10-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
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(Mark One) | |
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 |
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o | 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 MINING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | 82-0109423 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
104 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 900 Chicago, IL (Address of principal executive offices) | 60603 (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 489-5800
Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | | New York 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 x
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 ¨ No x
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 x 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 x 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. x
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):
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Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
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.
$777,662,184
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 9, 2016, 152,597,110 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
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 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
COEUR MINING, INC.
FORM 10-K
INDEX
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PART I |
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PART II |
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PART III |
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PART IV |
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PART I
INTRODUCTION
Coeur Mining, Inc. (“Coeur”,“the Company”, or "we") is a gold and silver producer with mines located in the United States, Mexico, and Bolivia and exploration projects in Mexico and Argentina. The Company operates the Palmarejo complex, the Rochester, Kensington, Wharf, and San Bartolomé mines, and also owns Coeur Capital, which is primarily comprised of the Endeavor silver stream, other precious metal royalties, and strategic investments. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are its operating mines and the Endeavor silver stream.
Coeur was incorporated as an Idaho corporation in 1928 under the name Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation. On May 16, 2013, Coeur changed its state of incorporation from the State of Idaho to the State of Delaware and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc.
OVERVIEW OF MINING PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS
The Company’s operating properties and interests are described below:
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Mexicana S.A. de C.V. ("Coeur Mexicana"), which has operated the underground and surface Palmarejo silver and gold mine (the “Palmarejo mine”) in Mexico since 2009. Palmarejo produced 5.1 million ounces of silver and 70,922 ounces of gold in 2015. The Company controls a large land position around its existing operations. In April 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. ("Paramount"), and now owns 100% of Coeur San Miguel Corp., which owns the San Miguel project that is adjacent to Coeur's Palmarejo property. The combined property now consists of (1) the Palmarejo mine and mill; (2) the Guadalupe underground mine, located about 8 kilometers southeast of the Palmarejo mine; (3) the Independencia deposit, located approximately 800 meters northeast of the Guadalupe underground mine, and (4) other nearby deposits and exploration targets (together, the “Palmarejo complex”). |
In 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation covering 50% of life of mine gold production for the portion of the Palmarejo complex owned by Coeur Mexicana prior to completion of the Paramount acquisition (the “Coeur Mexicana Property”). In 2014, Coeur Mexicana terminated the gold production royalty effective upon completion of the minimum ounce delivery requirement and subsequently entered into a gold stream agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation.
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Rochester, Inc. ("Coeur Rochester"), which has operated the Rochester mine, a silver and gold surface mining operation located in northwestern Nevada, since 1986. Rochester produced 4.6 million ounces of silver and 52,588 ounces of gold in 2015. Coeur Rochester is obligated to pay a 3.4% net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on up to 39.4 million silver equivalent ounces produced and sold from a portion of the Rochester mine. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Alaska, Inc. ("Coeur Alaska"), which operates the Kensington mine, an underground gold mine located north of Juneau, Alaska. The Kensington mine began commercial production in 2010. Kensington produced 126,266 ounces of gold in 2015. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Wharf Resources (U.S.A.) Inc. ("Wharf"), which operates the Wharf mine, an open-pit gold mine located near Lead, South Dakota. Wharf is located in the Black Hills mining district of South Dakota and has been in production for over 30 years, during which it has produced over 2.0 million ounces of gold. Coeur acquired Wharf in February 2015 from Goldcorp Inc. for cash consideration of $99.4 million. Wharf produced 78,132 ounces of gold post-acquisition in 2015. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Empresa Minera Manquiri S.A. ("Manquiri"), 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 2008. San Bartolomé produced 5.4 million ounces of silver in 2015. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Capital, Inc. (“Coeur Capital”), which holds the Company's streaming and royalty interests, along with a portfolio of strategic equity investments. The Endeavor silver stream, pursuant to a 2005 purchase agreement, allows Coeur to buy 100% of silver production up to 20.0 million ounces from the Endeavor mine for an operating cost contribution of $1.00 for each ounce of payable silver, indexed annually for inflation, plus a further increment when the silver price exceeds $7.00 per ounce. The Endeavor mine, operated by Cobar Operations Pty. Limited, is an underground zinc, lead, and silver mine which has been in operation since 1983. Endeavor produced 0.6 million ounces of silver in 2015. At December 31, 2015, the Company has received a total of 6.0 million ounces under the streaming agreement. |
Coeur Capital also holds a tiered royalty on McEwen Mining Inc.’s El Gallo complex in Mexico, currently paying a 3.5% NSR royalty, a 1.5% NSR royalty on Dynasty Metals & Mining, Inc.’s Zaruma mine in Ecuador, a 2.0% NSR royalty on Mandalay Resources Corp.’s Cerro Bayo mine in Chile, and other non-producing royalties.
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• | Coeur owns an 80% interest in a 2.5% royalty on OceanaGold Corporation's Correnso mine in New Zealand. Coeur has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 20% interest, which is expected to be completed in 2016. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of the La Preciosa silver-gold exploration project in the State of Durango, Mexico. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of the Joaquin silver-gold exploration project located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina. |
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• | Coeur owns 100% of Coeur Argentina S.R.L., which operated the Martha mine located in Argentina through 2012. In February 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Martha mine assets and properties for total consideration of $3.0 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. |
The Company also has interests in exploration stage properties located in the United States, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico with no mineable ore reserves. For financial and geographic information regarding our operating segments, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
SILVER AND GOLD PRICES
The Company’s operating results are substantially dependent upon the market prices of silver and gold, which fluctuate widely. The volatility of such prices is illustrated in the following table, which sets forth the high and low prices of silver based on the London Bullion Market Association ("LBMA") Silver Price, formerly known as the silver fix, and gold based on the PM LBMA Gold Price, formerly known as the PM gold fix:
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| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| High | | Low | | High | | Low | | High | | Low |
Silver | $18.23 | | $13.71 | | $22.05 | | $15.28 | | $32.23 | | $18.61 |
Gold | $1,296 | | $1,049 | | $1,385 | | $1,142 | | $1,694 | | $1,192 |
MARKETING
All of the Company's mining operations produce silver and gold in doré form except the Kensington and Wharf mines, which produce gold in various concentrate forms. The Endeavor mine, in which Coeur Capital holds a silver stream, produces lead and zinc concentrates with a high silver content, from which the Company recovers its payable silver ounces. The Company uses a geographically diverse group of third-party refiners and smelters in the United States, China, and Japan.
The Company's doré, as well as the concentrate product produced by the Wharf mine, is refined into gold and silver bullion according to benchmark standards set by the LBMA, which regulates the acceptable requirements for bullion traded in the London precious metals markets. The Company then sells its silver and gold bullion to multi-national banks, bullion trading houses, and refiners across the globe. The Company has eleven trading counterparties and the sales of metals to these companies amounted to approximately 74%, 63%, and 72% of total metal sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Generally, the loss of a single bullion trading counterparty would not adversely affect the Company due to the liquidity of the markets and availability of alternative trading counterparties.
The Company's concentrate produced by the Kensington mine is sold to smelters under purchase and sale agreements, and the smelters pay the Company for the gold and silver recovered from the concentrates. The Company currently sells concentrate to three smelters, and sales to these companies amounted to approximately 26%, 37%, and 28% of total metal sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. While the loss of any one smelter may have a material adverse effect if alternate smelters are not available, the Company believes that there is sufficient global capacity available to address the loss of a smelter.
HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company’s strategy is to provide stockholders with exposure to silver and gold prices by selling silver and gold production at market prices. The Company may enter into derivative contracts to protect the selling price for certain anticipated silver and 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 12 -- Derivative Financial Instruments in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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 to comply 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 or interpretation of these laws and regulations through judicial review, or administrative action or the adoption of new laws could have a material adverse effect upon the Company and its results of operations.
Estimated future reclamation costs are based primarily on legal and regulatory requirements. At December 31, 2015, $82.1 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, $3.2 million was accrued at December 31, 2015. These amounts are included in Reclamation on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Federal Environmental Laws
Certain mining wastes from extraction and beneficiation of ores would be considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and state law equivalents, but are currently exempt from the extensive set of Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulations governing hazardous waste. If the Company’s mine wastes were treated as hazardous waste under RCRA or such wastes resulted in operations being designated as “Superfund” sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or state law equivalents for cleanup, material expenditures could be required for the construction of additional waste disposal facilities, for other remediation expenditures, or for natural resource damages. Under CERCLA, any present or past owners or operators of a Superfund site generally may be held liable and may be forced to undertake remedial cleanup action or to pay for the government’s cleanup efforts. Such owners or operators 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 operations, tailings, and waste disposal areas as well as upon mine closure in Alaska, Nevada, and South Dakota under federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and state law equivalents. Air emissions are subject to the Clean Air Act and its state equivalents as well. Additionally, the Company is subject to other federal and state environmental laws relating to the operation and closure of the Company’s mine sites. 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. Future changes in federal or state laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect upon the Company and its results of operations.
Proposed U.S. Mining Legislation
A portion of the Company’s U.S. mining properties are on unpatented mining claims on federal lands. Legislation has been introduced regularly in the U.S. Congress over the last decade to change the Mining Law of 1872 as amended (the "Mining Law"), 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 profitability of the Company’s U.S. operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") 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 BLM and U.S. 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
Bolivia, where the San Bartolomé mine is located, and Mexico, where the Palmarejo complex and the La Preciosa exploration project are located, have both adopted laws and guidelines for environmental permitting that are similar to those in effect in the United States. 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 mine and Palmarejo complex as currently conducted, and has received all permits necessary for its exploration activities at the La Preciosa exploration project.
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 and 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.
The Company does not directly hold any interest in mining properties in Australia. However, the Company owns a silver stream on CBH Resources Ltd.'s ("CBH") Endeavor mine. CBH is responsible for the mining operation and compliance with laws and 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 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 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
United States
At mining properties in the United States, including the Rochester, Kensington, and Wharf 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 September 1st of each year, a claim maintenance fee of $155 per unpatented claim. This claim maintenance fee is in lieu of the assessment work requirement contained in applicable mining laws. In addition, 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. In South Dakota, 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 $0.25 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 ad valorem property taxes.
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 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 ejidos (communal owners of land recognized by the federal laws in Mexico), 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 investment and works. Annual reports, detailing production results, must be submitted by January 30 for each concession bearing production and all concessions over six years of age. Bi-annual mining duties are payable in January and July of each year and, based on amount of surface of each mining concession, holders of mining concessions must also pay annually and no later than the last business day of March a special mining fee based on 7.5% of the income before interest and certain other permitted deductions derived from the transfer or sale of minerals, plus 0.5% of gross revenues from sales of gold, silver and platinum. Failure to pay any of these duties and submit the required reports could lead to cancellation of the concessions. Upon expiration or cancellation of the concession, certain obligations remain, such as filing technical reports and ground support.
Bolivia
The Bolivian state owns the mining rights at San Bartolomé. The Bolivian state-owned mining organization, Corporación Minera de Bolivia (“COMIBOL”), is the underlying manager of all of the mining rights relating to the San Bartolomé mine. Bolivia’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 to several Potosí cooperatives. The cooperatives 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 mine. 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."
Argentina
In 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 permit, or 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 in any one province.
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 another party's cateo. MDs are filed as either a vein or disseminated discovery. A square protection zone can be declared around the discovery of 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. An MD can be upgraded to an exploitation concession ("Concesion de Explotacion" or "Mina"), which gives the holder the right to begin commercial extraction of minerals.
Australia
In Australia, minerals in the ground are owned by the state until severed from the ground through mining operations. At the Endeavor mining property 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, according to public sources, 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 to maintain title.
EMPLOYEES
The number of full-time employees of the Company at December 31, 2015 was:
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U.S. Corporate and Other | 69 |
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Wharf Mine | 197 |
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Rochester Mine | 301 |
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Kensington Mine | 321 |
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San Bartolomé Mine(1) | 352 |
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Palmarejo Complex | 765 |
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Total | 2,005 |
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(1) | The Company maintains a labor agreement in South America with Sindicato de Trabajadorés Mineras de la Empresa Manquiri S.A. at the San Bartolomé mine in Bolivia. The San Bartolomé mine labor agreement is in effect for 2016. At December 31, 2015, approximately 11% of the Company’s global labor force was covered by collective bargaining agreements. |
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
Management believes the following strengths provide the Company with significant competitive advantages:
Strong track record of developing and operating mines
The Company has successfully acquired, developed, and operated a portfolio of operating mines since its founding in 1928. In 2015, it produced 15.9 million ounces of silver and 327,908 ounces of gold at costs applicable to sales of $13.23 per silver equivalent ounce at its primary silver mines and $770 per gold equivalent ounce at its primary gold mines.
Silver Production Gold Production
Operating and commodity diversity
The Company's silver and gold production comes from six operating mines located in four countries. The Company operates the Palmarejo silver and gold complex in Mexico, the San Bartolomé silver mine in Bolivia, the Kensington gold mine in Alaska, the Wharf gold mine in South Dakota, and the Rochester silver and gold mine in Nevada. In addition, the Company owns a silver stream on the Endeavor mine in Australia. The Company also owns the La Preciosa and Joaquin silver-gold exploration projects in Mexico and Argentina, respectively.
The Company's metal sales breakdown by operating mine and metal is set out below:
2015 Silver Sales by Mine (millions of ounces) 2015 Gold Sales by Mine (ounces)
Experienced management team
The Company has built a high-caliber management team of devoted professionals with extensive mining industry expertise. President and Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Krebs, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Peter Mitchell, and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Frank Hanagarne, each has significant experience in the mining industry. The board of directors also brings diverse industry backgrounds and a depth of professional experience to the Company.
Capitalizing on prior development program
The Company has spent significant capital in commissioning or expanding its five operating mines. The following table provides the percentage contribution to the Company’s total revenues by mine:
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| | Coeur Percentage Ownership at December 31, | | Percentage of Total Revenues For The Year Ended December 31, |
Mine/Location | | 2015 | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Palmarejo Complex, Mexico | | 100% | | 27 | % | | 38 | % | | 43 | % | | 49 | % | | 50 | % |
Kensington Mine, United States | | 100% | | 23 |
| | 22 |
| | 20 |
| | 12 |
| | 15 |
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Rochester Mine, United States | | 100% | | 22 |
| | 20 |
| | 16 |
| | 15 |
| | 6 |
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Wharf Mine, United States(1) | | 100% | | 13 |
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| | — |
| | — |
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San Bartolomé Mine, Bolivia | | 100% | | 13 |
| | 19 |
| | 19 |
| | 20 |
| | 26 |
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Coeur Capital(2) | | 100% | | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
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Martha Mine, Argentina | | 100% | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
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| | | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
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(1) | Acquired February 20, 2015. |
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(2) | Primarily revenue from the Endeavor silver stream (Australia). |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains numerous forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) relating to the Company’s gold and silver mining business, including statements regarding potential acquisitions and dispositions, mineral reserve and mineralized material estimates, exploration and development efforts, estimated production, costs, capital expenditures, expenses, metals prices, sufficiency of assets, ability to discharge liabilities, liquidity management, financing needs, environmental compliance expenditures, risk management strategies, and initiatives to maximize net cash flow, enhance revenues, reduce operating and non-operating costs, and manage working capital efficiently. 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 results 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 and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7, (ii) the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in developing large-scale mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), (iii) changes in the market prices of gold and silver and a sustained lower price environment, (iv) the uncertainties inherent in the Company’s production, exploratory and developmental activities, including risks relating to permitting and regulatory delays, ground conditions and grade variability, (v) any future labor disputes or work stoppages (involving the Company and its subsidiaries or third parties), (vi) the uncertainties inherent in the estimation of gold and silver reserves and mineralized material, (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 absence of control over mining operations in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries holds royalty or streaming interests and risks related to these mining operations (including results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks, and changes in mine plans and project parameters); (x) the loss of access to any third-party smelter to which the Company markets silver and gold, (xi) the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations, (xii) the risks inherent in the ownership or operation of or investment in mining properties or businesses in foreign countries, 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.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
Reserves, Resources and Mineralized Material
Coeur Mining, Inc. is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result we report our mineral reserves according to two different standards. Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). The definitions of NI 43-101 are adopted from those given by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. U.S. reporting requirements, however, are governed by Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Industry Guide 7 (“Guide 7”). Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures
being reported, but embody different approaches and definitions. Under Guide 7, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.
In our public filings in Canada and in certain other announcements not filed with the SEC, we disclose measured, indicated and inferred resources, each as defined in NI 43-101, in addition to our mineral reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned that, while the terms “measured mineral resources,” “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, Guide 7 does not recognize them. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into Guide 7 compliant reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and therefore it cannot be assumed that all or any part of inferred resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K") and in our other filings with the SEC, we modify our estimates made in compliance with NI 43-101 to conform to Guide 7 for reporting in the United States. In this Form 10-K, we use the term “mineralized material” to describe mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” under U.S. standards. “Mineralized material” is substantially equivalent to measured and indicated mineral resources (exclusive of reserves) as disclosed for reporting purposes in Canada, except that the SEC only permits issuers to report "mineralized material" in tonnage and average grade without reference to contained ounces. We provide disclosure of mineralized material to allow a means of comparing our projects to those of other companies in the mining industry, many of which are Canadian and report pursuant to NI 43-101, and to comply with applicable disclosure requirements. We caution you not to assume that all or any part of mineralized material will ever be converted into Guide 7 compliant reserves.
Technical Reports and Qualified Persons
As required by Canadian securities laws, we hereby notify Canadian investors that the scientific and technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by a “qualified person” under NI 43-101, namely our Director, Resource Geology, Dana Willis. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors, Canadian investors may view technical reports prepared for each of our properties as filed on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Neither the technical reports nor the statements of any qualified person filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities are included in, or incorporated by reference in, this Form 10-K. Because the definitions and standards of NI 43-101 differ from those of Guide 7, investors are cautioned that information contained in reports prepared pursuant to NI 43-101, like the technical reports, may not be comparable to similar information that we can disclose in this Form 10-K or the other reports we file with the SEC.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Coeur makes available, on its website (http://www.coeur.com), 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, including any amendments to any of the foregoing, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with 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, Health, Safety, and Social Responsibility Committees) and its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, among others, are also available on the Company’s website. Information contained on the Company’s website is not a part of this report.
The Company's results of operations, cash flows and operating costs are highly dependent upon the market prices of silver and gold and other commodities, which are volatile and beyond the Company's control.
Silver and gold are actively traded commodities, and their prices are volatile. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the price of silver ranged from a low of $13.71 per ounce to a high of $18.23 per ounce, and the price of gold ranged from a low of $1,049 per ounce to a high of $1,296 per ounce. The closing market prices of silver and gold on February 9, 2016 were $15.34 per ounce and $1,191 per ounce, respectively.
Silver and gold prices are affected by many factors beyond the Company’s control, including U.S. dollar strength or weakness, prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes, expectations regarding inflation, speculation, global currency values, governmental decisions regarding 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. 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 global economic conditions and/or fiscal policies that negatively impact large consumer markets.
Because the Company derives all of its revenues from sales of silver and gold, its results of operations and cash flows will fluctuate as the prices of these metals change. A period of significant and sustained lower gold and silver prices would materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, if market prices for silver and gold decline further or remain at current or lower levels for a sustained period of time, the Company may have to revise its operating plans, including reducing operating costs and capital expenditures, terminating or suspending mining operations at one or more of its properties and discontinuing certain exploration and development plans. The Company may be unable to decrease its costs in an amount sufficient to offset reductions in revenues, and may continue to incur losses.
Operating costs at the Company’s mines are also affected by the price of input commodities, such as fuel, electricity, labor, chemical reagents, explosives, steel and concrete. Prices for these input commodities are volatile and can fluctuate due to conditions that are difficult to predict, including global competition for resources, currency fluctuations, consumer or industrial demand and other factors. Continued volatility in the prices of commodities and other supplies the Company purchases could lead to higher costs, which would adversely affect results of operations and cash flows.
The significant and sustained decline in gold and silver prices since 2013 caused the Company to write down certain of its long-lived assets and, in the future, such declines could cause one or more of the Company’s mining properties to become less profitable, which could require the Company to record additional write-downs of long-lived assets. Such write-downs may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for recoverability pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Section 360 (“ASC 360”). Under that standard, the Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets, such as its mining properties, upon a triggering event. Such review involves the Company 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. The Company conducts a review of the financial performance of its mines in connection with the preparation of its financial statements for each reported period and determines whether any triggering events are indicated.
The Company’s assessment of the recoverability of its long-lived assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 under ASC 360 indicated that write-downs of its long-lived assets of $313.3 million and $1,472.7 million, respectively, were required. These non-cash impairment charges resulted in write-downs in the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and reduced the carrying value of Mining properties and Property, plant, and equipment on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014. See Note 4 -- Write-Downs in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
If there are further significant and sustained declines in silver and gold prices or if the currently low silver or gold prices remain at such prices, or if the Company fails to control production and operating costs or realize the mineable ore reserves at its mining properties, the Company may terminate or suspend mining operations at one or more of its properties. These events could require a further write-down of the carrying value of the Company’s assets. Any such actions would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may record other types of charges in the future if it sells a property for a price less than its carrying value or has to increase reclamation liabilities in connection with the closure and reclamation of a property. Any additional write-downs of mining properties could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s future growth will depend upon its ability to develop new mines, either through exploration at 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. The Company’s ability to achieve significant additional growth in revenues and cash flows will depend upon success in further developing existing properties and developing or acquiring new mining properties. While initial development of major mining properties at Palmarejo, San Bartolomé, Rochester, and Kensington has been substantially completed, development work continues at Palmarejo, Rochester, and Kensington to expand these mines while using existing infrastructure. Since December 2012, the Company has owned 100% of the Joaquin silver-gold exploration project located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina. As a result of its acquisition of Orko (now Coeur La Preciosa Silver Corp.) in April 2013, the Company also holds the La Preciosa silver-gold exploration project in the state of Durango, Mexico. The Company acquired the Wharf gold mine in February 2015 and Paramount in April 2015. The Company is also currently in the process of developing the Guadalupe and Independencia deposits at the Palmarejo complex and the Jualin deposit at Kensington. These strategies are inherently risky, and the Company cannot assure that it will be able to successfully develop existing or new mining properties or acquire additional mining properties on favorable economic terms or at all.
The Company expects to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities and pursue those opportunities it believes are in the Company’s long-term best interests. There can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits of any such acquisition will be realized. The success of any acquisition will depend upon the Company’s ability to effectively manage the integration and operations of entities or properties it acquires and to realize other anticipated benefits. The process of managing acquired businesses may involve unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of management resources, which may divert management’s focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and from operational matters during this process.
Any acquisition would be accompanied by risks, including:
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• | a significant change in commodity or stock prices after the Company has committed to complete the transaction and established the purchase price or exchange ratio; |
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• | a material ore body may prove to be below expectations; |
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• | difficulties integrating and assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies, realizing anticipated synergies and maximizing the financial and strategic position of the combined enterprise, and maintaining uniform standards, policies and controls across the organization; and |
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• | the acquired business or assets may have unknown liabilities which may be significant. |
In connection with an acquisition, the Company may incur indebtedness or issue equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, resulting in increased interest expense, or dilution of the percentage ownership of existing stockholders. The Company cannot predict the impact of future acquisitions on the price of its common stock, or assure 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 negatively affect results of operations.
In addition, the Company’s systems, procedures and controls may be inadequate to support the expansion of our operations resulting from an acquisition. The Company’s future operating results could be affected by the ability of its officers and key employees to manage the changing business conditions and to integrate the acquired business into Coeur. There may also be liabilities, such as environmental liabilities, or significant capital expenditures that the Company failed to discover or have underestimated in connection with an acquisition. Any such liabilities or capital expenditure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or future prospects.
The Company’s use of derivative contracts to protect against market price volatility exposes it to risk of opportunity loss, mark-to-market fair value adjustments and exposure to counterparty credit risk.
From time to time, the Company may enter into price risk management contracts to protect against fluctuations in the price of silver and gold, foreign currency rates and changes in the prices of fuel and other input costs. These contracts could include forward sales or purchase contracts, futures contracts, purchased or sold put and call options and other derivative instruments.
The use of derivative instruments can expose the Company to risk of an opportunity loss and may also result in significant mark-to-market fair value adjustments, which may have a material adverse impact on reported financial results. The Company is exposed to credit risk with contract counterparties, including, but not limited to, sales contracts and derivative contracts. In the event of nonperformance in connection with a contract, the Company could be exposed to a loss of value for that contract.
The Company is an international company and is exposed to political and social risks in the countries in which it has significant operations or interests.
A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are generated by operations outside the United States, and it is subject to significant risks inherent in mineral 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 renegotiation of contracts, unfavorable changes in foreign laws and regulations, royalty and tax increases, risks associated with the value-added tax (“VAT”) recovery and collection process, claims by governmental entities or indigenous communities, expropriation or nationalization of property and other risks arising out of foreign sovereignty over areas in which 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, or experience significant delays or obstacles in the recovery of VAT refunds owed, which could materially and adversely affect financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
These risks may be higher in developing countries in which the Company may expand its exploration for and development of mineral deposits. Potential operations in these areas increase the Company’s exposure to risks of war, local economic conditions, political disruption, civil disturbance and governmental policies that may disrupt its operations.
The Company’s ongoing and future success depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with the communities, including indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders in its operating locations. The Company believes its operations can provide valuable benefits to surrounding communities, in terms of direct employment, training and skills development and other benefits associated with ongoing payment of taxes. In addition, the Company seeks to maintain its partnerships and relationships with local communities and stakeholders in a variety of ways, including in-kind contributions, volunteer time, sponsorships and donations. Notwithstanding the Company’s ongoing efforts, local communities and stakeholders can become dissatisfied with its activities or the level of benefits provided, which may result in civil unrest, protests, direct action or campaigns against it. Any such occurrences could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s operations outside the United States also expose it to economic and operational risks.
The Company’s operations outside the United States also expose it to economic and operational risks. Local economic conditions can cause 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, including drug-cartel related violence in Mexico, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to operate in an optimal fashion and may impose greater risks of theft and greater risks as to personnel and property security. These conditions could lead to lower productivity and higher costs, which would adversely affect results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, acts of civil disobedience are common in certain of the countries where the Company’s operations are located. In recent years, many mining companies have been the targets of actions to restrict their legally-entitled access to mining concessions or property. Such acts of civil disobedience often occur with no warning and can result in significant direct and indirect costs. The Company cannot provide assurance that there will be no disruptions to site access in the future, which could adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company sells silver and gold doré and concentrates in U.S. dollars, but it conducts operations outside the United States in local currency. Currency exchange movements could also adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
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 results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected by inaccurate estimates.
The ore reserve figures presented in the Company’s public filings are estimates made by the Company’s technical personnel and independent mining consultants with whom the Company contracts. Reserve estimates are a function of geological and engineering analyses that require the Company to make assumptions about production costs, 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 fluctuate widely and have continued to fall over the past several years. 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 the Company encounter mineralization or geologic formations at any of its mines or projects different from those predicted, it may adjust its reserve estimates and alter its mining plans. Either of these alternatives may adversely affect actual production and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s estimates of future production, costs, and financial results are imprecise, depend upon subjective factors and may not be realized in actual production and such estimates speak only as of their respective dates.
The Company has in the past, and may in the future, provide estimates and projections of its future production, costs and financial results. Any such information is forward-looking. Such estimates are made by the Company’s management and technical personnel and depend on numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the availability, accessibility, sufficiency and quality of ore, the Company’s costs of production, the market prices of silver and gold, the Company’s ability to sustain and increase production levels, the sufficiency of its infrastructure, the performance of its personnel and equipment, its ability to maintain and obtain mining interests and permits and its compliance with existing and future laws and regulations. Actual results and experience may differ materially from these assumptions. Any such production, cost, or financial results estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update such estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Forward sales, royalty arrangements, and certain derivative instruments 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 or other third parties in amounts that are based on expected production and price levels for silver or gold. The Company enters into such arrangements when it concludes that they provide it with necessary capital to develop a specific mining property or to achieve other business objectives. Royalty or similar payment obligations, however, can limit the Company’s ability to realize the full effects of rising gold or silver prices and may require the Company to make potentially significant cash payments if the mine fails to achieve specified minimum production levels.
The Company’s future operating performance may not generate cash flows sufficient to meet debt payment obligations.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $490.4 million of outstanding indebtedness. In addition, the Company's total debt excludes $15.2 million for future minimum estimated gold production royalty payments due from Coeur Mexicana to Franco-Nevada. The liabilities associated with these gold production royalty payments increase as the price of gold increases. The Company’s ability to make scheduled debt payments on outstanding indebtedness will depend on future results of operations and cash flows. The Company’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 obligations and commitments. If the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service debt, it may need to further refinance debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain the necessary funds.
The Company cannot predict whether it would be able to refinance debt, issue equity or dispose of assets to raise funds on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms. In a rising interest rate environment, the costs of borrowing additional funds or refinancing outstanding indebtedness would also be expected to increase.
The terms of the Company’s debt impose restrictions on its operations.
The agreements governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness include a number of significant negative covenants. These covenants, among other things:
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• | limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing, repurchase outstanding debt or equity or issue debt or equity securities; |
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• | require a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; |
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• | limit our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete; and |
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• | place us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors. |
A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable agreement governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness that, if not cured or waived, could give the holders of the defaulted debt the right to terminate commitments to lend and cause all amounts outstanding with respect to the debt to be due and payable immediately. Acceleration of any debt could result in cross-defaults under the Company’s other debt instruments. The Company’s assets and cash flow may be insufficient to repay borrowings fully under all of its outstanding debt instruments if any of its debt instruments are accelerated upon an event of default, which could force the Company into bankruptcy or liquidation.
The Company might be unable to raise additional financing necessary to meet capital needs, conduct business, make payments when due or refinance debt.
The Company might need to raise additional funds in order to meet capital needs, implement its business plan, refinance debt or acquire complementary assets. Any required additional financing might not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In a rising interest rate environment, the costs of borrowing additional funds or refinancing outstanding indebtedness would also be expected to increase. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, holders of its common stock could experience significant dilution of their ownership interest, and these securities could have rights senior to those of the holders of common stock.
Any downgrade in the credit ratings assigned to the Company’s debt securities could increase future borrowing costs, adversely affect the availability of new financing and may result in increased collateral requirements under the Company’s existing surety bond portfolio.
There can be no assurance that any rating currently assigned by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services or Moody’s Investors Service to the Company will remain unchanged for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating so warrant. If the Company is unable to maintain its outstanding debt and financial ratios at levels acceptable to the credit rating agencies, or should the Company’s business prospects or financial results deteriorate, including as a result of declines in silver and gold prices or other factors beyond our control, our ratings could be downgraded by the rating agencies. A downgrade by the rating agencies could adversely affect the value of the Company’s outstanding debt securities, its existing debt, and its ability to obtain new financing on favorable terms, if at all, increase borrowing costs, and may result in increased collateral requirements under the Company’s existing surety bond portfolio, which in turn may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
The Company’s business is subject to U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, a breach or violation of which could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, loss of licenses or permits and reputational harm.
The Company operates in certain jurisdictions that have experienced governmental and private sector corruption to some degree. For example, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or other commercial advantage. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other corporate policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, which often carry substantial penalties. There can be no assurance that the Company’s internal control policies and procedures always will protect it from recklessness, fraudulent behavior, dishonesty or other inappropriate acts committed by the Company’s affiliates, employees or agents. As such, the Company’s corporate policies and processes may not prevent all potential breaches of law or other governance practices. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could lead to civil and criminal fines and penalties, litigation, and loss of operating licenses or permits, and may damage the Company’s reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
Significant investment risks and operational costs are associated with exploration, development and mining activities. These risks and costs may result in lower economic returns and may adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company’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. 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.
Mineral exploration, particularly for silver and gold, involves many risks and is frequently unproductive. 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 that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. 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; mineral prices; and issuance and maintenance of necessary permits. 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.
In addition, exploration projects may have no operating history upon which to base estimates of future operating costs and capital requirements. Exploration 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 operating costs and economic returns of any and all exploration projects may materially differ from the costs and returns estimated, and accordingly, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be negatively affected.
A significant delay or disruption in sales of concentrates as a result of the unexpected discontinuation of purchases by smelter customers could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.
The Company currently sells gold concentrates to third-party smelters in China, Japan, and Australia. The loss of any one smelter could have a material adverse effect on the Company if alternative smelters were unavailable. The Company cannot ensure that alternative smelters would be available or offer comparable terms if the need for them were to arise or that it would not experience delays or disruptions in sales that would materially and adversely affect results of operations.
There are significant hazards associated with 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. Any liabilities that the Company incurs for these risks and hazards could be significant and could adversely affect results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The Company is subject to significant governmental regulations, including 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.
U.S. surface and underground mines like the Kensington, Rochester and Wharf mines are continuously inspected by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”), which inspections often lead to notices of violation. Recently, MSHA has been conducting more frequent and more comprehensive inspections of mining operations in general.
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 the Company’s U.S. mines could be subject to a temporary or extended shutdown as a result of a violation alleged by 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 the Company’s 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, land development 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 may 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 financial condition and results of operations. Any failure to remedy an environmental problem could require it 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 the Company 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. The Company cannot assure that any such law, regulation, enforcement or private claim would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Some of the mining wastes from the Company’s U.S. mines currently are exempt to a limited extent from the extensive set of EPA regulations governing hazardous waste under the RCRA. If the EPA were to repeal this exemption, and designate these mining wastes as hazardous under RCRA, the Company would be required to expend additional amounts on the handling of such wastes and to make significant expenditures to construct hazardous waste storage or disposal facilities. In addition, if any of these wastes causes contamination in or damage to the environment at a U.S. mining facility, that facility could be designated as a “Superfund” site under CERCLA. Under CERCLA, any present owner or operator of a Superfund site or the owner or operator at the time of contamination may be held jointly and severally liable regardless of fault, and may be forced to undertake extensive remedial cleanup action or to pay for the cleanup efforts. The owner or operator also may be liable to federal, state and tribal 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”), in Nevada under the Nevada Water Pollution Control Law which implements the CWA, and in South Dakota under the South Dakota Water Pollution Control Act and the Administrative Rules of the State of South Dakota.
Airborne emissions are subject to controls under air pollution statutes implementing the Clean Air Act in Nevada, Alaska and South Dakota. In addition, there are numerous legislative and regulatory proposals related to climate change, including legislation pending in the U.S. Congress to require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Adoption of these proposals could have a material adverse effect on results of operations and cash flows.
Continuation of the Company’s mining operations is dependent on the availability of sufficient and affordable water supplies.
The Company’s mining operations require significant quantities of water for mining, ore processing and related support facilities. In particular, the Company’s properties in Mexico are in areas where water is scarce and competition among users for continuing access to water is significant. Continuous production and mine development is dependent on the Company’s ability to acquire and maintain water rights and claims and to defeat claims adverse to current water uses in legal proceedings. Although each of the Company’s operating mines currently has sufficient water rights and claims to cover its operational demands, the Company cannot predict the potential outcome of pending or future legal proceedings relating to water rights, claims and uses. Water shortages may also result from weather or environmental and climate impacts out of the Company’s control. Shortages in water supply could result in production and processing interruptions. In addition, the scarcity of water in certain regions could result in increased costs to obtain sufficient quantities of water to conduct the Company's operations. The loss of some or all water rights, in whole or in part, or shortages of water to which we have rights or significantly higher costs to obtain sufficient quantities of water could require the Company to curtail or shut down mining production and could prevent the Company from pursuing expansion or development opportunities, which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition. Laws and regulations may be introduced in some jurisdictions in which the Company operates which could also limit access to sufficient water resources, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operations.
The Company relies on third parties who own, maintain and operate the mines underlying its streaming and royalty assets.
The Endeavor mine is owned, maintained and operated by Cobar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBH. However, pursuant to a silver sale and purchase agreement, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CDE Australia Pty. Ltd. (“CDE Australia”), has acquired all silver production and reserves at the Endeavor mine, up to a total of 20.0 million payable ounces. CDE Australia has agreed to pay Cobar an operating cost contribution of $1.00 for each ounce of payable silver, indexed annually for inflation, plus a further increment when the silver price exceeds $7.00 per ounce. In addition, the Company currently holds a tiered royalty on McEwen Mining Inc.’s El Gallo complex in Mexico, currently paying a 3.5% NSR, a 1.5% NSR on Dynasty Metals & Mining, Inc.’s Zaruma mine in Ecuador, a 2.0% NSR on Mandalay Resources Corp.’s Cerro Bayo mine in Chile, and an 80% interest in a 2.5% royalty on OceanaGold Corporation's Correnso mine in New Zealand, as well as several royalties on mining assets that are not yet developed. The Company may acquire additional streaming and royalty interests in the future.
The Company relies on third parties to own, maintain and operate the mining projects underlying its royalty and streaming interests, which exposes it to substantial counterparty risk. These third parties may fail to adequately or appropriately operate or maintain their respective projects or may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under their agreements with the Company.
The Company cannot ensure that each of these third parties will not suffer financial hardship, will continue as a going concern or will not enter bankruptcy or otherwise liquidate. Any such event could expose the Company to significant costs and could limit the amounts, if any, the Company could recover in any proceeding against any such third party for breach of their agreement with the Company. There can be no assurance that the production from any of these mining operations will meet forecasted production targets. At any time, any of the owners or operators of these mining operations may decide to suspend or discontinue operations. In addition, the owners or operators of projects that are not yet operational in which the Company may hold royalty or streaming interests may decide to delay or not to proceed with commencing commercial production. Any failure, inability or refusal of a counterparty to meet its obligations to the Company under these royalty or streaming arrangements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.
The Company is required to obtain and renew governmental permits in order to conduct operations, a process which is often costly and time-consuming. The Company’s ability to obtain necessary government permits to expand operations or begin new operations can be materially affected by third party activists.
In the normal course of its business, the Company is required to obtain and renew governmental permits for exploration, operations and expansion of existing operations and for the development of new projects. Obtaining and renewing governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The timeliness and success of permitting efforts are contingent upon many variables not within the Company's control, including the interpretation of permit approval requirements administered by the applicable permitting authority. The Company may not be able to obtain or renew permits that are necessary to its operations or the cost and time required to obtain or renew permits may exceed the Company's expectations. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting process could delay the development or impede the operation of a mine, which in turn could materially adversely affect the Company's revenues and future growth. In addition, key permits and approvals may be revoked or suspended or may be changed in a manner that adversely affects the Company’s operations.
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 in the permitting process and could cause the Company to not proceed with the development or expansion of a mine. In addition, the Company’s ability to successfully obtain key permits and approvals to explore for, develop, operate and expand mines and to conduct its operations will likely depend on the Company’s ability to develop, operate, expand and close mines in a manner that is consistent with the creation of social and economic benefits in the surrounding communities, which may or may not be required by law. The Company’s ability to obtain permits and approvals and to successfully operate in particular communities may be adversely impacted by real or perceived detrimental events associated with its activities or those of other mining companies affecting the environment, human health and safety of communities in which it operates.
In June 2013, Coeur submitted a proposed amendment to the plan of operations for the Rochester mine (“POA 10”) to the BLM to expand leach pad capacity. Absent POA 10 approval, Coeur anticipates that the capacity under the existing leach pad will be insufficient after mid to late 2017. If POA 10 is not approved on a timely basis or at all, or if the permitting process is delayed for any reason, including to address public comments, the Company’s plans for continued operations and future growth at Rochester could be materially adversely affected which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is dependent upon information technology systems, which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks associated with implementation and integration.
The Company’s information technology systems used in its operations are subject to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks, natural disasters and defects in design. Cybersecurity incidents, in particular, are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. Various measures have been implemented to manage the Company’s risks related to information technology systems and network disruptions. However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of information technology disruptions, the Company could potentially be subject to production downtimes, operational delays, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.
The Company could also be adversely affected by system or network disruptions if new or upgraded information technology systems are defective, not installed properly or not properly integrated into operations. Various measures have been implemented to manage the risks related to the system implementation and modification, but system modification failures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
The Company’s exploration projects, La Preciosa and Joaquin, are subject to significant development, operational and regulatory risks.
As exploration projects, La Preciosa and Joaquin are subject to numerous risks. The economic feasibility of an exploration project is based on many factors such as: estimation of mineral reserves and mineralized material, anticipated metallurgical recoveries, environmental considerations and permitting, future metals prices, and anticipated capital and operating costs of these projects. For the La Preciosa project, the Company’s 2014 feasibility study derived estimates of costs and economic returns based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of reserves to be mined and processed, the configuration of the mineral body, expected recovery rates, estimated expenditures, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. As a result, it is possible that actual costs and economic returns will differ significantly from those estimated for the project in the feasibility study. For example, the significant decline in metals prices since the feasibility study, among other factors, has resulted in the reclassification of the mineral reserves previously declared at La Preciosa. When the Company ultimately determines to proceed with project construction, the Company may be unable to complete project and environmental permitting within an economically acceptable time frame.
As a result of these and related risks, future estimates of or actual costs and economic returns of the La Preciosa and Joaquin projects may materially differ from the estimated costs and returns for these projects.
The Company’s operations in Bolivia are subject to political risks.
In May 2014, the new Bolivian mining law was enacted. The Company has been assessing the potential effects of the legislation on its Bolivian operations but any effects remain uncertain until the regulations implementing the law are enacted. The law regulates royalties and provides for mining contracts with the government rather than concession holding. If the regulations promulgated under the new mining law mandate a renegotiation of the terms of our existing contracts with the Bolivian state-
owned mining company, Corporacion Minera de Bolivia (“COMIBOL”) and the mining cooperatives, this could materially adversely affect the profitability and cash flow of our operations in Bolivia. It is also uncertain if any new mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude may further affect mining in Bolivia.
In addition, companies are also operating under Law No. 403 of September 18, 2013, and its regulatory Supreme Decree, which provides for the reversion of mining rights if the Ministry of Mines verifies that a person with mining rights has not initiated mining activities or developed the mining rights. The contracts with COMIBOL and the cooperatives are excluded from the application of Law No. 403. In April 2014, our subsidiary in Bolivia was served by the Bolivian government with a reversion decision affecting nine mining rights wholly-owned by our subsidiary. The affected area is not in an area of active mining by the Company and the Company’s San Bartolomé operations were not targeted as an area of interest in the decision since all of our past and current mining activity is performed through our contracts with COMIBOL and the mining cooperatives.
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 with COMIBOL as well as under authorized contracts with local mining cooperatives that hold their rights under contract themselves with COMIBOL. The stability studies have been completed and officially submitted to the Bolivian mining technical authorities. Accordingly, the COMIBOL suspension has expired in accordance with the terms of the resolution. As a result of the resolution, 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. The Cooperative Reserva Fiscal, with whom the Company has one of those contracts, subsequently interpreted the COMIBOL resolution and determined that the Huacajchi deposit was not covered by such resolution. In March 2010, the Cooperative Reserva Fiscal notified COMIBOL that, based on its interpretation, it was resuming mining of high grade material above the 4,400 meter level in the Huacajchi deposit. In December 2011, the Cooperative Reserva Fiscal sent a similar notification to COMIBOL with respect to a further area above the 4,400 meter level known as Huacajchi Sur. Based on these notifications and on the absence of any objection from COMIBOL, the Company resumed limited mining operations at the San Bartolomé mine on the Huacajchi deposit and Huacajchi Sur. Despite the fact that the COMIBOL suspension has expired, the Company has not resumed mining in other areas above the 4,400 meter level due to community relations concerns and the current political climate in Bolivia.
While the COMIBOL suspension has expired, it is uncertain at this time how long the Company will continue to suspend its mining operations in areas above the 4,400 meter level other than at Huacajchi and Huacajchi Sur. If COMIBOL decides to affirmatively adopt a new resolution to restrict access above the 4,400 meter level on a permanent basis, the Company may need to further write down the carrying value of the asset. While a portion of the Company's proven and probable reserves relate to material above the 4,400 meter level at San Bartolomé, so long as operations remain suspended, there is a risk that silver may not be produced from this material at expected levels or at all, particularly given the remaining anticipated mine life of this asset. It is also uncertain 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 may experience labor disputes, work stoppages or other disruptions in production that could adversely affect its business and results of operations. Labor disruptions may be used to advocate labor, political or social goals, particularly at non-U.S. mines. For example, labor disruptions may occur in sympathy with strikes or labor unrest in other sectors of local economies. During the past three years, two of the Company’s mines have experienced work stoppages, each of which was resolved within a short period of time and had no material effect on results of operations or financial condition. The Company cannot assure that work stoppages or other disruptions will not occur in the future. Any such work stoppage or disruption could expose the Company to significant costs and have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.
At December 31, 2015, unions represented approximately 11% of the Company’s global workforce, all of which were comprised of workers at the San Bartolomé mine in Bolivia. The Company has a labor agreement at the San Bartolomé mine which is in effect for 2016. The Company cannot predict whether this agreement will be renewed on similar terms or at all, whether future labor disruptions will occur or, if disruptions do occur, how long they will last.
Disputes regarding the Company’s mining claims, concessions or surface rights to land in the vicinity of the Company’s mining projects or conservation efforts involving U.S. federal lands could adversely impact operations.
The validity of mining or exploration claims, concessions or rights, which constitute most of the Company’s property holdings, is often uncertain and may be contested. The Company has used commercially reasonable efforts, in accordance with industry standard, to investigate its title or claims to its various properties, however, no assurance can be given that applicable governments will not revoke or significantly alter the conditions of the applicable exploration and mining claims, concessions or
rights or that such exploration and mining claims, concessions or rights will not be challenged by third parties. Although the Company has attempted to acquire satisfactory title to undeveloped properties, in accordance with mining industry practice it 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 the Company’s exploration and mining claims, concessions or rights could result in litigation, insurance claims and potential losses affecting its business as a whole. There may be challenges to the title of any of the claims comprising the Company’s projects 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.
In Mexico, while mineral rights are administered by the federal government through federally issued mining concessions, ejidos control surface or surface access rights to the land. An ejido may sell or lease lands directly to a private entity. While the Company has agreements or is in the process of negotiating agreements with the ejidos that impact all of its projects in Mexico, some of these agreements may be subject to renegotiation. In Bolivia, we obtain surface rights from cooperatives, through a series of “joint venture” contracts. Changes to the existing agreements or leases or failure to reach agreement in any negotiations may have a significant impact on operations at the Company’s projects and may, on occasion, lead to litigation. Further, the Bolivian government under Law No. 403 may have the ability to reverse our wholly-owned mining rights. Any such reversion decision could adversely impact our future mining plans.
In addition, U.S. environmental conservation efforts could result in the withdrawal of certain federal lands from mineral entry under the Mining Law, which could have the effect of restricting the Company’s current or future planned activities involving its unpatented mining claims on the affected public lands.
The Company is subject to litigation and may be subject to additional litigation in the future.
The Company is currently, and may in the future become, subject to other litigation, arbitration or proceedings with other parties. If decided adversely to the Company, these legal proceedings, or others that could be brought against the Company in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or prospects. For a more detailed discussion of pending litigation, see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In the event of a dispute arising at the Company’s foreign operations, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or arbitral panels, or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts or arbitral panels in the United States. The Company’s inability to enforce its rights and the enforcement of rights on a prejudicial basis by foreign courts or arbitral panels could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
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 stockholders' equity ownership. The Company is authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, 10.0 million 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 its common stock. 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
Coeur Mining's significant production and development properties are described below. Operating statistics are presented in the section entitled "Operating Statistics" below.
Mexico — Palmarejo
The Palmarejo complex consists of (1) the Palmarejo mine and mill; (2) the Guadalupe underground mine, located about 8 kilometers southeast of the Palmarejo mine; (3) the Independencia deposit, located approximately 800 meters northeast of the Guadalupe underground mine; and (4) other nearby deposits and exploration targets. The Palmarejo complex 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. Silver and gold production from the Palmarejo complex (consisting of the Palmarejo and Guadalupe mines) was approximately 5.1 million ounces and 70,922 ounces in 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2015, we reported 44.9 million ounces of silver reserves and 690,100 ounces of gold reserves at the Palmarejo complex.
On April 17, 2015, Coeur completed its acquisition of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. (“Paramount”) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $146.0 million. Following completion of the transaction, Paramount, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paramount Gold de Mexico ("Paramount Mexico"), is now wholly-owned by Coeur.
The Palmarejo complex is made up of 81 wholly-owned mining concessions, covering approximately 135,131 acres (54,685 hectares) of land, held as follows: Coeur Mexicana - 36 mining concessions, approximately 30,351 acres (12,282 hectares); and Paramount Gold de Mexico - 45 mining concessions, approximately 104,780 acres (42,403 hectares). In total, the Palmarejo complex covers over 211 square miles. All mining concessions owned by Coeur and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are valid until at least 2029.
The Palmarejo complex 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, 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 complex, 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 complex 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 mining 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 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), Independencia, and La Patria vein systems in the southern part of the property, which are currently under development and exploration by the Company.
In 2009, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold production royalty transaction with a subsidiary of 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 Coeur Mexicana Property. A total of 33,495 ounces of gold remain outstanding at December 31, 2015 under the minimum royalty obligation. On October 2, 2014, Coeur Mexicana terminated the Palmarejo gold production royalty effective upon completion of the minimum ounce delivery requirement. Subsequently, Coeur Mexicana entered into a gold stream agreement with a subsidiary of Franco-Nevada Corporation whereby Coeur Mexicana will sell 50% of Coeur Mexicana Property gold production upon completion of the gold production royalty minimum ounce delivery requirement for the lesser of $800 or spot price per ounce. The properties acquired by Coeur in the Paramount acquisition are not subject to the Franco-Nevada gold production royalty or the gold stream agreement.
USA — Rochester
The Rochester mine, and associated heap leach facilities, is an open pit silver and gold mine located in Pershing County, Nevada, approximately 12 miles north of the city of Lovelock. The Company owns 100% of the Rochester Mine through Coeur Rochester. The mine consists of the main Rochester deposit and the adjacent Nevada Packard deposit, southwest of Rochester. 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. Ore is mined using conventional open pit methods, with gold and silver recovered by heap leaching of crushed open-pit ore placed on pads located within the Rochester mining area. Based upon actual operating experience and metallurgical testing, the Company estimates ultimate recovery rates from the crushed ore of 61.0% for silver, depending on the ore being leached, and 92.0% for gold. Silver and gold production from Rochester was approximately 4.6 million ounces and 52,588 ounces in 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2015, we reported 79.3 million ounces of silver reserves and 477,000 ounces of gold reserves at Rochester.
Coeur Rochester lands consist of approximately 15,682 net acres, which encompasses 733 Federal unpatented lode claims, appropriating approximately 11,063 net acres of Public Land, 21 patented lode claims, consisting of approximately 357 acres, interests owned in approximately 3,993 gross acres of additional real property and certain rights in and to approximately 269 acres, held either through lease, letter agreement or license.
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. However, mining of the Nevada Packard property has since ceased. The prior owner conducted very limited mining and processing at Nevada Packard. Collectively, the Rochester and Nevada Packard properties, together with other adjacent and contiguous lands subsequently acquired, comprise the Rochester silver and gold processing operation. The Federal unpatented lode claims are maintained via annual filings and timely payment of claim maintenance fees to the BLM, which acts as administrator of the claims.
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, vein swarms and stockworks) with variable amounts of pyrite.
The Company is obligated to pay a NSR royalty to ASARCO, the prior owner, when the average quarterly market price of silver equals or exceeds $23.60 per ounce indexed for inflation up to a maximum rate of 5% with the condition that Rochester achieves positive cash flow for the applicable year. If cash flow at Rochester is negative in any calendar year, the maximum royalty payable is $250,000.
Coeur Rochester is obligated to pay a 3.4% NSR royalty on up to 39.4 million silver equivalent ounces produced and sold from a portion of the Rochester mine (including stockpile ore, mineral processing facilities and mining claims located in the Sections set forth in the NSR royalty agreement) commencing January 1, 2014. For each calendar quarter, the royalty is payable on the actual sales prices received at the time of sale (exclusive of gains or losses associated with trading activities), less refining costs, of gold and silver produced and sold from the Rochester mine. At December 31, 2015, 24.2 million silver equivalent ounces remain subject to the 3.4% NSR royalty.
USA — Kensington
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 Company controls 100% of the mine through Coeur Alaska. 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 that 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 mine is by either a combination of road vehicles, boat, helicopter, floatplane, or by boat direct from Juneau. Gold production from Kensington was 126,266 ounces in 2015. At December 31, 2015, we reported 560,301 ounces of gold reserves at Kensington.
Coeur Alaska controls two contiguous property groups: the Kensington Group and Jualin Group. The Kensington Group, totaling approximately 3,969 net acres, consists of 51 patented lode and patented mill site claims comprising approximately 766 net acres, 284 Federal unpatented lode claims covering approximately 3,108 net acres, and 13 State of Alaska mining claims covering approximately 95 net acres. The Jualin Group, totaling approximately 8,366 net acres, is composed of 23 patented lode and patented mill site claims covering approximately 388 net acres, 471 Federal unpatented lode claims and 1 Federal unpatented mill site claim appropriating approximately 7,916 net acres, and 29 State of Alaska mining claims comprising approximately 306 net acres. 14 of the 23 patented lode claims cover private surface estate only. The mineral estate to these 14 patented lode claims is owned by the State of Alaska, the mineral rights to which are secured by State of Alaska mining claims. The Company controls properties comprising the Jualin Group, under a lease agreement with Hyak Mining Company, which is valid until August 5, 2035 and thereafter, provided mining and production are actively occurring within and from the leased premises.
The Federal unpatented lode and Federal unpatented mill site claims are maintained via annual filings and timely payment of claim maintenance fees to the BLM, which acts as administrator of the claims. State of Alaska mining claims are maintained via fees and filings to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water and the Juneau Recorder’s Office. Real property taxes are paid annually to the City and Borough of Juneau for the patented lode claims. Lease payments are paid annually and all leases are in good standing.
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. Most of the gold is contained in calaverite (AuTe2) that occurs in association with native gold as inclusions in and interstitial to pyrite grains and in microfractures in pyrite.
USA — Wharf
The Wharf mine is located in the northern Black Hills of western South Dakota, approximately 4 miles southwest of the city of Lead, South Dakota. Access is established by paved road with power supplied by a local power company.
On February 20, 2015, Coeur completed its acquisition of Wharf. As a result of the acquisition, Coeur owns all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Wharf and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Golden Reward Mining Limited Partnership (“Golden Reward”). Post-acquisition gold production from Wharf was 78,132 ounces in 2015. At December 31, 2015, we reported 712,090 ounces of gold reserves at Wharf.
There are two contiguous property groups located at the Wharf mine; the Wharf Group and the Golden Reward Group, owned or controlled by Wharf or Golden Reward, respectively. The Wharf Group is generally described as the northern and
western portions of the project, while the Golden Reward Group is generally described as the southern and eastern portion of the project.
The Wharf Group comprises 362 patented lode claims, 35 government lots, 133 subdivided lots, and 59 federal unpatented lode claims. The Wharf Group is comprised of approximately 3,638 net acres of surface, 652 net mineral acres where both the Precambrian and younger formations are owned or controlled, 3,243 net mineral acres of non-Precambrian mineral estate, and 1,603 net mineral acres of Precambrian mineral estate and 287 net acres of federal unpatented lode claims. The Golden Reward Group encompasses 218 patented lode claims, 14 government lots, 19 subdivided lots and 33 federal unpatented lode claims. The Golden Reward Group is comprised of approximately 1,563 net acres of surface estate, 2,987 net mineral acres of mineral estate where both the Precambrian and younger formations are owned or controlled, 357 net mineral acres of Non-Precambrian mineral estate, 153 net mineral acres of Precambrian mineral estate and 25 net acres of federal unpatented lode claims.
The federal unpatented lode claims are maintained by the timely annual payment of claim maintenance fees, payable to the BLM. The patented lands are private land and therefore not subject to federal claim maintenance requirements. However, as private land, they are subject to ad valorem property taxes assessed by Lawrence County, South Dakota, which may be paid semi-annually.
Wharf and Golden Reward are obligated to pay a sliding scale production royalty to Royal Gold, Inc. The royalty encumbers the majority of the land comprising the Wharf Group, together with a small portion of the lands encompassing the Golden Reward Group, and wholly excludes the Precambrian Mineral Estate. The sliding scale provides for a 2.0% royalty on the gross value less state severance taxes with a monthly average PM LBMA Gold Price of $500 or more per ounce.
Wharf and Golden Reward are also obligated to pay a 3.0% non-participating royalty to Donald D. Valentine, et al, on gold that is produced from ores mined and delivered to heap leach pads or recovered from tailings. This royalty encumbers the mineral estate, including the Precambrian Mineral Estate, of much of the lands comprising the Wharf Group, together with a small portion of the lands encompassing the Golden Reward Group. Wharf Resources holds a right of first refusal to purchase this royalty upon any proposed transfer by the royalty holder.
Bolivia — San Bartolomé
The San Bartolomé silver mine, and associated milling operation, operated by Manquiri, is located on the flanks of the Cerro Rico Mountain bordering the town of Potosí, in the department of Potosí, Bolivia. Access to the property and Manquiri’s processing facilities is by paved and all-weather gravel roads leading south-southwest from Potosí. 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. Silver production from San Bartolomé was approximately 5.4 million ounces in 2015. At December 31, 2015, we reported 27.9 million ounces of silver reserves at San Bartolomé.
The silver mineralization at San Bartolomé is hosted in unconsolidated sediments (pallacos), reworked sediments (sucus and troceras), and oxide stockpiles and dumps (desmontes) from past mining that occurred on 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 that are controlled by Manquiri and surround Cerro Rico, three are of primary importance and are known as Huacajchi, Diablo, and Santa Rita.
The mineral and mining rights for the San Bartolomé mine are held through a mixture of joint venture agreements, long-term lease agreements, and Autorizaciones Transitorias Especiales (similar to mining concessions) with seven independent mining cooperatives and the Bolivian state-owned mining organization COMIBOL. Manquiri controls 3 acres (1 hectare) of land at San Bartolomé, around Cerro Rico, through these agreements and Autorizaciones Transitorias Especiales and approximately 8,587 acres (3,475 hectares) of Autorizaciones Transitorias Especiales at the Rio Blanco property, a gold exploration target south of Potosí. The San Bartolomé 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. Manquiri incurred royalty payment obligations to COMIBOL and the Cooperatives for these mining rights totaling $2.6 million and $4.2 million for the years ended 2015 and 2014, respectively.
STREAMING AND ROYALTY INTERESTS
Australia — Endeavor
The Endeavor mine and associated mill facility is an underground silver and base metal operation in production since 1983 located in north-central New South Wales, Australia, about 30 miles (18 kilometers) northwest of the community of Cobar, accessible by paved road. 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. The leases form a contiguous block of 10,121 acres in size and expire between 2019 and 2027. The mine employs bulk mining methods and utilizes a conventional flotation mill to produce a concentrate that is sold to a third-party smelter. Power to the mine and processing facilities is provided by the grid servicing the local communities. Silver production from Endeavor was approximately 0.6 million ounces in 2015. At July 1, 2015, we reported 3.8 million ounces of silver reserves at Endeavor.
On May 23, 2005, CDE Australia Pty. Ltd. (“CDE Australia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur Capital, acquired silver production and reserves contained at the Endeavor Mine, for $44.0 million. Under the terms of the agreement, as modified in 2006, CDE Australia owns all silver production and reserves up to a total of 20.0 million payable ounces. CDE Australia has committed to pay Cobar an operating cost contribution of $1.00 for each ounce of payable silver (indexed annually and currently $1.31 an ounce) plus a further increment when the silver price exceeds $7.00 per ounce.
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.
Mexico — El Gallo
The El Gallo complex is operated by McEwen Mining and is located in Mexico’s State of Sinaloa, along the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The complex includes the El Gallo and Palmarito silver deposits and the Magistral gold deposit, located within an eight mile (13 kilometer) radius. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Coeur Capital, owns a tiered royalty on the mine's production for the life of mine, currently paying a 3.5% NSR royalty.
Ecuador — Zaruma
The Zaruma gold mine is operated and developed by Dynasty Metals & Mining and is located in the cantons of Zaruma and Portovelo, Province of El Oro, Ecuador. The mine is in pre-commercial production, with processing of ore to doré occurring at a processing plant located in Zaruma, Ecuador. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Coeur Capital, owns a 1.5% NSR royalty on the mine's production for the life of mine.
Chile — Cerro Bayo
The Cerro Bayo underground silver-gold mine is operated by Mandalay Resources and is located in southern Chile, approximately 81 miles (130 kilometers) south of Coyhaique. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Coeur Capital, owns a 2.0% NSR royalty on the mine's production for the life of mine.
New Zealand — Correnso
The Correnso underground gold mine is operated by OceanaGold Corporation and is located near the town of Waihi, New Zealand. The Company owns an 80% interest in a 2.5% royalty on the mine's production for the life of the mine. Coeur has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 20% interest, which is expected to be completed in 2016.
Other Royalties
The Company also owns several royalties on non-producing properties.
EXPLORATION STAGE PROPERTIES
Mexico — La Preciosa Project
On April 16, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Orko Silver Corporation (since renamed Coeur La Preciosa Silver Corp.), which owns the mining concessions of the La Preciosa project. La Preciosa is an advanced-stage silver-gold exploration project located approximately 52 miles (84 kilometers) northeast of the city of Durango in Durango State, Mexico. The La Preciosa property comprises 14 mining concessions, covering an area of approximately 95,340 acres (approximately 38,583 hectares), located along the eastern flank of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain range. The Company completed a feasibility study in 2014, and has deferred construction activities until expected returns improve.
The Tertiary age epithermal quartz veins containing economic levels of silver and gold mineralization are hosted in Cretaceous age conglomerate and Tertiary age andesitic volcanic rocks. The veins at the La Preciosa project have been classified as low- to intermediate-sulfidation type. Two major vein and vein breccia systems are exposed on hills and ridges on either side of an approximately 800 meter wide valley. The dominant geological feature on the Property is the northwest-trending La Preciosa Ridge which hosts the north-striking and westward-dipping main vein system, which includes the Martha, Abundancia, Gloria, Pica, Luz Elena, Sur, and Nueva veins. These veins are crosscut by east-striking, south-dipping transversal veins. The major vein breccia system to the east of La Preciosa Ridge on the eastern side of the valley floor includes the northwest striking Zona Oriente and Zona Oriente Extension, which is believed to be the surface expression of the Martha vein.
Argentina — Joaquin Project
The Joaquin silver-gold exploration project is located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina, approximately 43 miles (70 kilometers) north of the Company's now dormant 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 55,502 acres (22,461 hectares) of cateos and MDs. On December 21, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of the 49% minority interest from its joint venture partner. Coeur previously held a 51% interest in the project.
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.
Argentina — Martha Mine
The Martha underground silver and gold mine is located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina, owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Martha mine ceased active mining operations in September 2012. The mineral rights for the Martha property are fully owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L. Surface rights covering the Martha deposit are controlled by the 138 square mile (35,705 hectare) Cerro Primero de Abril Estancia, which is owned by Coeur Argentina S.R.L. In February 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Martha mine for total consideration of $3.0 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.
EXPLORATION
Exploration expense was $11.6 million, $21.7 million, and $22.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capitalized exploration was $6.0 million in 2015 and $8.9 million in 2014. Coeur's exploration program completed over 273,824 feet (83,483 meters) of combined core and reverse circulation drilling in 2015.
Mexico — Palmarejo
Exploration focused primarily on the expansion of the Guadalupe underground mine and Independencia deposit, and discovery of the Los Bancos and Nación deposits. $4.7 million of expensed exploration funds were spent on mapping, sampling, drill target generation, and drilling to identify and define new silver and gold mineralization, for a total of 65,501 feet (19,965 meters). $2.1 million was spent on capitalized drilling within the Guadalupe and Independencia ore bodies for a total of 49,448 feet (15,072 meters) of drilling.
The Company expects to spend $5.0 million in 2016 to discover and expand silver and gold mineralization in the Guadalupe-Independencia corridor, and for new project reviews in Mexico. Additionally, the Company is planning to spend $5.0 million on capitalized drilling on further infilling of the Guadalupe and Independencia resources.
USA — Kensington
At Kensington, expensed exploration consisted of drilling 9,743 feet (2,970 meters) while capitalized exploration completed 28,849 feet (8,793 meters) of drilling. A total of $2.6 million was spent on expensed exploration and $1.4 million on capitalized exploration, primarily to expand and define mineralization in the main Kensington deposit. Expensed exploration completed the discovery of the high-grade Jualin resource, which became the focus of a revised preliminary economic assessment for the mine in April 2015. Capitalized drilling was focused in the southern and deeper portions of the main Kensington resource as well as in the Raven vein. In 2016, the Company expects to spend $2.5 million in expensed exploration and $3.5 in capitalized exploration for additional expansion at Jualin and South Kensington.
USA — Wharf
Expensed exploration at Wharf consisted of drilling 7,250 feet (2,210 meters) and capitalized drilling consisted of 28,560 feet (8,705 meters). A total of $0.1 million was spent on expensed exploration, primarily at the Two Johns target area while $0.9 million was spent on capitalized exploration, focused on the main resource model expansion. The Company expects to spend $1.0 million in 2016 for additional capitalized drilling, focused in the Portland Ridge area.
USA — Rochester
In 2015, the Company spent $1.3 million on expensed exploration and $1.6 million in capitalized exploration at Rochester. Expensed exploration consisted of 42,000 feet (12,802 meters) testing areas east of the Packard Pit and East Rochester Pit while capitalized exploration consisted of 36,410 feet (11,098 meters) mainly within the main Rochester Pit resource. In 2016, the Company expects to spend $1.3 million in expensed exploration drill testing several targets around Rochester, and $2.5 million in capitalized exploration to continue to infill and grow the East Rochester target.
Bolivia — San Bartolomé
In 2015, the Company spent $0.1 million to complete trenching and sampling at several silver-bearing gravel deposits to expand and define known silver mineralization. The Company expects to spend $0.2 million in 2016 for trenching and sampling.
Project Evaluation
The Company spent $1.2 million completing target analysis and regional exploration, mainly focused in the Great Basin of Nevada-Utah, and the Black Hills, South Dakota. The Company completed two new earn-in/option agreements for the Arabia and Quito projects in Nevada. Geologic work and reclamation of 2014 drill sites was completed at the Wonder project in Nevada. Surface sampling and mapping were completed at the Klondyke silver-gold project in Nevada. The Company expects to spend $1.0 million in 2016 focused on surface sampling and mapping of all the projects in preparation for an expanded drilling program in 2017.
OPERATING STATISTICS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Palmarejo | | Rochester |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Ore tons milled | 1,616,668 |
| | 2,135,088 |
| | 2,322,660 |
| | 16,414,302 |
| | 13,154,429 |
| | 10,693,654 |
|
Ore grade silver (oz./ton) | 3.78 |
| | 3.97 |
| | 4.21 |
| | 0.63 |
| | 0.57 |
| | 0.55 |
|
Ore grade gold (oz./ton) | 0.05 |
| | 0.05 |
| | 0.06 |
| | 0.003 |
| | 0.004 |
| | 0.003 |
|
Recovery/Ag oz. (%) | 84.3 |
| | 77.5 |
| | 77.7 |
| | 44.7 |
| | 50.0 |
| | 41.1 |
|
Recovery/Au oz. (%) | 80.6 |
| | 80.5 |
| | 84.2 |
| | 100.2 |
| | 85.7 |
| | 89.4 |
|
Silver produced (oz.) | 5,148,612 |
| | 6,558,091 |
| | 7,603,144 |
| | 4,630,738 |
| | 4,189,071 |
| | 2,798,937 |
|
Gold produced (oz.) | 70,922 |
| | 86,673 |
| | 116,536 |
| | 52,588 |
| | 44,888 |
| | 30,860 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz.(1) | $ | 14.07 |
| | $ | 15.40 |
| | $ | 13.25 |
| | $ | 12.41 |
| | $ | 14.49 |
| | $ | 15.54 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Kensington | | Wharf |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Ore tons milled | 660,464 |
| | 635,960 |
| | 553,717 |
| | 3,600,279 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Ore grade gold (oz./ton) | 0.20 |
| | 0.20 |
| | 0.22 |
| | 0.03 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Recovery/Au oz. (%) | 94.9 |
| | 94.0 |
| | 94.2 |
| | 72.3 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Gold produced (oz.) | 126,266 |
| | 117,823 |
| | 111,951 |
| | 78,132 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz.(1) | $ | 803 |
| | $ | 951 |
| | $ | 901 |
| | $ | 712 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| San Bartolomé | | Endeavor |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Ore tons milled | 1,713,079 |
| | 1,749,423 |
| | 1,679,839 |
| | 767,314 |
| | 792,694 |
| | 791,116 |
|
Ore grade silver (oz./ton) | 3.75 |
| | 3.80 |
| | 3.93 |
| | 1.87 |
| | 1.63 |
| | 1.85 |
|
Recovery/Ag oz. (%) | 84.6 |
| | 88.1 |
| | 90 |
| | 43.8 |
| | 45.6 |
| | 41.3 |
|
Silver produced (oz.) | 5,436,353 |
| | 5,851,678 |
| | 5,940,538 |
| | 629,167 |
| | 589,585 |
| | 605,832 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz.(1) | $ | 13.80 |
| | $ | 14.29 |
| | $ | 14.28 |
| | $ | 5.72 |
| | $ | 7.17 |
| | $ | 9.61 |
|
(1) See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures
PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Silver Reserves at December 31, 2015(1)(2)(3) |
| Proven Reserves | | Probable Reserves | | Proven and Probable Reserves | | |
| Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Metallurgical Recovery |
Palmarejo(4) | 802 |
| | 6.29 |
| | 5,048 |
| | 8,297 |
| | 4.81 |
| | 39,871 |
| | 9,099 |
| | 4.94 |
| | 44,919 |
| | 85-87% |
Rochester(5) | 96,520 |
| | 0.53 |
| | 51,007 |
| | 54,171 |
| | 0.52 |
| | 28,336 |
| | 150,691 |
| | 0.53 |
| | 79,343 |
| | 61% |
San Bartolomé(6) | 6,850 |
| | 3.32 |
| | 22,742 |
| | 1,388 |
| | 3.69 |
| | 5,122 |
| | 8,238 |
| | 3.38 |
| | 27,864 |
| | 74-84% |
Endeavor(7) | 904 |
| | 2.18 |
| | 1,969 |
| | 849 |
| | 2.12 |
| | 1,800 |
| | 1,753 |
| | 2.15 |
| | 3,769 |
| | 50% |
Total Silver | 105,076 |
| | | | 80,766 |
| | 64,705 |
| | | | 75,129 |
| | 169,781 |
| | | | 155,895 |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gold Reserves at December 31, 2015(1)(2)(3) |
| Proven Reserves | | Probable Reserves | | Proven and Probable Reserves | | |
| Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Metallurgical Recovery |
Kensington(8) | 338 |
| | 0.198 |
| | 67,008 |
| | 2,487 |
| | 0.198 |
| | 493,293 |
| | 2,825 |
| | 0.198 |
| | 560,301 |
| | 95% |
Palmarejo(4) | 802 |
| | 0.077 |
| | 62,100 |
| | 8,297 |
| | 0.076 |
| | 628,000 |
| | 9,099 |
| | 0.076 |
| | 690,100 |
| | 87-90% |
Rochester(5) | 96,520 |
| | 0.003 |
| | 316,000 |
| | 54,171 |
| | 0.003 |
| | 161,000 |
| | 150,691 |
| | 0.003 |
| | 477,000 |
| | 92% |
Wharf(9) | 11,791 |
| | 0.032 |
| | 374,135 |
| | 14,984 |
| | 0.023 |
| | 337,955 |
| | 26,775 |
| | 0.027 |
| | 712,090 |
| | 80% |
Total Gold | 109,451 |
| | | | 819,243 |
| | 79,939 |
| | | | 1,620,248 |
| | 189,390 |
| | | | 2,439,491 |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Silver Reserves at December 31, 2014(1)(2)(3) |
| Proven Reserves | | Probable Reserves | | Proven and Probable Reserves | | |
| Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces (000s) | | Metallurgical Recovery |
Palmarejo(4) | 1,089 |
| | 3.37 |
| | 3,670 |
| | 5,627 |
| | 4.80 |
| | 27,007 |
| | 6,716 |
| | 4.57 |
| | 30,677 |
| | 81-83% |
San Bartolomé(6) | 1,206 |
| | 2.73 |
| | 3,287 |
| | 13,337 |
| | 3.20 |
| | 42,724 |
| | 14,543 |
| | 3.16 |
| | 46,011 |
| | 74-83% |
Rochester(5) | 89,077 |
| | 0.56 |
| | 49,786 |
| | 56,158 |
| | 0.54 |
| | 30,418 |
| | 145,235 |
| | 0.55 |
| | 80,204 |
| | 61% |
Endeavor(7) | 1,323 |
| | 1.82 |
| | 2,411 |
| | 1,102 |
| | 2.24 |
| | 2,469 |
| | 2,425 |
| | 2.01 |
| | 4,880 |
| | 50% |
La Preciosa(10) | 18,830 |
| | 3.16 |
| | 59,534 |
| | 21,851 |
| | 2.71 |
| | 59,196 |
| | 40,681 |
| | 2.92 |
| | 118,730 |
| | 84% |
Total Silver | 111,525 |
| | | | 118,688 |
| | 98,075 |
| | | | 161,814 |
| | 209,600 |
| | | | 280,502 |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gold Reserves at December 31, 2014(1)(2)(3) |
| Proven Reserves | | Probable Reserves | | Proven and Probable Reserves | | |
| Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Tons (000s) | | Grade (oz./ton) | | Ounces | | Metallurgical Recovery |
Kensington(8) | 417 |
| | 0.188 |
| | 78,281 |
| | 2,986 |
| | 0.185 |
| | 551,081 |
| | 3,403 |
| | 0.185 |
| | 629,362 |
| | 95% |
Palmarejo(4) | 1,089 |
| | 0.043 |
| | 46,423 |
| | 5,627 |
| | 0.078 |
| | 441,287 |
| | 6,716 |
| | 0.073 |
| | 487,710 |
| | 85-87% |
Rochester(5) | 89,077 |
| | 0.004 |
| | 346,000 |
| | 56,158 |
| | 0.003 |
| | 172,000 |
| | 145,235 |
| | 0.004 |
| | 518,000 |
| | 92% |
La Preciosa(10) | 18,830 |
| | 0.006 |
| | 110,940 |
| | 21,851 |
| | 0.004 |
| | 91,139 |
| | 40,681 |
| | 0.005 |
| | 202,079 |
| | 61% |
Total Gold | 109,413 |
| | | | 581,644 |
| | 86,622 |
| | | | 1,255,507 |
| | 196,035 |
| | | | 1,837,151 |
| | |
The term “reserve” means that part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.
The term “proven (measured) reserves” means 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 measurements are spaced so closely and the geologic character is sufficiently defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.
The term “probable (indicated) reserves” means 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 and probable reserves include silver attributable to Coeur’s ownership or economic interest in the Endeavor project.
The term “cutoff grade” means the lowest grade of mineralized material considered economic to process. Cutoff grades vary between deposits depending upon prevailing economic conditions, mineability of the deposit, by-products, amenability of the mineralized material to silver or gold extraction and type of milling or leaching facilities available.
| |
(2) | Effective at December 31, 2015, except where otherwise noted. Assumed metal prices for estimated 2015 proven and probable reserves were $17.50/oz. silver and $1,250/oz. gold, except (a) the open pit, Rosario and lower 76 underground deposits at Palmarejo at $15.50 per ounce of silver and $1,150 per ounce of gold, (b) Endeavor at $2,400 per tonne zinc, $2,200 per tonne lead and $17.00 per ounce of silver. and (c) Wharf at $1,275 per ounce of gold. Proven and probable reserves (other than Endeavor) were also evaluated using $15.50 per ounce of silver and $1,150 per ounce of gold. It was determined that substantially all proven and probable reserves could be economically and legally extracted or produced at these lower price assumptions. Assumed metal prices for estimated 2014 proven and probable reserves were $19.00/oz. silver and $1,275/oz. gold except where otherwise noted. |
| |
(3) | Mineral reserve estimates, with the exception of Endeavor, were prepared by the Company's technical staff with the assistance of independent consulting firms. Endeavor mineral reserve estimates were prepared by the CBH Resources Ltd. staff and reviewed by the Company’s technical staff. |
| |
(4) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above except the open pit, Rosario, and lower 76 underground deposits at Palmarejo, the Guadalupe deposit, and the Independencia deposit, which assumed metal prices of $15.50/oz. silver and $1,150/oz. gold. The cutoff grades for mineral reserves range from 0.52 to 0.58 g/tonne AuEq. AuEq factor based on [($Price Au) / ($Price Ag)] x [(%Recovery Au)/(%Recovery Ag)] x [(%Payable Au)/(%Payable Ag)] |
| |
(5) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grade for mineral reserves is 2.64 to 3.22 oz/ton AgEq. |
| |
(6) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grades for mineral reserves range from 81 to 107 g/tonne Ag based on material. |
| |
(7) | Effective at July 1, 2015, thus excluding additions or depletions through December 31, 2015. Mineral reserves were estimated with a cutoff grade of 7.0% combined lead and zinc. |
| |
(8) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grade for mineral reserves is 0.13 oz/ton Au. |
| |
(9) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming metal price of $1,275/oz. gold. The cutoff grade for mineral reserves is 0.012 oz/ton Au. |
| |
(10) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. A Net Smelter Return ("NSR") cutoff of $16.88/tonne was used. |
MINERALIZED MATERIAL
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Mineralized Material at December 31, 2015(1)(2)(3)(4) |
| Tons (000s) | | Silver Grade (oz./ton) | | Gold Grade (oz./ton) |
Palmarejo Mine, Mexico(5) | 5,922 |
| | 4.27 |
| | 0.056 |
|
San Bartolomé Mine, Bolivia(6) | 8,060 |
| | 2.10 |
| | — |
|
Kensington Mine, USA(7) | 1,832 |
| | — |
| | 0.283 |
|
Wharf Mine, USA(8) | 6,564 |
| | — |
| | 0.025 |
|
Rochester Mine, USA(9) | 140,951 |
| | 0.48 |
| | 0.003 |
|
Endeavor Mine, Australia(10) | 13,569 |
| | 2.29 |
| | — |
|
La Preciosa Project, Mexico(11) | 38,974 |
| | 2.96 |
| | 0.005 |
|
Joaquin Project, Argentina(12) | 10,252 |
| | 5.02 |
| | 0.004 |
|
Lejano Project, Argentina(13) | 631 |
| | 3.09 |
| | 0.011 |
|
Martha Property, Argentina(14) | 57 |
| | 13.57 |
| | 0.017 |
|
Total Mineralized Material | 226,812 |
| | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| Mineralized Material at December 31, 2014(1)(2)(3)(4) |
| Tons (000s) | | Silver Grade (oz./ton) | | Gold Grade (oz./ton) |
Palmarejo Mine, Mexico(5) | 4,971 |
| | 4.78 |
| | 0.084 |
|
San Bartolomé Mine, Bolivia(6) | 7,033 |
| | 1.91 |
| | — |
|
Kensington Mine, USA(7) | 1,566 |
| | — |
| | 0.244 |
|
Rochester Mine, USA(9) | 173,201 |
| | 0.43 |
| | 0.003 |
|
Endeavor Mine, Australia(10) | 12,897 |
| | 2.33 |
| | — |
|
La Preciosa Project, Mexico(11) | 7,114 |
| | 1.63 |
| | 0.003 |
|
Joaquin Project, Argentina(12) | 11,551 |
| | 4.68 |
| | 0.003 |
|
Lejano Project, Argentina(13) | 631 |
| | 3.09 |
| | 0.011 |
|
Martha Property, Argentina(14) | 57 |
| | 13.57 |
| | 0.017 |
|
Total Mineralized Material | 219,021 |
| | | | |
| |
(1) | Assumed metal prices for estimated 2015 mineralized material were $19.00/oz. silver and $1,275/oz. gold, except (a) Endeavor at $2,400 per tonne zinc, $2,200 per tonne lead and $17.00 per ounce of silver. and (b) Wharf at $1,350 per ounce of gold. 2015 mineralized material effective December 31, 2015, except where otherwise noted. Assumed metal prices for estimated 2014 mineralized material were $22.00/oz. silver and $1,300/oz. gold. |
| |
(2) | Estimated with mining cost parameters and initial metallurgical test results. |
| |
(3) | Estimates were prepared by a number of different consulting groups and supervised by the Company's personnel. |
| |
(4) | Estimated using 3-dimensional geologic modeling and geostatistical evaluation of the exploration drill data. Mineralized material is reported exclusive of reserves. “Mineralized material” as used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, although permissible under Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC standards. There is no certainty that any part of the reported mineralized material will ever be confirmed or converted into Guide 7 compliant “reserves”. |
| |
(5) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grades for mineralized material range from 2.6 to 3.2 g/tonne AuEq. AuEq factor based on [($Price Au) / ($Price Ag)] x [(%Recovery Au)/(%Recovery Ag)] x [(%Payable Au)/(%Payable Ag)] |
| |
(6) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. Cutoff grades for mineralized material range from 66 to 87 g/tonne Ag based on material. |
| |
(7) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grade for mineralized material is 0.12 oz/ton Au. |
| |
(8) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming metal price of $1,350/oz. gold. |
| |
(9) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. The cutoff grade for mineralized material is 0.48 to 0.52 oz/ton AgEq. |
| |
(10) | Effective July 1, 2015. Prepared by CBH Resources Ltd. staff and reviewed by the Company’s technical staff. |
| |
(11) | Calculated based on cutoff assuming the metal prices noted above. Cutoff grades for mineralized material range from 39 to 43 g/tonne Ag based on material. |
| |
(12) | No changes were made to cutoff grades in 2015 for the Joaquin project. |
| |
(13) | No changes were made to cutoff grades in 2015 for the Lejano project. |
| |
(14) | No changes were made to cutoff grades in 2015 for the Martha project. |
For a discussion of legal proceedings, see Note 21 -- Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included herein.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
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.
PART II
| |
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices of the common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
| High | | Low | | High | | Low |
First Quarter | $ | 7.27 |
| | $ | 4.44 |
| | $ | 11.92 |
| | $ | 9.29 |
|
Second Quarter | $ | 6.33 |
| | $ | 4.71 |
| | $ | 9.63 |
| | $ | 6.69 |
|
Third Quarter | $ | 5.81 |
| | $ | 2.70 |
| | $ | 9.28 |
| | $ | 4.96 |
|
Fourth Quarter | $ | 3.34 |
| | $ | 2.41 |
| | $ | 5.28 |
| | $ | 3.40 |
|
2016 | | | | | |
| | |
|
First Quarter through February 9, 2016 | $ | 2.61 |
| | $ | 1.73 |
| | | | |
The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock since 1996. Future dividends, 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 9, 2016, there were outstanding 152,597,110 shares of the Company’s common stock which were held by approximately 1,564 stockholders of record.
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG COEUR MINING, 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, 2010 and ending December 31, 2015 to the S&P 500 and a Peer Group Index consisting of the following companies: Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited, Alamos Gold Inc., Allied Nevada Gold Corporation, Centerra Gold Inc., First Majestic Silver, Hecla Mining Company, Hochschild Mining, New Gold, Pan American Silver Corporation, Silver Standard Resources, Inc., and Stillwater Mining Company. AuRico Gold, Inc. merged with Alamos Gold Inc. in 2015 and is included separately in prior year periods.
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 five-year period.
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Dec. 2011 | Dec. 2012 | Dec. 2013 | Dec. 2014 | Dec. 2015 |
Coeur Mining | 88.36 |
| 90.04 |
| 39.71 |
| 18.70 |
| 9.08 |
|
S&P 500 Index | 102.11 |
| 118.45 |
| 156.82 |
| 178.28 |
| 180.75 |
|
Peer Group | 62.56 |
| 68.35 |
| 36.88 |
| 31.94 |
| 25.56 |
|
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.
| |
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.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Revenue | | $ | 646,086 |
| | $ | 635,742 |
| | $ | 745,994 |
| | $ | 895,492 |
| | $ | 1,021,200 |
|
Costs applicable to sales | | 479,654 |
| | 477,945 |
| | 463,663 |
| | 454,562 |
| | 419,547 |
|
Net income (loss) | | $ | (367,183 | ) | | $ | (1,186,874 | ) | | $ | (650,563 | ) | | $ | 48,677 |
| | $ | 93,499 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Basic net income (loss) per share | | $ | (2.83 | ) | | $ | (11.59 | ) | | $ | (6.65 | ) | | $ | 0.54 |
| | $ | 1.05 |
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share | | $ | (2.83 | ) | | $ | (11.59 | ) | | $ | (6.65 | ) | | $ | 0.54 |
| | $ | 1.04 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | At December 31, |
| | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Total assets | | $ | 1,332,489 |
| | $ | 1,436,569 |
| | $ | 2,885,978 |
| | $ | 3,221,401 |
| | $ | 3,264,441 |
|
Reclamation and mine closure liabilities | | $ | 85,268 |
| | $ | 70,814 |
| | $ | 58,428 |
| | $ | 35,338 |
| | $ | 33,758 |
|
Debt, including current portion | | $ | 490,410 |
| | $ | 468,546 |
| | $ | 297,823 |
| | $ | 55,730 |
| | $ | 146,574 |
|
Stockholders’ equity | | $ | 421,476 |
| | $ | 554,328 |
| | $ | 1,730,567 |
| | $ | 2,198,280 |
| | $ | 2,136,721 |
|
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 Mining, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively "the Company", "our", or "we"). We use certain non-GAAP financial performance measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") such as costs applicable to sales, all-in sustaining costs, and adjusted net income (loss). For a detailed description of each of these non-GAAP measures, please see "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" at the end of this item.
We provide some operational and financial data on a silver equivalent basis, converting gold to silver at a 60:1 ratio of silver ounces to gold ounces. We also provide some silver equivalent data using a ratio determined by the actual ratio of average realized silver and gold prices during the relevant period. Silver and gold equivalence are stated using the 60:1 ratio unless otherwise noted.
Overview
We are a gold and silver producer with mines located in the United States, Mexico, and Bolivia and exploration projects in Mexico and Argentina. The Palmarejo complex, the Rochester, Kensington, Wharf, and San Bartolomé mines constitute our principal sources of revenue. The Company also owns Coeur Capital, which is primarily comprised of the Endeavor silver stream as well as other precious metal royalties and strategic investments.
The Company's strategy is to discover, acquire, develop and operate low-cost silver and gold mines that produce long-term cash flow, provide opportunities for growth through continued exploration, and generate superior and sustainable returns for stockholders. Management focuses on maximizing net cash flow through identifying and implementing revenue enhancement opportunities, reducing operating and non-operating costs, consistent capital discipline, and efficient working capital management.
2015 Highlights
| |
• | Metal sales of $639.2 million and royalty revenue of $6.9 million |
| |
• | Production of 35.6 million silver equivalent ounces, consisting of 15.9 million silver ounces and 327,908 gold ounces |
| |
• | Costs applicable to sales were $13.23 per silver equivalent ounce ($12.31 per silver equivalent ounce using average realized price equivalency) and $768 per gold equivalent ounce (see "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures") |
| |
• | All-in sustaining costs were $16.50 per silver equivalent ounce ($14.62 per silver equivalent ounce using average realized price equivalency) (see "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures") |
| |
• | General and administrative expenses reduced 20% from 2014 to $32.8 million |
| |
• | Adjusted net loss of $96.6 million or $0.75 per share (see "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures") |
| |
• | Capital expenditures of $95.2 million, including $16.6 million of development capital at Guadalupe, $11.8 million for tunnel development to the high-grade Independencia deposit at Palmarejo, $11.3 million for crusher expansion at Rochester, and $8.0 million for tunnel development to the high-grade Jualin deposit at Kensington |
| |
• | Cash and cash equivalents of $200.7 million at December 31, 2015 |
| |
• | Completed the cash acquisition of Wharf for $99.4 million and the Paramount acquisition for $201.4 million in common stock and cash |
Consolidated Performance
Net loss was $367.2 million for 2015 compared to Net loss of $1,186.9 million in 2014. The lower Net loss in 2015 is primarily due to lower write-downs, higher gold ounces sold, lower costs applicable to sales per silver and gold ounce, and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower average realized silver and gold prices and lower silver ounces sold.
The Company produced 15.9 million ounces of silver and 327,908 ounces of gold in 2015, compared to 17.2 million ounces of silver and 249,384 ounces of gold in 2014. Silver production decreased due to lower throughput at Palmarejo and San Bartolomé, partially offset by higher grade and tons placed at Rochester. Gold production increased in 2015 due to the acquisition of Wharf and higher throughput at Kensington.
Costs applicable to sales were $13.23 per silver equivalent ounce and $768 per gold equivalent ounce in 2015 compared to $14.71 per silver equivalent ounce and $951 per gold ounce in 2014. Costs applicable to sales per silver equivalent ounce decreased in 2015 due to lower unit costs at Rochester and Palmarejo. Costs applicable to sales per gold equivalent ounce decreased in 2015 due to lower unit costs at Kensington and the addition of Wharf.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Silver ounces produced | 15,900,614 |
| | 17,188,425 |
| | 16,948,451 |
|
Gold ounces produced | 327,908 |
| | 249,384 |
| | 259,347 |
|
Silver equivalent ounces produced | 35,575,094 |
| | 32,151,465 |
| | 32,509,271 |
|
Silver ounces sold | 16,506,819 |
| | 17,423,662 |
| | 17,105,259 |
|
Gold ounces sold | 335,882 |
| | 242,655 |
| | 263,048 |
|
Silver equivalent ounces sold | 36,659,759 |
| | 31,982,962 |
| | 32,888,139 |
|
Average realized price per silver ounce | $ | 15.46 |
| | $ | 18.87 |
| | $ | 23.94 |
|
Average realized price per gold ounce | $ | 1,143 |
| | $ | 1,252 |
| | $ | 1,327 |
|
Costs applicable to sales per silver equivalent ounce(1) | $ | 13.23 |
| | $ | 14.71 |
| | $ | 13.85 |
|
Costs applicable to sales per realized silver equivalent ounce(1)(2) | $ | 12.31 |
| | $ | 14.24 |
| | $ | 14.22 |
|
Costs applicable to sales per gold equivalent ounce(1) | $ | 768 |
| | $ | 951 |
| | $ | 901 |
|
All-in sustaining costs per silver equivalent ounce(1) | $ | 16.50 |
| | $ | 19.72 |
| | $ | 19.83 |
|
All-in sustaining costs per realized silver equivalent ounce(1)(2) | $ | 14.62 |
| | $ | 18.81 |
| | $ | 20.34 |
|
| |
(1) | See "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures." |
| |
(2) | Equivalent ounces calculated using average realized prices. |
2016 Guidance
Through our focus on operational excellence, cost reduction initiatives, and capital discipline, we expect to achieve the following in 2016:
| |
• | Silver equivalent production of 33.8 - 36.8 million ounces, consisting of 14.6 - 16.0 million ounces of silver and 320,000 - 347,000 ounces of gold |
| |
• | Costs applicable to sales per silver equivalent ounce of $12.50 - $13.50 at Palmarejo, $11.25 - $12.25 at Rochester, and $13.50 - $14.25 at San Bartolomé |
| |
• | Costs applicable to sales of $825 - $875 per gold ounce at Kensington and $650 - $750 per gold equivalent ounce at Wharf |
| |
• | All-in sustaining costs per silver equivalent ounce of $16.00 - $17.25 |
| |
• | Capital expenditures of $90 - $100 million, including $22.5 million of development capital for the Palmarejo complex and Kensington underground development |
| |
• | General and administrative expense of $28 - $32 million |
| |
• | Exploration expense of $11 - $13 million |
Consolidated Financial Results
2015 compared to 2014
Revenue
Metal sales increased 2% due to higher gold ounces sold, partially offset by lower average realized silver and gold prices and lower silver ounces sold. The Company realized average silver and gold prices of $15.46 per ounce and $1,143 per ounce, respectively, compared with average realized prices of $18.87 per ounce and $1,252 per ounce, respectively. The Company sold 16.5 million silver ounces and 335,882 gold ounces, compared to sales of 17.4 million silver ounces and 242,655 gold ounces. Gold contributed 60% of sales and silver contributed 40%, compared to 48% of sales from gold and 52% from silver. Royalty revenue increased $3.6 million due to commencement of production at the Correnso mine, as well as higher production from Cerro Bayo and El Gallo.
Costs Applicable to Sales
Costs applicable to sales were consistent due to lower unit costs at all sites and lower silver ounces sold offset by higher gold ounces sold. For a complete discussion of costs applicable to sales, see Results of Operations below.
Amortization
Amortization decreased by $18.7 million, or 12%, primarily due to lower amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment, partially offset by higher silver equivalent production.
Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased $8.0 million, or 20%, primarily due to lower compensation and professional services costs.
Exploration expense decreased $10.1 million, or 46%, due to decreased drilling activity at Palmarejo, Kensington, and Rochester.
Pre-development, reclamation, and other expenses decreased 32% to $17.8 million, primarily due to the completion of the La Preciosa feasibility study in 2014.
Write-downs were $313.3 million ($276.5 million after tax) compared to $1,472.7 million ($1,021.8 million net of tax). The non-cash impairment charges were largely driven by decreases in long-term metal price assumptions and revised mine plans in the fourth quarter. The 2015 write-down was primarily related to the Palmarejo complex, San Bartolomé, and Coeur Capital.
Other Income and Expenses
Non-cash fair value adjustments, net, were a gain of $5.2 million compared to a gain of $3.6 million, primarily due to the impact of changes in future metal prices on the Palmarejo gold production royalty and the Rochester 3.4% NSR royalty obligation.
Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $3.1 million) decreased to $45.7 million from $47.5 million primarily due to the write-off of costs associated with the termination of a former revolving credit facility in 2014, lower accretion of the Palmarejo gold production royalty obligation, and higher capitalized interest, partially offset by interest expense associated with additional borrowings.
Other, net decreased by $5.2 million, primarily due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates mostly offset by a gain on the exchange of 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Senior Notes") for common stock.
Income and Mining Taxes
In 2015, the Company reported estimated income and mining tax benefit of approximately $26.3 million, for an effective tax rate of 6.7%. Estimated income and mining tax benefit in 2014 was $428.3 million, for an effective tax rate of 26.5%. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s income (loss) before tax and income and mining tax (expense) benefit:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2015 | | Year ended December 31, 2014 |
In thousands | Income (loss) before tax | Tax (expense) benefit | | Income (loss) before tax | Tax (expense) benefit |
United States | $ | (43,924 | ) | $ | (527 | ) | | $ | (213,883 | ) | $ | (482 | ) |
Argentina | (3,869 | ) | (482 | ) | | (82,093 | ) | 24,408 |
|
Mexico | (250,054 | ) | 26,713 |
| | (1,204,983 | ) | 384,099 |
|
Bolivia | (76,739 | ) | (5,154 | ) | | (107,547 | ) | 18,114 |
|
Other jurisdictions | (18,860 | ) | 5,713 |
| | (6,622 | ) | 2,115 |
|
| $ | (393,446 | ) | $ | 26,263 |
| | $ | (1,615,128 | ) | $ | 428,254 |
|
The Company’s effective tax rate is impacted by recurring items, such as foreign exchange rates on deferred tax balances, the impacts of mineral interest impairments, the full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relating to losses in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, mining tax expense and uncertain tax position accruals. In addition, the Company's consolidated effective income tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates and foreign exchange rates in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Variations in the jurisdictional mix of income and loss and foreign exchange rates result in significant fluctuations in its consolidated effective tax rate.
A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized. Each quarter, the Company analyzes its deferred tax assets and if it is determined that the Company will not realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets, it will record or increase a valuation allowance. Conversely, if it is determined that the Company will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced. There are a number of risk factors that could impact the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets.
Likewise, there are a number of factors that can potentially impact the Company’s effective tax, including the geographic distribution of income, the non-recognition of tax assets, changes in tax laws, and the impact of specific transactions.
2014 compared to 2013
Revenue
Metal sales decreased by $113.5 million, or 15%, to $632.5 million due to lower average realized silver and gold prices and lower gold ounces sold as a result of shipping delays from the Kensington mine due to a labor dispute affecting ports on the west coast of the U.S. The Company sold 17.4 million silver ounces and 242,655 gold ounces, compared to sales of 17.1 million silver ounces and 263,048 gold ounces. The Company realized average silver and gold prices of $18.87 per ounce and $1,252 per ounce, respectively, compared to average realized prices of $23.94 per ounce and $1,327 per ounce, respectively. Silver contributed 52% of sales and gold contributed 48%, compared to 53% of sales from silver and 47% from gold. Royalty revenue increased $3.2 million, primarily due to the acquisition of royalty assets by Coeur Capital in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Costs Applicable to Sales
Costs applicable to sales increased by $14.3 million, or 3%, to $477.9 million. The increase in costs applicable to sales is primarily due to higher production at Rochester. For a complete discussion of costs applicable to sales, see "Results of Operations" below.
Amortization
Amortization decreased by $67.1 million, or 29%, primarily due to lower amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment as a result of the 2013 write-downs at the Palmarejo and Kensington mines.
Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased $14.5 million, or 26%, primarily due to lower relocation costs compared to 2013.
Exploration expense decreased 3% to $21.7 million, primarily as a result of reduced exploration activity near the Company’s Joaquin project in Argentina, mostly offset by higher exploration at Kensington.
The $32.0 million Litigation settlement in 2013 relates to the settlement of a mining claims dispute at Rochester. In connection with the settlement, Coeur Rochester acquired all mining claims in dispute in exchange for a one-time $10.0 million cash payment and granting a 3.4% NSR royalty on up to 39.4 million silver equivalent ounces from the Rochester mine beginning January 1, 2014.
Pre-development, reclamation, and other expenses increased 72% to $26.0 million, primarily due to La Preciosa feasibility study costs, which was completed in July 2014.
Write-downs were $1,472.7 million ($1,021.8 million after tax) compared to $773.0 million ($504.5 million after tax). The non-cash impairment charges were largely driven by significant decreases in long-term metal price assumptions and revised mine plans in the fourth quarter. The 2014 write-down was primarily related to the Palmarejo, Kensington, and San Bartolomé mines and the La Preciosa and Joaquin exploration projects.
Other Income and Expenses
Non-cash fair value adjustments, net, reflected a gain of $3.6 million compared to a gain of $82.8 million, primarily due to changes in future metal prices on the Palmarejo gold production royalty and the Rochester 3.4% NSR royalty obligation.
Other, net was consistent as a higher other-than-temporary impairment of strategic investments in 2013 was partially offset by a gain on the substitution of certain reclamation bonds for restricted cash in 2013.
Interest expense (net of capitalized interest) increased to $47.5 million from $41.3 million primarily due to the March 2014 issuance of an additional $150 million of the Senior Notes and the write-off of costs associated with a credit agreement terminated in 2014.
Income and Mining Taxes
The Company reported an income and mining tax benefit of approximately $428.3 million compared to income and mining tax benefit of $158.1 million. The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s income (loss) before tax and income and mining tax (expense) benefit:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, 2014 | | Year ended December 31, 2013 |
In thousands | Income (loss) before tax | Tax (expense) benefit | | Income (loss) before tax | Tax (expense) benefit |
United States | $ | (213,883 | ) | $ | (482 | ) | | $ | (242,562 | ) | $ | 78,176 |
|
Argentina | (82,093 | ) | 24,408 |
| | (8,814 | ) | 7,925 |
|
Mexico | (1,204,983 | ) | 384,099 |
| | (592,111 | ) | 85,805 |
|
Bolivia | (107,547 | ) | 18,114 |
| | 36,280 |
| (10,938 | ) |
Other jurisdictions | (6,622 | ) | 2,115 |
| | (1,472 | ) | (2,852 | ) |
| $ | (1,615,128 | ) | $ | 428,254 |
| | $ | (808,679 | ) | $ | 158,116 |
|
The Company’s effective tax rate is impacted by recurring items, such as foreign exchange rates on deferred tax balances, the impacts of mineral interest impairments, mining tax expense and uncertain tax position accruals. In 2013, the Company asserted its intention to permanently reinvest earnings from Mexico, recording an income tax benefit of $81.0 million. In addition, the Company's consolidated effective income tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates and foreign exchange rates in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Variations in the jurisdictional mix of income and loss and foreign exchange rates result in significant fluctuations in its consolidated effective tax rate.
Results of Operations
Palmarejo
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons milled | 1,616,668 |
| | 2,135,088 |
| | 2,322,660 |
|
Silver ounces produced | 5,148,612 |
| | 6,558,091 |
| | 7,603,144 |
|
Gold ounces produced | 70,922 |
| | 86,673 |
| | 116,536 |
|
Silver equivalent ounces produced | 9,403,932 |
| | 11,758,471 |
| | 14,595,304 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(1) | $ | 14.07 |
| | $ | 15.40 |
| | $ | 13.25 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(2) | $ | 12.75 |
| | $ | 14.69 |
| | $ | 13.75 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
| |
(2) | Equivalent ounces calculated using average realized prices. See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
2015 compared to 2014
Silver equivalent production decreased 20% due to planned lower mill throughput as the mine continues its transition to a lower tonnage, higher grade underground operation from a predominantly open pit operation. Metal sales were $169.1 million, or 27% of Coeur's metal sales, compared with $244.0 million, or 39% of Coeur's metal sales due to lower production and the addition of Wharf. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased as a result of lower waste tons mined, lower milling, diesel, and consumables costs, favorable currency exchange rates, and lower maintenance costs due to the wind-down of open pit mining. Amortization decreased to $32.4 million compared to $69.4 million due to lower production and amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment. Capital expenditures increased to $36.0 million compared to $26.1 million due to underground development of the Guadalupe and Independencia deposits.
2014 compared to 2013
Silver equivalent production decreased due primarily to lower ore grades and mill throughput. Metal sales were $244.0 million, or 39% of metal sales, compared with $324.0 million, or 43% of metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce increased due to lower production, higher underground mining and maintenance costs, an $11.3 million inventory adjustment, and the new 0.5% revenue mining duty. Amortization decreased to $69.4 million compared to $133.5 million due to lower amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment, and lower production. Capital expenditures decreased to $26.1 million compared to $33.7 million.
Rochester
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons placed | 16,414,302 |
| | 14,739,808 |
| | 12,311,918 |
|
Silver ounces produced | 4,630,738 |
| | 4,189,071 |
| | 2,798,937 |
|
Gold ounces produced | 52,588 |
| | 44,888 |
| | 30,860 |
|
Silver equivalent ounces produced | 7,786,018 |
| | 6,882,351 |
| | 4,650,537 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(1) | $ | 12.41 |
| | $ | 14.49 |
| | $ | 15.54 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(2) | $ | 11.32 |
| | $ | 13.94 |
| | $ | 16.04 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
| |
(2) | Equivalent ounces calculated using average realized prices. See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
2015 compared to 2014
Silver equivalent production increased 13% as a result of higher tons placed, higher silver grades, and timing of recoveries. Metal sales were $143.9 million, or 23% of Coeur’s metal sales, compared with $123.8 million, or 20% of Coeur's metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased due to higher production, lower diesel costs, and lower equipment rentals. Amortization was $23.9 million compared to $20.8 million due to higher production. Capital expenditures were $25.3 million compared to $11.9 million due to in-pit crusher expansion and Stage III buttress construction.
2014 compared to 2013
Silver equivalent production increased substantially as a result of higher tons placed and higher gold grade. Metal sales were $123.8 million, or 20% of Coeur’s metal sales, compared with $119.3 million, or 16% of metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased 7% due to higher production and lower mining costs, partially offset by higher leaching and maintenance costs. Amortization was $20.8 million compared to $8.9 million due to higher production. Capital expenditures decreased to $11.9 million compared to $29.4 million as the Stage III leach pad expansion was completed in 2013.
Kensington
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons milled | 660,464 |
| | 635,960 |
| | 553,717 |
|
Gold ounces produced | 126,266 |
| | 117,823 |
| | 111,951 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(1) | $ | 803 |
| | $ | 951 |
| | $ | 901 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
2015 compared to 2014
Gold production increased 7% due to higher grade and mill throughput. Metal sales were $148.7 million, or 23% of Coeur's metal sales, compared to $137.0 million, which represented 22% of Coeur’s metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased due to higher production, lower diesel costs, and lower contract mining services. Amortization was $42.2 million compared to $43.6 million due to lower amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment, partially offset by higher production. Capital expenditures were $23.8 million compared to $16.2 million due to underground development of the high grade Jualin deposit.
2014 compared to 2013
Gold production increased due to higher mill throughput, partially offset by lower grade. Metal sales were $137.0 million, or 22% of metal sales, compared to $148.8 million, which represented 20% of Coeur’s metal sales. Metal sales were negatively impacted by delayed gold shipments from the mine due to a labor dispute affecting ports on the west coast of the U.S. Costs applicable to sales per ounce increased due to higher mining and water treatment costs. Amortization was $43.6 million compared to $62.8 million due to lower amortizable mineral interests and mining equipment. Capital expenditures were $16.2 million compared to $21.4 million.
Wharf
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015(1) | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons placed | 3,600,279 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Silver ounces produced | 55,744 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Gold ounces produced | 78,132 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Gold equivalent ounces produced(2) | 79,061 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(2) | $ | 706 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
| |
(1) | Amounts are post-acquisition (February 20, 2015). |
| |
(2) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
Gold production was 78,132 ounces in the post-acquisition period after February 20, 2015. Metal sales were $84.1 million, or 13% of Coeur's metal sales. Costs applicable to sales were $706 per ounce, and amortization was $16.4 million. Capital expenditures were $3.2 million and primarily consisted of pad re-lining and capitalized drilling.
San Bartolomé
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons milled | 1,713,079 |
| | 1,749,423 |
| | 1,679,839 |
|
Silver ounces produced | 5,436,353 |
| | 5,851,678 |
| | 5,940,538 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(1) | $ | 13.80 |
| | $ | 14.29 |
| | $ | 14.28 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
2015 compared to 2014
Silver production decreased 7% due to a three-week shutdown in July as a result of political protests and lower recoveries, partially offset by higher grade supplemental ore purchases. Silver sales were $84.7 million, or 13% of Coeur's metal sales, compared with $117.7 million, or 19% of Coeur's metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce was lower due to lower revenue-based royalty payments. Amortization was $17.8 million compared to $19.4 million due to lower production. Capital expenditures were $6.2 million compared to $7.9 million.
2014 compared to 2013
Silver production decreased slightly due to lower grade, partly offset by higher mill throughput. Silver sales were $117.7 million, or 19% of metal sales, compared with $141.7 million, or 19% of metal sales. Costs applicable to sales per ounce were mostly unchanged. Amortization was $19.4 million compared to $19.1 million. Capital expenditures were $7.9 million compared to $11.6 million.
Coeur Capital
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
Endeavor Silver Stream | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Tons milled | 767,314 |
| | 792,694 |
| | 791,116 |
|
Silver ounces produced | 629,167 |
| | 589,585 |
| | 605,832 |
|
Costs applicable to sales/oz(1) | $ | 5.72 |
| | $ | 7.17 |
| | $ | 9.61 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
2015 compared to 2014
Silver production increased due to higher grade, partially offset by lower throughput. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased due to the impact of lower silver prices on the Company's silver price sharing agreement with the Endeavor mine operator. Royalty revenue was $6.9 million compared to $3.2 million primarily due to commencement of production from Correnso, as well as higher production from Cerro Bayo and El Gallo. Amortization was $9.0 million compared to $7.0 million due to higher production.
2014 compared to 2013
Silver production decreased due to lower grade. Royalty revenue was $3.2 million compared to nil, primarily due to the acquisition of Global Royalty Corp. in December 2013. Costs applicable to sales per ounce decreased due to the impact of lower silver prices on the Endeavor silver stream's price sharing agreement. Amortization increased to $7.0 million compared to $3.8 million due to depletion of royalty interests in 2014.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $113.5 million, $53.5 million, and $114.0 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and was impacted by the following key factors:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Consolidated silver equivalent ounces sold | 36,659,759 |
| | 31,982,962 |
| | 32,888,139 |
|
Average realized price per silver equivalent ounce | $ | 17.62 |
| | $ | 19.88 |
| | $ | 22.68 |
|
Costs applicable to sales per consolidated silver equivalent ounce | (13.08 | ) | | (14.94 | ) | | (14.10 | ) |
Operating margin per consolidated silver equivalent ounce | $ | 4.54 |
| | $ | 4.94 |
| | $ | 8.58 |
|
| |
(1) | See Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, |
In thousands | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Cash flow before changes in operating assets and liabilities | $ | 70,019 |
| | $ | 31,046 |
| | $ | 150,348 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
Receivables | 17,560 |
| | (11,611 | ) | | 663 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other | (3,063 | ) | | 5,635 |
| | (15,165 | ) |
Inventories | 19,573 |
| | 12,971 |
| | 4,031 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 9,453 |
| | 15,507 |
| | (25,910 | ) |
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES | $ | 113,542 |
| | $ | 53,548 |
| | $ | 113,967 |
|
Cash provided by operating activities increased $60.0 million in 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher silver equivalent ounces sold and lower costs applicable to sales per silver equivalent ounce, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Metal sales for 2015 increased $92.4 million due to higher silver equivalent ounces sold, mostly offset by a $85.9 million reduction due to lower average realized prices. The $43.5 million working capital decrease for 2015 was primarily due to a reduction of metal inventory and collection of accounts receivable, compared to the $22.5 million working capital decrease for 2014, which was primarily due to a reduction of inventory.
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $60.4 million in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to lower average realized silver and gold prices and lower gold ounces sold, partially offset by higher silver ounces sold, lower costs applicable to sales per gold ounce and a decrease in working capital. 2014 metal sales were $92.1 million lower due to lower average realized prices and $18.2 million lower due to lower silver equivalent ounces sold. The decrease in silver equivalent ounces sold was primarily due to delayed gold shipments from the Kensington mine as a result of a labor dispute affecting ports on the west coast of the U.S. The $22.5 million working capital decrease for 2014 was primarily due to a reduction of inventory, compared to the $36.4 million working capital increase for 2013, which was due to higher accruals.
The Company’s financial position at December 31, 2015, and the expected operating cash flows over the next twelve months, lead management to believe that the Company’s liquid assets are sufficient to fund currently planned capital expenditures for existing operations and to discharge liabilities as they come due. Please refer to the “2016 Outlook” section of this MD&A for a more detailed description of capital expenditures planned for 2016.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2015 was $211.3 million compared to $81.7 million in 2014, primarily due to the acquisition of the Wharf gold mine for $99.4 million and higher development capital expenditures in 2015, partially offset by purchases of short-term investments in 2014. The Company spent $95.2 million on capital expenditures in 2015 compared with $64.2 million in 2014. Capital expenditures in 2015 were primarily related to underground development of the Guadalupe and Independencia deposits at Palmarejo, crusher expansion and Stage III buttress construction at Rochester, and underground development of the Jualin deposit at Kensington, compared to underground development at Palmarejo and Kensington in 2014.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2014 was $81.7 million compared to $186.5 million in 2013, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and the acquisition of Orko Silver Corporation in 2013, partly offset by the purchases of NSR royalties on non-producing exploration properties in 2014. The Company spent $64.2 million on capital expenditures in 2014, compared with $100.8 million in 2013. Capital expenditures in 2014 were primarily related to underground development at Palmarejo and
Kensington, underground development of the Guadalupe deposit at Palmarejo, and San Bartolomé tailings expansion, compared to the Stage III Rochester expansion and underground development at Palmarejo and Kensington in 2013.
Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2015 was $29.0 million compared to $93.0 million in 2014. During 2015, the Company entered into a $50 million short-term loan which was subsequently repaid upon entering into the $100 million Term Loan (as defined below). In 2014, the Company completed a follow-on offering of $150 million of its 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 ("the Senior Notes").
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 was $93.0 million compared to $154.3 million in 2013. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is primarily the result of the follow-on offering of $150 million of Senior Notes in 2014, partly offset by the repurchase of $15.1 million of Senior Notes and lower gold prices driving lower Palmarejo gold production royalty payments. In contrast, 2013 included the original offering of $300 million of Senior Notes partly offset by the repurchase of $43.3 million of Convertible Notes, $27.6 million of common stock repurchases, and higher gold prices driving higher Palmarejo gold production royalty payments.
On June 23, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement for a senior secured term loan (the "Term Loan") with Barclays Bank PLC as administrative agent (the "Term Loan Credit Agreement"). The Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for a five year, $100 million term loan to the Company, of which a portion of the proceeds were used to repay the Short-term Loan, and the remaining proceeds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The Term Loan contains no financial maintenance covenants and currently bears interest at a rate equal to an adjusted Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 8.00% (at no time will the adjusted Eurodollar rate be deemed to be less than 1.00% per annum). Voluntary prepayments of the Term Loan under the Term Loan Credit Agreement are permitted, subject to the payment of a make-whole premium if such prepayment occurs prior to the first anniversary of the closing date, a premium of 105.0% of the principal amount between the first anniversary and the second anniversary of the closing date and a premium of 103.0% if such prepayment occurs on or after the second anniversary but prior to the third anniversary of the closing date. The Term Loan Credit Agreement requires amortization payments equal to 1.0% of the principal amount of the Term Loan per annum and also requires net cash proceeds of debt issuances, excess cash flow, asset sales and casualty insurance recoveries (in each case, subject to certain exceptions) to either be reinvested in long-term assets used in the Company’s business or be applied as a mandatory prepayment of the Term Loan. Amounts repaid on the Term Loan may not be re-borrowed. The obligations under the Term Loan are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, including the land, mineral rights and infrastructure at the Kensington, Rochester and Wharf mines, as well as a pledge of the shares of certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and affirmative and negative covenants.
On November 2, 2015, the Company and the Term Loan lenders entered into a Consent under Credit Agreement, and the Company entered into a privately-negotiated agreement to exchange $54.2 million in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes for 14.4 million shares of common stock. Based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of the exchange, the exchange resulted in a gain of $15.9 million which is recorded in Other, net in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 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 | | 4-5 Years | | More Than 5 Years |
Long-term debt obligations: | | | | | | | | | | |
3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 | | $ | 712 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 712 |
|
7.875% Senior Notes due 2021, net | | 378,747 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 378,747 |
|
Term Loan due 2020, net | | 99,500 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 2,000 |
| | 96,500 |
| | — |
|
Interest on debt | | 201,932 |
| | 41,099 |
| | 82,058 |
| | 76,035 |
| | 2,740 |
|
| | 680,891 |
| | 42,099 |
| | 84,058 |
| | 172,535 |
| | 382,199 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Capital lease obligations(1) | | 18,566 |
| | 10,120 |
| | 6,558 |
| | 1,844 |
| | 44 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating lease obligations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Hyak mining lease | | 7,688 |
| | 287 |
| | 574 |
| | 2,524 |
| | 4,303 |
|
Operating leases | | 42,990 |
| | 13,348 |
| | 17,542 |
| | 7,452 |
| | 4,648 |
|
| | 50,678 |
| | 13,635 |
| | 18,116 |
| | 9,976 |
| | 8,951 |
|
Other long-term obligations: | | | | | | |