Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

(Mark One)

  
þ   

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR
¨   

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the transition period from                to

Commission File Number 1-8641

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Idaho   82-0109423

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

505 Front Ave., P. O. Box “I”

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

  83816
(Address of principal executive offices)  

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (208) 667-3511

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange/Toronto Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer     þ

 

Accelerated filer     ¨

 

Non-accelerated filer     ¨

 

Smaller reporting company    ¨

                                             (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

$2,163,851,195

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of February 22, 2012, 89,896,158 shares of Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information called for by Part III of the Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I   
Item 1.  

Business

     2   
Item 1A.  

Risk Factors

     12   
Item 1B.  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     19   
Item 2.  

Properties

     19   
Item 3.  

Legal Proceedings

     41   
PART II   
Item 4.  

Mine Safety Disclosure

     41   
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      41   
Item 6.  

Selected Financial Data

     44   
Item 7.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     45   
Item 7A.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     67   
Item 8.  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     70   
Item 9.  

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     70   
Item 9A.  

Controls and Procedures

     71   
Item 9B.  

Other Information

     71   
PART III   
Item 10.  

Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant

     72   
Item 11.  

Executive Compensation

     72   
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      72   
Item 13.  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     72   
Item 14.  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     73   
PART IV   
Item 15.  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

     73   
SIGNATURES      77   


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

INTRODUCTION

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation (referred to separately as “Coeur” and referred to along with its subsidiaries as “the Company”) is a large primary silver producer with growing gold production and has assets located in the United States, Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina and Australia. The Palmarejo mine, San Bartolomé mine, Kensington mine, Rochester mine and Martha mine, each of which is operated by the Company, and the Endeavor mine, which is operated by a non-affiliated party, constituted the Company’s principal sources of mining revenues during 2011. The Company sold its Cerro Bayo mine in Chile in August 2010. Coeur is an Idaho corporation incorporated in 1928.

OVERVIEW OF MINING PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS

The Company’s most significant operating properties and interests are described below:

 

   

Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Mexicana S.A. de C.V. (“Coeur Mexicana”), which operates the underground and surface Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico. The Palmarejo mine began shipping silver/gold doré in April 2009. Palmarejo produced 9.0 million ounces of silver and 125,071 gold ounces during its second full year of operation in 2011. On January 21, 2009, the Company entered into a gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation under which Franco-Nevada purchased a royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced by Coeur from the Palmarejo mine. Royalty payments made beyond the minimum obligation of 400,000 ounces of gold are payable when the market price per ounce of gold is greater than $400.00. The Company controls a large land position around its existing operations.

 

   

Coeur owns 100% of Empresa Minera Manquiri (“Manquiri”) S.A., a Bolivian company that controls the mining rights for the San Bartolomé mine, which is a surface silver mine in Bolivia where Coeur commenced commercial production in June 2008. San Bartolomé produced 7.5 million ounces of silver during 2011. On October 14, 2009, the Bolivian state-owned mining organization COMIBOL, announced a temporary suspension of mining activities above the elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level while stability studies of Cerro Rico Mountain are undertaken. The Company’s mine plan has been adjusted and mining continues on the remainder of the property. In March 2010, the San Bartolomé mine began mining operations above the 4,400 meter level in high grade material located in the Huacajchi deposit, which was confirmed to be excluded from the October 2009 resolution, under an agreement with the Cooperativa Reserva Fiscal. In December 2011, a further area in the deposit, known as Huacajchi Sur, was further confirmed to be open for mining as well. Other mining areas above the 4,400 meter level continue to be suspended. Access to the Huacajchi deposit and its higher grade material is having a beneficial effect on production and costs at the mine. The Company does not use explosives in its surface-only mining activities and is sensitive to the preservation of Cerro Rico Mountain under its contracts with the state-owned mining entity and the local cooperatives. It is uncertain at this time how long the suspension on other areas above the 4,400 meter level will remain in place.

 

   

Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Alaska, Inc., which owns the Kensington mine, an underground gold mine located north of Juneau, Alaska. The Kensington mine began processing ore on June 24, 2010 and began commercial production on July 3, 2010. Kensington produced 88,420 ounces of gold during its first full year of operation in 2011.

 

   

Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Rochester, Inc., which has operated the Rochester mine, a silver and gold surface mining operation located in northwestern Nevada, since 1986. The Company completed construction of a new leach pad and related infrastructure in the fourth quarter of 2011. Rochester produced 1.4 million ounces of silver and 6,276 ounces of gold in 2011.

 

   

Coeur owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of Coeur Argentina S.R.L., which owns and operates the underground silver and gold Martha mine located in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Mining operations commenced at the Martha mine in June 2002. The Company carries on an active exploration program at

 

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its Martha mine and on its other exploration properties in Santa Cruz, which totals over 516 square miles. During 2011, Martha produced 0.5 million ounces of silver and 615 ounces of gold.

 

   

In May 2005, the Company acquired, for $44.0 million, all of the silver production and reserves (up to 20.0 million payable ounces) contained at the Endeavor mine in New South Wales, Australia, which is owned and operated by Cobar Operations Pty. Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBH Resources Ltd. (“CBH”). The Endeavor mine is an underground zinc, lead and silver mine, which has been in production since 1983. Endeavor produced 0.6 million ounces of silver in 2011.

 

   

In August 2010, the Company sold its subsidiary Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo Ltda. (“Cerro Bayo”), which controlled the Cerro Bayo mine in southern Chile, to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agreement, Coeur received the following from Mandalay in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Minera Cerro Bayo: (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011 which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value added taxes of $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay also agreed to pay $6 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be shared equally by Mandalay and Coeur. As a result of the sale, the Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes. Results for the Cerro Bayo mine for the period prior to the sale are reflected in discontinued operations.

Coeur also has interests in other properties that are subject to silver or gold exploration activities upon which no minable ore reserves have yet been delineated.

SILVER AND GOLD PRICES

The Company’s operating results are substantially dependent upon the world market prices of silver and gold. The Company has no control over silver and gold prices, which can fluctuate widely. The volatility of such prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth the high and low prices of silver (as reported by Handy and Harman) and gold (as reported by London Gold PM) per ounce during the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     High      Low      High      Low      High      Low  

Silver

   $ 48.55       $ 26.77       $ 30.64       $ 14.78       $ 19.28       $ 10.45   

Gold

   $ 1,895       $ 1,319       $ 1,421       $ 1,058       $ 1,213       $ 810   

MARKETING

All of the Company’s mining operations produce silver and gold in doré form except for the Martha Mine, which produces a concentrate that contains both silver and gold, the Kensington Mine, which produces gold concentrate, and the Endeavor Mine which produces a concentrate that contains silver.

The Company refines its precious metals doré and concentrates using a geographically diverse group of third party smelters and refiners, including clients located in Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, China, and the United States (Penoles, Valcambi, Nyrstar, Aurubis, China National Gold and Johnson Matthey).

The Company markets its doré to credit worthy bullion trading houses, market makers and members of the London Bullion Market Association, industrial companies and sound financial institutions. The refined metals are sold to end users for use in electronic circuitry, jewelry, silverware, and the pharmaceutical and technology industries. The Company currently has six trading counterparties (International Commodities, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Standard Bank, Valcambi and Auramet) and the sales of metals to these companies amounted to approximately 82%, 83% and 83% of total metal sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Generally, the loss of a single bullion trading counterparty would not adversely affect the Company due to the liquidity of the markets and the availability of alternative trading counterparties.

 

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Sales of silver and gold concentrates to third party smelters (Penoles, Nystar, Aurubis and China National Gold) amounted to approximately 18%, 17% and 17% of total metal sales for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The loss of any one smelting and refining client may have a material adverse effect if alternate smelters and refiners are not available. The Company believes there is sufficient global capacity available to address the loss of any one smelter.

HEDGING ACTIVITES

The Company’s strategy is to provide shareholders with leverage to changes in silver and gold prices by selling silver and gold production at market prices. The Company has entered into derivative contracts to protect the selling price for certain anticipated gold production and to manage risks associated with foreign currencies. For additional information see “Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

General

The Company’s activities are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws governing the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. The costs associated with compliance with such regulatory requirements are substantial and possible future legislation and regulations could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions and delays in the development and continued operation of the Company’s properties, the extent of which cannot be predicted. In the context of environmental permitting, including the approval of reclamation plans, the Company must comply with known standards and regulations which may entail significant costs and delays. Although the Company has been recognized for its commitment to environmental responsibility and believes it is in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations, amendments to current laws and regulations, more stringent application of these laws and regulations through judicial review or administrative action or the adoption of new laws could have a materially adverse effect upon the Company and its results of operations.

Estimated future reclamation costs are based primarily on legal and regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2011, $32.3 million was accrued for reclamation costs relating to currently developed and producing properties. The Company is also involved in several matters concerning environmental obligations associated with former mining activities. Based upon the Company’s best estimate of its liabilities for these items, $1.0 million was accrued as of December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in reclamation and mine closure liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Federal Environmental Laws

Certain mining wastes from extraction and beneficiation of ores are currently exempt from the extensive set of Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulations governing hazardous waste, although such wastes may be subject to regulation under state law as a solid or hazardous waste. The EPA has worked on a program to regulate these mining wastes pursuant to its solid waste management authority under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”). Certain ore processing and other wastes are currently regulated as hazardous wastes by the EPA under RCRA. If the Company’s mine wastes were treated as hazardous waste or such wastes resulted in operations being designated as a “Superfund” site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) for cleanup, material expenditures could be required for the construction of additional waste disposal facilities or for other remediation expenditures. Under CERCLA, any present owner or operator of a Superfund site or an owner or operator at the time of its contamination generally may be held liable and may be forced to undertake remedial cleanup action or to pay for the government’s cleanup efforts. Such owner or operator may also be liable to governmental entities for the cost of damages to natural resources, which may be substantial. Additional regulations or requirements may also be imposed upon the Company’s tailings and waste disposal in Alaska under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and state law

 

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counterparts, and in Nevada under the Nevada Water Pollution Control Law which implements the CWA. Air emissions are subject to controls under Nevada’s and Alaska’s air pollution statutes implementing the Clean Air Act. The Company has reviewed and considered current federal legislation relating to climate change and does not believe it to have a material effect on its operations. Additional regulation or requirements under any of these laws and regulations could have a materially adverse effect upon the Company and its results of operations.

Proposed Mining Legislation

A portion of the Company’s U.S. mining properties are on unpatented mining claims on federal lands. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors. — Third parties may dispute the Company’s unpatented mining claims, which could result in the discovery of defective titles and losses affecting Coeur’s business” and Note 21 — Litigation and Other Events. Legislation has been introduced regularly in the U.S. Congress over the last decade to change the Mining Law of 1872 as amended, under which the Company holds these unpatented mining claims. It is possible that the Mining Law may be amended or replaced by less favorable legislation in the future. Previously proposed legislation contained a production royalty obligation, new environmental standards and conditions, additional reclamation requirements and extensive new procedural steps which would likely result in delays in permitting. The ultimate content of future proposed legislation, if enacted, is uncertain. If a royalty on unpatented mining claims were imposed, the Company’s U.S. operations could be adversely affected. In addition, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have considered revising regulations governing operations under the Mining Law on federal lands they administer, which, if implemented, may result in additional procedures and environmental conditions and standards on those lands. The majority of the Company’s operations are either outside of the United States or on private patented lands and would be unaffected by potential legislation.

Any such reform of the Mining Law or Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service regulations thereunder could increase the costs of mining activities on unpatented mining claims, or could materially impair the ability of the Company to develop or continue operations which derive ore from federal lands, and as a result could have an adverse effect on the Company and its results of operations. Until such time, if any, as new reform legislation or regulations are enacted, the ultimate effects and costs of compliance on the Company cannot be estimated.

Foreign Government Regulations

The mining properties of the Company that are located in Argentina are subject to various government laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the air, surface water, ground water and the environment in general, as well as the health of the work force, labor standards and the socio-economic impacts of mining facilities upon the communities. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations to which it is subject in Argentina.

Bolivia, where the San Bartolomé mine is located, and Mexico, where the Palmarejo mine is located, have both adopted laws and guidelines for environmental permitting that are similar to those in effect in the United States and other South American countries. The permitting process requires a thorough study to determine the baseline condition of the mining site and surrounding area, an environmental impact analysis, and proposed mitigation measures to minimize and offset the environmental impact of mining operations. The Company has received all permits required to operate the San Bartolomé and Palmarejo mines.

The Company does not directly hold any interest in mining properties in Australia. However, under the Silver Sale Agreement with CBH Resources Limited (“CBH”), the Company has purchased CBH’s silver reserves and resources in the ground at the Endeavor mine. CBH is responsible for the mining operation and compliance with government regulations and the Company is not responsible for compliance. The Company is however at risk for any production stoppages resulting from non-compliance. CBH’s mining property is subject to a range of state and federal government laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the air, surface water, ground water, noise, site rehabilitation and the environment in general, as well as the occupational health and safety of the work force, labor standards and the socio-economic impacts of mining facilities among local communities. In addition, the various federal and state native title laws and regulations recognize and protect the rights and interests in Australia of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in land and waters and may

 

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restrict mining and exploration activity and/or result in additional costs. CBH is required to deal with a number of governmental departments in connection with the development and exploitation of its mining property. The Company is not aware of any substantial non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations to which CBH is subject in Australia.

Maintenance of Claims

Bolivia

The Bolivian state-owned mining organization, Corporación Minera de Bolivia (“COMIBOL”), is the underlying owner of all of the mining rights relating to the San Bartolomé mine. COMIBOL’s ownership derives from the Supreme Decree 3196 issued in October 1952, when the government nationalized most of the mines in Potosí. COMIBOL has leased the mining rights for the surface silver and tin bearing sediment (“pallacos”, “sucus”, and “troceras”) to several Potosí cooperatives. The cooperatives in turn have subleased their mining rights to Coeur’s subsidiary, Manquiri, through a series of “joint venture” contracts. In addition to those agreements with the cooperatives Manquiri holds additional mining rights under lease agreements directly with COMIBOL. All of Manquiri’s mining and surface rights collectively constitute the San Bartolomé project. For additional information regarding the maintenance of its claims to the San Bartolomé mine, see Item 2. Properties — Silver and Gold Mining Properties — Bolivia-San Bartolomé below.

Mexico

In order to carry out mining activities in Mexico, the Company is required to obtain a mining concession from the General Bureau of Mining which belongs to the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) of the Federal Government, or be assigned previously granted concession rights, and both must be recorded with the Public Registry of Mining. In addition, mining works may have to be authorized by other authorities when performed in certain areas, including villages, dams, channels, general communications ways, submarine shelves of islands, islets and reefs, marine beds and subsoil and federal maritime-terrestrial zones. Reports have to be filed with the General Bureau of Mining in May of each year evidencing previous calendar year mining works. Generally nominal biannual mining duties are payable in January and July of each year, and failure to pay these duties could lead to cancellation of the concessions. Upon expiration or cancellation of the concession, certain obligations remain, including obligations to file technical reports and not to withdraw permanent works of fortification.

United States

At mining properties in the United States, including the Rochester and Kensington mines, operations are conducted upon both patented and unpatented mining claims. Pursuant to applicable federal law it is necessary to pay to the Secretary of the Interior, on or before August 31 of each year, a claim maintenance fee of $140 per claim. This claim maintenance fee is in lieu of the assessment work requirement contained in the Mining Law. In addition, in Nevada, holders of unpatented mining claims are required to pay the county recorder of the county in which the claim is situated an annual fee of $8.50 per claim. For unpatented claims in Alaska, the Company is required to pay a variable, annual rental fee based on the age of the claim and must perform annual labor or make an annual payment in lieu of annual labor. No maintenance fees are payable for federal patented claims. Patented claims are similar to land held by an owner who is entitled to the entire interest in the property with unconditional power of disposition and are subject to local property taxes. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.—Third parties may dispute the Company’s unpatented mining claims, which could result in the discovery of defective titles and losses affecting Coeur’s business”.

Argentina

Minerals are owned by the provincial governments, which impose a maximum 3% mine-mouth royalty on mineral production. The first step in acquiring mining rights is filing an exploration concession (“Cateo”), which gives exclusive prospecting rights for the requested area for a period of time, generally up to three years. The maximum size of each cateo is 10,000 hectares; a maximum of 20 cateos, or 200,000 hectares, can be held by a single entity (individual or company) in any one province.

 

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The holder of a cateo has exclusive right to establish a discovery concession “(Manifestacion de Descubrimiento” or “MD”) on that cateo, but MDs can also be set without a cateo on any land not covered by someone else’s cateo. MDs are filed as either a vein or disseminated discovery. A square protection zone can be declared around the discovery — up to 840 hectares for a vein MD or up to 7,000 hectares for a disseminated MD. The protection zone grants the discoverer exclusive rights for an indefinite period, during which the discoverer must provide an annual report presenting a program of exploration work and investments related to the protection zone. A MD can later be upgraded to an exploitation concession (“Concesion de Explotacion or “Mina”), which gives the holder the right to begin commercial extraction of minerals.

Australia

At the Endeavor mining property in Australia operated by CBH, operations are conducted on designated mining leases issued by the relevant state government mining department. Mining leases are issued for a specific term and include a range of environmental and other conditions including the payment of production royalties, annual lease fees and the use of cash or a bank guarantee as security for reclamation liabilities. The amounts required to be paid to secure reclamation liabilities are determined on a case by case basis. In addition, CBH holds a range of exploration titles and permits, which are also issued by the respective state government mining departments for specified terms and require payment of annual fees and completion of designated expenditure programs on the leases to maintain title. In Australia, minerals in the ground are owned by the state until severed from the ground through mining operations.

Chile

In Chile, mineral rights are owned by the national government. Mineral concessions are granted by the court with jurisdiction over the land where the requested concession is located. For exploitation concessions (“Mensuras”), to maintain the concession, an annual tax is payable to the government before March 31 of each year in the approximate amount of $8.00 per hectare. For exploration concessions (“Pedimentos”), to maintain the right, the annual tax is approximately $1.60 per hectare. An exploration concession is valid for a five-year period. It may be renewed unless a third party claims the right to explore upon the property, in which event the exploration concession must be converted to an exploitation concession in order to maintain the rights to the concession. As of December 31, 2011, the Company held exploration concessions on two properties in Chile, totaling 8,918 square miles (4,664 hectares).

EMPLOYEES

The number of full-time employees at the Company as of December 31, 2011 was:

 

U.S. Corporate Staff and Office

     52   

Rochester Mine

     224   

Kensington Mine

     248   

South American Administrative Offices

     23   

South American Exploration

     8   

Martha Mine/Argentina(1)

     116   

San Bartolomé Mine/Bolivia(1)

     328   

Palmarejo Mine/Mexico

     904   
  

 

 

 

Total

     1,903   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

The Company maintains two labor agreements in South America, consisting of a labor agreement with Associacion Obrera Minera Argentina at its Martha mine in Argentina and a labor agreement with Sindicato de la Empresa Minera Manquiri at the San Bartolomé mine in Bolivia. The Martha mine labor agreement is effective from June 12, 2006 to June 30, 2012. The San Bartolomé mine labor agreement, which became effective October 11, 2007, does not have a fixed term. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 14.4% of the Company’s worldwide labor force was covered by collective bargaining agreements.

 

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EXPLORATION STAGE MINING PROPERTIES

The Company, either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns, leases and has interests in certain exploration-stage mining properties located in the United States, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico and Tanzania. During 2012, the Company expects to invest approximately $40.0 million in exploration and reserve development compared to $26.3 million spent on similar activities in 2011.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

The Company’s business strategy is to discover, acquire, develop and operate low-cost silver and gold operations that will produce long-term cash flow, provide opportunities for growth through continued exploration, and generate superior and sustainable returns for shareholders.

SOURCES OF REVENUE

The Palmarejo mine, San Bartolomé mine, Kensington mine, Rochester mine, and Martha mine, each operated by the Company and the Endeavor mine, operated by a non-affiliated party, constituted the Company’s principal sources of mining revenues in 2011. See the Financial Statements, Note 20 — Segment Reporting, under the heading “Geographical Information”, for revenues attributed to all foreign countries. The following table sets forth information regarding the percentage contribution to the Company’s total revenues (i.e., revenues from the sale of concentrates and doré) by the sources of those revenues during the past five years, excluding discontinued operations:

 

     Coeur  Percentage
Ownership at
December 31,
2011
    Percentage of Total Revenues(2)(3)
For The Years Ended December 31,
 

Mine/Company

     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Palmarejo Mine

     100     50     45     30        

San Bartolomé Mine

     100     26        28        38        14          

Kensington Mine

     100     15        4                        

Rochester Mine

     100     6        11        15        52        69   

Martha Mine

     100     1        10        15        24        26   

Endeavor Mine(1)

     100     2        2        2        10        5   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       100     100     100     100     100
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Ownership interest reflects the Company’s ownership interest in the property’s silver production. Other constituent metals are owned by a non-affiliated entity.

 

(2)

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company sold to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. its 100% interest in silver contained at the Broken Hill mine for $55.0 million in cash.

 

(3)

Effective August 9, 2010, the Company sold its interest in the Cerro Bayo mine to Mandalay Resources Corporation.

DEFINITIONS

The following sets forth definitions of certain important mining terms used in this report.

“Ag” is the abbreviation for silver.

“Au” is the abbreviation for gold.

“Backfill” is primarily waste sand or rock used to support the roof or walls after removal of ore from a stope.

“By-Product” is a secondary metal or mineral product recovered in the milling process, such as gold.

“Cash Costs” are costs directly related to the physical activities of producing silver and gold, and include mining, processing, transportation and other plant costs, third-party refining and smelting costs, marketing expense, on-site general and administrative costs, royalties and in-mine drilling expenditures that are related to

 

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production and other direct costs. Sales of by-product metals, including gold, are deducted from the above in computing cash costs per ounce. Cash costs exclude depreciation, depletion and amortization, corporate general and administrative expense, exploration, interest, and pre-feasibility costs and accruals for mine reclamation. Cash costs are calculated and presented using the “Gold Institute Production Cost Standard” applied consistently for all periods presented. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

“Cash Costs per Ounce” are calculated by dividing the cash costs computed for each of the Company’s mining properties for a specific period by the amount of gold ounces or silver ounces produced by that property during that same period. Management uses cash costs per ounce produced as a key indicator of the profitability of each of its mining properties. Gold and silver are sold and priced in the world financial markets on a U.S. dollar per ounce basis. By calculating the cash costs from each of the Company’s mines on the same unit basis, management can determine the gross margin that each ounce of gold and silver produced is generating. While this represents a key indicator of the performance of the Company’s mining properties you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this single measurement. To fully evaluate a mine’s performance, management also monitors U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) based profit/(loss), depreciation and amortization expenses and capital expenditures for each mine as presented in Note 20 — Segment Reporting. Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measurement and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on it and are urged to read all GAAP accounting disclosures presented in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

“Concentrate” is a very fine powder-like product containing the valuable metal from which most of the waste material in the ore has been eliminated.

“Contained Ounces” represents ounces in the ground before reduction of ounces not able to be recovered by applicable metallurgical process.

“Cutoff Grade” is the minimum metal at which an ore body can be economically mined; used in the calculation of reserves in a given deposit.

“Cyanidation” is a method of extracting gold or silver by dissolving it in a weak solution of sodium or potassium cyanide.

“Development” is work carried out for the purpose of accessing a mineral deposit. In an underground mine that includes shaft sinking, crosscutting, drifting and raising. In an open pit mine, development includes the removal of over burden.

“Dilution” is an estimate of the amount of waste or low-grade mineralized rock which will be mined with the ore as part of normal mining practices in extracting an ore body.

“Doré” is unrefined gold and silver bullion bars which contain gold, silver and minor amounts of impurities which will be further refined to almost pure metal.

“Drilling”

Core drilling: process of obtaining cylindrical rock samples by means of an annular-shaped rock-cutting bits (diamond impregnated) rotated by a bore-hole drilling machine. The core samples are used for geological study and chemical analysis used in mineral exploration.

In-fill: is any method of drilling intervals between existing holes, used to provide greater geological detail and to help establish reserve estimates.

Reverse circulation: a method of drilling, often used in mineral exploration, that produces fragmented samples of rock collected by a rotary, percussion drilling machine.

“Exploration” is prospecting, sampling, mapping, drilling and other work involved in searching for ore.

“Gold” is a metallic element with minimum fineness of 999 parts per 1000 parts pure gold.

“Grade” is the amount of metal in each ton of ore, expressed as troy ounces per ton or grams per tonne for precious metals.

 

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“g/t Ag” are grams of gold per metric ton (tonne) of rock. A tonne is equal to 1.1023 short tons, or 2,205 pounds.

“g/t Au” are grams of silver per metric ton (tonne) of rock. A tonne is equal to 1.1023 short tons, or 2,205 pounds.

“Heap Leach Pad” is a large impermeable foundation or pad used as a base for ore during heap leaching.

“Heap Leaching Process” is a process of extracting gold and silver by placing broken ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained gold and silver, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes.

“Hectare” is a metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters (2.471 acres).

“Mill” is a processing facility where ore is finely ground and thereafter undergoes physical or chemical treatments to extract the valuable metals.

“Mill-Lead Grades” are metal content of mined ore going into a mill for processing.

“Mineralized Material” is gold and silver bearing material that has been physically delineated by one or more of a number of methods, including drilling, underground work, surface trenching and other types of sampling. This material has been found to contain a sufficient amount of mineralization of an average grade of metal or metals to have economic potential that warrants further exploration evaluation. While this material is not currently or may never be classified as ore reserves, it is reported as mineralized material only if the potential exists for reclassification into the reserves category. This material cannot be classified in the reserves category until final technical, economic and legal factors have been determined. Under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s standards, a mineral deposit does not qualify as a reserve unless it can be economically and legally extracted at the time of reserve determination and it constitutes a proven or probable reserve (as defined below). In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, mineralized material reported in the Company’s Form 10-K does not include material that would be classified as inferred.

“Mining Rate” tons of ore mined per day or even specified time period.

“Non-cash Costs” are costs that are typically accounted for ratably over the life of an operation and include depreciation, depletion and amortization of capital assets, accruals for the costs of final reclamation and long-term monitoring and care that are usually incurred at the end of mine life, and the amortization of the cost of property acquisitions.

“Open Pit” is a mine where the minerals are mined entirely from the surface.

“Operating Cash Costs Per Ounce” are cash costs per ounce minus production taxes and royalties.

“Ore” is rock, generally containing metallic or non-metallic minerals, which can be mined and processed at a profit.

“Ore Body” is a sufficiently large amount of ore that can be mined economically.

“Ore Reserve” or “Reserve” is that part of a mineral deposit that could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. Mining dilution and recovery, where appropriate, has been factored into the estimation of ore reserves.

“Probable (Indicated) Reserves” are reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven (measured) reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.

“Proven (Measured) Reserves” are reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings, or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth , and mineral content of reserves are well-established.

 

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“Reclamation” is the process by which lands disturbed as a result of mining activity are modified to support beneficial land use. Reclamation activity may include the removal of buildings, equipment, machinery and other physical remnants of mining, closure of tailings, leach pads and other features, and contouring, covering and re-vegetation of waste rock and other disturbed areas.

“Recovery Rate” is a term used in process metallurgy to indicate the proportion of valuable material physically recovered in the processing of ore. It is generally stated as a percentage of material recovered compared to the material originally present.

“Refining” is the final stage of metal production in which impurities are removed from the molten metal.

“Run-of-mine Ore” is mined ore which has not been subjected to any pretreatment, such as washing, sorting or crushing prior to processing.

“Silver” is a metallic element with minimum fineness of 995 parts per 1000 parts pure silver.

“Stripping Ratio” is the ratio of the number of tons of waste material to the number of tons of ore extracted at an open-pit mine.

“Tailings” is the material that remains after all economically and technically recovered precious metals have been removed from the ore during processing.

“Ton” means a short ton which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds, unless otherwise specified.

“Total costs” are the sum of cash costs and non-cash costs.

IMPORTANT FACTORS RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains numerous forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s gold and silver mining business, including estimated production data, expected operating schedules, expected capital costs and other operating data and permit and other regulatory approvals. Such forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “hopes,” “may,” “should,” “plan,” “projected,” “contemplates,” “anticipates” or similar words. Actual production, operating schedules, results of operations, ore reserve and resources could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include (i) the risk factors set forth below under Item 1A, (ii) the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), (iii) changes in the market prices of gold and silver, (iv) the uncertainties inherent in the Company’s production, exploratory and developmental activities, including risks relating to permitting and regulatory delays and disputed mining claims (v) any future labor disputes or work stoppages, (vi) the uncertainties inherent in the estimation of gold and silver ore reserves, (vii) changes that could result from the Company’s future acquisition of new mining properties or businesses, (viii) reliance on third parties to operate certain mines where the Company owns silver production and reserves, (ix) the loss of any third-party smelter to which the Company markets silver and gold, (x) the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations, (xi) the risks inherent in the ownership or operation of or investment in mining properties or businesses in foreign countries, (xii) the worldwide economic downturn and difficult conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and (xiii) the Company’s ability to raise additional financing necessary to conduct its business, make payments or refinance its debt. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company maintains an internet website at http://www.coeur.com. Coeur makes available, free of charge, on or through its website, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Proxy Statements, as well as Forms 3, 4 and 5 with respect to its common stock, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Copies of Coeur’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters of the key committees of the Board of Directors (Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Environmental,

 

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Health, Safety, and Social Responsibility Committees) and its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees, applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, are available at the Company’s website http://www.coeur.com. Information contained on the Company’s website is not a part of this report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following sets forth certain risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results. References to “Coeur,” in these risk factors refer to the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that the Company does not presently know or that the Company currently deems immaterial also may impair its business operations.

The Company’s results of operations and cash flows are highly dependent upon the market prices of silver and gold, which are volatile and beyond its control.

Silver and gold are commodities, and their prices are volatile. During 2011, the price of silver ranged from a low of $26.77 per ounce to a high of $48.55 per ounce, and the price of gold ranged from a low of $1,319 per ounce to a high of $1,895 per ounce. The market prices of silver and gold on February 22, 2012 were $34.15 per ounce and $1,752 per ounce, respectively.

Silver and gold prices are affected by many factors beyond the Company’s control, including prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes, expectations regarding inflation, speculation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding the disposal of precious metals stockpiles, global and regional demand and production, political and economic conditions and other factors. In addition, Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”), which have substantially facilitated the ability of large and small investors to buy and sell precious metals, have become significant holders of gold and silver. Net inflows of investments into and out of ETFs have amplified the historical volatility of gold and silver prices.

Because Coeur derives all of its revenues from sales of silver and gold, the Company’s results of operations and cash flows will fluctuate as the prices of these metals increase or decrease. A sustained period of declining gold and silver prices would materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. Factors that are generally understood to contribute to a decline in the prices of silver and gold include a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, net outflows from gold and silver ETFs, bullion sales by private and government holders and a general global economic slowdown.

A substantial decline in gold and silver prices could cause one or more of the Company’s mining properties to become unprofitable, which could require it to record write-downs of long-lived assets that would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

Established accounting standards for impairment of the value of long-lived assets such as mining properties requires Coeur to review the recoverability of the cost of its assets by estimating the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Impairment, measured by comparing an asset’s carrying value to its fair value, must be recognized when the carrying value of the asset exceeds these cash flows. A significant and sustained decline in silver or gold prices, or the Company’s failure to control production costs or realize the minable ore reserves at its mining properties, could lead the Company to terminate or suspend mining operations at one or more of its properties and require it to write down the carrying value of the Company’s assets. Any such actions would negatively affect Coeur’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company also may record other types of additional mining property charges in the future if it sells a property for a price less than its carrying value or if it has to increase reclamation liabilities in connection with the closure and reclamation of a property. Any such additional write-downs of mining properties could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Coeur is an international company and is exposed to political and social risks in the countries in which it has significant operations or interests.

A majority of the Company’s revenues are generated by operations outside the United States, and the Company is subject to significant risks inherent in resource extraction by foreign companies and contracts with government owned entities. Exploration, development, production and closure activities in many countries are potentially subject to heightened political and social risks that are beyond the Company’s control. These risks include the possible unilateral cancellation or forced re-negotiation of contracts; unfavorable changes in foreign laws and regulations; royalty and tax increases, claims by governmental entities or indigenous communities, expropriation or nationalization of property and other risks arising out of foreign sovereignty over areas in which Coeur’s operations are conducted. The right to export silver and gold may depend on obtaining certain licenses and quotas, which could be delayed or denied at the discretion of the relevant regulatory authorities. In addition, the Company’s rights under local law may be less secure in countries where judicial systems are susceptible to manipulation and intimidation by government agencies, non-governmental organizations or civic groups.

Any of these developments could require the Company to curtail or terminate operations at its mines, incur significant costs to meet newly-imposed environmental or other standards, pay greater royalties or higher prices for labor or services and recognize higher taxes, which could materially and adversely affect Coeur’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

The Company’s operations outside the United States also expose it to economic and operational risks.

Coeur’s operations outside the United States also expose it to economic and operational risks. Local economic conditions can cause the Company to experience shortages of skilled workers and supplies, increase costs and adversely affect the security of operations. In addition, higher incidences of criminal activity and violence in the area of some of the Company’s foreign operations could adversely affect Coeur’s ability to operate in an optimal fashion, and may impose greater risks of theft and greater risks as to property security. These conditions could lead to lower productivity and higher costs, which would adversely affect results of operations and cash flows.

Coeur sells gold and silver doré in U.S. dollars, but conducts the Company’s operations outside the United States in local currency. Currency exchange movements could adversely affect results of operations.

Silver and gold mining involves significant production and operational risks.

Silver and gold mining involves significant production and operational risks, including those related to uncertain mineral exploration success, unexpected geological or mining conditions, the difficulty of development of new deposits, unfavorable climate conditions, equipment or service failures, current unavailability of or delays in installing and commissioning plants and equipment, import or customs delays and other general operating risks. Commencement of mining can reveal mineralization or geologic formations, including higher than expected content of other minerals that can be difficult to separate from silver, which can result in unexpectedly low recovery rates.

Problems also may arise due to the quality or failure of locally obtained equipment or interruptions to services (such as power, water, fuel or transport or processing capacity) or technical support, which could result in the failure to achieve expected target dates for exploration, or could cause production activities to require greater capital expenditure to achieve expected recoveries.

Many of these production and operational risks are beyond the Company’s control. Delays in commencing successful mining activities at new or expanded mines, disruptions in production and low recovery rates could have adverse effects on results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

The estimation of ore reserves is imprecise and depends upon subjective factors. Estimated ore reserves may not be realized in actual production. The Company’s operating results and financial position may be negatively affected by inaccurate estimates.

The ore reserve figures presented in the Company’s public filings are estimates made by Coeur’s technical personnel and by independent mining consultants contracted by Coeur. Reserve estimates are a function of geological and engineering analyses that require the Company to make assumptions about production costs,

 

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recoveries and silver and gold market prices. Reserve estimation is an imprecise and subjective process. The accuracy of such estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation, judgment and experience. Assumptions about silver and gold market prices are subject to great uncertainty as those prices have fluctuated widely in the past. Declines in the market prices of silver or gold may render reserves containing relatively lower grades of ore uneconomic to exploit, and the Company may be required to reduce reserve estimates, discontinue development or mining at one or more of its properties or write down assets as impaired. Should Coeur encounter mineralization or geologic formations at any of its mines or projects different from those predicted, the Company may adjust its reserve estimates and alter its mining plans. Either of these alternatives may adversely affect actual production and results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Forward sales and royalty arrangements can result in limiting the Company’s ability to take advantage of increased metal prices while increasing its exposure to lower metal prices.

The Company has in the past entered into, and may in the future enter into, arrangements under which it has agreed to make royalty or similar payments to lenders in amounts that are based on expected production and price levels for gold or silver. Coeur enters into such arrangements when it concludes that they provide the Company with necessary capital to develop a specific mining property on favorable terms. Royalty or similar payment obligations, however, can limit the Company’s ability to realize the full effects of rising gold or silver prices and require Coeur to make potentially significant cash payments if the mine fails to achieve specified minimum production levels.

Coeur’s future operating performance may not generate cash flows sufficient to meet its debt payment obligations.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a total of approximately $380.0 million of outstanding indebtedness, which includes $231.5 million for future estimated gold production royalty payments due to Franco-Nevada Corporation and Capital lease obligations of $28.6 million. The liabilities associated with such royalty payments increase as the price of gold increases. Coeur’s ability to make scheduled debt payments on its outstanding indebtedness will depend on its future results of operations and cash flows. Coeur’s results of operations and cash flows, in part, are subject to economic factors beyond its control, including the market prices of silver and gold. The Company may not be able to generate enough cash flow to meet its obligations and commitments. If the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service its debt, the Company may need to further refinance its debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain the necessary funds. The Company cannot predict whether it will be able to refinance its debt, issue equity or dispose of assets to raise funds on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms.

The Company’s future growth will depend upon its ability to develop new mines, either through exploration at its existing properties or by acquisition from other mining companies.

Because mines have limited lives based on proven and probable ore reserves, an important element of the Company’s business strategy is the opportunistic acquisition of silver and gold mines, properties and businesses or interests therein. During 2011, Coeur successfully constructed a new leach pad at its Rochester mine and substantially completed development of its other major mining properties at Palmarejo, San Bartolomé, and Kensington. The Company’s ability to achieve significant additional growth in revenues and cash flows will depend upon its success in further developing Coeur’s existing properties and developing or acquiring new mining properties. Both strategies are inherently risky, and the Company cannot assure that it would be able to successfully compete in either the development of its existing or new mining properties or acquisitions of additional mining properties.

While it is Coeur’s practice to engage independent mining consultants to assist in evaluating and making acquisitions, any mining properties or interests that the Company may acquire may not be developed profitably. If profitable when acquired, that profitability might not be sustained. In connection with any future acquisitions,

 

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the Company may incur indebtedness or issue equity securities, resulting in increased interest expense, or dilution of the percentage ownership of existing shareholders. Coeur cannot predict the impact of future acquisitions on the price of its business or its common stock or that it would be able to obtain any necessary financing on acceptable terms. Unprofitable acquisitions, or additional indebtedness or issuances of securities in connection with such acquisitions, may adversely affect the price of the Company’s common stock and negatively affect its results of operations.

Mineral exploration and development inherently involves significant and irreducible financial risks. Coeur may suffer from the failure to find and develop profitable mines.

The exploration for and development of mineral deposits involves significant financial risks that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge cannot eliminate. Unprofitable efforts may result from the failure to discover mineral deposits. Even if mineral deposits are found, those deposits may be insufficient in quantity and quality to return a profit from production, or it may take a number of years until production is possible, during which time the economic viability of the project may change. Few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines.

Substantial expenditures are required to establish ore reserves, to extract metals from ores and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. The economic feasibility of any development project is based upon, among other things, volatile metals prices, estimates of the size and grade of ore reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other resources such as water and power, metallurgical recoveries, production rates and capital and operating costs. Development projects also are subject to the completion of favorable feasibility studies, issuance and maintenance of necessary permits and receipt of adequate financing.

The commercial viability of a mineral deposit, once developed, depends on a number of factors, including: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; government regulations including taxes, royalties and land tenure; land use; importing and exporting of minerals; environmental protection; and mineral prices. Factors that affect adequacy of infrastructure include: reliability of roads, bridges, power sources and water supply; unusual or infrequent weather phenomena; sabotage; and government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure. All of these factors are highly cyclical. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination may result in not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

Significant investment risks and operational costs are associated with the Company’s exploration, development and mining activities. These risks and costs may result in lower economic returns and may adversely affect Coeur’s business.

Coeur’s ability to sustain or increase its present production levels depends in part on successful exploration and development of new ore bodies and expansion of existing mining operations. Mineral exploration, particularly for silver and gold, involves many risks and is frequently unproductive. The economic feasibility of any development project is based upon, among other things, estimates of the size and grade of ore reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other resources (such as water and power), metallurgical recoveries, production rates and capital and operating costs of such development projects, and metals prices. Development projects are also subject to the completion of favorable feasibility studies, issuance and maintenance of necessary permits and receipt of adequate financing.

Development projects may have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future operating costs and capital requirements. Development project items such as estimates of reserves, metal recoveries and cash operating costs are to a large extent based upon the interpretation of geologic data, obtained from a limited number of drill holes and other sampling techniques, and feasibility studies. Estimates of cash operating costs are then derived based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of metals from the ore, comparable facility and equipment costs, anticipated climate conditions and other factors.

As a result, actual cash operating costs and economic returns of any and all development projects may materially differ from the costs and returns estimated, and accordingly, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.

 

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Coeur might be unable to raise additional financing necessary to meet capital needs, conduct its business, make payments when due or refinance its debt.

Coeur might need to raise additional funds in order to meet capital needs, implement its business plan, refinance its debt or acquire complementary businesses or products. Any required additional financing might not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, holders of the Company’s common stock could experience significant dilution of their ownership interest, and these securities could have rights senior to those of the holders of the Company’s common stock.

A significant delay or disruption in the Company’s sales of concentrates as a result of the unexpected discontinuation of purchases by its smelter customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

The Company currently markets its silver and gold concentrates to third-party smelters and refineries in Mexico, Germany, China and Australia. The loss of any one smelter could have a material adverse effect on the Company if alternative smelters and refineries were unavailable. The Company cannot assure you that alternative smelters or refineries would be available if the need for them were to arise, or that the Company would not experience delays or disruptions in sales that would materially and adversely affect results of operations.

Coeur’s silver and gold production may decline in the future, reducing its results of operations and cash flows.

The Company’s silver and gold production, unless the Company is able to develop or acquire new properties, will decline over time due to the exhaustion of reserves and the possible closure of mines in response to declining metals prices or other factors. Identifying promising mining properties is difficult and speculative. Coeur encounters strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing or capable of producing silver and gold. Many of these companies have greater financial resources than the Company does. Consequently, Coeur may be unable to replace and expand current ore reserves through the acquisition of new mining properties or interests therein on terms that are considered acceptable. As a result, Coeur’s revenues from the sale of silver and gold may decline, resulting in lower income and reduced growth. The Company cannot assure you that it would be able to replace the production that would be lost due to the exhaustion of reserves and the possible closure of mines.

There are significant hazards associated with the Company’s mining activities, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance.

The mining business is subject to risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, the encountering of unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins, flooding, earthquakes and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. These occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, reduced production and delays in mining, asset write-downs, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Insurance fully covering many environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of disposal of waste products occurring from exploration and production, is not generally available to the Company or to other companies in the industry. Any liabilities that the Company incurs for these risks and hazards could be significant and could adversely affect results of operation, cash flows and financial condition.

The Company is subject to significant governmental regulations, including under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, and related costs and delays may negatively affect its business.

Mining activities are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing environmental protection, natural resources, prospecting, development, production, post-closure reclamation, taxes, labor standards and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations are substantial. Possible future laws and regulations, or more restrictive interpretations of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of operations and delays in the development of new properties.

 

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U.S. surface and underground mines like the Kensington and Rochester mines are frequently inspected by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”), which inspections often lead to notices of violation. Recently, the Company has undergone inspections and received numerous citations and orders as a result of the inspections.

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, which may require corrective measures including capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. In addition, any of our U.S. mines could be subject to a temporary or extended shut down as a result of a violation alleged by the MSHA. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Any such penalties, fines, sanctions or shutdowns could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Compliance with environmental regulations and litigation based on environmental regulations could require significant expenditures.

Environmental regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation, and set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for mining companies and their officers, directors and employees. The Company may incur environmental costs that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. Any failure to remedy an environmental problem could require the Company to suspend operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required remedy. The environmental standards that ultimately may be imposed at a mine site affect the cost of remediation and could exceed the financial accruals that Coeur has made for such remediation. The potential exposure may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Moreover, governmental authorities and private parties may bring lawsuits based upon damage to property and injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health and safety impacts of prior and current operations, including operations conducted by other mining companies many years ago at sites located on properties that the Company currently or formerly owned. These lawsuits could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, remediation costs, penalties and other civil and criminal sanctions. Substantial costs and liabilities, including for restoring the environment after the closure of mines, are inherent in the Company’s operations. Coeur cannot assure you that any such law, regulation, enforcement or private claim would not have a negative effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

Some of the Company’s mining wastes currently are exempt to a limited extent from the extensive set of federal Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulations governing hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”). If the EPA designates these wastes as hazardous under RCRA, Coeur would be required to expend additional amounts on the handling of such wastes and to make significant expenditures to construct hazardous waste disposal facilities. In addition, if any of these wastes causes contamination in or damage to the environment at a mining facility, that facility could be designated as a “Superfund” site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). Under CERCLA, any owner or operator of a Superfund site since the time of its contamination may be held liable and may be forced to undertake extensive remedial cleanup action or to pay for the government’s cleanup efforts. The owner or operator also may be liable to governmental entities for the cost of damages to natural resources, which could be substantial. Additional regulations or requirements also are imposed on the Company’s tailings and waste disposal areas in Alaska under the federal Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and in Nevada under the Nevada Water Pollution Control Law which implements the CWA.

Airborne emissions are subject to controls under air pollution statutes implementing the Clean Air Act in Nevada and Alaska. In addition, there are numerous legislative and regulatory proposals related to climate

 

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change, including legislation pending in the U.S. Congress to require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Adoption of these proposals could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

The Company’s ability to obtain necessary government permits to expand operations or begin new operations can be materially affected by third party activists.

Private parties such as environmental activists frequently attempt to intervene in the permitting process and to persuade regulators to deny necessary permits or seek to overturn permits that have been issued. Obtaining the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process involving numerous jurisdictions and often involving public hearings and costly undertakings. These third party actions can materially increase the costs and cause delays of the permitting process and could cause the Company to not proceed with the development or expansion of a mine.

An environmental organization has brought an administrative appeal challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of a plan of amendment which allows active mining to be resumed and a new heap leach pad to be constructed at the Rochester property. The Interior Board of Land Appeals is expected to rule on the appeal in 2012. The Company cannot predict the outcome of the appeal or what effect, if any, an adverse ruling may have on current operations. If an adverse ruling is issued, the Company may be required to update the permitting for the current operations at Rochester.

Coeur’s operations in Bolivia are subject to political risks.

The Bolivian government adopted a new constitution in early 2009 that strengthened state control over key economic sectors such as mining. In connection with the 2009 constitution, the government of Bolivia announced a restructuring of the mining law. A commission was established in March 2011 to finalize the mining law updates and the commission’s evaluation remains ongoing. The Company has been assessing the potential effects of the proposed legislation on its Bolivian operations but any effects remain uncertain until the law is enacted. The law is expected to regulate taxation and royalties and to provide for contracting with the government rather than concession holding. The revised mining law is expected to be enacted in 2012. The Company cannot assure that its operations at the San Bartolomé mine will not be affected in the current political environment in Bolivia.

On October 14, 2009, the Bolivian state-owned mining organization, COMIBOL, announced by resolution that it was temporarily suspending mining activities above the elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level while stability studies of Cerro Rico mountain are undertaken. The Company holds rights to mine above this elevation under valid contracts backed by Supreme Decree with COMIBOL as well as contracts with local mining cooperatives that hold their rights through COMIBOL. The Company temporarily adjusted its mine plan to confine mining activities to the ore deposits below 4,400 meters above sea level and timely notified COMIBOL of the need to lift the restriction. In March 2010, the San Bartolomé mine began mining operations above the 4,400 meter level in high grade material located in the Huacajchi deposit, which was confirmed to be excluded from the October 2009 resolution, under an agreement with the Cooperative Reserva Fiscal. In December 2011, a further area in the deposit, known as Huacajchi Sur, was further confirmed to be open for mining as well. Other mining areas above the 4,400 meter level continue to be suspended. The mine plan adjustment may reduce production until the Company is able to resume mining above 4,400 meters generally. It is uncertain at this time how long the temporary suspension will remain in place. If the restriction is not lifted, the Company may need to write down the carrying value of the asset. It is also unknown if any new mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude may affect mining in Bolivia.

The Company’s business depends on good relations with its employees.

The Company could experience labor disputes, work stoppages or other disruptions in production that could adversely affect the Company. As of December 31, 2011, unions represented approximately 14% of Coeur’s worldwide workforce. The Company has a collective bargaining agreement covering the Martha mine which expires on June 30, 2012. Additionally, the Company has a labor agreement at its San Bartolomé mine which became effective October 11, 2007, and does not have a fixed term.

 

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Third parties may dispute the Company’s unpatented mining claims, which could result in the discovery of defective titles and losses affecting Coeur’s business.

The validity of unpatented mining claims, which constitute a significant portion of Coeur’s property holdings in the United States, is often uncertain and may be contested. Although the Company has attempted to acquire satisfactory title to undeveloped properties, in accordance with mining industry practice the Company does not generally obtain title opinions until a decision is made to develop a property. As a result, some titles, particularly titles to undeveloped properties may be defective. Defective title to any of Coeur’s mining claims could result in litigation, insurance claims and potential losses affecting its business as a whole.

Coeur Rochester is party to a legal action relating to a third party’s assertion of rights to unpatented mining claims at and near the Rochester property in Nevada. Coeur Rochester held 541 U.S. Federal unpatented claims through August 2011. On September 1, 2011, the Company inadvertently missed a claims fee payment to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and as a result the prior unpatented mining claims were forfeited. The Company re-staked 479 claims in early December 2011 and filed notices with Pershing County, Nevada and the BLM. The new claims cover the majority of the prior unpatented claim area. A third party asserts that it also staked and filed notices on the Company’s original unpatented mining claims. The Company believes it holds a superior property interest to the adverse staking party and filed a lawsuit to quiet title in the claims. The mine operates under an approved BLM plan of operations and has continued normal operations while the legal action is pending. The Company believes there would be no effect on the current silver and gold reserves at Coeur Rochester assuming an adverse outcome. However, the Company does believe an adverse outcome would require it to modify existing plans to further expand future mining operations and would require permits to be updated to reflect changes in claim ownership.

There may be challenges to the title of any of the claims comprising the Company’s mines that, if successful, could impair development and operations. A defect could result in the Company losing all or a portion of its right, title, estate and interest in and to the properties to which the title defect relates.

The Company has the ability to issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of its issued and outstanding common stock and may materially and adversely affect the price of its common stock.

The issuance of additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities would result in dilution of the Company’s existing shareholders’ equity ownership. The Company is authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and relative participating, optional, conversion and other special rights of the shares of each series as well as the qualification, limitations or restrictions on each series. Any series of preferred stock could contain dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences or other rights superior to the rights of holders of the Company’s common stock. Coeur’s Board of Directors has no present intention of issuing any preferred stock, but reserves the right to do so in the future and has reserved for issuance a series of preferred stock in connection with its shareholder rights plan. If the Company issues additional equity securities, the price of its common stock may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

 

Item 2. Properties-

SILVER AND GOLD MINING PROPERTIES

The Company’s operating segments include Palmarejo (Mexico), San Bartolomé (Bolivia), Kensington (Alaska, USA), Rochester (Nevada, USA), Martha (Argentina), and Endeavor (New South Wales, Australia). See “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” related to Coeur’s operations in Bolivia and Note 20 — Segment Reporting, for information relating to its business segments and its domestic and export sales.

 

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Mexico — Palmarejo

The Palmarejo surface and underground silver and gold mine, and associated milling operation, owned and operated by Coeur Mexicana, is located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Access to the property is provided by air, rail, and all-weather paved and gravel roads from the state capitol of Chihuahua.

For the full year ended 2011, Palmarejo produced 9.0 million ounces of silver and 125,071 ounces of gold, compared to 5.9 million ounces of silver and 102,440 ounces of gold in 2010. Cash operating costs per ounce and total cash costs per ounce of silver for 2011 were both $(0.97). See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.” Metal sales in 2011 from Palmarejo totaled $513.1 million, or 50% of the Company’s total metal sales, compared with $230.0 million, or 45% of the Company’s total metal sales in 2010. Sales of gold totaled $197.8 million and sales from silver were $315.3 million. Production costs in 2011 totaled $186.2 million while depreciation and depletion expense was $159.3 million. Total capital expenditures in 2011 were $37.0 million.

The Company’s property position at Palmarejo is large, consisting of contiguous mining concessions totaling 30,277 acres (12,158 hectares or 47.3 square miles) in size. Of the total concessions, 29 concessions consisting of 46.75 square miles (12,109 hectares) are owned 100% by Coeur Mexicana, formerly Planet Gold S.A. de C.V. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), and the remaining three concessions, representing 0.19 square miles (48.77 hectares) are partially owned (50 to 60%) by Coeur Mexicana. All of the Company’s ore reserves are located on concessions owned 100% by Coeur Mexicana. All concessions owned by Coeur Mexicana are valid until at least 2029. In addition to Palmarejo, the Company also controls 21,016 acres (8,505 hectares) of concessions at the Yécora exploration-stage property located in Sonora, on the border with the state of Chihuahua, and 17,717 acres (7,170 hectares) of concessions at the La Guitarra exploration-stage property in Chihuahua, south-east of Palmarejo.

All property and equipment are in good operating condition with no major maintenance expected. Power is supplied to the property by the local power utility as well as by generators. Water is supplied to the property by pipeline from the Chinipas River and also from recycled process water collected at site.

Commercial production commenced in April 2009. Recovery of gold has been consistent with the initial metallurgical testwork and feasibility study estimates and averaged 92.2% during 2011, up from 91.1% in 2010. The recovery of silver averaged 76.4% during 2011, which was below feasibility study estimates, but up from 69.8% in 2010. Although the Company will continue pursuing adjustments to the plant to increase silver recovery rates, as of December 31, 2011, it expects silver recoveries to average 78% for 2012. We hope to achieve further improvements going forward.

The Palmarejo mine is located on the western flank of the Sierra Madre Occidental, a mountain range that comprises the central spine of northern Mexico. The north-northwest-trending Sierra Madre Occidental is composed of a relatively flat-lying sequence of Tertiary volcanic rocks that forms a volcanic plateau, cut by numerous igneous intrusive rocks. This volcanic plateau is deeply incised in the Palmarejo mine area, locally forming steep-walled canyons. The Sierra Madre Occidental gives way to the west to an extensional terrain that represents the southward continuation of the Basin and Range Province of the western United States, and then to the coastal plain of western Mexico.

The gold and silver deposits at the Palmarejo mine, typical of many of the other silver and gold deposits in the Sierra Madre, are classified as epithermal deposits and are hosted in multiple veins, breccias and fractures. These geologic structures trend generally northwest to southeast and dip either southwest or northeast. The dip on the structures ranges from about 45 degrees to 70 degrees. In the mineralized portions of the structures gold and silver are zoned from top to bottom with higher silver values occurring in the upper parts of the deposit and higher gold values in the lower parts, sometimes accompanied by base metal mineralization, though local variations are common. The Palmarejo property contains a number of mineralized zones or areas of interest. The most important of these to date is the Palmarejo zone in the north of the concessions which covers the old Palmarejo gold-silver mine formed at the intersection of the northwest-southeast trending La Prieta and La Blanca gold-and-silver bearing structures. In addition to Palmarejo, other mineralized vein and alteration

 

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systems in the district area have been identified all roughly sub-parallel to the Palmarejo zone. The most significant of these additional targets are the Guadalupe (including Animas) and La Patria vein systems in the southern part of the property which are currently under exploration by the Company.

The Company spent $13.2 million in the Palmarejo district in 2011 to discover new silver and gold mineralization and define new ore reserves. This program consisted of drilling 263,189 feet (80,220 meters) of core. The exploration budget for Palmarejo for 2012 is $16.6 million.

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Palmarejo Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

     4,916         4,649         7,277   

Ounces of silver per ton

     5.31         7.12         5.05   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     26,091         33,096         37,121   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.07         0.09         0.06   

Contained ounces of gold

     329,950         436,600         442,000   

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     7,581         9,019         10,623   

Ounces of silver per ton

     4.05         4.29         5.03   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     30,727         38,662         53,400   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.05         0.05         0.06   

Contained ounces of gold

     358,170         433,600         660,000   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     12,497         13,668         17,900   

Ounces of silver per ton

     4.55         5.25         5.06   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     56,818         71,758         90,521   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.06         0.06         0.06   

Contained ounces of gold

     688,120         870,200         1,102,000   

Year-end Mineralized Material — Palmarejo Mine

 

     2011         2010         2009   

Short tons (000’s)

     5,062         4,503         4,493   

Ounces of silver per ton

     3.36         3.70         3.48   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.04         0.04         0.05   

 

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Operating Data

 

      2011     2010      2009  

Production

       

Ore tons milled

     1,723,056        1,835,408         1,065,508   

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     6.87        4.60         4.31   

Ore grade gold (oz./ton)

     0.08        0.06         0.06   

Recovery silver(%)

     76.4        69.8         66.3   

Recovery gold(%)

     92.2        91.1         88.2   

Silver produced (oz.)

     9,041,488        5,887,576         3,047,843   

Gold produced (oz.)

     125,071        102,440         54,740   

Cost per Ounce

       

Cash operating costs

   $ (0.97   $ 4.10       $ 9.80   

Other cash costs(6)

     —          —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(7)

     (0.97     4.10         9.80   

Non-cash costs

     17.77        15.56         17.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 16.80      $ 19.66       $ 26.80   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Current ore reserves are effective as of December 31, 2011. Metal prices used in calculating proven and probable reserves were $23.00 per ounce of silver and $1,220 per ounce of gold.

 

(2)

The ore reserves are underground and open pit minable and include an allowance for mining dilution and recovery. For the underground-minable reserves, the dilution and mining recovery is incorporated into the detailed design of each stope for the Palmarejo mine; a 10% dilution at a grade of 0.62 g/t Au and 54 g/t Ag and 100% mining recovery was used for the Guadalupe deposit. For the open pit-minable reserves, the mining dilution and mining recovery was incorporated into a block diluted model for the Palmarejo mine. No open pit reserves are included for the Guadalupe deposit at this time.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recovery factors of 93% for gold and 63% to 80% for silver were used in estimations for ore reserves for Palmarejo and should be applied to the contained reserve ounces.

 

(4)

The ore reserves were prepared by W. Orr (Manager of Corporate Technical Services) and the Company’s technical staff with the assistance of an independent consulting firm.

 

(5)

For the Palmarejo mine the proven and probable reserves are defined as mineralized material above an economic cut-off grade demonstrating grade continuity delineated by exploration and definition drill holes with a nominal grid spacing of 15m to 45m, depending on resource area. Proven reserves is material at a distance of less than or equal to 15m from the nearest composite sample with a minimum of two drill holes used in the grade estimate. Probable reserves are defined by distance to the nearest composite sample of between 15m and 45m and a minimum of two drill holes used in the grade estimate. For the Guadalupe deposit the proven and probable reserves are defined as mineralized material above an economic cut-off grade demonstrating grade continuity delineated by at least two exploration drill holes within less than 65m of each other. Proven reserves were selected from resource areas with average drill hole spacing of 20m to less than 35m and a minimum of two drill holes used in the grade estimate. The current proven reserve blocks are at an average distance of 12m from the nearest composite sample (45 m maximum), have an average of 4 octants informed for the estimates and were informed by an average of 8 drill holes. Probable reserves were selected from resource areas with average drill hole spacing of 35m to less than 80m. Probable reserves were further defined by distance to the nearest composite sample of less than approximately 65m and a minimum of two drill holes used in the grade estimate. The current probable reserve blocks are at an average of 18m from the nearest drill hole (102 m maximum), have an average of 4 octants informed for the estimates and were informed by an average of 8 drill holes.

 

(6)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

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(7)

Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

Bolivia — San Bartolomé

The San Bartolomé open pit silver mine, and associated milling operation, operated by Empresa Minera Manquiri SA (“Manquiri”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is located on the flanks of the Cerro Rico Mountain bordering the town of Potosí, Bolivia. Access to the property and the Company’s processing facilities is by paved and all-weather gravel roads leading south-southwest from Potosí.

Silver production for 2011 was 7.5 million ounces compared to 6.7 million ounces in 2010. Cash operating costs per ounce for 2011 were $9.10 per ounce compared to $7.87 per ounce in 2010. Total cash costs per ounce (which includes production taxes and royalties) for 2011 were $10.64 per ounce compared to $8.67 per ounce in 2010. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.” Metal sales in 2011 were $267.5 million, representing 26% of the Company’s total metal sales. One hundred percent of these sales were derived from silver. Production costs in 2011 totaled $79.7 million and depreciation and depletion expense was $22.4 million. Total capital expenditures in 2011 were $17.7 million.

Coeur acquired 100% of the equity in Manquiri from Asarco Incorporated (“ASARCO”) on September 9, 1999. Commercial construction activities commenced in 2004. Manquiri’s principal asset is the mining rights to the San Bartolomé mine. Silver was first discovered in the area around 1545. Mining of silver and lesser amounts of tin and base metals has been conducted nearly continuously since that time from multiple underground mines driven into Cerro Rico. The prior owner did not conduct any mining or processing of the surface ores at San Bartolomé.

The Company completed feasibility studies in 2000 and 2004, which concluded that an open pit mine was potentially capable of producing approximately six million ounces of silver annually.

The property, plant and equipment are maintained in good working condition through a regular preventative maintenance program with periodic improvements as required. Power is supplied to the property by the local power utility. Water is supplied to the property by a public water source.

The Bolivian tax rate on most mining companies is 37.5%. However, mining companies that produce a doré product, as the San Bartolomé mine does, will receive a 5% credit based upon their specific operation. Thus, the tax rate for San Bartolomé is 32.5%.

The Company obtained political risk insurance policies from the Overseas Private Insurance Corporation (“OPIC”) and another private insurer and is self-insured for $23.3 million. The combined policies are in the amount of $155.0 million and cover Coeur up to the lesser of $131.8 million or 85.0% of any loss arising from expropriation, political violence or currency inconvertibility. The policy costs were capitalized during the development and construction phases and are now included as a cost of inventory produced over the term of the policies which expire in 2019 and 2024.

The silver mineralization at San Bartolomé is hosted in unconsolidated sediments (pallacos) and reworked sediments (sucus and troceras) and oxide stockpiles and dumps (desmontes) from past mining that occurred on the flanks of Cerro Rico. Cerro Rico is a prominent mountain in the region that reaches an elevation of over 15,400 feet (over 4,700 meters). It is composed of Tertiary-aged volcanic and intrusive rocks that were emplaced into and over older sedimentary, and volcanic, basement rocks. Silver, along with tin and base metals, is located in multiple veins and vein swarms and stockworks that occur in a northeast trending belt which transects Cerro Rico. The upper parts of the Cerro Rico mineralized system were subsequently eroded and re-deposited into the flanking gravel deposits. Silver is hosted in all portions of the pallacos, sucus, and troceras with the best grades segregated to the coarser-grained silicified fragments. These deposits lend themselves to simple, free digging surface mining techniques and can be extracted without drilling and blasting. Of the several pallaco deposits which are controlled by Coeur and surround Cerro Rico, three are of primary importance and are known as Huacajchi, Diablo and Santa Rita.

 

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The mineral rights for the San Bartolomé mine are held through joint venture and long-term lease agreements with several independent mining cooperatives and the Bolivian state-owned mining organization COMIBOL. Manquiri controls 47.93 square kilometers (11,578 acres) of land at San Bartolomé around Cerro Rico under contracts and concessions and approximately 37.45 square kilometers (8.95 acres) of concessions at the Rio Blanco property, a gold exploration target south of Potosí. The San Bartolomé lease agreements expire between 2021 and 2028 and are generally subject to a production royalty payable partially to the cooperatives and partially to COMIBOL. The royalty rate is 3% at silver prices below $4 per ounce and 6% at prices above $8 per ounce. The rate is a factor of 75% of the silver price between $4 and $8. The Company has additional mining rights known as the Plahipo project which include the mining rights to oxide dumps adjacent to the original property package. The oxide dumps included in the Plahipo project are subject to a sliding scale royalty payable to COMIBOL that is a function of silver price. The Company incurred royalty payment obligations to COMIBOL and the Cooperatives for these mining rights totaling $11.6 million and $5.4 million for the years ended 2011 and 2010, respectively.

On October 14, 2009, COMIBOL announced by resolution that it was temporarily suspending mining activities above the elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level while stability studies of Cerro Rico mountain are undertaken. The Company holds rights to mine above this elevation under valid contracts backed by Supreme Decree with COMIBOL as well as contracts with local mining cooperatives who hold their rights through COMIBOL. The Company adjusted its mine plan to confine mining activities to the ore deposits below 4,400 meters above sea level and timely notified COMIBOL of the need to lift the restriction. The Company’s mine plan was adjusted and mining continued on the remainder of the property. In March 2010, the San Bartolomé mine began mining operations above the 4,400 meter level in high grade material located in the Huacajchi deposit , which was confirmed to be excluded from the October 2009 resolution, under an agreement with the Cooperative Reserva Fiscal. In December 2011, a further area in the deposit known as Huacajchi Sur was further confirmed to be open for mining as well. Other mining areas above the 4,400 meter level continue to be suspended. Access to the Huacajchi deposit and its higher grade material is having beneficial effect on production and cost at the mine. The Company does not use explosives in its surface-only mining activities and is sensitive to the preservation of the mountain under its contracts with the state-owned mining entity and the local cooperatives.

In 2011, a new program of exploration trenching and sampling was performed at San Bartolomé. The trenches were dug to obtain samples to expand the ore reserves. This program, the first such exploration sampling since prior to commencement of production, cost an estimated $0.2 million. A similar program is planned for 2012 at an estimated cost of $0.4 million.

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — San Bartolomé Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

     959         476         131   

Ounces of silver per ton

     3.01         3.62         3.29   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     2,888         1,723         430   

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     43,556         27,602         31,241   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.64         3.81         3.83   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     115,192         105,295         119,603   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     44,515         28,078         31,372   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.65         3.81         3.83   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     118,080         107,018         120,033   

 

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Year-end Mineralized Material — San Bartolomé Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     21,264         36,953         37,087   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.59         1.75         1.75   

Operating Data

 

      2011      2010      2009  

Production

        

Tons ore milled

     1,567,269         1,504,779         1,518,671   

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     5.38         5.03         5.49   

Recovery silver(%)

     88.9         88.6         89.6   

Silver produced (oz.)

     7,501,367         6,708,775         7,469,222   

Cost per Ounce of Silver

        

Cash operating costs

   $ 9.10       $ 7.87       $ 7.80   

Other cash costs(5)

     1.54         0.80         2.68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(6)

     10.64         8.67         10.48   

Non-cash costs

     3.11         3.05         2.48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 13.75       $ 11.72       $ 12.96   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
(1)

Current ore reserves are effective as of December 31, 2011. The metal price used for current ore reserves was $23.00 per ounce of silver.

 

(2)

Ore reserves are open pit-minable and include a mining recovery such that 15 cm buffer of ore material above the bedrock was excluded from the reserve; this equates to a mining recovery of 99.0% Metallurgical recovery factors of 77% to 86% were used in estimations for ore reserves for San Bartolomé and should be applied to the contained reserve ounces.

 

(3)

Ore reserves were prepared by W. Orr (Manager of Corporate Technical Services) and the Company’s technical staff with the assistance of an independent consulting firm.

 

(4)

Proven and probable ore reserves are defined by surface drill holes, trenches, and pits (pozos) with an average spacing of no more than 230 feet (70 meters). Proven reserves are those reserves in stockpile as of December 31, 2011. The grade of ore reserve block is determined by the grade of proximal drill hole and/or pit composites and three-dimensional models of geologic controls. A minimum of 8 and maximum of 20 composite were used to classify proven and probable ore reserves and variable geostatistical estimation variances. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

(5)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

(6)

Costs per ounce of silver represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

USA — Alaska-Kensington Mine

The Kensington underground gold mine and associated milling facilities are located on the east side of the Lynn Canal about 45 miles north-northwest of Juneau, Alaska. The Kensington mine commenced commercial production on July 3, 2010. The mine is accessed by a horizontal tunnel and utilizes conventional and mechanized underground mining methods. Ore is processed in a flotation mill that produces a concentrate which is sold to third party smelters. Waste material is deposited in an impoundment facility on the property. Power is supplied to the site by on-site diesel generators. Access to the project is by either a combination of road vehicles, boat, helicopter, float plane, or by boat direct from Juneau.

 

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Production during the mine’s first full year of operation in 2011 was 88,420 ounces of gold. Metal sales in 2011 at Kensington were $151.2 million, or 15% of total sales. Production costs were $101.7 million and depreciation and depletion expense was $35.8 million. The Company’s capital expenditures at the Kensington mine totaled approximately $34.0 million in 2011.

In December of 2011, Kensington entered a six month period where processing levels will be reduced by 50% to approximately 700 tons per day. This is intended to allow the mine to implement and complete several key initiatives, including:

 

   

Accelerated underground development, resulting in more working faces and greater operational flexibility

 

   

Aggressive in-fill drilling program to better define the high-grade ore zones and convert existing resources into proven and probable reserves

 

   

Completion and commissioning of the underground paste backfill plant and related distribution system, providing access to stopes located in previously mined areas

 

   

Upgrading and completing construction of several underground and surface facilites

 

   

Improving overall safety of the operation

Coeur Alaska, Inc., (“Coeur Alaska”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, controls two contiguous land groups: the Kensington and Jualin properties. The Kensington property consists of 51 private patented lode and mill-site claims covering approximately 766 acres, 294 federal unpatented lode claims covering approximately 3,127 acres, and eight State of Alaska mining claims covering approximately 95 acres. The Company controls the Jualin Property, under a lease agreement with Hyak Mining Company, through the cessation of mining, so long as the Company makes timely payments pursuant to the lease agreement. The Jualin Property consists of 23 patented lode and mill-site claims covering approximately 383.6 acres, 438 federal unpatented lode claims and one unpatented mill-site claim covering approximately 7,911 acres, and 17 State of Alaska mining claims covering approximately 110 acres. The federal and state claims, as well as the private patented lode and mill-site claims, provide Coeur with the necessary rights to mine and process ore from Kensington. All of the Company’s Alaska ore reserves are located within the patented claims. The unpatented claims and mill site are maintained via annual filings and fees to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which acts as administrator of the claims. State claims are maintained via filings and fees to Alaska Department of Natural Resources — Juneau Recorder’s Office. Real property taxes to the State of Alaska are paid yearly for the patented claims. Lease payments are paid annually and all leases are in good standing.

Coeur Alaska is obligated to pay a scaled net smelter return royalty on 1.0 million ounces of future gold production after Coeur Alaska recoups the $32.5 million purchase price and its construction and development expenditures incurred after July 7, 1995 in connection with placing the property into commercial production. The royalty ranges from 1% at $400 per ounce gold prices to a maximum of 2.5% at gold prices above $475 per ounce, with the royalty to be capped at 1.0 million ounces of production.

On June 22, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that had invalidated the previously issued Section 404 Permit for the tailings facility for the Kensington gold mine. On August 14, 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re-activated the Company’s 404 permit, clearing the way for construction at the tailing facility to continue. Production started on July 3, 2010.

The Kensington ore deposit consists of multiple gold bearing mesothermal, quartz, carbonate and pyrite vein swarms and discrete quartz-pyrite veins hosted in Cretaceous-aged Jualin diorite. Gold occurs as native grains in quartz veins and is associated with pyrite and various gold-telluride-minerals associated with the pyrite mineralization.

The Company spent $1.4 million on exploration at Kensington in 2011, completing 20,127 feet (6,135 meters) of core drilling during the year and plans to spend $4.3 million on exploration in 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Kensington Mine

 

     2011      2009      2008  
     (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

     1,164         319         199   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.28         0.45         0.38   

Contained ounces of gold (000’s)

     326         145         76   

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     4,842         5,618         5,301   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.21         0.23         0.26   

Contained ounces of gold (000’s)

     1,014         1,265         1,402   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     6,006         5,937         5,500   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.22         0.24         0.27   

Contained ounces of gold (000’s)

     1,340         1,410         1,478   

Year-end Mineralized Material — Kensington Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     3,039         2,504         2,724   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.19         0.19         0.18   

Operating Data

 

      2011      2010      2009  

Production

        

Ore tons milled

     415,340         174,028           

Ore grade gold (oz./ton)

     0.23         0.28           

Recovery gold(%)

     92.7         89.9           

Gold produced (oz.)

     88,420         43,143           

Cost per Ounce

        

Cash operating costs

   $ 1,088.37       $ 988.63       $   

Other cash costs(6)

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(7)

     1,088.37         988.63           

Non-cash costs

     405.54         405.32           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 1,493.91       $ 1,393.95       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Current ore reserves are effective as of December 31, 2011. Metal price used in calculating proven and probable reserves was $1,220 per ounce of gold.

 

(2)

The ore reserves are underground minable and include factors for mining dilution and recovery. A factor of approximately 10% additional tonnage at 0.063 ounces per ton of dilution was included. An average 94% mining recovery was included.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recovery factor of 92.8% should be applied to the contained gold reserve ounces.

 

(4)

The ore reserves were estimated by J. Barry (Mine Engineer) of the Company’s technical staff with the assistance of an independent consultant. Independent consultant groups have performed independent reviews of the Company’s resource estimate model used to prepare the ore reserve estimates.

 

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(5)

Proven and probable reserves are defined underground drilling and underground workings. In practice, reserve blocks are defined by the number of proximal composites and three-dimensional geologic controls. Proven ore reserves include stockpiled ore. Ore reserve must be defined by at least 10 drill samples from at least 2 drill holes spaced not more than 60 feet from the block center. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

(6)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

(7)

Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

USA — Nevada-Rochester Mine

The Rochester mine and associated heap leach facilities, is an open pit silver and gold mine, located in Pershing County, Nevada, which is located approximately 25 miles of paved and all-weather gravel road northeast of the town of Lovelock. The Company owns 100% of the Rochester Mine through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Coeur Rochester, Inc. (“Coeur Rochester”). The mine consists of the main Rochester deposit and the adjacent Nevada Packard deposit, due south of Rochester.

Production at the Rochester mine in 2011 was approximately 1.4 million ounces of silver and 6,276 ounces of gold, compared to approximately 2.0 million ounces of silver and 9,641 ounces of gold in 2010. Production was lower due to decreased ounces recovered from the ore on the previously existing leach pad. Cash operating costs per ounce of silver increased to $22.97 per ounce in 2011, compared to $2.93 per ounce in 2010. Total cash costs per ounce of silver (which includes production taxes and royalties) were $24.82 per ounce in 2011 compared to $3.78 per ounce in 2010. This increase was primarily due to the decrease in ore produced from the current leach pad, combined with the expensing of a significant portion of the costs associated with the construction of a new leach pad, which was completed in November of 2011. Rochester’s total metal sales in 2011 totaled $57.3 million, or approximately 6% of the Company’s total metal sales. Approximately 84% of Rochester’s metal sales were derived from silver, while 16% were derived from gold. Production costs totaled $28.3 million in 2011 and depreciation and depletion expenses were $0.5 million, compared to $24.8 million and $1.9 million in 2010. The Company’s capital expenditures at the Rochester mine totaled approximately $27.2 million in 2011 and $2.3 million in 2010. The Company plans capital expenditures at the Rochester mine of $9.5 million in 2012, primarily for infrastructure.

Coeur Rochester held 541 U.S. Federal unpatented claims, of which 53 were under lease agreements, and 23 patented claims, totaling approximately 8,600 acres up through August of 2011. On September 1, 2011, the Company inadvertently missed a claims fee payment to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and as a result the prior unpatented mining claims were forfeited. The Company re-staked the claims in early December 2011 and filed notices with Pershing County, Nevada and the BLM. The new claims total 479 and cover the majority of the prior unpatented claim area. However, a substantial portion of these claims are the subject of a legal dispute stemming from competing asserted interests in the claims. A third party asserts that it also staked and filed notices on the Company’s original unpatented mining claims. The Company believes it holds a superior property interest to the adverse staking party and filed a lawsuit to quiet title in the claims. The mine operates under an approved BLM plan of operations and has continued normal operations while the legal action is pending. The Company believes there would be no impact to the current silver and gold reserves at Coeur Rochester assuming an adverse outcome. However, the Company does believe an adverse outcome would cause it to modify existing plans to further expand future mining operations and would require permits to be updated to reflect changes in claim ownership arising from an adverse outcome. See Note 21 — Litigation and Other Events for information relating to the unpatented mining claims dispute at Rochester.

The Company acquired the Rochester property from ASARCO in 1983 and commenced mining in 1986. No mining or processing was conducted at Rochester by the prior owner. The Company acquired its initial interest in the adjacent Nevada Packard property in 1996, completed the full purchase in 1999 and commenced mining in 2003. Very limited mining and processing was conducted at Nevada Packard by the prior owner. Collectively, the Rochester and Nevada Packard properties comprise the Company’s Rochester silver and gold mining and processing operation.

 

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Table of Contents

The Rochester mine is fully supported with electricity, supplied by a local power company on their public grid, telephone and radio communications, production water wells, and processing, maintenance, warehouse, and office facilities. All of these facilities are in good operating condition with no major maintenance expected. The mine utilizes the heap leaching process to extract both silver and gold from ore mined using conventional open pit methods.

Gold and silver are recovered by heap leaching of crushed open-pit ore placed on pads located east of the Rochester mining area. Based upon actual operating experience and metallurgical testing, the Company estimates ultimate recovery rates from the crushed ore of between 59.0% and 63.0% for silver, depending on the ore being leached, and 93.0% for gold. See Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our financial statements included herein, for further discussion.

The Company commenced studies to investigate the potential to recommence mining and leaching of new material in 2008 and completed feasibility studies in 2009 and 2010 demonstrating the viability of an expansion of mining and leaching operations at its Rochester mine through 2017. The Company prepared an Amended Plan of Operations for resumption of mining within the existing and permitted Rochester pit and construction of an additional heap leach pad, all within the currently permitted mine boundary. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) deemed this plan complete in August 2009 under federal regulations and initiated the National Environmental Policy Act process. The BLM issued a positive Decision Record (DR) for the mine to extend silver and gold mining operations by several years with new production ounces being recovered in the fourth quarter of 2011.

At Rochester, silver and gold mineralization is hosted in folded and faulted volcanic rocks of the Rochester Formation and overlying Weaver Formation. Silver and gold, consisting of silver sulfosalt minerals, argentite, silver-bearing tetrahedrite and minor native gold, are contained in zones of multiple quartz veins and veinlets (vein and vein swarms and stockworks) with variable amounts of pyrite.

The Company is obligated to pay a net smelter royalty interest to ASARCO, the prior owner, when the average quarterly market price of silver equals or exceeds $23.02 per ounce indexed for inflation up to a maximum rate of 5%. Royalty expense was $2.2 million, $0.2 and nil for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In 2011, exploration expenditures of $2.2 million funded 74,215 feet (22,621 meters) of angled reverse circulation and core drilling. The 2012 budget for exploration is $4.4 million.

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Rochester Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

     31,532         35,959         31,821   

Ounces of silver per ton

     0.59         0.54         0.58   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     18,681         19,499         18,361   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.006         0.005         0.006   

Contained ounces of gold

     178,800         196,100         185,000   

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     15,747         12,312         10,596   

Ounces of silver per ton

     0.69         0.65         0.71   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     10,892         8,057         7,523   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.004         0.004         0.005   

Contained ounces of gold

     68,200         51,300         48,000   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     47,279         48,271         42,417   

Ounces of silver per ton

     0.63         0.57         0.61   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     29,573         27,556         25,884   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.005         0.005         0.005   

Contained ounces of gold

     247,000         247,400         233,000   

 

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Table of Contents

Year-end Mineralized Material — Rochester Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     251,472         215,603         104,783   

Ounces of silver per ton

     0.45         0.44         0.52   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.003         0.003         0.004   

Operating Data

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Production

        

Tons ore mined

     2,028,889         —           —     

Tons ore crushed

     1,782,971         —           —     

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     0.47         —           —     

Ore grade gold (oz./ton)

     0.005         —           —     

Recovery/Ag oz(%)

     165.1         —           —     

Recovery/Au oz(%)

     75.6         —           —     

Silver produced (oz.)

     1,392,433         2,023,423         2,181,788   

Gold produced (oz.)

     6,276         9,641         12,663   

Cost per Ounce

        

Operating cash costs

   $ 22.97       $ 2.93       $ 1.95   

Other cash costs(7)

     1.85         0.85         0.63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(8)

     24.82         3.78         2.58   

Non-cash costs

     2.39         1.04         0.93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 27.21       $ 4.82       $ 3.51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Current ore reserves are open-pit minable effective as of December 31, 2011. Metal prices used in calculating proven and probable reserves were $23.00 per ounce of silver and $1,220 per ounce of gold.

 

(2)

No factors for mining dilution or recovery are applied to open-pit ore reserves.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recovery for oxide ore were 61% for silver and 92% for gold. Approximately .08 million tons (3.8%) of sulfide bearing ore is included in the total ore reserves at lower metallurgical recovery rates. However, ultimate recoveries will not be known until leaching operations cease. Current recovery may vary significantly from ultimate recovery, calculated based on the ounces recovered as a percent of the ounces placed on the pad. The ore reserves were estimated by C. Kiel (Superintendent of Rochester Technical Services) and the Company’s technical staff. An independent consulting group reviewed engineering studies and a consulting firm modeled results from drilling and updated estimates of mineralized material.

 

(4)

Ore reserves are defined by drilling on a grid of 100 feet by 200 feet, or closer, and include open pit mine production sampling to assist with determination of gold and silver grades. The grade is defined by the number of proximal drill-hole composited assay values and three-dimensional geologic controls. The number of drill samples used in estimation of grades must be at least 4 with a maximum search distance of 150 feet at Rochester and 120 feet at Nevada Packard. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

(5)

Mining and crushing operations temporarily terminated in August 2007 and resumed in 2011.

 

(6)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

(7)

Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

 

(8)

Current ore reserves were calculated entirely within Coeur Rochester’s patented and undisputed claims. The Company believes there would be no impact to current silver and gold reserves at Coeur Rochester assuming an adverse legal outcome to the ongoing claim dispute.

 

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Table of Contents
(9)

Current mineralized material estimates were calculated from within both disputed and undisputed claims. While the Company believes it holds a superior position in the ongoing claim dispute, the Company believes an adverse legal outcome would cause it to modify mineralized material estimates.

Argentina — Martha Mine

The Martha underground silver and gold mine, and associated milling operation, owned and operated by Coeur Argentina S.R.L., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is located in the Santa Cruz Province of southern Argentina. Access to the property is provided by all-weather gravel roads leading 30 miles northeast of the town of Gobernador Gregores.

Production at the Martha mine in 2011 was approximately 0.5 million ounces of silver and 615 ounces of gold compared to 1.6 million ounces of silver and 1,838 ounces of gold in 2010. The 66.4% decrease in silver production was primarily due to a decrease in ore grade in 2011. Cash operating costs per ounce for 2011 were $32.79 per ounce compared to $13.16 per ounce in 2010. Total cash costs per ounce of silver (which includes production taxes and royalties) were $34.08 in 2011 compared to $14.14 in 2010. The increase in total cash costs per ounce was attributed to the decrease in silver production as compared to 2010. Metal sales in 2011 totaled $13.3 million at Martha. Approximately 95% of these metal sales were derived from silver, with the balance coming from gold. Production costs totaled $15.5 million and depreciation and depletion expenses were $0.6 million, compared with $27.0 million and $8.5 million in 2010. Total capital expenditures at the Martha mine in 2011 were $3.4 million.

The mineral rights for the Martha property are fully-owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L. Mineral rights owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L. in the Santa Cruz Province (excluding Joaquin) total 166 square miles (43,214 hectares) of exploration concessions (“cateos”), 275 square miles (71,281 hectares) of discovery concessions (“manifestaciones de descubrimiento”), and 3.0 square miles (774 hectares) of exploitation concessions (“concesiones de exploitacion”). Martha is centered on the exploitation concessions, which fully cover the area of the mine infrastructure and the ore reserves reported herein. Concessions do not have an expiration date, subject only to required annual fees. Surface rights covering the Martha deposit are controlled by the 137.8 square mile (35,705-hectare) Cerro Primero de Abril Estancia which is owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L. Included on the estancia is a 60-person camp, mine and exploration offices, and assay laboratory.

The Company acquired the property in 2002 and is obligated to pay a 2.0% net smelter royalty on silver and gold production to Royal Gold Corporation. In addition, the Company is subject to a 3.0% net proceeds royalty payable to the Province of Santa Cruz. The Company incurred royalty expense totaling $0.7 million, $1.5 million and $1.8 million for the years ended 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company operates a 240 tonne per day flotation mill at the site, which produces a flotation concentrate that is shipped to a third-party smelter located in Mexico. The property and equipment are maintained in good working condition through a regular preventive maintenance program with periodic improvements as required. Power is provided by Company-owned diesel generators.

At Martha, silver and gold mineralization is hosted in epithermal quartz veins and veinlets within generally sub-horizontal volcanic rocks of the Jurassic-aged Chon Aike Formation. The veins and veinlets occur as sub-parallel clusters largely trending west-northwest and dipping steeply to the southwest. The main ore minerals of silver and gold are silver sulfosalt minerals, argentite, electrum (a naturally-occurring gold and silver alloy) and native silver.

During 2011, the Company spent $0.3 million to test extensions of the Martha, Marthe Norte, Betty, and Wendy ore-bearing structures with drilling of 12,605 feet (3,824 meters) of new core drilling. The 2012 budget for exploration at Martha is $0.5 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Martha Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

                       

Ounces of silver per ton

                       

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

                       

Ounces of gold per ton

                       

Contained ounces of gold

                       

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     53         45         38   

Ounces of silver per ton

     12.79         18.61         33.14   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     671         828         1,249   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.01         0.02         0.04   

Contained ounces of gold

     580         1,089         1,400   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     53         45         38   

Ounces of silver per ton

     12.79         18.61         33.14   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     671         828         1,249   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.01         0.02         0.04   

Contained ounces of gold

     580         1,089         1,400   

Year-end Mineralized Material — Martha Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     35         39         29   

Ounces of silver per ton

     12.15         14.02         59.54   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.01         0.01         0.05   

Operating Data

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Production

        

Tons ore milled

     101,167         56,401         109,974   

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     6.29         31.63         36.03   

Ore grade gold (oz./ton)

     0.01         0.04         0.05   

Recovery silver (%)

     83.2         88.3         93.6   

Recovery gold (%)

     74.0         84.1         87.6   

Silver produced (oz.)

     529,602         1,575,827         3,707,544   

Gold produced (oz.)

     615         1,838         4,709   

Cost per Ounce

        

Cash operating costs

   $ 32.79       $ 13.16       $ 6.19   

Other cash costs(6)

     1.29         0.98         0.49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(7)

     34.08         14.14         6.68   

Non-cash costs

     2.11         5.88         1.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 36.19       $ 20.02       $ 8.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
(1)

Current ore reserves are effective as of December 31, 2011. Metal prices used for current ore reserves were $24.00 per ounce of silver and $1,250 per ounce of gold.

 

(2)

Ore reserves are mostly underground minable with minor additions from small open pits. Underground reserves include a variable dilution, at zero grade, added to vein true widths. Underground mining recovery is 70-95%. Open pit reserves have variable dilution ranging from 16% to 20% at zero grade and a mining recovery of 85%.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recovery factors of 85% for silver and 88% for gold should be applied to the contained silver and gold reserve ounces.

 

(4)

Ore reserves were prepared by O. Orosco (Mine Manager for the Martha mine) and the Company’s technical staff.

 

(5)

Ore reserves are defined with polygonal estimation using underground channels and drill hole samples. For probable reserves: An area demonstrating grade continuity with channel sample or drill hole spacing less than 25 meters. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

(6)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

(7)

Cash costs per ounce of silver or gold represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

Australia — New South Wales — Endeavor Mine

The Endeavor mine, is an underground silver and base metal operation, and associated mill facility, located in north-central New South Wales, Australia, about 447 miles (720 kilometers) from Sydney. Access to the mine is by paved roads 30 miles (18 kilometers) to the northwest from the community of Cobar.

Production at the Endeavor mine in 2011 was 613,361 ounces of silver compared to 566,134 ounces of silver in 2010. The increase in silver production was due to a 13.8% increase in tons milled and was partially offset by a 6.7% decrease in ore grades as compared to 2010. Cash operating costs and total cash costs per ounce of silver produced were $18.87 in 2011 compared to $10.15 in 2010. This increase was due primarily to the price participation component of the transaction and increased refining costs due to silver deduction retained by the refiner.

Metal sales at the Endeavor mine in 2011 were $18.7 million, all of which was derived from silver. Production costs totaled $8.6 million and depreciation and depletion costs were $3.1 million. The Company incurred no capital expenditures at the Endeavor mine in 2011.

The ore reserves at Endeavor are covered by five consolidated mining leases issued by the state of New South Wales to Cobar Operations Pty. Limited (“Cobar”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBH Resources Ltd. (“CBH”), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toho Zinc Co. Ltd., a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The leases form a contiguous block of 10,121 acres in size and expire between 2019 and 2027.

The Endeavor mine has been in production since 1983 and is owned and operated by CBH. On May 23, 2005, CDE Australia Pty. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur (“CDE Australia”), acquired all of the silver production and reserves, up to a maximum 17.7 million payable ounces, contained at the Endeavor Mine, which is owned and operated by CBH, for $44.0 million including transaction fees. Under the terms of the original agreement, CDE Australia paid Cobar $15.4 million of cash at the closing. In addition, CDE Australia agreed to pay Cobar approximately $26.5 million upon the receipt of a report confirming that the reserves at the Endeavor mine are equal to or greater than the reported ore reserves for 2004. In addition, CDE Australia originally committed to pay Cobar an operating cost contribution of $1.00 for each ounce of payable silver plus a further increment when the silver price exceeds $5.23 per ounce. This further increment was to have begun on the second anniversary of this agreement and is 50% of the amount by which the silver price exceeds $5.23 per ounce. A cost contribution of $0.25 per ounce is also payable by CDE Australia in respect of new ounces of

 

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Table of Contents

proven and probable silver reserves as they are discovered. During the first quarter of 2007, $2.1 million was paid for additional ounces of proven and probable silver reserves under the terms of the contract. This amount was capitalized as a cost of the mineral interests acquired and is being amortized using the units of production method. The Company is not required to contribute to ongoing capital costs at the mine.

On March 28, 2006, CDE Australia reached an agreement with CBH to modify the terms of the original silver purchase agreement. Under the modified terms, CDE Australia owns all silver production and reserves up to a total of 20.0 million payable ounces, up from 17.7 million payable ounces in the original agreement. The silver price-sharing provision was deferred until such time as CDE Australia had received approximately two million cumulative ounces of silver from the mine or June 2007, whichever was later. In addition, the silver price-sharing threshold increased to $7.00 per ounce, from the previous level of $5.23 per ounce. The conditions relating to the second payment were also modified and tied to certain paste fill plant performance criteria and mill throughput tests. In January 2008, the mine met the criteria for payment of the additional $26.2 million. This amount was paid on April 1, 2008, plus accrued interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum from January 24, 2008. Expansion of the ore reserve will be required to achieve the maximum payable ounces of silver production as set forth in the modified contract. It is expected that future expansion to the ore reserve will occur as a result of the conversion of portions of the property’s existing inventory of mineralized material and future exploration discoveries near the mine.

The mine employs bulk mining methods and utilizes a conventional flotation mill to produce a concentrate that is sold to a third-party smelter. Silver recovery averaged approximately 45.0% in 2011 and 44.3% in 2010. Power to the mine and processing facilities is provided by the grid servicing the local communities. The property and equipment are maintained in good working condition by CBH through a regular preventive maintenance program with periodic improvements as required.

At Endeavor, silver, lead, zinc and lesser amounts of copper mineralization are contained within sulfide lenses hosted in fine-grained sedimentary rocks of the Paleozoic-aged Amphitheatre Group. Sulfide lenses are elliptically-shaped, steeply-dipping to the southwest and strike to the northwest. Principal ore minerals are galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Silver occurs with both lead- and zinc-rich sulfide zones.

CBH conducts exploration to define new reserves at the mine from both underground and surface core drilling platforms. For fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, which is the fiscal year used by the operator (CBH), the exploration expenditure at the mine was $0.5 million (0.5 AUD). Budgeted exploration for 2012 is approximately $3.4 million (3.2 AUD).

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Endeavor Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4)                

Proven

        

Short tons (000’s)

     2,635         3,472         1,984   

Ounces of silver per ton

     1.39         1.87         1.93   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     3,674         6,482         3,820   

Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     2,998         3,605         6,393   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.50         3.73         3.15   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     7,501         13,457         20,139   

Proven and Probable

        

Short tons (000’s)

     5,633         7,077         8,377   

Ounces of silver per ton

     1.98         2.82         2.86   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     11,175         19,939         23,959   

 

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Year-end Mineralized Material — Endeavor Mine

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     11,047         16,535         20,205   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.64         1.82         1.77   

Operating Data (Coeur’s Share)

 

      2011      2010      2009  

Production

        

Tons ore milled

     743,936         653,550         552,799   

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     1.83         1.96         1.67   

Recovery silver(%)

     45.0         44.3         49.9   

Silver produced (oz.)

     613,361         566,134         461,800   

Cost per Ounce of Silver

        

Operating cash costs

   $ 18.87       $ 10.15       $ 6.80   

Other cash costs(5)

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs(6)

     18.87         10.15         6.80   

Non-cash costs

     5.13         3.51         2.75   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 24.00       $ 13.66       $ 9.55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Ore reserves are effective as of June 30, 2011, which is the end of the most recent fiscal year of the operator, CBH Resources Ltd. These totals do not include additions or depletions through December 31, 2011. Ore reserves were estimated with a cutoff grade of 7.0% combined lead and zinc. Metal prices used were $2,200 per metric ton of zinc, $2,200 per metric ton of lead, and $25.00 per ounce of silver.

 

(2)

The ore reserves are underground and open pit minable. Dilution factors, ranging from 5% to 25%, and mining recovery factors, ranging from 40% to 95%, were applied to in-situ reserves depending on the type of planned mining extraction.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recovery factor of 45% should be applied to the silver reserve ounces.

 

(4)

The ore reserves were prepared by the staff of the mine operator and reviewed by the staff of the Company’s Technical Services Department. Classification of reserves is based on spacing from drill hole composites to reserve block centers. For proven reserves the maximum distance is 25 meters and for probable reserves it is 40 meters. A minimum of 5 drill hole samples from at least 2 drill holes are used in estimation of ore reserve grades. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

(5)

Includes production taxes and royalties, if applicable.

 

(6)

Cash costs per ounce of silver represent a non U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

Discontinued Operations

Australia — New South Wales — Broken Hill Mine

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company sold to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. its 100% interest in silver contained at the Broken Hill mine for $55.0 million in cash. As a result of this transaction, the Company realized a gain on the sale in the third quarter of 2009 of approximately $25.5 million, net of income taxes. Coeur originally purchased this interest from Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. in September 2005 for $36.9 million. This transaction closed on July 30, 2009. Results for the Broken Hill mine are included in Note 6 — Discontinued Operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Operating Data (Coeur’s share)

 

     2009(3)  

Production

  

Tons ore milled

     827,766   

Ore grade silver (oz./ton)

     1.44   

Recovery(%)

     70.6   

Silver produced (oz.)

     842,751   

Cost per Ounce of Silver

  

Operating cash costs

   $ 3.40   

Other cash costs(1)

       
  

 

 

 

Cash costs(2)

     3.40   

Non-cash costs

     1.86   
  

 

 

 

Total production costs

   $ 5.26   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes production taxes.

 

(2)

Cash costs per ounce of silver represent a non-U.S. GAAP measurement that management uses to monitor and evaluate the performance of its mining operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

 

(3)

Broken Hill was sold in July 2009 therefore production totals represent a partial year.

Chile — Cerro Bayo Mine

In August 2010, the Company sold its subsidiary Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo Ltda. (“Minera Cerro Bayo”), which controlled the Cerro Bayo mine in southern Chile, to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received the following from Mandalay in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Minera Cerro Bayo: (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011, which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver, which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value-added taxes collected from the Chilean government in excess of $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay agreed to pay the next $6.0 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be shared equally by Mandalay and the Company. The Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes. Results for the Cerro Bayo mine are included in Note 6 — Discontinued Operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Year-end Proven and Probable Ore Reserves — Cerro Bayo Mine

 

     2009  
     (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)  

Proven

  

Short tons (000’s)

     41   

Ounces of silver per ton

     8.32   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     345   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.05   

Contained ounces of gold

     2,000   

Probable

  

Short tons (000’s)

     734   

Ounces of silver per ton

     9.86   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     7,242   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.08   

Contained ounces of gold

     55,000   

Proven and Probable

  

Short tons (000’s)

     775   

Ounces of silver per ton

     9.78   

Contained ounces of silver (000’s)

     7,587   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.07   

Contained ounces of gold

     57,000   

Year-end Mineralized Material — Cerro Bayo Mine

 

     2009  

Short tons (000’s)

     769   

Ounces of silver per ton

     10.36   

Ounces of gold per ton

     0.15   

 

(1)

Ore reserves are effective as of December 31, 2009. Metal prices used to calculate proven and probable reserves were $14.50 per ounce of silver and $850 per ounce of gold.

 

(2)

Ore reserves are minable reserves within underground mine designs and include factors for mining dilution and recovery. Veins are diluted to a minimum mining width of 2.4 meters at zero grade. Mining recovery is 90%.

 

(3)

Metallurgical recoveries of 93.4% and 90.5% should be applied to the contained silver and gold ounces, respectively.

 

(4)

Ore reserve estimates were prepared by J. Sims (Geologist), and D. Duffy (Mining Engineer) of the Company’s technical staff.

 

(5)

Proven and probable reserves are defined by geostatistical methods within manual boundaries based on grade thickness contouring. For proven reserves: An area demonstrating grade continuity defined by two or more bounding horizontal levels of drill holes or channel samples spaced vertically no more than about 12.5 meters containing horizontally spaced samples less than 5 meters apart — the key feature being confirmation on two levels. For probable reserves: An area demonstrating grade continuity with channel sample or drill hole spacing less than about 35 meters. Mineralized material is similarly classified.

 

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Table of Contents

Condition of Physical Assets and Insurance

The Company business is capital intensive, requiring ongoing capital investment for the replacement, modernization, or expansion of equipment and facilities. For more information, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” below.

The Company maintains insurance policies against property loss and business interruption and insures against risks that are typical in the operation of its business, in amounts the Company believes to be reasonable . Such insurance, however, contains exclusions and limitations on coverage, particularly with respect to environmental liability and political risk. There can be no assurance that claims would be paid under such insurance policies in connection with connection with a particular event. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

NON PRODUCING AND DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES

Joaquin Project — Argentina: The Joaquin silver and gold development project is located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina approximately 43 miles (70kms) north of the Company’s Martha mine. The property is accessed by all weather dirt roads, leading north-northeast from the town of Gobernador Gregores.

The Joaquin property encompasses over 70,819 acres (28,459 hectares) of exploration concessions. 46,114 acres (18,460 hectares) are held by Mirasol Resources Ltd., the Company’s joint venture partner, and 24,705 acres (9,999 hectares) are held by Coeur Argentina.

In November 2006, the Company entered into an exploration and joint venture agreement with Mirasol Resources Ltd., for two properties termed Joaquin and Sascha (under terms of the agreement, the Company terminated its option interest in Sascha). In November 2007, the Company commenced exploration on the Joaquin property. Since that time the Company has defined silver and gold mineralization in two deposits at Joaquin — La Negra and La Morocha — and has recently commenced work on detailed drilling and other technical, economic and environmental programs which it expects will lead to completion of a feasibility study. The Company currently has a 51% participating and managing equity interest in the Joaquin property based on the agreement. Upon completion of a feasibility study, the Company will have earned an additional 10% participating and management interest in the property, bringing its total to 61%. The Company has further rights to increase its participating interest in the property to 71% subject to other conditions in the agreement.

The geology of the Joaquin property consists dominantly of various volcanic rocks of the Jurassic-aged Chon Aike Formation, the host to most of the precious metal deposits discovered to-date in the Santa Cruz province, with lesser amounts of intrusive rocks associated with the Chon Aike Formation. Collectively, the volcanic and intrusive rock units form a prominent geologic domain in the province termed the Deseado Massif. Silver and Gold mineralization at Joaquin occurs in epithermal veins, breccia, stockwork veinlets and mantos within the favorable units of the Chon Aike Formation. Occurrences of lead and zinc mineralization have also been discovered. Locally, the rocks of the Deseado Massif are covered by Tertiary-aged basalt and younger unconsolidated sediments, that post-date silver and gold mineralization.

 

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Table of Contents

Year-end Mineralized Material — Joaquin Development Property

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (1,2,3,4)                

Short tons (000’s)

     4,050                   

Ounces of silver per ton

     2.48                   

 

(1)

Mineralized material is effective as of May 2011. Metal prices used to calculate mineralized material were $1,300 per ounce of gold and $20.00 per ounce of silver. Tons are shown reflecting the Company’s current 51% managing equity interest in the Joaquin property.

 

(2)

Mineralized material was estimated with surface mine parameters and initial metallurgical test results.

 

(3)

Mineralized material estimates were prepared by a consulting engineering group from Santiago, Chile and supervised by A. Cruzat and C. Romo of the Company’s exploration staff.

 

(4)

Mineralized material was estimated using 3-dimensional geologic modeling and geostatistical evaluation of the exploration drill data. Blocks must be influenced by at least two different drill holes within a distance corresponding to 100% of the variogram range of each deposit.

EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

Exploration and reserve development expenditures of $26.3 million, $18.0 million and $15.8 million were incurred by the Company in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The main components of the 2011 program included:

 

   

Surface drilling to extend the strike length, and define the Guadalupe and La Patria deposits in the Palmarejo district and initial testing of several new targets in the district.

 

   

Drilling to define and expand known mineralized zones in and around the current Palmarejo surface and underground mine. The program was focused on the Tucson-Chapotillo zones with surface drilling and on the Rosario and 76 zones with underground drilling.

 

   

Surface drilling to expand the La Negra and La Morocha deposits in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina and exploration on the Joaquin property. Exploration drilling at the Martha mine and on the Satélite and Tornado in Argentina was also conducted.

 

   

Underground drilling to expand and define mineralization in the Raven Vein at Kensington.

 

   

Surface drilling to test extensions of the main north-northeast mineralized trends from Nevada Packard and Packard deposits within the greater Rochester property.

 

   

New surface trenching and sampling at San Bartolomé in Bolivia designed to expand and increase the confidence in ore reserves and mineralized material; the first systematic new sampling to be conducted since 2004.

Coeur plans to spend $39.9 million in exploration during 2012 with approximately 84% of the budget earmarked for expansion of ore reserves and mineralized material at or near its existing operations at San Bartolomé (Bolivia), Martha (Argentina), Palmarejo (Mexico), Kensington (Alaska), Rochester (Nevada), and on its large exploration land holdings in Santa Cruz, Argentina, which include the Joaquin property.

Mexico

Exploration in Mexico was focused primarily in the Palmarejo district in the state of Chihuahua. A total of $13.2 million was spent in 2011 on mapping, sampling, drill target generation and drilling to find and define new silver and gold mineralization. A total of 263,189 feet (80,220 meters) was completed in the large Palmarejo district, the majority of which consisted of 141,598 feet (43,159 meters) of surface and underground drilling completed around the current Palmarejo surface and underground mine. The remainder was devoted to the Guadalupe and La Patria deposit areas and other new targets in the Palmarejo district. The budget for 2012 for exploration in Mexico is similar to 2011 at $16.6 million of which over 95% is to be allocated to the Palmarejo

 

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Table of Contents

district. A new program of exploration is planned to identify and acquire prospective new properties in other parts of Mexico.

In 2010 the company agreed to sell its interest in 8 mining concessions at the El Realito property, which is located about 30 kilometers south of the Palmarejo mill facilities, for a total of $0.5 million and a graduated net smelter return royalty. Periodic payments totaling $0.2 million, have been made through December 31, 2011. In 2011, the Company acquired from Azteca Gold Corporation the Guerra al Tirano concessions, located in the south-southeast portion of the Palmarejo District, for a total cash cost of $1.2 million. The seller retains a 2% net smelter return royalty of which 1.5% (75%) can be purchased by the Company. Guerra al Tirano occurs on one of the many regional-scale northwest-trending mineralized structures that transect the Palmarejo district.

USA — Kensington

Exploration in 2011 consisted of drilling 20,127 feet (6,135 meters), at Kensington. The majority of this work was devoted to the Raven vein, with other drilling conducted on the Kimberly, Comet, and Kensington South targets. Raven is a shear-hosted , gold -in-quartz vein zone, which is parallel to and approximately 2,000 feet (600 meters) west of the main Kensington mine area. The Company plans for an additional drilling program in 2012 on Raven and other targets with a budget of $4.3 million.

USA — Rochester

The Company conducted a drilling program at the Nevada Packard and Rochester areas in 2011. This program, amounting to 74,215 feet (22,621 meters) of angled, reverse circulation and core drill holes, was focused on testing northern extensions of the main mineralized trends in the Nevada Packard and Rochester deposits. The Company has allocated $4.4 million for exploration in 2012 at the greater Rochester property.

Chile — Other Properties

The 2012 exploration budget for Chile is expected to be $1.1 million, consisting of identification and evaluation of potential new mining properties, supervision of exploration within Argentina and Chile, and the first phase of exploration on the Company’s various exploration-stage properties in Chile.

In 2010 the Company agreed to sell its wholly-owned Puchuldiza gold property in northern Chile for a total of $1.5 million cash, 500,000 shares of Southern Legacy Inc., and a 1.5% net smelter return royalty on future mineral production with a cap of $5.0 million. As of December 31, 2011, all cash payments had been made to the Company.

Argentina — Martha Mine

In 2011, the Company’s exploration efforts at the Martha Mine consisted of 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) of core drilling in several locations around the mine and at the Company’s Wendy target east-south of the mine.

Argentina — Other Properties

The Company also continued exploration in other parts of the Santa Cruz Province. Activities focused on the Joaquin, Tornado and Satélite properties. A total of 37,237 feet of drilling (11,350 meters) was completed on these three areas.

Drilling at Joaquin during 2011 continued to return encouraging results on two targets: La Negra and La Morocha. Joaquin is located about 43 miles (70 kilometers) north of the Martha mine. Additional exploratory and definition drilling will continue in 2012 on this property. In 2010, the Company met its obligations, under its agreement with Mirasol Resources Ltd., to earn an initial 51% participating and managing equity interest in the 70,323 acre (109 square miles or 28,459 hectare) property. In 2011, the Company elected to proceed to increase its participating and managing equity interest to 61% by completing, at its sole cost, a feasibility study and the Company has a further option to increase its participating and managing equity interest to 71% subject to certain terms in its joint venture agreement with Mirasol.

The Company has budgeted $9.6 million for exploration during 2012 in Argentina, $5.8 million is devoted to Joaquin.

 

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Table of Contents

Bolivia — San Bartolomé

The Company has budgeted $0.4 million for follow-up trenching and sampling around San Bartolomé and for land holding costs. Samples from the planned program will be analyzed for both silver and tin.

Africa, Tanzania

During 2011 the company continued to wind-down its activities in Tanzania.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Note 21 — Litigation and Other Events to our financial statements included herein.

PART II

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Information pertaining to mine safety matters is reported in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in Exhibit 95.1 attached to this Form 10-K.

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares  (or Units)
Sold
     Average Price
Received  per Share
(or Unit)
     Total Number
Shares (or
Sold as
Part of Publicly
Announced
or Programs
     Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
That May Yet be
Sold Under the
Plans or Programs
 

1/1/2011 - 1/31/11 (1)

     3,830         10.00                   

2/1/2011 - 2/28/11 (1)

     2,389         14.80                   

3/1/2011 - 3/31/11 (1)

     9,864         10.00                   

4/1/2011 - 4/30/11 (1)

                               

5/1/2011 - 5/31/11 (1)

     5,814         8.00                   

6/1/2011 - 6/30/11 (1)

                               

7/1/2011 - 7/31/11 (1)

     107,425         11.67                   

8/1/2011 - 8/31/11 (1)

                               

9/1/2011 - 9/31/11 (1)

                               

10/1/2011 - 10/31/11 (1)

     463         20.80                   

11/1/2011 - 11/30/11

                               

12/1/2011 - 12/31/11

                               

Total

     129,785         11.42                   

 

 

(1)

Exercise of Employee Options.

 

 

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Table of Contents

The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). The Company voluntarily ceased to list its common stock on the Australian Stock Exchange (“ASX”) effective December 14, 2010. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices of the common stock as reported by the NYSE:

 

     2011      2010  
     High      Low      High      Low  

First Quarter

   $ 36.07       $ 22.10       $ 20.39       $ 13.41   

Second Quarter

   $ 37.59       $ 22.41       $ 19.14       $ 13.96   

Third Quarter

   $ 30.99       $ 21.35       $ 20.17       $ 14.02   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 29.85       $ 19.30       $ 28.20       $ 19.11   

2011

           

First Quarter through February 22, 2012

   $ 29.49       $ 24.80         

The Company has not paid per share cash distributions or dividends on its common stock since 1996. Future distributions or dividends on the common stock, if any, will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

On February 22, 2011, there were outstanding 89,896,158 shares of the Company’s common stock which were held by approximately 2,797 stockholders of record.

 

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Table of Contents

STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

AMONG COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION,

S&P 500 INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX

The following performance graph compares the performance of the Company’s common stock during the period beginning December 31, 2006 and ending December 31, 2011 to the S&P 500 and a Peer Group Index consisting of the following companies: Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited, Goldcorp, Hecla Mining Company, IAMGold Corporation, Kinross Gold Corporation, Northgate Minerals Corporation, Pan American Silver Corporation, Centerra Gold Inc., and Stillwater Mining Company for the same period. The graph assumes a $100 investment in the Company’s common stock and in each of the indexes at the beginning of the period, and a reinvestment of dividends paid on such investments throughout the period.

 

LOGO

 

     

Dec.

2006

    

Dec.

2007

    

Dec.

2008

    

Dec.

2009

    

Dec.

2010

    

Dec.

2011

 

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation

     100         99.78         17.78         36.49         55.19         48.75   

S&P 500 Index

     100         105.5         66.45         84.03         96.68         98.72   

Peer Group Only

     100         120.99         103.31         129.53         157.73         124.15   

This stock performance information is “furnished” and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or subject to Rule 14A, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this report and irrespective of any general incorporation by reference language in any such filing, except to the extent that it specifically incorporates the information by reference.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table summarizes certain selected consolidated financial data with respect to the Company and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

Income Statement Data:

  2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Sales of metal

  $ 1,021,200      $ 515,457      $ 300,361      $ 129,285      $ 146,923   

Production costs applicable to sales

    (419,956     (257,636     (191,311     (78,652     (78,139

Depreciation and depletion

    (224,500     (141,619     (81,376     (16,499     (11,669
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    376,744        116,202        27,674        34,134        57,115   

Costs and expenses

         

Administrative and general

    31,379        24,176        22,070        25,825        22,822   

Exploration

    19,128        14,249        13,056        17,838        9,034   

Pre-development, care, maintenance and other

    19,441        2,877        1,468        17,074        939   

Litigation settlement

                                507   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    69,948        41,302        36,594        60,737        33,302   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    306,796        74,900        (8,920     (26,603     23,813   

Other income (expense)

         

Gains (loss) on debt extinguishments

    (5,526     (20,300     31,528                 

Fair value adjustments, net

    (52,050     (117,094     (82,227     1,756          

Interest and other income

    (6,610     771        1,648        4,023        16,605   

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

    (34,774     (30,942     (18,102     (4,726     (342
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense)

    (98,960     (167,565     (67,153     1,053        16,263   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    207,836        (92,665     (76,073     (25,550     40,076   

Income tax benefit (provision)

    (114,337     9,481        33,071        17,387        (8,988
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    93,499        (83,184     (43,002     (8,163     31,088   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

           (6,029     (9,601     7,536        12,803   

Gain (loss) on sale of net assets of discontinued operation

           (2,095     25,537                 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 93,499      $ (91,308   $ (27,066   $ (627   $ 43,891   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (4,975     (5            (634     86   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

  $ 88,524      $ (91,313   $ (27,066   $ (1,261   $ 43,977   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share

         

Basic income (loss) per share:

         

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 1.05      $ (0.95   $ (0.60   $ (0.15   $ 1.09   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

           (0.10     0.22        0.14        0.44   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 1.05      $ (1.05   $ (0.38   $ (0.01   $ 1.53   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per share:

         

Income (loss) from continuing operations(3),(4)

  $ 1.04      $ (0.95   $ (0.60   $ (0.15   $ 1.00   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations(3),(4)

           (0.10     0.22        0.14        0.41   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 1.04      $ (1.05   $ (0.38   $ (0.01   $ 1.41   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock(1)

         

Basic

    89,383        87,185        71,565        55,073        28,597   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

    89,725        87,185        71,565        55,073        31,052   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Balance Sheet Data:(2)

   2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  

Total assets

   $ 3,264,441       $ 3,157,527       $ 3,054,035       $ 2,928,121       $ 2,651,694   

Working capital

   $ 212,861       $ (4,506    $ (2,572    $ (8,533    $ 152,390   

Long-term liabilities

   $ 875,638       $ 846,043       $ 867,381       $ 981,225       $ 812,650   

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,136,721       $ 2,040,767       $ 1,998,046       $ 1,785,912       $ 1,727,367   

 

(1)

In May 2009, Coeur’s Board of Directors authorized a 1-for-10 reverse stock split which became effective on May 26, 2009. Consequently, previously reported amounts for weighted average number of shares of common stock have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split.

 

(2)

On December 21, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of all the shares of Bolnisi Gold NL and Palmarejo Silver and Gold Corporation in exchange for a total of approximately 272 million shares of Coeur common stock and a total cash payment of approximately $1.1 million. The value of the total consideration paid amounted to $1.1 billion and the total liabilities assumed were $0.7 billion.

 

(3)

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company sold to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. its 100% interest in the silver contained at the Broken Hill mine for $55.0 million in cash. Coeur originally purchased this interest from Perilya Broken Hill, Ltd. in September 2005 for $36.9 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company realized a gain on the sale of approximately $25.5 million, net of income taxes, in 2009.

 

(4)

In August 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in subsidiary Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo (“Minera Cerro Bayo”) to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agree: (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011, which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver, which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value added taxes collected from the Chilean government in excess of $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay agreed to pay the next $6.0 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be shared equally by Mandalay and Coeur. The Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Coeur and its subsidiaries for the three years ended December 31, 2011. It consists of the following subsections:

 

   

“Overview” which provides a brief summary of the Company’s financial position and the primary factors affecting those results.

 

   

“Critical Accounting Policies” which provides a discussion of the accounting policies Coeur considers critical because of their effect on the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and/or expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and/or because they require different objectives or complex judgments by management.

 

   

“Operating statistics and ore reserve estimates” which provides a summary of the consolidated production results for the three years ended December 31, 2011 and discussion of Coeur’s reported ore reserves.

 

   

“Results of operations” which sets forth an analysis of the operating results for the last three years.

 

   

“Liquidity and capital resources” which contains a discussion of the Company’s cash flows and liquidity, investing activities and financing activities, contractual obligations and environmental compliance expenditures.

 

   

“Recently issued accounting pronouncements,” which summarizes recently published authoritative accounting guidance, how it might apply to Coeur, and how it might affect the Company’s future results.

 

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Overview

The Company is a large primary silver producer with growing gold production and has assets located in the United States, Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina and Australia. The Palmarejo mine, San Bartolomé mine, Kensington mine, Rochester mine, and Martha mine, each of which is operated by the Company, and the Endeavor mine, which is operated by a non-affiliated party, constituted the Company’s principal sources of mining revenues during 2011. Coeur is an Idaho corporation incorporated in 1928.

The Company’s business strategy is to discover, acquire, develop and operate low-cost silver and gold operations that will produce long-term cash flow, provide opportunities for growth through continued exploration, and generate superior and sustainable returns for shareholders. The Company’s management focuses on maximizing cash flow from its existing operations, the main elements of which are silver and gold prices, cash costs of production and capital expenditures. The Company also focuses on reducing its non-operating costs in order to maximize cashflow.

The results of the Company’s operations are significantly affected by fluctuation in prices of silver and gold, which may fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond its control, including interest rates, expectations regarding inflation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding the disposal of precious metals stockpiles, global and regional political and economic conditions and other factors. In addition, The Company faces challenges including raising capital, increasing production and managing social, political and environmental issues. Operating costs at the Company’s mines are subject to variation due to a number of factors such as changing commodity prices, ore grades, metallurgy, revisions to mine plans and changes in accounting principles. At foreign locations, operating costs are also influenced by currency fluctuations that may affect its U.S. dollar costs.

Highlights during 2011:

 

   

Silver and gold prices averaged $35.34 per ounce and $1,572 per ounce in 2011, respectively. Silver reached a high of $48.55 per ounce on April 29, 2011 and a low of $26.77 per ounce on January 25, 2011. Gold reached a high of $1,895 per ounce on September 6, 2011 and a low of $1,319 per ounce on January 28, 2011.

 

   

The Company produced a total of 19.1 million ounces of silver during 2011, which was a 14% increase from 2010. The Company produced 220,382 ounces of gold during 2011, which was a 40% increase over 2010.

 

   

The Company experienced a 98% increase in metal sales to $1,021.2 million.

 

   

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 was $416.2 million, compared to $165.6 million in 2010.

 

   

The Company spent $120.0 million in capital expenditures, which represents a 23% decrease from 2010.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The information provided in this Form 10-K is based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these statements requires that the Company make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of its financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases these estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that it considers reasonable under the circumstances; however, reported results could differ from those based on the current estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Management considers the policies discussed below to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could affect its results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. The effects and associated risks of these policies on its business operations are discussed throughout this discussion and analysis. The areas requiring the use of management’s estimates and assumptions relate to recoverable ounces from proven and probable reserves that are the basis of future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation and amortization

 

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calculations; useful lives utilized for depreciation, depletion, and long lived assets; estimates of recoverable gold and silver ounces in ore on leach pad; reclamation and remediation costs; valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; and post-employment and other employee benefit liabilities. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our financial statements included herein.

Revenue Recognition.    Revenue includes sales value received for the Company’s principal product, silver, and associated by-product revenues from the sale of by-product metals by our silver producing properties, consisting primarily of gold. Revenue is recognized when title to silver and gold passes to the buyer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Title passes to the buyer based on terms of the sales contract. Product pricing is determined at the point revenue is recognized by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold.

Under the Company’s concentrate sales contracts with third-party smelters, final gold and silver prices are set on a specified future quotational period, typically one to three months, after the shipment date based on market metal prices. Revenues are recorded under these contracts at the time title passes to the buyer based on the forward price for the expected settlement period. The contracts, in general, provide for provisional payment based upon provisional assays and quoted metal prices. Final settlement is based on the average applicable price for the specified future quotational period and generally occurs from three to six months after shipment. Final sales are settled using smelter weights and settlement assays (average of assays exchanged and/or umpire assay results) and are priced as specified in the smelter contract. The Company’s provisionally priced sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of concentrates at the forward price at the time of sale. The embedded derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting. The embedded derivative is recorded as a derivative asset in prepaid expenses and other assets or as a derivative liability in accrued liabilities and other on the balance sheet and is adjusted to fair value through revenue each period until the date of final gold and silver settlement. The form of the material being sold, after deduction for smelting and refining, is in an identical form to that sold on the London Bullion Market. The form of the product is metal in flotation concentrate, which is the final process for which the Company is responsible.

The effects of forward sales contracts are reflected in revenue at the date the related precious metals are delivered. Third-party smelting and refining costs are recorded as a reduction of revenue.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $22.5 million consisting of 0.2 million ounces of silver and 9,701 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $21.7 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $2,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $9,700. At December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $35.7 million consisting of 0.6 million ounces of silver and 12,758 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $37.4 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $6,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $12,800.

Reserve Estimates.    The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of its financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. The most critical accounting principles upon which the Company’s financial status depends are those requiring estimates of recoverable ounces from proven and probable reserves and/or assumptions of future commodity prices. There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond the Company’s control. Ore reserve estimates are based upon engineering evaluations of samplings of drill holes and other openings. These estimates involve assumptions regarding future silver and gold prices, the geology of its mines, the mining methods it uses and the related costs it incurs to develop and mine its reserves. Changes in these assumptions could result in material adjustments to the Company’s reserve estimates. The Company uses reserve estimates in determining the units-of-production depreciation and amortization expense, as well as in evaluating mine asset impairments.

 

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Impairments.    The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment is considered to exist if total estimated future cash flows or probability-weighted cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets, including property, plant and equipment, mineral property, development property, and any deferred costs. The accounting estimates related to impairment are critical accounting estimates because the future cash flows used to determine whether an impairment exists is dependent on reserve estimates and other assumptions, including silver and gold prices, production levels, and capital and reclamation costs, all of which are based on detailed engineering life-of-mine plans.

Depreciation and Amortization.    The Company depreciates its property, plant and equipment, mining properties and mine development using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on its proven and probable recoverable reserves or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, whichever is shorter. The accounting estimates related to depreciation and amortization are critical accounting estimates because 1) the determination of reserves involves uncertainties with respect to the ultimate geology of its reserves and the assumptions used in determining the economic feasibility of mining those reserves and 2) changes in estimated proven and probable reserves and useful asset lives can have a material impact on net income.

Ore on leach pad.    The heap leach process is a process of extracting silver and gold by placing ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained silver and gold, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes.

The Company uses several integrated steps to scientifically measure the metal content of ore placed on the leach pads. As the ore body is drilled in preparation for the blasting process, samples are taken of the drill residue which were assayed to determine estimated quantities of contained metal. The Company estimates the quantity of ore by utilizing global positioning satellite survey techniques. The Company then processes the ore through crushing facilities where the output is again weighed and sampled for assaying. A metallurgical reconciliation with the data collected from the mining operation is completed with appropriate adjustments made to previous estimates. The crushed ore is then transported to the leach pad for application of the leaching solution. As the leach solution is collected from the leach pads, it is continuously sampled for assaying. The quantity of leach solution is measured by flow meters throughout the leaching and precipitation process. After precipitation, the product is converted to doré, which is the final product produced by the mine. The inventory is stated at lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a weighted average cost method.

The Company reported ore on leach pad of $33.9 million as of December 31, 2011. Of this amount, $27.2 million is reported as a current asset and $6.7 million is reported as a non-current asset. The distinction between current and non-current is based upon the expected length of time necessary for the leaching process to remove the metals from the broken ore. The historical cost of the metal that is expected to be extracted within twelve months is classified as current and the historical cost of metals contained within the broken ore that will be extracted beyond twelve months is classified as non-current. Inventories of ore on leach pad are valued based on actual production costs incurred to produce and place ore on the leach pad, adjusted for effects on monthly production of costs of abnormal production levels, less costs allocated to minerals recovered through the leach process. The costs consist of those production activities occurring at the mine site and include the costs, including depreciation, associated with mining, crushing and precipitation circuits. In addition, refining is provided by a third-party refiner to place the metal extracted from the leach pad in a saleable form. These additional costs are considered in the valuation of inventory.

The estimate of both the ultimate recovery expected over time and the quantity of metal that may be extracted relative to the time the leach process occurs requires the use of estimates which are inherently inaccurate since they rely upon laboratory testwork. Testwork consists of 60 day leach columns from which the Company projects metal recoveries up to five years in the future. The quantities of metal contained in the ore are estimated based upon actual weights and assay analysis. The rate at which the leach process extracts gold and silver from the crushed ore is based upon laboratory column tests and actual experience occurring over more than twenty years of leach pad operations at the Rochester mine. The assumptions used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company periodically reviews its estimates compared to actual experience

 

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and revises its estimates when appropriate. The Company believes its current residual heap leach activities are expected to continue through 2014. The ultimate recovery will not be known until leaching operations cease. The Company has estimated the number of ounces that are recoverable from the stage IV leach pad at December 31, 2011. If its estimate of ultimate recovery requires adjustment, the impact upon its valuation and upon its income statement would be as follows:

 

    Positive/Negative
Change in  Recoverable
Silver Ounces
    Positive/Negative
Change in  Recoverable
Gold Ounces
 
    5%     10%     15%     5%     10%     15%  

Quantity of recoverable ounces

    69,040        138,081        207,121        236        473        709   

Positive impact on future cost of production per silver equivalent ounce for increases in recoverable metal

  $ 0.38      $ 0.72      $ 1.05      $ 0.07      $ 0.14      $ 0.22   

Negative impact on future cost of production per silver equivalent ounce for decreases in recoverable metal

  $ (0.41   $ (0.86   $ (1.35   $ (0.07   $ (0.15   $ (0.23

Reclamation and remediation costs.    The Company recognizes obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. These legal obligations are associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and normal use of the asset. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation will be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. An accretion cost, representing the increase over time in the present value of the liability, is recorded each period in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability is reduced.

Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the undiscounted costs expected to be incurred at the site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care and maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

Derivatives accounting.    The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the value of derivative instruments are recorded each period in fair value adjustments, net.

Income taxes.    The Company computes income taxes using an asset and liability approach which results in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences or benefits of temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance has been provided for the portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 1999. Federal income tax returns for 2000 through 2010 are subject to examination. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had accrued $1.6 million in interest and penalties at December 31, 2011, related to an item under audit review in Bolivia.

 

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Operating Statistics and Ore Reserve Estimates

The Company’s total production, excluding discontinued operations in 2011 was 19.1 million ounces of silver and 220,382 ounces of gold, compared to 16.8 million ounces of silver and 157,062 ounces of gold in 2010. Total estimated proven and probable reserves at December 31, 2011 were approximately 216.3 million ounces of silver and 2.3 million ounces of gold, compared to silver and gold ore reserves at December 31, 2010 of approximately 227.1 million ounces and 2.5 million ounces, respectively.

The following table shows the estimated amounts of proven and probable ore reserves and mineralized material at the following Company locations at year-end 2011:

 

    Proven and Probable Ore Reserves     Mineralized Material  
    (000’s)
Tons
    Grade
Ag oz/t
    Grade
Au oz/t
    (000’s)
Ounces  Ag
    (000’s)
Ounces  Au
    (000’s)
Tons
    Grade
Ag oz/t
    Grade
Au oz/t
 

Palmarejo

    12,497        4.55        0.06        56,818        688        5,062        3.36        0.04   

San Bartolomé

    44,515        2.65               118,080               21,264        2.59          

Kensington

    6,006               0.22               1,340        3,039               0.19   

Rochester

    47,279        0.63        0.01        29,573        247        251,472        0.45        0.00   

Mina Martha

    53        12.79        0.01        671        1        35        12.15        0.01   

Endeavor

    5,633        1.98               11,175               11,047        2.64          

Joaquin Development Property(1)

                                       4,050        2.48        0.01   
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

    115,983            216,317        2,276        295,969       
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
    Total tons
(000’s)
    Ag oz/t
(Wt.  Avg.)
    Au oz/t
(Wt.  Avg.)
                Total tons
(000’s)
    Ag oz/t
(Wt.  Avg.)
    Au oz/t
(Wt.  Avg.)
 

Summary by metal:

               

Silver

    109,977        1.97              292,930        0.76     

Gold

    65,836          0.04            263,658          0.01   

 

(1)

Tons are shown reflecting the Company’s current 51% managing equity interest in the Joaquin property.

 

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The following table presents production information by mine and consolidated sales information for the years ended December 31:

 

     2011     2010     2009  

PRIMARY SILVER OPERATIONS:

      

Palmarejo(1)

      

Tons milled

     1,723,056        1,835,408        1,065,508   

Ore grade/Ag oz

     6.87        4.6        4.31   

Ore grade/Au oz

     0.08        0.06        0.06   

Recovery/Ag oz (1)

     76.4     69.8     66.3

Recovery/Au oz (1)

     92.2     91.1     88.2

Silver production ounces(3)

     9,041,488        5,887,576        3,047,843   

Gold production ounces(3)

     125,071        102,440        54,740   

Cash operating costs/oz (4)

   $ (0.97   $ 4.10      $ 9.80   

Cash cost/oz (4)

   $ (0.97   $ 4.10      $ 9.80   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 16.80      $ 19.66      $ 26.8   

San Bartolomé

      

Tons milled

     1,567,269        1,504,779        1,518,671   

Ore grade/Ag oz

     5.38        5.03        5.49   

Recovery/Ag oz

     88.9     88.6     89.6

Silver production ounces(3)

     7,501,367        6,708,775        7,469,222   

Cash operating costs/oz (4)

   $ 9.10      $ 7.87      $ 7.80   

Cash cost/oz (4)

   $ 10.64      $ 8.67      $ 10.48   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 13.75      $ 11.72      $ 12.96   

Rochester(2)

      

Tons Mined

     2,028,889                 

Ore grade/Ag oz

     0.47                 

Ore grade/Au oz

     0.005                 

Recovery/Ag oz(2)

     165.1              

Recovery/Au oz(2)

     75.6              

Silver production ounces(3)

     1,392,433        2,023,423        2,181,788   

Gold production ounces(3)

     6,276        9,641        12,663   

Cash operating costs/oz (4)

   $ 22.97      $ 2.93      $ 1.95   

Cash cost/oz (4)

   $ 24.82      $ 3.78      $ 2.58   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 27.21      $ 4.82      $ 3.51   

Martha

      

Tons milled

     101,167        56,401        109,974   

Ore grade/Ag oz

     6.29        31.63        36.03   

Ore grade/Au oz

     0.01        0.04        0.05   

Recovery/Ag oz

     83.2     88.3     93.6

Recovery/Au oz

     74.0     84.1     87.6

Silver production ounces

     529,602        1,575,827        3,707,544   

Gold production ounces

     615        1,838        4,709   

Cash operating costs/oz(4)

   $ 32.79      $ 13.16      $ 6.19   

Cash cost/oz(4)

   $ 34.08      $ 14.14      $ 6.68   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 36.19      $ 20.02      $ 8.62   

 

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Table of Contents
     2011     2010     2009  

Endeavor

      

Tons milled

     743,936        653,550        552,799   

Ore grade/Ag oz

     1.83        1.96        1.67   

Recovery/Ag oz

     45.0     44.3     49.9

Silver production ounces

     613,361        566,134        461,800   

Cash operating costs/oz(4)

   $ 18.87      $ 10.15      $ 6.80   

Cash cost/oz(4)

   $ 18.87      $ 10.15      $ 6.80   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 24.00      $ 13.66      $ 9.55   

GOLD OPERATIONS:

      

Kensington

      

Tons milled

     415,340        174,028          

Ore grade/Au oz

     0.23        0.28          

Recovery/Au oz

     92.7     89.9    

Gold production ounces(3)

     88,420        43,143          

Cash operating costs/oz (4)

   $ 1,088.37      $ 988.63      $   

Cash cost/oz (4)

   $ 1,088.37      $ 988.63      $   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 1,493.91      $ 1,393.95      $   

CONSOLIDATED PRODUCTION TOTALS

      

Silver ounces(3)

     19,078,251        16,761,735        16,868,197   

Gold ounces(3)

     220,382        157,062        72,112   

Cash operating costs/oz(4)

   $ 6.31      $ 6.53      $ 7.03   

Cash cost per oz/silver(4)

   $ 7.09      $ 7.05      $ 8.40   

Total production cost/oz

   $ 17.14      $ 14.52      $ 13.19   

CONSOLIDATED SALES TOTALS

      

Silver ounces sold(3)

     19,057,503        17,221,335        16,310,225   

Gold ounces sold(3)

     238,551        130,142        65,607   

Realized price per silver ounce

   $ 35.15      $ 20.99      $ 14.83   

Realized price per gold ounce

   $ 1,558      $ 1,237      $ 1,003   

 

 

 

(1)

Palmarejo commenced commercial production on April 20, 2009. Mine statistics do not represent normal operating results

 

(2)

The leach cycle at Rochester requires 5 to 10 years to recover gold and silver contained in the ore. The Company estimates the metallurgical recovery to be approximately 61% for silver and 92% for gold. Current recovery may vary significantly from ultimate recovery. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Ore on Leach Pad.

 

(3)

Current production ounces and recoveries reflect final metal settlements of previously reported production ounces.

 

(4)

See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

 

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Table of Contents

Operating Statistics From Discontinued Operations

The following table presents information for Broken Hill which was discontinued July 30, 2009 and Cerro Bayo which was discontinued August 9, 2010:

 

         2011             2010             2009      

Broken Hill

      

Tons milled

                   827,766   

Ore grade/Silver oz

                   1.44   

Recovery/Silver oz

             70.6

Silver production ounces

                   842,751   

Cash operating cost/oz(1)

   $      $      $ 3.40   

Cash cost/oz(1)

   $      $      $ 3.40   

Total cost/oz

   $      $      $ 5.26   

Cerro Bayo

      

Tons milled

                     

Ore grade/Ag oz

                     

Ore grade/Au oz

                     

Recovery/Ag oz

            

Recovery/Au oz

            

Silver production ounces

                     

Gold production ounces

                     

Cash operating costs/oz(1)

   $      $      $   

Cash cost/oz(1)

   $      $      $   

Total production cost/oz

   $      $      $   

 

(1)

See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs.”

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Costs to GAAP Production Costs

In this Form 10-K, the Company has disclosed certain non-U.S. GAAP measures, such as “cash costs”, “cash operating costs” and related per ounce measures. These measures are used in the mining industry and by the Company’s management to measure, across periods, the net cash flow generated by mining operations. The Company cannot assure investors that other mining companies will calculate these measures in the same manner that the Company does.

Production costs is the closest comparable U.S. GAAP measure for these measures. Accordingly, we have provided in the tables below a reconciliation of cash costs and cash operating costs to production costs. The corresponding per ounce measures can be calculated by dividing cash costs or cash operating costs, as applicable, by the number of ounces of silver or gold produced at the business unit.

Cash costs reflect the direct and overhead cash costs arising from the physical activities involved in producing metal. These costs include the cost of mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining [and smelting costs], marketing expenses, on-site general and administrative royalties and mining production taxes, but net of by-product revenues earned from selling metals other than the primary metal produced by the business unit. Cash costs exclude certain amounts required to be included in production costs (which amounts can be substantial), including [third-party smelting costs, by-product credits, inventory adjustments and other non-cash charges].

Cash operating costs are calculated as cash costs less royalties and production taxes.

 

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Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Cash Costs to U.S. GAAP Production Costs

Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

(In thousands except ounces and per ounce costs)   Palmarejo     San
Bartolomé
    Kensington     Rochester     Martha     Endeavor    

Total

 

Total Cash Operating Cost (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ (8,743   $ 68,277      $ 96,234      $ 31,978      $ 17,367      $ 11,573      $ 216,686   

Royalties

           11,561               2,177        685               14,423   

Production taxes

                         409                      409   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash Costs (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ (8,743   $ 79,838      $ 96,234      $ 34,564      $ 18,052      $ 11,573      $ 231,518   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Add/Subtract:

             

Third party smelting costs

                  (11,003            (2,882     (2,872     (16,757

By-product credit

    197,342                      9,898        949               208,189   

Other adjustments

    1,441        906        19        522        559               3,447   

Change in inventory

    (3,839     (1,065     16,422        (16,727     (1,165     (67     (6,441

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    159,231        22,408        35,839        2,807        554        3,148        (223,987
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production costs applicable to sales, including depreciation, depletion and amortization
(U.S. GAAP)

  $ 345,432      $ 102,087      $ 137,511      $ 31,064      $ 16,067      $ 11,782      $ 643,943   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production of silver (ounces)

    9,041,488        7,501,367               1,392,433        529,602        613,361        19,078,251   

Cash operating cost per silver ounce

  $ (0.97   $ 9.10      $      $ 22.97      $ 32.79      $ 18.87      $ 6.31   

Cash costs per silver ounce

  $ (0.97   $ 10.64      $      $ 24.82      $ 34.08      $ 18.87      $ 7.09   

Production of gold (ounces)

                  88,420                             88,420   

Cash operating cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $ 1,088.37      $      $      $      $ 1,088.37   

Cash cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $ 1,088.37      $      $      $      $ 1,088.37   

Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

(In thousands except ounces and per ounce costs)

  Palmarejo     San
Bartolomé
    Kensington     Rochester     Martha     Endeavor     Total  

Total Cash Operating Cost (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ 24,164      $ 52,810      $ 42,652      $ 5,932      $ 20,730      $ 5,747      $ 152,035   

Royalties

           5,384               174        1,548               7,106   

Production taxes

                         1,540                      1,540   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash Costs (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ 24,164      $ 58,194      $ 42,652      $ 7,646      $ 22,278      $ 5,747      $ 160,681   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Add/Subtract:

             

Third party smelting costs

                  (4,599            (3,299     (1,544     (9,442

By-product credit

    126,588                      11,756        2,192               140,536   

Other adjustments

    131        806               211        1,422               2,570   

Change in inventory

    (23,224     1,022        (24,011     5,148        4,446        (90     (36,709

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    91,457        19,650        17,487        1,890        7,848        1,989        140,321   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production costs applicable to sales, including depreciation, depletion and amortization
(U.S. GAAP)

  $ 219,116      $ 79,672      $ 31,529      $ 26,651      $ 34,887      $ 6,102      $ 397,957   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production of silver (ounces)

    5,887,576        6,708,775               2,023,423        1,575,827        566,134        16,761,735   

Cash operating cost per silver ounce

  $ 4.10      $ 7.87      $      $ 2.93      $ 13.16      $ 10.15      $ 6.53   

Cash costs per silver ounce

  $ 4.10      $ 8.67      $      $ 3.78      $ 14.14      $ 10.15      $ 7.05   

Production of gold (ounces)

                  43,143                             43,143   

Cash operating cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $ 988.63      $      $      $      $ 988.63   

Cash cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $ 988.63      $      $      $      $ 988.63   

 

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Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Cash Costs to U.S. GAAP Production Costs

Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

(In thousands except ounces and per ounce costs)

  Palmarejo(1)     San
Bartolomé
    Kensington     Rochester     Martha     Endeavor     Total  

Total Cash Operating Cost (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ 29,883      $ 58,293      $      $ 4,236      $ 22,963      $ 3,142      $ 118,517   

Royalties

           19,988                      1,815               21,803   

Production taxes

                         1,401                      1,401   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash Costs (Non-U.S. GAAP)

  $ 29,883      $ 78,281             $ 5,637      $ 24,778      $ 3,142      $ 141,721   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Add/Subtract:

             

Third party smelting costs

    (1,416                          (7,118     (1,035     (9,569

By-product credit(2)

    55,386                      12,335        4,615               72,336   

Other adjustments

    20        8               171        669               868   

Change in inventory

    (19,028     2,590               6,063        (5,048     (38     (15,461

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    51,801        18,509               1,852        6,511        1,269        79,942   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production costs applicable to sales, including depreciation, depletion and amortization (U.S. GAAP)

  $ 116,646      $ 99,388      $      $ 26,058      $ 24,407      $ 3,338      $ 269,837   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Production of silver (ounces)

  $ 3,047,843      $ 7,469,222      $      $ 2,181,788      $ 3,707,544      $ 461,800      $ 16,868,197   

Cash operating cost per silver ounce

  $ 9.80      $ 7.80      $      $ 1.95      $ 6.19      $ 6.80      $ 7.03   

Cash costs per silver ounce

  $ 9.80      $ 10.48      $      $ 2.58      $ 6.68      $ 6.80      $ 8.40   

Production of gold (ounces)

                                                

Cash operating cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

Cash cost per gold ounce

  $      $      $      $      $      $      $   

 

(1)

The Palmarejo gold production royalty is currently reflected as a minimum royalty obligation which commenced on July 1, 2009 and ends when payments have been made on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, at which time a royalty expense will be recorded.

 

(2)

Amounts reflect final metal settlement adjustments.

The following tables present a reconciliation between non-GAAP cash costs per ounce to U.S. GAAP production costs applicable to sales reported in Discontinued Operations for the years ended 2011, 2010, and 2009 (see Note 6 — Discontinued Operations included herein):

 

Broken Hill

   2011      2010      2009  

Total cash costs (Non-U.S. GAAP)

   $       $       $ 2,862   

Add/Subtract:

        

Third party smelting costs

                     (1,164

By-product credit

                       

Other adjustments

                       

Change in inventory

                     39   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                     1,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Production costs applicable to sales, including depreciation, depletion and amortization (U.S. GAAP)

   $       $       $ 3,307   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Production of silver (ounces)

                     842,751   

Cash operating costs per ounce

   $       $       $ 3.40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash costs per ounce

   $       $       $ 3.40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Revenues

Sales of metal from continuing operations in the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by $505.7 million, or 98.1%, from the year ended December 31, 2010 to $1,021.2 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the quantity of silver and gold ounces sold and a higher realized price per ounce for both metals in 2011. The increased sale of gold ounces was primarily due to increased gold production at the Palmarejo mine and a full year of gold production at the Kensington mine. In 2011, the Company sold 19.1 million ounces of silver and 238,551 ounces of gold, compared to sales of 17.2 million ounces of silver and 130,142 ounces of gold in 2010 from continuing operations. In the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company realized average silver and gold prices of $35.15 per ounce and $1,558 per ounce, respectively, compared with realized average prices of $20.99 per ounce and $1,237 per ounce, respectively, in the prior year. Silver contributed 64.9% of sales as compared to 35.1% from gold.

Included in revenues is by-product metal sales derived from the sale of gold by our silver producing properties. In 2011, by-product revenues totaled $207.4 million compared to $134.9 million in 2010. The Company believes that presentation of these revenue streams as by-products from its current operations will continue to be appropriate in the future.

In the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s continuing operations produced a total of 19.1 million ounces of silver and 220,382 ounces of gold compared to 16.8 million ounces of silver and 157,062 ounces of gold in 2010. The increase in silver production is primarily due to higher production levels at Palmarejo and San Bartolomé in 2011 compared to 2010. The increase in gold production is primarily due to an increase in production at the Kensington mine with its first full year production of 88,420 ounces.

Production costs applicable to sales from continuing operations for the year ended 2011 increased by $162.3 million, or 63.0%, from the same period of 2010 to $420.0 million. The increase in production costs applicable to sales for the year is primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of operating costs for the Kensington mine and higher production levels at Palmarejo and San Bartolomé.

Depreciation and depletion increased in the year ended December 31, 2011 by $82.9 million, or 58.5%, over the prior year, primarily due to an increase in production at the Palmarejo mine and a full year of depreciation and depletion expense from the Kensington mine.

Costs and Expenses

Administrative and general expenses increased $7.2 million or 29.8% in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to severance related expenses connected to the departure of the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer and share based compensation expense on cash settled awards.

Exploration expenses increased by $4.9 million or 34.2% in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily as a result of increased exploration activity at and around the Company’s existing properties. This exploration is described in more detail under Item 2, Properties.

Care and maintenance and other expenses were $19.4 million, an increase of $16.6 million from 2010, primarily related to costs incurred to re-permit and prepare for the expansion of mining at Rochester.

Other Income and Expenses

The Company recognized $5.5 million of loss from debt extinguishments during 2011 due to the pre-payment premium for the early paydown of the Senior Term Notes. During 2010, the Company recognized $20.3 million of loss from debt extinguishments due to the exchange of a portion of the 3.25% convertible senior notes and the 1.25% convertible senior notes for shares of common stock, and the early paydown of the Senior Term Notes.

Fair value adjustments during 2011 totaled a loss of $52.1 million, which was $65.0 million less than in 2010. The reduction in fair value adjustments was primarily due to a smaller increase in the gold price during 2011 compared to 2010, which resulted in reduced fair value adjustments related to the future estimated royalty payments to Franco Nevada.

 

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Table of Contents

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest was $34.8 million in 2011 compared to $30.9 million in 2010. The increase in interest expense is primarily the result of increased interest expense for the Kensington Term Facility. See Note 12 — Debt and Royalty Obligation to our financial statements included herein, for further discussion. In addition, the Kensington project was placed into service on July 3, 2010, decreasing capitalized interest in 2011 as compared to 2010. Capitalized interest was $2.2 million in 2011 compared to $9.9 million in 2010.

Income Taxes

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company reported an income tax provision of approximately $114.3 million compared to an income tax benefit of $9.5 million in 2010. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s income tax provision/benefit for the years ended 2011 and 2010.

 

     Years Ended
December
 
     2011     2010  

Current:

    

United States — Alternative minimum tax

   $ 2,015      $ (482

United States — Foreign withholding tax

     (842     (1,009

Argentina

     (1,219     (7,094

Australia

     (1,755     (251

Mexico

     (1,084     (316

Bolivia

     (59,660     (20,268

Deferred:

    

Australia

     (661     (541

Bolivia

     (207     (1,388

Mexico

     (28,022     24,371   

United States

     (22,902     16,459   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

   $ (114,337   $ 9,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2011, the Company recognized a current provision in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions primarily related to higher metals prices, inflationary adjustments on non-monetary assets and unrealized foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities in Bolivia. The Company intends to carry back a portion of its 2011 U.S. taxable loss and has recognized a benefit of $2.0 million. Further, the Company accrued foreign withholding taxes of approximately $0.8 million on inter-company transactions between the U.S. parent and the Argentina, Mexico and Australia subsidiaries. Finally, the Company recognized a $51.8 million deferred tax provision for the recognition of deferred taxes on deductible temporary differences, utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and deferred withholding taxes in various jurisdictions (principally Mexico and Bolivia).

In 2010, the Company recognized a current provision in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions primarily related to higher metals prices, inflationary adjustments on non-monetary assets and unrealized foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities in Bolivia. Further, the Company accrued foreign withholding taxes of approximately $1.0 million on inter-company transactions between the U.S. parent and the Argentina, Mexico and Australia subsidiaries. Finally, the Company recognized a $40.8 million deferred tax benefit for the recognition of deferred taxes on deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions (principally Mexico). The Company recognized a deferred tax provision of $1.9 million for inflation adjustments on non-monetary assets in Bolivia.

Results of Discontinued Operations

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its mineral interest in the Broken Hill mine to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. for $55.0 million in cash. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the Broken Hill segment has been reported in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company recognized a gain, net of taxes, of $25.5 million on the sale in 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

Effective August 9, 2010, Coeur sold its subsidiary, Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo Ltd. (“Minera Cerro Bayo”), which controlled the Cerro Bayo mine in southern Chile, to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agreement, Coeur received the following from Mandalay in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Minera Cerro Bayo; (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011, which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver, which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value-added taxes collected from the Chilean government in excess of $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay agreed to pay the next $6.0 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be shared equally by Mandalay and the Company. As a result of the sale, the Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes.

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was nil during 2011 compared to $6.0 million during 2010. In addition, the Company recognized a loss of $2.1 million, net of taxes, on the sale of Minera Cerro Bayo in 2010.

The following is a summary of the Company’s discontinued operations included in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     2011      2010  

Sales of metal

   $       $   

Production costs applicable to sales

               

Depreciation and depletion

             (2,194

Administrative and general

             (18

Mining exploration

               

Other

             (2,351

Other income and expense

             (145

Income tax expense

             (1,321
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

             (6,029

Loss on sale of net assets of discontinued operations, net of taxes

             (2,095
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

   $       $ (8,124
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009

Revenues

Sales of metal from continuing operations in the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by $215.1 million, or 71.6%, from the year ended December 31, 2009 to $515.5 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the quantity of silver and gold ounces sold and a higher realized price per ounce for both metals in 2010. The increased sale of gold ounces was primarily due to increased gold production at the Palmarejo mine and new gold production at the Kensington mine, which began commercial operations on July 3, 2010. In 2010, the Company sold 17.2 million ounces of silver and 130,142 ounces of gold, compared to sales of 16.3 million ounces of silver and 65,607 ounces of gold in 2009 from continuing operations. In the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company realized average silver and gold prices of $20.99 per ounce and $1,237 per ounce, respectively, compared with realized average prices of $14.83 per ounce and $1,003.00 per ounce, respectively, in the prior year. Silver contributed 69.3% of sales as compared to 30.7% from gold.

Included in revenues is by-product metal sales derived from the sale of gold at our silver producing properties. In 2010, by-product revenues totaled $134.9 million compared to $61.9 million in 2009. The increase is a result of the Palmarejo mine being in operation for the full year and the Kensington mine starting commercial operations on July 3, 2010. The Company believes that presentation of these revenue streams as by-products from its current operations will continue to be appropriate in the future.

 

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In the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company’s continuing operations produced a total of 16.8 million ounces of silver and 157,062 ounces of gold compared to 16.9 million ounces of silver (excludes 842,751 ounces of silver production from Broken Hill) and 72,112 ounces of gold in 2009. The decrease in silver production at the Martha mine and the San Bartolomé mine were offset by an increase in silver production at the Palmarejo mine, which operated at full capacity during the year ended 2010. The increase in gold production is due to an increase of 47,700 ounces at the Palmarejo mine and first partial year production of 43,143 ounces at the Kensington mine, which began operations on July 3, 2010.

Production costs applicable to sales from continuing operations for the year ended 2010 increased by $66.3 million, or 34.7%, from the same period of 2009 to $257.6 million. The increase in production costs applicable to sales for the year is primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of operating costs for Palmarejo and the commencement of operations at the Kensington mine in July 2010.

Depreciation and depletion increased in the year ended December 31, 2010 by $60.2 million, or 74.0%, over the prior year, primarily due to a full year of depreciation and depletion expense from the Palmarejo mine and the inclusion of depreciation and depletion at the Kensington mine, which began operations in July 2010.

Costs and Expenses

Administrative and general expenses increased $2.1 million or 9.6% in 2010 compared to 2009 due primarily to an increase in stock-based executive compensation related to the increase in the Company’s stock price.

Exploration expenses increased by $1.2 million or 9.1% in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily as a result of increased exploration activity at and around the Company’s existing properties.

Pre-development, care, maintenance and other expenses were $2.9 million, an increase of $1.4 million from 2009. This was primarily the result of increased pre-development activity, focused on recommencement of mining at Rochester.

Other Income and Expenses

The Company recognized $20.3 million of loss from debt extinguishments during 2010 due to the exchange of a portion of the 3.25% convertible senior notes and the 1.25% convertible senior notes for shares of common stock, and the early payment premium for the early paydown of the Senior Term Notes. The Company recognized $31.5 million of gains from debt extinguishments during 2009 from the exchange of a portion of the 3.25% convertible senior notes and the 1.25% convertible senior notes for shares of common stock.

Fair value adjustments during 2010 totaled a loss of $117.1 million, which was $34.9 million greater than in 2009. The increase in loss was primarily due to negative adjustment on the Franco-Nevada derivative of $20.0 million, a loss on the put and call options associated with the Kensington Term Facility of $12.8 million, and a loss on the gold lease facility of $0.7 million.

Interest and other income in 2010 decreased by $0.9 million compared with 2009. The decrease was primarily due to increased losses on foreign currency transactions, which was partially offset by the sale of the Mandalay shares of stock the Company received from the sale of Minera Cerro Bayo.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest was $30.9 million in 2010 compared to $18.1 million in 2009. The increase in interest expense is primarily the result of increased accretion expenses for the Franco-Nevada obligation and interest expense and offering costs for the Senior Term Notes issued in February 2010. See Note 12 — Debt and Royalty Obligation to our financial statements included herein, for further discussion. In addition, the Kensington project was placed into service on July 3, 2010, decreasing capitalized interest in 2010. Capitalized interest was $9.9 million in 2010 compared to $22.8 million in 2009.

 

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Income Taxes

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported an income tax benefit of approximately $9.5 million compared to an income tax benefit of $33.1 million in 2009. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s income tax benefit for the years ended 2010 and 2009.

 

     Years Ended
December 31
 
     2010     2009  

Current:

    

United States — Alternative minimum tax

   $ (482   $ (2,249

United States — Foreign withholding tax

     (1,009     (1,509

Argentina

     (7,094     (6,284

Australia

     (251     592   

Mexico

     (316     (124

Bolivia

     (20,268     (2,673

Canada

            (53

Deferred:

    

Australia

     (541     200   

Bolivia

     (1,388     (6,221

Mexico

     24,371        37,681   

United States

     16,459        13,711   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

   $ 9,481      $ 33,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2010, the Company recognized a current provision in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions primarily related to higher metals prices, inflationary adjustments on non-monetary assets and unrealized foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities in Bolivia. Further, the Company accrued foreign withholding taxes of approximately $1.0 million on inter-company transactions between the U.S. parent and the Argentina, Mexico and Australia subsidiaries. Finally, the Company recognized a $40.8 million deferred tax benefit for the recognition of deferred taxes on deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions (principally Mexico). The Company recognized a deferred tax provision of $1.9 million for inflation adjustments on non-monetary assets in Bolivia.

In 2009, the Company recognized a current provision in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions primarily related to higher metals prices, inflationary adjustments on non-monetary assets and unrealized foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities in Bolivia. Further, the Company accrued foreign withholding taxes of approximately $1.5 million on inter-company transactions between the U.S. parent and the Argentina, Mexico and Australia subsidiaries. Finally, the Company recognized a $51.4 million deferred tax benefit for the recognition of deferred taxes on deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions (principally Mexico). The Company recognized a deferred tax provision of $6.2 million for inflation adjustments on non-monetary assets in Bolivia.

Results of Discontinued Operations

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its mineral interest in the Broken Hill mine to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. for $55.0 million in cash. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the Broken Hill segment has been reported in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company recognized a gain, net of taxes, of $25.5 million on the sale in 2009.

Effective August 9, 2010, Coeur sold its subsidiary, Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo Ltd. (“Minera Cerro Bayo”), which controlled the Cerro Bayo mine in southern Chile, to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agreement, Coeur received the following from Mandalay in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Minera Cerro Bayo; (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of

 

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Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011, which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver, which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value-added taxes collected from the Chilean government in excess of $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay agreed to pay the next $6.0 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be shared equally by Mandalay and the Company. As a result of the sale, the Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes.

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $6.0 million during 2010 compared to $9.6 million during 2009. In addition, the Company recognized a loss of $2.1 million, net of taxes, on the sale of Minera Cerro Bayo in 2010 and a gain of $25.5 million, net of taxes, on the sale of Broken Hill in 2009.

The following is a summary of the Company’s discontinued operations included in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     2010     2009  

Sales of metal

   $      $ 12,108   

Production costs applicable to sales

            (2,863

Depreciation and depletion

     (2,194     (5,765

Administrative and general

     (18     (25

Mining exploration

            (2,153

Care, maintenance, and other

     (2,351     (10,430

Write downs

              

Other income and expense

     (145     1,600   

Income tax expense

     (1,321     (2,073
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

     (6,029     (9,601

Gain on sale of net assets of discontinued operations, net of taxes

     (2,095     25,537   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

   $ (8,124   $ 15,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working Capital; Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company’s working capital at December 31, 2011 increased by $217.4 million to $212.9 million compared to a working capital deficit of approximately $4.5 million at December 31, 2010. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.84 to 1 at December 31, 2011 compared to 0.98 to 1 at December 31, 2010.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2011 was $416.2 million compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $165.6 million in 2010 and net cash provided by operating activities of $60.1 million in 2009.

A total of $161.0 million was used in investing activities in 2011 compared to $131.7 million used in 2010. This increase included a $43.6 million increase in purchases of investments and a $18.0 million decrease in cash received from sale of investments compared to 2010. The increase was offset by a $36.0 million decrease in capital expenditures in 2011 compared to 2010.

The Company’s financing activities used $146.3 million of cash during 2011 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $9.5 million in 2010. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to payments on long term debt, the gold production royalty and payments under the gold lease facility.

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s cash, equivalents and short-term investments totaled $195.3 million. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the earnings from the Palmarejo mine

 

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in Mexico over the life of the project. Operating income in 2011 from the Palmarejo operation was $167.6 million, which reflected non-cash depreciation and depletion charges of $159.3 million. As such, the Company does not believe that the amount permanently reinvested will have an adverse affect on liquidity.

The Company believes that its liquidity and projected operating cashflows will be adequate to meet its obligations for at least the next twelve months.

The Company may elect to defer some capital investment activities or to secure additional capital to ensure it maintains sufficient liquidity. In addition, if the Company decides to pursue the acquisition of additional mineral interests, new capital projects, or acquisitions of new properties, mines or companies, additional financing activities may be necessary. There can be no assurances that such financing will be available when or if needed upon acceptable terms, or at all.

Capitalized Expenditures

During 2011, capital expenditures totaled $120.0 million, which was a $36.0 million decrease from 2010 expenditures of $156.0 million. The Company spent $37.0 million at the Palmarejo mine, $34.0 million for construction activities at the Kensington mine, $17.7 million for the development of the San Bartolomé mine, $3.4 million at the Martha mine, $27.2 million at the Rochester mine, and $0.6 million on other capital purchases.

Gold Lease Facility

On December 12, 2008, the Company entered into a gold lease facility with Mitsubishi International Corporation (“MIC”). This facility permitted the Company to lease amounts of gold from MIC and obligated the Company to deliver the same amounts back to MIC and to pay specified lease fees to MIC equivalent to interest at market rates on the value of the gold leased. Pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, the Company’s obligations under the facility were secured by certain collateral. The collateral agreement specifies the maximum amount of gold the Company was permitted to lease from MIC, as well as the amount and type of collateral.

On December 23, 2010, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 5 to the second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, lowering the value of the collateral required to secure its obligations to 30% of the outstanding amount, including lease fees. The Company terminated the facility effective November 11, 2011.

As of December 31, 2011, the company had no gold leased from MIC. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 10,000 ounces of gold leased from MIC. The Company delivered these ounces of gold to MIC on March 22, 2011. The Company accounted for the gold lease facility as a derivative instrument, which was recorded in accrued liabilities and other in the balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2010 based on the current futures metals prices for each of the delivery dates and using a 3.1% discount rate, the fair value of the instrument was a liability of $14.1 million. The pre-credit risk adjusted fair value of the net derivative liability as of December 31, 2010 was $14.2 million. A credit risk adjustment of $0.1 million to the fair value of the derivative reduced the reported amount of the net derivative liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet to $14.1 million. Mark-to-market adjustments for the gold lease facility amounted to a gain of $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, and a loss of $6.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. The Company recorded realized losses of $2.3 million, $10.1 million and $0.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The mark-to-market adjustments and realized losses are included in fair value adjustments, net.

Debt and Capital Resources

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028

As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 was $48.7 million, or $45.5 million net of debt discount.

 

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The notes are unsecured and bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per year, payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2008. The notes mature on March 15, 2028, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the Company.

Each holder of the notes may require that the Company repurchase some or all of the holder’s notes on March 15, 2013, March 15, 2015, March 15, 2018 and March 15, 2023 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company’s election. Holders will also have the right, following certain fundamental change transactions, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of their notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may redeem the notes for cash in whole or in part at any time on or after March 22, 2015 at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The notes provide for “net share settlement” of any conversions. Pursuant to this feature, upon conversion of the notes, the Company (1) will pay the note holder an amount in cash equal to the lesser of the conversion obligation or the principal amount of the notes and (2) will settle any excess of the conversion obligation above the notes’ principal amount in the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election.

The notes are convertible under certain circumstances at the holder’s option, at a conversion rate of 17.60254 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $56.81 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, $99.7 million of the notes were repurchased in exchange for 6.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock which reduced the principal amount of the notes outstanding to $48.7 million ($43.2 million net of debt discount).

The fair value of the notes outstanding, as determined by market transactions at December 31, 2011, and 2010, was $49.2 million and $48.2 million, respectively. The carrying value of the equity component at December 31, 2011, and 2010, was $10.9 million and $10.9 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 interest expense recognized was $1.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and accretion of the debt discount was $2.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The debt discount remaining at December 31, 2011 was $3.1 million, which will be amortized through March 15, 2013. The effective interest rate on the notes was 8.9%.

1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024

On January 18, 2011, the Company repurchased $945,000 in aggregate principal amount of the notes pursuant to a Tender Offer Statement filed on December 10, 2010. The Company repurchased the remaining $914,000 in aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding on January 21, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes.

Senior Term Notes due December 31, 2012

On February 5, 2010 the Company completed the sale of $100 million of Senior Term Notes due in quarterly payments through December 31, 2012. In conjunction with the sale of these notes, the Company also issued 297,455 shares of its common stock valued at $4.2 million as financing costs. The principal on the notes was payable in twelve equal quarterly installments, with the first such installment paid on March 31, 2010. The Company had the option of paying amounts due on the notes in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. The stated interest rate on the notes was 6.5%, but the payments for principal and interest due on any payment date were computed to give effect to recent share prices, valuing the shares of common stock at 90% of a weighted average share price over a pricing period ending shortly before the payment date.

 

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In December 2010, pursuant to privately-negotiated purchase agreements, the Company re-purchased $36.7 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for approximately $43.4 million. In October 2011, pursuant to privately-negotiated purchase agreements, the Company repurchased the remaining $18.75 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for approximately $22.2 million. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding Senior Term Notes.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid in cash $11.3 million in principal and $1.4 million in interest. A loss of $5.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was realized in connection with the debt payments and repurchases. The loss is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishments.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, the Company paid in cash $57.5 million in principal and $3.3 million in interest and issued 1,060,413 shares of its common stock, valued at $15.8 million, in connection with the quarterly payments. In addition, a loss of $10.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 was realized in connection with quarterly debt payments and early payoff premiums. The loss is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishments.

Kensington Term Facility

As of December 31, 2011 the balance of the Kensington Term Facility was $75.8 million.

On October 27, 2009, Coeur Alaska, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $45.0 million secured term facility to finance construction at the Company’s Kensington mine located north of Juneau, Alaska. On December 20, 2010, the agreement was amended and restated to allow borrowings up to $100 million and to define a payment schedule through December 31, 2015. Coeur Alaska’s obligations under the Kensington term facility are secured by all of Coeur Alaska’s assets and the land mineral rights and infrastructure at the Kensington mine, as well as a pledge of the shares of Coeur Alaska owned by the Company, and are guaranteed by the Company. In connection with the amendment of the credit facility, the guarantee was amended to provide that the Company will limit borrowings or asset dispositions by its Bolivian subsidiary Empresa Minera Manquiri S.A.

Borrowings under the amended Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.5% per year. Interest of nil and $1.7 million was capitalized into the loan balance for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As a condition to the Kensington term facility with Credit Suisse noted above, the Company agreed to enter into a gold hedging program which protects a minimum of 243,750 ounces of gold production over the life of the facility against the risk associated with fluctuations in the market price of gold. This program consists of a series of zero cost collars which consist of a floor price and a ceiling price of gold. Call options protecting 136,000 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average strike price of the call options was $1,919.83. Put options protecting 190,000 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average strike price of the put options was $951.93. Collars protecting 182,500 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2010. The weighted average put feature of the collar was $911.99 and the weighted average call feature of the collars was $1,795.18.

Voluntary prepayments of the loans and voluntary reductions of the unutilized portion of the commitments under the Kensington term facility are permissible, subject to certain conditions pertaining to minimum notice and minimum reduction amounts. In addition, voluntary prepayments and reductions are subject to payment of customary break costs. The Kensington term facility requires Coeur Alaska to maintain accounts for a debt service reserve and project proceeds. Coeur Alaska has pledged each of these accounts to Credit Suisse under account pledge agreements.

The Amended Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that the Company believes are usual and customary, including financial covenants that Coeur Alaska’s debt to equity ratio shall not exceed 40%, the ratio of project cash flow to debt service shall be at least 125%, and the tangible net worth of the Borrower is not less than $325 million and the tangible net worth of the Guarantor is no less than $1.0 billion. Project covenants include covenants as to performance of sales contracts, maintenance and management. As of December 31, 2011, we satisfied such covenants, but we believe it is possible that, absent a waiver, the debt service coverage ratio covenant will not be satisfied as of March 31, 2012 due to the temporary reduction in production at Kensington. Accordingly, we are working diligently with Credit Suisse to obtain a waiver.

 

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Other

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, Coeur Mexicana had outstanding balances on capital leases of $18.3 million and $28.4 million, respectively.

The Company had other capital leases for equipment and facilities totaling $8.7 million and $10.8 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

On July 6, 2010, the Company entered into a financing agreement with AFCO Credit Corporation for a short term $2.4 million loan bearing interest at 2.9% to finance insurance premiums. Installments of $0.2 million were paid monthly with the final payment made on June 1, 2011. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 the outstanding balance was nil and $1.1 million, respectively.

On November 27, 2009, Empresa Minera Manquiri borrowed $5.0 million pursuant to a bank loan from Banco Bisa bearing an interest rate of 6.5% to fund working capital requirements. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance was nil and $2.5 million, respectively.

On July 15, 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into an equipment financing agreement bearing interest at 8.26% with Atlas Copco to fund equipment purchases. This agreement is secured by certain machinery and equipment. Twenty-four monthly installments will be made on the loans with the final payment being made on January 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, and 2010, the outstanding balance was $0.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty Obligation

On January 21, 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation under which Franco-Nevada purchased a royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced from its Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico. Coeur Mexicana received $75.0 million in cash plus a warrant to acquire Franco-Nevada Common Shares (the “Franco-Nevada warrant”), which was valued at $3 million at closing of the Franco-Nevada transaction. In September 2010, the warrant was exercised and the related shares were sold for $10.0 million.

The royalty agreement provides for a minimum obligation to be paid monthly on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, or 4,167 ounces per month over an initial eight year period. Each monthly payment is an amount equal to the greater of 4,167 ounces of gold or 50% of actual gold production multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce (which $400 floor is subject to a 1% annual inflation compounding adjustment beginning on January 21, 2013). As of December 31, 2011, payments had been made on a total of 143,354 ounces of gold with further payments to be made on an additional 256,646 ounces of gold. After payments have been made on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, the royalty obligation is payable in the amount of 50% of actual gold production per month multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce, adjusted as described above. Payments under the royalty agreement are to be made in cash or gold bullion. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company paid $73.2 million and 43.1 million, respectively, in royalty payments to Franco-Nevada Corporation. Payments made during the minimum obligation period will result in a reduction to the remaining minimum obligation. Payments made beyond the minimum obligation period will be recognized as other cash operating expenses and result in an increase to Coeur Mexicana’s reported cash cost per ounce of silver.

The Company used an implicit interest rate of 29.3% to discount the original obligation, based on the fair value of the consideration received projected over the expected future cash flows at inception of the obligation. The discounted obligation is accreted to its expected future value over the expected minimum payment period based on the implicit interest rate. The Company recognized accretion expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 of $22.2 million and $20.5 million, and $19.1 million respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the remaining minimum obligation under the royalty agreement was $72.1 million and $80.3 million, respectively.

 

 

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The price volatility associated with the minimum royalty obligation is considered an embedded derivative under U.S. GAAP. Fluctuations in the market price of gold since inception of the agreement have resulted in the recognition of additional fair value adjustments and resulted in higher payments to date. Please see Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty, for further discussion of the embedded derivative feature of the royalty agreement.

Capitalized Interest

The Company capitalizes interest incurred on its various debt instruments as a cost of properties under development. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company capitalized interest of $2.2 million, $9.9 million and $22.8 million, respectively.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      Less Than
1 Year
     1- 3 Years      3-5 Years      More Than
5  Years
 

Long-term debt obligation:

              

Convertible debt(1)

   $ 48,658       $       $       $       $ 48,658   

Interest on debt

     34,251         4,849         6,762         3,663         18,977   

Kensington Term Facility(2)

     75,823         15,398         42,296         18,129           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     158,732         20,247         49,058         21,792         67,635   

Capital lease obligations(3)

     28,601         18,322         10,034         245           

Operating lease obligations:

              

Hyak Mining Lease

     6,281         262         523         523         4,973   

Operating leases

     17,615         5,099         8,039         4,477           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     23,896         5,361         8,562         5,000         4,973   

Other long-term obligations:

              

Reclamation and mine closure(4)

     83,573         1,387         4,479         8,396         69,311   

Lines of credit and other financing

     84         84                           

Severance payments(5)

     10,769                 1,594                 9,175   

Palmarejo Royalty Obligation(6)

     303,005         58,607         119,222         124,160         1,016   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     397,431         60,078         125,295         132,556         79,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 608,660       $ 104,008       $ 192,949       $ 159,593       $ 152,110   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Debt and Capital Resources — 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Debt and Capital Resources — 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024.”

 

(2)

“ See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Debt and Capital Resources — Kensington Term Facility.”

 

(3)

The Company has entered into various capital lease agreements for commitments principally over the next three years.

 

(4)

Reclamation and mine closure amounts represent the Company’s estimate of the cash flows associated with its legal obligation to reclaim and remediate mining properties. This amount will decrease as reclamation and remediation work is completed. Amounts shown on the table are undiscounted.

 

 

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(5)

Severance amounts represent a termination benefit program at the Rochester mine and accrued benefits for government mandated severance at the Palmarejo mine, Martha mine and San Bartolomé mine.

 

(6)

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Debt and Capital Resources — Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty Obligation.”

Environmental Compliance Expenditures

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company expended $10.4 million, $7.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively, in connection with routine environmental compliance activities at its operating properties. Such activities include monitoring, earth moving, water treatment and re-vegetation activities. In addition, the Company has incurred reclamation costs of $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Such costs stem from activities including monitoring, earth moving water treatment and re-vegetation activities.

The Company estimates that environmental compliance expenditures during 2012 will be approximately $7.5 million to obtain permit modifications and other regulatory authorizations. Future environmental expenditures will be determined by governmental regulations and the overall scope of the Company’s operating and development activities. The Company places a very high priority on its compliance with environmental regulations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

The Accounting Standard Codification

In January 2010, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to require additional disclosures related to transfers in and out of level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and enhanced detail in the reconciliation. The guidance was amended to clarify the level of disaggregation required for assets and liabilities and the disclosures required for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets and liability that fall in either level 2 or level 3. The updated guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010, with the exception of the level 3 disaggregation which was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011. The update had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements, for further details regarding the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Risk Factors; Forward-Looking Statements

For information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, securities, financial condition or operating results, reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 1A, Risk Factors, above. In addition, because the preceding discussion includes numerous forward-looking statements relating to the Company, its results of operations and financial condition and business, reference is made to the information set forth above in “Item 1. Business” under the caption “Important Factors Relating to Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to various market risks as a part of its operations. In an effort to mitigate losses associated with these risks, the Company may, at times, enter into derivative financial instruments. These may take the form of forward sales contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. The Company does not actively engage in the practice of trading derivative instruments for profit. This discussion of the Company’s market risk assessments contains “forward looking statements” that contain risks and uncertainties. Actual results and actions could differ materially from those discussed below.

 

 

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The Company’s operating results are substantially dependent upon the world market prices of silver and gold. The Company has no control over silver and gold prices, which can fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors, such as supply and demand and investor sentiment. In order to mitigate some of the risk associated with these fluctuations, the Company will at times enter into forward sale contracts. The Company continually evaluates the potential benefits of engaging in these strategies based on current market conditions. The Company may be exposed to nonperformance risk by counterparties as a result of its hedging activities. This exposure would be limited to the amount that the spot price of the metal falls short of the contract price. The Company enters into contracts and other arrangements from time to time in an effort to reduce the negative effect of price changes on its cashflows. These arrangements typically consist of managing its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and market prices associated with changes in gold and silver commodity prices. The Company may also manage price risk through the purchase of put options.

Third Party Contracts

The Company enters into concentrate sales contracts with third-party smelters. The contracts, in general, provide for a provisional payment based upon provisional assays and quoted metal prices. The provisionally priced sales contracts contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of concentrates at the forward price at the time of sale. The embedded derivative, which is the final settlement based on a future price, does not qualify for hedge accounting. These embedded derivatives are recorded as derivative assets in prepaid expenses and other or as derivative liabilities in accrued liabilities and other on the balance sheet and are adjusted to fair value through earnings each period until the date of final settlement.

Provisionally Priced Contracts

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $22.5 million consisting of 0.2 million ounces of silver and 9,701 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $21.7 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $2,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $9,700. At December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $35.7 million consisting of 0.6 million ounces of silver and 12,758 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $37.4 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $6,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $12,800.

Foreign Exchange Rates

The Company operates, or has mining interests, in several foreign countries, specifically Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico and Argentina, which exposes it to risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates of the currencies involved. As part of its program to manage foreign currency risk, the Company from time to time enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts. These contracts enable the Company to purchase a fixed amount of foreign currencies. Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts that are related to firm commitments are designated and effective as hedges and are deferred and recognized in the same period as the related transaction. All other contracts that do not qualify as hedges are marked to market and the resulting gains or losses are recorded in income. The Company continually evaluates the potential benefits of entering into these contracts to mitigate foreign currency risk and proceeds when it believes that the exchange rates are most beneficial.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the foreign exchange risk associated with forecasted Mexican peso (“MXP”) operating costs at its Palmarejo mine.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had MXP foreign exchange contracts of $25.5 million in U.S. dollars. These contracts require the Company to exchange U.S. dollars for MXP at a weighted average exchange rate of 12.40 MXP to each U.S. dollar and had a fair value of $(3.2) at December 31, 2011. The Company recorded mark-to-market gains (losses) of $(3.2) million, $(1.3) million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is reflected in the gain (loss) on derivatives. A 10% weakening of the MXP would result in a reduction in fair value of $2.5 million. The Company recorded realized gains of $0.4 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million in production costs applicable to sales during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Gold Lease Facility

On December 12, 2008, the Company entered into a gold lease facility with Mitsubishi International Corporation (“MIC”). This facility permitted the Company to lease amounts of gold from MIC and obligated the Company to deliver the same amounts back to MIC and to pay specified lease fees to MIC equivalent to interest at market rates on the value of the gold leased. Pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, the Company’s obligations under the facility were secured by certain collateral. The collateral agreement specified the maximum amount of gold the Company was permitted to lease from MIC, as well as the amount and type of collateral.

On July 16, 2010 the Company and MIC entered into an Amendment No. 4 to the Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement to increase the availability under the facility. Under the amended agreement, the maximum amount the Company was permitted to lease under the facility, aggregated with lease fees, was $49.5 million. In addition, the amended agreement provided for a customary commitment fee. On December 23, 2010, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 5 to the second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, lowering the value of the collateral required to secure its obligations to 30% of the outstanding amount, including lease fees. The Company terminated the facility effective November 11, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no ounces of gold leased from MIC. At December 31, 2010, the Company had 10,000 ounces of gold leased from MIC, which it delivered to MIC on March 22, 2011. The Company accounted for the gold lease facility as a derivative instrument, which was recorded in accrued liabilities and other on the balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2010, based on the current futures metals prices for each of the delivery dates and using a 3.1% discount rate, the fair value of the instrument was a liability of $14.1 million. The pre-credit risk adjusted fair value of the net derivative liability as of December 31, 2010 was $14.2 million. A credit risk adjustment of $0.1 million to the fair value of the derivative reduced the reported amount of the net derivative liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet to $14.1 million. Mark-to market adjustments for the gold lease facility amounted to a gain of $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company recorded realized gain of $2.3 million and $10.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The mark-to-market adjustments and realized losses are included in fair value adjustments, net.

Gold Forward Contract

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company settled an outstanding forward gold contract of 10,000 ounces at a fixed price of $1,380 per ounce, which resulted in a realized gain of $0.5 million. During 2009, the Company purchased silver put options to reduce risk associated with potential decreases in the market price of silver. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, outstanding put options allowing the Company to deliver 5.4 million ounces of silver at an average strike price of $9.21 per ounce expired. The Company recorded realized losses of $2.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, which are included in Fair value adjustments, net. There were no put options outstanding under this program at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Hedging Program

As a condition to the Kensington term facility with Credit Suisse noted above, the Company agreed to enter into a gold hedging program which protects a minimum of 243,750 ounces of gold production over the life of the facility against the risk associated with fluctuations in the market price of gold. At December 31, 2011, the Company had written outstanding call options requiring it to deliver 136,000 ounces of gold at a weighted average strike price of $1,919.83 per ounce if the market price of gold exceeds the strike price. At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding put options allowing it to sell 190,000 ounces of gold at a weighted average strike price of $951.93 per ounce if the market price of gold were to fall below the strike price. The contracts will expire over the next five years.

 

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Franco-Nevada Derivative

On January 21, 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation under which Franco-Nevada purchased a royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced from the Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico. Coeur Mexicana received $75.0 million in cash plus a warrant to acquire Franco-Nevada Common Shares (the “Franco-Nevada warrant”), which was valued at $3 million at closing of the Franco-Nevada transaction. On September 19, 2010, the warrant was exercised and the related shares were sold for $10.0 million.

The royalty agreement provides for a minimum obligation to be paid in monthly payments on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, or 4,167 ounces per month over an initial eight year period. Each monthly payment is an amount equal to the greater of 4,167 ounces of gold or 50% of actual gold production multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce (which $400 floor is subject to a 1% annual inflation compounding adjustment beginning on January 21, 2013). As of December 31, 2011, payments had been made on a total of 143,354 ounces of gold with further payments to be made on an additional 256,646 ounces of gold. After payments have been made on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, the royalty obligation is payable in the amount of 50% of actual gold production per month multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce, adjusted as described above. Payments under the royalty agreement are to be made in cash or gold bullion. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 the Company paid $73.2 million and $43.1 million, respectively, in royalty payments to Franco-Nevada Corporation. Payments made during the minimum obligation period will result in a reduction to the remaining minimum obligation. Payments made beyond the minimum obligation period will be recognized as other cash operating expenses and result in an increase to Coeur Mexicana’s reported cash cost per ounce of silver.

The Company used an implicit interest rate of 29.3% to discount the original obligation, based on the fair value of the consideration received projected over the expected future cash flows at inception of the obligation. The discounted obligation is accreted to its expected future value over the expected minimum payment period based on the implicit interest rate. The Company recognized accretion expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, and 2010 of $22.2 million and $20.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, and 2010, the remaining minimum obligation under the royalty agreement was $72.1 million and $80.3 million, respectively.

The price volatility associated with the minimum royalty obligation is considered an embedded derivative under U.S. GAAP. Fluctuations in the market price of gold since inception of the agreement have resulted in the recognition of additional fair value adjustments and resulted in higher payments to date. Please see Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to our financial statements included herein, for further discussion of the embedded derivative feature of the royalty agreement. For each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, the obligation would increase (plus or minus) approximately $0.2 million.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements required hereunder and contained herein are listed under Item 15, Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, below.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

 

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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a)    Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by it in its periodic reports filed with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures conducted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, such officers concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective and operating at a reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2011.

(b)    Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

   

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

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based upon its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based upon those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO, and its report dated February 23, 2011, which is included in this Form 10-K immediately preceding the Company’s audited financial statements, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.

(c)    Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Item 9B. Other Information

On December 1, 2011 Coeur Rochester, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur and the operator of the Rochester mine located in Pershing county, Nevada, received an imminent danger order under section 107(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The order shut down a bottle roller rack in the Rochester lab, alleging that the edges on a shop-built guard on the rack were not ground down to a sufficiently smooth level and could result in cutting or other injury. The order was subsequently terminated.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information called for by this item regarding directors is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed pursuant to Regulation 14A or an amendment hereto, to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report under the captions “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Audit Committee Report”.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information called for by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed pursuant to Regulation 14A or an amendment hereto, to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “2011 Summary Compensation Table,” “2011 Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2011 Fiscal Year End,” “2011 Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Pension Benefits and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation,” “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report.”

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, certain information called for by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed pursuant to Regulation 14A or an amendment hereto, to be not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report under the caption “Share Ownership.”

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2011 regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans.

 

Plan category

   Number of shares to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding  options,
warrants and rights
     Weighted-average  exercise

price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
     Number of shares  remaining

available for future issuance

under equity  compensation

plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a) (1)
 
     (a)      (b)      (c)  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     321,607         30.20         3,720,817   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     321,607         30.20         3,720,817   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Amounts include 105,929 performance shares which are issued at the end of the three year service period if certain market conditions are met and the recipient remains an employee of the Company.

 

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information called for by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, or an amendment hereto, to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report under the captions “Certain Related Person Transactions” and “Committees of the Board of Directors.”

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information called for by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, or an amendment hereto, to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report under the captions “Audit and Non-Audit Fees” and “Audit Committee Policies and Procedures for Pre-Approval of Independent Auditor Services.”

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)   The following financial statements are filed herewith:

 

(1)

The following consolidated financial statements of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation and subsidiaries are included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Consolidated Balance Sheets — December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b)   Exhibits: The following listed documents are filed as Exhibits to this report:

 

3.1   

Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended effective May 26, 2009. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2010).

3.2   

Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Junior Preferred Stock of the Registrant, as filed with Idaho Secretary of State on May 13, 1999 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.C to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2003).

3.3   

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Junior Preferred Stock of the Registrant, dated December 7, 2007 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(G) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2008).

3.4   

Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended effective July 12, 2011 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2011).

4.1   

Specimen certificate of the Registrant’s stock. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 27, 2009).

4.2   

Indenture dated as of March 18, 2008, by and between the Registrant and the Bank of New York relating to the Registrant’s 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2008).

 

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4.3   

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 18, 2008 to Indenture dated as of March 18, 2008, by and between the Registrant and the Bank of New York relating to the Registrant’s 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2008).

4.4   

Indenture between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of February 5, 2010 (Incorporated by herein reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2010).

4.5   

First Supplemental Indenture between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of February 5, 2010 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2010).

4.6   

Form of Senior Term Note due December 31, 2012, dated February 5, 2010 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2010).

10.1   

401k Plan of the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(pp) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 29, 1995).*

10.2   

Amended and Restated 2005 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan, as amended for the Registrant’s reverse stock split. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010).*

10.3   

Amended Mining Lease, effective as of August 5, 2005, between Hyak Mining Company, Inc. and Coeur Alaska, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 12, 2005).

10.4   

Silver Sale Agreement, dated September 8, 2005, between the Registrant, Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. and CDE Australia Pty. Ltd. (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.) (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005).

10.5   

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2005).*

10.6   

Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2005).*

10.7   

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2005).*

10.8   

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010).*

10.9   

Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010).*

10.1   

Form of Cash Settled Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010).*

10.11   

Form of Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement (Incorporated here in by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to the Registran’s Annual Report on form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010).*

10.12   

Amended and Restated Silver Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 2006, between CDE Australia Pty Limited and Cobar Operations Pty Limited (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.) (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2006).

 

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10.13   

Supplemental Agreement in respect of the Amended and Restated Silver Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated January 29, 2008, between CDE Australia Pty Limited and Cobar Operations Pty Limited (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2008).

10.14   

Gold royalty stream agreement, dated as of January 21, 2009, by and between the Registrant and Franco-Nevada (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2009).*

10.15   

Deed of Termination, dated July 15, 2009, of the Silver Sale Agreement, dated September 8, 2005, between the Registrant, Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. and CDE Australia Pty. Ltd. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2009.)

10.16   

Term Facility Agreement dated October 27, 2009 by and among Coeur Alaska Inc. and the financial institutions listed in schedule I thereto (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2009).

10.17   

Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement dated October 27, 2009 between the Registrant and Credit Suisse, as Security Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2009).

10.18   

Capital Expenditure and Cost Overrun Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement dated October 27, 2009 among the Registrant, Coeur Alaska Inc. as Borrower and Credit Suisse, as Security Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2009).

10.19   

Amended and restated Term Facility Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2010, among Coeur Alaska Inc. as Borrower, Credit Suisse AG as Arranger, Security Agent, Facility Agent and lender and Credit Suisse International as Hedge Provider. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2010).

10.20   

Letter, dated December 20, 2010, from the Company to Credit Suisse A.G. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2010).

10.21   

Securities Purchase Agreement among the Company, Sonoma Capital Offshore, Ltd., Sonoma Capital, L.P., Manchester Securities Corp, JGB Capital L.P., JGB Capital Offshore Ltd. and SAMC LLC, dated as of February 5, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2010)

10.22   

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, between the Registrant and Mitchell J. Krebs. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009).*

10.23   

Third Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 6, 2010 between the Company and Mitchell J. Krebs. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010).*

10.24   

Employment Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, between the Company and Mitchell J. Krebs. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2011.)*

10.25   

Side letter, dated September 12, 2011, between the Company and Mitchell J. Krebs. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2011.)*

10.26   

Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2011, between the Company and Frank L. Hanagarne Jr. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2011.)*

10.27   

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, between the Registrant and Donald J. Birak. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009).*

 

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10.28   

Second Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 2, 2010 between the Company and Donald J. Birak. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010).*

10.29   

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2008, between the Registrant and K. Leon Hardy. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2010).*

10.30   

First Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, dated July 31, 2009, between the Registrant and K. Leon Hardy. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2010).*

10.31   

Second Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 2, 2010, between the Registrant and K. Leon Hardy. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2010).*

10.32   

Third Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 2, 2010 between the Company and K. Leon Hardy. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010).*

10.33   

Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2012, between the Company and K. Leon Hardy (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2012).*

10.34   

Second Amendment to Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 2, 2010 between the Company and Kelli C. Kast. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2010).*

10.35   

Employment Agreement, dated January 4, 2012, between the Company and Kelli C. Kast (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2012).*

10.36   

Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, between the Registrant and Dennis E. Wheeler. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009).*

10.37   

First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective August 6, 2010, between the Company and Dennis E. Wheeler. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2010).*

10.38   

Transition Agreement, Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims, dated July 14, 2011, between the Company and Dennis E. Wheeler. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2011.)*

10.39   

Amended and Restated 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2010).*

10.40   

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation Executive Severance Policy (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2012).*

10.41   

Two-Way Metals Lease Agreement, dated December 12, 2008, between the Registrant and Mitsubishi International Corporation. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2010).

10.42   

Second Amended and Restated Collateral agreement, dated as of August 7, 2009, among the Registrant, CDE Australia Pty Ltd and Mitsubishi International Corporation. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2010).

10.43   

Amendment No. 4 to Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2010, between the Registrant and Mitsubishi International Corporation. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2010).

 

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10.44   

Amendment No. 1 to Two-Way Metal Lease Agreement and Amendment No. 5 to Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2010, between the Registrant and Mitsubishi International Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011)

12   

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. (Filed herewith).

21   

List of subsidiaries of the Registrant. (Filed herewith).

23   

Consent of KPMG LLP (Filed herewith).

31.1    Certification of the CEO (Filed herewith).
31.2    Certification of the CFO (Filed herewith).
32.1    CEO Section 1350 Certification (Filed herewith).
32.2    CFO Section 1350 Certification (Filed herewith).
95.1    Mine Safety Disclosure

 

*

Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation

(Registrant)

Date: February 23, 2012     By:   /s/ Mitchell J. Krebs
      Mitchell J. Krebs
     

(Director, President and

Chief Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ Mitchell J. Krebs

Mitchell J. Krebs

  

Director, President, Chief Executive

Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Frank L. Hanagarne Jr.

Frank L. Hanagarne Jr.

  

Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer )

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Elizabeth M. Druffel

Elizabeth M. Druffel

  

Treasurer and Chief Accountant

(Principal Accounting Officer )

  February 23, 2012

/s/ James J.Curran

James J. Curran

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Sebastian Edwards

Sebastian Edwards

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Andrew D. Lundquist

Andrew D. Lundquist

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Robert E. Mellor

Robert E. Mellor

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ John H. Robinson

John H. Robinson

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ J. Kenneth Thompson

J. Kenneth Thompson

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Michael Bogert

Michael Bogert

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

/s/ Timothy R. Winterer

Timothy R. Winterer

  

Director

  February 23, 2012

 

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     F-7   

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

KPMG LLP

Boise, Idaho

February 23, 2012

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation:

We have audited Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 company’s 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 company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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, Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

KPMG LLP

Boise, Idaho

February 23, 2012

 

F-3


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2011     2010  
    

(In thousands,

except share data)

 

ASSETS

  

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 175,012      $ 66,118   

Short-term investments

     20,254          

Receivables

     83,497        58,880   

Ore on leach pads (Note 3)

     27,252        7,959   

Metal and other inventory (Note 8)

     132,781        118,340   

Deferred tax assets (Note 14)

     1,869          

Restricted assets

     60        25   

Prepaid expenses and other

     24,218        14,889   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     464,943        266,211   

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

    

Property, plant and equipment

     687,676        668,101   

Mining properties (Note 11)

     2,001,027        2,122,216   

Ore on leach pads, non-current portion (Note 3)

     6,679        10,005   

Restricted assets (Note 3)

     28,911        29,028   

Receivables, non current

     40,314        42,866   

Marketable securities

     19,844          

Debt issuance costs, net

     1,889        4,333   

Deferred tax assets (Note 14)

     263        804   

Other

     12,895        13,963   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 3,264,441      $ 3,157,527   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 78,590      $ 88,321   

Accrued liabilities and other

     13,179        18,608   

Accrued income taxes

     47,803        28,397   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     16,240        17,953   

Accrued interest payable

     559        834   

Current portion of capital leases and other debt obligations

     32,602        63,317   

Current portion of royalty obligation (Note 12 and 17)

     61,721        51,981   

Current portion of reclamation and mine closure (Note 13)

     1,387        1,306   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     252,081        270,717   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Long-term debt (Note 12)

     115,861        130,067   

Non-current portion of royalty obligation (Note 12 and 17)

     169,788        190,334   

Reclamation and mine closure (Note 13)

     32,371        27,779   

Deferred income taxes (Note 14)

     527,573        474,264   

Other long-term liabilities

     30,046        23,599   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     875,639        846,043   

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    

(See Notes 17, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 150,000,000 shares, 89,655,124 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 89,315,767 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010

     897        893   

Additional paid-in capital

     2,585,632        2,578,206   

Accumulated deficit

     (444,833     (538,332

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4,975       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,136,721        2,040,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 3,264,441      $ 3,157,527   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-4


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands, except share data)  

Sales of metal

   $ 1,021,200      $ 515,457      $ 300,361   

Production costs applicable to sales

     (419,956     (257,636     (191,311

Depreciation and depletion

     (224,500     (141,619     (81,376
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     376,744        116,202        27,674   

COSTS AND EXPENSES

      

Administrative and general

     31,379        24,176        22,070   

Exploration

     19,128        14,249        13,056   

Pre-development, care, maintenance and other

     19,441        2,877        1,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     69,948        41,302        36,594   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

     306,796        74,900        (8,920

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

      

Gain (loss) on debt extinguishments

     (5,526     (20,300     31,528   

Fair value adjustments, net

     (52,050     (117,094     (82,227

Interest and other income (expense)

     (6,610     771        1,648   

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest

     (34,774     (30,942     (18,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and expense

     (98,960     (167,565     (67,153
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     207,836        (92,665     (76,073

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (114,337     9,481        33,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     93,499        (83,184     (43,002

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

            (6,029     (9,601

Income (loss) on sale of net assets of discontinued operations, net of taxes of $0.0 million for 2010 and $6.5 million for 2009

            (2,095     25,537   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     93,499        (91,308     (27,066

Other comprehensive loss

     (4,975     (5       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 88,524      $ (91,313   $ (27,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

      

Basic income (loss) per share:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 1.05      $ (0.95   $ (0.60

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

            (0.10     0.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1.05      $ (1.05   $ (0.38
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per share:

      

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 1.04      $ (0.95   $ (0.60

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

            (0.10     0.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1.04      $ (1.05   $ (0.38
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock:

      

Basic

     89,383        87,185        71,565   

Diluted

     89,725        87,185        71,565   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Common
Stock
Shares
     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Accumulated
Deficit
     Shares
Held in
Treasury
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
     Total  
     (In thousands)  

Balances at December 31, 2008

     56,780       $ 568       $ 2,218,487       $ (419,958    $ (13,190    $ 5       $ 1,785,912   

Net loss

                             (27,066                      (27,066

Reclassification of liability for embedded conversion option upon adoption of new accounting standard

                     21,566                                 21,566   

Fractional shares purchased related to reverse stock split

     (1              (36                              (36

Conversion of Senior Secured Floating Rate Convertible Notes to common stock

     8,666         87         27,670                                 27,757   

Common stock issued to extinguish debt

     14,866         148         187,597                                 187,745   

Retirement of treasury shares

     (106      (1      (13,189              13,190                   

Common stock issued under long-term incentive plans, net

     105         1         2,167                                 2,168   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2009

     80,310       $ 803       $ 2,444,262       $ (447,024    $       $ 5       $ 1,998,046   

Net loss

                             (91,308                      (91,308

Common stock issued for payment of principal, interest and financing fees on 6.5% Senior Secured Notes

     1,357         13         19,993                                 20,006   

Common stock issued to extinguish 3.25% and 1.25% debt

     7,639         77         113,357                                 113,434   

Common stock issued/cancelled under long-term incentive plans, net

     10                 594                                 594   

Other

                                             (5      (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2010

     89,316       $ 893       $ 2,578,206       $ (538,332    $       $       $ 2,040,767   

Net income

                             93,499                         93,499   

Common stock issued/cancelled under long-term incentive plans, net

     339         4         7,426                                 7,430   

Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities

                                             (4,975      (4,975
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2011

     89,655       $ 897       $ 2,585,632       $ (444,833    $       $ (4,975    $ 2,136,721   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-6


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 93,499      $ (91,308   $ (27,066

Add (deduct) non-cash items:

      

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     224,500        143,813        87,140   

Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs

     4,041        3,374        504   

Accretion of royalty obligation

     21,550        19,018        14,209   

Deferred income taxes

     51,792        (37,628     (43,061

Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment

     5,526        20,300        (31,528

Fair value adjustments

     46,450        115,458        81,035   

Loss on foreign currency transactions

     380        3,867        546   

Share-based compensation

     8,122        7,217        4,876   

Loss on sale of asset backed securities

                   600   

Loss (gain) on asset retirement obligation

     (335     (167     1,181   

Gain on sales of assets

     (1,145     (25     (31,988

Environmental remediation

                   5,040   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables and other current assets

     (21,950     (6,228     (10,592

Prepaid expenses and other

     (8,839     5,871        (3,728

Inventories

     (30,408     (47,887     (26,804

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     22,990        29,888        39,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     416,173        165,563        60,147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of investments

     (49,501     (5,872     (24,012

Proceeds from maturities of investments

     6,246        24,244        38,531   

Capital expenditures

     (119,988     (155,994     (218,235

Proceeds from sales of assets

     2,531        6,211        57,364   

Other

     (249     (284     (494
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (160,961     (131,695     (146,846
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Proceeds from sale of gold production royalty

                   75,000   

Additions to restricted assets associated with Kensington Term Facility

     (1,326     (2,353     (966

Payments on gold production royalty

     (73,191     (43,125     (15,762

Proceeds from issuance of notes and bank borrowings

     27,500        176,166        40,804   

Payments on notes, long-term debt, capital leases, credit facility, and associated costs

     (85,519     (104,595     (26,226

Proceeds from gold lease facility

            18,445        5,108   

Payments of gold lease facility

     (13,800     (37,977     (1,627

Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions

            4,853        12,511   

Payments of common stock and debt issuance costs

            (2,232     (121

Other

     18        286          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (146,318     9,468        88,721   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     108,894        43,336        2,022   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     66,118        22,782        20,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 175,012      $ 66,118      $ 22,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-7


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

NOTE 1 — NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Company is a large primary silver producer with significant gold assets located in North America and is engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the operation and ownership, development and exploration of silver and gold mining properties and companies located primarily within South America (Argentina and Bolivia), Mexico (Chihuahua), the United States (Nevada and Alaska) and Australia (New South Wales). Coeur is an Idaho corporation incorporated in 1928.

NOTE 2 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP).

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company sold its interest in silver contained at the Broken Hill mine. On August 9, 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in the Cerro Bayo mine. Consequently, for all of the periods presented, income (loss) from Cerro Bayo and Broken Hill has been presented within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

NOTE 3 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, the most significant of which are Empresa Minera Manquiri S.A., Coeur Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Coeur Rochester, Inc., Coeur Alaska, Inc., Coeur Argentina S.R.L. and CDE Australia Pty. Ltd. The consolidated financial statements also include all entities in which voting control of more than 50% is held by the Company. The Company has no investments in entities in which it has greater than 50% ownership interest accounted for using the equity method. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in corporate joint ventures where the Company has ownership of 50% or less and funds its proportionate share of expenses are accounted for under the equity method. The Company has no investments in entities in which it has a greater than 20% ownership interest accounted for using the cost method.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2010, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to require additional disclosures related to transfers in and out of level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and enhanced detail in the reconciliation. The guidance was amended to clarify the level of disaggregation required for assets and liabilities and the disclosures required for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets and liability that fall in either level 2 or level 3. The updated guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010, with the exception of the level 3 disaggregation which was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011. The update had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 5 — Fair Value Measurements, for further details regarding the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, no obligations remain and collection is probable. The passing of title to the customer is based on the terms of the sales contract. Product pricing is determined at the point revenue is recognized by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver, in an identical form to the product sold.

Under the Company’s concentrate sales contracts with third-party smelters, final gold and silver prices are set on a specified future quotational period, typically one to three months, after the shipment date based on market metal prices. Revenues and production costs applicable to sales are recorded on a gross basis under these contracts at the time title passes to the buyer based on the forward price for the expected settlement period. The

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

contracts, in general, provide for provisional payment based upon provisional assays and quoted metal prices. Final settlement is based on the average applicable price for the specified future quotational period and generally occurs from three to six months after shipment. Final sales are settled using smelter weights and settlement assays (average of assays exchanged and/or umpire assay results) and are priced as specified in the smelter contract. The Company’s provisionally priced sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of concentrates measured at the forward price at the time of sale. The embedded derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting. The embedded derivative is recorded as a derivative asset in prepaid expenses and other assets or as a derivative liability in accrued liabilities and other on the consolidated balance sheet and is adjusted to fair value through revenue each period until the date of final gold and silver settlement. The form of the material being sold, after deduction for smelting and refining, is in an identical form to that sold on the London Bullion Market. The form of the product is metal in flotation concentrate, which is the final process for which the Company is responsible. Revenue includes the sales of by-product gold from the Company’s silver mining operations.

The effects of forward sales contracts are reflected in revenue at the date the related precious metals are delivered or the contracts expire. Third-party smelting and refining costs of $17.7 million, $8.6 million and $6.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are recorded as a reduction of revenue.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $22.5 million consisting of 0.2 million ounces of silver and 9,701 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $21.7 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $2,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $9,700. At December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $35.7 million consisting of 0.6 million ounces of silver and 12,758 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $37.4 million including the embedded derivative. For each one cent per ounce change in realized silver price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $6,000 and for each one dollar per ounce change in realized gold price, revenue would vary (plus or minus) approximately $12,800.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company minimizes its credit risk by investing its cash and cash equivalents with major international banks and financial institutions located principally in the United States with a minimum credit rating of A1 as defined by Standard & Poor’s. The Company’s management believes that no concentration of credit risk exists with respect to the investment of its cash and cash equivalents.

Receivables: Trade receivables and other receivable balances recorded in other current assets are reported at outstanding principal amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management evaluates the collectability of receivable account balances to determine the allowance, if any. Management considers the other party’s credit risk and financial condition, as well as current and projected economic and market conditions, in determining the amount of the allowance. Receivable balances are written off when management determines that the balance is uncollectable. The Company determined that no allowance against its receivable balances at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were necessary.

Ore on Leach Pad: The heap leach process is a process of extracting silver and gold by placing ore on an impermeable pad and applying a diluted cyanide solution that dissolves a portion of the contained silver and gold, which are then recovered in metallurgical processes. In August 2007, the Company had ceased mining and crushing operations at the Rochester mine as ore reserves were determined to have been fully mined at then-current market prices. Residual heap leach activities on that pad were expected to continue through 2014.

The Company completed a technical and economic study in early 2010 demonstrating the viability of an expansion of mining and leaching operations at its Rochester mine through 2017. The Company prepared an

 

F-9


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Amended Plan of Operations for resumption of mining within the existing and permitted Rochester Pit and construction of an additional heap leach pad, all within the currently permitted mine boundary. In October 2010, the Bureau of Land Management issued a positive Decision Record for the mine to extend silver and gold mining operations under this plan.

The Company uses several integrated steps to scientifically measure the metal content of ore placed on the leach pads. As the ore body is drilled in preparation for the blasting process, samples are taken of the drill residue which are assayed to determine estimated quantities of contained metal. The Company estimates the quantity of ore by utilizing global positioning satellite survey techniques. The Company then processes the ore through crushing facilities where the output is again weighed and sampled for assaying. A metallurgical reconciliation with the data collected from the mining operation is completed with appropriate adjustments made to previous estimates. The crushed ore is then transported to the leach pad for application of the leaching solution. As the leach solution is collected from the leach pads, it is continuously sampled for assaying. The quantity of leach solution is measured by flow meters throughout the leaching and precipitation process. After precipitation, the product is converted to doré, which is the final product produced by the mine. The inventory is stated at lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a weighted average cost method.

The Company reported ore on the leach pads of $33.9 million as of December 31, 2011, and $18.0 million as of December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, $27.3 million is reported as a current asset and $6.7 million is reported as a non-current asset . As of December 31, 2010, $8.0 million is reported as a current asset and $10.0 million is reported as a non-current asset. The distinction between current and non-current is based upon the expected length of time necessary for the leaching process to remove the metals from the broken ore. The historical cost of the metal that is expected to be extracted within twelve months is classified as current and the historical cost of metals contained within the broken ore that will be extracted beyond twelve months is classified as non-current. Inventories of ore on leach pad are valued based on actual production costs incurred to produce and place ore on the leach pad, adjusted for effects on monthly production of costs of abnormal production levels, less costs allocated to minerals recovered through the leach process.

The estimate of both the ultimate recovery expected over time and the quantity of metal that may be extracted relative to the time the leach process occurs requires the use of estimates which are inherently inaccurate since they rely upon laboratory testwork. Testwork consists of 60 day leach columns from which the Company projects metal recoveries up to five years in the future. The quantities of metal contained in the ore are based upon actual weights and assay analysis. The rate at which the leach process extracts gold and silver from the crushed ore is based upon laboratory column tests and actual experience occurring over more than twenty years of leach pad operations at the Rochester mine. The assumptions used by the Company to measure metal content during each stage of the inventory conversion process includes estimated recovery rates based on laboratory testing and assaying. The Company periodically reviews its estimates compared to actual experience and revises its estimates when appropriate. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company increased its estimated silver ounces contained in the Stage IV heap inventory by 0.7 million ounces and decreased its estimated gold ounces contained in the heap inventory by 298 ounces. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company decreased its estimated silver ounces contained in the Stage IV heap inventory by 0.2 million ounces and decreased its estimated gold ounces contained in the heap inventory by 10,828 ounces.

The decrease in estimated silver and gold ounces contained in the heap inventory is due to changes in estimated recoveries anticipated for the remainder of the residual leach phase. The ultimate recovery will not be known until leaching operations cease.

Metal and Other Inventory: Inventories include concentrate ore, doré, ore in stockpiles and operating materials and supplies. The classification of inventory is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process. To the extent there is work in process inventories at the Endeavor mine, such amounts are of

 

F-10


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

gold and silver. Material that does not contain a minimum quantity of gold and silver to cover estimated processing expense to recover the contained gold and silver is not classified as inventory and is assigned no value. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a weighted average cost method. Concentrate and doré inventory includes product at the mine site and product held by refineries and are also valued at lower of cost or market value. Concentrate inventories associated with the Endeavor mine are held by third parties. Metal inventory costs include direct labor, materials, depreciation, depletion and amortization as well as administrative overhead costs relating to mining activities.

Property, Plant, and Equipment: Expenditures for new facilities, assets acquired pursuant to capital leases, new assets or expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the shorter of estimated productive lives of such facilities or the useful life of the individual assets. Productive lives range from 7 to 31 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 13 years for machinery and equipment and 3 to 7 years for furniture and fixtures. Certain mining equipment is depreciated using the units-of-production method based upon estimated total proven and probable reserves. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Operational Mining Properties and Mine Development: Capitalization of mine development costs that meet the definition of an asset begins once all operating permits have been secured, mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves and a final feasibility study has been completed. Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body, the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines and the building of access ways, shafts, lateral access, drifts, ramps and other infrastructure at underground mines. Costs incurred during the start-up phase of a mine are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred before mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves are expensed and classified as Exploration or Pre-development expense. All capitalized costs are amortized using the units of production method over the estimated life of the ore body based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves. Interest expense allocable to the cost of developing mining properties and to construct new facilities is capitalized until assets are ready for their intended use. Gains or losses from sales or retirements of assets are included in other income or expense.

Drilling and related costs incurred at the Company’s operating mines are expensed as incurred as exploration expense, unless the Company can conclude with a high degree of confidence, prior to the commencement of a drilling program, that the drilling costs will result in the conversion of a mineral resource into proven and probable reserves. The Company’s assessment is based on the following factors: results from previous drill programs; results from geological models; results from a mine scoping study confirming economic viability of the resource; and preliminary estimates of mine inventory, ore grade, cash flow and mine life. In addition, the Company must have all permitting and/or contractual requirements necessary to have the right to and/or control of the future benefit from the targeted ore body. The costs of a drilling program that meet these criteria are capitalized as mine development costs. All other drilling and related costs, including those beyond the boundaries of the development and production stage properties, are expensed as incurred.

Drilling and related costs of approximately $7.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, met the criteria for capitalization listed above at the Company’s properties that are in the development and production stages.

The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open pit mine prior to the production phase are referred to as “pre-stripping costs.” Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development of an open pit mine. Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that are included as a component of inventory to be recognized in production costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory.

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Mineral Interests: Significant payments related to the acquisition of land and mineral rights are capitalized as incurred. Prior to acquiring such land or mineral rights, the Company generally makes a preliminary evaluation to determine that the property has significant potential to develop an economic ore body. The time between initial acquisition and full evaluation of a property’s potential is variable and is determined by many factors including: location relative to existing infrastructure, the property’s stage of development, geological controls and metal prices. If a mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method based on recoverable ounces to be mined from proven and probable reserves. If no mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined the property has no future economic value. The Company amortizes its mineral interests in the Endeavor mine using the units of production method.

Asset Impairment: Management reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of its assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the total probability-weighted estimate of future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset group, including property plant and equipment, mineral property, development property, and any deferred costs. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between book value and fair value of the asset group, as determined through the application of present value technique to estimate fair value in the absence of a market price. Future cash flows include estimates of recoverable ounces, gold and silver prices (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production levels and required capital investment, all based on life-of-mine plans and projections. Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any differences between these assumptions and actual market conditions or the Company’s actual operating performance could have a material effect on the Company’s determination of its ability to recover the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets resulting in impairment charges. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset groups. Generally, in estimating future cash flows, all assets are grouped at a particular mine for which there is identifiable cash flow.

As of December 31, 2011, continued suspension of mining operations above the 4,400 meter level at the San Bartolomé mine and the temporary reduction of production at Kensington prompted an impairment review of the carrying value of these mines. The review determined that there were no impairments for the San Bartolome and Kensington mines. The impairment assessment compared the cumulative undiscounted prospective cash flows of each mine to the sum of the carrying values of the long-lived assets at San Bartolomé and Kensington mines as of December 31, 2011.

Restricted Assets: The Company, under the terms of its credit facility, self-insurance, and bonding agreements with certain banks, lending institutions and regulatory agencies, is required to collateralize certain portions of its obligations. The Company has collateralized these obligations by assigning certificates of deposit that have maturity dates ranging from three months to a year, to the respective institutions or agencies. At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company held certificates of deposit and cash under these agreements of $28.9 million and $29.0 million, respectively, restricted for these purposes. The ultimate timing of the release of the collateralized amounts is dependent on the timing and closure of each mine and repayment of the facility. In order to release the collateral, the Company must seek approval from certain government agencies responsible for monitoring the mine closure status. Collateral could also be released to the extent the Company is able to secure alternative financial assurance satisfactory to the regulatory agencies. The Company believes there is a reasonable probability that the collateral will remain in place beyond a twelve-month period and has therefore classified these investments as long-term.

Reclamation and Remediation Costs: The Company recognizes obligations for the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and other associated asset retirement costs. These legal obligations are associated with the

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and normal use of the asset. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation will be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. An accretion cost, representing the increase over time in the present value of the liability, is recorded each period in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability is reduced.

Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the undiscounted costs expected to be incurred at the site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care and maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

Foreign Currency: The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using U.S. dollars as their functional currency. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net loss.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the value of derivative instruments are recorded each period in fair value adjustments, net.

Stock-based Compensation Plans: The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock options granted are accounted for as equity-based awards and SARs are accounted for as liability-based awards. The value of the SARs is remeasured at each reporting date. Performance shares granted are accounted for as equity based awards and performance shares units are accounted for as liability-based awards. The Company estimates the fair value of performance share and performance unit grants using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical data and periodically adjusts the forfeiture rate. The adjustment of the forfeiture rate is recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. Compensation costs related to stock based compensation are included in administrative and general expenses, production costs applicable to sales and the cost of self-constructed property, plant and equipment as deemed appropriate.

Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Company’s incentive plans are accounted for based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant and vest in equal installments annually over three years. Restricted stock awards are accounted for as equity-based awards and restricted stock unit awards are accounted for as liability-based awards. Restricted stock units are remeasured at each reporting date. Restricted stock units are settled in cash based on the number of vested restricted stock units multiplied by the current market price of the common shares when vested. Holders of the restricted stock are entitled to vote the shares and to receive any dividends declared on the shares.

Income Taxes: The Company uses an asset and liability approach which results in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences or benefits of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance has been provided for the portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 1999. Federal income tax returns for 2000 through 2010 are subject to examination. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had accrued $1.6 million in interest and penalties at December 31, 2011, related to items under audit review in Bolivia.

Comprehensive Income (loss): Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) as well as changes in shareholders’ equity that result from transactions and events other than those with stockholders. Items of comprehensive loss include the following:

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

   $ 93,499      $ (91,308   $ (27,066

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

     (4,975              

Other

            (5       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 88,524      $ (91,313   $ (27,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Per Share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The effect of potentially dilutive securities as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2011
    Year Ended
December 31, 2010
    Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 
    Income
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
    Per-Share
Amount
    Income
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
    Per-Share
Amount
    Income
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
    Per-Share
Amount
 
    (In thousands except for EPS)  

Basic EPS

                 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 93,499        89,383      $ 1.05      $ (83,184     87,185      $ (0.95   $ (43,002     71,565      $ (0.60

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

                $        (8,124     87,185      $ (0.10     15,936        71,565      $ 0.22   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 93,499        89,383      $ 1.05      $ (91,308     87,185      $ (1.05   $ (27,066     71,565      $ (0.38

Effect of Dilutive Securities

                 

Equity awards

           342        (0.01                                          

Diluted EPS

                 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 93,499        89,725      $ 1.04      $ (83,184     87,185      $ (0.95   $ (43,002     71,565      $ (0.60

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

                $        (8,124     87,185      $ (0.10     15,936        71,565      $ 0.22   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 93,499        89,725      $ 1.04      $ (91,308     87,185      $ (1.05   $ (27,066     71,565      $ (0.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, 1,059,228 shares of common stock equivalents related to convertible debt and 4,258 equity based awards have not been included in the diluted per share calculation as they are anti-

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 1,296,231 common stock equivalents related to convertible debt and 496,291 options were not included in the computation of diluted per share calculations as the Company had recorded a net loss from continuing operations for the period. For the year ended December 31, 2009, 1,514,460 common stock equivalents, related to convertible debt and 663,365 options were not included in the computation of diluted per share calculations as the Company had recorded a net loss from continuing operations for the period. Potentially dilutive shares issuable upon conversion of the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 because there is no excess conversion value over the principal amount of the notes.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: The following table sets forth non-cash financing and investing activities and other cash flow information for the years ended:

Non-cash financing and investing activities:

   2011      2010     2009  

Capital expenditures(1)

   $ 2,936       $ (2,589   $ (22,501

Capital lease obligations

     4,510         23,437        20,421   

Non-cash capitalized interest

     681         3,778        6,765   

Non-cash interest paid with stock

             1,756        2,177   

Other cash flow information:

       

Interest paid

     11,033         12,676        12,809   

Capitalized interest

     2,175         9,885        22,839   

Income taxes paid

     44,396         9,998        8,963   

 

  (1)

Accrued capital expenditures are recognized in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the period in which they are paid.

Debt Issuance Costs: Costs associated with the issuance of debt are included in other noncurrent assets and are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in their consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The areas requiring the use of management’s estimates and assumptions relate to recoverable ounces from proven and probable reserves that are the basis of future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation and amortization calculations; useful lives utilized for depreciation, depletion and amortization; estimates of future cash flows for long lived assets; estimates of recoverable gold and silver ounces in ore on leach pads; the amount and timing of reclamation and remediation costs; valuation allowance for deferred tax assets; and other employee benefit liabilities.

NOTE 4 — RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In January 2010, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to require additional disclosures related to transfers in and out of level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and enhanced detail in the reconciliation. The guidance was amended to clarify the level of disaggregation required for assets and liabilities and the disclosures required for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets and liability that fall in either level 2 or level 3. The updated guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010, with the exception of the level 3 disaggregation which was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011. The update had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to Note 5 —

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Fair Value Measurements, for further details regarding the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

NOTE 5 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1

   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2

   Quoted market prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3

   Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (in thousands):

     Fair Value at December 31, 2011  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 44,708       $ 44,708       $       $   

Short term investments

     20,254         20,254                   

Marketable securities

     19,844         19,844                   

Restricted certificates of deposit

     548         548                   

Put and call options

     3,040         5,920                   

Silver ounces receivable from Mandalay

     814                 814           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 89,208       $ 91,274       $ 814       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Royalty obligation embedded derivative

   $ 159,400       $       $ 159,400       $   

Put and call options

     20,892         20,892                   

Other derivative instruments, net

     4,012                 4,012           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 184,304       $ 20,892       $ 163,412       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

     Fair Value at December 31, 2010  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 11       $ 11       $       $   

Restricted certificates of deposit

     2,965         2,965                   

Gold forward contract

     425         425                   

Put and call options

     5,403         5,403                   

Silver ounce receivable from Mandalay

     1,594                 1,594           

Other derivative instruments, net

     1,685                 1,685           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 12,083       $ 8,804       $ 3,279       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Gold lease facility

   $ 2,213       $       $ 2,213       $   

Royalty obligation embedded derivative

     162,003                 162,003           

Put and call options

     20,151         20,151                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 184,367       $ 20,151       $ 164,216       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s cash equivalents are recorded at face value or cost plus accrued interest, which approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these investments. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s short and long term certificates of deposits, put and call options, and gold forward contract are valued using quoted market prices based on forward curves. Such instruments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The company’s derivative instruments related to gold forward contracts and put and call options are valued using quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. Such instruments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s derivative instruments related to the silver ounce receivable from Mandalay, gold lease facility, royalty obligation embedded derivative, other derivative instruments, net, which relate to the concentrate sales contracts and foreign exchange contracts, are valued using pricing models which require inputs that are derived from observable market data, including contractual terms, forward market prices, yield curves and credit spreads. The model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment. Such instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company had no Level 3 financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

NOTE 6 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In August 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in its subsidiary Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo Ltd. (“Minera Cerro Bayo”), which controlled the Cerro Bayo mine in southern Chile, to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received the following from Mandalay in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Minera Cerro Bayo: (i) $6.0 million in cash; (ii) 17,857,143 common shares of Mandalay; (iii) 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011, which had an estimated fair value of $2.3 million; (iv) a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on production from Minera Cerro Bayo in excess of a cumulative 50,000 ounces of gold and 5,000,000 ounces of silver, which had an estimated fair value of $5.4 million; and (v) existing value-added taxes collected from the Chilean government in excess of $3.5 million, which were valued at $3.5 million. As part of the transaction, Mandalay agreed to pay the next $6.0 million of reclamation costs associated with Minera Cerro Bayo’s nearby Furioso property. Any reclamation costs above that amount will be

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

shared equally by Mandalay and the Company. As a result of the sale, the Company realized a loss on the sale of approximately $2.1 million, net of income taxes.

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company sold to Perilya Broken Hill Ltd. its 100% interest in the silver contained at the Broken Hill mine for $55.0 million in cash. Coeur originally purchased this interest from Perilya Broken Hill, Ltd. in September 2005 for $36.9 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company realized a gain on the sale of approximately $25.5 million, net of income taxes in 2009.

The following table details selected financial information included in income (loss) from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

     Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 
     Cerro Bayo Mine  

Sales of metal

   $   

Production costs applicable to sales

       

Depreciation and depletion

     (2,194

Administrative and general

     (18

Mining exploration

       

Care and maintenance and other

     (2,351

Other income and expense

     (145

Income tax expense

     (1,321
  

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

     (6,029

Loss on sale of net assets of discontinued operations, net of tax of $0.0 million

     (2,095
  

 

 

 
   $ (8,124
  

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2009  
     Cerro Bayo Mine     Broken Hill     Total  

Sales of metal

   $ 1,673      $ 10,435      $ 12,108   

Production costs applicable to sales

     (1,211     (1,652     (2,863

Depreciation and depletion

     (4,195     (1,570     (5,765

Administrative and general

     (25            (25

Mining exploration

     (2,153            (2,153

Care and maintenance and other

     (10,430            (10,430

Other income and expense

     1,600               1,600   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (2,309     236        (2,073
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

     (17,050     7,449        (9,601

Gain on sale of net assets of discontinued operations, net of tax of $6.5 million

            25,537        25,537   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (17,050   $ 32,986      $ 15,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 7 — INVESTMENTS AND OTHER MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The Company classifies the marketable securities in which it invests as available-for-sale securities. Such securities are measured at fair market value in the financial statements with unrealized gains or losses recorded in

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

other comprehensive income. At the time securities are sold or otherwise disposed of, gains or losses are included in net income. The Company held no marketable securities as of December 31, 2010. The equity securities reflected in the table below include certain equity securities of silver exploration and development companies that the Company purchased during the year ended December 31, 2011. The following table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale securities on hand as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 

Marketable securities

   $ 24,819       $ (4,975   $ 19,844   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 24,819       $ (4,975   $ 19,844   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company recognized an unrealized loss of $5.0 million in other comprehensive loss. The Company assessed this unrealized loss and determined it to not be an other than temporary impairment. The Company performs a quarterly assessment on these investments to determine the unrealized gains/(losses) for each period. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these investments until they recover or increase in value. The Company’s management team uses industry knowledge and expertise and has determined that these losses are not other than temporary based on a review of the potential for each development company in which it currently holds investments.

Gross realized gains and losses are based on the carrying value (cost, net of discount or premium) of investments sold. There were no realized gains or losses in any of the periods presented.

In addition, the Company had $20.3 million of short-term investments at December 31, 2011. These investments are primarily in certificates of deposit with various banks and all have maturity dates of less than one year.

NOTE 8 — METAL AND OTHER INVENTORY

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

     December 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Concentrate and doré inventory

   $ 73,590       $ 81,059   

Supplies

     59,191         37,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Metal and other inventory

   $ 132,781       $ 118,340   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 9 — RECEIVABLES

Receivables consist of the following (in thousands):

 

F-19


Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

     December 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Receivables — current portion

     

Accounts receivable — trade

   $ 14,366       $ 14,062   

Refundable income tax

     11,480         5,363   

Refundable value added tax

     52,968         36,947   

Accounts receivable — other

     4,683         2,508   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 83,497       $ 58,880   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Receivables — non-current portion

     

Refundable value added tax

   $ 40,314       $ 42,866   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 10 — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

     December 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Land

   $ 1,432      $ 713   

Building improvements

     520,137        499,502   

Machinery and equipment

     246,584        236,416   

Capitalized leases for machinery, equipment, and buildings

     76,244        72,326   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment

     844,397        808,957   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (235,528     (164,414
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     608,869        644,543   

Construction in progress

     78,807        23,558   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 687,676      $ 668,101   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s capital expenditures by segment were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Rochester

   $ 27,217       $ 2,349       $ 310   

Martha

     3,426         100         1,575   

San Bartolomé

     17,731         6,159         11,091   

Kensington

     34,013         92,730         41,289   

Palmarejo

     36,976         54,226         162,697   

Other

     625         430         1,273   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset additions

   $ 119,988       $ 155,994       $ 218,235   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Minimum future lease payments under capital and operating leases with terms longer than one year at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Capital
Leases
    Operating
Leases
 

2012

   $ 18,322      $ 5,099   

2013

     7,811        4,076   

2014

     2,223        3,963   

2015

     129        3,795   

2016

     115        682   

2017 and thereafter

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total minimum payments due

     28,600      $ 17,615   

Less: Amount representing interest

     (1,590  
  

 

 

   

Present value of net minimum lease payments

     27,010     

Less: Current maturities

     (17,119  
  

 

 

   

Non-current portion

   $ 9,891     
  

 

 

   

The Company has also entered into various operating lease agreements which expire over the next year. Total rent expense charged to net income for all operating lease agreements was $14.2 million, $10.5 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

NOTE 11 — MINING PROPERTIES

December 31, 2011

   San
Bartolomé
     Martha      Palmarejo      Rochester      Endeavor      Kensington      Other      Total  

Operational mining properties:

   $ 68,684       $ 12,644       $ 134,296       $ 112,826       $       $ 321,456       $       $ 649,906   

Accumulated depletion

     (14,989      (10,373      (53,060      (97,834              (27,160              (203,416
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     53,695         2,271         81,236         14,992                 294,296                 446,490   

Mineral interest

     26,642                 1,658,389                 44,033                         1,729,064   

Accumulated depletion

     (6,007              (158,627              (10,034                      (174,668
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     20,635                 1,499,762                 33,999                         1,554,396   

Non-producing and development properties

                                                     142         142   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mining properties

   $ 74,330       $ 2,271       $ 1,580,998       $ 14,992       $ 33,999       $ 294,296       $ 142       $ 2,001,028   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

   San
Bartolomé
     Martha      Palmarejo      Rochester      Endeavor      Kensington      Other      Total  

Operational mining properties:

   $ 66,655       $ 10,096       $ 128,734       $ 99,720       $       $ 317,156       $       $ 622,361   

Accumulated depletion

     (10,031      (9,998      (22,655      (97,435              (9,092              (149,211
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     56,624         98         106,079         2,285                 308,064                 473,150   

Mineral interest

     26,642                 1,657,188                 44,033                         1,727,863   

Accumulated depletion

     (4,027              (68,026              (6,886                      (78,939
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     22,615                 1,589,162                 37,147                         1,648,924   

Non-producing and development properties

                                                     142         142   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total mining properties

   $ 79,239       $ 98       $ 1,695,241       $ 2,285       $ 37,147       $ 308,064       $ 142       $ 2,122,216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Operational Mining Properties

Palmarejo:     Palmarejo is located in the State of Chihuahua in northern Mexico, and its principal silver and gold properties are collectively referred to as the “Palmarejo mine.” The Palmarejo mine commenced production in April 2009.

San Bartolomé Mine:     The San Bartolomé mine is a silver mine located near the city of Potosi, Bolivia. The mineral rights for the San Bartolomé project are held through long-term joint venture/lease agreements with several local independent mining co-operatives and the Bolivian state owned mining organization, (“COMIBOL”). The Company commenced commercial production at San Bartolomé in June 2008.

Kensington:     The Kensington mine is an underground gold mine and consists of the Kensington and adjacent Jualin properties located on the east side of the Lynn Canal about 45 miles north-northwest of Juneau, Alaska. The Company commenced commercial production in July of 2010.

Rochester Mine:     The Company has conducted operations at the Rochester mine, located in Western Nevada, since September 1986. The mine utilizes the heap-leaching process to extract both silver and gold from ore mined using open pit methods. Rochester’s primary product is silver with gold produced as a by-product.

Martha Mine:     The Martha mine is an underground silver mine located in Argentina. Coeur acquired a 100% interest in the Martha mine in April 2002.

Mineral Interests

Endeavor Mine:     On May 23, 2005, CDE Australia Pty. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur (“CDE Australia”) acquired all of the silver production and reserves, up to a maximum 17.7 million payable ounces, contained at the Endeavor mine in Australia, which is owned and operated by Cobar Operations Pty. Limited (“Cobar”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBH Resources Ltd. (“CBH”), for $44.0 million, including transaction fees. Under the terms of the original agreement, CDE Australia paid Cobar $15.4 million of cash at the closing. In addition, CDE Australia agreed to pay Cobar approximately $26.5 million upon the receipt of a report confirming that the reserves at the Endeavor mine are equal to or greater than the reported ore reserves for 2004. In addition to these upfront payments, CDE Australia originally committed to pay Cobar an operating cost contribution of $1.00 for each ounce of payable silver plus a further increment when the silver price exceeds $5.23 per ounce. This further increment was to have begun on the second anniversary of this agreement and was 50% of the amount by which the silver price exceeded $5.23 per ounce. A cost contribution of $0.25 per ounce is also payable by CDE Australia in respect of new ounces of proven and probable silver reserves as they are developed. During the first quarter of 2007, $2.1 million was paid for additional ounces of proven and probable silver reserves under the terms of the contract. This amount was capitalized as a cost of the mineral interest acquired and is being amortized using the units of production method.

On March 28, 2006, CDE Australia reached an agreement with CBH to modify the terms of the original silver purchase agreement. Under the modified terms, CDE Australia owns all silver production and reserves up to a total of 20.0 million payable ounces, up from 17.7 million payable ounces in the original agreement. The silver price-sharing provision was deferred until such time as CDE Australia had received approximately 2 million cumulative ounces of silver from the mine or June 2007, whichever was later. In addition, the silver price-sharing threshold increased to $7.00 per ounce, from the previous level of $5.23 per ounce. The conditions relating to the second payment were also modified and tied to certain paste fill plant performance criteria and mill throughput tests. In January 2008, the mine met the criteria for payment of the additional $26.2 million. This amount was paid on April 1, 2008, plus accrued interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum from January 24, 2008. During late November 2008, the mine exceeded the 2.0 million cumulative ounce threshold and therefore, CDE

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Australia began realizing reductions in revenues in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of the silver price sharing provision. As of December 31, 2011, CDE Australia has received approximately 3.6 million payable ounces and the current ore reserve contains approximately 3.9 million payable ounces based on current metallurgical recovery and current smelter contract terms. Expansion of the ore reserve will be required to achieve the maximum payable ounces of silver production as set forth in the modified contract. It is expected that future expansion to the ore reserve will occur as a result of the conversion of portions of the property’s existing inventory of mineralized material and future exploration discoveries. CBH conducts regular exploration to discover new mineralization and to define reserves from surface and underground drilling platforms.

Non-Producing and Development Properties

Joaquin Project, Argentina:     The Joaquin project is located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina. The Company commenced exploration of this large property, consisting of over 28,450 hectares (70,300 acres) north of the Company’s Martha silver and gold mine, in November 2007. Since that time the Company has defined silver and gold mineralization in two deposits at Joaquin, La Negra and La Morocha, and has recently commenced work on detailed drilling and other technical, economic and environmental programs which it expects will lead to completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.

NOTE 12 — DEBT AND ROYALTY OBLIGATION

     December 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     Current      Non-Current      Current      Non-Current  

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due March 2028

   $       $ 45,545       $       $ 43,220   

1.25% Convertible Senior Notes paid in 2011

                     1,859           

Senior Term Notes paid in 2011

                     15,000         15,000   

Kensington Term Facility

     15,398         60,425         25,908         48,322   

Capital lease obligations

     17,119         9,891         15,759         23,483   

Bank loans

     85                 4,791         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 32,602       $ 115,861       $ 63,317       $ 130,067   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes

As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 was $48.7 million, or $45.5 million net of debt discount.

The notes are unsecured and bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per year, payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2008. The notes mature on March 15, 2028, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by the Company.

Each holder of the notes may require that the Company repurchase some or all of the holder’s notes on March 15, 2013, March 15, 2015, March 15, 2018 and March 15, 2023 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company’s election. Holders have the right, following certain fundamental change transactions, to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of their notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may redeem the notes for cash in whole or in part at any time on or after March 22, 2015 at 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The notes provide for “net share settlement” of any conversions. Pursuant to this feature, upon conversion of the notes, the Company (1) will pay the note holder an amount in cash equal to the lesser of the conversion obligation or the principal amount of the notes and (2) will settle any excess of the conversion obligation above the notes’ principal amount in the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election.

The notes are convertible under certain circumstances, at the holder’s option, at an conversion rate of 17.60254 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to conversion price of approximately $56.81 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, $99.7 million of the notes were repurchased in exchange for 6.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock which reduced the principal amount of the notes outstanding to $48.7 million ($43.2 million net of debt discount).

The fair value of the notes outstanding, as determined by market transactions at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $49.2 million and $48.2 million, respectively. The carrying value of the equity component at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $10.9 million and $10.9 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 interest expense recognized was $1.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and accretion of the debt discount was $2.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The debt discount remaining at December 31, 2011 was $3.1 million, which will be amortized through March 15, 2013. The effective interest rate on the notes was 8.9%.

1.25% Convertible Senior Notes

On January 18, 2011, the Company repurchased $945,000 in aggregate principal amount of the notes pursuant to a Tender Offer Statement filed on December 10, 2010. The Company repurchased the remaining $914,000 in aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding on January 21, 2011. As of December 31, 2011 the Company had no outstanding 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes.

Senior Term Notes due December 31, 2012

On February 5, 2010 the Company completed the sale of $100 million of Senior Term Notes due in quarterly payments through December 31, 2012. In conjunction with the sale of these notes, the Company also issued 297,455 shares of its common stock valued at $4.2 million as financing costs. The principal on the notes was payable in twelve equal quarterly installments, with the first such installment paid on March 31, 2010. The Company had the option of paying amounts due on the notes in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. The stated interest rate on the notes was 6.5%, but the payments for principal and interest due on any payment date were computed to give effect to recent share prices, valuing the shares of common stock at 90% of a weighted average share price over a pricing period ending shortly before the payment date.

In December 2010, pursuant to privately-negotiated purchase agreements, the Company re-purchased $36.7 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for approximately $43.4 million. In October 2011, pursuant to privately-negotiated purchase agreements, the Company repurchased the remaining $18.75 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for approximately $22.2 million. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding Senior Term Notes.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid in cash, $11.3 million in principal and $1.3 million in interest. A loss of $5.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was realized in connection with the debt payments and repurchases. The loss is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishments.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, the Company paid in cash $57.5 million in principal and $3.3 million in interest and issued 1,060,413 shares of its common stock, valued at $15.8 million, in connection with the quarterly payments. In addition, a loss of $10.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 was realized in connection with quarterly debt payments and early payoff premiums. The loss is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishments.

Kensington Term Facility

As of December 31, 2011 the outstanding balance of the Kensington Term Facility was $75.8 million.

On October 27, 2009, Coeur Alaska, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $45.0 million secured term facility to finance construction at the Company’s Kensington mine located north of Juneau, Alaska. On December 20, 2010, the agreement was amended and restated to allow borrowings up to $100 million and to define a payment schedule through December 31, 2015. Coeur Alaska’s obligations under the Kensington term facility are secured by all of Coeur Alaska’s assets and the land mineral rights and infrastructure at the Kensington mine, as well as a pledge of the shares of Coeur Alaska owned by the Company, and are guaranteed by the Company. In connection with the amendment of the credit facility, the guarantee was amended to provide that the Company will limit borrowings or asset dispositions by its Bolivian subsidiary Empresa Minera Manquiri S.A.

Borrowings under the amended Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.5% per year. The fair value of the term facility was $75.8 million as of December 31, 2011. Interest of nil and $1.7 million was capitalized into the loan balance for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As a condition to the Kensington term facility with Credit Suisse noted above, the Company agreed to enter into a gold hedging program which protects a minimum of 243,750 ounces of gold production over the life of the facility against the risk associated with fluctuations in the market price of gold. This program consists of a series of zero cost collars which consist of a floor price and a ceiling price of gold. Call options protecting 136,000 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average strike price of the call options was $1,919.83. Put options protecting 190,000 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average strike price of the put options was $951.93. Collars protecting 182,500 ounces of gold were outstanding at December 31, 2010. The weighted average put feature of the collar was $911.99 and the weighted average call feature of the collars was $1,795.18.

Voluntary prepayments of the loans and voluntary reductions of the unutilized portion of the commitments under the Kensington term facility are permissible, subject to certain conditions pertaining to minimum notice and minimum reduction amounts. In addition, voluntary prepayments and reductions are subject to payment of customary break costs. The Kensington term facility requires Coeur Alaska to maintain accounts for a debt service reserve and project proceeds. Coeur Alaska has pledged each of these accounts to Credit Suisse under account pledge agreements.

The Amended Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that the Company believes are usual and customary, including financial covenants that Coeur Alaska’s debt to equity ratio shall not exceed 40%, the ratio of project cash flow to debt service shall be at least 125%, and the tangible net worth of the Borrower is not less than $325 million and the tangible net worth of the Guarantor is no less than $1.0 billion. Project covenants include covenants as to performance of sales contracts, maintenance and management. As of December 31, 2011, we satisfied such covenants, but we believe it is possible that, absent a waiver, such covenants will not be satisfied as of March 31, 2012. Accordingly, we are working diligently with Credit Suisse to obtain a waiver.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

Other

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, Coeur Mexicana S.A. de C.V. (“Coeur Mexicana”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, had outstanding balances on capital leases of $18.3 million and $28.4 million, respectively.

Other capital leases for equipment and facilities totaling $8.7 million and $10.8 million were outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

On July 6, 2010, the Company entered into a short-term financing agreement with AFCO Credit Corporation of $2.4 million bearing interest at 2.9% to finance insurance premiums. Installments of $0.2 million were paid monthly with the final payment made on June 1, 2011. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 the outstanding balance was nil and $1.1 million, respectively.

On November 27, 2009, Empresa Minera Manquiri borrowed $5.0 million pursuant to a bank loan from Banco Bisa bearing an interest rate of 6.5% to fund working capital requirements. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance was nil and $2.5 million, respectively.

On July 15, 2009, to fund equipment purchases, Coeur Mexicana entered into an equipment financing agreement bearing interest at 8.26% with Atlas Copco. This agreement is secured by certain machinery and equipment. Twenty-four monthly installments will be made on the agreement with the final payment being made on January 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, and 2010, the outstanding balance was $0.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty Obligation

On January 21, 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation under which Franco-Nevada purchased a royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced from its Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico. Coeur Mexicana received total $75.0 million in cash plus a warrant to acquire Franco-Nevada Common Shares (the “Franco-Nevada warrant”), which was valued at $3 million at closing of the Franco-Nevada transaction. In September, 2010, the warrant was exercised and the related shares were sold for $10.0 million.

The royalty agreement provides for a minimum obligation to be paid monthly on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, or 4,167 ounces per month over an initial eight year period. Each monthly payment is an amount equal to the greater of 4,167 ounces of gold or 50% of actual gold production multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce (which $400 floor is subject to a 1% annual inflation compounding adjustment beginning on January 21, 2013). As of December 31, 2011, payments had been made on a total of 143,354 ounces of gold with further payments to be made on an additional 256,646 ounces of gold. After payments have been made on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, the royalty obligation is payable in the amount of 50% of actual gold production per month multiplied by the excess of the monthly average market price of gold above $400 per ounce, adjusted as described above. Payments under the royalty agreement are to be made in cash or gold bullion. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company paid $73.2 million and $43.1 million, respectively, in royalty payments to Franco-Nevada Corporation. Payments made during the minimum obligation period will result in a reduction to the remaining minimum obligation. Payments made beyond the minimum obligation period will be recognized as other cash operating expenses and result in an increase to Coeur Mexicana’s reported cash cost per ounce.

The Company used an implicit interest rate of 29.3% to discount the original obligation, based on the fair value of the consideration received projected over the expected future cash flows at inception of the obligation. The discounted obligation is accreted to its expected future value over the expected minimum payment period based on the implicit interest rate. The Company recognized accretion expense for the twelve months ended

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 of $22.2 million and $20.5 million, and $19.1 million respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the remaining minimum obligation under the royalty agreement was $72.1 million and $80.3 million, respectively.

The price volatility associated with the minimum royalty obligation is considered an embedded derivative under U.S. GAAP. Fluctuations in the market price of gold since inception of the agreement have resulted in the recognition of additional fair value adjustments and resulted in higher payments to date. Please see Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty, for further discussion of the embedded derivative feature of the royalty agreement.

Interest Expense

The Company expenses interest incurred on its various debt instruments as a cost of operating its properties. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company expensed interest of $34.8 million, $30.9 million and $18.1 million, respectively.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due March 2028

   $ 1,581      $ 2,394      $ 5,875   

1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due January 2024

     1        28        1,454   

Senior Term Notes due December 2012

     1,381        5,074          

Senior Secured Floating Rate Convertible Notes due 2012

                   887   

Kensington Term Facility

     4,383        2,017        85   

Capital lease obligations

     1,620        2,122        1,149   

Other debt obligations

     1,379        1,423        818   

Gold Lease Facility

            677        1,522   

Accretion of Franco Nevada royalty obligation

     22,230        20,502        19,054   

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     2,050        4,047        989   

Accretion of debt discount

     2,324        2,543        9,094   

Capitalized interest

     (2,175     (9,885     (22,825
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   $ 34,774      $ 30,942      $ 18,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalized Interest

The Company capitalizes interest incurred on its various debt instruments as a cost of properties under development. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company capitalized interest of $2.2 million, $9.9 million and $22.8 million, respectively.

Minimum Debt Repayments

The following is the Company’s scheduled minimum debt repayments at December 31, 2011:

 

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

December 31,

   Minimum
Debt Repayments(1)
 

2012

   $ 74,089   

2013

     84,571   

2014

     76,944   

2015

     79,412   

2016

     62,877   

Thereafter

     49,674   
  

 

 

 
     427,567   

Debt discount

     (74,607

Present value of net scheduled capital lease payments (See Note 10)

     27,011   
  

 

 

 
   $ 379,971   
  

 

 

 

 

  (1)

Includes minimum gold production royalty obligation payments due to Franco-Nevada Corporation for royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced from the Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico.

NOTE 13 — RECLAMATION AND MINE CLOSURE COSTS

Reclamation and remediation costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation cost for inactive properties. The Company uses assumptions about future costs, mineral prices, mineral processing recovery rates, production levels and capital and reclamation costs. Such assumptions are based on the Company’s current mining plan and the best available information for making such estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions; however, actual amounts could differ from those based on such estimates and assumptions.

The asset retirement obligation is measured using the following factors: 1) Expected labor costs, 2) Allocated overhead and equipment charges, 3) Contractor markup, 4) Inflation adjustment, and 5) Market risk premium. The sum of the expected costs by year is discounted, using the Company’s credit adjusted risk-free interest rate from the time it expects to pay the retirement obligation to the time it incurs the obligation.

Upon initial recognition of a liability for an asset retirement obligation, the Company capitalizes the asset retirement cost as an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The Company depletes this amount using the units-of-production method. The Company is not required to re-measure the obligation at fair value each period, but the Company is required to evaluate the cash flow estimates at the end of each reporting period to determine whether the estimates continue to be appropriate. Upward revisions in the amount of undiscounted cash flows are discounted using a current credit-adjusted risk-free rate. Downward revisions are discounted using the credit-adjusted risk-free rate that existed when the original liability was recorded, or, if not readily determinable, at the weighted average discount rate used to record the liability.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, $32.7 million and $27.3 million, respectively, was accrued for reclamation obligations related to currently producing and developmental mineral properties. These amounts are included in reclamation and mine closure liabilities.

The following is a description of the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

     Years Ended
December  31,
 
     2011     2010  

Asset retirement obligation — January 1

   $ 27,302      $ 38,193   

Adjustment to remove Cerro Bayo Disc. Operations(A)

            (13,081

Accretion

     2,648        2,334   

Additions and changes in estimates

     2,822        (104

Settlements

     (58     (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation — December 31

   $ 32,714      $ 27,302   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

(A)

In August 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo (“Cerro Bayo”) to Mandalay Resources Corporation (“Mandalay”).

In addition, the Company has accrued $1.0 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for environmental remediation liabilities related to former mining operations. These amounts are also included in reclamation and mine closure liabilities.

NOTE 14 — INCOME TAXES

The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  

United States

   $ (38,781   $ (37,710   $ 25,650   

Foreign

     246,617        (54,955     (101,723
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 207,836      $ (92,665   $ (76,073
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of the consolidated income tax benefit (expense) from continuing operations were as follows:

 

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  

Current:

      

United States — Alternative minimum tax

   $ 2,015      $ (482   $ (2,249

United States — Foreign withholding tax

     (842     (1,009     (1,509

Argentina

     (1,219     (7,094     (6,284

Australia

     (1,755     (251     592   

Mexico

     (1,084     (316     (124

Bolivia

     (59,660     (20,268     (2,673

Canada

                   (53

Deferred:

      

Australia

     (661     (541     200   

Bolivia

     (207     (1,388     (6,221

Mexico

     (28,022     24,371        37,681   

United States

    
(22,902

    16,459        13,711   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

   ($ 114,337   $ 9,481      $ 33,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective tax rate with the federal statutory tax rate for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2011     2010     2009  

Tax benefit (expense) from continuing operations

   $ (72,743   $ 32,433      $ 26,625   

State tax provision from continuing operations

     (10,600     4,726        2,282   

Percentage depletion and related deductions

            3,093        2,726   

Change in valuation allowance

     (6,032     2,734        20,303   

Non-deductible imputed interest

     (808     (1,718     (1,986

Uncertain tax positions

     (1,279     (299     898   

U.S. and foreign non-deductible expenses

     (10,648     (9,052     (3,619

Foreign exchange rates

     (4,440     (7,066     2,339   

Foreign inflation and indexing

     (3,829     (3,352     (2,635

Foreign tax rate differences

     22,795        (9,861     (11,993

Foreign withholding taxes

     (23,246     (2,986     (1,509

Other, net

     (3,507     829        (360
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   ($ 114,337   $ 9,481      $ 33,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2011     2010  

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Mineral properties

   $ 453,818      $ 450,902   

Foreign subsidiaries — unremitted earnings

     235,116        154,610   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     68,013        73,168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     756,947        678,680   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net operating loss carryforwards

     128,073        165,362   

Foreign subsidiaries — future tax credits

     133,160        61,724   

Royalty and other long-term debt

     48,254        51,134   

Capital loss carryforwards

     35,562        42,830   

Asset retirement obligation

     9,638        9,003   

Unrealized foreign currency loss and other

     3,974        4,857   

Accrued expenses

     23,247        19,929   

Tax credit carryforwards

     11,987        11,127   

Inventory

     6,069        3,050   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     399,964        369,016   

Valuation allowance

     (168,511     (164,036
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     231,453        204,980   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (525,494   $ (473,700
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company has evaluated the amount of taxable income and periods over which it must be earned to allow for realization of the deferred tax assets. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this decision. Based upon this analysis, the Company has recorded valuation allowances as follows:

 

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2011      2010  

U.S.

   $ 123,539       $ 121,159   

Argentina

     10,739         7,591   

Canada

     5,390         6,720   

New Zealand

     27,026         26,871   

Other

     1,817         1,695   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 168,511       $ 164,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company continues to monitor the valuation allowance quarterly, and will make the appropriate adjustments as necessary should circumstances change.

U.S. GAAP provides the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a Company’s financial statements. U.S. GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold of more likely than not for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a return.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount related to unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2010

   $ 748   

Gross increase to current period tax positions

     328   

Gross decrease to prior period tax positions

       
  

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010

   $ 1,076   

Gross increase to current period tax positions

     1,279   

Gross decrease to prior period tax positions

       
  

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011

   $ 2,355   
  

 

 

 

The Company has decided to classify interest and penalties associated with these uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense and has recognized additional interest and penalties of $0.4 million, $0.04 million and $0.03 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns in various U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, in all identified foreign jurisdictions and various others. To the extent there are loss carryovers in any such jurisdictions, the statute of limitations generally remains open.

The Company has previously determined the earnings from certain foreign jurisdictions were not indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, the Company has recognized deferred taxes and withholding taxes related to those jurisdictions. In 2011, the Company retained its position established in 2008 when it was determined that it was reasonable, appropriate and prudent that a portion of the anticipated future cash flows from Mexico would be indefinitely reinvested to fund ongoing capital improvements and additional exploration activities within and around the Palmarejo operating site. Accordingly, U.S. and non-U.S. income and withholding taxes for which deferred taxes might otherwise be required, have not been provided on a cumulative amount of temporary differences (including, for this purpose, any difference between the tax basis in the stock of a consolidated subsidiary and the amount of the subsidiary’s net equity determined for financial reporting purposes) related to investments in foreign subsidiaries of approximately $170 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The additional U.S. and non-U.S. income and withholding tax that would arise on the reversal of the temporary differences could be offset in part by tax credits. Because the determination of the amount of available tax credits and the limitations imposed on the annual utilization of such credits are subject to a highly complex series of calculations and expense allocations, it is impractical to estimate the amount of net income and withholding tax that might be payable if a reversal of temporary differences occurred.

During 2007, the Company incurred an ownership change which generally limits the availability of existing tax attributes, including net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future taxable income. The Company has the following tax attribute carryforwards as of December 31, 2011, by jurisdiction:

 

     U.S.      Australia      Bolivia      Canada      Chile      Mexico      New Zealand      Other      Total  

Regular net operating losses

     122,388                         4,798                 172,532         96,524         6,056         402,298   

Alternative minimum tax net operating losses

     15,285                                                                 15,285   

Capital losses

     90,258                                                                 90,258   

Alternative minimum tax credits

     3,645                                                                 3,645   

Foreign tax credits

     12,659                                                                 12,659   

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The U.S. net operating losses expire from 2017 through 2031 and the Canada net operating losses expire from 2028 through 2029. The Mexico net operating losses expire from 2017 to 2019, while the remaining net operating losses from the foreign jurisdictions have an indefinite carryforward period. The U.S. capital losses expire in 2015 while the Canada capital losses generally have an indefinite carryforward period. Alternative minimum tax credits do not expire and foreign tax credits expire if unused by 2019.

NOTE 15 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company has an annual incentive plan and a long-term incentive plan. Total employee compensation charged to operations and capital projects under these plans was $11.9 million, $10.6 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stock options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) granted under the Company’s incentive plans vest over three years and are exercisable over a period not to exceed ten years from the grant date. The exercise price of the stock options and SARs is equal to the greater of the par value of the shares or the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. The value of each stock option award and SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock options are accounted for as equity-based awards and SARs are accounted for as liability-based awards. The value of the SARs is remeasured at each reporting date. SARs, when vested, provide the participant the right to receive cash equal to the excess of the market price of the shares over the exercise price when exercised. Cash used to settle stock options and SARs for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Company’s incentive plans are accounted for based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant and vest in equal installments annually over three years. Restricted stock awards are accounted for as equity-based awards and restricted stock unit awards are accounted for as liability-based awards. Restricted stock units are remeasured at each reporting date. Restricted stock units are settled in cash based on the number of vested restricted stock units multiplied by the current market price of the common shares when vested. Holders of the restricted stock are entitled to vote the shares and to receive any dividends declared on the shares. Cash used to settle restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.2 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.

Performance shares and performance units granted under the Company’s incentive plans are accounted for at fair value. Performance share awards are accounted for as equity-based awards and performance units are accounted for as liability-based awards. Performance shares and performance units are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model on the date of grant. The value of the performance units is remeasured each reporting date. Vesting is contingent on meeting certain market conditions based on relative total shareholder return. The performance shares and units vest at the end of the three-year service period if the market conditions are met and the employee remains an employee of the Company. The existence of a market condition requires recognition of compensation cost for the performance share awards over the requisite period regardless of whether the market condition is ever satisfied. Performance units are cash-based awards and are settled in cash based on the current market price of the common shares when vested. Cash used to settle performance units for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1.4 million and nil, respectively.

The compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 for stock based compensation awards was $8.1 million, $7.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The SAR’s, restricted stock units and performance units are liability-based awards and are required to be remeasured at the end of each reporting period with corresponding adjustments to previously recognized and future stock-based compensation expense. As of December 31, 2011, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to unvested stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The following table sets forth the weighted average fair value of stock options on the date of grant and the weighted average fair value of the SARs at December 31, 2011. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options and SARs using the Black-Scholes option valuation model are as follows:

 

     Date of Grant     As of December 31, 2011  
     Stock
Options
2011
    Stock
Options

2010
    SARs
2010
    SARs
2010
    SARs
2009
 

Weighted average fair value of stock options granted and SARs outstanding

   $ 17.85      $ 9.96      $ 10.19      $ 16.63      $ 16.67   

Expected volatility

     72.56     73     73.7     82.0     71.1

Expected life

     6.0 years        6.0 years        6.0 years        4.2 years        3.1 years   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.3     2.0     2.7     0.64     0.38

Expected dividend yield

                                   

The expected volatility is determined using historical volatilities based on historical stock prices. The Company estimated the expected life of the options and SARs granted using the midpoint between the vesting date and the original contractual term. The risk free rate was determined using the yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option or SAR. The Company has not paid dividends on its common stock since 1996.

The following table summarizes stock option and SARs activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Stock Options      SARs  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
 

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008

     243,370      $ 33.80              $   

Granted

     163,720        10.00         112,471        10.00   

Exercised

                             

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (14,412     44.36                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009

     392,678        23.48         112,471        10.00   

Granted

     4,089        15.30         151,287        15.40   

Exercised

     (29,104     9.81         (16,639     10.00   

Canceled/forfeited

     (36,823     23.31         (16,556     11.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     330,840        24.60         230,563        13.46   

Granted

     139,916        27.39                  

Exercised

     (129,785     11.41         (119,801     13.10   

Canceled/forfeited

     (19,364     40.16         (3,123     14.46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     321,607      $ 30.20         107,639      $ 13.83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options to purchase 196,187 shares were exercisable at December 31, 2011 at a weighted average exercise price of $34.51.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

     Options Outstanding      Options Exercisable  

Range of

Exercise Price

   Number
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average

Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
     Number
Exercisable
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

(Years)
 

$ 0.00-$10.00

     61,116       $ 9.77         6.29         34,844       $ 9.60         5.68   

$10.00-$20.00

     4,754       $ 15.75         7.49         2,028       $ 16.35         6.01   

$20.00-$30.00

     149,360       $ 26.66         6.74         55,500       $ 25.82         2.76   

$30.00-$40.00

     52,305       $ 39.16         3.55         49,743       $ 39.39         3.26   

$40.00-$50.00

     23,264       $ 48.50         4.37         23,264       $ 48.50         4.37   

$50.00-$60.00

     14,781       $ 51.40         3.35         14,781       $ 51.40         3.35   

$60.00-$70.00

     3,219       $ 66.60         2.02         3,219       $ 66.60         2.02   

$70.00-$80.00

     12,808       $ 70.90         2.14         12,808       $ 70.90         2.14   

As of December 31, 2011, there was $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options and SARs to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

The following table summarizes restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Restricted Stock      Restricted Stock Units  
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Number of
Units
    Weighted Average
Fair Value
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

     73,087      $ 41.50              $   

Granted

     98,983        6.90         67,485        6.90   

Vested

     (32,084     41.65                  

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (5,597     42.32                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     134,389        15.95         67,485        18.06   

Granted

     2,363        15.30         91,378        15.40   

Vested

     (57,926     21.90         (22,500     15.24   

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (14,203     12.43         (9,947     15.76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     64,623        11.37         126,416        27.32   

Granted

     205,463        27.37                  

Vested

     (85,323     19.36         (79,014     27.87   

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (11,254     26.89         (1,884     25.03   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     173,509      $ 25.38         45,518      $ 24.14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011, there was $1.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The following table summarizes performance shares and performance units’ activity for the years-ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

 

     Performance Shares      Performance Units  
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Number of
Units
    Weighted Average
Fair Value
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

     54,767      $ 47.40              $   

Granted

     98,233        8.60         67,485        8.60   

Vested

                             

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (16,702     46.70                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     136,298        16.59         67,485        27.53   

Granted

     2,363        18.65         91,378        19.94   

Vested

                             

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (37,833     17.53         (13,840     20.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     100,828        16.29         145,023        35.41   

Granted

     81,489        42.72                  

Vested

     (56,830     23.24         (57,948     24.68   

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (19,558     48.62         (2,536     25.03   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     105,929      $ 26.92         84,539      $ 39.78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011, there was $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance shares and performance units to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

NOTE 16 — DEFINED CONTRIBUTION AND 401(k) PLANS

Defined Contribution Plan

The Company provides a noncontributory defined contribution retirement plan for all eligible U.S. employees. Total contributions charged to expense and capital projects were $1.5 million, $1.0 million and $0.7 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is based on a percentage of the salary of eligible employees.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a retirement savings plan (which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue code) covering all eligible U.S. employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to contribute up to 100% of their cash compensation, subject to ERISA limitations. The Company adopted a Safe Harbor Tiered Match and is required to make matching contributions equal to 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 3% of the employee’s compensation plus matching contributions equal to 50% of the employee’s contribution up to an additional 2% of the employee’s compensation. Employees have the option of investing in twelve different types of investment funds. Total plan expenses recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements were $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively and plan expenses charged to operations were $1.4 million, $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

NOTE 17 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL

INSTRUMENTS

Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty

On January 21, 2009, the Company entered into the gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation described in Note 12 — Debt and Royalty Obligation, Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty Obligation. The minimum royalty obligation ends when payments have been made on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 256,646 ounces of gold remain outstanding under the minimum royalty obligation. The price volatility associated with the minimum royalty obligation is considered an embedded derivative financial instrument under U.S. GAAP. The fair value of the embedded derivative at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was a liability of $159.4 million and $162.0 million, respectively. The Franco-Nevada warrant was a contingent option to acquire 316,436 common shares of Franco-Nevada for no additional consideration, once the mine satisfied certain completion tests stipulated in the agreement. On September 19, 2010, the Company exercised these warrants and received the related shares, which were sold for net proceeds to the Company of $10.0 million. The Franco-Nevada warrant was considered a derivative instrument. The fair value of the warrant at December 31, 2009 was $6.3 million. These derivative instruments are recorded in prepaid expenses and other and current or non-current portion of royalty obligation on the balance sheet and are adjusted to fair value through current earnings. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, mark-to-market adjustments for the embedded derivative amounted to a gain of $2.6 million. For the same period in 2010, a loss of $84.0 million was recorded for mark-to-market adjustments for the embedded derivative and a gain of $3.5 million was recorded for the warrant. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, realized losses on settlement of the liabilities were $42.8 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, realized losses on settlements of liabilities were $18.2 million. The mark-to-market adjustments and realized losses are included in Fair value adjustments, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts

The Company periodically enters into forward foreign currency contracts to reduce the foreign exchange risk associated with forecasted Mexican peso (“MXP”) operating costs at its Palmarejo mine. At December 31, 2011, the Company had MXP foreign exchange contracts of $25.5 million in U.S. dollars. These contracts require the Company to exchange U.S. dollars for MXP at a weighted average exchange rate of 12.40 MXP to each U.S. dollar and had a fair value of $(3.2) million at December 31, 2011. The Company recorded mark-to-market gains (losses) of $(3.2) million, ($1.3) million, and $1.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively, which is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in Fair value adjustments, net. The Company recorded realized gains of $0.4 million, $1.6 million, and $1.5 million in Production costs applicable to sales during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively.

Gold Lease Facility

On December 12, 2008, the Company entered into a gold lease facility with Mitsubishi International Corporation (“MIC”). This facility permitted the Company to lease amounts of gold from MIC and obligated the Company to deliver the same amounts back to MIC and to pay specified lease fees to MIC equivalent to interest at market rates on the value of the gold leased. Pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, the Company’s obligations under the facility were secured by certain collateral. The collateral agreement specified the maximum amount of gold the Company was permitted to lease from MIC, as well as the amount and type of collateral.

On December 23, 2010, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 5 to the second Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, lowering the value of the collateral required to secure its obligations to 30% of the outstanding amount, including lease fees. The Company terminated the facility effective November 11, 2011.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

As of December 31, 2011, the company had no gold leased from MIC. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 10,000 ounces of gold leased from MIC. The Company delivered these ounces of gold to MIC on March 22, 2011. The Company accounted for the gold lease facility as a derivative instrument, which was recorded in accrued liabilities and other in the balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2010 based on the current futures metals prices for each of the delivery dates and using a 3.1% discount rate, the fair value of the instrument was a liability of $14.1 million. The pre-credit risk adjusted fair value of the net derivative liability as of December 31, 2010 was $14.2 million. A credit risk adjustment of $0.1 million to the fair value of the derivative reduced the reported amount of the net derivative liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet to $14.1 million. Mark-to-market adjustments for the gold lease facility amounted to a gain of $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, and a loss of $6.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. The Company recorded realized losses of $2.3 million, $10.1 million and $0.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The mark-to-market adjustments and realized losses are included in fair value adjustments, net.

Concentrate Sales Contracts

The Company enters into concentrate sales contracts with third-party smelters. The contracts, in general, provide for a provisional payment based upon provisional assays and quoted metal prices and the provisionally priced sales contain an embedded derivative that is required to be separated from the host contract for accounting purposes. The host contract is the receivable from the sale of concentrates at the forward price at the time of sale. The embedded derivative, which is the final settlement based on a future price, does not qualify for hedge accounting. These embedded derivatives are recorded as derivative assets (in Prepaid expenses and other), or derivative liabilities (in Accrued liabilities and other), on the balance sheet and are adjusted to fair value through earnings each period until the date of final settlement. At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $22.5 million consisting of 0.2 million ounces of silver and 9,701 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $21.7 million including the embedded derivative. At December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding provisionally priced sales of $35.7 million consisting of 0.6 million ounces of silver and 12,758 ounces of gold, which had a fair value of approximately $37.4 million including the embedded derivative.

Commodity Derivatives

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company settled an outstanding forward gold contract of 10,000 ounces at a fixed price of $1,380 per ounce, which resulted in a realized gain of $0.5 million. During 2009, the Company purchased silver put options to reduce risk associated with potential decreases in the market price of silver. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, outstanding put options allowing the Company to deliver 5.4 million ounces of silver at an average strike price of $9.21 per ounce expired. The Company recorded realized losses of $2.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, which are included in Fair value adjustments, net. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded realized gains of $0.9 million, which are included in Fair value adjustments, net. There were no put options outstanding under this program at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

In connection with the Kensington Term Facility described in the Note 12 — Debt and Royalty Obligations, at December 31, 2011, the Company had written outstanding call options requiring it to deliver 136,000 ounces of gold at a weighted average strike price of $1,919.83 per ounce if the market price of gold exceeds the strike price. At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding put options allowing it to sell 190,000 ounces of gold at a weighted average strike price of $951.93 per ounce if the market price of gold were to fall below the strike price. The contracts will expire over the next five years. As of December 31, 2011, the fair market value of

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

these contracts was a net liability of $17.9 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 35,000 ounces of gold call options at a weighted average strike price of $1,772.89 per ounce expired. The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $3.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, included in fair value adjustments, net. In addition, 72,750 ounces of gold call options were settled in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and the Company recorded a realized loss of $5.3 million related to the transaction. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 53,750 ounces of gold put options at a weighted average strike price of $866.48 per ounce expired.

In connection with the sale of the Cerro Bayo mine to Mandalay Resources Corporation, Coeur received 125,000 ounces of silver to be delivered in six equal quarterly installments commencing in the third quarter of 2011. The first and second installments of 20,833 ounces were received on September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011 and the Company realized a $0.5 million gain on the settlement. The Company recognized a mark to market loss of $0.8 million associated with this silver in the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. The silver had a fair value of $2.3 million at December 31, 2011 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had the following derivative instruments that settle in each of the years indicated in the table (in thousands except average rates, ounces and per share data):

 

     2012      2013      2014      Thereafter  

Palmarejo gold production royalty

   $ 27,707       $ 25,097       $ 24,895       $ 49,563   

Average gold price in excess of minimum contractual deduction

   $ 496       $ 502       $ 498       $ 492   

Notional ounces

     55,833         50,004         50,004         100,805   

Mexican peso forward purchase contracts

   $ 25,500                           

Average rate (MXP/$)

   $ 12.4                           

Mexican peso notional amount

     316,090                           

Silver ounces receivable Mandalay

   $ 1,535                           

Average silver forward price

   $ 18.42                           

Notional ounces

     83,333                           

Silver concentrate sales agreements

   $ 6,219                           

Average silver price

   $ 32.74                           

Notional ounces

     189,975                           

Gold concentrate sales agreements

   $ 16,309                           

Average gold price

   $ 1,681                           

Notional ounces

     9,701                           

Gold put options purchased

   $ 2,880       $ 1,800       $ 720           

Average gold strike price

   $ 923       $ 928       $ 979       $ 1,010   

Notional ounces

     68,000         45,000         47,000         30,000   

Gold call options sold

   $       $ 1,800       $ 720           

Average gold strike price

   $ 2,000       $ 1,827       $ 1,934       $ 2,000   

Notional ounces

     14,000         45,000         47,000         30,000   

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The following summarizes classification of the fair value of the derivative instruments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     As of December 31, 2011  
     Prepaid
Expenses
and Other
     Accrued
Liabilities  and
Other
     Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
     Current
Portion of
Royalty
Obligation
     Non-Current
Portion of
Royalty
Obligation
 

Silver ounces receivable Mandalay

   $ 814       $       $       $       $   

Forward foreign exchange contracts

             3,188                           

Palmarejo gold production royalty

                             37,206         122,194   

Put and call options, net

             3,183         14,669                   

Concentrate sales contracts

             825                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 814       $ 7,196       $ 14,669       $ 37,206       $ 122,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31, 2010  
     Prepaid
Expenses
and Other
     Other
Non-Current
Assets
     Accrued
Liabilities  and
Other
     Other Long
Term
Liabilities
     Current
Portion of
Royalty
Obligation
     Non-Current
Portion of
Royalty
Obligation
 

Gold lease facility

   $       $       $ 2,213       $       $       $   

Gold forward contract

     425                                           

Silver ounces receivable Mandalay

     531         1,063                                   

Forward foreign exchange contracts

     328                 323                           

Palmarejo gold production royalty

                                     28,745         133,258   

Put and call options, net

                     1,471         13,277                   

Concentrate sales contracts

     1,703                 23                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,987       $ 1,063       $ 4,030       $ 13,277       $ 28,745       $ 133,258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

The following represent mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative instruments during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

Financial Statement Line

  

Derivative

   Years Ended December 31,  
          2011     2010     2009  

Sales of metal

   Concentrate sales contracts    $ 2,505      $ 1,636      $ 1,191   

Production costs applicable to sales

   Forward foreign exchange contracts      383        1,638        1,474   

Fair value adjustments, net

   Gold lease facility      (132     2,885        (6,292

Fair value adjustments, net

   Forward foreign exchange contracts      (3,192     (1,330     1,335   

Fair value adjustments, net

   Forward gold contract      34        425          

Fair value adjustments, net

   Silver ounces receivable      (276     1,594          

Fair value adjustments, net

   Palmarejo gold royalty      (40,046     (83,989     (78,014

Fair value adjustments, net

   Franco-Nevada warrant             3,451        3,340   

Fair value adjustments, net

   Put and call options      (8,438     (11,795     (2,953
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ (49,162   $ (85,485   $ (79,919
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the Company recorded realized gains (losses) of ($49.5) million, ($28.3) million and $0.4 million, respectively, in fair value adjustments, net and a realized gain of $0.4 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, recorded in production costs applicable to sales related to forward foreign exchange contracts.

Credit Risk

The credit risk exposure related to any potential derivative instruments is limited to the unrealized gains, if any, on outstanding contracts based on current market prices. To reduce counter-party credit exposure, the Company deals only with a group of large credit-worthy financial institutions and limits credit exposure to each. The Company does not anticipate non-performance by any of its counterparties. In addition, to allow for situations where positions may need to be revised, the Company deals only in markets that it considers highly liquid.

NOTE 18 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Labor Union Contract

The Company maintains two labor agreements in South America with Associacion Obrera Minera Argentina at its Martha mine in Argentina and Sindicato de la Empresa Minera Manquiri at the San Bartolomé mine in Bolivia. The Martha mine labor agreement is effective from June 12, 2006 to June 30, 2012. The San Bartolomé mine labor agreement, which became effective October 11, 2007, does not have a fixed term. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 14.4% of the Company’s worldwide labor force was covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Termination Benefits

The Company established a termination benefit program for its employees at the Rochester mine in 2005. The program provides a financial benefit in the form of severance pay to terminated employees if their employment is terminated due to curtailment of operations. The individual benefit is based on the employee’s service time and rate of pay at the time of termination. The Rochester mine resumed mining and crushing

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

operations in late 2011, and currently employs upwards of 200 employees. This termination benefit program has been extended to include newly hired employees. As of December 31, 2011, the total benefit expected to be incurred under this plan is approximately $4.5 million. The liability is recognized at the discounted amount and accreted over the service period.

The amount accrued as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Beginning Balance

   $ 1,105       $ 589   

Accruals

     2,230         516   

Payments

               
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 3,335       $ 1,105   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company does not have a written severance plan for any of its foreign operations including Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico. However, laws in these foreign jurisdictions require payment of certain minimum statutory termination benefits. Accordingly, in situations where minimum statutory termination benefits must be paid to the affected employees, the Company records employee severance costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company has accrued obligations for postemployment benefits in these locations of approximately $7.4 million and $4.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Kensington Production Royalty

On July 7, 1995, Coeur, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Coeur Alaska, Inc. (“Coeur Alaska”), acquired the 50% ownership interest of Echo Bay Exploration Inc. (“Echo Bay”) in the Kensington property from Echo Bay and Echo Bay Alaska, Inc., giving Coeur 100% ownership of the Kensington property. Coeur Alaska is obligated to pay Echo Bay a scaled net smelter return royalty on 1.0 million ounces of future gold production after Coeur Alaska recoups the $32.5 million purchase price and its construction and development expenditures incurred after July 7, 1995 in connection with placing the property into commercial production. The royalty ranges from 1% at $400 gold prices to a maximum of 2 1/2% at gold prices above $475.

Rochester Production Royalty

The Company acquired the Rochester property from ASARCO in 1983. The Company is obligated to pay a net smelter royalty interest to ASARCO when the market price of silver equals or exceeds $23.04 per ounce up to a maximum rate of 5% . Royalty expense was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty

On January 21, 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty transaction with Franco-Nevada Corporation under which Franco-Nevada purchased a royalty covering 50% of the life of mine gold to be produced from its Palmarejo silver and gold mine in Mexico. The royalty agreement provides for a minimum obligation to be paid monthly on a total of 400,000 ounces of gold, or 4,167 ounces per month over an initial eight year period. Please see Note 12 — Debt and Royalty Obligation, Palmarejo Gold Production Royalty, for further discussion on the royalty obligation.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

NOTE 19 — SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

The Company refines its precious metals doré and concentrates using a geographically diverse group of third party smelters and refiners, including clients located in Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, China, and the United States (Penoles, Valcambi, Nyrstar, Aurubis, China National Gold and Johnson Matthey).

The Company markets its doré to credit worthy bullion trading houses, market makers and members of the London Bullion Market Association, industrial companies and sound financial institutions. The refined metals are sold to end users for use in electronic circuitry, jewelry, silverware, and the pharmaceutical and technology industries. The Company currently has six trading counterparties (International Commodities, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Standard Bank, Valcambi and Auramet) and the sales of metals to these companies amounted to approximately 82%, 83% and 83% of total metal sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Generally, the loss of a single bullion trading counterparty would not adversely affect the Company due to the liquidity of the markets and the availability of alternative trading counterparties.

Sales of silver and gold concentrates to third party smelters (Penoles, Nyrstar, Aurubis and China National Gold) amounted to approximately 18%, 17% and 17% of total metal sales for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The loss of any one smelting and refining client may have a material adverse effect if alternate smelters and refiners are not available. The Company believes there is sufficient global capacity available to address the loss of any one smelter.

The following table indicates customers that have 10% or more of total revenue (in thousands):

 

Customer

  Year ended
December 31, 2011
    Year ended
December 31, 2010
    Year ended
December 31, 2009
   

Segments reporting revenue

Valcambi

  $ 385.5      $ 174.1      $ 96.0      Palmarejo, San Bartolomé

Auramet

    50.8        79.0        71.5      Palmarejo

Penoles

    13.3        53.9        45.0      Martha

China Gold

    108.9        23.6        —        Kensington

International Commodities

    112.6        36.7        6.1      Palmarejo, San Bartolomé, Rochester

Mitsui

    105.1        45.9        35.8      Palmarejo, San Bartolomé, Rochester

NOTE 20 — SEGMENT REPORTING

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-making group is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and the President of South American Operations.

The operating segments are managed separately because each segment represents a distinct use of company resources and a separate contribution to the Company’s cash flows. The Company’s reportable operating segments include the Palmarejo, San Bartolomé, Martha, Rochester, Kensington, and Endeavor mining properties. As of July 30, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its interest in the Broken Hill mine (See Note 6). As of August 9, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its Cerro Bayo mine (See Note 6). All operating segments are engaged in the discovery and/or mining of gold and silver and generate the majority of their revenues from the sale of these precious metal concentrates and/or refined precious metals. The Martha mine sells precious metal concentrates, typically under long-term contracts, to smelters located in Mexico. The Kensington mine sells precious metals and concentrates, typically under long-term contracts to smelters in China

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

and Germany. Refined gold and silver produced by the Rochester, Palmarejo, and San Bartolomé, mines are principally sold on a spot basis to precious metals trading banks, such as Standard Bank, Mitsubishi, Auramet and Mitsui. Concentrates produced at the Endeavor mine are sold to Nyrstar (formerly Zinifex), an Australia smelter. The Company’s exploration programs are reported in its other segment. The other segment also includes the corporate headquarters, elimination of intersegment transactions and other items necessary to reconcile to consolidated amounts. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies above. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unusual and infrequent items, and extraordinary items.

Revenues from silver sales were $662.6 million, $356.9 million and $238.4 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Revenues from gold sales were $358.6 million, $158.5 million and $61.9 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Financial information relating to the Company’s segments is as follows:

 

 

    Palmarejo
Mine
    San
Bartolomé
Mine
    Kensington
Mine
    Rochester
Mine
    Martha
Mine
    Endeavor
Mine
    Other(3)     Total  

Year Ended December 31, 2011

               

Sales of metals

  $ 513,097      $ 267,502      $ 151,186      $ 57,331      $ 13,347      $ 18,737      $      $ 1,021,200   

Productions costs applicable to sales

    (186,201     (79,679     (101,672     (28,257     (15,513     (8,634            (419,956

Depreciation and depletion

    (159,264     (22,410     (35,839     (2,824     (556     (3,148     (459     (224,500
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

    167,632        165,413        13,675        26,250        (2,722     6,955        (459     376,744   

Exploration expense

    6,863        248        1,102        1,989        6,367               2,559        19,128   

Other operating expenses

    949        342        317        19,931        156        (1     29,126        50,820   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

    159,820        164,823        12,256        4,330        (9,245     6,956        (32,144     306,796   

Interest and other income

    (9,099     156        4        57        (544            2,815        (6,610

Interest expense

    (23,453     (45     (4,889     (21     (458            (5,908     (34,774

Loss on debt extinguishment

                                              (5,526     (5,526

Fair value adjustments, net

    (40,046            (8,438                          (3,566     (52,050

Income tax benefit (expense)

    (28,023     (59,867     (31            (1,219            (25,197     (114,337
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    59,199        105,067        (1,098     4,366        (11,466     6,956        (69,525     93,499   

Loss from discontinued operations

                                                       

Loss on sale of net assets of discontinued operations

                                                       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 59,199      $ 105,067      $ (1,098   $ 4,366      $ (11,466   $ 6,956      $ (69,525   $ 93,499   

Segment assets(1)

  $ 2,029,769      $ 276,423      $ 507,891      $ 76,852      $ 19,717      $ 35,686      $ 16,792      $ 2,963,130   

Capital expenditures(2)

  $ 36,976      $ 17,731      $ 34,013      $ 27,217      $ 3,426      $      $ 625      $ 119,988   

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

 

    Palmarejo
Mine
    San
Bartolomé
Mine
    Kensington
Mine
    Rochester
Mine
    Martha
Mine
    Endeavor
Mine
    Other(3)     Total  

Year Ended December 31, 2010

               

Sales of metals

  $ 230,024      $ 142,989      $ 23,628      $ 54,323      $ 53,875      $ 10,618      $      $ 515,457   

Productions costs applicable to sales

    (127,658     (60,023     (14,043     (24,760     (27,040     (4,112            (257,636

Depreciation and depletion

    (91,505     (19,650     (17,487     (1,890     (8,525     (1,989     (573     (141,619
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

    10,861        63,316        (7,902     27,673        18,310        4,517        (573     116,202   

Exploration expense

    4,658        9        659        190        5,791               2,942        14,249   

Other operating expenses

    352               170        1,544                      24,987        27,053   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

    5,851        63,307        (8,731     25,939        12,519        4,517        (28,502     74,900   

Interest and other income

    914        (373     (26     681        (3,974            3,549        771   

Interest expense

    (21,567     (325     (1,591            (90            (7,369     (30,942

Loss on debt extinguishment

                                              (20,300     (20,300

Fair value adjustments, net

    (98,707            (13,783                          (4,604     (117,094

Income tax benefit (expense)

    16,901        (21,655     (8            (8,523            22,766        9,481   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    (96,608     40,954        (24,139     26,620        (68     4,517        (34,460     (83,184

Loss from discontinued operations

                                              (6,029     (6,029

Loss on sale of net assets of discontinued operations

                                              (2,095     (2,095
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ (96,608   $ 40,954      $ (24,139   $ 26,620      $ (68   $ 4,517      $ (42,584   $ (91,308
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment assets(1)

  $ 2,119,367      $ 260,653      $ 512,401      $ 29,734      $ 21,290      $ 39,530      $ 17,414      $ 3,000,389   

Capital expenditures(2)

  $ 54,226      $ 6,159      $ 92,730      $ 2,349      $ 100      $      $ 430      $ 155,994   

 

    Palmarejo
Mine
    San
Bartolomé
Mine
    Kensington
Mine
    Rochester
Mine
    Martha
Mine
    Endeavor
Mine
    Other(3)     Total  

Year Ended December 31, 2009

               

Sales of metals

  $ 90,560      $ 113,701      $      $ 45,472      $ 44,820      $ 5,808      $      $ 300,361   

Productions costs applicable to sales

    (66,262     (80,878            (24,206     (17,896     (2,069            (191,311

Depreciation and depletion

    (52,043     (18,510            (1,852     (7,410     (1,269     (292     (81,376
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

    (27,745     14,313               19,414        19,514        2,470        (292     27,674   

Exploration expense

    5,615        34        297               3,119               3,991        13,056   

Other operating expenses

    968               39        912                      21,619        23,538   

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

    (34,328     14,279        (336     18,502        16,395        2,470        (25,902     (8,920

Interest and other income

    1,075        1,075        3        (168     (1,953            1,616        1,648   

Interest expense

    (14,213     (125     (16            (401            (3,347     (18,102

Loss on debt extinguishment

                                              31,528        31,528   

Fair value adjustments, net

    (78,148            (965                          (3,114     (82,227

Income tax benefit (expense)

    45,063        (8,894     5               (6,284            3,181        33,071   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    (80,551     6,335        (1,309     18,334        7,757        2,470        3,962        (43,002

Loss from discontinued operations

                                              (9,601     (9,601

Loss on sale of net assets of discontinued operations

                                              25,537        25,537   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ (80,551   $ 6,335      $ (1,309   $ 18,334      $ 7,757      $ 2,470      $ 19,898      $ (27,066
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment assets(1)

  $ 2,129,024      $ 276,926      $ 397,457      $ 31,232      $ 33,024      $ 39,852      $ 46,948      $ 2,954,463   

Capital expenditures(2)

  $ 162,697      $ 11,091      $ 41,289      $ 310      $ 1,575      $      $ 1,273      $ 218,235   

 

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COEUR D’ALENE MINES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

 

(1)

Segment assets consist of receivables, prepaids, inventories, property, plant and equipment, and mining properties

 

(2)

Balances represent cash flow amounts

 

(3)

Includes discontinued operations

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Assets

        

Total assets for reportable segments

   $ 2,963,130       $ 3,000,389       $ 2,954,463   

Cash and cash equivalents

     175,012         66,118         22,782   

Short-term investments

     20,254                   

Other assets

     106,045         91,020         76,790   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated assets

   $ 3,264,441       $ 3,157,527       $ 3,054,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Geographic Information

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Long Lived Assets:

        

United States and other

   $ 515,096       $ 488,104       $ 401,320   

Australia

     33,999         37,147         39,136   

Chile

     65         14         25,628   

Argentina

     5,213         1,882         12,392   

Bolivia

     230,956         234,306         248,667   

Mexico

     1,903,375         2,028,864         2,051,950   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,688,704       $ 2,790,317       $ 2,779,093   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Revenues:

        

United States

   $ 208,517       $ 77,951       $ 45,473   

Australia

     18,737         10,618         5,807   

Argentina

     13,347         53,875         44,820   

Bolivia

     267,502         142,988         113,701   

Mexico

     513,097         230,025         90,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,021,200       $ 515,457       $ 300,361   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 21 — LITIGATION AND OTHER EVENTS

Sites Related to Callahan Mining Corporation

In 1991, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Callahan Mining Corporation. Since then, the Company has received requests for information or notices of potential liability from state or federal

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

agencies with regard to Callahan’s operations at sites in Idaho, Maine, Colorado and Washington. The Company did not make any decisions with respect to generation, transport or disposal of hazardous waste at these sites. Therefore, the Company believes that it is not liable for any potential cleanup costs either directly as an operator or indirectly as a parent. To date, none of these agencies have made any claims against the Company or Callahan for cleanup costs. The Company anticipates that further agency interaction may be possible with respect to two of these sites:

Callahan operated a mine and mill in Brooksville, Maine from 1968 until 1972 and subsequently disposed of the property. In 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, made a formal request to the Company for information regarding the site. The site was placed on the National Priorities List on September 5, 2002, and the Maine Department of Transportation, a partial owner of the property, signed a consent order in 2005. In January 2009, the EPA and the State of Maine made additional formal requests to the Company for information relating to the site, to which the Company responded. The first phase of cleanup at the site began in April 2011.

The Van Stone Mine in Stevens County, Washington consists of several parcels and was mined from 1926 until 1993. Callahan sold its parcel in 1990. In February 2010, the State of Washington Department of Ecology notified Callahan Mining Corporation that it, among others, is a potentially liable person (PLP) under Washington law. American Smelting and Refining Company, which developed the mill on the site in 1951, settled for $3.5 million. Another potentially liable person, Vaagen Brothers, signed a consent order which allows access to the site for a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study. The Company has no further information on the investigation and has not received any further notices.

Bolivian Temporary Restriction on Mining above 4,400 Meters

On October 14, 2009, the Bolivian state-owned mining organization, COMIBOL, announced by resolution that it was temporarily suspending mining activities above the elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level while stability studies of Cerro Rico mountain are undertaken. The Company holds rights to mine above this elevation under valid contracts backed by Supreme Decree with COMIBOL as well as contracts with local mining cooperatives that hold their rights through COMIBOL. The Company adjusted its San Bartolomé mine plan to confine mining activities to the ore deposits below 4,400 meters above sea level and timely notified COMIBOL of the need to lift the restriction.

In March 2010, the San Bartolomé mine began mining operations above the 4,400 meter level in high grade material located in the Huacajchi deposit, which was confirmed to be excluded from the October 2009 resolution, under an agreement with the cooperatives. In December 2011, a further area in the deposit, known as Huacajchi Sur was further confirmed to be open for mining as well. Other mining areas above the 4,400 meter level continue to be suspended. The mine plan adjustment may reduce production until the Company is able to resume mining above 4,400 meters. The Company believes this is a temporary suspension, although it is uncertain at this time how long the suspension will remain in place. If the restriction is not lifted, the Company may need to write down the carrying value of the asset.

Unpatented Mining Claims Dispute at Rochester in Nevada

On December 5, 2011, Coeur Rochester filed a lawsuit in the Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada against Rye Patch Gold Corp and Rye Patch Gold US, Inc. seeking a declaratory judgment as to Coeur Rochester’s ownership of 447 unpatented mining claims covering approximately 8,600 acres of federal lands in and surrounding the Coeur Rochester mine operation. On December 5, 2011, Rye Patch Gold US, Inc. filed a similar action asserting its interest in the claims in the Second Judicial District Court of Nevada. The Rye Patch action was subsequently moved to the Sixth Judicial Court and consolidated with Coeur Rochester’s pending

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

action. The dispute stems from competing asserted interests in the mining claims between Coeur Rochester and Rye Patch following Coeur Rochester’s inadvertent failure to pay annual mining claim maintenance fees. On December 5, 2011, the court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Rye Patch from entering the property. On December 20, 2011, following a hearing, the District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction, enjoining Rye Patch from entering certain active mine areas at the Coeur Rochester mine operation. The legal action is pending in the State District Court with a trial date set for November 2012. The Company believes it holds a superior property interest to Rye Patch based on flaws in the Rye Patch claims, and the Company’s prior valid possessory rights in the claims. The mine operates under an approved BLM plan of operations and has continued normal operations while the legal action is pending. We cannot predict how the court will rule on the ownership interest in the claims and if all or some of the claims at issue will be retained by the Company. The Company believes there would be no impact to the current silver and gold reserves at Coeur Rochester assuming an adverse outcome. However, the Company does believe an adverse outcome would cause it to modify existing plans to further expand future mining operations and would require permits to be updated to reflect changes in claim ownership arising from an adverse outcome.

The Rochester property is also the subject of an administrative appeal filed by Great Basin Resource Watch (“GBRW”) with the Interior Board of Land Appeals (“IBLA”). This appeal challenges the decision of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) decision to approve a plan of operations amendment permitting resumed mining in the existing mine pit and construction of a new heap leach pad. GBRW asserts that the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) required an Environmental Impact Statement for the plan of operations amendment, as opposed to the Environmental Assessment (“EA”) that was prepared. GBRW further alleges that BLM violated the Federal Land Policy & Management Act (“FLPMA”) by failing to avoid unnecessary and undue degradation of public lands. Because GBRW did not seek a stay of BLM’s decision, operations are proceeding as approved. Coeur was granted intervenor status in the appeal and is actively participating in its resolution. The BLM and Coeur assert that the EA complies with NEPA and that BLM complied with FLPMA by, among other things, requiring mitigation of any possible future effects on water quality. BLM is expected to submit additional information to the IBLA in March 2012. We cannot predict whether this will result in further briefing with the IBLA, when the IBLA will rule on the appeal or what impact, if any, an adverse ruling may have on Rochester’s operations.

 

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(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

NOTE 22 — SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following table sets forth a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (In thousands, except per share data):

 

 

     Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4  

2011

           

Sales of metals

   $ 199,624       $ 231,090       $ 343,575       $ 246,911   

Income from continuing operations

     12,464         38,611         31,060         11,364   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 12,464       $ 38,611       $ 31,060       $ 11,364   

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     50,041         57,641         58,652         58,166   

Production costs

     92,474         77,102         141,253         109,127   

Explorations

     2,762         4,077         4,772         7,517   

Other operating expenses

     15,805         12,931         11,507         10,577   

Cash provided by operating activities

     35,786         111,065         181,911         87,411   

Capital expenditures

     15,918         25,764         38,099         40,207   

Basic net loss per share:

           

Income from continuing operations

     0.14         0.43         0.35         0.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.14       $ 0.43       $ 0.35       $ 0.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share:

           

Income from continuing operations

     0.14         0.43         0.35         0.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 0.14       $ 0.43       $ 0.35       $ 0.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise specified)

 

 

     Q1     Q2     Q3(1)     Q4  

2010

        

Sales of metals

   $ 88,289      $ 101,018      $ 118,564      $ 207,586   

Loss from continuing operations

     (10,046     (44,801     (23,259     (5,078

Income (loss) from discontinued operations(1)

     (2,812     (5,943     631          

Net loss

   $ (12,858   $ (50,744   $ (22,628   $ (5,078

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     28,773        29,983        37,801        45,062   

Production costs

     51,019        58,590        60,402        87,625   

Explorations

     2,520        3,161        3,804        4,764   

Other operating expenses

     8,180        7,424        6,045        3,417   

Cash provided by operating activities

     (9,231     32,456        12,939        129,399   

Capital expenditures

     47,189        45,467        36,783        26,555   

Basic net loss per share:

        

Loss from continuing operations

     (0.12     (0.51     (0.26     (0.06

Income (loss) from discontinued operations(1)

     (0.04     (0.07     0.01          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (0.16   $ (0.58   $ (0.25   $ (0.06
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net loss per share:

        

Loss from continuing operations

     (0.12     (0.51     (0.26     (0.06

Income (loss) from discontinued operations(1)

     (0.04     (0.07     0.01          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (0.16   $ (0.58   $ (0.25   $ (0.06
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

In August 2010, the Company sold its 100% interest in Compañía Minera Cerro Bayo to Mandalay Resources Corporation.

NOTE 23 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has not identified any subsequent events as of the date of this filing.

 

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