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Fortuna Mining Assures Burkina Faso Will Not Revoke its Mining Permits

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Fortuna Mining Corp. (FSM - Free Report) has assured investors that its Yaramoko Mine in Burkina Faso is operating per all material laws and operations in the country. This was to quell concerns triggered by President Traoré hinting at the withdrawal of certain mining permits of companies violating local laws. Even though no company names have been mentioned, this has caused investor anxiety, leading to an 8.8% dip in FSM shares on Monday.

Fortuna Mining’s Yaramoko Likely not at Risk

During a radio interview on Oct. 5, 2024, among other topics, President Traoré mentioned the possibility of the government revoking certain mining permits for companies that are not operating per the laws of Burkina Faso. No details were, however, provided. This statement raised concerns among the companies operating in the country and their investors.

Fortuna Mining clarified the situation with the country’s Ministry of Mines and received confirmation that the government does not intend to withdraw mining permits that comply with Burkina Faso’s laws. Per FSM, the Yaramoko Mine complies with laws and regulations.

Shares of another Canada-based company IAMGOLD (IAG - Free Report) also dipped 10% on Monday on this development. IAMGOLD holds a 90% stake in the Essakane Gold Mine located in north-eastern Burkina Faso, with the remaining 10% held by the government. IAG also assured investors that it is unaware of any potential challenge to the withdrawal of any permits for the mine. The company emphasized that the mine continues to operate per the permits.

United Kingdom-based Endeavour Mining, which also has mines in Burkina Faso, stated that it is not currently aware of  government plans to revoke any of its permits for its mines.

Yaramoko to Contribute 30% to FSM’s 2024 Gold Production

The Yaramoko mine has been in production since May 16, 2016. It was added to Fortuna Mining’s portfolio following its acquisition of Roxgold on July 2, 2021.  The mine reached the milestone of producing 1 million ounces of gold on May 19, 2024. 

The Yaramoko Mine consists of two underground gold mines, the 55 Zone and Bagassi South. The deposits are greenstone-hosted high-grade orogenic gold deposits.

Per the data provided by FSM, as of Dec. 31, 2023, Yaramoko had proven and probable mineral reserves of 0.9 Mt at a grade of 7.90 g/t of gold, along with 219,000 ounces of gold. It had measured and indicated mineral resources (exclusive of mineral reserves) of 0.5 Mt at a grade of 2.87 g/t of gold, which contained 43,000 ounces of gold. Inferred mineral resources, exclusive of mineral reserves, were 0.16 Mt at a grade of 3.52 g/t of gold and contained 18,000 ounces of gold.

The company has set an exploration budget for the mine at $7.1 million for 2024. This includes 41,450 meters of drilling. Based on reserves reported as of Dec. 31, 2023, the operation had a remaining mine life of two years.

Yaramoko boasts a top-tier health and safety record, with no Lost Time Injury Incidents over the past 3.5 years and 9 million working hours.

Fortuna Mining produced 182,394 ounces of gold and 2.1 million ounces of silver in the first half of 2024. This translates to 229,113 gold equivalent ounces for the period. 

FSM expects to produce gold in the range of 343-385 thousand ounces in 2024, a projected increase of 5-18% from 2023. Yaramoko’s contribution is projected at 105-119 thousand ounces of gold. 

Silver production is expected to be between 4.0 million and 4.7 million ounces. 

Gold equivalent ounces are expected to be in the range of 457 -497 thousand ounces.  It indicates a year-over-year increase in the band of  1-10%.

FSM’s Peer Performances & Guidances

First Majestic Silver Corp. (AG - Free Report) expects silver production in the range of 8.9-9.5 million ounces in 2024. The company expects 2024 gold production to be between 150,000 and 158,000 ounces. Silver equivalent ounces are anticipated in the band of 21.4 – 22.6 million. First Majestic recently announced an agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Gatos Silver. 

Gatos is a silver-dominant producer with a 70% interest in the Los Gatos Joint Venture, which owns the Cerro Los Gatos underground silver mine in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Hecla Mining (HL - Free Report) produced 7.9 million ounces of silver in the first half of 2024. The company believes it is on track to produce 17 million ounces of silver in 2024. Hecla Mining produced 14.3 million ounces of silver in 2023.


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