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Published Feb 13, 2025 • 47 minute read
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) (“DPM” or the “Company”) announced its operating and financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.
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Highlights
(Unless otherwise stated, all monetary figures in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars, and all operational and financial information contained in this news release is related to continuing operations.)
- Record adjusted net earnings: Reported adjusted net earnings1 of $232.2 million ($1.29 per share1) and net earnings from continuing operations of $243.2 million ($1.35 per share).
- Record free cash flow: Generated $305.1 million of free cash flow1 and $296.8 million of cash provided from operating activities from continuing operations.
- 10-year track record of operational delivery: DPM achieved its gold production guidance for the tenth consecutive year, producing 261,335 ounces of gold in 2024. Copper production of 29.7 million pounds was in-line with guidance.
- Advancing growth pipeline: Initiated the Čoka Rakita project feasibility study (“FS”) to enable an accelerated construction decision, with first concentrate concentration production targeted for 2028. The Čoka Rakita pre-feasibility study (“PFS”) was completed December 2024.
- Generating robust margins: Reported cost of sales per ounce of gold sold of $1,113.2 All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold1 of $872 was within guidance for 2024. DPM has met its all-in sustaining cost guidance every year since 2014.
- Peer-leading sustainability performance: DPM scored in the top decile among metals and mining companies in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the fourth consecutive year.
- Continued capital discipline: Returned $78.8 million, or 26% of free cash flow, to shareholders during 2024 through dividends paid and shares repurchased. Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of shares within 2025.
- Substantial liquidity for growth: Ended the quarter with a strong balance sheet, including a total of $634.8 million of cash, a $150.0 million undrawn revolving credit facility, and no debt. In January 2025, the Company received an additional $170.6 million in cash following the conclusion of the temporary tolling agreement related to the sale of the Tsumeb smelter (“DPM Tolling Agreement”).
- 2025 guidance and three-year outlook: Three-year outlook highlights DPM’s focus on its next phase of growth, including planned growth capital and exploration expenditures. 2025 production expected to be between 225,000 and 265,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of between $780 to $900 per ounce of gold sold.
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1 All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold, free cash flow, adjusted net earnings and adjusted basic earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized meanings under IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section commencing on page 17 of this news release for more information, including reconciliations to IFRS measures.
2 Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold represents total cost of sales for Chelopech and Ada Tepe, divided by total payable gold in concentrate sold, while all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold includes treatment and freight charges, net of by-product credits, all of which are reflected in revenue.
CEO Commentary
“We once again generated record financial results in 2024, including free cash flow of $305 million, demonstrating the quality of our low-cost, high-margin mining operations. Our exceptional 10-year track record of delivery has created long-term shareholder value and provides confidence in our ability to grow the business with Čoka Rakita,” said David Rae, President and Chief Executive Officer.
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“We achieved a significant milestone for Čoka Rakita by completing the pre-feasibility study for this high-grade, low-cost growth project. The project team initiated the feasibility study and is advancing permitting activities to support start-up of construction in mid-2026. And, importantly, our scout drilling programs near Čoka Rakita continue to return strong results confirming the large-scale potential for further high-grade copper-gold mineralization, highlighting the significant potential to generate additional value through exploration.
“DPM continues to be in a very strong position to carry out our strategy of becoming a mid-tier gold producer. This is driven by the quality of our team, our high-margin production base generating significant free cash flow, and our financial strength to internally fund growth and exploration activities while continuing to return capital to shareholders.”
Use of non-GAAP Financial Measures
Certain financial measures referred to in this news release are not measures recognized under IFRS and are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized meanings under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The definitions established and calculations performed by DPM are based on management’s reasonable judgment and are consistently applied. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, together with other financial measures calculated in accordance with IFRS, are considered to be important factors that assist investors in assessing the Company’s performance.
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The Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures and ratios in this news release:
- mine cash cost
- cash cost per tonne of ore processed
- mine cash cost of sales
- cash cost per ounce of gold sold
- all-in sustaining cost
- all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold
- adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”)
- adjusted net earnings
- adjusted basic earnings per share
- cash provided from operating activities, before changes in working capital
- free cash flow
- average realized metal prices
For a detailed description of each of the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios used in this news release and a detailed reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under IFRS, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section commencing on page 17 of this news release.
Key Operating and Financial Highlights from Continuing Operations
$ millions, except where noted | Fourth Quarter | Full Year | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||
Operating Highlights | ||||||||||
Ore Processed | t | 748,196 | 735,524 | 2 | % | 2,916,027 | 2,952,711 | (1 | %) | |
Metals contained in concentrate produced: | ||||||||||
Gold | ||||||||||
Chelopech | oz | 41,901 | 41,871 | 0 | % | 167,029 | 161,872 | 3 | % | |
Ada Tepe | oz | 28,918 | 35,212 | (18 | %) | 94,306 | 134,200 | (30 | %) | |
Total gold in concentrate produced | oz | 70,819 | 77,083 | (8 | %) | 261,335 | 296,072 | (12 | %) | |
Copper | Klbs | 7,781 | 8,229 | (5 | %) | 29,671 | 30,547 | (3 | %) | |
Payable metals in concentrate sold: | ||||||||||
Gold | ||||||||||
Chelopech | oz | 36,862 | 36,276 | 2 | % | 142,004 | 135,862 | 5 | % | |
Ada Tepe | oz | 28,003 | 33,288 | (16 | %) | 92,124 | 129,881 | (29 | %) | |
Total payable gold in concentrate sold | oz | 64,865 | 69,564 | (7 | %) | 234,128 | 265,743 | (12 | %) | |
Copper | Klbs | 6,652 | 7,009 | (5 | %) | 25,062 | 26,651 | (6 | %) | |
Cost of sales per tonne of ore processed(1): | ||||||||||
Chelopech | $/t | 69 | 64 | 8 | % | 71 | 63 | 13 | % | |
Ada Tepe | $/t | 142 | 146 | (3 | %) | 141 | 140 | 1 | % | |
Cash cost per tonne of ore processed(2): | ||||||||||
Chelopech | $/t | 54 | 51 | 6 | % | 56 | 50 | 12 | % | |
Ada Tepe | $/t | 71 | 72 | (1 | %) | 70 | 67 | 4 | % | |
Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold(3) | $/oz | 1,016 | 877 | 16 | % | 1,113 | 919 | 21 | % | |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold(2) | $/oz | 904 | 876 | 3 | % | 872 | 849 | 3 | % | |
Financial Highlights | ||||||||||
Average realized prices(2): | ||||||||||
Gold | $/oz | 2,663 | 2,025 | 32 | % | 2,434 | 1,957 | 24 | % | |
Copper | $/lb | 3.91 | 3.74 | 5 | % | 4.16 | 3.82 | 9 | % | |
Revenue | 179.1 | 139.3 | 29 | % | 607.0 | 520.1 | 17 | % | ||
Cost of sales | 65.9 | 61.0 | 8 | % | 260.7 | 244.2 | 7 | % | ||
Earnings before income taxes | 94.3 | 58.5 | 61 | % | 276.1 | 205.7 | 34 | % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(2) | 110.8 | 72.0 | 54 | % | 326.9 | 268.4 | 22 | % | ||
Net earnings | 86.7 | 52.1 | 67 | % | 243.2 | 182.0 | 34 | % | ||
Basic earnings per share | $/sh | 0.49 | 0.29 | 69 | % | 1.35 | 0.98 | 38 | % | |
Adjusted net earnings(2) | 82.6 | 50.1 | 65 | % | 232.2 | 180.0 | 29 | % | ||
Adjusted basic earnings per share(2) | $/sh | 0.46 | 0.28 | 64 | % | 1.29 | 0.97 | 33 | % | |
Cash provided from operating activities | 82.7 | 71.3 | 16 | % | 296.8 | 261.6 | 13 | % | ||
Free cash flow(2) | 91.7 | 49.3 | 86 | % | 305.1 | 227.9 | 34 | % | ||
Capital expenditures incurred(4): | ||||||||||
Sustaining(5) | 9.8 | 8.0 | 22 | % | 34.2 | 31.2 | 10 | % | ||
Growth and other(6) | 2.1 | 10.0 | (79 | %) | 17.2 | 29.3 | (41 | %) | ||
Total capital expenditures | 11.9 | 18.0 | (34 | %) | 51.4 | 60.5 | (15 | %) |
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(1) | Cost of sales per tonne of ore processed represents cost of sales for Chelopech and Ada Tepe, respectively, divided by tonnes of ore processed. | |
(2) | Cash cost per tonne of ore processed, all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold, average realized metal prices, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings, adjusted basic earnings per share, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section commencing on page 17 of this news release for more information, including reconciliations to IFRS measures. | |
(3) | Cost of sales per ounce of gold sold represents total cost of sales for Chelopech and Ada Tepe, divided by total payable gold in concentrate sold. | |
(4) | Capital expenditures incurred were reported on an accrual basis and do not represent the cash outlays for the capital expenditures. | |
(5) | Sustaining capital expenditures are generally defined as expenditures that support the ongoing operation of the asset or business without any associated increase in capacity, life of assets or future earnings. This measure is used by management and investors to assess the extent of non-discretionary capital spending being incurred by the Company each period. | |
(6) | Growth capital expenditures are generally defined as capital expenditures that expand existing capacity, increase life of assets and/or increase future earnings. This measure is used by management and investors to assess the extent of discretionary capital spending being undertaken by the Company each period. |
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Performance Highlights
A table comparing production, sales and cash cost measures by asset for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 against 2024 guidance is located on page 14 of this news release.
In 2024, DPM achieved its gold production and cost guidance for the tenth consecutive year, continuing its long track record of operational delivery.
Highlights include the following:
Chelopech, Bulgaria: Gold contained in concentrates produced in fourth quarter and full year 2024 was higher than 2023 due primarily to higher gold recoveries.
Payable gold in concentrates sold in the fourth quarter of 2024 was higher than 2023 due primarily to favourable payable gold terms. Payable gold in concentrates sold in 2024 was higher than 2023 due primarily to higher gold production and favourable payable gold terms.
Payable copper in concentrate sold in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was lower than 2023 due primarily to lower copper production.
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was lower than 2023 due primarily to lower treatment charges as a result of DPM having secured more favourable commercial terms for the year under the current tight market for copper concentrates and higher by-product credits reflecting higher realized copper prices, as well as lower cash outlays for sustaining capital expenditures for the year.
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Ada Tepe, Bulgaria: Gold contained in concentrate produced in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was lower than 2023 due primarily to mining in lower grade zones in 2024, in line with mine plan.
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was higher than 2023 due primarily to lower volumes of gold sold, higher labour costs, and higher royalties for the quarter, as well as higher cash outlays for sustaining capital expenditures.
Consolidated Operating Highlights
Production: Gold contained in concentrate produced in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 8% and 12% lower than 2023, due primarily to lower gold production at Ada Tepe, partially offset by higher gold recoveries at Chelopech.
Copper production in fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 5% and 3% lower than 2023 due primarily to lower copper grades.
Deliveries: Payable gold in concentrate sold in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 7% and 12% lower than 2023, primarily reflecting lower gold production.
Payable copper in concentrate sold in fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 5% and 6% lower than 2023 due primarily to lower copper production.
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Cost measures: Cost of sales in fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 8% and 7% higher than 2023, due primarily to higher labour costs, timing of maintenance activities and higher depreciation expense.
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 3% higher than 2023 due primarily to lower volumes of gold sold, higher labour costs and timing of maintenance activities, largely offset by lower treatment charges at Chelopech and higher by-product credits as a result of higher realized copper prices.
Capital expenditures: Sustaining capital expenditures incurred in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 were 22% and 10% higher than 2023, respectively, due primarily to timing of expenditures and higher deferred stripping costs as a result of higher stripping ratios, in line with the mine plan at Ada Tepe.
Growth and other capital expenditures incurred in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 79% and 41% lower than 2023, respectively, due primarily to lower expenditures related to the Loma Larga gold project in 2024, as expected.
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Consolidated Financial Highlights
Financial results in 2024 reported record earnings and free cash flow generation, reflecting higher realized metal prices combined with the Company’s strong all-in sustaining cost performance, and lower treatment charges at Chelopech, partially offset by lower volumes of gold sold at Ada Tepe and higher planned exploration and evaluation expenses.
Revenue: Revenue in the fourth quarter and full year 2024 was 29% and 17% higher than 2023, respectively, due primarily to higher realized metal prices and lower treatment charges at Chelopech, partially offset by lower volumes of gold sold at Ada Tepe.
Net earnings: Net earnings from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 67% higher than 2023, due primarily to higher revenue, partially offset by higher planned exploration and evaluation expenses and higher income taxes. Net earnings from continuing operations in 2024 was 34% higher than 2023, due primarily to higher revenue and interest income, partially offset by higher planned exploration and evaluation expenses, higher income taxes and higher labour costs.
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Adjusted net earnings: Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 65% and 29% higher than 2023, respectively, due primarily to the same factors affecting net earnings from continuing operations, with the exception of adjusting items primarily related to the net termination fee received from Osino Resources Corp. (“Osino”), tax adjustments not related to current period earnings, and gains or losses on derivatives.
Cash provided from operating activities: Cash provided from operating activities from continuing operations in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 16% and 13% higher than 2023 due primarily to higher earnings generated from continuing operations and higher cash interest received, partially offset by the timing of deliveries and subsequent receipt of cash for the year, and the timing of payments to suppliers.
Free cash flow: Free cash flow from continuing operations in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was 86% and 34% higher than 2023, respectively, due primarily to higher earnings generated in the periods. Free cash flow is calculated before changes in working capital.
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Balance Sheet Strength and Financial Flexibility
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position, with a growing cash position, no debt and an undrawn $150 million revolving credit facility.
Cash and cash equivalents increased from $595.3 million as at December 31, 2023 to $634.8 million as at December 31, 2024 due primarily to earnings generated in the year, and cash proceeds from the disposition of Osino shares and the Tsumeb smelter, partially offset by a net cash outflow of $156.2 million related to the DPM Tolling Agreement, cash outlays for capital expenditures, payments for shares repurchased under the Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) and dividends paid.
In January 2025, the Company received an additional $170.6 million in cash, as the Company concluded the DPM Tolling Agreement, of which $161.9 million was received from Sinomine Resource Group Co. Ltd. related to the inventory buyback, and $8.7 million was received from IXM S.A. related to the sale of blister.
Return of Capital to Shareholders
In line with its disciplined capital allocation framework, DPM continues to return excess capital to shareholders, which currently includes a sustainable quarterly dividend and periodic share repurchases under the NCIB.
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During 2024, the Company returned a total of $78.8 million to shareholders through dividends paid of $28.9 million, as well as payments for shares repurchased of $49.9 million following the renewal of the NCIB in late March.
Share Repurchases
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company purchased a total of 5,709,458 shares with a total cost of $50.9 million at an average price per share of $8.76 (Cdn$12.13).
The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the renewal of the NCIB (the “New Bid”) and the Company expects to seek approval from the TSX for the New Bid in due course during the first quarter of 2025. If accepted, the New Bid will be made in accordance with the applicable rules and policies of the TSX and applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company expects be able to purchase up to 10% of the public float of common shares over a period of twelve months under the New Bid.
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized management to repurchase up to $200 million of the Company’s shares during 2025.
The actual timing and number of common shares that may be purchased under the NCIB will be undertaken in accordance with DPM’s capital allocation framework, having regard for such things as DPM’s financial position, business outlook and ongoing capital requirements, as well as its share price relative to market peers and intrinsic value and overall market conditions.
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Quarterly Dividend
On February 13, 2025, the Company declared a dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2025.
Three-Year Outlook (2025 to 2027)
The following sections of this news release, under the headings “Detailed 2025 Guidance” and “Three-Year Outlook (2025 to 2027)”, represent forward-looking information and readers are cautioned that actual results may vary materially from the Company’s expectations. Refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” located on page 15 of this news release and the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of the MD&A issued on February 13, 2025, available on the Company’s website (www.dundeeprecious.com) and filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
The Company continues to fund its high-quality organic growth pipeline and exploration activities, while maintaining its portfolio of low-cost, high-margin mining operations which has generated an exceptional track record of delivery and created long-term shareholder value.
Highlights of the Company’s three-year outlook include:
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- Strong gold production: Gold production is expected to average approximately 200,000 ounces over the next three years, bolstered by strong and consistent performance from Chelopech. Ada Tepe’s production profile reflects the current mine life ending mid-2026.
- Stable copper production: Copper production over the next three years is expected to average approximately 30 million pounds per year based on current mine plans.
- Maintains low-cost position: All-in sustaining cost over the next three years is expected to average approximately $865 per ounce of gold sold, continuing to position DPM as one of the lowest cost, highest margin gold producers. The outlook for all-in sustaining cost over the next three years reflects variations in gold and copper production and sales year over year, as well as the impact of higher local currency operating costs and allocated general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro.
- Sustaining capital expenditures: Chelopech is expected to maintain stable sustaining capital expenditures over the next three years. At Ada Tepe, sustaining capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be approximately $14 million reflecting the capitalization of deferred stripping costs which had been expensed in the previous outlook. Sustaining capital expenditures trend lower in 2026 at Ada Tepe.
- Growth capital expenditures: The three-year outlook for growth capital expenditures primarily relates to the Čoka Rakita project development, which is expected to commence construction mid-2026 and achieve first production of concentrate in 2028. In 2025, the focus will be on the completion of surface and underground geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling, and the completion of the FS. The Company will start capitalizing costs related to the Čoka Rakita project from 2025 as a result of the project’s advancement to the FS stage. In 2025, growth capital expenditures also include expenditures related to the Loma Larga gold project, targeting the completion of an updated FS by the second quarter of 2025. Upon achievement of certain milestones for the project, the Company may increase its guidance for capital expenditures related to the Loma Larga gold project.
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The Company’s three-year outlook is set out in the following table:
$ millions, unless otherwise indicated | 2024 Results | 2025 Guidance(1) | 2026 Outlook(1) | 2027 Outlook(1) | |
Gold contained in concentrate produced(2),(3) | |||||
Chelopech | Koz | 167 | 160 – 185 | 150 – 165 | 155 – 175 |
Ada Tepe | Koz | 94 | 65 – 80 | 25 – 35 | — – — |
Total | Koz | 261 | 225 – 265 | 175 – 200 | 155 – 175 |
Copper contained in concentrate produced(2) | |||||
Chelopech | Mlbs | 30 | 28 – 33 | 30 – 35 | 23 – 27 |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold(4),(5),(6) | $/oz | 872 | 780 – 900 | 780 – 900 | 860 – 980 |
Exploration expenses | 40 | 36 – 41 | 30 – 40 | 30 – 40 | |
Sustaining capital expenditures(4),(7) | |||||
Chelopech | 19 | 12 – 15 | 12 – 15 | 12 – 15 | |
Ada Tepe | 11 | 11 – 14 | 4 – 5 | — – — | |
Corporate | 4 | 1 – 2 | 1 – 2 | 1 – 2 | |
Consolidated | 34 | 24 – 31 | 17 – 22 | 13 – 17 | |
Growth capital expenditures(8) | 17 | 56 – 64 | 76 | 152 |
(1) | The Company’s 2025 guidance and three-year outlook are forecast to vary from quarter to quarter depending on mine sequencing, the timing of concentrate deliveries and planned maintenances, as well as the schedule for, and execution of each capital project. | |
(2) | Metals contained in concentrate produced are prior to deductions associated with smelter terms. | |
(3) | Gold produced includes gold in pyrite concentrate produced of 50,000 to 60,000 ounces for 2025, 45,000 to 50,000 ounces in 2026, and 55,000 to 60,000 ounces in 2027. | |
(4) | Based on, where applicable, a Euro/US$ exchange rate of 1.05 and a copper price of $4.00 per pound for all years. | |
(5) | Reflects DPM general and administrative expenses being allocated based on Chelopech and Ada Tepe’s proportion of total revenue. | |
(6) | Excludes potential imposition of China VAT and import duties. Current assumptions for royalties are based on a gold price of $2,300 per ounce for all years with royalty rates of approximately 1.5% at Chelopech and 4% at Ada Tepe. | |
(7) | Represent capital expenditures on an accrual basis and do not represent the cash outlays for the capital expenditures. | |
(8) | Growth capital expenditures in 2026 and 2027 relate solely to the estimated construction costs for the Čoka Rakita project, which is expected to commence mid-2026, as per the “NI 43-101 Technical Report Čoka Rakita Project Pre-Feasibility Study, Eastern Serbia” dated January 31, 2025. |
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Detailed 2025 Guidance
The Company’s detailed guidance for 2025 is set out in the following table:
$ millions, unless otherwise indicated | Chelopech | Ada Tepe | Corporate and Other | Consolidated Guidance | |
Ore processed | Kt | 2,090 – 2,200 | 610 – 700 | – | 2,700 – 2,900 |
Cash cost per tonne of ore processed(1),(2) | $/t | 51 – 56 | 71 – 78 | – | – |
Metals contained in concentrate produced(3),(4),(5) | |||||
Gold | Koz | 160 – 185 | 65 – 80 | – | 225 – 265 |
Copper | Mlbs | 28 – 33 | – | – | 28 – 33 |
Payable metals in concentrate sold(4),(5) | |||||
Gold | Koz | 141 – 162 | 64 – 78 | – | 205 – 240 |
Copper | Mlbs | 25 – 29 | – | – | 23 – 27 |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold(1),(2),(6) | $/oz | 550 – 650 | 840 – 960 | – | 780 – 900 |
Corporate general and administrative expenses(7) | – | – | 23 – 25 | 23 – 25 | |
Exploration expenses(1) | – | – | – | 36 – 41 | |
Sustaining capital expenditures(1),(6),(8) | 12 – 15 | 11 – 14 | 1 – 2 | 24 – 31 | |
Growth capital expenditures(1),(7),(9) | 4 – 5 | – | 52 – 59 | 56 – 64 |
(1) | Based on, where applicable, a Euro/US$ exchange rate of 1.05 and a copper price of $4.00 per pound. | |
(2) | Excludes potential imposition of China value-added tax (“VAT”) and import duties. Current assumptions for royalties are based on a gold price of $2,300 per ounce with royalty rates of approximately 1.5% at Chelopech and 4% at Ada Tepe. | |
(3) | Metals contained in concentrate produced are prior to deductions associated with smelter terms. | |
(4) | Gold produced includes gold in pyrite concentrate produced of 50,000 to 60,000 ounces and payable gold sold includes payable gold in pyrite concentrate sold of 36,000 to 42,000 ounces. | |
(5) | Gold production at Ada Tepe is assumed to be lower in the first half of 2025 as compared to the second half of the year due to the cell sequencing of its integrated mine waste facility. | |
(6) | Allocated general and administrative expenses are reflected in the consolidated all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold, however are not reflected in the all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold for Chelopech and Ada Tepe, given that the nature of such expenses is more reflective of the Company’s consolidated all-in sustaining cost and not pertaining to the individual operations of the Company. | |
(7) | Excludes share-based compensation expense of approximately $6 million, before mark-to-market adjustments from movements in the Company’s share price, given the volatile nature of this expense. | |
(8) | Represent capital expenditures on an accrual basis and do not represent the cash outlays for the capital expenditures. | |
(9) | Growth capital expenditures in Corporate and Other include the estimated cost for the Čoka Rakita project of $40 million to $45 million, as well as the estimated cost for the Loma Larga gold project of $12 million to $14 million. |
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Key Assumptions and Sensitivities
Certain key cost measures in the Company’s detailed guidance for 2025 are sensitive to market assumptions, including copper price and foreign exchange rates. The following table demonstrates the effect of a 10% change in these market assumptions on the consolidated all-in sustaining cost provided in the 2025 guidance.
Assumptions | Hypothetical change | All-in sustaining cost ($/oz) | |
Copper | $4.00/lb | +/- 10% | +/- $51/oz |
Euro/US$ | 1.05 | +/- 10% | +/- $113/oz |
Gold production in 2025 is expected to be higher in the second half of the year due to timing of production from Ada Tepe. Additional detail on the Company’s three-year outlook is set out below:
Chelopech
The three-year outlook for gold and copper production at Chelopech is in line with the current mine plan.
Cash cost per tonne of ore processed in 2025 is expected to be lower than 2024 due primarily to a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, partially offset by higher local currency operating costs.
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold in 2025 is expected to be lower than 2024 due primarily to higher by-product credits reflecting higher volumes of copper sold and a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, partially offset by higher local currency operating costs and lower volumes of gold sold.
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Sustaining capital expenditures in 2025 are expected to be lower than 2024 due primarily to lower expenditures for underground capital development and mobile equipment, and are expected to remain consistent in 2026 and 2027. Growth capital expenditures relating to resource development drilling and margin improvement projects are expected to be slightly higher than the previous outlook as the Company accelerates the conversion of resources to reserves to support further mine life extensions.
Ada Tepe
The Company has modified its mine plan for Ada Tepe to bring forward a portion of its planned 2026 production into 2025, in-line with its plan to leverage Ada Tepe’s processing equipment and infrastructure for the Čoka Rakita project. Gold production at Ada Tepe is forecast to be approximately 50% lower in the first half of 2025 as compared to the second half of the year due to the cell sequencing of its integrated mine waste facility.
Cash cost per tonne of ore processed is expected to be higher in 2025 as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher local currency operating costs, partially offset by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro.
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All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold is expected to be higher in 2025 as compared to 2024, due primarily to lower volumes of gold sold and higher local currency operating costs, partially offset by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Euro.
Sustaining capital expenditures are expected to be higher than the previous outlook range in 2025 due to the capitalization of deferred stripping costs which had been expensed in the previous outlook, with a reduction in 2026, in line with the previous outlook. 2025 sustaining capital expenditures are expected to be lower in the second half of the year compared to the first half of the year, as a result of the cell sequencing of the integrated management waste facility.
Čoka Rakita project
Growth capital expenditures for 2025 associated with the Čoka Rakita project are expected to cover the completion of surface and underground geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling, completing the FS and advancing the basic engineering while progressing permitting and operational readiness activities. The Company is targeting commencing the construction phase of the project mid-2026.
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Loma Larga gold project
Growth capital expenditures for 2025 associated with the Loma Larga gold project are expected to be $12 million and $14 million, reflecting the planned completion of an updated FS targeted for release in the second quarter of 2025, as well as general and administrative expenses and certain permitting, social and environmental related activities.
Upon achieving certain milestones for the project, the Company may increase its guidance for growth capital expenditures, reflecting additional funding to resume drilling and further advance permitting. The amount and timing of the spend in respect of this additional funding is dependent on the timing of achieving the respective milestones in the year.
Exploration expenses
Exploration expenditures in 2025 will focus on the continuation of drilling activities at Dimitru Potok, Frasen and other targets on Čoka Rakita licence as well as scout drilling on Potaj Čuka and Pešter Jug licences in Serbia. In Bulgaria, drilling will continue testing near-mine targets at Chelopech, aiming to define additional resources and extend the mine life. Following the Company’s success in generating value through exploration, DPM will continue to invest in exploration, and has included an outlook for 2026 and 2027, consistent with the investment level in 2025.
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Development Projects Update
Čoka Rakita, Serbia
On December 18, 2024, DPM announced the results of the PFS for the Čoka Rakita project. The robust PFS economics and continued exploration success around Čoka Rakita serve as DPM’s basis for proceeding to a FS immediately to enable an accelerated construction decision, with first concentrate production targeted for 2028.
The FS is expected to be completed by year-end 2025. Activities in 2025 will include completing surface and underground geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling, advancing permitting, progressing the design to the basic engineering level, advancing the project execution readiness, and commencing operational readiness activities, leveraging the project’s regional proximity to DPM’s Chelopech underground mine to train and develop key personnel for operating roles.
Permitting activities have continued to advance, with a detailed permitting timeline focused on supporting commencement of construction in mid-2026.
In 2024, the Company incurred $23.0 million of evaluation expenses for the Čoka Rakita project. In 2025, the Company has planned $40 million to $45 million for the Čoka Rakita project, which is included in the 2025 guidance for the growth capital expenditures.
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See the “NI 43-101 Technical Report Čoka Rakita Project Pre-Feasibility Study, Eastern Serbia” dated January 31, 2025, for additional information, which has been posted on the Company’s website at www.dundeeprecious.com and have been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Loma Larga, Ecuador
At the Loma Larga gold project in Ecuador, the Company continued to progress activities related to permitting and stakeholder relations. In October 2024, the baseline ecosystem and water studies were submitted to the Provincial Court of Azuay by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition. On October 31, 2024, the environmental consultation process was completed, with local communities voting overall in favour of the development of the project. The prior, informed indigenous consultation process was initiated by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and engagement with the community is in progress. Issuance of the environmental licence is expected once the prior, informed indigenous consultation is concluded.
Given the permitting progress achieved in 2024, DPM is planning to complete an updated FS for the project in the second quarter of 2025, which will update the project economics to reflect the current gold price, capital and operating cost environment. The FS will be based on the mineral reserve estimate effective as of September 29, 2023, as disclosed in the Company’s annual information form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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In 2024, the Company incurred $10.2 million of growth capital expenditures for the Loma Larga gold project. In 2025, the Company has planned $12 million to $14 million for the Loma Larga gold project, which is included in the 2025 guidance for the growth capital expenditures.
Exploration
Čoka Rakita, Serbia
Exploration activities in Serbia continued to focus on accelerated drilling programs at the Čoka Rakita and Potaj Čuka licences, as well as scout drilling at the Dumitru Potok, Frasen and Valja Saka targets, with 19,655 metres completed during the fourth quarter of 2024. Drilling for all exploration licenses and project development totalled 94,559 metres for the full year of 2024.
During the quarter, further intercepts of high-grade, copper-gold stratabound skarn mineralization at Dumitru Potok and Frasen were received, which further demonstrate the potential of these targets. Additionally, marble-hosted skarn copper-gold mineralization was intercepted at the Čoka Rakita north area, below the main ore body located in skarn altered sediments.
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In 2024, the Company incurred $22.7 million for Serbian brownfield exploration activities. In 2025, the Company has planned between $23 million and $25 million for Serbian exploration activities, primarily focused on testing prospective targets around the Čoka Rakita project and defining the upside potential of the Dumitru Potok and Frasen discoveries. In addition, planned scout drilling on the Potaj Čuka and Pešter Jug licences, will be supported by a comprehensive targeting approach incorporating the additional geophysical data collected in 2024.
Chelopech, Bulgaria
DPM remains committed to extending the life of the Chelopech mine through its focused in-mine exploration program targeting resource development. The Company’s in-mine drilling campaign is focused on infill and extensional drilling to confirm known mineralization zones as well as testing potential new targets along identified geological trends. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company completed 11,718 metres of extensional drilling with four active diamond drill rigs bringing a total of 44,794 metres for the year.
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Highlights of the drilling during the quarter include results from Target 154, which is a new mineralized zone in the area northeast of Block 153, where drilling expanded the target both down dip and along strike. Further drilling is planned in the first quarter of 2025 to further delineate this target with a focused grade control program.
Brownfield exploration continued during the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company completed 11,287 metres of exploration drilling with five active diamond drill rigs bringing a total of 22,020 metres for 2024.
At the Sharlo Dere prospect, an infill drilling program aimed to extend the high-grade contour of the copper-gold mineralization is now complete and an evaluation of the results is ongoing.
On December 10, 2024, the Company received the Geological Discovery certificate for the Brevene exploration license, which will allow an one-year extension of the exploration rights to complete additional work to support a Commercial Discovery. Permitting and preparation of the work program is ongoing and is expected to be approved by mid-2025.
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In 2024, the Company incurred $4.2 million for Chelopech brownfield exploration activities. In 2025, the Company has planned a total of $6 million to $7 million for Chelopech brownfield exploration activities, primarily focused on testing near-mine targets on Chelopech mine concession.
Ada Tepe, Bulgaria
During the fourth quarter of 2024, exploration activities at the Ada Tepe camp were focused on extensive target delineation campaigns at Krumovitsa and Chiirite exploration licences, including geophysical survey, rock sampling, scout drilling and 3D modelling.
In December, an 8-kilometre 2D seismic survey was conducted in Zvanarka basin at Krumovitsa exploration licence. The received data is being processed and a final interpretation is expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Scout drilling program at the Kara Tepe prospect (located on the Chiirite exploration licence) commenced at the beginning of November 2024, and is ongoing, with a total of 2,234 meters of diamond drilling to date, focused on skarn/carbonate replacement gold targets, highlighted by a combined IP pole-dipole electrical survey, ground radiometry survey, mapping and trenching.
In 2024, the Company incurred $4.0 million for Ada Tepe exploration activities. In 2025, the Company has planned a total of $3 million to $4 million for Ada Tepe exploration activities.
Selected Production, Delivery and Cost Performance versus 2024 Guidance
Q4 2024 | 2024 | 2024 Consolidated Guidance | ||||||
Chelopech | Ada Tepe | Consolidated | Chelopech | Ada Tepe | Consolidated | |||
Ore processed | Kt | 550.7 | 197.5 | 748.2 | 2,143.7 | 772.4 | 2,916.1 | 2,700 – 2,900 |
Metals contained in concentrate produced | ||||||||
Gold | Koz | 41.9 | 28.9 | 70.8 | 167.0 | 94.3 | 261.3 | 225 – 265 |
Copper | Mlbs | 7.8 | – | 7.8 | 29.7 | – | 29.7 | 28 – 33 |
Payable metals in concentrate sold | ||||||||
Gold | Koz | 36.9 | 28.0 | 64.9 | 142.0 | 92.1 | 234.1 | 205 – 240 |
Copper | Mlbs | 6.7 | – | 6.7 | 25.1 | – | 25.1 | 23 – 27 |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold | $/oz | 799 | 694 | 904 | 695 | 745 | 872 | 780 – 900 |
For additional information regarding the Company’s detailed guidance for 2024 and current three-year outlook, please refer to the “Three-Year Outlook” section of the MD&A.
Fourth Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call and Webcast
At 9 a.m. EST on Friday, February 14, 2025, DPM will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the results, followed by a question-and-answer session. To participate via conference call, register in advance at the link provided below to receive the dial-in information as well as a unique PIN code to access the call.
The call registration and webcast details are as follows:
This news release and DPM’s audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 are posted on the Company’s website at www.dundeeprecious.com and have been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Qualified Person
The technical and scientific information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, and has been reviewed and approved by Ross Overall, B.Sc. (Applied Geology), Director, Corporate Technical Services, of DPM, who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101, and who is not independent of the Company.
About Dundee Precious Metals
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based international gold mining company with operations and projects located in Bulgaria, Serbia and Ecuador. Our strategic objective is to become a mid-tier precious metals company, which is based on sustainable, responsible and efficient gold production from our portfolio, the development of quality ass