys success (but
do not afford the holders of such shares influence over the decision-making of the company, as they
are non-voting), and are held either by current workers, former workers or by third parties who
have bought labour shares in the free market.
Geology and Mineralization
A 2,000 metre thick Paleozoic-Mesozoic sequence of schists, volcanic rocks and predominantly
carbonate sediments cut by a series of Upper Tertiary intrusions provide the host rocks for the
mineralization in the Morococha district. The structures that account for the majority of the vein
mineralization in the Morococha district trend predominantly northeast to east-northeast.
Mineralization includes epi-mesothermal silver-lead-copper-zinc veins and bedded silver-base metal
replacements or mantos (which together account for the majority of the past and present economic
mineralization at the Morococha property), intrusive-sediment contact skarns, and the quartz
porphyry-hosted Toromocha disseminated copper system. The size and geometry of individual ore
shoots in the veins can range up to 400 metres in length and more than 800 metres down plunge.
Undiluted district vein width averages are on the order of 1.2 metres. Replacement manto
mineralization is generally restricted to receptive stratigraphic horizons where favourable
lithologies are intersected by mineralized veins or are proximal to pre-mineral intrusives. Mantos
can have a significant strike extent where the veins are closely spaced, and can range from less
than one metre in width up to 12 metres. Intrusive contact related skarn bodies, while common
locally, are generally small and irregular, with disseminated rather than massive sulfide
mineralization.
-49-
Ore and gangue mineralogy is similar in veins and mantos but it varies considerably across the
property. Sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite are the most important primary minerals for zinc,
lead and copper and silver is generally present as freibergite (Ag-tetrahedrite) or argentiferous
galena. Gangue generally consists of quartz, calcite, barite and rhodochrosite, the latter having
a strong correlation with higher silver grades.
As with most of the large Peruvian polymetallic deposits, Morococha exhibits a distinct
lateral and vertical metal zonation. A central copper zone centered on the Toromocho copper
deposit grades outward through a lead-zinc-minor silver zone and then into an outermost zone that
is richer in silver but still containing significant lead-zinc contents. There is also a distinct
trend for higher silver grades at higher elevations on the west side of the Morococha property.
Individual silver assays of greater than 2,200 grams per tonne (g/mt) are not uncommon above
4,800 metres in certain areas, and greater than 300 g/mt silver ore grades also are common in the
outer silver-lead-zinc zone above the 4,400 metre elevation in certain areas. In veins that have
been mined over significant vertical extents (such as those in Manuelita), silver grades tend to
decrease as zinc grades increase with depth. However, several of the major veins currently being
mined on the 4,020 metre Kingsmill Tunnel level still contain silver grades in the 200 g/mt to 250
g/mt range. The hydrothermal alteration present at Morococha is typical for central Peruvian zoned
polymetallic deposits.
Exploration
Historically, SMC conducted only minimal exploration in the Morococha district since the late
1990s. However, exploration potential is considered to be excellent throughout the district due to
the significant vertical extent (over 800 metres) of economic veins and the prevalence of multiple
carbonate units favourable for replacement mineralization. Additionally, of the very few drill
holes (less than ten) that tested depth extensions of known veins or mantos below developed ore,
all intersected potentially economic material.
Based on positive exploration results in 2006, the Morococha mine was able to mine 621,620 DMT
during the year, and process 652,571 DMT at the Amistad mill (consuming some of the stockpile
accumulated in 2005). Production volume has increased from Pan Americans expected production
volume of 50,500, DMT per month for 2006 to 54,381 DMT per month average in 2006. Additional
production in 2007 is expected to come from the Codiciada area, where replacement mantos are
amenable to mechanized mining as opposed to more labour intensive vein mining.
Pan American has developed a new long range mine plan and development program for the
Morococha property, based on actual results.
Drilling
SMC utilized surface and underground diamond drilling to test for potential ore-grade
mineralization in the various veins, replacement mantos, and skarn bodies. Once the results of
drilling determined the presence of ore grade mineralization, the vein or manto was accessed by
underground crosscutting and drifting for further exploration and delineation of ore reserves.
Thus, assay data generated by SMCs drilling was seldom used in block grade estimations for mineral
reserves. Since September 2004, exploration at the Morococha property has been conducted using a
combination of diamond drilling and underground drifting. Eight to ten diamond drills are in
continuous operation at the property, drilling AQ, BQ, NQ and HQ sized holes between 50 and 350
metres in length. This is generally followed by underground development. During 2006, 57,184
metres of drilling was conducted (5,504 metres from surface and 51,680 metres from underground),
along with 9,361 metres of drifting for reserve delineation and access. In addition, 4,630 metres of
short holes have been drilled to assist immediate production as delineation of ore bodies, and
40,000 metres of diamond drilling, which includes 7,200 metres of definition drilling, are
programmed for 2007.
-50-
Diamond drill core is split in half, with one half sent for assaying and one half retained in
a secure on-site facility. The veins in the cross-cuts are channel sampled, and a two to three
kilogram sample is sent for analysis.
The mine laboratory conducts a routine internal QA/QC program that includes external check
samples and the routine submission of standards.
Additionally, there is a QA/QC program supervised by the geology department. It includes the
submission of at least 1 certified and blank per day as well as tertiary lab check assays on 2-5%
of the samples and 1-2% of the check samples.
All sampling, whether diamond drilling or cross-cutting, is done under the direct supervision
of the Morococha mine geology department.
Sampling and Analysis
The data used for the estimation of mineral reserves and resources at the Morococha property
consist almost entirely of underground chip channel samples from the backs of drifts, the ribs of
crosscuts, the backs of stopes and the ribs of raises. The samples are taken every 1.0 metre
across the veins or mantos. Stopes are sampled at least once a month on 2.0-metre centers along
strike.
All samples from both the Morococha mine and mill are first run for silver, lead, copper, and
zinc using an atomic absorption (AA) unit. Samples with initial AA analyses for silver greater
than 25 ounces per ton are rerun by fire assay, using assay charges that vary in size from 10 to 15
grams depending on the grade of the initial AA assay (the larger the AA assay value, the larger the
fire assay charge). Wet chemical analysis for lead and zinc is reserved for concentrate samples.
In 2005, Argentum hired a third party laboratory (MINLAB) in order to ensure the appropriate
sampling and analysis standards were applied to the mineral samples obtained from the Morococha
mine. In addition, a LIMS system has been installed in the lab to assure an automated quality
control of standards, blanks and check samples.
Mineral Reserves
Pan Americans management estimates that the proven and probable mineral reserves for the
Morococha property as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morococha Mineral Reserves1,2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
|
% Copper |
|
% Lead |
|
% Zinc |
Proven |
|
|
4,073,423 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
3.84 |
|
Probable |
|
|
2,304,141 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
1.83 |
|
|
|
4.16 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
6,377564 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
1.61 |
|
|
|
3.96 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using prices of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $2,100 per tonne
of zinc, $1,000 per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne of copper. See also
information in this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral Reserve and
Mineral Resource estimate information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for Morococha were prepared under the
supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice
President Geology & Exploration, and Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice-President of
Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons, as that term is defined in NI 43-101. |
-51-
Mineral Resources
Pan Americans management estimates that the mineral resources at the Morococha property as at
December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morococha |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral
Resource Estimate
1,
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
|
% Lead |
|
% Copper |
|
% Zinc |
Measured |
|
|
2,052,231 |
|
|
|
192 |
|
|
|
1.47 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
3.52 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
810,905 |
|
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
1.26 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
2.90 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
9,783,592 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
1.90 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
4.37 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
These resources are in addition to mineral reserves. Calculated
using prices of $9.00 per ounce of silver, $2,100 per tonne of zinc, $1,000
per tonne of lead and $5,000 per tonne of copper. See also information in
this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral Reserve and Mineral
Resource estimate information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for the Morococha mine were
prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann,
P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Geology & Exploration, and Martin G. Wafforn,
P.Eng., Vice-President of Mine Engineering, as Qualified Persons as that term
is defined in NI 43-101. |
Mining
Underground mining operations at the Morococha property consist primarily of typical overhand
cut and fill, shrinkage, and mechanized room and pillar methods using waste rock and tailings for
backfill where needed. Holes are drilled in the mining face using jacklegs which are loaded with
explosives and blasted twice per day between shifts. Mechanized drilling jumbos are used for
drilling the mining face in some of the room and pillar and larger scale development areas.
Slushers are used in the cut and fill and shrink stopes and scoop trams are used in the room and
pillar stopes to transport the broken rock to chutes that report to levels with track haulage.
Locomotives transport the ore from the chutes to one of three shafts for hoisting. Highway dump
trucks then haul the ore from shaft coarse ore bins to mill stockpiles. The mine operates two
eight hour shifts per day, seven days a week.
The Yauli, Maria and Central production shafts provide access down to the Kingsmill drainage
tunnel level at an elevation of 4,020 metres. The Central shaft is located approximately 1,500
metres west of the Maria Shaft and 2,500 metres west of the Yauli shaft. The Maria and Central
shafts are equipped with above ground head frames, hoists and ore bins. The Maria Shaft has a
single split drum hoist with two 2.0-tonne skips. The Central Shaft is larger with two split drum
hoists. One hoist is fitted with two 3.5-tonne skips and the other is used for men and materials.
The Yauli shaft is equipped with two 2.6-tonne skips and its collar is located beneath the surface.
Ore from the Yauli shaft feeds into chutes from where it is then transported by a small locomotive
to an adjacent subsurface truck loading facility. The three shafts have a combined capacity to
support production schedules in excess of 600,000 tonnes per year.
The Morococha property includes the Sacracancha and Amistad process plant facilities that are
separated by approximately five kilometres. Both process plants are conventional selective
flotation facilities capable of producing individual copper, lead, and zinc concentrates. These
flotation concentrates are shipped to third party smelters for final refining. In December 2003,
the Amistad plant became the primary milling facility for all Morococha mine ores and, since 2004,
the Amistad mill has been processing all production at Morococha. Throughout 2005, some of the
Sacracancha equipment was transferred to the Amistad mill. Pan American has been able to repair
and upgrade the Amistad plant, much of which is at least 80 years old, in order to increase the
production and obtain satisfactory metallurgical performance.
Following the completion of the 2006 mine plan, Pan American was able to identify some
additional production opportunities. Extensive exploration and development programs will need to
be conducted during 2007 in order to achieve the Companys long term goals for the mine.
-52-
Milling
During 2006, the Amistad concentrator plant processed 652,571 tonnes (100% basis) of ore in
comparison to the budgeted amount of 605,798 tonnes. The full amount of ore processed in 2006 was
treated through the Amistad mill, while the Sacracancha facility was shut down.
Further improvements made to the reliability of the Amistad mill in 2006 have allowed the
Company to budget for production of 656,772 tonnes in 2007.
Environment
The single largest environmental liability identified at the Morococha mine is the mines
share of the cost of a proposed Kingsmill tunnel water treatment plant which is estimated to cost
$12 $15 million to build. The Kingsmill drainage tunnel discharges between 1.5 to 1.8 cubic
metres per second of water into the Rio Yauli and has been determined to be a significant polluter
according to studies performed in the late 1990s. Morocochas share was defined by a study
completed in 1997 by Water Management Consultants (WMC), which apportioned responsibility for the
costs of the treatment plant as follows: (i) Centromin (72.2%); (ii) Morococha operations (12.3%);
(iii) Soc. Minera Puquiococha (8.5%); (iv) Soc. Minera Austria Duvaz (4.9%); and (v) Minera
Centrominas (2.1%).
The capital and operating costs for the water treatment facility are directly proportional to
both constituent load and flow determined in the 1997 WMC study. Centromin has updated the 1997
WMC study, and the results are under discussion. As part of its due diligence efforts, Pan
American conducted its own sampling of the Kingsmill tunnel discharge. Based on the results of this
sampling, which indicated an improvement to water quality since 1997, it appears unlikely that the
update will materially change the responsibility calculations determined in the 1997 WMC study.
In 2006, Peru Copper, a mining company focussed on developing the Toromocho project adjacent
to Morococha, placed funds into a trust account to fund the design and construction of the proposed
water treatment plant for the Kingsmill Tunnel drainage. The design work has been awarded by Peru
Copper to an internationally recognized engineering firm and it is understood that work on the
plant design has been initiated. Peru Copper has not requested any other parties to contribute to
the funding of the construction of the treatment plant. It is understood that they are interested
in obtaining the rights to use the water for the operation of the proposed mine.
The Huascacocha Lake, which is adjacent to the Morococha mining operations, has been used for
tailings disposal since 1960. WMC completed a study in 2001 to determine what may be required to
mitigate the historical tailings. The WMC plan includes raising the dike to submerge a larger
portion of tailings and covering the remaining beach tailings with topsoil. Construction of the
raise started in late 2005 and was completed in late 2006. With the new raise the facility has the
capacity to store 15 years of tailings production.
In October 2003, the Peruvian government passed legislation requiring active mining operations
to file closure plans within twelve months of the date of passage of the legislation.
Administrative rules associated with this legislation which laid out detailed closure requirements,
including bonding and tax deductibility of reclamation and rehabilitation expenses, were
promulgated in October 2005. These rules required detailed closure plans and cost estimates to be
compiled by a certified third party consultant by October 2006.
In August of 2006 Pan American submitted a comprehensive closure plan for the Morococha Mine
to the MEM in accordance with that ministrys regulations. The closure plan was prepared by third
party consultants registered with the Peruvian authorities as qualified to present closure plans to
the MEM. The closure plan includes a summary of the proposed closure scheme for each of the major
areas of impact such as mine water, tailings areas, wasterock dumps, plant site infrastructure, and
underground mine. A detailed cost estimate was prepared based on Pan Americans and the
consultants experience with closure works over the past 12 years and experience with other
-53-
projects in Peru. As required by the ministry, the costs were summarized in three phases:
concurrent closure, final closure and post closure.
The total estimated cost for the MEM closure plan for Morococha was $6.4 million. This cost
estimate serves as the basis for the calculation of the financial guarantee required by the
ministrys closure plan regulations. In the case where the final closure solution for a specific
facility or area of the mining operation was not precisely definable, due to questions of the
technical feasibility of different alternatives or the potential for yet evaluated alternatives, a
base case cost was estimated for the closure item. This cost estimate was used to avoid any
potential over commitment for the payment of the financial guarantee. For the purpose of the
corporate estimate of closure and reclamation costs, uncertainty of closure solution was managed
with the application of probabilities to potential closure scenarios. The current present value of
closure expenditures at Morococha were estimated including a provision for potential alternative
solutions to the Kingsmill Tunnel water treatment and water management. The current present value
of expenditures is estimated at $10.6 million.
Health & Safety
In May of 2006, a formal safety audit was conducted at the Morococha mine by a third party
consultant and the Director of Safety and Training. In October 2006, supervisory safety training
was conducted at the Morococha mine by a third party consultant.
Capital Expenditures
The 2006 mine plan and development program entailed several capital improvements designed to
increase productivity. In 2006, capital expenditures at the Morococha mine were approximately $10.5
million and consisted of: (i) equipment purchases and replacement totalling $5.7 million; and (ii)
mine development and drilling of $4.8 million.
Morocochass budget for 2007 totals $13.5 million, and includes: (i) mine capital amount of
$5.8 million for mine equipment and development; (ii) diamond drilling totalling $2.5 million;
(iii) process capital amount of $1.5 million for equipment repairs and improvements; and (iv) other
infrastructure and mine camp repairs and improvement for $3.8 million.
Marketing
In the case of zinc concentrates, Morococha has entered into contracts lasting until 2007 with
such traders and refineries as BHL and Trafigura (Cormin). In the case of lead concentrates,
Morococha has a contract with Doe Run Peru for part of the production that lasts through 2007. In
addition Morococha has signed another lead contract with BHL through 2007 for the remainder of the
lead concentrates.
In the case of copper concentrates, Morococha renewed a contract with Doe Run Peru that lasts
until 2008. Morococha also signed a contract with Cormin for 2007 deliveries of copper
concentrates and has made spot sales with Cormin and BHL during 2006.
During 2005, Pan American put out for tender the remaining zinc production from Morococha from
2007 to 2009, which was sold to Votorantim, BHL and Glencore. Also, in 2005, a tender was put out
for the remaining lead production from 2006 to 2007, which was sold to BHL.
-54-
In 2006, the revenue per type of concentrate produced by the Morococha mine was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$38.1 million |
|
|
41,968 |
|
|
$ |
908 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$14.9 million |
|
|
12,955 |
|
|
$ |
1,150 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$32.3 million |
|
|
7,209 |
|
|
$ |
4,481 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of arms length sales to third parties. |
In 2005, the revenue per type of concentrate produced by the Morococha mine was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price per |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$13.2 million |
|
|
39,354 |
|
|
$ |
337 |
|
Lead Concentrate |
|
$ 9.9 million |
|
|
13,043 |
|
|
$ |
758 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$16.6 million |
|
|
4,581 |
|
|
$ |
3,614 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of arms length sales to third parties. |
To date, Pan American has not had any difficulty securing contracts for the sale of
Morococha concentrates.
(vi) San Vicente
Ownership and Property Description
The Company does not consider the San Vicente mine to be a material property for the purposes
of National Instrument 51-102. Pan American has a 55% interest in Pan American Bolivia (PASB), a
Bolivian company that owns a 50% joint venture interest in, and is the operator of, the San Vicente
project. The remaining interest in the joint project is held by Corporación Minera de Bolivia
(COMIBOL), the Bolivian state mining company.
The project consists of 15 mining concessions, totaling 8,159 hectares. PASB has continually
complied with the joint venture agreement (and various addendums thereto), and as a result the
project and the concessions are in good standing. All mining property concessions of the San
Vicente project are in the name of COMIBOL, and contractually PASB is responsible for paying the
yearly mining tenure tax. These payments are currently up to date and are due annually in June.
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The San Vicente silver-zinc mine is located at latitude 21°-16´south and longitude 66°-19´west
in the southern end of Bolivia in the Province of Sud-Chichas, Department of Potosí. The property
is in the Andean High Plateau (Altiplano) at approximately 4,400 metres above sea level with
semi-arid climatic conditions. The land is sterile and rugged and is in a confined valley.
San Vicente is located 460 kilometres south of the city of Oruro and 300 kilometres west of
Tarija. The property is accessible by dirt road 100 km west of the town of Tupiza and 150 km south
of Uyuni. Tupiza is connected to the rail system which serves Bolivia and connects with the ports
of Arica and Antofagasta in Chile. Zinc concentrates are loaded to rail cars in Tupiza and
transported by rail to Antofagasta and silver concentrates are trucked to Arika, Chile.
-55-
The terrain is rough with sparse vegetation. Daytime temperatures range from 4°c in June and
July to 14°c in December and January. The winter months are May to September and nightly
temperature are frequently below zero with extremes of minus 15°c. The rainy season is from
December through February. Average annual rainfall is 190mm. Rain is very uncommon from May to
September as rainfall occurs mainly in the summer months, with up to 20mm per day. As the mining
operations take place underground the climate has minimal effect on ore production. With the
exception of the miners employed at the San Vicente Mine there are very few other inhabitants in
the area.
Royalties and Encumbrances
Pursuant to an option agreement entered into with COMIBOL (which is described in more detail
under San Vicente History), with respect to the development of the San Vicente property, PASB
is obligated to pay COMIBOL a participation fee of 37.5% of the operations cash flow. Once the
commercial production phase of San Vicente begins the COMIBOL participation fee, will be reduced by
75% until PASB recovers its investment in the property. Thereafter the COMIBOL participation fee
will revert back to 100% of the participation fee described above.
To the best of Pan Americans knowledge, neither PASB nor the San Vicente property is subject
to any other royalties or encumbrances.
Taxation
The principal tax of Bolivia affecting PASB is a 25% income tax payable based on the annual
profits of the company. Accumulated losses may be deducted against income tax without any time
restrictions. There are no other significant taxes affecting PASB.
History
There has been sporadic mining activity in the area since colonial times. Initial exploitation
was the mining of oxidized silver from exposed veins. The first written records of mining activity
were in 1820, when the area was named the Guernica Mine. Several different owners operated the mine
from 1911 through 1950. From 1950 until 1952 the mine was operated by the Aramayo Mining Company.
In 1952 the Bolivian government nationalized the mine and placed it under control of COMIBOL.
Following the discovery of new silver and zinc veins in the late sixties, COMIBOL constructed
the Vetillas concentrating plant in 1972 with a capacity of 400 tonnes per day. Only one product, a
zinc concentrate rich in Silver was produced. Mine infrastructure at the site includes an
underground mine, Vetillas flotation mill, power and water supplies, and worker housing.
The mine was operated by COMIBOL until 1993, at which time mining was suspended pending the
privatization of mining in Bolivia. In 1995 the San Vicente Project was offered for a
joint-venture contract by COMIBOL. On June 21, 1999, Pan American signed a joint-venture agreement
(Contrato de Riesgo Compartido) with COMIBOL. At that time, PASB was a 100% subsidiary of the
Company. The mine was maintained by COMIBOL until the joint venture contract was signed.
In late 2001, PASB and COMIBOL, the Bolivian state mining company that optioned the San
Vicente property to Pan American, entered into a two-year toll mining agreement with Empresa Minera
Unificada S. A. (EMUSA), a well-established Bolivian mining company, to process up to 250 tonnes
of San Vicentes ore per day at EMUSAs nearby Chilcobija mill. In late 2005, PASB and COMIBOL
entered into an additional 7 month toll mining agreement with EMUSA to process up to 250 tonnes of
San Vicentes ore per day at EMUSAs nearby
-56-
Chilcobija mill. This toll mining agreement was renewed in 2006, for an additional 18 month
program that is projected to last until late 2008.
In 2003 PASB entered into a share purchase agreement with EMUSA, whereby EMUSA could acquire
up to 49% of the outstanding shares of PASB. This agreement required EMUSA to fund feasibility and
development related expenses to an aggregate of $2.5 million by May 1, 2005. By year end 2004,
EMUSA had invested $2.34 million of the $2.5 million required to vest as a 49% owner of PASB, and
EMUSA indicated it intended to proceed with the remaining investment to acquire a 49% interest.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company negotiated a shareholders agreement with EMUSA and
Trafigura (a minority stakeholder of EMUSA), which agreement contemplated an increase in Pan
Americans share holding in PASB from 50% to 55%. Pursuant to this shareholders agreement, which
was signed in January 2006, EMUSA would hold 40% of the shares of PASB and Trafigura would hold the
remaining 5%.
In July 2006, PASB and COMIBOL renegotiated the terms of the main contract, changing COMIBOLs
participation fee to a fixed percentage participation fee of 37.5% of the operating cash flow. The
contract has a 30 year term. The original contract stated that for PASB to maintain its
participation in the contract it should invest a minimum of $20 million dollars in the San Vicente
project. Pursuant to an amendment to the contract signed in June 2006, PASB committed to build a
new mill, tailings dam and other civil works at San Vicente during an 18 month time period with a
minimum additional investment of $23 million. In addition, PASB committed to present an advance
engineering study, and on January 2007, the study was presented on time and is currently being
reviewed by COMIBOL. Once COMIBOL officially approves the advance engineering study, the 18 month
construction period may start.
Geology and Mineralization
The regional sedimentary sequence consists of a basement of a thin sequence of Paleozoic
marine siliciclastic sediments overlying non continuous cretacous continental sediments, and a
package of thick continental clastics of Tertiary age of the Potoco and San Vicente Formations.
Various thin intrusive volcanic flows with an intermediate composition are also included in the
Tertiary sequence. The Paleozoic sediments were folded before the deposition of the Cretaceous
sediments. Sedimentation in the tertiary basin was controlled during the Upper Oligocene and Lower
Miocene periods by thrust faults to the east and west.
The lithology of the Project area is relatively simple. Included are the fanglomerate facies
of the San Vicente formation which are in contact with Ordovician shales along the San Vicente
fault. The fanglomerate consists of poorly sorted conglomerate with clastic sub angular fragments
of Paleozoic sediments cross cut by quartz veins. The matrix is red in colour and consists of iron
bearing sandstone.
The structural environment of the mine area consists of a series of pre-mineral faults dipping
50-80 degrees and striking west-northwest. They are part of the first and second tension shearing
pattern of structures with an environment of tension running east-west caused by a thrust on the
footwall side of the San Vicente fault.
Mineralization in the district is known to cover an area of 3 by 4 kilometres to a depth of
300 metres. It consists of replacement veins filling pre-existing faults, brecciated conglomerates
in the San Vicente fault and mineralization in dacitic dykes.
Exploration, Drilling, Sampling and Analysis
Feasibility study activities continued in 2004 with 13,919 metres of surface and underground
diamond drilling, 2983 metres of underground development and resampling of historical reserve
blocks for purposes of
-57-
resource definition and exploration. Metallurgical studies were conducted at the TECSUP
laboratories in Peru and results of flotation tests indicated that the +82% zinc and silver
recoveries seen at the EMUSA plant during the year are reasonable feasibility level assumptions.
A scoping study completed in 2000 anticipated that five million tonnes of ore could be
processed through a newly constructed 1,300 tonne per day plant. The results of the exploration
and development activities concluded an indicated resource of approximately half of the amount
anticipated in the scoping study. This result led to a proposal to COMIBOL in November of 2004 for
a renegotiation of Pan Americans investment commitment to the joint venture that would be more
appropriate to the size and character of the ore body. At year-end 2005, COMIBOL was still
considering the proposal. In mid January 2006, Pan American completed and submitted a feasibility
study on the San Vicente Project to COMIBOL.
Mineral Reserves
Pan Americans management estimates that proven and probable mineral reserves at the San
Vicente mine as at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Vicente Mineral Reserves1,2 |
Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
Zn (%) |
Proven |
|
|
1,988,538 |
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
3.85 |
|
Probable |
|
|
1,069,647 |
|
|
|
430 |
|
|
|
2.66 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
3,058,185 |
|
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
3.43 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce
of silver and $2,100 per tonne of zinc. See also information
in this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for San Vicente
were prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by,
Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology &
Exploration, who is a Qualified Persons as that term is
defined in NI 43-101. |
Mineral Resources
Pan Americans management estimates that the measured and indicated mineral resources at San
Vicente as at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Vicente Mineral Resources1,2,3 |
Class Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
Grams of Silver |
|
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
per tonne |
|
Zn (%) |
Measured |
|
|
224,953 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
1.15 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
445,244 |
|
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
3.67 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
531,223 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
2.34 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
These resources are in addition to San
Vicente mineral reserves. |
|
2 |
|
Calculated using a price of $9.00 per ounce
of silver and $2,100 per tonne of zinc. See also information
in this Annual Information Form under the heading Mineral
Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate information. |
|
3 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for San Vicente
were prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by,
Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology &
Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as that term is
defined in NI 43-101. |
-58-
Feasibility Study
Pan American completed and submitted a feasibility study on the San Vicente Project to COMIBOL
in mid January 2006. The objective of the feasibility study was to identify the optimal
configuration to mine and process ore from the San Vicente mine. The feasibility study includes
ore reserve calculations, proposed mining methods and rates, milling options, infrastructure
requirements, capital and economic estimates, as well as socioeconomic and environmental analyses.
One of the more difficult evaluations was the selection of the location of the processing
plant. The initial focus was on the refurbishment of the existing Vetillas mill, which is located
approximately 7 kilometres from the mine. Further evaluation revealed that the best operational
and economic benefits will be derived from constructing a new mill closer to the mine. While the
initial mill capital would be less if the Vetillas mill were to be refurbished, the study concludes
that building a new processing facility closer to the mine more than offsets the increased capital
with savings derived from lower operating costs, tailings disposal and infrastructure costs. The
feasibility compares a refurbished Vetillas plant operating conventionally at 600tpd compared to a
new plant utilizing a SAG mill operating at 750tpd.
Mining
The existing mine was designed and built to extract steeply dipping narrow veins using
conventional shrinkage stoping. Levels were established at 30 to 40 metre intervals and include the
+70, +35, 0, -30, -70, and -110 levels. For reference, the 0 level is at an elevation of 4,440
metres above sea level. The main accesses to the mine are via the San Jose adit at the 0 level and
the San Juan adit on the -30 level. Existing track drift dimensions are 2.4 by 2.3 metres and
therefore mine cars and locomotives are restricted to 40 cubic feet and 6 tonnes respectively.
The discovery by diamond drilling of the extension of the Litoral Zone has provided a wide and
high grade addition to the mine resource base. PASB determined that a significant portion of the
reserve was amenable to lower cost longhole mining, warranting the introduction of longhole mining
methods. Longhole mining will allow a reduction in mine operating costs and will allow a higher
mining recovery of the wider ore zones than could be achieved through shrinkage mining Going
forward, the San Vicente mine intends to utilize underground mining methods consisting of a
combination of shrinkage stoping (continuing with track equipment with ore hoisting through the
Pelayo Shaft) and longhole mining (mechanized equipment with ore extracted utilizing a ramp to
surface).
PASB has conducted several small scale mining programs with ore being treated under toll
milling arrangements at the Chilcobija mill. These programs, conducted under addendums to the
original joint-venture contract signed in 1999, have more than offset the projects holding costs.
COMIBOL receives benefit from the programs by way of royalties paid on net cash flow generated.
During 2003, a total of 108,809 tonnes of ore were processed under the agreement at an average
mill feed grade of 400 g/t silver and 3.45% zinc.
From March through December of 2004 a total of 54,033 tonnes of ore grading 417 g/t silver and
5.79% zinc were mined and tolled. Pan Americans share of the cash flow from the project was an
estimated $766,000.
From July 2005 through February 2006 a total of 48,422 tonnes of ore were mined and 25,427 of
ore grading 307 g/t silver and 3.97% zinc were tolled. 212,270 ounces of silver and 2,151 tonnes
of zinc concentrate were produced (calculated on a 100% basis). 22,995 tonnes of ore were
stockpiled at San Vicente.
-59-
A 150,000 tonne toll program commenced August 2006. The program is anticipated to continue
through February 2007. The 150,000 tonne program addresses the social issue of the miners at San
Vicente and also provides both PASB and COMIBOL with cash flow.
Production for the calendar year 2006 totalled 53,851 tonnes processed of silver and zinc
grades of 326 g/t and 3.44 % respectively. Production on a 100% basis was 481,042 ounces of silver
and 1,463 tonnes of zinc.
Milling
The Vetillas processing plant was constructed by COMIBOL in the early 1970s. The plant and
mine were designed for the extraction and treatment of 400 tonnes of ore per day. COMIBOL operated
the San Vicente mine and Vetillas plant until 1993; at which time mining was suspended pending the
privatization of the mine. The Vetillas Mill has received no maintenance and has not been operated
since.
In mid 2006, PASB entered into a 150,000 tonne toll milling agreement with EMUSA in order to
process ore at EMUSAs Chilcobija facility, for an additional 18 month program that is projected to
last until late 2008.
The feasibility of refurbishing Vetillas as a conventional facility was satisfactory but
the calculated operating costs were high. Vetillas requires significant foundation and structural
repairs and presents significant challenges in the handling of tailings. Evaluation revealed that
the best operational and economic benefits would be derived from constructing a new mill closer to
the mine and proposed tailings impoundment.
The design and construction of a new plant allows for the introduction of automation, advanced
technology and modernization to the process line; resulting in reduced operating costs per tonne
processed, and increased safety for workers. A new plant, utilizing a SAG mill was designed to
process ore at the rate of 750tpd.
Environment
In 2002, in order to conduct small-scale mining and pilot toll milling operations PASB was
required to obtain an Environmental License by means of the acquisition of a Ficha Ambiental (FA)
and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Bolivian Ministry of Environment. This
license was valid for a period of up to four years and pertained to the extraction and treatment of
up to 334 tonnes of ore per day. In February 2005, PSAB filed applications with the Environmental
Authority in order to update the environmental license to allow for an increase in the permitted
volume of ore that could be mined and toll milled at the Chilcobija mill. In June of 2005, the
environmental license was upgraded to allow the mining and processing of 600 tonnes per day.
Compliance with the environmental license requires the following: bi-monthly monitoring of
water, soil and air quality in the San Vicente sector and quarterly monitoring of water, soil and
air quality in the Vetillas sector.
In compliance with the Environmental Regulation for Mining Activities, PASB commissioned MINCO
SRL, a Bolivian consulting firm, to conduct a base line environmental audit (ALBA) of the San
Vicente property, as well as other environmental studies in satisfaction of Bolivian laws and
regulations. The ALBA sets out the present situation of the environment at the project and
identifies environmental liabilities regarding pre-existing waste rock dumps and the environmental
impact on soil, water, vegetation and solid residues caused by previous mining activities conducted
on the property.
The most significant environmental issues currently associated with the San Vicente property
are related to the waste dumps, the need to pump low pH water from the mine, the permanent drainage
from the Pelayo waste rock dump that runs into the San Vicente river, and water discharge from the
San Juan and San Francisco adits.
-60-
In order to remediate environmental hazards or concerns caused by previous owners of the San
Vicente property, PASB will be focussing on and following the recommendations of MINCO outlined in
the Environmental Impact Evaluation Assessment, together with the complementary studies of Health
and Industrial Safety, the Handling of Solid Residues procedures, the Closure and Rehabilitation
Plan and the Contingency Plan. Specifically, PASB is currently taking or expects to implement the
following measures: (i) construction of a passive water treatment plant downstream from the Pelayo
shaft for water being pumped from the mine; (ii) mitigation of waste rock acid drainage generated
by the previous mining activities; (iii) construction of pits for storage of solid residue; (iv)
proper storage of garbage; (v) construction of scrap storage deposit facility; (vi) construction of
a deposit for the storage of waste oil; (vii) installation of a meteorological station in San
Vicente in 2007; and (viii) implementation of a tree planting scheme. The Company has not accrued
any amounts for any prior existing closure costs.
Health & Safety
In November of 2006, a formal safety audit was conducted by a third party consultant, and the
Companys safety staff from its Quiruvilca, Morococha and Huaron mines. In November 2006, new mine
rescue equipment was purchased by San Vicentes mine management, and training on use of the mine
rescue equipment was conducted by the vendor representative.
Marketing
The principal products from the San Vicente mine are silver rich zinc and copper concentrates.
All of these concentrates are sold under contracts to an arms length metals trading company. In
2005 and 2006, these concentrates were sold to Consorcio Minero S.A. (CORMIN) under a contract
which runs until 2010. Under the terms of all of its sales contracts, the San Vicente mine
receives payment for an agreed percentage of the silver, zinc, or copper contained in the
concentrate, after deductions for smelting and refining costs.
During 2006, the gross revenue per type of concentrate produced at San Vicente was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$4.7 million |
|
|
2,764 |
|
|
$ |
1,700 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$4.2 million |
|
|
625 |
|
|
$ |
6,720 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length third parties. |
During 2005, the gross revenue per type of concentrate produced at San Vicente was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Sales Price |
|
|
Revenue1 |
|
Tonnes |
|
per Tonne |
Zinc Concentrate |
|
$0.8 million |
|
|
732 |
|
|
$ |
1,067 |
|
Copper Concentrate |
|
$0.4 million |
|
|
80 |
|
|
$ |
5,029 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Consists of sales to arms length third parties. |
The zinc and copper concentrates produced at San Vicente are highly marketable as they
contain low levels of impurities and high silver content. To date, Pan American has been able to
secure contracts for the sale of the San Vicente mines zinc and copper concentrates.
-61-
(vii) Stockpiles
Pan American transports and sells silver-rich pyrite from existing stockpiles (the
Stockpiles) at a small-scale operation in central Peru. These operations are not material to the
Company.
The Stockpiles were accumulated over several years by Volcan, a Peruvian mining company which
is one of the largest silver producers in the Cerro de Pasco mining district in central Peru.
Until recently, silver could not be extracted from the Stockpiles by standard metallurgical
processes.
On November 8, 2002, Pan American entered into two agreements to acquire the Stockpiles. The
first agreement grants Pan American the right to mine and sell 600,000 tonnes of the highest grade
silver from the Stockpiles to a smelter, where ore is used as process flux and Pan American is paid
for the silver contained. Pursuant to this agreement, as of December 2004, Pan American is
required to pay Volcan 33.3% of the net cash from Stockpile sales, after taxes and costs, once Pan
American generates $4.5 million net cash, after taxes and costs, from Stockpile sales.
A ten-year contract to process the Stockpile material was negotiated with Doe Runs La Oroya
smelter. Production from the Stockpiles in 2004 was 79,451 tonnes of ore resulting in silver
production of 961,869 ounces of silver. During 2005, 61,499 tonnes of ore were sold resulting in
692,381 ounces of silver. During 2006, 58,016 tonnes of ore were sold resulting in 566,383 ounces
of silver.
The second agreement gives Pan American the option to acquire a 60% ownership in a number of
other Stockpiles by spending $2 million on exploration over three years, with a further option to
increase its interest to 100% by paying $3 million plus a production royalty within the subsequent
12 months. Pursuant to this agreement, Pan American may exercise the option until the end of 2006.
Volcan questioned the validity of the option agreement on, among other things, the basis that the
agreement was not properly executed by an authorized representative of Volcan. Pan American
exercised the option in December 2006, and in January 2007, Volcan denied Pan Americans exercise
of its option, on the basis that the original agreement between the parties was extinguished before
an addenda extending the option was in place, that Pan American did not comply with its
investment/expenditures obligations and that the addenda to the option was signed by an
unauthorized representative. Pan American believes that the agreement, together with the addenda
and other general agreement, are valid and enforceable, and that it has exercised its option as per
the agreement between the parties. Pan American intends to seek arbitration to resolve the dispute
between Pan American and Volcan regarding the option on the pyrites stockpiles. If Pan American is
unsuccessful in the arbitration or is otherwise unable to resolve the dispute with Volcan, Pan
American may lose its interest in the inferred resources disclosed in the Stockpile Mineral Reserve
and Resources table below.
-62-
The Companys management has estimated mineral reserves and resources at the Stockpiles, as at
December 31, 2006, to be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockpile
Mineral Reserves and Resources1 |
|
Reserve or Resource Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grams of Silver per Tonne |
Probable Reserve |
|
|
294,359 |
|
|
|
292 |
|
Inferred Resource1,2 |
|
|
21,337,000 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Mineral resource estimates were prepared and
calculated in 2002 by a third party contractor, Consultora Minera
Anglo Peruana S.A., and are contained in a report prepared by
that company entitled Cubicacion de Recursos Stockpiles de
Piritas. In preparing the report, Consultora Minera Anglo
Peruana considered the results from 63 holes and 696 related
samples, which were analyzed at the Huaron laboratory. The
mineral reserve and resource estimates were prepared under the
supervision of, or were reviewed by Michael Steinmann, P. Geo.,
Senior Vice-President Geology and Exploration, as Qualified
Person as that term is defined in 43-101. |
|
2 |
|
Pan Americans interest is derived pursuant to
an option agreement with Volcan. Volcan recently denied Pan
Americans right to exercise its option over the Stockpiles and
is disputing the validity and enforceability of the option. It is
Pan Americans intention to seek arbitration to resolve this
matter. The dispute does not affect the Companys interest in the
probable reserves at the Silver Stockpiles, which is governed by
a separate agreement. |
B. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
(i) Manantial Espejo
Ownership and Property Description
On April 12, 2006, Pan American completed the acquisition from Silver Standard Resources Inc.
(SSR) of that companys 50% joint venture interest in the Manantial Espejo project, which is
located in southern Argentina. As a result of the acquisition, Pan American became 100% owner of
the project. The project is being operated through two Argentine companies, Minera Triton Argentina
S.A. (MTA) and Compania Minera Alto Valle S.A. (Alto Valle).
The Manantial Espejo property consists of 17 mineral concessions granted by the Mining
Authority of the Province of Santa Cruz to MTA and Alto Valle, covering a total of 25,533 hectares
and extending approximately 36 kilometres east-west and 19 kilometres north-south. The mineral
concessions forming Manantial Espejo are, by law, subject to minimum expenditure requirements with
respect to which Pan American had entered an alternate agreement with the government of Argentina,
such agreement Pan American believes that MTA has continuously been in compliance with. The good
standing of the mineral concessions held by each of MTA and Alto Valle, and which make up the
Manantial Espejo property, were confirmed by the Mining Authority of Santa Cruz in February 2006.
In March 2006, the Argentine government approved the Environmental Impact Statement submitted to it
by Pan American, effectively recognizing MTA and Alto Valles title to the property and authorizing
construction of the mine. In April 2006 initial mine development activities were initiated.
The property includes ownership of 3 surface properties purchased by MTA to facilitate support
and improve the performance of its mining and exploration activities. These surface rights cover an
area of 43,207 hectares and at this time all mining and processing related activities occur within
these properties.
-63-
Location, Access, Climate and Infrastructure
The Manantial Espejo property is located in the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, centered at
the geographical coordinates of 69º 30 west longitude and 48º 46 south latitude. The nearest
major city is Puerto San Julian, located on the Atlantic coast, 160 kilometres east of the
property. Puerto San Julian has a population of 5,500. The main access is via the provincial Route
25, a wide gravel secondary road that connects the project with Puerto San Julian. Access to the
site is by an 8 kilometre gravel road off provincial highway Route 25.
The climate at the project area is dry to arid continental. The average monthly temperatures
vary between 1°C (June and July) and 15°C (January and February). This area of Argentina is well
known for fierce westerly winds, particularly from August to October when westerly daily winds can
gust to between 120 to 170 kph. The highest average monthly precipitation at Manantial Espejo
occurs in the month of June, with 21 mm. Snow frequently accumulates on site between June and
August, and infrequent snowfall events can range up to about 50 mm or more based on limited data.
The topography of the region is generally characterized by relatively low-lying mesas with
broad flat valleys, containing no, or poorly developed, drainage channels. To the north, the
Deseado massif area is characterized by bedrock knolls and hills of moderate relief, with
interspersed deflationary (probably wind-eroded) basins, containing flat-bottomed playas and
often ephemeral shallow ponds and lakes with internal drainage. The project site is extremely arid
and has very limited development of soils and vegetation. The elevation of the project site is
situated between 350 and 400 metres above sea level. The southern portion of the site is dominated
by a broad, flat valley known as the Pampa which trends east-southeast and lies between the Deseado
Massif to the north and a volcanic plateau to the south. Both the Pampa and the mesa on the
southern portion of the camp are largely formed of Tertiary and Quaternary glacially-derived gravel
and cobble deposits.
In April 2006 Pan American initiated development activities at the site consisting of
installation of mine dewatering wells, access road improvements, and preparation of the Maria West
underground access ramp. By year-end, the project site has been prepared for construction which
includes the access road, numerous mine dewatering and piezometer water wells, a weather station,
fully developed portal and 108 metre Mario West underground access ramp, temporary underground mine
equipment maintenance facility, and a box cut for collaring the Melissa underground ramp. In
addition, there are surface properties which include a ranch house with cafeteria, communications
equipment, core processing and storage facilities, and dormitories.
In March 2006 MTA signed an agreement with the Federal Government of Argentina and the
Province of Santa Cruz to bring grid electrical power to the town of Gobernador Gregores. This
powerline will also provide power for the Manantial Espejo project at the Argentine Industrial
tariff rates. The Company believes this powerline installation will be sufficient for the
requirements of the development of the project. The Company also believes that the mine dewatering
requirements will provide sufficient water for the planned development of the project.
During the operational phase of the project, it is estimated that approximately 400 direct
work positions will be required. Given the extreme sparse population of the region, the Company is
undertaking extensive human resource development of the potential workforce in the region, the
Province, and at the national level in addition to recruiting experienced personnel necessary for
the development and eventual operation of the mine.
Royalties and Encumbrances
Production from the Manantial Espejo property is subject to royalties to be paid to Barrick
according to the following: (i) 60 cents per metric tonne of ore mined from the property and fed to
process at a mill or leaching facility with a maximum of 1 million tonnes; and (ii) one-half of one
percent (0.5%) of net smelter returns derived from the production of minerals from the property.
-64-
In addition, MTA is required to negotiate a royalty payable to the Province of Santa Cruz
essentially applied against the operating cash flows of the project, which is dependent on the
degree of metal extraction at the site up to a maximum of 3% operating cash flow.
No reclamation bond is currently required for mining operations in Argentina. A preliminary
reclamation plan was developed for the project and included in the Environmental Impact Statement
submitted to the Argentine Government during 2006. This plan will be updated as required.
Manantial Espejos future environmental liability at December 31, 2006 has been estimated by the
Company at $0.8 million.
History
Reconnaissance exploration on the Manantial Espejo property was first carried out in the 1970s
by the Argentinean government and in 1989, ownership of the original interest in the mineral
properties constituting the Manantial Espejo project was acquired by Mr. Roberto Schupbach.
Pursuant to an agreement entered into in 1991 between Mr. Schupbach and Compania Minera San Jose
S.A. (a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Joe Minerals), Mr. Schupback sold his mineral property
rights to Minera San Jose. Later in the same year, St. Joe Minerals was acquired by Lac Minerals,
and then in 1994 Barrick Exploraciones Argentina S.A. acquired Lac Minerals and assumed ownership.
In 1996, Triton Mining Corporation (Triton) entered into an option agreement with Barrick to
earn the right to acquire an 80 percent interest in the project for a total cost of $2,500,000,
such right Triton then assigned to its wholly owned subsidiary Minera Triton Argentina S.A.
(MTA).
In 1998, MTA completed making the required payments under the option agreement. Barrick and
MTA subsequently incorporated Compania Minera Alto Valle for the purpose of holding beneficial
title to the properties, and pursuant to a shareholders agreement, Barrick held 20 percent and MTA
held 80 percent of the shares of Alto Valle, respectively, and MTA was designated operator of the
project.
In 1998, Blackhawk Mining Inc. (Blackhawk) purchased all of the issued shares of Triton,
which was a public company with shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Also, in 1998, Silver Standard Resources (SSR) entered into an option agreement with Triton,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackhawk, to acquire a 50% interest in MTA. Then, in April of 2001,
SSR acquired Barricks 20% interest in Alto Valle (2,400 shares), half of which it agreed to sell
to Blackhawk in consideration for an interest in an unrelated mining venture.
In 2002, SSR acquired Tritons remaining 50% interest in MTA, as well as Blackhawks 1,200
shares in Alto Valle. Concurrently, SSR agreed to sell to Pan American 50% of the shares of MTA and
half of its shares (1,200) it held in Alto Valle directly. The Company acquired this 50% interest
in the project for a purchase price of $1,912,433, which consisted of a cash payment in the amount
of $662,433 and a transfer of 231,511 common shares in the capital of the Company valued at
$1,250,000. In addition, the Company agreed to pay 50% of $200,000 in order to eliminate a 1.2% net
smelter return royalty payable by SSR to Blackhawk and agreed to fund the first $3 million of joint
venture expenditures following the issuance of a production notice. In March 2006, the Company
negotiated and entered into a purchase agreement with SSR to acquire SSRs 50% interest in MTA and
Alto Valle, respectively, thus becoming a 100% owner of the Manantial Espejo project.
In March 2006, Pan American completed a Feasibility Study and 43-101 Technical Report for the
Manantial Espejo Project based upon the revised resource model, combination open pit and
underground mine plan, and a conventional milling and leaching circuit. A number of consulting
firms were engaged to collaborate on the
-65-
study, including M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, Geologic Resource Specialists,
Snowden Mining Industry Consultants, and Ground Water International S.A.C.
In March 2006, the Companys board of directors approved a $130.4 million project to construct
and initiate operations of the Manantial Espejo mine. Simultaneously, the Company received
approval of the Environmental Impact Statement from the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina and signed
an agreement with the Federal Government of Argentina and the Province of Santa Cruz to bring grid
electrical power to the town of Gobernador Gregores with a sub-connection to Manantial Espejo.
In April 2006, the Company completed the purchase of SSRs 50% Joint Venture interest in the
Manantial Espejo project for 1.95 million common shares of the Company. Pursuant to the purchase,
the Company acquired 100% interest in MTA and Alto Valle, respectively, thus becoming a 100% owner
of the Manantial Espejo project.
In June 2006, MTA entered an agreement with Ausenco International Pty Ltd of Queensland,
Australia to complete Basic Engineering Design and long lead item procurement services for the
processing plant and site infrastructure components of the Project. By year-end 2006, MTA was in
negotiations with Ausenco to extend these services to an EPCM agreement for the project. In
addition, MTA entered into an agreement with Montgomery Watson Harza of Buenos Aires, Argentina to
provide EPCM services for the tailings pond. By year-end 2006 detailed design had been completed
and initial site preparation had begun. In April 2006 mine development activities were initiated.
Activities during 2006 included the following: (i) construction of project access and other
critical mine construction roads; (ii) upgrade and expansion of the existing man-camp to support
early construction; (iii) completing additional water exploration and installation of production
mine supply and dewatering wells; (iv) Maria West underground portal and initial ramp development;
(v) Melissa portal development, and the installation of a temporary mine equipment shop and
warehouse facilities; (vi) purchase of all major underground and open pit mine equipment; (vii)
recruitment of experienced management and operational staff who successfully initiated underground
development at the Maria West and Melissa deposits; (viii) finalization of project infrastructure
designs and solicitation of construction proposals; (ix) initiation of construction of a 30 home
and a 12 unit apartment complex in Gobernador Gregores to support mine development and long term
operations; (x) expanded administrative offices in Gobernador Gregores to support project
construction; and (xi) award of major construction camp, camp catering and construction supply
contracts.
Geology and Mineralization
Silver and base metal mineralization in the Manantial Espejo district is spatially and
geotechnically related to a large bimodal igneous province, the Deseado Massif, which is dominated
by acid volcanics and their resedimented products of the Chon Aike and La Matilde Formations (Upper
Jurassic), and andesites of the Bajo Pobre Formation (Middle Jurassic). The older volcanics form
the basement unit and are locally mineralized. The Chon-Aike and La Matilde Formations host
mineralization, which occurs at the faulted contacts of volcanic facies as well as at contacts of
volcanic stages.
The ore deposits at the Manantial Espejo project are predominantly veins having short strike
slip and larger down dip displacements. Styles of mineralization include massive quartz veins, vein
breccias, sheeted and stockwork veining, and minor dissemination. Quartz is the main infill
mineral, displaying distinctive textures indicating the overprinting of hydrothermal events which
occurred in the area.
Mineralization is interpreted as occurring at the intersection of west-northwest trending
fault zones and arcuate structures that could be related to a possible volcanic center. Gold occurs
mainly as electrum in pyrite while the silver occurs in a number of forms including argentiferous
galena and silver sulphosalts. Sulfides account for up to 3 to 5% of the rock mass as veinlets and
disseminations.
-66-
Mineralization at Manantial Espejo is hosted in four main veins: the Maria Vein,
Karina/Union Vein, Melissa Vein and Concepcion Vein. The majority of the mineralization outlined
to date is in the Maria Vein. The vein is a thick multiphase silica vein exposed on surface for
more than 1.0 kilometre and has been intersected at a depth of up to 275 metres. This vein
averages 7.8 metres in true thickness width ranging from 0.63 metres to 20 metres. The vein is
open to the east and at depth.
The Maria Vein exhibits two quartz textures; older quartz which may also contain grey silica,
amethyst and vuggy quartz and younger sulphide-rich vein quarts breccia that often crosscuts the
earlier vein and carry fragments of it. Sulphide content is low and is primarily three to five
percent pyrite. Minor amounts of galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite and
covellite have been observed. The Maria vein structure shows excellent continuity, with little
evidence for significant transverse fault offsets. Combined outcrop and drill data show vein
continuity over 1,000 metres along strike and over 250 metres along dip. Ore-grade mineralization
of the vein is less continuous. Open pit ore-grade zones measure tens to hundreds of metres in
longitudinal dimension. Underground ore-grade zones measure tens of metres in longitudinal
dimension, with over 100 metres of vertical extent in the Maria West area. Variograms and
correlograms indicate mineralization continuity on the order of fifty (50) to one hundred (100)
metres for both gold and silver.
Silver occurs as electrum along with minor amounts of argentite, acanthite, sulfosalts, and
prousite-pyrargerite. Gold occurs as electrum inclusions contained in pyrite. Very minor visible
gold in the 200-micron size has been observed in drill core along goethite-coated fractures.
The Karina/Union Vein is exposed on surface for a distance of 850 metres and has been drilled
to a depth of 150 metres. The host rocks, alteration and mineralogy of the vein is similar to the
Maria Vein. Several interconnected high grade silver-gold epithermal veins produce drill
intersections in excess of 20 metre true widths.
The Melissa Vein has a faint surface expression that rarely outcrops. The trend of the 1.5 to
2.5 metre-wide high-grade silver-gold epithermal Melissa system has an 80 degree strike with a
steep northerly dip. The mineralization and host geology is very similar to that encountered at
the Maria Vein. Structurally, Melissa is thought to be the extensional component to the Maria
shear system. The Melissa Vein has been defined by drill holes along a 300 metre strike length and
200 metre down dip.
The Concepcion Vein is a single quartz vein. Mineralization occurs over a strike length of
600 metres and is open at depth and at both ends. The host rocks, mineralogy and alteration are
similar to the other veins on the property.
Exploration, Drilling, Sampling and Analysis
Reconnaissance exploration on the Manantial-Espejo property was first carried out in the 1970s
by the Argentinean government.
Exploration on the property was advanced in 1996 by Barrick, which completed 62 diamond drill
holes on the property totaling 9,653 metres on the Maria Vein. In 1997, an additional forty two
core drill holes were completed totaling 6,795 metres and Kilborn Engineering Pacific Ltd.
(Kilborn) was retained to prepare a pre-feasibility study for the construction of an open pit
mine and cyanidation mill processing facility to treat and recover silver and gold from the Maria
Vein resource.
Drilling on the Manantial Espejo property has been accomplished using diamond core, reverse
circulation and wagon drilling. For the entire Manantial property, this drilling totals 1,043 drill
holes and approximately 93,867 metres. The diamond core samples were considered to be of superior
quality and representative of the deposits. Therefore, with the exception of five reverse
circulation holes in Maria, recent resource modeling evaluations have
-67-
been based upon core samples from 662 diamond drill holes representing approximately 65,896
metres. The typical core sampling procedure is to half-saw the HQ core after descriptive geological
and geotechnical logging. Half of the core is submitted for analysis, while the remaining half is
stored on the Manantial Espejo site.
All MTA core has been HQ diameter (approximately 6cm), with the exception of re-entry into
Barrick holes for deepening, for which NQ diameter was used. Diamond drill holes are located and
oriented by geologists in the field to obtain drill spacing in the 25 to 50 metre range on vein,
with the closer spacing in the higher grade zones.
Project drilling, sample handling, assaying, data handling, and resource modeling were
reviewed in April 2001 on behalf of SSR by Pincock, Allen, and Holt (PAH), mining consultants, who
found that assaying and security procedures to date had been carried out according to accepted
industry standards using accepted practices.
In 2003, a 4,472 metre diamond drilling program was completed in the Maria and Karina-Union
veins focusing on gathering geotechnical stability data.
In 2005, MTA completed 20,832 metres (187 holes) of additional diamond core and RC drilling to
in-fill selected areas of known resources, investigated potential for economic mineralization
outside of the current resource area, continued the water exploration program, and improved the
geotechnical database for the feasibility tailings design. In 2006, a further 1,525 metres of
diamond drilling were completed with 800 metres of that total for exploration and condemnation
drilling and the remainder for geotechnical holes. RC drilling was conducted for water supply wells
and for the mine dewatering both as part of the construction program.
Manantial Espejo drilling data are used for metals exploration, resource modeling,
geotechnical studies, metallurgical studies, and hydrological exploration/studies.
Mineral Reserves
A reserve summary by open pit bench was derived for each pit by extracting the pit volume out
of the appropriate resource block model. Dilution was applied according to the mining method to be
used. The open pit reserve was derived from the resource block model diluted for open pit mining.
The underground reserve was derived from the resource block model diluted for the appropriate
underground mining method. Underground reserves were extracted from these models by summarizing
within the designed stoping panels. Any wall rock outside of the diluted wireframe or any inferred
resource occurring within the underground stope volume was assigned zero grade.
For the underground portion of the reserve, the Measured Mineral Resource was converted to a
Probable Mineral Reserve. This is because there has not been an opportunity to confirm the
assumptions made for stoping methods by direct observation from underground development. The
geotechnical assumptions in particular are very important to the stoping method selection and for
the amount of ground support that will be required in the development. Although it is believed that
reasonable assumptions have been made based on experience, sound analysis and observation of the
diamond drill core, there remains some degree of uncertainty in the stoping and development cost
assumptions that would be realized by being able to make first hand observation on a larger scale
underground operation.
-68-
Manantial Espejo Mineral Reserves 1, 2,3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grams of Silver per Tonne |
|
Grams of Gold per Tonne |
Proven |
|
|
3,489,410 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
2.05 |
|
Probable |
|
|
3,701,109 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
2.66 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
7,190,519 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated as at December 31, 2006 using prices of $9.00 per ounce of
silver, $525 per ounce of gold |
|
2 |
|
Mineral reserve estimates for Manantial Espejo were prepared under the
supervision of, or were reviewed by Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Vice President of Mine
Engineering, who is a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101. |
|
3 |
|
For all ores at Manantial Espejo the metallurgical recovery of the
plant was assumed to be 93.57% for silver and 94.25% for gold. Payable amounts in the
doré product of the mine are assumed to be 99.75% for silver and 98.87% for gold. The
cut off grade applied for all open pit ores was 73 g/t. The nominal cutoff used to
define underground Maria longhole stoping ore was 160gpt AgEq. The nominal cutoff used
to define underground Maria and Melissa shrinkage stoping ore was 194gpt AgEq. The
nominal cutoff used to define underground Concepcion cut and fill stoping ore was 210gpt
AgEq. In all underground reserves, stoping blocks were visually defined using the cited
cutoffs with a long section display of silver equivalent grade. However, once the
stopes were defined, all recovered material inside of the stopes was defined as ore,
regardless of grade. In all cases, the value ratio used to determine silver
equivalency was 59.787. This ratio and the cutoffs were determined by the same method
as in the feasibility study, using feasibility costs, payables, taxes, royalties, and
metallurgical recoveries. However, all of the input values were revised to match the
final results of the feasibility, with the exception of Gold and Silver sales prices,
which were $525 and $9.00 respectively. |
Mineral Resources
Pan Americans management estimates that mineral resources at Manantial Espejo as at December
31, 2006 are as follows:
Manantial Espejo Mineral Resources1,2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
Grams of Silver per Tonne |
|
Grams of Gold per Tonne |
Measured |
|
|
1,806,990 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
2,287,968 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
0.84 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
2,522,819 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
1.04 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Calculated as at December 31, 2006 using a price of $9.00 per ounce
of silver and $525 per ounce of gold. |
|
2 |
|
Mineral resource estimates for Manantial Espejo were prepared
under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Senior
Vice President Geology & Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as that term is
defined in NI 43-101. |
Mining
The optimum mine plan approach for the Manantial Espejo project consists of a combination of
open pit surface and underground mining methods. The surface mining method proposed for the ore is
conventional open pit mining using currently owned 54 tonne off road trucks and a mix of front end
rubber tired loaders and track loading equipment. The considerable variation in dip and thickness
of the various mineralized zones throughout the property require a number of different underground
mining methods to be utilized to maximize the profitability and recovery of the mineral resources.
The proposed underground mining operation consists of either long-hole, cut & fill, or shrinkage
methods depending on vein geometry and accessibility. Essentially all the major open pit and
underground mine equipment had been secured and either delivered, or in transit, by the end of
2006. A few of the minor support equipment needs for the mines will be procured in 2007.
-69-
In some areas, it is proposed that the open pits will also be used for underground access via
in-pit portals. In the design, the open pits will be excavated using five (5) metre high,
horizontal benches. Ore and waste will be transported out of the pits by truck haulage via ramps
built into the walls of the pits. Truck haulage will continue from the open pit ramp exit points on
surface roads leading to waste dumps and the primary crusher ore feed stockpile. Open pits will be
constructed for portions of the Maria, Karina-Union, and Concepción deposits. The proposed Maria
pit is sub-divided into three (3) sub-pits.
A total of 5 portals and associated declines will be required to access all of the underground
mining reserves. Two are required for the Maria main structure, being Maria West and Maria East.
Two are required for the Concepcion area. One is required for Melissa.
Processing
Ore from the Manantial Espejo deposits will be treated by conventional crushing, SAG/Ball mill
grinding, bulk gravity concentration, intensive gravity concentrate agitation leaching, thickening,
agitated cyanide leaching of the gravity tailings slurry, counter-current-decantation (CCD)
thickening, Merrill Crowe zinc precipitation, sulfur dioxide cyanide neutralization, conventional
pulp tailings disposal and conventional silver and gold doré bar production from melting of the
Merrill Crowe precipitate. The nominal treatment rate will be 2,000 tonnes per day of ore on a
24-hour per day schedule.
Procurement of the long-lead plant SAG mill and ball mill was initiated and a few minor pieces
of used equipment were secured in 2006. The basic engineering of the plant and site infrastructure
was completed and detailed engineering initiated during 2006 in preparation to begin construction
activities in early 2007.
Metallurgy
Process testing of ore from the deposits have validated the proposed treatment method and
determined key processing parameters. Representative drill core samples from 76 drillholes were
used in metallurgical testing of the ore bodies. Grindability tests were completed on near surface
trench samples and select core samples. Gravity separation and cyanidation testing performed by
Lakefield Research of Lakefield, Ontario, Canada produced data was used as the basis for the
metallurgical performance target of a commercial operation. Final flowsheet development and
optimization testing was conducted on six individual samples and four composites; Karina-Unión and
Maria Global, Melissa and Concepción.
Independent third parties have been involved with various aspects of the project metallurgical
evaluations.
The following test data was analyzed by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation in support of
flowsheet development.
|
|
|
Bottle Roll Whole Ore Cyanidation Leach |
|
|
|
|
Apparent Bulk Density |
|
|
|
|
Grinding |
|
|
|
|
Flotation |
|
|
|
|
Settling |
|
|
|
|
Filtration |
|
|
|
|
Gravity Concentration |
|
|
|
|
Electrowinning |
|
|
|
|
Thickening |
|
|
|
|
Hardness |
|
|
|
|
Abrasion |
|
|
|
|
Gravity Concentrate Leach |
|
|
|
|
Gravity Tail Leach |
-70-
Testwork was completed to evaluate several processing methods. All available test data was
compiled into one database for review by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation. Testwork not
representative of the selected process was excluded from the M3 review, i.e., flotation. Testwork
included in this review includes 46 gravity separation tests and 127 bottle roll cyanidation tests.
Of the 127 bottle roll tests 55 were completed on whole ore samples, 32 on gravity concentrate
samples, and 40 on gravity tails samples. This testing adequately characterizes the metallurgical
variability of the deposits. The test data was arranged by ore deposit (Maria, Karina-Unión,
Melissa, and Concepción).
Results of the test work give the following optimum plant operating parameters:
|
|
|
Grind size P80 = 105 µm |
|
|
|
|
Weight to concentrate= 21% |
|
|
|
|
Concentrate regrind size P80 = 53 µm |
|
|
|
|
Concentrate leach NaCN concentration => 2-2.5 g/L |
|
|
|
|
Concentrate leach pH = 10.5-11 |
|
|
|
|
Concentrate leach retention time => 144 hours |
|
|
|
|
Tails leach NaCN concentration => 1.5-2.0 g/L |
|
|
|
|
Tails leach pH = 10.5-11 |
|
|
|
|
Tails leach retention time => 76 hours |
The reagent consumptions were:
|
|
|
Karina-Unión 0.4-0.5 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Maria 0.6-0.8 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Melissa 0.7 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Concepción 0.6 kg/ t ore |
|
|
|
Karina-Unión 0.7-0.8 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Maria 0.6-0.8 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Melissa 0.5 kg/t ore |
|
|
|
|
Concepción 0.5 kg/ t ore |
Based on the results of the test work the following recoveries can be expected for the Project ores:
|
|
|
Silver recovery 93.6% |
|
|
|
|
Gold recovery 94.2% |
Metallurgical Ore Recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Au |
|
Ag |
Mine Head Grades (gpt) |
|
|
2.82 |
|
|
|
189 |
|
Gravity Recovery (%) |
|
|
58.3 |
|
|
|
60.2 |
|
Concentrate Leach Extraction (%) |
|
|
99.2 |
|
|
|
99.4 |
|
Gravity Tail Leach Extraction (%) |
|
|
88.6 |
|
|
|
85.3 |
|
Overall Extraction (%) |
|
|
94.8 |
|
|
|
93.8 |
|
Soluble Loss (%) |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Overall Recovery (%) |
|
|
94.2 |
|
|
|
93.6 |
|
-71-
Economic Analysis and Payback
The total project capital cost, stated in 4th quarter 2005 US dollars, based on a fixed
Argentine Peso to US dollar exchange rate of 3:1, and excluding any considerations for escalation
is estimated to be $130.4 million and has been developed by a combination of sources and
consolidated by the Company. A break-down of the estimated capital as disclosed in the 43-101
Technical Report for Manantial Espejo Project dated March 31, 2006, other than the working capital
estimate that has been updated by the Company, is provided in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
Initial Capital |
|
(k-$) |
|
Pre-Stripping/Develop |
|
$ |
6,897 |
|
Open Pit Mine |
|
$ |
8,984 |
|
Underground Mine |
|
$ |
6,630 |
|
Plant |
|
$ |
47,743 |
|
Infrastructure |
|
$ |
17,274 |
|
Tailings |
|
$ |
3,469 |
|
Owners Cost |
|
$ |
10,017 |
|
Commissioning |
|
$ |
2,671 |
|
EPCM Administration |
|
$ |
2,250 |
|
Spare Parts & Initial Fill |
|
$ |
3,332 |
|
Working Capital |
|
$ |
3,094 |
|
|
Sub-total |
|
$ |
112,361 |
|
VAT Tax |
|
$ |
18,070 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
$ |
130,431 |
|
|
Estimate includes $8,914k in contingency.
Construction is expected to take approximately 15 to 18 months with completion expected in
mid-2008.
Environment & Permitting, Health & Safety
Montgomery Watson Harza, MWH Global Inc. (MWH) performed an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) for the project as required under the laws of the Province of Santa Cruz and the Argentine
Republic. The EIA includes all the items required under Argentine legislation, including a detailed
report of the base line and the consulting steps taken with regard to the community and the
authorities. The EIA performed for the project has not identified any severe environmental impact
that could compromise its feasibility from the environmental viewpoint.
The identified environmental impacts set out in the EIA are in almost all cases low to
moderate and can be reasonably mitigated by the Environmental Care and Management Plan attached to
the project. The balance between the unwanted effects that could arise by implementing the project,
against the local benefits that would be obtained, is favourable to the performance of the project.
The EIA, mine design, tailing design, utility company interface, and water development studies
have been completed and the EIA was submitted to the Provincial Government in Argentina in November
2005 for its review. In March 2006, Pan American obtained clearance from the Province of Santa
Cruz, Argentina, for the EIA. In addition, Pan American entered into an agreement with the Federal
Government of Argentina and the Province of Santa Cruz to bring grid electrical power to the town
of Gobernador Gregores with a subconnection to Manantial Espejo.
MTA has been granted all of the requisite environmental permits necessary to proceed with
development of the property. It is anticipated that an update of the EIA will be carried out in
2008 in order to identify any changes made to the proposed mine development. The estimated present
value of expenditures at December 31, 2006 was $0.8 million.
Manantial Espejo has recorded 0 lost time accidents to date.
-72-
Capital Expenditures
The capital cost estimate for construction of the Manantial Espejo mine totals approximately
$131 million. Total commitments to December 31, 2006 were $42.1 million, including project
expenditures of $23.5 million,
C. INVESTMENT AND RESOURCE PROPERTIES AND EXPENDITURES
Pan American owns interests in investment and resource properties in Mexico and the United
States. A brief description of the most advanced of these properties follows:
(i) United States Investment Properties
Pan American owns interests in two investment properties in the United States, neither of
which are material to the Company. A brief description of the resources of these properties
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property |
|
Location |
|
Historical Estimates |
|
Tonnes |
|
g/mt Ag |
Hog Heaven1 |
|
Montana |
|
Unclassifed2 |
|
|
2,705,000 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
Hog Heaven1 |
|
Montana |
|
Unclassified3 |
|
|
7,639,000 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
Waterloo4 |
|
California |
|
Unclassified4 |
|
|
33,758,000 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
The historical estimate for Hog Heaven was calculated by Gregory
Hahn, Chief Geological Engineer for CoCa Mines Inc., a previous owner of the
property, in a report titled Hog Heaven Project Optimization Study dated
May 1989, prior to implementation of National Instrument 43-101, Standards
of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). The historical estimate
was based on extensive diamond drilling, and was calculated using a silver
price of $6.50 per ounce and a gold price of $400 per ounce (these were
relevant prices at the time of the calculation). Michael Steinmann, P.Geo.,
Qualified Person for the Company, has reviewed the available data, including
drill sections, surface maps, and additional supporting information sources,
and believes that the historic calculation was conducted in a professional
and competent manner and is relevant for the purposes of the Companys
decision to maintain its interest in this property. In the study, the
historic estimate was sub-categorized as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Category |
|
Tons |
|
Oz/Ton Ag |
|
Oz/Ton Au |
Proven reserves |
|
|
2,981,690 |
|
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
0.018 |
|
Probable & possible reserves |
|
|
904,200 |
|
|
|
10.40 |
|
|
|
0.020 |
|
Heap leach ore |
|
|
316,100 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
0.014 |
|
Possible resources |
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
|
|
2.41 |
|
|
|
0.020 |
|
Inferred resources |
|
|
2,700,000 |
|
|
|
4.44 |
|
|
|
0.022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
However, the Company has not completed the work necessary to verify the
historical estimate. Accordingly, the Company is not treating the historical
estimate as NI 43-101 compliant categories of mineral resources based on
information prepared by or under the supervision of a Qualified Person. These
historical estimates should not be relied upon. |
|
2 |
|
The Company believes that the historical estimate category
of proven reserves for Hog Heaven most closely corresponds to 2,705,000
tonnes in the NI 43-101 category of indicated resources. |
|
3 |
|
The Company believes that the historical estimate
categories of proven & possible reserves, heap leach ore stockpile,
possible resources and inferred resources most closely correspond to
7,639,000 tonnes in the NI 43-101 category of inferred resources. |
|
4 |
|
The historical estimate for Waterloo was initially
calculated by Asarco Inc. in 1968. In September 1994 Robert J. Rodger,
P.Eng., reviewed the Asarco reports and prepared a Technical Evaluation
Report on the Waterloo property, prior to the implementation of NI 43-101.
The Technical Evaluation Report confirmed that the historical estimate was
based on reverse circulation drilling and underground sampling, and
concluded the estimate was based on sound methodology. The historical
estimate at Waterloo was calculated using a silver price of $5.00 per ounce
(the relevant price at the time of the calculation). Michael Steinmann,
P.Geo., Qualified Person for the Company, has reviewed the Technical
Evaluation Report and believes the historic calculation was conducted in a
professional and competent manner and is relevant for purposes of the
Companys decision to maintain its interest in the property. The Company
believes that the historical estimate category of 37,235,000 tons (at 2.71
ounces per ton silver) of measured and indicated reserves most closely
correspond to 33,758,000 tonnes in the NI 43-101 category of indicated
resource. However, the Company has not completed the work necessary to
verify the historical estimate. Accordingly, the Company is not treating the
historical estimate as NI 43-101 compliant categories of resources based on
information prepared by or under the supervision of a Qualified Person.
These historical estimates should not be relied upon. |
|
|
|
Tonne = 1 metric tonne (1,000 kg), Ton = 1 short ton (2,000 lbs). |
-73-
Mineral Property Expenditures
The following table sets out Pan Americans acquisition, exploration and development
expenditures for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31 |
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
Acquisition |
|
Morococha |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,871 |
|
|
|
Manantial Espejo |
|
|
47,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Development |
|
Huaron |
|
|
5,266 |
|
|
|
4,969 |
|
|
|
5,543 |
|
|
|
Quiruvilca |
|
|
1,848 |
|
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
984 |
|
|
|
Morococha |
|
|
10,512 |
|
|
|
8,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La Colorada |
|
|
7,994 |
|
|
|
5,453 |
|
|
|
8,474 |
|
|
|
Alamo Dorado |
|
|
51,331 |
|
|
|
35,548 |
|
|
|
1,676 |
|
|
|
Manantial Espejo |
|
|
22,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Vicente |
|
|
5,013 |
|
|
|
1,899 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,305 |
|
|
|
59,638 |
|
|
|
17,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration |
|
Huaron |
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quiruvilca |
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morococha |
|
|
1,477 |
|
|
|
691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La Colorada |
|
|
2,266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alamo Dorado |
|
|
474 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manantial Espejo |
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
2,022 |
|
|
|
2,663 |
|
|
|
San Vicente |
|
|
1,610 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
1,122 |
|
|
|
642 |
|
|
|
612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,040 |
|
|
|
3,697 |
|
|
|
3,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
Waterloo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
Hog Heaven |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metals Trading
In the past, Pan American has engaged in forward sales of base metals production from its
mines.
During 2004, the Company settled 16,260 tonnes of zinc forward sale contracts at an average
price of $943 per tonne and 10,290 tonnes of lead forward sale contracts at an average of $728 per
tonne.
During 2005, the Company settled 15,800 tonnes of zinc forward sale contracts at an average
price of $1,105 per tonne and 4,000 tonnes of lead forward sale contracts at an average price of
$726 per tonne.
During 2006, the Company settled 13,400 tonnes of zinc forward sale contracts at an average
price of $1,553 per tonne. The Company settled 6,000 tonnes of zinc forward purchase contracts at
an average price of $2,987 per tonne.
At December 31, 2006 Pan American did not have any open base metal forward contracts.
Pan American does not engage in any forward sale of its silver production.
-74-
RISKS RELATED TO PAN AMERICANS BUSINESS
Metal Price Fluctuations
The majority of the Companys revenue is derived from the sale of silver, zinc, and, to a
lesser degree, copper and lead and gold, and therefore fluctuations in the price of these
commodities represents one of the most significant factors affecting the Companys operations and
profitability. The price of silver and other metals are affected by numerous factors beyond the
Companys control, including:
|
|
|
levels of supply and demand; |
|
|
|
|
global or regional consumptive patterns; |
|
|
|
|
sales by government holders; |
|
|
|
|
metal stock levels maintained by producers and others; |
|
|
|
|
increased production due to new mine developments and improved mining and production methods; |
|
|
|
|
speculative activities; |
|
|
|
|
inventory carrying costs; |
|
|
|
|
availability and costs of metal substitutes; |
|
|
|
|
international economic and political conditions; |
|
|
|
|
interest rates; |
|
|
|
|
currency values; and |
|
|
|
|
inflation. |
Declining market prices for these metals could materially adversely affect the Companys
operations and profitability.
Foreign Operations
The majority of the Companys current operations are conducted by its subsidiaries in Peru,
Mexico, Bolivia and Argentina, and all of the Companys current production and revenue is derived
from its operations in Peru, Mexico and Bolivia. As Pan Americans business is carried on in a
number of foreign countries it is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:
|
|
|
terrorism and hostage taking; |
|
|
|
|
military repression; |
|
|
|
|
expropriation or nationalization without adequate compensation; |
|
|
|
|
difficulties enforcing judgments obtained in Canadian or United States courts
against assets located outside of those jurisdictions; |
|
|
|
|
labour unrest; |
|
|
|
|
high rates of inflation; |
|
|
|
|
changes to royalty and tax regimes; |
|
|
|
|
extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
|
|
|
|
volatile local political and economic developments; and |
|
|
|
|
difficulty with understanding and complying with the regulatory and legal
framework respecting the ownership and maintenance of mineral properties, mines and
mining operations. |
Local opposition to mine development projects has arisen in Peru in the past, and such
opposition has at times been violent. In particular, in November 2004, approximately 200 farmers
attacked and damaged the La Zanja
-75-
exploration camp located in Santa Cruz province, Peru, which was owned by Compania de Minas
Buenaventura and Newmont Mining Corporation. One person was killed and three injured during the
protest. There can be no assurance that such local opposition will not arise in the future with
respect to the Companys foreign operations. If the Company were to experience resistance or unrest
in connection with its foreign operations, it could have a material adverse effect on the Companys
operations or profitability.
In late 2005, a national election in Bolivia resulted in the emergence of a left-wing
government. This has caused some concerns amongst foreign companies doing business in Bolivia due
to the governments policy objective of nationalizing the oil and gas industries. There is no
certainty the government will not take steps to implement such measures targeting the mining
industry. Risks of doing business in Bolivia include being subject to higher taxes, and mining
royalties, some of which have already been proposed or threatened, revision of contracts and
threatened expropriation of assets, all of which could have a material adverse impact on the
Companys operations or profitability.
Governmental Regulation
Pan Americans operations and exploration and development activities are subject to extensive
Canadian, United States, Peruvian, Mexican, Bolivian, Argentinean and other foreign federal, state,
provincial, territorial and local laws and regulations governing various matters, including:
|
|
|
environmental protection; |
|
|
|
|
management and use of toxic substances and explosives; |
|
|
|
|
management of natural resources; |
|
|
|
|
exploration, development of mines, production, and post-closure reclamation; |
|
|
|
|
exports; |
|
|
|
|
price controls; |
|
|
|
|
taxation; |
|
|
|
|
mining royalties; |
|
|
|
|
labour standards and occupational health and safety, including mine safety; and |
|
|
|
|
historic and cultural preservation. |
The costs associated with compliance with these laws and regulations are substantial and
possible future laws and regulations, changes to existing laws and regulations (including the
imposition of higher taxes and mining royalties which have been implemented or threatened in Peru
and Bolivia) or more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental
authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions
of Pan Americans operations and delays in the development of its properties. Moreover, these laws
and regulations may allow governmental authorities and private parties to bring lawsuits based upon
damages to property and injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health and safety
impacts of our past and current operations, or possibly even those actions of parties from whom we
acquired our mines or properties, and could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, penalties
or other civil or criminal sanctions. It is difficult to strictly comply with all regulations
imposed on the Company. The Company retains competent and well trained individuals and consultants
in jurisdictions in which it does business, however, even with the application of considerable
skill the Company may inadvertently not comply with certain laws. Such events can lead to
financial restatements, fines, penalties, and other material negative impacts on the Company.
Obtaining and Renewing of Government Permits
In the ordinary course of business, Pan American is required to obtain and renew governmental
permits for the operation and expansion of existing operations or for the development, construction
and commencement of new
-76-
operations. Obtaining or renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and
time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and
costly undertakings on Pan Americans part. The duration and success of Pan Americans efforts to
obtain and renew permits are contingent upon many variables not within its control including the
interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. Pan American
may not be able to obtain or renew permits that are necessary to its operations, or the cost to
obtain or renew permits may exceed what the Company believes it can recover from a given property
once in production. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting process could
delay the development or impede the operation of a mine, which could adversely impact Pan
Americans operations and profitability.
Compliance with Local Laws and Standards
In some of the countries in which Pan American operates, failure to comply strictly with
applicable laws, regulations and local practices relating to mineral right applications and tenure
could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of entitlements, or the imposition of additional
local or foreign parties as joint venture partners with carried or other interests. Any such loss,
reduction or imposition of partners could have a material adverse impact on Pan Americans
operations or business.
Operating Hazards and Risks
The operation and development of a mine or mineral property involves many risks which even a
combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. These
risks include:
|
|
|
environmental hazards; |
|
|
|
|
industrial accidents and explosions; |
|
|
|
|
the encountering of unusual or unexpected geological formations; |
|
|
|
|
ground fall and cave-ins; |
|
|
|
|
flooding; |
|
|
|
|
earthquakes; and |
|
|
|
|
periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. |
These occurrences could result in:
|
|
|
environmental damage and liabilities; |
|
|
|
|
work stoppages and delayed production; |
|
|
|
|
increased production costs; |
|
|
|
|
damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities; |
|
|
|
|
personal injury or death; |
|
|
|
|
asset write downs; |
|
|
|
|
monetary losses; and |
|
|
|
|
other liabilities. |
Liabilities that Pan American incur may exceed the policy limits of its insurance coverage or
may not be insurable, in which event Pan American could incur significant costs that could
adversely impact its business, operations or profitability.
-77-
Exploration and Development Risks
The long-term operation of Pan Americans business and its profitability is dependent, in
part, on the cost and success of its exploration and development programs. Mineral exploration and
development involves a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately
developed into producing mines. There is no assurance that Pan Americans mineral exploration and
development programs will result in any discoveries of bodies of commercial mineralization. There
is also no assurance that even if commercial quantities of mineralization are discovered that a
mineral property will be brought into commercial production. Development of Pan Americans mineral
properties will follow only upon obtaining satisfactory exploration results. Discovery of mineral
deposits is dependent upon a number of factors, not the least of which is the technical skill of
the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered
is also dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are the particular attributes of the
deposit (such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure), metal prices and government
regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and
exporting of minerals and environmental protection. Most of the above factors are beyond the
control of Pan American. As a result, there can be no assurance that Pan Americans acquisition,
exploration and development programs will yield new reserves to replace or expand current reserves.
Unsuccessful exploration or development programs could have a material adverse impact on Pan
Americans operations and profitability.
Uncertainty in the Calculation of Mineral Reserves, Resources and Silver and Base Metal Recovery
There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of mineral reserves and
mineral resources and corresponding grades being mined or dedicated to future production. Until
mineral reserves or mineral resources are actually mined and processed the quantity of mineral and
reserve grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of mineral reserves
and mineral resources may vary depending on, among other things, metal prices. Any material change
in quantity of mineral reserves, mineral resources, grade or stripping ratio may affect the
economic viability of Pan Americans properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that silver
recoveries or other metal recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger
scale tests under on-site conditions or during production, or that the existing known and
experienced recoveries will continue.
Infrastructure
Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on
adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important
determinants, which affect capital and operating costs. The lack of availability on acceptable
terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay
development of the Companys projects. If adequate infrastructure is not available in a timely
manner, there can be no assurance that the development of the Companys projects will be commenced
or completed on a timely basis, if at all; the resulting operations will achieve the anticipated
production volume; or the construction costs and ongoing operating costs associated with the
development of the Companys advanced projects will not be higher than anticipated.
In addition, unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other
interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect Pan
Americans operations and profitability.
The equipment on site at the Morococha property, particularly the Amistad plant, is old and
may require higher capital investment than Pan American has estimated.
Smelter Supply Arrangements
The zinc, lead and copper concentrates produced by Pan American are sold through long-term
supply arrangements to metal traders or integrated mining and smelting companies. Should any of
these counterparties not honour supply arrangements, or should any of them become insolvent, Pan
American may be forced to sell its concentrates in the spot market or it may not have a market for
its concentrates and therefore its future operating
-78-
results may be materially adversely impacted. Further there can be no assurance that Pan
American will be able to renew agreements to sell concentrates when the existing agreements expire,
or that Pan Americans concentrates will meet the qualitative requirements of existing concentrate
agreements.
Environmental Hazards
All phases of Pan Americans operations are subject to environmental regulation in the various
jurisdictions in which it operates. Environmental legislation in all of the jurisdictions in which
Pan American operates is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and will be
subject to increased enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent
environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for
companies and their officers, directors and employees. Changes in environmental regulation, if any,
may adversely impact Pan Americans operations and profitability. In addition, environmental
hazards may exist on Pan Americans properties which are currently unknown to Pan American. Pan
American may be liable for losses associated with such hazards, or may be forced to undertake
extensive remedial cleanup action or to pay for governmental remedial cleanup actions, even in
cases where such hazards have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the
property, or by the past or present owners of adjacent properties or natural conditions. The costs
of such cleanup actions may have a material adverse impact on Pan Americans operations and
profitability.
Responsibility for construction of a water treatment plant for the Kingsmill Tunnel and
tailings mitigation program at Huascacocha Lake, near the Morococha mine, has been apportioned by
Water Management Consultants Inc. in environmental studies among the Morococha mine and mining
companies operating neighbouring projects, including Centromin, Soc. Minera Austria Duvaz, Soc.
Minera Buquiococha and Minera Centrominas. The proposed development of the Toromocho Project by
Peru Copper adds another party with an interest in the Kingsmill tunnel water. In the event that
one or more of these companies defaults on its funding obligation for the Kingsmill water treatment
plant or the Huascacocha Lake tailings mitigation program, Pan Americans proportionate share of
the costs of such environmental projects could increase and reduce cash flow from Morococha
operations.
Reclamation Obligations
Reclamation requirements vary depending on the location of the property and the managing
governmental agency, but they are similar in that they aim to minimize long-term effects of
exploration and mining disturbance by requiring the operating company to control possible
deleterious effluents and to re-establish to some degree pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.
Pan American is actively providing for or has carried out any requested reclamation activities on
its properties. Any significant environmental issues that may arise, however, could lead to
increased reclamation expenditures and have a material adverse impact on Pan Americans financial
resources.
Peruvian Mine Closure Law
On August 15, 2005, the Peruvian government published by way of Supreme Decree No.
033-2005-MEM the regulations for the preparation of mine closure plans. For existing mining
operations the law provides that a mine closure plan must be submitted for certification to the MEM
within twelve months of the law entering into force. In accordance with this Supreme Decree Pan
American has submitted closure plans to the MEM. To date no review comments have been reviewed
from the ministry. The Supreme Decree included a proposed schedule for the revision, by the
ministry and public, of the proposed closure plan and an allowance for mining companies to update
the closure plans based on the comments received. The total proposed duration of 140 days to
complete these reviews and updates was completed on January 2, 2007 and to date no comments have
been received by Pan American.
-79-
The law provides that a mine operator must provide a financial warranty for the estimated
costs associated with its mine closure plan. The value of the warranty is estimated as the present
value of the estimated closure cost less the present value of the proposed concurrent closure and
is payable over the estimated life of the mine.
Trading Activities
From time to time, the Company mitigates the metal price and currency rate risk associated
with base metal production and foreign currency requirements by entering into commodity and
currency contracts (such as forward purchases or sales contracts), to minimize the impact of
declines in metal prices or strengthening of foreign currencies on the Companys operating results.
These trading activities will either generate a gain or loss, depending on the market price of a
metal or exchange rate at settlement relative to the stated forward contract price/rate. As of
December 31, 2006, the Companys only open trading positions related to its silver fixing program.
As of December 31, 2006, the Companys silver fixing positions had a positive mark-to-market of
approximately $0.2 million. Including these mark-to-market valuations, the Company recognized a
loss on commodity contracts in 2006 earnings of $18.3 million (2005 $8.2 million).
In addition, the Company may experience losses if a counterparty fails to purchase under a
contract when the contract price exceeds the spot price of a commodity. The Companys current
policy is to not hedge the price of silver and therefore it is fully exposed to declines in the
price of silver.
Employee Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to the Companys success. The Company
is dependent on the services of key executives including the Companys President and Chief
Executive Officer and other highly skilled and experienced executives and personnel focused on
managing the Companys interests. The number of persons skilled in acquisition, exploration and
development of mining properties is limited and competition for such persons is intense. As the
Companys business activity grows, the Company will require additional key financial,
administrative and mining personnel as well as additional operations staff. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting, training and retaining qualified
personnel as competition for persons with these skill sets increase. If the Company is not
successful in attracting, training and retaining qualified personnel, the efficiency of its
operations could be impaired, which could have an adverse impact on the Companys future cash
flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Employee Relations
Certain of Pan Americans employees and the employees of Peruvian mining contractors
indirectly employed by Pan American are represented by unions. Pan American has experienced labour
strikes and work stoppages in the past. There can be no assurance that Pan American will not
experience future labour strikes or work stoppages.
Title to Assets cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to third party claims or other defects
The validity of mining or exploration titles or claims or rights, which constitute most of Pan
Americans property holdings, can be uncertain and may be contested. Pan American has used its
reasonable commercial best efforts to investigate its title or claims to its various properties
and, to the best of its knowledge, except where Pan American has otherwise identified, those titles
or claims are in good standing. However no assurance can be given that applicable governments will
not revoke or significantly alter the conditions of the applicable exploration and mining titles or
claims and that such exploration and mining titles or claims will not be challenged or impugned by
third parties. Pan American operates in countries with developing mining laws and changes in such
laws could materially impact Pan Americans rights to its various properties or interests therein.
-80-
Although Pan American has received title opinions for those properties in which it has a
material interest there is no guarantee that title to such properties will not be challenged or
impugned. Pan American has not conducted surveys of all the claims in which it holds direct or
indirect interests and therefore, the precise area and location of such claims may be in doubt. Pan
Americans properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements or transfers, native
land claims or undetected title defects.
Pan American does not hold registered legal title to most of the surface lands in the areas
that overlie its mining concessions at the Morococha property. These rights are held by Centromin.
Centromin also holds rights to certain sub-surface areas which may allow easier and less costly
underground access to some areas of the Morococha concessions. The use by Argentum and its
predecessors, including Sociedad Minera Corona S.A. (SMC) and its predecessors, of Centromins
surface lands and sub-surface rights for mining and processing operations has been exercised for
decades with Centromins acknowledgement and Argentums claim to the right to use the surface is
based on long term use under Peruvian law. There is no assurance that Centromin will not take action and seek to
extinguish this right, thereby impeding use of these surface lands and sub-surface rights by the
Morococha operations. In particular, the development into a mine of the adjacent Toromocha
disseminated copper system may interfere with operations on the Morococha property. In such an
event, Pan American could ultimately be required to incur potentially significant costs and expense
to acquire surface and sub-surface rights for its Morococha operations and could ultimately be
required to cease certain Morococha operations altogether if such surface and sub-surface rights
cannot be obtained for reasonable consideration.
Pan American acquired its interest in the Manantial Espejo project on the understanding that
while strict compliance with the mining law had not occurred, prior owners had reached an agreement
with the mining authorities to bring the property, to the extent possible under existing law, into
compliance. However, with respect to the required minimum expenditure threshold originally
applicable to Barricks operations at Manantial Espejo, Pan American was able to secure a different
expenditure threshold with the Argentine government. Until recently, although Pan American had
always complied with the terms of this agreement, it could never be certain that the original
non-compliance of previous owners would not impair title to the properties. However, on March 23,
2006 the Argentine government approved the Environmental Impact Statement submitted to it by the
Company, effectively authorizing construction of the mine. As such, management of the Company
believes that this approval waives any uncertainty with respect to the government recognizing and
abiding by Pan Americans title to the properties.
Acquisitions
An element of the Companys business strategy is to make selected acquisitions. For example,
the Company completed the acquisition of Corner Bay Silver Inc. in February 2003, the acquisition
of Argentum and the Morococha mine in August 2004, and the acquisition from Silver Standard
Resources Inc. in 2006 of that Companys 50% interest in the Manantial Espejo project. The Company
expects to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities on a regular basis and intends to pursue
those opportunities that it believes are in its long-term best interests. The success of the
Companys acquisitions will depend upon the Companys ability to effectively manage the operations
of entities it acquires and to realize other anticipated benefits. The process of managing
acquired businesses may involve unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount
of management resources. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully
manage the operations of businesses it acquires or that the anticipated benefits of its
acquisitions will be realized.
Competition for New Properties
Mines have limited lives, and as a result, Pan American continually seeks to replace and
expand reserves through the acquisition of new properties. In addition, there is a limited supply
of desirable mineral lands available in areas where Pan American would consider conducting
exploration and/or production activities. Because Pan
-81-
American faces strong competition for new
properties from other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources than it
does, Pan American may be unable to acquire attractive new mining properties on terms that it
considers acceptable. Competition in the mining business for limited sources of capital could
adversely impact Pan Americans ability to acquire and develop suitable silver mines, silver
developmental projects, silver producing companies or properties having significant exploration
potential. As a result, there can be no assurance that Pan Americans acquisition and exploration
programs will yield new mineral reserves to replace or expand current mineral reserves.
Shortages of Critical Parts, Equipment and Skilled Labour may impact operations and development
projects
Pan Americans ability to acquire critical resources such as input commodities, drilling
equipment, tires and skilled labour due to increased worldwide demand, may cause unanticipated cost
increases and delays in delivery times, thereby impacting operating costs, capital expenditures and
production schedules.
United States Mining Legislation
There is a movement in the United States Congress to reform the current mining laws. While it
is not expected that any reform legislation will pass the United States Congress in the current
session, it is not unlikely that some changes to U.S. mining laws will occur in the future. These
changes may include the payment of royalties to the government, increased holding fees and
restrictions or prohibitions on patenting mining claims. In addition, prospective legislation could
be expected to include various environmental and land use requirements, which may restrict, or in
some cases, prevent mining operations. Pan Americans interest in unpatented claims on federal land
could have an overall impact on the value of its properties in the United States.
Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly the weakening or strengthening of the
U.S. dollar (being the currency in which Pan Americans products are sold) against the Canadian
dollar (used to pay corporate head office costs), the Peruvian sol, the Mexican peso, the
Argentinean peso and the Bolivian boliviano (being the currencies in which a significant portion of
Pan Americans capital and operating costs are incurred), could have a significant effect on Pan
Americans results of operations. From time to time, the Company
engages in trading activities in
connection with foreign currency requirements in order to minimize the effect of strengthening of
foreign currencies on the Companys operating results.
Developments regarding aboriginal, First Nations and indigenous peoples
Pan American operates in areas inhabited by aboriginal, First Nations, and indigenous people.
Developing laws and movements respecting the acquisition of lands and other rights from such people
and communities may alter decades old arrangements made by prior owners of Pan Americans mines and
properties or even those made by Pan American in more recent years. Pan American has used
commercially reasonable efforts in its dealing with all aboriginal, First Nations, and indigenous
people to ensure all agreements are entered into in accordance with the laws governing aboriginal,
First Nations, and indigenous peoples and their communities.
Community Action
In recent years communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become more
vocal and active with respect to mining activities at or near their communities. These communities
and NGOs have taken such actions as, road closures, work stoppages, and law suits for damages.
These actions relate not only to current activities but often in respect of decades old mining
activities by prior owners of mining properties.
-82-
The Company may fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of internal control over financial
reporting as per the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
The Company documented and tested during its most recent fiscal year, its internal control
procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
SOX requires an annual assessment by management of the effectiveness of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting and an attestation report by the Companys independent auditors
addressing this assessment. The Company may fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of its
internal control over financial reporting as such standards are modified, supplemented, or amended
from time to time, and the Company may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing
basis that it has effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section
404 of SOX. The Companys failure to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of SOX on an ongoing,
timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of its financial
statements, which in turn could harm the Companys business and negatively impact the trading price
of its common shares or market value of its other securities. In addition, any failure to implement
required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm
the Companys operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to remediate material weaknesses, if any, identified
in future periods, or maintain all of the controls necessary for continued compliance, and there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain sufficient skilled finance and
accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased demand for such personnel among publicly
traded companies. Future acquisitions of companies may provide the Company with challenges in
implementing the required processes, procedures and controls in its acquired operations. Acquired
companies may not have disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial
reporting that are as thorough or effective as those required by securities laws currently
applicable to the Company.
No evaluation can provide complete assurance that the Companys internal control over
financial reporting will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company to disclose
material information otherwise required to be reported. The effectiveness of the Companys control
and procedures could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgments. In addition, as the
Company continues to expand, the challenges involved in implementing appropriate internal controls
over financial reporting will increase and will require that the Company continue to improve its
internal controls over financial reporting. Although the Company intends to devote substantial time
and incur costs, as necessary, to ensure ongoing compliance, the Company cannot be certain that it
will be successful in complying with Section 404.
- 83 -
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Annual Information
Selected consolidated financial information of the Company for each of the last five completed
financial years is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2002 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
255,447 |
|
|
$ |
122,401 |
|
|
$ |
94,825 |
|
|
$ |
45,122 |
|
|
$ |
45,093 |
|
Operating earnings/(loss) |
|
|
93,650 |
|
|
|
(20,970 |
) |
|
|
940 |
|
|
|
(6,452 |
) |
|
|
(34,241 |
) |
Net income/(loss) |
|
|
58,206 |
|
|
|
(28,594 |
) |
|
|
15,214 |
|
|
|
(6,794 |
) |
|
|
(33,977 |
) |
Net earnings/(loss) per share basic |
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
(0.20 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.81 |
) |
diluted |
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
(0.20 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.81 |
) |
Cash and short-term investments |
|
|
171,948 |
|
|
|
55,322 |
|
|
|
98,136 |
|
|
|
89,129 |
|
|
|
10,198 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
679,995 |
|
|
|
362,280 |
|
|
|
370,086 |
|
|
|
279,883 |
|
|
|
102,945 |
|
Total long-term financial liabilities |
|
|
102,488 |
|
|
|
77,592 |
|
|
|
68,279 |
|
|
|
73,137 |
|
|
|
27,222 |
|
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
512,026 |
|
|
|
257,322 |
|
|
|
275,516 |
|
|
|
184,098 |
|
|
|
55,492 |
|
Selected unaudited consolidated financial information of the Company for each of the last
eight quarterly periods is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
Three |
|
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
months |
|
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
ended |
|
|
|
March 31 |
|
|
June 30 |
|
|
Sept. 30 |
|
|
Dec. 31 |
|
|
March 31 |
|
|
June 30 |
|
|
Sept. 30 |
|
|
Dec. 31 |
|
|
|
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts) |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
45,743 |
|
|
$ |
62,848 |
|
|
$ |
64,268 |
|
|
$ |
82,588 |
|
|
$ |
29,086 |
|
|
$ |
25,358 |
|
|
$ |
30,086 |
|
|
$ |
37,871 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
24,297 |
|
|
|
27,613 |
|
|
|
30,813 |
|
|
|
41,885 |
|
|
|
22,380 |
|
|
|
18,417 |
|
|
|
21,337 |
|
|
|
25,514 |
|
Depreciation and
depletion |
|
|
3,471 |
|
|
|
4,175 |
|
|
|
4,234 |
|
|
|
5,640 |
|
|
|
3,218 |
|
|
|
2,415 |
|
|
|
3,788 |
|
|
|
3,674 |
|
General & Admin. |
|
|
1,933 |
|
|
|
2,416 |
|
|
|
2,739 |
|
|
|
2,084 |
|
|
|
1,563 |
|
|
|
1,750 |
|
|
|
2,065 |
|
|
|
1,558 |
|
|
Asset Retirement &
Reclamation |
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
615 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
412 |
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
655 |
|
Exploration |
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
2,267 |
|
|
|
3,902 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
885 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
Investment income, net |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(880 |
) |
|
|
(1,869 |
) |
|
|
(1,802 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(899 |
) |
|
|
(1,064 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
(Gain)/loss on
commodity contracts |
|
|
11,830 |
|
|
|
4,780 |
|
|
|
676 |
|
|
|
1,042 |
|
|
|
3,337 |
|
|
|
(3,491 |
) |
|
|
2,198 |
|
|
|
6,152 |
|
Non-controlling
interest |
|
|
1,223 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
1,562 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
700 |
|
Write down on mining
assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,666 |
|
Gain on sale of assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,556 |
) |
|
|
|
Income (loss) before tax |
|
|
1,252 |
|
|
|
22,541 |
|
|
|
24,753 |
|
|
|
35,144 |
|
|
|
(3,281 |
) |
|
|
5,717 |
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
(28,457 |
) |
Income Tax Provision |
|
|
(4,013 |
) |
|
|
(7,577 |
) |
|
|
(8,398 |
) |
|
|
(5,496 |
) |
|
|
(942 |
) |
|
|
(746 |
) |
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
(1,057 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income
(loss) for the period |
|
$ |
(2,761 |
) |
|
$ |
14,964 |
|
|
$ |
16,355 |
|
|
$ |
29,648 |
|
|
$ |
(4,223 |
) |
|
$ |
4,971 |
|
|
$ |
172 |
|
|
$ |
(29,514 |
) |
|
|
|
Earnings
(loss) per share basic |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
Earnings (loss) per
share diluted |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
Quarterly per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the weighted average common
shares of the Company outstanding for the full year.
-84-
Further discussion of the Companys financial results is contained in the MD&A incorporated by
reference into this Annual Information Form.
Dividends
The Company has not, since the date of its incorporation, declared or paid any dividends on
its common shares and does not currently intend to pay dividends. Earnings will be retained to
finance further exploration and development. Currently there are no restrictions with respect to
the Companys present or future ability to declare or pay dividends.
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Reference is made to Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (MD&A) and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, which are incorporated by reference herein.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The names and municipalities of residences of the directors and officers of the Company, the
positions held by them with the Company and their principal occupations for the past five years are
set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Municipality |
|
|
|
Principal Occupation During the |
of Residence |
|
Position with the Company |
|
Past Five Years |
Ross J. Beaty 4
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Director and Chairman
(director of the Company
since September 30, 1988)
|
|
Chairman of the Company since
April 1994; former CEO of the
Company. |
|
|
|
|
|
Geoff A. Burns 4
North Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(director of the Company
since July 1, 2003)
|
|
President of the Company since
July 1, 2003, Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since
May 11, 2004; and Chief
Operating Officer from July 1,
2003 to May 11, 2004; prior
thereto Sr. Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of
Coeur DAlene Mines Corporation |
|
William A. Fleckenstein 3, 4
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
|
|
Director of the Company
since May 9, 1997
|
|
President of Fleckenstein
Capital, Inc. (an investment
counselling firm) from 1996 to
present |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
Larson
4
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
|
|
Director of the Company
since November 29, 1999
|
|
Business Manager of Cascade
Investment LLC (a private
investment company) |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael J.J. Maloney 1, 2, 3, 4
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. |
|
Director of the Company from
Sept. 25, 1995 to Nov. 29,
1999 and then re-elected on
March 2, 2000
|
|
Private Investor |
|
|
|
|
|
-85-
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Municipality |
|
|
|
Principal Occupation During the |
of Residence |
|
Position with the Company |
|
Past Five Years |
Paul B. Sweeney 1, 4
Surrey, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Director of the Company
since August 5, 1999
|
|
Executive Vice-President
Corporate Development of
Plutonic Power Corporation
(hydroelectric company); former
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Canico
Resource Corp. (a mining
company) from February 2002 to
November 2005; prior thereto
Chief Financial Officer of
Manhattan Minerals Inc. (a
mining company) from December
1999 to May 2001. |
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Wright 4
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Director of the Company
since September 30, 1988
|
|
Retired since July 2003;
President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company from
1995 to 2003. |
|
|
|
|
|
John Willson 1, 2, 4
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Director since May 10, 2002
|
|
Retired since April 2000;
formerly President and Chief
Executive Officer of Placer Dome Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
A. Robert Doyle
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Chief Financial Officer of the
Company since January 2004; and
prior thereto Senior Vice
President-Mining Finance and
Metals Marketing with Standard
Bank. |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert P. Pirooz
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
General Counsel and Secretary
|
|
General Counsel and Secretary
of the Company since January
2003; Prior thereto Group Vice
President with the BCR Group of
Companies. |
|
|
|
|
|
Steven Busby
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Senior Vice President,
Project Development &
Technical Services
|
|
Senior Vice President, Project
Development & Technical
Services of the Company since
August 2003; Principal of S.L.
Busby Consulting from September
2001 to August 2003 and Vice
President Engineering and
Director of Technical Services
for Coeur DAlene Mines
Corporation from August 1998 to
September 2001. |
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Pooler
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Senior Vice President,
Mining Operations
|
|
Senior Vice President, Mining
Operations of the Company since
September 8, 2003; Chief
Operating Officer for Colville
Tribal Enterprise Corp. from
2000 to 2003; Vice President
Operations for Greenstone
Resources Ltd. from 1998 to
2000; and prior thereto Vice
President Operations for Amex
Gold 1992 to 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
-86-
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Municipality |
|
|
|
Principal Occupation During the |
of Residence |
|
Position with the Company |
|
Past Five Years |
Michael Steinmann
North Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Senior Vice President,
Geology & Exploration
|
|
Vice President Geology of the
Company since March 2004;
Manager of Geology for
Glencore, South American
operations and projects, 2000
to 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
Wayne Vincent
Blaine, WA, USA
|
|
Controller
|
|
Controller of the Company since
April 2005, Prior thereto
Controller for Coeur DAlene
Mines Corporation from 1998 to
2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
Martin Wafforn
Coquitlam, B.C.
Canada
|
|
Vice- President Mine
Engineering
|
|
Vice- President Mine
Engineering ,and prior thereto
Director of Mine Engineering of
the Company since February
2004; Prior thereto Manager of
Mine Engineering with Barrick
Gold Corporation and Homestake
Mining Company |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Member of the Audit Committee |
|
2 |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee |
|
3 |
|
Member of the Nominating and Governance Committee |
|
4 |
|
Member of the Health, Safety and Environment Committee |
The directors of the Company are elected at each annual general meeting to hold office
until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed. The
board currently consists of eight directors six of whom, William A. Fleckenstein, Michael Larson,
Michael J.J. Maloney, Paul B. Sweeney, John H. Wright and John Willson qualify as unrelated directors who are
independent of management. The board has established four committees: the Audit Committee, the
Compensation Committee, the Health, Safety and Environment Committee and the Nominating and
Governance Committee. Detailed information regarding the duties and obligations of the Audit
Committee is annexed as Appendix A to this Annual Information Form. The board does not have an
Executive Committee. The composition of the various committees as at December 31, 2006 is set
forth in the preceding table.
As at March 9, 2007, the directors and officers of the Company named above as a group
exercised control or direction or beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, 5,601,335 common
shares of the Company representing 7.3% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Paul B. Sweeney (Chair) Michael J. J. Maloney, and John
Willson. The board of directors has determined based on the information provided by each director
that all members of the Audit Committee meet the independence requirements set out in Multilateral
Instrument 52-110 Audit
Committees (52-110), and as defined under the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock
Market. All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and Paul B. Sweeney, an
individual serving on the audit committee of the board of directors, is an audit committee
financial expert, as that term is defined in General Instruction B(8)(a) of Form 40-F.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that the designation of a person as an
audit committee financial expert does not make such person an expert for any purpose, impose any
duties, obligations or liabilities on such person that are greater than those imposed on members of
the audit committee and the board of directors who do not carry this designation or affect the
duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.
-87-
Relevant Education and Experience of Audit Committee Members
The relevant education and experience of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant
to the performance of Audit Committee responsibilities is as follows:
Paul B. Sweeney (Chair) is a member of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, and
has experience serving on public boards and their audit committees. He is currently Executive
Vice-President Corporate Development of Plutonic Power Corporation and was formerly the Chief
Financial Officer of Canico Resources Corp. from February 2002 to November 2005 and Manhattan
Minerals Inc. from December 1999 to May, 2001. Mr. Sweeney has also held senior officer positions
in other companies.
Michael J.J. Maloney holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley and a
J.D. from Hastings College, University of California at San Francisco, and has approximately 40
years experience as an officer of a company.
John
Willson holds a M. Sc. in mineral production management and B. Sc. in Mining Engineering. He
has diverse experience with leadership and management of mining and industrial enterprises
including as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Placer Dome Inc. from 1993 to 2000.
External Auditor Service Fees
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Companys Independent Registered
Chartered Accountant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 for professional
services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the audit of the Companys annual financial
statements or services that are normally provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP in connection with
statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for such years were CAD $347,900 and
CAD $1,168,275, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2005 and 2006 for assurance and related services rendered by it that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of the Companys financial statements and are not reported above
as audit fees were CAD $3,000 and NIL respectively.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2005 and 2006 for professional services rendered by it for tax compliance, tax advice, tax planning
and other services were
CAD $57,000 and NIL, respectively. Tax services provided in 2005 included advice with
respect to a Mexican financing structure, tax filing services in respect of the Companys Mexican
subsidiary and transfer pricing and tax advice with respect to the Companys Peruvian subsidiaries.
All Other Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2005 and 2006 for products and services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP, other than the services
reported in the preceding three paragraphs, were both NIL.
-88-
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
Since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on July 30, 2002, all audit and
non-audit services performed by the external auditor are pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain officers and directors of the Company are officers and/or directors of, or are
associated with, other natural resource companies that acquire interests in mineral properties.
Such associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. However, the directors
are required by law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the
Company and its shareholders and to disclose any personal interest which they may have in any
material transaction which is proposed to be entered into with the Company and to abstain from
voting as a director for the approval of any such transaction.
EXCEPTIONS FROM NASDAQ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS
Under Rule 4350(a) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules (the Nasdaq Rules), a foreign private
issuer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) may
follow its home country practice in lieu of certain of the corporate governance requirements of the
Nasdaq Rules. Pursuant to Rule 4350(a), the Company follows British Columbia practice with respect
to quorum requirements in lieu of Nasdaq Rule 4350(f).
Nasdaq Rule 4350(f) requires that the minimum quorum for a shareholder meeting is 33-1/3% of
the outstanding common shares, whereas the Companys articles provide that the minimum quorum for a
meeting of the holders of its common shares is two individuals who are shareholders, proxy holders
representing shareholders or duly authorized representatives of corporate shareholders personally
present and representing shares aggregating not less than 25% of the issued shares of the Company
carrying the right to vote at that meeting. In the event there is only one shareholder, the quorum
is one person personally present and being, or representing by proxy, that shareholder, or in the
case of a corporate shareholder, a duly authorized representative of that shareholder. The
Companys quorum requirement complies with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), which
requires that unless the memorandum or articles otherwise provide, two shareholders entitled to
vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether in person or represented by proxy, constitute a quorum.
Furthermore, the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange, upon which the Companys common shares are
also listed, do not contain specific quorum requirements.
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Companys common shares are listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(under the symbol PAA) and the Nasdaq stock market (under the symbol PAAS). The majority of trading
of Pan Americans
common shares takes place on the Nasdaq exchange. The following table outlines the closing
share price trading range and volume of shares traded by month in 2006:
-89-
Toronto Stock Exchange (C$)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
Volume |
January |
|
$ |
28.57 |
|
|
$ |
21.33 |
|
|
|
4,155,400 |
|
February |
|
$ |
29.14 |
|
|
$ |
24.61 |
|
|
|
5,050,400 |
|
March |
|
$ |
32.13 |
|
|
$ |
25.13 |
|
|
|
5,485,700 |
|
April |
|
$ |
30.50 |
|
|
$ |
25.00 |
|
|
|
5,539,000 |
|
May |
|
$ |
28.25 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
7,900,500 |
|
June |
|
$ |
21.93 |
|
|
$ |
17.00 |
|
|
|
4,755,800 |
|
July |
|
$ |
21.63 |
|
|
$ |
18.17 |
|
|
|
2,025,300 |
|
August |
|
$ |
25.40 |
|
|
$ |
21.15 |
|
|
|
3,484,000 |
|
September |
|
$ |
26.25 |
|
|
$ |
20.10 |
|
|
|
2,671,600 |
|
October |
|
$ |
25.18 |
|
|
$ |
19.70 |
|
|
|
2,741,800 |
|
November |
|
$ |
29.73 |
|
|
$ |
24.76 |
|
|
|
4,984,000 |
|
December |
|
$ |
29.99 |
|
|
$ |
27.50 |
|
|
|
2,142,400 |
|
Nasdaq Stock Market (US$)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
Volume |
January |
|
$ |
24.54 |
|
|
$ |
18.42 |
|
|
|
35,092,400 |
|
February |
|
$ |
25.48 |
|
|
$ |
21.30 |
|
|
|
31,537,600 |
|
March |
|
$ |
27.68 |
|
|
$ |
21.58 |
|
|
|
42,388,200 |
|
April |
|
$ |
26.45 |
|
|
$ |
22.17 |
|
|
|
47,433200 |
|
May |
|
$ |
25.38 |
|
|
$ |
17.78 |
|
|
|
53,303,000 |
|
June |
|
$ |
19.92 |
|
|
$ |
15.49 |
|
|
|
36,041,600 |
|
July |
|
$ |
19.04 |
|
|
$ |
15.87 |
|
|
|
21,392,600 |
|
August |
|
$ |
22.80 |
|
|
$ |
18.59 |
|
|
|
27,230,400 |
|
September |
|
$ |
23.70 |
|
|
$ |
18.07 |
|
|
|
27,530,400 |
|
October |
|
$ |
22.29 |
|
|
$ |
17.50 |
|
|
|
24,261,200 |
|
November |
|
$ |
26.06 |
|
|
$ |
21.72 |
|
|
|
26,252,200 |
|
December |
|
$ |
26.07 |
|
|
$ |
23.90 |
|
|
|
19,486,300 |
|
Source for tabulation of 2006 Monthly Aggregate Data fianance.yahoo.com
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
A description of certain legal proceedings to which the Company is a party appear under the
heading Commitments and Contingencies in Note 16 to the Companys consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which pages are incorporated by reference.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
To the best of the Companys knowledge, there were no directors or executive officers or any
associate or affiliate of a director or executive officer with a material interest in any
transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current
financial year that has materially affected or will materially affect the Company.
TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the common shares of the Company is Computershare
Investor Services Inc. at its principal office in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Computershare
Trust Company, N. A. at its office in Denver, Colorado, USA.
-90-
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
No contracts, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business,
that are material to the Company were entered into during the most recently completed financial
year.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered chartered accountants, prepared the Report of
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants in respect of our audited consolidated financial
statements and the Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants in respect of internal
control over financial reporting.
The qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101 who have prepared or supervised the preparation
of the Companys mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates as at December 31, 2006 and
disclosed in this Annual Information Form are Michael Steinmann, Senior Vice President, Geology and
Exploration of Pan American and Martin Wafforn, Vice President, Mine Engineering of Pan American
who are both employees of the Company.
AMEC
Americas Limited, Consultora Minera Anglo Peruana S.A., Deloitte & Touche LLP, Ground
Water International S.A.C., M3 Engineering and Technology Corporation, MWH Global Inc., Resource
Evaluation Inc., Resource Modeling Incorporated, Snowden Mining Industry Consultants, SRK
Consulting, Donald F. Earnest, P. Geol., Michael Steinmann, P. Geo.
and Martin Wafforn, P. Eng., are companies or persons who have prepared or certified a
statement, report or valuation described in this Annual Information Form relating to the Companys
mineral properties.
No person or company named or referred to under this Item beneficially owns, directly or
indirectly, 1% or more of any class of the Corporations outstanding securities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information, including directors and officers remuneration and indebtedness,
principal holders of the Companys securities, and securities authorized for issuance under equity
compensation plans, is contained in the Companys Information Circular for the most recent annual
meeting of shareholders. Additional financial information is also provided in the Companys
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, and
Management Discussion and Analysis contained in the Companys 2006 Annual Report. Additional
information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
-91-
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
adit a horizontal or nearly horizontal passage driven from the surface for the working of a
mine.
adularia a very low-temperature monoclinic potassium feldspar.
andesite a dark-coloured, fine-grained extrusive rock that, when porphyritic, contains
phenocrysts composed primarily of zoned sodic plagioclase (esp. andesine) and one or more of the
mafic minerals (e.g. biotite, horneblend, pyroxene), with a ground-mass composed generally of the
same minerals as the phenocrysts; the extrusive equivalent of diorite.
argillic pertaining to clay or clay minerals, e.g. in argillic alternation in which certain
minerals are converted to minerals of the clay group.
arroyo a term applied in the arid and semi-arid southwestern U.S. to a small deep flat-floored
channel or gully of an ephemeral or intermittent stream. It is usually dry and has steep or
vertical banks of unconsolidated material.
AVR
acidification, volatilization and neutralization circuit, used to recover cyanide from
barren solution resulting from the electrowinning process.
basalt a dark-coloured igneous rock, commonly extrusive, composed primarily of calcic
plagioclase and pyroxene.
berm the space left between the upper edge of a cut and the toe of an embankment.
breccia, brecciation rock broken up by geological forces.
calcareous containing calcium carbonate. When applied to a rock name, it implies that as much
as 50% of the rock is calcium carbonate.
chalcopyrite a bright brass-yellow tetragonal mineral; generally found massive and constitutes
the most important ore of copper.
chert a hard, dense, dull to semivitreous, microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline sedimentary
rock, consisting dominantly of interlocking crystals of quartz less than about 30mu m in diameter;
it may contain amorphous silica (opal). It sometimes contains impurities such as calcite, iron
oxide, and the remains of siliceous and other organisms. Chert occurs principally as nodular or
concretionary nodules in limestone and dolomites, and less commonly as layered deposits (bedded
chert).
conglomerate a coarse-grained clastic sedimentary rock, composed of rounded to sub-angular
fragments larger than 2mm in diameter (granules, pebbles, cobbles, boulders) set in fine-grained
matrix of sand or silt and commonly cemented by calcium carbonate, iron oxide, silica or hardened
clay.
cut-and-fill a method of stoping in which ore is removed in slices, or lifts, following which
the excavation is filled with rock or other waste material known as back fill, before the
subsequent slice is mined. The back fill supports the walls of the stope.
dacite a fine-grained extrusive rock with the same general composition as andesite, but having
less calcic plagioclase and more quartz.
-92-
diamond drill a type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion rather than by
percussion. The drill cuts a core of rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections.
doré unrefined gold and silver in bullion form.
drift a horizontal passage underground that follows along the length of a vein or rock
formation.
enargite a grayish-black or iron-black orthorhombic mineral. It is an important ore of copper.
epidote a basic silicate of aluminium, calcium and iron.
epithermal formed by low-temperature (100 200° C.) hydrothermal processes.
fault a fracture in a rock where there has been displacement of the two sides.
feldspar a prominent group of rock-forming silicate minerals.
fracture breaks in a rock, usually due to intensive folding or faulting.
galena the most important ore of lead, found in hydro-thermal veins and as a replacement
mineral.
gangue that part of an ore deposit from which a metal or metals is not extracted.
gneiss a foliated rock formed by regional metamorphism, in which bands or lenticles of granular
minerals alternate with bands or lenticles in which minerals having flaky or elongated prismatic
habits predominate.
granodioritic similar to granitic, except that graphic texture does not seem to occur, and a
lower percentage of silicon, and a higher calcium and magnesium content is present.
indicated mineral resource mineral resources for which quantity, grade or quality, densities,
shape, physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence
sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support
mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on
detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely
enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
inferred mineral resource mineral resources for which quantity and grade or quality can be
estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not
verified, geological grade and continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and
sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits,
workings and drill holes.
lacustrine pertaining to, produced by, or inhabiting a lake or lakes.
loop a pattern of field observations that begin and end at the same point with a number of
intervening observations.
manto a blanket-like replacement of rock (commonly limestone) by ore. In some districts, the
term has been modified to designate a pipe-shaped deposit confined within a single stratigraphic
horizon.
marls a variety of materials, most of which occur as loose, earthy deposits consisting chiefly
of an intimate mixture of clay and calcium carbonate.
-93-
measured mineral resource the part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality,
densities, shape, physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with
confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to
support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate
is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes
that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity.
mineral reserve the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource
demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate
information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that
demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral
reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is
mined.
mineralization or resources or mineral resources is a concentration or occurrence of
natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earths crust in such form
and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic
extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral
resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
monzonite a granular plutonic rock containing approximately equal amounts of orthoclase and
plagioclase, and thus intermediate between syenite and diorite. Quartz is minor or absent.
muck ore or rock that has been broken by blasting.
open pit a surface working open to daylight, such as a quarry.
ore shoot a pipelike, ribbonlike or chimneylike mass of ore within a deposit (usually a vein),
representing the more valuable part of a deposit.
orogeny a period of mountain building.
pearceite a monoclinic mineral Ag16As2S11, having copper as an
apparent necessary minor component which is metallic black, brittle and occurs in low-to
moderate-temperature silver and base-metal ores.
pinch a compression of the walls of a vein, or the roof and floor of a coal bed, which more or
less completely displaces the ore or coal.
polybasite a monoclinic mineral (Ag,Cu)16Sb2S11 that is soft,
metallic and grey to black occurring in low-temperature veins. A source of silver.
porphyry an igneous rock of any composition that contains conspicuous phenocrysts in a
fine-grained ground mass.
probable mineral reserve - is the economically mineable part of an indicated, and in some
circumstances, a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility
study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic
and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can
be justified.
proustite a triangle mineral, Ag3AsS3, with rhombohedral cleavage that is
soft, ruby red and occurs in low temperature or secondary enrichment veins. A minor source of
silver.
-94-
proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource
demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate
information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that
demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified.
pyrite a mineral containing iron sulphide.
pyroclastic rock formed by the mechanical combination of volcanic fragments.
pyrrhotite a monoclinic and hexagonal mineral, FeS, invariably deficient in iron, variably
ferrimaganetic, which is metallic, bronze yellow with iridescent tarnish and occurs in mafic
igneous rocks, contact metamorphic deposits, high temperature veins and granite pegmatites.
qualified person is an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years
experience in mineral exploration, mine development or operation or mineral project assessment, or
any combination of these; and has experience relevant to the subject matter of the mineral project;
and who is a member in good standing of a recognized self-regulatory organization of engineers or
geoscientists.
raise a vertical or inclined underground working that has been excavated from the bottom
upward.
resuing a method of stoping wherein the wall rock on one side of the vein has been blasted
after the ore itself is broken, with the waste rock used as fill. Resuing is employed on narrow
veins and permits a recovery with a minimum of dilution.
rhodochrosite a hexagonal carbonate mineral, found in lead and silver-lead ore veins and in
metasomatic deposits.
schist a strongly foliated crystalline rock formed by dynamic metamorphism, that can be readily
split into thin flakes or slabs due to the well developed parallelism of more than 50% of the
minerals present, particularly those of lamellar or elongate prismatic habit (e.g., mica and
hornblende).
shrinkage stoping a method of stoping which utilizes part of the broken ore as a working
platform and as support for the walls.
silicified a rock altered by a silica hydrothermal solution.
skarn rocks composed nearly entirely of lime-bearing silicates and derived from nearly pure
limestones and dolomites in which large amounts of silicon, aluminium, iron and magnesium has been
introduced.
sphalerite the main zinc ore, found in metasomatic deposits with galena, in hydro-thermal vein
deposits, and in replacement deposits.
split a coal seam that is separated from the main seam by a thick parting of other sedimentary
rock.
stope an excavation in a mine from which ore is being or has been extracted.
strike the course or bearing of a layer of rock.
stripping ratio the ratio of waste material to ore experienced in mining an ore body by open
pit.
-95-
supergene said of a mineral deposit or enrichment formed near the surface, commonly by
descending solutions; also, said of the solutions and of that environment.
swell an enlarged place in an orebody, as opposed to a pinch.
tailings material rejected from a mill after recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted.
tennantite a blackish lead-gray isometric mineral. It is isomorphous with tetrahedrite, and
sometimes contains zinc, silver, or cobalt replacing part of the copper. It is an important ore of
copper.
tetrahedrite a metallic isometric mineral. It is isomorphous with tennantite, and often
contains silver or other metals replacing part of the copper. Tetrahedrite is an important ore of
copper and sometimes an ore of silver.
trachytes fine-grained, alkali, intermediate igneous rocks.
tuff a general term for all consolidated pyroclastic rocks. Adj: tuffaceous.
tuffs upon consolidation, the general name for the material derived from solid volcanic
material which has been blown into the atmosphere by explosive activity.
vein an epigenetic mineral filling of a fault or other fracture, in tabular or sheetlike form,
often with associated replacement of the host rock; a mineral deposit of this form and origin.
-96-
APPENDIX A
PAN AMERICAN SILVER CORP.
(the Company)
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
MISSION
Senior management of Pan American Silver Corp. (the Company), as overseen by its Board of
Directors (the Board), has primary responsibility for the Companys financial reporting,
accounting systems and internal controls. The Audit Committee (the Committee) is a standing
committee of the Board established for the purposes of: (i) overseeing the integrity of the
Companys financial statements and accounting processes of the Company; and (ii) overseeing the
external auditors qualifications and independence. The external auditors of the Company will
report directly to the Committee.
COMPOSITION AND MEETINGS
|
1. |
|
The Committee shall be composed of at least three independent directors.1 |
|
|
2. |
|
All members of the Committee shall, to the satisfaction of the Board, be Financially
Literate and at least one member will be a Committee Financial Expert (Financially
Literate and Committee Financial Expert are defined in the Definitions section of this
Charter). |
|
|
3. |
|
The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board, based on the
recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, to serve one year terms and are
permitted to serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms. |
|
|
4. |
|
The Committee shall appoint a chair (the Chair) from among its members who shall be
an unrelated director. |
|
|
5. |
|
The Committee will make every effort to meet at least four times per year and each
member is entitled to request that an additional meeting be called, which will be held
within one week of the request for such meeting. A quorum at meetings of the Committee
shall be two members. |
|
|
6. |
|
The external auditor may request the Chair to call a meeting of the Committee to
consider any matter that the auditor believes should be brought to the attention of the
directors or the shareholders of the Company. |
|
|
7. |
|
The Committee will make every effort to ensure that minutes of the Committee meetings
be distributed to all members of the Committee with copies to the chief financial officer
and the external auditor. |
|
|
|
1 |
|
In order to be considered independent, the following applies: |
|
(a) |
|
Pursuant to the Canadian Securities Administrators
Multilateral Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees, a member
of the Committee must not have a direct or indirect material
relationship with the Company. A material relationship is
a relationship which could, in the view of the Companys Board,
be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a
members independent judgment. |
|
(b) |
|
Pursuant to United States securities laws, a member of the Committee may
not accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other
compensatory fee from the Company or any of its subsidiaries; nor be an
affiliated person, as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. |
A-1
RESPONSIBILITIES
Charter.
The Committee will review this Charter periodically, but at least once per annum, and recommend to
the Board any necessary amendments.
Financial Information
The Committee will review and discuss with the external auditors:
|
1. |
|
the audited annual financial statements, and recommend to the Board they be approved
for inclusion in the Companys annual report; |
|
|
2. |
|
interim financial statements, and the notes related thereto, and recommend to the Board
they be approved for inclusion in the Companys quarterly financial release; |
|
|
3. |
|
other financial information included in the Companys annual report; |
|
|
4. |
|
quarterly and annual Management Discussion and Analysis; |
|
|
5. |
|
the annual and interim earnings press releases before the Company publicly discloses
the information contained therein; |
|
|
6. |
|
any press release to be publicly disseminated which contains material information of a
financial nature; and |
|
|
7. |
|
the Annual Information Form. |
External Auditors
|
1. |
|
The Committee will recommend to the Board the external auditor to be nominated for
appointment by shareholders at each annual general meeting of the Company. |
|
|
2. |
|
The Committee will review the performance of the external auditor and, where
appropriate, recommend to the Board the removal of the external auditor. |
|
|
3. |
|
The Committee will confirm the independence and effectiveness of the external auditor,
which will require receipt from the external auditor of a formal written statement
delineating all relationships between the auditor and the Company and any other factors
that might affect the independence of the auditor. |
|
|
4. |
|
The external Auditor will report directly to the Audit Committee. |
|
|
5. |
|
The Committee will oversee the work of the external auditor generally, and review and
report to the Board on the planning and results of external audit work, including: |
|
a. |
|
the external auditors engagement letter or other reports of the auditor; |
A-2
|
b. |
|
the reasonableness of the estimated fees and other compensation to be paid to
the external auditor; |
|
|
c. |
|
the form and content of the quarterly and annual audit report, which should
include, inter alia: |
|
i. |
|
a summary of the Companys internal
controls and procedures; |
|
|
ii. |
|
any material issues raised in the most
recent meeting of the Committee; |
|
d. |
|
any other related audit, review or attestation services performed for the
Company by the external auditors; and |
|
|
e. |
|
an assessment of the external auditors performance. |
|
6. |
|
The Committee will actively engage in dialogue with the external auditor with respect
to any disclosed relationships or services that may affect the independence and objectivity
of the external auditor and take, or recommend the Board take, appropriate actions to
oversee the independence of the external auditor. |
|
|
7. |
|
The Committee will review and pre-approve all non-audit services provided to the
Company or its subsidiaries by the external auditor prior to the commencement of such
services. Pre-approval of non-audit services will be satisfied only if the requirements as
set out in National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees are satisfied. |
|
|
8. |
|
The Committee will monitor the relationship between management and the external auditor
and resolve any disagreements between them regarding financial reporting. |
Accounting System and Internal Controls
The Committee will:
|
1. |
|
Obtain reasonable assurance from discussions with (and/or reports from) management, and
reports from external and internal auditors that the Companys financial and accounting
systems are reliable and that the prescribed internal controls are operating effectively. |
|
|
2. |
|
In consultation with the external auditor and the Disclosure Committee of the Board,
review the integrity of the Companys financial reporting process and the internal control
structure. |
|
|
3. |
|
Review the acceptability of the Companys accounting principles and direct the
auditors examinations to particular areas of question or concern, as required. |
|
|
4. |
|
Request the auditors to undertake special examinations (e.g., review compliance with
conflict of interest policies). |
|
|
5. |
|
Together with management, review control weaknesses identified by the external and
internal auditors. |
|
|
6. |
|
Review the appointments of the chief financial officer and key financial executives. |
A-3
Internal Audit
The Committee will:
|
1. |
|
Review activities, organization structure and qualifications of the internal audit
function. |
|
|
2. |
|
Review the resources, budget, reporting relationships and planned activities of the
internal audit function. |
|
|
3. |
|
Review internal audit findings and determine that they are being properly followed up. |
|
|
4. |
|
Annually review and recommend changes, if any, to the internal audit procedures. |
|
|
5. |
|
Review with the Companys legal counsel any legal matter that could have a significant
impact on the Companys financial statements. |
Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
|
1. |
|
The Committee will review and monitor the Companys compliance with applicable legal
and regulatory requirements, particularly those related to financial reporting and
disclosure. |
|
|
2. |
|
The Committee will review all related-party transactions. |
Complaints
The Committee will establish procedures for:
|
1. |
|
the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and |
|
|
2. |
|
the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company and its subsidiaries
of similar concerns. |
AUTHORITY
|
1. |
|
The Committee shall have the authority to: |
|
a. |
|
engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines
necessary to carry out its duties; |
|
|
b. |
|
set and pay the compensation for any advisors employed by the
Committee; and |
|
|
c. |
|
communicate directly with the internal and external auditors. |
|
2. |
|
The Committee shall have the power, authority and discretion delegated to it by the
Board which shall not include the power to change the membership of or fill vacancies in
the Committee. |
|
|
3. |
|
A resolution approved in writing by the members of the Committee shall be valid and
effective as if it had been passed at a duly called meeting. Such resolution shall be
filed with the minutes of |
A-4
|
|
|
the proceedings of the Committee and shall be effective on the date stated thereon or on the
latest date stated in any counterpart. |
|
|
4. |
|
The Board shall have the power at any time to revoke or override the authority given to
or acts done by the Committee except as to acts done before such revocation or act of
overriding and to terminate the appointment or change the membership of the Committee or
fill vacancies in it as it shall see fit. |
|
|
5. |
|
The Committee shall have unrestricted and unfettered access to all Company personnel
and documents and shall be provided with the resources necessary to carry out its
responsibilities. |
DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used in this Charter and not otherwise defined have the meaning attributed to
them below:
Financially Literate means the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that
present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the
breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised in the Companys
financial statements.
Committee Financial Expert means a person who has the following attributes:
|
(a) |
|
an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements; |
|
|
(b) |
|
the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the
accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; |
|
|
(c) |
|
experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that
present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally
comparable to the breadth and level of complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected
to be raised in the Companys financial statements, or experience actively supervising one
or more persons engaged in such activities; |
|
|
(d) |
|
an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and |
|
|
(e) |
|
an understanding of audit committee functions; |
acquired through any one or more of the following:
|
i) |
|
education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor or experience in one
or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions; |
|
|
ii) |
|
experience actively supervising a principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person
performing similar functions; or |
|
|
iii) |
|
experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or
public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of
financial statements; or other relevant experience.
|
A-5
Document
No. 2
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 21, 2007
Introduction
Managements discussion and analysis (MD&A) focuses on significant factors that have
affected Pan American Silver Corp.s and its subsidiaries (Pan American or the Company)
performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. In order to better understand
the MD&A, it should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the related notes contained therein. All
amounts in this MD&A and in the consolidated financial statements are expressed in United States
dollars, unless identified otherwise. The Company reports its financial position, results of
operations and cash flows in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles
(Canadian GAAP). Pan Americans significant accounting policies are set out in Note 2 of the
audited consolidated financial statements. Differences between Canadian and United States
generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) that would have affected the Companys
reported financial results are set out in Note 20. This MD&A refers to various non-GAAP measures,
such as cash and total cost per ounce of silver, which are used by the Company to manage and
evaluate operating performance at each of the Companys mines and are widely reported in the silver
mining industry as benchmarks for performance, but do not have standardized meaning. To facilitate
a better understanding of these measures as calculated by the Company, we have provided detailed
descriptions and reconciliations where applicable. This MD&A is comprised of the following
sections:
1. |
|
The Overview of 2006 section provides a discussion of the significant events and
transactions that occurred during the year and an analysis of Pan Americans financial results
and operating performance. A detailed analysis of each mines operating performance in 2006
and our forecasts for 2007 are also provided in this section, together with a reconciliation
of our consolidated cash and total costs per ounce of silver to the cost of sales reported in
our consolidated statement of operations. |
|
2. |
|
The Liquidity and Capital Resources section describes our current financial condition and
discusses our expected capital and liquidity requirements for 2007 and beyond. |
|
3. |
|
The Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section identifies those accounting
estimates that have the largest impact on the financial presentation. |
|
4. |
|
The Risks and Uncertainty section discusses the risks associated with Pan Americans
business and our risk management programs to mitigate such risks. |
|
5. |
|
The Controls and Procedures section describes the Companys approach to internal controls
and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial
reporting. |
|
6. |
|
Finally, in the Outlook section we discuss the status of Pan Americans development
projects, and the metal markets into which we sell our production. |
Except for historical information contained in this MD&A, the following disclosures are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 or are future oriented financial information and as such are based on an assumed set of
economic conditions and courses of action. Please refer to the cautionary note regarding the risks
associated with forward looking statements at the back of this MD&A and the Risks Related to Pan
Americans Business contained in the Companys most recent Form 40F and Annual Information Form on
file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian provincial securities
regulatory authorities. Additional information about Pan American and its business activities is
available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com
1
Overview of 2006
Significant Events and Transactions
Pan American produced 13 million ounces of silver in 2006, which was a 4 per cent increase in
silver production relative to 2005 production. The Company also achieved 5 per cent and 16 per
cent increases in the production of zinc and copper, respectively, while lead production decreased
by 1 per cent in 2006. Increased silver production was primarily achieved by restarting the
sulphide plant at the La Colorada mine and by higher throughput rates at the Morococha mine, which
was also the primary reason for increased zinc and copper production.
Consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver were $1.89 in 2006, sharply lower than 2005 cash costs
per ounce of $4.38. Significantly higher by-product credits resulting from stronger base metal
prices in 2006, compared to 2005, was the reason for the reduction in the cash costs per ounce. The
higher by-product credits more than offset the negative cost effects of higher Peruvian workers
profit participation and the industry-wide escalations in energy, freight, consumables, and labour
costs that were experienced in 2006.
In 2006, Pan American increased its silver reserves and resources at every one of its operating and
development properties. As at December 31, 2006, proven and probable reserves totaled 213.4 million
ounces, a 20% increase over the previous year. For the complete breakdown of reserves and resources
by property and category, please refer to the news release issued by the Company on February 15,
2007, which is available online at www.panamericansilver.com.
In March 2006, Pan American announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire a 50 per cent
interest in the Manantial Espejo project in Argentina from Silver Standard Resources Inc, which
gave Pan American a 100 per cent interest in the project. The purchase price of $47.5 million was
paid with 1.95 million common shares of Pan American. Following this acquisition, Pan American
made a positive construction decision for the Manantial Espejo project. The decision was based on
a feasibility study that estimates that the project will produce on average 4.1 million ounces of
silver and 60,000 ounces of gold annually over a mine life of approximately 8 years. Capital costs
for the project are expected to be $112.3 million, including working capital and normal
construction contingencies, plus $18.1 million in Argentine Value Added Tax which will be
refundable once the mine is in production.
On April 5, 2006, Pan American filed a preliminary prospectus supplement to its existing $150
million base shelf prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in the provinces of Canada
and with the SEC in connection with a public offering of common shares (the Offering). The
Company completed the base Offering on April 18, 2006 and completed the over-allotment option of
the Offering on April 21, 2006. The Offering consisted of 6.28 million common shares priced at
$23.88 for gross proceeds of $150 million and net proceeds after deducting underwriting fees and
other share issue costs, of $142.3 million. The proceeds of the Offering are being used for the
construction and development of the Companys Manantial Espejo silver project.
The construction of the Companys Alamo Dorado project in Mexico was completed during 2006,
substantially on budget and on schedule, with commercial production expected to commence in the
second quarter of 2007. The total capital cost for the construction of the project through the end
of 2006 was approximately $81.5 million, compared to the original feasibility study forecast of $77
million. The project construction was completed without the occurrence of a lost-time accident.
Alamo Dorado is expected on average to produce approximately 5 million ounces of silver annually at
cash costs of less that $3.00 per silver ounce, net of gold by-product credits.
2
Financial Results
The table below sets out highlights of Pan Americans quarterly results, expressed in
thousands of US dollars (except for per share detail), for the past 12 quarters, together with
select balance sheet information for the prior three years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended (unaudited) |
Years Ended |
2006 |
|
March 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Sales |
|
$ |
45,744 |
|
|
$ |
62,848 |
|
|
$ |
64,268 |
|
|
$ |
82,588 |
|
|
$ |
255,447 |
|
Mine operating earnings* |
|
$ |
17,976 |
|
|
$ |
31,060 |
|
|
$ |
29,221 |
|
|
$ |
35,063 |
|
|
$ |
113,319 |
|
General & Administrative |
|
$ |
(1,933 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,416 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,739 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,084 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,172 |
) |
Exploration |
|
$ |
(1,234 |
) |
|
$ |
(637 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,267 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,902 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,040 |
) |
Loss on commodity and currency contracts |
|
$ |
(11,830 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,780 |
) |
|
$ |
(676 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,042 |
) |
|
$ |
(18,328 |
) |
Net income (loss) for the period |
|
$ |
(2,761 |
) |
|
$ |
14,964 |
|
|
$ |
16,355 |
|
|
$ |
29,648 |
|
|
$ |
58,206 |
|
Net income/(loss) per share Basic |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
679,995 |
|
Total long-term financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
102,488 |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
512,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
March 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Sales |
|
$ |
29,086 |
|
|
$ |
25,358 |
|
|
$ |
30,086 |
|
|
$ |
37,871 |
|
|
$ |
122,401 |
|
Mine operating earnings* |
|
$ |
3,488 |
|
|
$ |
4,526 |
|
|
$ |
4,961 |
|
|
$ |
8,683 |
|
|
$ |
21,658 |
|
General & Administrative |
|
$ |
(1,563 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,751 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,065 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,558 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,936 |
) |
Exploration |
|
$ |
(1,424 |
) |
|
$ |
(885 |
) |
|
$ |
(394 |
) |
|
$ |
(994 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,697 |
) |
Loss on commodity and currency contracts |
|
$ |
(3,337 |
) |
|
$ |
3,491 |
|
|
$ |
(2,198 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,152 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Write-down of mining assets |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
(29,666 |
) |
|
$ |
(29,666 |
) |
Net income/(loss) for the period |
|
$ |
(4,223 |
) |
|
$ |
4,971 |
|
|
$ |
172 |
|
|
$ |
(29,514 |
) |
|
$ |
(28,594 |
) |
Net income/(loss) per share Basic |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.44 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
362,280 |
|
Total long-term financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
77,592 |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
257,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
March 31 |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Dec. 31 |
|
Sales |
|
$ |
15,708 |
|
|
$ |
21,179 |
|
|
$ |
27,916 |
|
|
$ |
30,022 |
|
|
$ |
94,825 |
|
Mine operating earnings* |
|
$ |
2,395 |
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
$ |
6,357 |
|
|
$ |
3,402 |
|
|
$ |
14,794 |
|
General & Administrative |
|
$ |
(1,243 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,886 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,452 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,660 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,241 |
) |
Exploration |
|
$ |
(528 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,137 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,213 |
) |
|
$ |
(960 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,838 |
) |
Loss on commodity and currency contracts |
|
$ |
(2,214 |
) |
|
$ |
1,836 |
|
|
$ |
(3,438 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,801 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,617 |
) |
Net income (loss) for the period |
|
$ |
(2,023 |
) |
|
$ |
3,352 |
|
|
$ |
358 |
|
|
$ |
13,527 |
|
|
$ |
15,214 |
|
Net income/(loss) per share Basic |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
370,086 |
|
Total long-term financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,279 |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
275,516 |
|
Notes
* |
|
Mine operating earnings/(loss) is equal to sales less cost of sales less depreciation and amortization, which is considered
to be substantially the same as gross margin. |
The Company did not declare or pay any dividends during the periods under review.
Net income for 2006 was $58.2 million, compared to a net loss for 2005 of $28.6 million.
Basic earnings per share for 2006 were $0.79 compared to a loss per share of $0.43 in 2005. The
improvement in the Companys results in 2006 was primarily due to a dramatic upturn in the
3
profitability of the Companys operations, as reflected by a more than 5 fold increase in mine
operating earnings, primarily as a consequence of the rise in the sales prices of the metals the
Company produces. Net income for 2006 included a loss on commodity and foreign currency contracts
of $18.3 million and a gain on the sale of the Companys interest in the Dukat mine in Russia of $8
million. Included in the net loss for 2005 were several unusual items including a non-cash
impairment charge of $29.7 million, which resulted from the Companys decision to write down the
carrying value of the La Colorada mine, a loss on commodity and foreign currency contracts of $8.2
million, and a gain on the sale of the Companys interest in Dukat of $2 million.
For the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2006, the Company recorded net income of $29.6 million compared to
a $29.5 million net loss in the comparable period of 2005. Basic earnings per share in Q4 of 2006
were $0.39 compared to a loss per share of $0.44 in the comparable period of 2005. Vastly improved
mine operating earnings in Q4 of 2006 relative to Q4 of 2005, together with the fact that the
Company recorded a $29.7 million non-cash write down of the La Colorada mine in Q4 of 2005 are the
two most significant factors for the improved quarterly results. Q4 of 2006 also benefited from
the recognition of an $8.0 million gain recorded relating to the amount receivable under the terms
of the sale of the Companys interest in Dukat (Q4 of 2005: $2 million).
Sales in 2006 were $255.4 million, an increase of 109 per cent relative to 2005 sales. The average
price for all of the metals that the Company produces increased in 2006 compared to 2005; the
average silver price increased 58 per cent, the average zinc price increased 137 per cent, the
average copper price increased 83 per cent, and average lead price increased 32 per cent. In
addition to higher realized prices for our products, the Company also increased the quantity of
products sold. Pan Americans Peruvian operations shipped a total of 140,211 dry metric tonnes of
concentrates in 2006, a 6 per cent increase over the previous year and the La Colorada mine
increased silver production by 13 per cent over 2005 production.
Sales for Q4 of 2006 were $82.6 million compared to $37.9 million in the comparable period of 2005
due primarily to the higher price environment for the metals the Company produced and due to the
fact that the Company sold 8 per cent more tonnes of concentrates in Q4 of 2006 compared to Q4 of
2005.
Cost of sales in 2006 was $124.6 million, a $37.0 million increase from the cost of sales recorded
in 2005. The main reasons for the higher cost of sales relative to a year ago were (i) increased
mining and milling rates at all of Pan Americans operations by an average of 12 per cent, (ii) the
shipment of approximately 8,400 tonnes more concentrates from the Peruvian operations and (iii) the
industry-wide escalations experienced in the cost of energy, labour and consumables. Cost of sales
was also negatively impacted by significantly increased workers participation costs in Peru, which
are based on the increased taxable income being generated by the Companys Peruvian mines.
Workers participation costs increased to $8.4 million in 2006 from $1.2 million in 2005.
Cost of sales in Q4 of 2006 was $41.9 million compared to $25.5 million in Q4 of 2005. The increase
in cost of sales in Q4 of 2006 is due to the same reasons as described in the paragraph above.
Depreciation and amortization expense of $17.5 million was $4.4 million higher in 2006 than 2005.
Increased tonnage milled at all of the Companys operations and higher depreciation rates at La
Colorada in 2006 as a result of the decrease in reserves and resources estimated at the end of 2005
were the main reasons for the increase.
Depreciation and amortization expense in Q4 of 2006 was $5.6 million compared to $3.7 million in Q4
of 2005. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses in Q4 of 2006 is due to the same
reasons as described in the paragraph above.
4
Mine operating earnings, is defined as sales less cost of sales and depreciation and amortization,
increased more than 5 times in 2006 from $21.7 million in 2005 to $113.3 million. The dramatic
increase in mine operating earnings was a result of the increase in sales far outweighing the
increases in cost of sales and depreciation and amortization expense.
The Company generated record quarterly mine operating earnings of $35.1 million in Q4 of 2006, a
304 per cent increase from the mine operating earnings generated in Q4 of 2005. As was the case
with annual mine operating earnings, the increase in Q4 mine operating earnings was a result of the
increase in sales for the quarter, which were significantly greater than were the increases in cost
of sales and depreciation and amortization expense.
General and administrative costs, including stock based compensation, increased by 32 per cent from
2005 to $9.2 million (2005: $6.9 million), reflecting increased staffing costs, the cost of
compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, a stronger Canadian dollar against the
US dollar, and increased travel costs. Included in general and administrative expenses was
stock-based compensation of $2.9 million (2005 $2.0 million).
General and administrative costs in Q4 of 2006 were $2.1 million, compared to $1.6 million for the
comparable period of 2005. The increase in Q4 occurred due to the same factors described in the
paragraph above, together with a charge of $0.6 million recorded in Q4 of 2006 concerning the
re-measurement of stock option expenses relating to prior periods.
Exploration and project development expenses in 2006 were $8.0 million compared to $3.7 million
incurred in 2005. The exploration expenses recorded in 2006 primarily represented the costs
associated with exploration drilling at La Colorada and Morococha and the preparation of a
feasibility study and holding costs at the San Vicente project. 2005s expenses related mostly to
work at Manantial Espejo and due diligence expenses associated with the Companys business
development activities.
Exploration and project development expenses in Q4 of 2006 were $3.9 million, significantly higher
than $1.0 million incurred in the comparable period of 2005 and were due to more extensive
exploration drilling programs, particularly at La Colorada and Morococha, and the costs associated
with the Companys business development activities.
Asset retirement and reclamation expenses for 2006 were $2.5 million, similar to the $2.3 million
incurred in 2005. These costs were related to the accretion of the liability that the Company has
recorded with respect to its mining operations as required by CICA Handbook Section 3110 -
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. There were no significant changes to the Companys
closure estimates at any of its operations in 2006, other than the recognition of closure
liabilities at Alamo Dorado and Manantial Espejo triggered by construction activities. The
resultant increase in our asset retirement obligation provision gave rise to a higher accretion
charge associated with this liability.
In 2005, the Company incurred a write-down of non-producing property of $29.7 million which
resulted from the Companys decision to write down the carrying value of the La Colorada mine. No
write-down of assets was recorded in 2006.
Investment and other income, net of foreign exchange loss for 2006 totaled $5.2 million (2005: $2.6
million) and were primarily made up of interest generated by the Companys short-term investment
portfolio. Investment and other income for Q4 of 2006 was $1.2 million (Q4 of 2005: $0.7 million).
The higher average cash balances combined with a higher interest rate environment, which prevailed
in 2006, resulted in the increase over the comparable periods in 2005.
5
Interest and financing expenses in 2006 were $0.6 million, which was primarily made up of financing
and transactional charges, compared to $0.5 million incurred in 2005. This expense remains
relatively constant and thus the amount recorded in Q4 of 2006 of $0.1 million was similar to the
comparable period of 2005.
The Company incurred a loss on commodity and currency contracts of $18.3 million in 2006, compared
to a loss of $8.2 million in 2005. The loss in 2006 was comprised of a loss on our zinc price
protection program of $14.4 million, a loss on our silver fixing program of $3.6 million, and a
loss on our Mexican peso forward purchases of $0.3 million. In June 2006, the Company bought 6,000
tonnes of zinc settling between July and December 2006. These forward purchases were entered into
to exactly offset all of the Companys zinc forward sales positions, leaving the Company with no
open zinc positions as at June 30, 2006. The effect of these transactions was to crystallize a
loss of $8.3 million, which has been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. Had the
Company not bought back its forward sales contracts in June 2006, but rather settled the forward
sales contracts as they came due, an additional loss of $4.8 million would have been incurred in
2006. The Company had no open zinc or currency positions at December 31, 2006.
The Company recognized a gain on sale of assets of $8.2 million in Q4 of 2006, which is mostly the
amount payable in December 2007 under the terms of the sale of our interest in the Dukat mine in
2004. In 2005, the Company recorded a $2 million gain on the sale of our interest in Dukat and
$0.6 million for the gain on the sale of obsolete equipment, all of which was recorded in Q4 of
2005. The Company received the $2 million booked on the sale of our interest in Dukat as a
receivable in 2005 as expected in December 2006.
Income tax provision for 2006 amounted to $25.5 million compared to $3.3 million in 2005. The
substantially higher current income tax expense resulted from greater taxable income being
generated by our Peruvian operating subsidiaries in 2006 than in 2005, primarily due to a stronger
price environment and the fact that the Quiruvilca operation only became taxable in later 2005.
The current income tax expense for 2006 was reduced by a $3.3 million reversal of the Companys
overall provision for future income taxes primarily as a result of a reduction of the Companys
valuation allowance against tax loss carry forwards associated with the La Colorada mine.
Management now believes some of these tax losses will be utilized to shield future taxable income,
thereby decreasing the future income tax provision, with a corresponding increase to income in the
fourth quarter of 2006.
The income tax provision for Q4 of 2006 of $5.5 million was higher than the $1.7 million in the
comparable period of 2005 for the same reasons.
The non-controlling interest in 2006 was $3.8 million compared to $0.9 million in 2005. The
non-controlling interest reflects the income after tax that is attributable to the minority shares
of the entities which own the Morococha and San Vicente mines. The Company owns approximately an
88.5 per cent interest in the Morococha mine and a 55 per cent interest in the San Vicente mine.
The income after tax generated by both Morococha and San Vicente was significantly higher in 2006
than it was in 2005, which was the reason for the higher non-controlling interest recorded in 2006.
The non-controlling interest in Q4 of 2006 was $1.6 million compared to $0.1 million in the
comparable period of 2005 for the same reason as described above.
6
Financial Results: 2005 compared to 2004
Net loss for 2005 was $28.6 million, compared to net income for 2004 of $15.2 million. Included in
the net income for 2004 were several unusual items including the gain on the sale of the Companys
interest in Dukat for $20.1 million, the gain on the sale of surplus land at Quiruvilca for $3.6
million, loss on commodity and foreign currency contracts of $6.6 million, the write-off of $2.5
million of obsolete assets and premium on early retirement of debt of $1.4 million. Sales in 2005
increased by 29 per cent relative to 2004 sales. The average price for all of the metals that the
Company produces increased in 2005 compared to 2004. The average silver and lead prices increased
10 per cent, the average zinc price increased 31 per cent, and the average copper price increased
28 per cent. The Company also significantly increased its production, primarily as a result of a
full year of ownership of the Morococha mine, which was acquired with effect from July 1, 2004.
Cost of sales in 2005 were $87.6 million, an $18.5 million increase from the cost of sales recorded
in 2004. Accounting for approximately $12.9 million of the increase is the fact that the Morococha
mine was owned for the full year in 2005 compared to only 6-months of ownership in 2004.
Depreciation and amortization expense in 2005 of $13.1 million was $2.2 million higher than 2004.
A full year of ownership of Morococha accounted for $2.0 million of this increase.
General and administrative costs, including stock based compensation increased by $0.7 million from
2004 to $6.9 million, reflecting increased staffing costs, a stronger Canadian dollar against the
US dollar and increased travel costs. Exploration expenses in 2005 were $3.7 million, similar to
exploration expenses incurred in 2004. The exploration expenses recorded in 2004 related mostly to
work at Manantial Espejo and due diligence expense associated with the Companys business
development activities. Asset retirement and reclamation expenses for 2005 increased to $2.3
million from $1.3 million incurred in 2004. The Company increased its estimated closing liability
at Quiruvilca and La Colorada during 2005, and recognized a closure liability at Alamo Dorado
triggered by construction activities. The resultant increase in our asset retirement obligation
provision gave rise to a higher accretion charge associated with this liability.
Investment and other income net of foreign exchange losses for 2005 totaled $2.6 million and was
primarily made up of interest generated by the Companys short-term investment portfolio. The
Company also recognized a gain on sale of assets of $2.6 million in 2005, consisting of $2 million
owing under the terms of sale of our interest in the Dukat mine in 2004, which was paid in December
2006, and $0.6 million for the gain on the sale of obsolete equipment. Interest expense in 2005 of
$0.5 million, which was primarily made up of financing and transactional charges, compared to $0.9
million incurred in 2004. The decrease from the prior year was as a result of the conversion of 99
per cent of the 5.25 per cent convertible unsecured senior subordinated debentures and other debt
prepayments in April and May 2004.
Income tax provision for 2005 amounted to $3.3 million compared to $2.8 million in 2004, which was
the first year that the Company was taxable in Peru. A higher current income tax expense resulted
from greater taxable income being generated by our Peruvian operating subsidiaries in 2005 than in
2004, primarily due to a stronger price environment. The current income tax expense for 2005 was
partially reduced by a $0.8 million reversal of the provision for future income taxes.
7
Operating Performance
Consolidated Production and Cash Costs (Non-GAAP Measure)
The following table sets out select historic and 2007 forecast consolidated operating information.
Please note that these include estimates of future production rates for silver and other payable
metals and future cash and total costs of production at each of the Companys properties, which are
forward-looking estimates and subject to the cautionary note regarding the risks associated with
forward looking statements at the end of this MD&A. The Companys 2007 budget and the resultant
forecast numbers contained in this MD&A are based on the following price assumptions: silver: $10
per ounce, zinc: $3,000 per tonne ($1.36 per lb), lead: $1,000 per tonne ($0.45 per lb), copper:
$5,000 per tonne ($2.27 per lb) and gold: $550 per ounce. The Companys budget also assumes that
we are able to ship and sell all our 2007 production in the 2007 financial year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Production |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
17,610,000 |
|
|
|
13,018,354 |
|
|
|
12,529,417 |
|
|
|
11,182,030 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
43,900 |
|
|
|
39,366 |
|
|
|
37,421 |
|
|
|
34,086 |
|
Lead tonnes |
|
|
19,900 |
|
|
|
15,307 |
|
|
|
15,410 |
|
|
|
16,694 |
|
Copper tonnes |
|
|
4,100 |
|
|
|
4,546 |
|
|
|
3,931 |
|
|
|
3,426 |
|
Gold ounces |
|
|
19,400 |
|
|
|
6,438 |
|
|
|
5,777 |
|
|
|
4,072 |
|
Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
$ |
1.89 |
|
|
$ |
4.38 |
|
|
$ |
4.17 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
2.15 |
|
|
$ |
1.49 |
|
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
|
$ |
1.14 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
5.20 |
|
|
$ |
3.38 |
|
|
$ |
5.72 |
|
|
$ |
5.30 |
|
Silver production in 2006 fell short of managements expectations of 14.1 million ounces due
primarily to a delay in restarting the sulphide operation at La Colorada. The sulphide plant was
expected to restart in April 2006 and contribute approximately 0.8 million ounces of silver
production in 2006. However, production from the sulphide plant only commenced during the third
quarter and contributed 0.3 million ounces of silver in 2006. An additional shortfall relative to
managements expectations for silver production in 2006 occurred at Alamo Dorado, where
construction activities were completed substantially on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2006,
however commercial production is only expected to commence in the second quarter of 2007 as opposed
to the fourth quarter of 2006, as originally expected.
Zinc and lead production in 2006 was lower than expected by 10 per cent and 11 per cent,
respectively due mainly to an underperformance of zinc and lead grades at the Quiruvilca and Huaron
mines and the delay in restarting the sulphide operation at La Colorada.
Consolidated cash costs per ounce in 2006 of $1.89 were significantly lower than managements
forecast of $4.43 per ounce. The primary explanation for lower than expected cash costs per ounce
was the stronger than expected base metal prices which resulted in higher than expected by-product
credits that more than off-set higher than expected operating costs.
Consolidated production in 2007 is forecast at 17.6 million ounces of silver, a 35 per cent
increase as compared to 2006. The planned increase is expected to be achieved by the commencement
of commercial production at Alamo Dorado during the second quarter of 2007 and a full year of
sulphide production at La Colorada.
Base metal and gold production are also expected to increase in 2007 over 2006. Zinc production is
budgeted to increase by 12 per cent in 2007 due to increased throughput rates at
8
Huaron and San Vicente and higher zinc grades and recoveries at Morococha. Higher lead production
from both Morococha and Huaron combined with the restart of the sulphide mine at La Colorada are
expected to result in a 30 per cent increase in overall lead production. Copper production is
expected to be slightly lower than the copper production in 2006. Commencement of operations at
Alamo Dorado is expected to result in a significant increase in Pan Americans anticipated gold
production in 2007.
Consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, are forecast to be $3.04, a
$1.15 per ounce increase over 2006s cash costs. This increase is primarily related to the fact
that management has assumed that base metal prices in 2007 will be lower than realized prices in
2006, with a resultant decrease in future by-product credits. Please refer to the cash cost
sensitivity analysis contained under the Metal Price and Currency Risk section later in this MD&A
for further discussion of the relationship between our cash costs per ounce of silver and base
metal prices.
An analysis of each mines operating performance in 2006 measured against historical performance
follows, together with managements forecasts for each operations performance in 2007.
Morococha Mine
Pan American acquired an 81 per cent interest in the Morococha mine in effect from July 1, 2004 and
has subsequently purchased an additional 7 per cent interest. Morococha was immediately accretive
to production, cash flow, and earnings and was Pan Americans most profitable mine in 2006 and
2005, generating $43 million and $10.4 million of mine operating earnings in those years,
respectively. Mining and milling rates increased by 23 per cent in 2006, which is the primary
reason for the increase in silver, zinc and copper production rates, relative to 2005. The
positive effects of increased mining and milling rates were partially offset by lower silver and
base metal grades.
Morocochas cash costs per ounce were negative $3.71 in 2006, dramatically lower than 2005 cash
costs per ounce of $2.61. Significantly higher by-product credits resulting from stronger base
metal prices in 2006 relative to 2005 and cost efficiencies related to the increased processing
rates are the main reasons for the reduction in the cash costs per ounce.
The following table sets out Morocochas production and cost data for the second half of 2004, 2005
and 2006, together with managements forecasts for 2007 (the figures below represent Pan Americans
88.5 per cent share of production):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morococha |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
581,243 |
|
|
|
577,201 |
|
|
|
467,521 |
|
|
|
212,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
2,670,000 |
|
|
|
2,923,267 |
|
|
|
2,736,393 |
|
|
|
1,259,451 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
19,400 |
|
|
|
18,115 |
|
|
|
15,689 |
|
|
|
5,902 |
|
Lead tonnes |
|
|
8,900 |
|
|
|
5,722 |
|
|
|
5,875 |
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
Copper tonnes |
|
|
1,400 |
|
|
|
1,546 |
|
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
538 |
|
Tonnes Shipped |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc concentrate |
|
|
39,200 |
|
|
|
37,142 |
|
|
|
34,404 |
|
|
|
13,613 |
|
Lead concentrate |
|
|
16,900 |
|
|
|
11,466 |
|
|
|
11,369 |
|
|
|
4,416 |
|
Copper concentrate |
|
|
5,900 |
|
|
|
6,381 |
|
|
|
3,994 |
|
|
|
2,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
(3.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.71 |
) |
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
$ |
4.47 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
1.29 |
|
|
$ |
1.75 |
|
|
$ |
1.74 |
|
|
$ |
1.69 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
(1.87 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.96 |
) |
|
$ |
4.36 |
|
|
$ |
6.16 |
|
9
Morococha exceeded managements forecasts of tonnage and recoveries in 2006, resulting in
higher than expected production of silver and base metals. Pan Americans investments in mine
infrastructure and development as part of the Companys program of modernizing the operation,
continued to generate better than expected results. The mine achieved higher throughput rates and
better recoveries which allowed it to overcome lower than expected grades to post record silver
production. Morocochas cash cost per ounce of silver in 2006 was expected to be $2.86. Better
than expected operating performance and higher than expected by-product credits resulted in an
actual cash cost of negative $3.71 per ounce.
Tonnes milled at Morococha in 2007 are expected to be slightly higher than in 2006, bringing the
expected monthly average tonnage for 2007 to 54,700 tonnes, a 29 per cent increase from the average
monthly tonnage when Pan American acquired Morococha in 2004. However, management expects that
lower silver head grades will result in a 9 per cent decrease in silver production relative to
2006. Higher zinc and lead grades are expected to result in increased base metal production.
General cost escalations, particularly the costs of electricity and supplies such as copper
sulfate, are expected to increase operating costs per tonne milled by 9 per cent over 2006 costs.
Significant camp administration costs are also expected to be incurred associated with moving
approximately 800 miners from contractors payrolls onto the Companys payroll in 2007. As a
result of these cost increases and a lower assumed by-product credit, Management anticipates a 15
per cent increase in cash costs per ounce in 2007, which are planned to be negative $3.16 per
ounce.
The primary objective at Morococha in 2007 is to increase proven and probable reserves by
continuing the extensive exploration drilling program that was commenced shortly after the mine was
purchased in 2004. In addition, the Company intends to continue its program of extensive investment
at Morococha in order to improve efficiencies, increase mining and milling rates, improve safety
systems and prepare for long term expansion of the operation. Capital expenditures at Morococha in
2007 are expected to total $13.5 million.
Huaron Mine
Huaron remained the Companys largest silver mine in 2006, producing similar silver and base metal
quantities as it did in 2005. These production levels were achieved by increasing the mill tonnage
by 8 per cent relative to 2005, which offset the effect of lower ore grades and base metal
recoveries. Huaron generated mine operating earnings of $28.3 million and $4.8 million in 2006 and
2005, respectively.
Compared to 2005, cash costs at Huaron were reduced by 53 per cent in 2006 to $2.41 per ounce.
Significantly higher by-product credits resulting from stronger base metal prices in 2006 relative
to 2005 and cost efficiencies related to the 8 per cent increase in processing rates are the main
reasons for the reduction in the cash costs per ounce.
10
The following table sets out managements forecasts for Huaron in 2007 and historical production
and cost data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Huaron |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
719,000 |
|
|
|
693,285 |
|
|
|
639,849 |
|
|
|
635,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
3,860,000 |
|
|
|
3,664,660 |
|
|
|
3,690,786 |
|
|
|
4,080,737 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
12,700 |
|
|
|
11,735 |
|
|
|
11,701 |
|
|
|
15,041 |
|
Lead tonnes |
|
|
7,900 |
|
|
|
6,858 |
|
|
|
6,774 |
|
|
|
10,569 |
|
Copper tonnes |
|
|
1,300 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
1,689 |
|
|
|
1,754 |
|
Gold ounces |
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
1,113 |
|
|
|
339 |
|
Tonnes Shipped |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc concentrate |
|
|
25,546 |
|
|
|
24,975 |
|
|
|
23,110 |
|
|
|
34,314 |
|
Lead concentrate |
|
|
15,642 |
|
|
|
17,002 |
|
|
|
16,162 |
|
|
|
20,253 |
|
Copper concentrate |
|
|
6,052 |
|
|
|
6,716 |
|
|
|
7,470 |
|
|
|
7,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
3.26 |
|
|
$ |
2.41 |
|
|
$ |
5.08 |
|
|
$ |
3.79 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
|
$ |
1.21 |
|
|
$ |
1.26 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
4.48 |
|
|
$ |
3.71 |
|
|
$ |
6.30 |
|
|
$ |
5.05 |
|
Silver production at Huaron in 2006 was within 1 per cent of managements forecasts, however
lower than expected base metal grades and recoveries resulted in lower than expected zinc and lead
production by 9 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively. Huarons cash cost per ounce in 2006 was
expected to be $4.70. Despite lower than expected base metal production, by-product credits were
higher than expected due to stronger base metal prices and resulted in actual cash cost of $2.41
per ounce.
In 2007, Huaron plans to increase processing rates by 4 per cent over 2006 rates. Silver grades
are expected to be similar to those in 2006, resulting in a 5 per cent increase in expected silver
production. Higher zinc and lead grades are expected to result in increased zinc production of 9
per cent and lead production of 15 per cent in 2007. Cash costs per ounce in 2007 are expected to
increase to $3.26 from $2.41 in 2006, due mainly to lower base metal by-product credits resulting
from lower base metal price assumptions relative to 2006 actual prices.
Significant capital spending is expected to continue at Huaron in 2007 as the mine continues with
the underground development program that was started in 2006, which is necessary to mine below the
current workings. The total capital budget for 2007 at Huaron is $12.3 million. Major components
of the mine capital budget are for ventilation improvements, deepening and development and for the
reconditioning of a shaft. The capital budget also includes the construction of a backfill plant
and a tailings dam raise.
Quiruvilca Mine
Quiruvilca produced 6 per cent less silver ounces and 8 per cent less base metal tonnes in 2006
compared to 2005, due to the fact that ore grades were lower, partially offset by slightly higher
tonnage milled. However, due to higher than expected by-product credits, Quiruvilca was able to
reduce its cash cost per ounce by 101 per cent, from $4.07 in 2005 to a negative $0.04 in 2006.
The mine generated $25.4 million and $6.1 million in mine operating earnings in 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
11
The following table sets out managements forecasts for Quiruvilca in 2007 and historical
production and cost data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quiruvilca |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
376,400 |
|
|
|
370,115 |
|
|
|
362,192 |
|
|
|
381,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
1,900,000 |
|
|
|
2,105,475 |
|
|
|
2,234,565 |
|
|
|
2,530,869 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
9,400 |
|
|
|
8,712 |
|
|
|
9,697 |
|
|
|
11,709 |
|
Lead tonnes |
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
2,574 |
|
|
|
2,761 |
|
|
|
3,803 |
|
Copper tonnes |
|
|
1,300 |
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
1,307 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
Gold ounces |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
1,106 |
|
|
|
1,289 |
|
|
|
1,305 |
|
Tonnes Shipped |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc concentrate |
|
|
16,758 |
|
|
|
15,949 |
|
|
|
17,921 |
|
|
|
19,657 |
|
Lead concentrate |
|
|
4,726 |
|
|
|
6,373 |
|
|
|
3,226 |
|
|
|
11,048 |
|
Copper concentrate |
|
|
6,346 |
|
|
|
6,706 |
|
|
|
6,681 |
|
|
|
6,268 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
4.07 |
|
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
1.65 |
|
|
$ |
1.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.56 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
3.86 |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
$ |
4.63 |
|
|
$ |
4.03 |
|
Quiruvilcas silver production exceeded managements forecasts in 2006 by 4 per cent primarily
because tonnes milled and silver ore grades were slightly higher than expected. Zinc and lead
production in 2006 fell 21 per cent and 18 per cent below managements forecast, respectively, due
to significantly lower base metal ore grades and zinc recoveries. Despite lower than forecast base
metal production in 2006, actual cash cost per ounce were negative $0.04 per ounce compared to
forecast cash cost of $4.30 per ounce due to realizing higher than expected prices for its base
metal production.
Although tonnes processed are expected to increase by 2 per cent in 2007, silver production is
expected to decline by approximately 10 per cent due to lower ore grades. Zinc production is
expected to increase by 8 per cent while lead and copper production is not expected to change. Cash
costs per ounce are projected to increase to $2.21 at Quiruvilca due to lower silver production,
lower by-product credits, and higher operating costs of labour and electricity.
A total of $4.5 million in capital is planned for 2007, primarily to continue development of the
mine down to the 400 level. An additional $0.3 million is also planned for reclamation expenditures
at Quiruvilca.
La Colorada Mine
Silver production at La Colorada increased by 13 per cent in 2006 relative to 2005 production due
to a 10 per cent increase in tonnes milled combined with improvements in ore grades and recoveries.
Notwithstanding a 15 per cent increase in cash costs per ounce in 2006, higher silver prices
resulted in La Colorada generating mine operating earnings of $10.6 million in 2006 compared to
mine operating losses of $1.3 million in 2005.
12
The following table sets out managements forecasts for La Colorada in 2007 and historical
production and cost data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La Colorada |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
291,622 |
|
|
|
233,743 |
|
|
|
211,854 |
|
|
|
171,155 |
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
3,820,000 |
|
|
|
3,493,995 |
|
|
|
3,094,301 |
|
|
|
2,036,075 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
Lead tonnes |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
Gold ounces |
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
3,501 |
|
|
|
3,375 |
|
|
|
2,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
6.82 |
|
|
$ |
6.49 |
|
|
$ |
5.63 |
|
|
|
6.26 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
1.79 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
|
|
1.91 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
8.61 |
|
|
$ |
8.29 |
|
|
$ |
7.52 |
|
|
|
8.17 |
|
As a result of a delay in the restarting of the sulphide operation at La Colorada, the mine
processed fewer tonnes in 2006 than management had forecasted and, as a consequence, actual silver
production fell short of forecast by 14 per cent. Production from the sulphide operation commenced
in the third quarter compared to managements expectation of April 2006, leading to a 0.5 million
ounce shortfall compared to managements silver production forecast for 2006. Actual cash costs of
$6.49 per ounce were 19 per cent higher than managements forecast due to wide spread cost
escalations and the fact that La Colorada is a nearly pure silver mine and thus realizes only minor
by-product credits.
The combined sulphide and oxide plant throughput in 2007 is expected to result in a 25 per cent
increase in tonnes milled. Higher mill tonnage, partially offset by lower expected silver grades,
is the primary reason for the expected increase in silver production of 0.4 million ounces over
2006 production. A full year of production from the sulphide plant is also expected to contribute
increased zinc and lead production in 2007.
Operating costs per tonne in 2007 are expected to remain similar to 2006s operating costs per
tonne, with the cost benefits of higher throughput being offset by cost escalations. Cash costs
per ounce are expected to increase by 5 per cent from 2006s cash costs per ounce as a result of
processing lower silver grades, marginally offset by slightly higher by-product credits.
Capital expenditures at La Colorada in 2007 are expected to be $8.0 million, comprised mostly of
expenditures with the objectives of reducing future operating costs (power line construction) and
extending the economic life of the mine (reserve definition drilling, phased tailings dam raise and
development of the Amolillo area).
Alamo Dorado
In 2007, Alamo Dorado, which is Pan Americans only open-pit mine, is expected to achieve
commercial production in the second quarter and to produce approximately 4.3 million ounces of
silver and almost 15,000 ounces of gold in its first year of production. To achieve these
production levels, the plant is expected to run at its design capacity of 4,000 tonnes per day,
processing ore with average grades of 110 grams per tonne of silver and 0.36 grams per tonne of
gold at recoveries of approximately 90 per cent for silver and gold using an estimated waste/ore
strip ratio of 1.23 to 1. To date, the plant has not yet operated at its design capacity on a
consistent basis.
13
The following is a table showing managements forecast production and cost information for 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
Alamo |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
1,384,000 |
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
4,250,000 |
|
Gold ounces |
|
|
14,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
3.27 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
4.16 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
7.43 |
|
Cash costs per ounce are expected to be $3.27, while a relatively high depreciation charge is
expected to add another $4.16 per ounce, for a total cost per ounce of $7.43 in 2007. Alamo Dorado
is expected to generate operating cash flow of $29.1 million in 2007. Capital expenditures are
expected to be $1.2 million, primarily for plant modifications and fire system enhancements.
Pyrite Stockpiles
In 2006, demand for the stockpiled ore from the only buyer of this material, Doe Run Peru,
decreased by 6 per cent compared to the tonnage purchased in 2005. The average grade of the pyrite
material sold also declined in 2006, resulting in an 18 per cent decrease in silver production from
the Pyrite Stockpiles. Our agreement with Peruvian mining company, Minera Volcan S.A. (Volcan)
entitles Volcan to a one-third interest in net operating cash flow from the Pyrite Stockpiles
operation, beginning in December 2004, which was the reason for the increased cash cost per ounce
in 2005. As a direct result of Volcans interest, the higher the price of silver, the higher the
cash cost per ounce at the Pyrite Stockpiles operation. Since the average silver price in 2006 was
higher than in 2005, and also exceeded managements expectations, the actual cost per ounce of
$3.17 exceeded 2005 costs per ounce of $1.82 and managements forecast of $1.78 per ounce. The
Pyrite Stockpiles generated mine operating earnings in 2006 and 2005 of $2.8 million and $1.6
million, respectively.
The following is a table showing historic and forecast production and cost information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pyrite Stockpiles |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Tonnes Sold |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
58,016 |
|
|
|
61,499 |
|
|
|
79,451 |
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
580,000 |
|
|
|
566,383 |
|
|
|
692,381 |
|
|
|
961,869 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
2.51 |
|
|
$ |
3.17 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
2.51 |
|
|
$ |
3.17 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
In 2007, management expects a slight increase in the tonnes of ore that will be sold to Doe
Run Peru, with cash costs per ounce dropping to $2.51, based on our forecast silver price.
San Vicente Mine
Pan American has been developing the San Vicente mine in Bolivia under agreements with Comibol and
EMUSA since December 2001. Based on the expenditures made during the small scale mining operations
and feasibility work, EMUSA has earned a 40 per cent interest in the mine, trading company,
Trafigura AG owns a 5 per cent interest, with Pan American retaining the other 55 per cent.
14
San Vicente contributed 264,573 ounces of silver to Pan Americans account during 2006, compared to
80,991 ounces contributed in 2005, and in line with managements expectation of 278,698 ounces for
2006. Cash costs per ounce of $3.49 were also close to managements forecast of $3.50. San
Vicente generated mine operating earnings in 2006 and 2005 of $2.9 million and $0.5 million,
respectively.
The following is a table showing Pan Americans share of historic and forecast production and cost
information. In 2004, the mine was operated by EMUSA and the Company accounted for its interest in
San Vicente as an investment for that period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Vicente |
|
2007 Forecast |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Tonnes Milled |
|
|
58,218 |
|
|
|
29,618 |
|
|
|
10,109 |
|
Silver ounces |
|
|
530,000 |
|
|
|
264,573 |
|
|
|
80,991 |
|
Zinc tonnes |
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
|
805 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
Copper tonnes |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
3.77 |
|
|
$ |
3.49 |
|
|
$ |
1.24 |
|
Non-cash cost per ounce |
|
$ |
0.54 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
Total Cost per ounce |
|
$ |
4.30 |
|
|
$ |
3.78 |
|
|
$ |
1.24 |
|
In 2007, Pan American expects to continue a small-scale operation, which will utilize a mill
owned by EMUSA while the Company completes the detailed engineering required for the construction
of a 600 tonne per day plant located on the San Vicente mine site. Should the Pan American Board
of Directors approve the expansion of San Vicente, the Companys share of capital expenditures is
expected to be $14.4 million required in 2007, with a further $8.1 million expected in 2008.
Conditional approval of the plant construction and mine expansion capital has been received from
Pan Americans Board of Directors, pending further clarification of the economic implication of the
recent changes to the tax regime in Bolivia.
Cash and Total Costs per Ounce of Silver (Non-GAAP Measures)
Taking effect from the first quarter of 2005, the Company changed its method for calculating cash
and total costs per ounce of silver. In the past, these calculations were based on produced
ounces; however, the Company now calculates its cash and total costs per ounce on the more
widely-used methodology based on the silver ounces for which the Company is paid. Throughout this
MD&A, costs per ounce for 2004 have been recalculated on the same basis to ensure that the
comparables are consistent with this new method.
The non-GAAP measures of cash and total cost per ounce of silver are used by the Company to manage
and evaluate operating performance at each of the Companys mines and are widely reported in the
silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance, but do not have standardized meaning. To
facilitate a better understanding of this measure as calculated by the Company, we have provided a
detailed reconciliation of this measure to our cost of sales, as reported in our audited
Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2006, 2005, and 2004.
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Total Cost per Ounce Reconciliation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands of US dollars) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
Cost of Sales |
|
|
|
$ |
124,608 |
|
|
$ |
87,648 |
|
|
$ |
69,162 |
|
Add / (Subtract)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smelting, refining, & transportation
charges |
|
|
|
|
69,394 |
|
|
|
37,736 |
|
|
|
26,948 |
|
By-product credits |
|
|
|
|
(168,639 |
) |
|
|
(78,025 |
) |
|
|
(54,911 |
) |
Mining royalties |
|
|
|
|
5,269 |
|
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
|
484 |
|
Workers participation |
|
|
|
|
(9,250 |
) |
|
|
(1,243 |
) |
|
|
(998 |
) |
Change in inventories |
|
|
|
|
(2,016 |
) |
|
|
1,975 |
|
|
|
(553 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
2,634 |
|
|
|
1,395 |
|
|
|
1,696 |
|
Minority interest adjustment |
|
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
(1,018 |
) |
|
|
(1,091 |
) |
|
Cash Operating Costs |
|
A |
|
|
22,587 |
|
|
|
50,082 |
|
|
|
40,737 |
|
Add / (Subtract)
Depreciation & amortization |
|
|
|
|
17,520 |
|
|
|
13,095 |
|
|
|
10,869 |
|
Asset retirement & reclamation |
|
|
|
|
2,457 |
|
|
|
2,329 |
|
|
|
1,315 |
|
Change in inventories |
|
|
|
|
(1,455 |
) |
|
|
943 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
(125 |
) |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
(612 |
) |
Minority interest adjustment |
|
|
|
|
(652 |
) |
|
|
(632 |
) |
|
|
(386 |
) |
|
Total Costs |
|
B |
|
$ |
40,332 |
|
|
$ |
65,458 |
|
|
$ |
51,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable Silver Production (000 of oz.) |
|
C |
|
|
11,922 |
|
|
|
11,436 |
|
|
|
9,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Costs per ounce |
|
A/C |
|
$ |
1.89 |
|
|
$ |
4.38 |
|
|
$ |
4.17 |
|
Total Costs per ounce |
|
B/C |
|
$ |
3.38 |
|
|
$ |
5.72 |
|
|
$ |
5.30 |
|
16
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash plus short-term investments balance at December 31, 2006 was $171.9 million, which was an
increase of $116.6 million from the balance at December 31, 2005. This increase in liquidity
resulted from cash generated from financing activities of $145.9 million plus cash generated by
operating activities of $65.9 million, which was partially offset by $96.4 million used for
investments in mineral property, plant and equipment.
Operating activities generated $65.9 million in 2006, which was significantly higher than the $10.8
million generated by operations in 2005. The stronger operating cash flow was primarily a result
of improved mine operating earnings in 2006, while changes in working capital items absorbed $2.8
million in 2006 compared to $3.4 million in 2005.
Improved mine operating earnings were also the primary contributing factor for the stronger cash
generated by operating activities in Q4 of 2006 of $13.4 million compared to $2.3 million in the
comparable quarter of 2005.
Financing activities in 2006 included the issuance of shares for a net $142.3 million and the
proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $3.6 million. Financing activities in 2005 included
the issuance of shares for cash of $6.4 million and a net repayment of short term concentrate
advances of $0.7 million.
A total of $0.6 million was generated from the exercise of stock options in Q4 of 2006 while $3.6
million was generated from the same source in Q4 of 2005.
Investing activities in 2006 consisted primarily of construction expenditures at Alamo Dorado of
$46.4 million and Manantial Espejo of $20.2 million. In addition, significant investments in
property, plant, and equipment were made at Morococha, La Colorada, Huaron, and Quiruvilca where
$10.5 million, $7.9 million, $5.6 million, and $1.5 million were spent, respectively. The Company
also invested $4.3 million into upgrading infrastructure, equipment orders and engineering services
at San Vicente in preparation for the possible expansion. Included in investing activities in 2006
was the purchase of $65.6 million of short-term bonds as part of the Companys cash management
policy. Investing activities in 2005 consisted of construction expenditures at Alamo Dorado of
$35.5 million, and capital expenditures at our mining operations totaling $24.1 million. Included
in investing activities in 2005 was the liquidation of $44.1 million of the Companys short-term
bond portfolio and other investments.
Investing activities in Q4 of 2006 used $6.0 million (Q4 of 2005 provided $0.9 million) comprised
of investments in property, plant, and equipment of $25.1 million (Q4 of 2005: $18.9 million)
partially funded by the sale of $17.1 million (Q4 of 2005: $20.7 million) from the Companys bond
portfolio and from the receipt of $2 million from the sale of our interest in Dukat.
Operating activities in 2004 generated cash flow of $3.1 million, while financing activities
included the issuance of shares for net proceeds of $62.3 million, the prepayment of bank loans of
$13.3 million, prepaid interest on the Debentures of $11.2 million pursuant to the terms of the
early conversion offer, and Debenture interest payments of $2.4 million. Investing activities in
2004 included investments in mineral property, plant, and equipment, including the purchase of
Morococha of $53.3 million plus the proceeds from the sale of our interest in Dukat and surplus
land at Quiruvilca of $23.7 million and the sale of short-term investments of $5.1 million.
Working capital at December 31, 2006 was $204.6 million, an increase of $129 million from the prior
year-ends working capital of $74.8 million. The increase in working capital was mainly due to a
$116.6 million increase in cash plus short-term investments, a $38.6 million increase in accounts
17
receivable, and a $5.5 million increase in inventories, partially off-set by increases in current
liabilities totaling $38.1 million. The increase in accounts receivable and inventories is mostly
a result of the higher metal price environment that prevailed at the end of 2006 compared to a year
earlier. Accounts receivable includes an amount of $8 million pursuant to the sales terms of our
interest in Dukat (2005: $2 million). The increase in current liabilities is primarily a result of
significantly higher taxes payable in Peru and an increase in accounts payable.
Working capital at December 31, 2005 was $74.8 million, a reduction of $35.2 million from the prior
year-ends working capital of $110 million. The reduction in working capital was due to the $42.8
million decrease in cash and cash equivalents plus short-term investments and an increase in
current liabilities of $1.1 million, partially off-set by increases in accounts receivables,
inventories, prepaids, and derivative assets totaling $8.7 million.
Capital resources at December 31, 2006 amounted to shareholders equity of $512.0 million (2005:
$257.3 million). At the date of this MD&A, the Company had issued 76,349,961 shares.
Pan American plans capital expenditures of up to $145.5 million in 2007, split between development
capital of $106.1 million and sustaining capital of $ 39.4 million. Development capital consists
of $91.6 million on the construction of Manantial Espejo and potentially an additional $14.4
million for the expansion and development of San Vicente. The expenditures at San Vicente are
dependent on Pan Americans Board of Directors approval and the approval of the minority
shareholder, both of which are pending further clarification of the recent tax increases being
proposed in Bolivia. The majority of the sustaining capital is planned for Morococha with a
capital budget of $13.5 million, while Huaron, La Colorada, Quiruvilca, and Alamo Dorado have
capital budgets of $12.3 million, $8.0 million, $4.5 million, and $1.2 million, respectively.
Please refer to the Operating Performance section of this MD&A for a more detailed description of
the capital expenditures planned for each mine in 2007.
In the opinion of management, based on the Companys financial position at December 31, 2006 and
the $75.5 million of operating cash flows that are expected in 2007, the Companys liquid assets
are sufficient to discharge liabilities as they come due and to fund planned project development
and sustaining capital expenditures in 2007.
While the Company expects that the industry-wide capital and operating cost escalation experienced
over the last several years will continue to be a key challenge in 2007, the impact of inflation is
not expected to have a material effect on the Companys financial position, operational
performance, or cash flows over the next twelve months.
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or commitments that have a current or
future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses,
results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, that is material,
other than those disclosed in this MD&A and the audited consolidated financial statements and the
related notes. The Company had the following contractual obligations at the end of 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period (in thousands of dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
1 - 3 |
|
4 - 5 |
|
After |
|
|
Total |
|
1 year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
5 years |
|
Capital Lease Obligations |
|
$ |
748 |
|
|
$ |
452 |
|
|
$ |
296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase Obligations (1) |
|
|
18,600 |
|
|
|
10,032 |
|
|
|
8,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations |
|
$ |
19,348 |
|
|
$ |
10,484 |
|
|
$ |
8,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Contract commitments for construction materials for the Manantial Espejo
project existing at December 31, 2006, which will be incurred during 2007 and 2008. |
18
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported
amounts of sales and expenditures during the reporting period. Management has identified (i)
Mineral property, plant, and equipment, Construction in progress and Investments in non-producing
property (ii) Future income tax provision, (iii) Provision for reclamation and closure, (iv) Stock
based compensation and (v) accounting for derivative instruments as the main estimates for the
following discussion. Please refer to Note 2 of the Companys consolidated financial statements for
a description of all of the significant accounting policies.
Mineral property, plant and equipment, Construction in progress and Investment in non-producing
properties are the most significant assets of the Company, representing assets in aggregate of
$405.1 million at December 31, 2006. This amount represents the capitalized expenditures related
to the acquisition, exploration, construction and development of mineral deposits. Construction
costs on development projects are capitalized until the mine is substantially complete and ready
for production. The Company estimates its reserves and resources and the economic life of its
mines and utilizes this information to calculate depletion and amortization expense. Annually, or
more frequently as circumstances require, Pan American assesses the recoverability of the carrying
values of its mining properties and investments by performing impairment evaluations. These
evaluations consist of comparing each assets carrying value with the estimated undiscounted future
net cash flows. Future cash flows are estimated based on production, metal prices, capital and
operating costs. Where those estimated cash flows are less than the carrying value, the Company
records a write-down of the asset to the estimated fair value. No impairments were recorded in
2006, based on impairment analyses using an average silver price of $9.00, which is consistent with
the long-term silver price assumption utilized by the Company for the estimate of reserves and
resources. In 2005, the Company wrote-down the asset carrying value of the La Colorada mine by
$29.7 million to $23.3 million. Other estimates incorporated in the impairment evaluations include
processing and mining costs, mining tonnage, ore grades and recoveries, which are all subject to
uncertainty. If silver prices fall below $9.00 per ounce or some of the other assumptions prove
inaccurate, material asset impairment charges may be required in the future.
The future income tax provision is based on the liability method. Future taxes arise from the
recognition of the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted or substantively
enacted tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. The Company records a
valuation allowance against any portion of those future income tax assets that it estimates will,
more likely than not, fail to be realized. The future income tax provision also incorporates
managements estimates regarding the utilization of tax loss carry forwards, which are dependent on
future operating performance and transactions.
Reclamation and closure costs have been estimated based on the Companys interpretation of current
regulatory requirements, however changes in regulatory requirements and new information may result
in revisions to estimates. The Company recognizes the present value of liabilities for reclamation
and closure costs in the period in which they are incurred. A corresponding increase to the
carrying amount of the related assets is generally recorded and depreciated over the life of the
asset. Accordingly, at December 31, 2006 the expected present value of future site restoration
costs for the La Colorada, Morococha, Huaron, and Quiruvilca mines, Alamo Dorado and Manantial
Espejo projects were estimated using an average discount
19
rate of 6.5 per cent at $44.3 million (2005 $39.4 million). This estimate was increased in 2006
primarily as a result of accretion of the liability of $2.5 million, the recognition of an
additional $3.1 million liability at Alamo Dorado and $0.8 million related to the construction of
Manantial Espejo. The reclamation provision was reduced in 2006 by $1.2 million of closure
expenditures. In future periods, assuming no change in estimates, operations will be charged with
annual amortization of future site restoration costs of approximately $2.5 million and the annual
accretion of the liability for future site restoration costs of approximately $2.5 million.
Pan American estimates expenses related to stock-based compensation on the fair value method of
accounting. Under this method, Pan American is required to recognize a charge to the income
statement based on an option-pricing model for all stock options that were granted and vested in
each period, with a corresponding credit to Contributed Surplus under the Shareholders Equity
section of the balance sheet. The Company reviewed its accounting practices with respect to
options that had been awarded in prior years. As a result of this review, the Company determined
that it had been incorrectly measuring the associated accounting expense on the date that stock
options were granted to an employee, rather than on the later of (i) the date that such option
awards were approved by the Board of Directors or (ii) the date that the employee commenced
employment services. Consequently, the Company recognized a charge of $0.6 million against 2006
income which related to the re-measurement of the expense of stock options awarded in 2002 to 2004.
In 2006, the fair value of the stock options granted was calculated using an option-pricing model
based on the following assumptions no dividends were paid, a weighted average volatility of the
Companys share price of 36 per cent, a weighted average annual risk free rate of 3.85 per cent and
an expected life of 2.25 years. The resulting weighted average option valuation was $5.12 per
share for a total expense related to stock options in 2006 of $2.5 million (2005 $1.5 million,
2004 $2.2 million). The charge to the Companys income statement is incorporated as part of the
general and administrative expenses.
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the CICA Accounting Guideline 13, Hedging
Relationships (AcG-13). AcG-13 specifies the conditions under which hedge accounting is
appropriate and includes requirements for the identification, documentation and designation of
hedging relationships, sets standards for determining hedge effectiveness, and establishes criteria
for the discontinuance of hedge accounting. In the fourth quarter of 2005 it was concluded that
the Companys accounting for its forward contracts for the sale of base metals (lead and zinc), its
forward contracts for purchasing Mexican pesos with US dollars, and its silver fixing contracts do
not qualify for hedge accounting under AcG-13. As a result, Pan American restated its unaudited
consolidated financial statements for each quarter from March 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005 and
its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004. Pan American
is now required to recognize mark-to-market valuations of its open forward contract positions
through its income at the end of each period. In the past, Pan American had recognized gains,
losses, sales, and expenses from its forward contracts in its income only in the period in which
they settled.
20
Risks and Uncertainties
Metal Price Risk
Pan American derives its revenue from the sale of silver, zinc, lead, copper and gold. The
following pie graphs reflect the respective contribution to Pan Americans consolidated sales from
the various metals it produces and by operation, according to the 2007 budget.
|
|
|
Sales by Metal:
|
|
Sales by Operation: |
The Companys sales are directly dependent on metal prices that have shown extreme volatility and
are beyond the Companys control. The following table illustrates the effect of changes in silver
and zinc prices on anticipated sales for 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Revenue |
|
|
Zinc Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,500 |
|
$ 2,000 |
|
$ 2,500 |
|
$ 3,000 |
|
$ 3,500 |
|
$ 4,000 |
|
$ 4,500 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.00 |
|
|
$ |
184,153 |
|
|
$ |
195,515 |
|
|
$ |
206,877 |
|
|
$ |
218,239 |
|
|
$ |
229,602 |
|
|
$ |
240,964 |
|
|
$ |
252,326 |
|
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
$ |
201,123 |
|
|
$ |
212,485 |
|
|
$ |
223,847 |
|
|
$ |
235,209 |
|
|
$ |
246,572 |
|
|
$ |
257,934 |
|
|
$ |
269,296 |
|
|
|
$ |
9.00 |
|
|
$ |
218,093 |
|
|
$ |
229,455 |
|
|
$ |
240,817 |
|
|
$ |
252,179 |
|
|
$ |
263,542 |
|
|
$ |
274,904 |
|
|
$ |
286,266 |
|
Silver Price |
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
$ |
235,063 |
|
|
$ |
246,425 |
|
|
$ |
257,787 |
|
|
$ |
269,149 |
|
|
$ |
280,512 |
|
|
$ |
291,874 |
|
|
$ |
303,236 |
|
|
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
|
$ |
252,033 |
|
|
$ |
263,395 |
|
|
$ |
274,757 |
|
|
$ |
286,120 |
|
|
$ |
297,482 |
|
|
$ |
308,844 |
|
|
$ |
320,206 |
|
|
|
$ |
12.00 |
|
|
$ |
269,003 |
|
|
$ |
280,365 |
|
|
$ |
291,727 |
|
|
$ |
303,090 |
|
|
$ |
314,452 |
|
|
$ |
325,814 |
|
|
$ |
337,176 |
|
|
|
$ |
13.00 |
|
|
$ |
285,973 |
|
|
$ |
297,335 |
|
|
$ |
308,697 |
|
|
$ |
320,060 |
|
|
$ |
331,422 |
|
|
$ |
342,784 |
|
|
$ |
354,146 |
|
|
|
$ |
14.00 |
|
|
$ |
302,943 |
|
|
$ |
314,305 |
|
|
$ |
325,667 |
|
|
$ |
337,030 |
|
|
$ |
348,392 |
|
|
$ |
359,754 |
|
|
$ |
371,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consistent with the Companys mission to provide equity investors with exposure to changes in
silver prices, our policy is not to hedge the price of silver.
Pan American has in the past mitigated the price risk associated with its base metal production by
selling some of its forecasted base metal production under forward sales contracts. At December
31, 2006 and at the date of this MD&A, the Company had no open base metal forward positions
21
and is thus fully exposed to fluctuations in the price of the base metals it produces. The Board of
Directors continually assesses the Companys strategy towards its base metal exposure, depending on
market conditions.
Since base metal sales are treated as a by-product credit for the purposes of calculating cash
costs per ounce of silver, this non-gaap measure is highly sensitive to base metal prices. The
table below illustrates this point by plotting the expected cash cost per ounce according to the
2007 budget against various price assumptions for the Companys two main by-product credits, zinc
and copper.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc Prices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,500 |
|
$2,000 |
|
$2,500 |
|
$3,000 |
|
$3,500 |
|
$4,000 |
|
$4,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.57 |
|
|
$ |
4.94 |
|
|
$ |
4.31 |
|
|
$ |
3.68 |
|
|
$ |
3.06 |
|
|
$ |
2.43 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
|
$ |
3,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.35 |
|
|
$ |
4.72 |
|
|
$ |
4.10 |
|
|
$ |
3.47 |
|
|
$ |
2.84 |
|
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
$ |
1.59 |
|
|
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.14 |
|
|
$ |
4.51 |
|
|
$ |
3.88 |
|
|
$ |
3.26 |
|
|
$ |
2.63 |
|
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1.37 |
|
Copper Prices |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.93 |
|
|
$ |
4.30 |
|
|
$ |
3.67 |
|
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
$ |
2.42 |
|
|
$ |
1.79 |
|
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.71 |
|
|
$ |
4.09 |
|
|
$ |
3.46 |
|
|
$ |
2.83 |
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
$ |
1.58 |
|
|
$ |
0.95 |
|
|
|
$ |
7,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.50 |
|
|
$ |
3.88 |
|
|
$ |
3.25 |
|
|
$ |
2.62 |
|
|
$ |
1.99 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
$ |
8,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.29 |
|
|
$ |
3.66 |
|
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
$ |
2.41 |
|
|
$ |
1.78 |
|
|
$ |
1.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.53 |
|
|
The Company has long-term contracts to sell the zinc, lead and copper concentrates produced by
the Quiruvilca, Huaron, Morococha and San Vicente mines. These contracts include provisions for
pricing the contained metals, including silver, based on average spot prices over defined 30-day
periods that may differ from the month in which the concentrate was produced. Under these
circumstances, the Company locks in the spot price of silver during the month that the
silver-bearing concentrates are produced. At December 31, 2006 the Company had fixed the price of
900,000 ounces of its fourth quarters silver production contained in concentrates, which is due to
be priced in January and February of 2007 under the Companys concentrate contracts. The price
fixed for these ounces averaged $13.10 per ounce while the spot price of silver was $12.90 per
ounce on December 31, 2006.
Silver doré production from La Colorada and Alamo Dorado is refined under long term agreements with
fixed refining terms. The refined silver is sold in the spot market to various bullion trading
banks. The Company has never had any delivery or payment disputes with its customers and
management believes that there is no appreciable delivery or credit risk resulting from its sales
contracts.
The Company maintains trading facilities with several banks for the purposes of transacting the
Companys trading activities. None of these facilities are subject to margin arrangements.
Exchange Rate Risk
Pan American reports its financial statements in US dollars (USD); however the Company
operates in jurisdictions that utilize other currencies. As a consequence, the financial results
of the Companys operations as reported in USD are subject to changes in the value of the USD
relative to local currencies. Since the Companys sales are denominated in USD and a portion of
the Companys operating costs and capital spending are in local currencies, the Company is
negatively impacted by strengthening local currencies relative to the USD and positively impacted
by the inverse. In order to mitigate this exposure, from time to time the Company has purchased
Peruvian soles, Mexican pesos and Canadian dollars to match anticipated spending. At December 31,
2006, the Company did not have any open currency forward positions.
22
Political and Country Risk
As shown by the Sales by Operation pie graph above, Pan American currently conducts
operations in Peru, Mexico and Bolivia. The Company also has a development property in Argentina.
In 2007, approximately 62 per cent of the Companys sales are expected to be generated in Peru,
while the Companys operations in Mexico and Bolivia are expected to generate 34 per cent and 4 per
cent of 2007 sales respectively. All of these jurisdictions are potentially subject to a number of
political and economic risks. The Company is not able to determine the impact of these risks on
its future financial position or results of operations and the Companys exploration, development
and production activities may be substantially affected by factors outside of Pan Americans
control. These potential factors include, but are not limited to: royalty and tax increases or
claims by governmental bodies, expropriation or nationalization, foreign exchange controls, import
and export regulations, cancellation or renegotiation of contracts and environmental and permitting
regulations. The Company currently has no political risk insurance coverage against these risks.
Environmental Risks
Pan Americans activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing
environmental protection and employee health and safety. Environmental laws and regulations are
complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. Pan American is required to obtain
governmental permits and in some instances provide bonding requirements under federal, state, or
provincial air, water quality, and mine reclamation rules and permits. Although Pan American makes
provisions for reclamation costs, it cannot be assured that these provisions will be adequate to
discharge its future obligations for these costs.
Failure to comply with applicable environmental health and safety laws can result in injunctions,
damages, suspension or revocation of permits and imposition of penalties. There can be no assurance
that Pan American has been or will be at all times in complete compliance with such laws,
regulations and permits, or that the costs of complying with current and future environmental and
health and safety laws and permits will not materially adversely affect Pan Americans business,
results of operations or financial condition.
Employee Relations
Pan Americans business depends on good relations with its employees. At December 31, 2006
the Company employed approximately 6,060 employees and the employees of mining contractors, of
which approximately 278 were represented by unions in Peru and a further 230 by a union in Bolivia.
The Company has experienced short-duration labour strikes and work stoppages in the past and may
experience future work stoppages.
Claims and Legal Proceedings
Pan American is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of
matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities, including claims relating to
ex-employees. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that
some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably to Pan American. The Company carries liability
insurance coverage and establishes provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably
estimated. In addition, Pan American may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future
that may result in litigation, which may result in a material adverse impact on our financial
condition, cash flow and results of operations. Please refer to Note 16 Commitments and
Contingencies of the audited consolidated financial statements for further information.
23
Controls and Procedures
Pan Americans management considers the meaning of internal control to be the processes
established by management to provide reasonable assurance about the achievement of the Companys
objectives regarding operations, reporting and compliance. Internal control is designed to address
identified risks that threaten any of these objectives.
As of December 31, 2006 the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of the Companys management, including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, the Companys disclosure
controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurance that the information required
to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits is (i) recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commissions rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including its
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the period that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its
internal control over financial reporting.
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Pan American is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate system of
internal control, including internal controls over financial reporting. Internal control over
financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the President and Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Board of Directors,
management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. It includes those policies and procedures
that:
(1) |
|
pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable
detail, the transactions related to the acquisition and dispositions of Pan Americans assets |
(2) |
|
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and Pan Americans directors |
(3) |
|
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of Pan Americans assets that could have a material effect on
the financial statements. |
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
24
Management assessed the effectiveness of Pan Americans internal control over financial reporting
as at December 31, 2006, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on
this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2006, Pan Americans internal control
over financial reporting is effective. Also, management determined that there were no material
weaknesses in Pan Americans internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2006.
Managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as at
December 31, 2006, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, our Independent Registered Chartered
Accountants, who also audited Pan Americans Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended
December 31, 2006. As stated in the Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants, they
have expressed an unqualified opinion on managements assessment of Pan Americans internal control
over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Pan Americans internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.
25
Outlook
During 2007, the Company plans to continue on its established growth trend by commissioning
Alamo Dorado into production, by advancing the construction of Manantial Espejo and by completing
the detailed engineering required for the expansion of operations at San Vicente. In addition to
these properties, management believes there is significant exploration potential at its existing
Peruvian operations, especially at Morococha.
Development Projects
At Manantial Espejo, total project expenditures in 2006 were $23.5 million inclusive of
reimbursable VAT tax payments. Total commitments made by the end of 2006 were $42.1 million,
primarily for the grinding equipment, EPCM agreement, and underground and open pit mine equipment.
Underground portal excavations are complete for the two main underground zones and the main ramp
had advanced a total of 108 meters by year end. Topsoil stripping activities have commenced for
the open-pit mine. The plant site area excavations were completed during December and tailings dam
material preparation and site power distribution construction contracts along with the temporary
400 person construction camp supply and catering contracts were awarded. All of these contractors
were mobilized during January and into early February 2007. Final architectural designs have been
received for the site ancillary buildings as well as for the tailings facility and bid packages
have been sent out to local contractors. Six water well installations were completed with capacity
for an estimated 45 to 60 litres per second flow rate, which is sufficient to supply the needs of
the mine dewatering, construction and mine operating activities.
In December 2006, Pan Americans Argentine subsidiary received an award at the Argentine Gold
Conference in Buenos Aires in recognition of its successful community relations program during the
permitting and early construction period.
An updated feasibility study for the plant construction and mine expansion at San Vicente in
Bolivia was completed in December 2006. The required permitting fieldwork was completed by year
end, the preliminary assessment and environmental impact assessment preparations are well underway
and detailed engineering work is progressing. Conditional approval of the plant construction and
mine expansion capital has been received from Pan Americans Board of Directors, pending further
clarification of the economic implication of the recent changes to the tax regime in Bolivia.
At Morococha, a project manager for the plant expansion project has been appointed. Several
different flow sheet alternatives are being considered with the services of several engineering
companies. Additional detailed metallurgical testing will be needed to determine the optimum
circuit configuration for the Morococha ores, which will be conducted during 2007.
Metal Markets
Prices for the metals that the Company produces have been robust for the last three years,
after several years of prolonged weakness. Factors contributing to the recovery in metal prices
include demand resulting from the strong global industrial growth, particularly in China and India,
increased investment demand, weakness in the US dollar, and supply concerns due to under-investment
in new production capacity. The Company anticipates that these factors will continue to support
prices during 2007 and that the long-term fundamentals for metal prices are positive.
26
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THIS MD&A CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE UNITED STATES PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 AND APPLICABLE CANADIAN SECURITIES LEGISLATION.
STATEMENTS CONTAINING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION EXPRESS, AS AT THE DATE OF THIS MD&A, THE
COMPANYS PLANS, ESTIMATES, FORECASTS, PROJECTIONS, EXPECTATIONS, OR BELIEFS AS TO FUTURE EVENTS OR
RESULTS AND THE COMPANY DOES NOT INTEND, AND DOES NOT ASSUME ANY OBLIGATION TO, UPDATE SUCH
STATEMENTS CONTAINING THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION. GENERALLY, FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CAN
BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS PLANS, PROJECTS OR PROJECTED,
EXPECTS OR DOES NOT EXPECT, IS EXPECTED, ESTIMATES, FORECASTS, SCHEDULED, INTENDS,
ANTICIPATES OR DOES NOT ANTICIPATE, OR BELIEVES, OR VARIATIONS OF SUCH WORDS AND PHRASES, OR
STATEMENTS THAT CERTAIN ACTIONS, EVENTS OR RESULTS MAY, CAN, COULD, WOULD, MIGHT OR WILL
BE TAKEN, OCCUR OR BE ACHIEVED. STATEMENTS CONTAINING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO TIMING AND BUDGET OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AT
MANANTIAL ESPEJO, THE EXPECTED RESULTS FROM EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES, THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE
DEVELOPMENT OF NEWLY DISCOVERED ORE BODIES, THE ESTIMATION OF MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES,
FUTURE PRODUCTION LEVELS, EXPECTATIONS REGARDING MINE PRODUCTION COSTS, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, THE RESULTS OF DRILLING, AND PAN AMERICAN SILVERS COMMITMENT TO, AND PLANS FOR
DEVELOPING, NEWLY DISCOVERED AND EXISTING MINERALIZED STRUCTURES.
STATEMENTS CONTAINING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES
AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS, LEVEL OF ACTIVITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS
OF PAN AMERICAN SILVER AND ITS OPERATIONS TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED BY SUCH STATEMENTS. SUCH FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, RISKS RELATED TO TECHNOLOGICAL AND
OPERATIONAL NATURE OF THE COMPANYS BUSINESS, CHANGES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION, TAXATION OR
THE POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, THE ACTUAL RESULTS OF CURRENT EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES,
CONCLUSIONS OF ECONOMIC EVALUATIONS, CHANGES IN PROJECT PARAMETERS TO DEAL WITH UNANTICIPATED
ECONOMIC FACTORS, FUTURE PRICES OF SILVER, GOLD AND BASE METALS, INCREASED COMPETITION IN THE
MINING INDUSTRY FOR PROPERTIES, EQUIPMENT, QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, AND THEIR RISING COSTS,
UNPREDICTABLE RISKS AND HAZARDS RELATING TO THE OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MINES OR
PROPERTIES, THE SPECULATIVE NATURE OF EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS THOSE FACTORS
DESCRIBED IN THE SECTION RISK RELATED TO PAN AMERICANS BUSINESS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANYS MOST
RECENT FORM 40F/ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM FILED WITH THE SEC AND CANADIAN PROVINCIAL SECURITIES
REGULATORY AUTHORITIES. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY 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 TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED,
DESCRIBED, ESTIMATED, ASSESSED OR INTENDED. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT ANY STATEMENTS
CONTAINING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION 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 STATEMENTS CONTAINING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.
27
Document
No. 3
Consolidated Financial Statements
for the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Managements Responsibility for Financial Reporting
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Pan American Silver Corp. were prepared by
management, which is responsible for the integrity and fairness of the information presented,
including the many amounts that must of necessity be based on estimates and judgments. These
Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles (Canadian GAAP). Financial information appearing throughout our managements discussion and
analysis is consistent with these Consolidated Financial Statements.
In discharging our responsibility for the integrity and fairness of the consolidated financial
statements and for the accounting systems from which they are derived, we maintain the necessary
system of internal controls designed to ensure that transactions are authorized, assets are
safeguarded and proper records are maintained. These controls include quality standards in hiring
employees, policies and procedure manuals, a corporate code of conduct and accountability for
performance within appropriate and well-defined areas of responsibility.
The Board of Directors oversees managements responsibilities for financial reporting through an
Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of directors who are neither officers nor employees of
Pan American Silver Corp. This Committee reviews our consolidated financial statements and
recommends them to the Board for approval. Other key responsibilities of the Audit Committee
include reviewing our existing internal control procedures and planned revisions to those
procedures, and advising the directors on auditing matters and financial reporting issues.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Chartered Accountants appointed by the shareholders
of Pan American Silver Corp. upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee and Board, have
performed an independent audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and their report follows.
The auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee to discuss their audit and
related findings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoff Burns |
|
|
|
A. Robert Doyle |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
March 21, 2007
29
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Pan American is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed
by, or under the supervision of, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles. It includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) |
|
pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable
detail, the transactions related to and dispositions of Pan Americans assets |
(ii) |
|
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and Pan American receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and Pan Americans directors |
(iii) |
|
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of Pan American assets that could have a material effect on
Pan Americans financial statements. |
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of Pan Americans internal controls over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on
this assessment, management believes that as of December 31, 2006, Pan Americans internal control
over financial reporting was effective. Also, management determined that there were no material
weaknesses in Pan Americans internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2006.
Managements assessment of the effectiveness of Pan Americans internal controls over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2006, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent
Registered Chartered Accountants, who also audited Pan Americans Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended December 31, 2006. As stated in the Report of Independent Registered Chartered
Accountants, they have expressed an unqualified opinion on managements assessment of Pan
Americans internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of Pan Americans internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoff Burns |
|
A. Robert Doyle |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
March 21, 2007
30
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Pan American Silver Corp.
We have
audited managements assessment, included in the accompanying
Managements Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Pan American Silver Corp. and subsidiaries (the
Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006,
based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on managements assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the
design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the
supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and
other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the
possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to
error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any
evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods
are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, managements assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on
the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained,
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, of the Company and our report
dated March 21, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 21, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
Deloitte&Touche LLP |
|
|
2800-1055 Dunsmuir Street |
|
|
4 Bentall Centre |
|
|
P.O Box 49279 |
|
|
Vancouver BC V7X 1P4 |
|
|
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
Tel:604-669-4466 |
|
|
Fax:604-685-0395 |
|
|
www.deloitte.ca |
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Pan American Silver Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pan American Silver Corp. and
subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements
of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
With respect to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, we conducted our
audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). With respect to the financial
statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we conducted our audits in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Pan American Silver Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and
2005 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three
year period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2006 based on the criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our
report dated March 21, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on managements assessment of the
effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 21, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
Member of |
|
|
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
Pan American Silver Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at December 31
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
80,347 |
|
|
$ |
29,291 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
91,601 |
|
|
|
26,031 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of $Nil provision for doubtful
accounts (2005 - $Nil) |
|
|
65,971 |
|
|
|
27,342 |
|
Inventories (Note 4) |
|
|
22,216 |
|
|
|
16,667 |
|
Unrealized gain on commodity and foreign currency contracts |
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
Future income taxes (Note 17) |
|
|
6,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
3,106 |
|
|
|
1,935 |
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
|
270,097 |
|
|
|
102,129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mineral
property, plant and equipment, net (Note 5) |
|
|
112,993 |
|
|
|
99,815 |
|
Construction
in progress (Note 6) |
|
|
104,037 |
|
|
|
34,306 |
|
Investment in non-producing properties (Note 6) |
|
|
188,107 |
|
|
|
123,259 |
|
Direct smelting ore (Note 4) |
|
|
1,831 |
|
|
|
2,236 |
|
Future tax asset |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets (Note 7) |
|
|
2,430 |
|
|
|
535 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
679,995 |
|
|
$ |
362,280 |
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 8) |
|
$ |
40,095 |
|
|
$ |
21,886 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
23,187 |
|
|
|
447 |
|
Unrealized loss on commodity contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,810 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
2,199 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
|
65,481 |
|
|
|
27,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability component of convertible debentures (Note 9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
126 |
|
Provision for asset retirement obligation and reclamation
(Note 10) |
|
|
44,309 |
|
|
|
39,378 |
|
Future
income taxes (Note 17) |
|
|
48,499 |
|
|
|
32,396 |
|
Other liabilities and provisions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,894 |
|
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
9,680 |
|
|
|
3,798 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
167,969 |
|
|
|
104,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital (Note 11) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized: 100,000,000 common shares of no par value
Issued and outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 76,195,426 common shares
December 31, 2005 67,564,903 common shares |
|
|
584,769 |
|
|
|
388,830 |
|
Equity component of convertible debentures (Note 9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
762 |
|
Additional paid in capital |
|
|
14,485 |
|
|
|
13,117 |
|
Deficit |
|
|
(87,228 |
) |
|
|
(145,387 |
) |
|
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
|
512,026 |
|
|
|
257,322 |
|
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
|
$ |
679,995 |
|
|
$ |
362,280 |
|
|
APPROVED BY THE BOARD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ross J. Beaty, Director
|
|
Geoff A. Burns, Director |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
34
Pan American Silver Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
(in thousands of US Dollars, except for per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Sales |
|
$ |
255,447 |
|
|
$ |
122,401 |
|
|
$ |
94,825 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
124,608 |
|
|
|
87,648 |
|
|
|
69,162 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
17,520 |
|
|
|
13,095 |
|
|
|
10,869 |
|
|
Mine operating earnings |
|
|
113,319 |
|
|
|
21,658 |
|
|
|
14,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative |
|
|
9,172 |
|
|
|
6,936 |
|
|
|
6,241 |
|
Exploration |
|
|
8,040 |
|
|
|
3,697 |
|
|
|
3,838 |
|
Asset retirement and reclamation |
|
|
2,457 |
|
|
|
2,329 |
|
|
|
1,315 |
|
Write-down of mining assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,666 |
|
|
|
2,460 |
|
|
Operating earnings (loss) |
|
|
93,650 |
|
|
|
(20,970 |
) |
|
|
940 |
|
Investment and other income |
|
|
6,034 |
|
|
|
2,885 |
|
|
|
2,472 |
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
(799 |
) |
|
|
(236 |
) |
|
|
(134 |
) |
Interest and financing expenses |
|
|
(573 |
) |
|
|
(494 |
) |
|
|
(898 |
) |
Premium on early retirement of debentures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,364 |
) |
Loss on commodity and currency contracts (net of gains) |
|
|
(18,328 |
) |
|
|
(8,196 |
) |
|
|
(6,617 |
) |
Gain on sale of assets |
|
|
7,483 |
|
|
|
2,556 |
|
|
|
23,747 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) before non-controlling interest and taxes |
|
|
87,467 |
|
|
|
(24,455 |
) |
|
|
18,146 |
|
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
(3,777 |
) |
|
|
(854 |
) |
|
|
(179 |
) |
Income tax provision (Note 17) |
|
|
(25,484 |
) |
|
|
(3,285 |
) |
|
|
(2,753 |
) |
|
Net income (loss) for the year |
|
$ |
58,206 |
|
|
$ |
(28,594 |
) |
|
$ |
15,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to common shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) for the year |
|
$ |
58,206 |
|
|
$ |
(28,594 |
) |
|
$ |
15,214 |
|
Accretion of convertible debentures |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
|
(2,871 |
) |
Early conversion premium on convertible debentures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,464 |
) |
|
Net income
(loss) for the year attributable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
58,159 |
|
|
$ |
(28,723 |
) |
|
$ |
3,879 |
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share (Note 12) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.79 |
|
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
Diluted income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
73,628 |
|
|
|
67,042 |
|
|
|
63,169 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
76,152 |
|
|
|
67,042 |
|
|
|
65,268 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
35
Pan American Silver Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity
For the year ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004
(in thousands of US dollars, except for amounts of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Convertible |
|
|
Paid in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Debentures |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003 |
|
|
53,009,851 |
|
|
$ |
225,154 |
|
|
$ |
66,735 |
|
|
$ |
12,752 |
|
|
$ |
(120,543 |
) |
|
$ |
184,098 |
|
Issued on the exercise of stock options |
|
|
785,095 |
|
|
|
9,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,965 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,472 |
|
Issued on the exercise of share purchase
warrants |
|
|
544,775 |
|
|
|
1,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,965 |
|
Stock-based compensation on stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|