ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
For the year ended December 31, 2019
March 16, 2020
Table of Contents
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information .................................................................... 3
Compliance with NI 43-101 ................................................................................................................................. 5
1 – CORPORATE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................ 10
1.1
1.2
Name, Address and Incorporation .................................................................................................... 10
Intercorporate Relationships ............................................................................................................. 10
2 – GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS ....................................................................................... 11
2.1
Three Year History .............................................................................................................................. 11
3 – DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS ............................................................................................................ 12
3.1
3.2
3.3
General................................................................................................................................................. 12
Material Mineral Properties ................................................................................................................ 16
Other Properties ................................................................................................................................. 36
4 – RISK FACTORS ............................................................................................................................................ 39
5 – DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS ............................................................................................................. 50
6 – DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE ................................................................................................ 50
6.1
General Description of Capital Structure ......................................................................................... 50
7 – MARKET FOR SECURITIES ........................................................................................................................ 51
8 – DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ..................................................................................................................... 52
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Name and Occupation ........................................................................................................................ 52
Ownership of Securities by Directors and Officers ......................................................................... 53
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions .......................................................... 53
Conflicts of Interest ............................................................................................................................ 54
9 – AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION........................................................................................................... 55
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
Audit Committee Terms of Reference .............................................................................................. 55
Composition of the Audit Committee and Relevant Education and Experience ......................... 55
Audit Committee Oversight ............................................................................................................... 55
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures ............................................................................................ 55
External Auditors Service Fees (By Category) ................................................................................ 56
10 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS ........................................................................ 56
11 – INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS .................................. 56
12 – TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR .................................................................................................... 57
13 – MATERIAL CONTRACTS .......................................................................................................................... 57
14 – INTERESTS OF EXPERTS ......................................................................................................................... 57
14.1 Names of Experts ............................................................................................................................... 57
Interests of Experts ............................................................................................................................ 58
14.2
15 – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................... 58
SCHEDULE A ....................................................................................................................................................... A
IN THIS ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, THE “COMPANY”
OR “CAPSTONE” REFERS TO CAPSTONE MINING CORP. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES. ALL INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This Annual Information Form may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities
legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are made as of
the date of this document and Capstone does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these
forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation.
Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect our expectations or beliefs
regarding future events. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the
estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates, the timing and
amount of estimated future production, costs of production, the timing and possible outcome of legal proceedings
and regulatory actions, and capital expenditures, the success of our mining operations, environmental risks,
unanticipated reclamation expenses and title disputes. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”,
“anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or
results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these terms or
comparable terminology. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to:
surety bonding;
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
changes in general economic conditions;
inherent hazards associated with mining operations;
future prices of copper and other metals;
compliance with financial covenants;
•
•
•
• geotechnical challenges;
•
• our ability to raise capital;
• global crises and pandemics;
• Capstone’s ability to acquire properties for growth;
• market access restrictions or tariffs;
•
•
• accuracy of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates;
• operating in foreign jurisdictions with risk of changes to governmental regulation or community interest;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• uncertainties and risks related to the potential development of the Santo Domingo Project;
•
•
• ability to recruit local qualified personnel;
• dependence on key management personnel;
• potential conflicts of interest involving our directors and officers;
•
•
•
compliance with governmental regulations;
reliance on approvals, licences and permits from governmental authorities;
compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
impact of climatic conditions on our Pinto Valley and Cozamin operations or development projects;
changes in climate change regulatory regime;
land reclamation and mine closure obligations;
land reclamation and mine closure obligations;
corruption and bribery;
limitations inherent in our insurance coverage;
labour relations;
increased operating and capital costs;
challenges to title to our mineral properties;
3
increasing energy prices;
competition in the mining industry;
risks associated with joint venture partners;
•
•
•
• our ability to integrate new acquisitions into our operations;
•
•
•
cybersecurity threats;
reputational risk; and
legal proceedings.
For a more detailed discussion of these factors and other risks, see Risk Factors beginning on page 39.
Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause our actual results, performance
or achievements to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements, there may be other factors
that cause our results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There
can be no assurance that our forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as our actual results,
performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.
Currency
We report our financial results and prepare our financial statements in United States dollars (“$”). All currency
amounts in this Annual Information Form are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
References to “C$” are to Canadian dollars, references to “MX$” are to Mexican pesos and references to “CLP”
are to Chilean pesos.
The United States dollar exchange rates for our principal operating currencies are as follows:
1
Canadian dollar (C$)
Average
High
Low
2
Mexican peso (MX$)
Average
High
Low
2019
1.3268
1.3600
1.2989
2019
19.2605
20.1253
18.7719
As at December 31,
2018
1.2952
1.3643
1.2288
2018
19.2373
20.7160
17.9787
2017
1.2986
1.3743
1.2128
2017
18.9104
21.9076
17.4937
1 Information on US$ to C$ exchange rates obtained from Bank of Canada daily noon exchange rates.
2 Information on US$ to MX$ exchange rates obtained from Bank of Mexico.
Conversion Table
In this Annual Information Form, metric units are used with respect to Capstone’s mineral properties, unless
otherwise indicated. Conversion rates from imperial measures to metric units and from metric units to imperial
measures are provided in the table set out below.
Imperial Measure = Metric Unit
Metric Unit =
Imperial Measure
2.47 acres
1 hectare
0.4047 hectares
1 acre
3.28 feet
1 metre
0.3048 metres
1 foot
0.62 miles
1 kilometre
1.609 kilometres
1 mile
0.032 ounces (troy)
1 gram
31.1 grams
1 ounce (troy)
1.102 tons (short)
1 tonne
0.907 tonnes
1 ton
0.029 ounces (troy)/ton
1 gram/tonne
34.28 grams/tonne
1 ounce (troy)/ton
4
Compliance with NI 43-101
As required by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), Capstone
has filed technical reports detailing the technical information related to its material mineral properties discussed
herein. For the purposes of NI 43-101, Capstone’s material mineral properties as of December 31, 2019 are the
Pinto Valley Mine and the Cozamin Mine. Unless otherwise indicated, Capstone has prepared the technical
information in this Annual Information Form (“Technical Information”) based on information contained in the
technical reports, news releases and other public filings (collectively, the “Disclosure Documents”) available
under Capstone’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Each Disclosure Document was prepared by, or under
the supervision of, or approved by a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. For readers to fully understand the
information in this Annual Information Form, they should read the Disclosure Documents in their entirety, including
all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the Technical Information set out in this Annual
Information Form which qualifies the Technical Information. The Disclosure Documents are each intended to be
read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. Readers are advised that Mineral
Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Technical Information
is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the Disclosure Documents.
Classification of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
In this Annual Information Form and as required by NI 43-101, the definitions of Proven and Probable Mineral
Reserves and Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources are those used by Canadian provincial
securities regulatory authorities and conform to the definitions utilized by the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) in the “CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves”
adopted on August 20, 2000, as amended (“CIM Standards”). The CIM Standards were updated in in 2010 and
2014 at the request of the CIM Standing Committee on Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Definitions. Our
Pinto Valley, Cozamin and Santo Domingo NI 43-101 Technical Reports were written in accordance with the CIM
Standards updated in 2014.
Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
The disclosure in this Annual Information Form uses Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve classification terms
that comply with reporting standards in Canada, and, unless otherwise indicated, all Mineral Resource and Mineral
Reserve estimates included in this Annual Information Form have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.
NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public
disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards
differ significantly from the current disclosure requirements of the SEC set forth in Industry Guide 7. Consequently,
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve information contained in this Annual Information Form is not comparable
to similar information that would generally be disclosed by US companies in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
In particular, the SEC’s Industry Guide 7 applies different standards in order to classify mineralization as a
Reserve. As a result, the definitions of Proven and Probable Reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions
in Industry Guide 7. Under SEC standards, mineralization cannot 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. Accordingly, Mineral Reserve estimates contained in this Annual
Information Form may not qualify as “Reserves” under SEC standards.
In addition, this Annual Information Form uses the terms “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral
Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources” to comply with the reporting standards in Canada. The SEC’s
Industry Guide 7 does not recognize Mineral Resources and US companies are generally not permitted to disclose
Mineral Resources in documents they file with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all
of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC defined mineral “Reserves.” Further,
“inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can
be mined legally or economically. Therefore, investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an
inferred Mineral Resource exists. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of “inferred Mineral Resources”
5
cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in rare cases. In addition, disclosure of
“contained ounces” in a Mineral Resource estimate is permitted disclosure under NI 43-101 provided that the
grade or quality and the quantity of each category is stated; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to
report mineralization that does not constitute “Reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without
reference to unit measures. For the above reasons, information contained in this Annual Information Form
containing descriptions of our Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates is not comparable to similar
information made public by US companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
6
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
In this Annual Information Form, the following technical terms are defined:
Ag: silver
Alteration: chemical and mineralogical changes in rock mass resulting from the passage of fluids.
Assay: an analysis of the contents of metals in mineralized rocks
Au: gold
Biotite: a magnesium-iron mica widely distributed in igneous rocks.
Brownfield Project: a project located near an operating mine.
Chlorite: the general term for hydrated silicates of aluminum, iron and magnesium.
CIM: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and the “CIM Definition Standards for Mineral
Resources & Reserves –” adopted on August 20, 2000 and amended on November 27, 2010 and May 10, 2014
(unless indicated otherwise in this Annual Information Form).
Co: cobalt
Cu: copper
CuEq: copper equivalent value, calculated by dividing the sum of the secondary metals multiplied by their own
commodity prices by the copper metal price
diamond drillholes: holes drilled by a method whereby rock is drilled with a diamond impregnated, hollow drilling
bit which produces a continuous, in situ record of the rock mass intersected in the form of solid cylinders of rock
which are referred to as core.
disseminated: a texture in which minerals occur as scattered particles in the rock.
Dmt: dry metric tonnes
Dmtu: dry metric tonne unit
Engineer of Record: Engineer of record is the licenced professional engineer responsible for assuring that the
tailings storage facility is safe, in that it is designed and constructed in accordance with the current state of practice
and applicable regulations, statutes, guidelines, codes, and standards.
Fault: a fracture in a rock across which there has been displacement
Fe: iron
G or g: gram
Grade: the amount of valuable mineral in each tonne of ore, expressed as ounces per ton or grams per tonne for
precious metal and as a percentage by weight for other metals.
g/t: grams per metric tonne.
g/t: grams per metric tonne.
Ha: hectares
host rock: a volume of rock within which mineralization or an ore body occurs.
HQ: approximately 63 millimetre diameter diamond drill core
Hydrothermal: applied to metamorphic and magmatic emanations high in water content; the processes in which
they are concerned; and the rocks or ore deposits, alteration products, and springs produces by them.
Igneous: a type of rock that is crystallized from a liquid magma.
Indicated Mineral Resource: in accordance with CIM Definition Standards, is that part of a Mineral Resource for
which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient
confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors (as defined below) in sufficient detail to support mine
planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately
detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality
continuity between points of observation. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that
applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.
Inferred Mineral Resources: in accordance with CIM Definition Standards, that part of a Mineral Resource for
which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling.
Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An Inferred
Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must
not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources
could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
7
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
K: kilo (thousand)
Koz: thousands of ounces
Kt: one thousand tonnes
LOM: life of mine
M: mega (million)
Masl: metres above sea level.
Measured Mineral Resource: in accordance with CIM Definition Standards, is that part of a Mineral Resource for
which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence
sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the
economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling
and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. A
Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral
Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable
Mineral Reserve.
Mineral Reserve: in accordance with CIM Definition Standards, economically mineable part of a Measured and/or
Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the
material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at pre-feasibility or feasibility level as appropriate that
include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could
reasonably be justified. The reference point at which Mineral Reserves are defined, usually the point where the
ore is delivered to the processing plant, must be stated. It is important that, in all situations where the reference
point is different, such as for a saleable product, a clarifying statement is included to ensure that the reader is fully
informed as to what is being reported. The public disclosure of a Mineral Reserve must be demonstrated by a pre-
feasibility study or feasibility study.
Mineral Resource: in accordance with CIM Definition Standards, is a concentration or occurrence of solid material
of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological
characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and
knowledge, including sampling. Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence,
into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories.
Mineralization: significant amounts of mineral(s) that is (are) of economic interest which may be established by
prospecting, trenching and drilling.
Mlb: millions of pounds.
mm: millimetres
Mo: molybdenum
Modifying Factors: Modifying Factors are considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves.
These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing,
legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
Mt: megatonne (million tonnes)
MW: megawatt (million watts)
NI 43-101: National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
NQ: approximately 47 millimetre diameter diamond drill core.
NSR: net smelter return.
Ore: rock that contains one or more minerals or metals, at least one of which has commercial value and which is
estimated to be able to be recovered at a profit
Pb: lead
PLS: Pregnant Leach Solution is acidic metal-laden water generated from stockpile leaching. Pregnant Leach
Solution is used in the SX/EW process.
Pyrite: a common iron sulphide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins and systems and commonly
associated with gold mineralization.
QAQC: quality assurance/quality control in a mineral exploration and mining context is the combination of quality
assurance, the process or set of processes used to assure data quality, and quality control, the process of
8
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
identifying data outside of established tolerance limits.
Qualified Person: has the meaning set out in NI 43-101.
Quartz: a common rock forming mineral made up of silicon dioxide.
S: sulphur
Silica: silicon dioxide (SiO2), which occurs in the crystalline forms as quartz, cristobalite, tridymite, as
cryptocrystalline chalcedony, as amorphous opal, and as an essential constituent of the silicate groups of minerals.
Silica: silicon dioxide (SiO2), which occurs in the crystalline forms as quartz, cristobalite, tridymite, as
cryptocrystalline chalcedony, as amorphous opal, and as an essential constituent of the silicate groups of minerals.
Tpd: tonnes per day
Vein: a sheet-like body of minerals formed by fracture-filling or replacement of the host rock.
Volcanic: formed by volcanic activity.
Zn: zinc.
9
1 – CORPORATE STRUCTURE
1.1
Name, Address and Incorporation
Capstone Mining Corp. was incorporated pursuant to the Company Act (British Columbia) on July 17, 1987 under
the name 330338 BC Ltd. We changed our name to Fire Star Resources Ltd. on April 21, 1989, to International
Bancorp Ltd. on August 17, 1989, and to IBL Equities Ltd. on March 5, 1991. On January 2, 1996, we changed
our name to Serena Resources Ltd. and consolidated our share capital on a 5:1 basis. On May 17, 2001, we
changed our name to Consolidated Serena Resources Ltd. and consolidated our share capital on a 5:1 basis. We
changed our name to Capstone Gold Corp. on March 6, 2003. On January 12, 2005, we amended our Notice of
Articles to, amongst other things, change our authorized capital from 100,000,000 common shares to an unlimited
number of common shares, and to reduce the threshold percentage of votes required to approve a special
resolution from 75% to 66⅔%. We changed our name to Capstone Mining Corp. on February 8, 2006. On
November 24, 2008, Capstone and Sherwood Copper Corporation (“Sherwood”) completed a court-approved
plan of arrangement pursuant to which a Capstone wholly-owned subsidiary acquired all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Sherwood in exchange for common shares of Capstone, and that subsidiary and
Sherwood amalgamated to form a new corporation named “Capstone Mining North Ltd.” On January 1, 2009,
Capstone and Capstone Mining North Ltd. were amalgamated to form Capstone Mining Corp. On April 30, 2014,
we amended our Articles to modify the means by which notice of meetings of shareholders and other shareholder
information may be delivered to shareholders and increased the quorum requirements for meetings of
shareholders to two persons holding at least 25% of the votes eligible to be cast at the meeting. Capstone is now
governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
Capstone’s head and registered office is located at 2100 – 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
V6B 0M3, Canada.
1.2
Intercorporate Relationships
The following chart describes the intercorporate relationships amongst Capstone’s material subsidiaries and the
percentage of voting securities held by Capstone, either directly or indirectly, as at December 31, 2019, and the
jurisdiction of incorporation, formation, continuation or organization of each subsidiary:
* Capstone Gold S.A. de C.V.’s remaining % interest held by Capstone Mexico Mining Corp. 0908113 BC Ltd.’s remaining % interest held by Korea Resources
Corporation
10
2 – GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
2.1
Three Year History
2020
•
2019
In February, announced the results of an updated feasibility level technical report for Santo Domingo.
Updates included a higher level of capital expenditure and operational expenditure certainty, receipt of
additional key permits and the development of a Preliminary Economic Assessment with respect to cobalt
production.
• Extended and amended our $300 million senior secured corporate revolving credit facility to July 2022,
with improved terms and resulting saving of approximately $1 million per year in interest costs.
• Commenced a 200-hole infill and step-out drilling program at Cozamin aiming to double the current
reserve base and double the current mine life.
• Santo Domingo obtained all critical long-lead permits required for the start of construction from Chilean
authorities, including approval of its Mine Closure Plan.
• On June 3, sold Minto mine for up to $20 million to Pembridge Resources PLC.
• On January 3, filed the NI 43-101 technical report titled, "Santo Domingo Project, Region III, Chile, NI 43-
101 Technical Report on Feasibility Study Update" for the technical report announced on November 26,
2018.
• On January 1, Raman Randhawa was promoted to Chief Financial Officer.
2018
• On December 31, Gregg Bush, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Jim Slattery, Senior
•
•
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer left Capstone.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, Mike Wickersham joined Pinto Valley as Mine General Manager. Mike is a
Chemical Engineer with over 35 years of experience in the mining and mineral processing industry.
In June, Capstone announced the results of an updated Mineral Resource estimate for Cozamin in Mexico,
and subsequently in December, an updated technical report resulted in an increase of Proven and
Probable Mineral Reserves by 89% over the Mineral Reserves as at December 31, 2017, to 6.2 million
tonnes grading 1.60% copper. Inferred Mineral Resources were also re-estimated to include high grade
results from step-out drilling to October 24, 2018 and resulted in an increase to 17 million tonnes at a
copper grade of 1.11%; including 9.5 million tonnes at a copper grade of 1.61% in the Mala Noche Footwall
Zone ("MNFWZ").
• On November 26, released an updated technical report for Santo Domingo and launched a strategic
process to right size or monetize Capstone’s 70% ownership.
• At Santo Domingo, three of the five long-lead permits required for construction were received.
• The union member employees at Pinto Valley voted to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining
agreement, which was effective May 30.
• On October 11, Capstone announced it was putting Minto on care and maintenance to preserve its value,
while continuing to explore value maximizing alternatives. All operations ceased in the fourth quarter once
the ore stockpile was processed. Minto retained a core team of employees to oversee the site and meet
environmental monitoring and legal obligations during the care and maintenance phase.
2017
• On December 31, the copper price protection program set up in 2016 to assure continued debt repayment
through 2017 was completed, resulting in full exposure to copper prices starting January 1, 2018.
• On December 15, completed the sale of Kutcho development project to Kutcho Copper Corp. (formerly
Desert Star Resources Ltd.).
11
•
In September, entered into an agreement with Endeavor Silver Corp. to allow both companies to exchange
access to certain of each other’s mining concessions that abut the southern boundary of Cozamin.
Cozamin continued wide-spaced
the
Capstone/Endeavour boundary, encountering copper grades in excess of 4% over larger than average
widths.
the MNFWZ structure on both sides of
testing of
• On April 4, the precious metal streaming arrangement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. for silver
production at the Cozamin mine expired. After this date, the full silver by-product credit was earned by
Cozamin.
3 – DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
3.1
General
Capstone is a Canadian base metals mining company, focused on copper in politically safe, mining friendly
jurisdictions in the Americas. We have grown through a combination of exploration, development and acquisition
of mineral properties and currently operate two producing copper mines: Pinto Valley in the US and Cozamin in
Mexico.
Our principal product is copper, with zinc, lead, molybdenum, silver and gold produced and sold as by-products.
We are focused on optimizing our operations and assets to organically grow our production profile and are
committed to the responsible development of our assets and the environments in which we operate. Capstone’s
material mineral properties consist of:
• Pinto Valley Mine, an open-pit, copper mine located in Arizona, US; and
• Cozamin Mine, an underground, copper-silver mine located in the State of Zacatecas, Mexico.
Capstone also owns 70% of the large-scale copper-iron Santo Domingo development project in Chile. In addition
to ongoing exploration at the Cozamin Mine aimed at increasing mine life and throughput, we have a portfolio of
early-stage, base metals exploration projects and are actively pursuing additional exploration opportunities through
staking and acquiring properties and earn-in and/or joint venture models.
12
Principal Products and Operations
Capstone’s principal product is copper (in concentrate as well as copper cathode), with zinc, silver and gold
produced as by-products. The following table summarizes Capstone’s production for 2019 and 2018:
Operating Statistics
Production (contained metal and cathode) 1
Copper (000’s pounds)
Zinc (000’s pounds)
Silver (000s ounces) 2
Mining - Open Pit
Waste (000s tonnes)
Ore (000s tonnes)
Total (000s tonnes)
Mining – Underground
Ore (000s tonnes)
Milling
Milled (000s tonnes)
Tonnes per day
Copper grade (%)
Zinc grade (%)
Recoveries
Copper (%)
Zinc (%)
Silver (%)
Gold (%)
Concentrate Production
Copper (dmt)
Copper (%)
Silver (g/t)
Zinc (dmt)
Zinc (%)
Pinto Valley
2019
117,629
-
30,101
18,888
48,989
2018
119,067
-
324
27,687
19,290
46,977
Cozamin
2019
35,842
18,463
1,366
-
-
-
2018
36,155
14,900
1,164
-
-
-
-
-
1,143
989
18,665
51,137
0.33
-
85.1
-
*
*
196,560
26.3
-
-
19,246
52,728
0.32
-
84.6
-
*
*
201,747
26.0
-
-
-
1,146
3,140
1.50
1.07
94.4
68.2
77.7
**
61,720
26.5
607
17,297
48.4
986
2,702
1.75
1.04
95.0
65.6
77.2
**
62,949
26.1
508
14,300
47.3
1 Adjustments based on final settlements will be made in future quarters.
2 Pinto Valley gold production reaches payable levels from time to time. Any payable gold production will be reported in the
period revenue is received. Gold and silver are not assayed on site, resulting in a significant lag time in receiving data. As such,
this figure is an estimate.
* Silver and gold have not been estimated in the Pinto Valley resource model. Only recovered silver and payable gold is
reported for this mine.
** Gold has not been estimated in the Cozamin resource model. Only payable gold is reported.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we generated gross revenue of $461.8 million primarily from the sale
of 152.4 million pounds of payable copper. The year ended December 31,2018 generated gross revenue of $451.3
million primarily from the sale of 143.5 million pounds of payable copper.
13
The following table summarizes the gross sales revenue for 2019 and 2018 from sales to customers:
20181
Gross Revenue by Metal1
20191
$ millions
412.3
17.6
2.7
2.3
23.8
3.1
461.8
Copper
Zinc
Lead
Molybdenum
Silver
Gold
Total from continuing operations2,3
1 The current and subsequent periods may include final settlement quantity and/or price adjustments from prior shipments.
2 Treatment and selling costs of $43.2 million (2018 - $35.4 million) are deducted from gross revenue of $461.8 million (2018
- $451.3 million) resulting in reported revenue of $418.7 million in 2019 (2018 - $415.9 million) as per the Consolidated
Statements of Income (loss).2 Treatment and selling costs of $43.2 million (2018 - $35.4 million) are deducted from gross
revenue of $461.8 million (2018 - $451.3 million) resulting in reported revenue of $418.7 million in 2019 (2018 - $415.9
million) as per the Consolidated Statements of Income (loss).
3 The Minto mine was placed on care and maintenance in Q4 2018 and was considered a discontinued operation under
IFRS 5 up until the date of sale (June 3, 2019).
$ millions
411.2
13.8
2.3
2.5
19.3
2.2
451.3
%
91.1
3.0
0.5
0.5
4.3
0.5
100
%
89.3
3.8
0.6
0.5
5.2
0.6
100
Pinto Valley production is primarily copper concentrate with a small amount of copper cathode produced from run-
of-mine leaching and SX/EW production and molybdenum concentrate as a by-product. The Mine also recovers
a small amount of silver and gold as a by-product, though it is not estimated in the block model and is not included
in the Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimate. In 2019, 100% of the copper concentrate production was
exported to Asia, specifically Japan and Korea as well as the Philippines since the implementation of the tariffs on
US-origin material in mid-2018. In 2019, 100% of the copper concentrate was hauled using a modular truck system
and shipped out of the port of Guaymas, Mexico. The copper cathode and molybdenum concentrate are sold
through a competitive tendering process.
Cozamin concentrate production is primarily copper with lesser amounts of by-product zinc and lead concentrate
and significant by-product silver. The copper concentrate is delivered by truck under an agreement to a major
trading company in Manzanillo, Mexico. Depending on market conditions the copper concentrate is sold under an
annual or multi-year agreement. Similarly, the zinc and lead concentrates are sold under annual tenders or multi-
year agreements and delivered by truck to Manzanillo or local Mexican smelters.
Competitive Conditions
Our business is to produce and sell copper. Prices are determined by world markets over which we have no
influence or control. Our competitive position is primarily determined by our costs and high grade copper
concentrate with low impurities compared to other producers throughout the world and our ability to maintain our
financial integrity through metal price cycles. Costs are governed to a large extent by the grade, nature and location
of our Mineral Reserves as well as by input costs and operating and management skills. In contrast with diversified
mining companies, we focus on copper production, development and exploration, and are therefore subject to
unique competitive advantages and disadvantages related to the price of copper and to a lesser extent, the price
of our metal by-products. If copper prices increase, we will be in a relatively stronger competitive position than
diversified mining companies that produce, develop and explore for other minerals in addition to copper.
Conversely, if copper prices decrease, we will be at a competitive disadvantage to diversified mining companies.
The mining industry is competitive, particularly in the acquisition of additional Mineral Reserves and Mineral
Resources in all phases of operation, and we compete with many companies possessing similar or greater
financial and technical resources.
Metal Prices
The Company’s financial flexibility is highly dependent on the prevailing prices for the commodities it produces.
While the Company’s strategy is to remain unhedged, circumstances may arise where increased certainty of cash
14
flows is considered more important to long term value creation than providing investors short term exposure to the
volatility of metal prices. In these circumstances, the Company may elect to fix prices within a contractual
quotational period or to lock in future prices through the variety of financial derivative instruments available.
Environmental Protection
Capstone’s operations (Pinto Valley and Cozamin) and development project (Santo Domingo) are subject to the
national and local laws and regulations in respect of the construction, operating standards and the eventual
abandonment and restoration costs applicable to each location. Since the Cozamin Mine is a relatively small
tonnage, high-grade operation, the overall financial impact of the environmental protection requirements is minor
relative to our overall financial performance. Each operation is subject to a reclamation and closure cost obligations
review at year-end to assess the abandonment and restoration cost for the operation at that point. Any changes
from the previous period are reflected in the balance sheet and could flow through the earnings statement. While
the financial obligations will increase as disturbance increases, given the relatively modest amounts involved, such
impacts are likely to be relatively minor from a capital and earnings perspective in the near term. Pinto Valley Mine
has a long history of operations in an established mining district of Arizona. As such, there are significant
reclamation liabilities. These were reviewed with regulators in 2013 at the time of the acquisition by Capstone and
were also the subject of a detailed third-party assessment commissioned by the Company in 2015 and have been
updated to reflect the current mine life.
In May 2016, Pinto Valley submitted a formal Mine Plan of Operations in support of the Pinto Valley Mine Life
Extension – Phase 3 (“PV3”) mine plan to the US Forest Service, marking the first step of the permitting process,
required under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The NEPA process was initiated in January 2017
after publishing a Notice of Intent to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The draft EIS was
published for public comment in December 2019. The project is on track and anticipates issuance of a draft Record
of Decision and final EIS in May 2020, a final Record of Decision in September 2020 and a Notice to Proceed in
October 2020.Our assets are in mature and stable mining jurisdictions. The environmental protection requirements
are not expected to be a significant cost or regulatory impediment to carrying on our business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2019, Capstone had 1,049 employees and 574 contractors.
There are approximately 371 hourly employees at the Pinto Valley Mine, a portion of whom are members of six
unions, and whom are all governed by one collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the United Steelworkers
Union which is in effect until May 29, 2022.
Foreign Operations
Capstone’s material properties are in foreign jurisdictions, being the Pinto Valley Mine (US), and the Cozamin
Mine (Mexico). We also have interests in exploration projects. and a mine development project in Chile.
All of the revenue from continuing operations in 2019 related to foreign operations. Foreign operations represented
approximately 94% of our assets as at December 31, 2019.
Social and Environmental Policies
Capstone places great emphasis on providing a safe and secure working environment for all our employees and
contractors as we recognize the importance of operating in a sustainable manner.
Our Values and Ethics – Code of Conduct (“Code of Conduct”) is our Company policy that sets out the standards
which guide the conduct of our business and the behaviour of our employees, officers and our Board of Directors.
The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by the Board. Our Code of Conduct, amongst other things, sets out
standards in areas relating to:
• Promotion and provision of a work environment in which individuals are treated with respect, provided
15
with equal opportunity and is free of all forms of discrimination;
• Zero tolerance policy relating to use of prohibited substances;
• Ethical business conduct and legal compliance, including without limitation prohibition against accepting
or offering bribes;
• Commitment to health and safety in our business operations, and the identification, elimination or control
of workplace hazards;
• Commitment to maintain and improve sound environmental practices in all our activities.
Capstone’s commitment to sustainable performance is defined in our Integrated Environment, Health, Safety and
Sustainability (“EHS&S”) Policy. The Technical, Health, Environmental, Safety and Sustainability (“THES&S”)
Committee of the Board has oversight of the EHS&S Policy. Annual corporate objectives for sustainable
performance and improvement are approved by the Board and are linked to the objectives and compensation for
employees at all levels of the organization. We measure our performance against these objectives.
Capstone regularly reviews and implements internal standards based on industry best practice to ensure continual
improvement in key areas including health and safety, environmental management, tailings management, energy
management and social aspects, including stakeholder engagement.
3.2
Material Mineral Properties
Pinto Valley Mine (US)
The Pinto Valley Mine is the subject of a report titled “Pinto Valley Mine Life Extension – Phase 3 (PV3) Pre-
Feasibility Study” dated February 23, 2016 with an effective date of January 1, 2016. This technical report was
compiled by Capstone Mining Corp, and authored by Gregg Bush, P.Eng., formerly of Capstone Mining Corp.;
Tony J. Freiman, PE, Amec Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.; Corolla Hoag, CPG, SME-RM,
SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Kenneth W. Major, P.Eng.,
KWM Consulting Inc.; and John Marek, PE, SME-RM, Independent Mining Consultants, Inc., each a Qualified
Person as defined by NI 43-101. The description of the Pinto Valley Mine in this document is based on
assumptions, qualifications and procedures which are set out in the PV3 PFS. Reference should be made to the
full text of this report, which is available in its entirety on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under Capstone’s profile. The
scientific and technical information below which is not contained in these reports has been reviewed and approved
by Claydon Craig, P.Eng., Superintendent of Mine Technical Services at our Pinto Valley Mine and a Qualified
Person under NI 43-101.
Description and Location
The property is located at the west end of the Globe-Miami mining district, approximately 130 km east of Phoenix
and 10 km west of the town of Miami, in Gila County, Arizona, at 33°23’32”N and 100°58’15”W. The Pinto Valley
property consists of approximately 5,130 ha of contiguous claims. These comprise 69 patented lode mining claims,
53 patented mill sites, 451 unpatented lode mining claims and mill sites, and seven parcels of fee (private) land.
Capstone acquired the Pinto Valley Mine and associated railroad operations (San Manuel Arizona Railroad
Company) on October 11, 2013 for a cost of $650 million. A 2% NSR applies to 26 of the unpatented mining claims
that are not in the current mine plan.
Pinto Valley is an open pit mine producing copper and molybdenum concentrates and copper cathode. The
administration, ore processing, tailings, waste rock storage, and maintenance facilities are located on the property,
in close proximity to the pit. The processing facility consists of three crushing stages, ball mills, copper flotation
stages, a molybdenum flotation circuit, and associated thickeners for concentrates and tailings. Two tailings
storage facilities (“TSF”) are currently operational (Figure 1) and two former tailings facilities are no longer in
service but remain part of our on-going inspection, maintenance and surveillance program. Pinto Valley also has
an SX/EW facility that processes pregnant leach solution from low copper grade material that is leached. The
SX/EW accounts for less than 5% of production.
16
Pinto Valley has an inspection, maintenance and surveillance program in place to ensure that its tailings storage
facilities continue to perform safely and as intended. The Engineer of Record (“EOR”) for the TSFs is Tony J.
Freiman, PE of Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. The EOR is responsible for the design of the
active TSFs and provides guidance on construction and operational practices. Pinto Valley site personnel monitor
performance of the active TSFs daily and prepare weekly and monthly internal reports for Pinto Valley Mine
management and engineering groups. Pinto Valley site personnel communicate with the EOR at least weekly. The
EOR performs a formal on-site inspection of the active TSFs each quarter and the inactive TSFs annually. Ad-hoc
on-site inspections by the EOR occur approximately every month. A report is prepared by the EOR for each of the
formal inspections with a summary of the TSF performance, and recommendations are provided for current and
future work as appropriate. Approximately every 3 years, an independent third party reviews the work performed
by the EOR and the performance of the active and inactive TSFs. The most recent independent third-party review
was completed in January 2018 by Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Environmental liabilities at the Pinto Valley Mine relate to the heap leach facility, tailings impoundments and
associated engineered containment infrastructure, waste rock dumps, surface water containment structures, as
well as the removal of all operational infrastructures. A closure and post-closure strategy and a mined land
reclamation plan detailing methods and costs associated with restoring the site to an acceptable environmental
standard were most recently approved in 2019 and 2016 respectively. Surety Bonds totaling $118.6 million have
been filed with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) and the Arizona State Mine Inspector
in accordance with the mandate of these agencies and associated regulations and policies. These financial
security amounts represent the estimated interim closure and post-closure costs through 2023 for ADEQ-permitted
facilities and through 2026 for surface reclamation overseen by the State Mine Inspector, on an undiscounted
basis. Amounts are reviewed with each significant change in the mine plan or closure measures.
The Pinto Valley Mine requires 16 permits granted from various state and federal agencies; operations of the
railroad requires five permits mainly from the State of Arizona. Pinto Valley Mine has all the necessary permits to
conduct mining activities with the exception of consolidation/renewal of existing U.S. Forest Service (“USFS”) land
use authorizations (Plan of Operations). Pinto Valley Mine is presently working with the USFS to develop an interim
and a long-term renewal of its land use authorizations. An interim plan for existing disturbances to forest land will
increase the reclamation bond by approximately $3.35 million. The consolidated Plan of Operation was submitted
to the USFS and deemed complete in 2016. Once approved, the Plan of Operations includes tailings storage on
USFS land to accommodate the PV3 mine plan.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Pinto Valley Mine is accessed from US Highway 60 (“US 60”), then 5 km on paved Forest Road (“FR”) 287.
The site can also be accessed from Tucson, Arizona (160 km to the south) by travelling north on State Route
(“SR”) 77. The mine is 10 km west of Miami, a town of approximately 1,800 residents, and 18 km west of Globe,
the County seat, with approximately 7,500 residents. Because of a long-standing mining tradition in the area, many
local services are in place to supply the mine's needs, with the remaining services coming from the greater Phoenix
area. Medical facilities are available in Miami. Fire, police, public works, transportation and recreational facilities
are in place and fully functioning.
Pinto Valley Mine’s moderate, semi-arid regional climate allows for year-round operation. The average annual
precipitation is 480 mm. May and June are typically the driest months of the year and may result in local drought
conditions.
Pinto Valley Mine has sufficient surface rights for mining operations, mineral processing facilities and tailings
storage to mine the pushbacks until 2026, as described in Capstone’s “Pinto Valley Mine 2014 Pre-Feasibility
Study” dated April 28, 2014 with an effective date of January 1, 2014 (“PV2 PFS”). The expanded PV3 PFS mine
plan will require permit amendments. Off-site infrastructure includes the incoming electric power generation and
transmission capacity provided by the Salt River Project, the local highway system provided by state and federal
17
governments, the local transportation services provided by various contractors, and the telephone and data
communications systems.
Tailings are deposited in existing permitted tailings storage facilities. Tailings Dam No. 4 is the primary storage
facility, with Tailings Dam No. 3 used during maintenance activities at Tailings Dam No. 4 (Figure 1). Pinto Valley
Mine has several water sources including
a private wellfield with three wells, a
pipeline network connecting it to several
neighboring mines, a system of water
catchments with pumpback capabilities,
and
reclaim systems on operating
tailings impoundments however, periodic
drought remains a risk.
The Pinto Valley Mine is located in east-
central Arizona in the structural transition
zone between the Sonoran section of the
Basin and Range physiographic province
to
the
the south-southwest, and
Colorado Plateau to the north. The
terrain surrounding the mine is generally
mountainous, dominated by sharp
landforms and prolific exposures of a
variety of bedrock formations present in
the region. The Pinto Valley Mine is
the Pinto Creek
entirely within
watershed, where local elevations range
from about 900 m to 1,500 m above
mean sea level.
The Pinto Valley Mine is near the
boundary of areas mapped as the Interior
Chaparral biotic community and the
Arizona Upland subdivision of Sonoran
Desert scrub biotic community, with plant
species on the property characteristic of
each group. Most of the animal species
observed have wide environmental
tolerances and are present in both plant
communities on the property.
History
FIGURE 1:
PINTO VALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOCATION OF OPEN PIT
The Globe-Miami district is one of the oldest and most productive mining districts in the United States, with its first
recorded production occurring in 1878. Since that time, more than 15 billion pounds of copper have been produced
in the Globe-Miami mining district. Prior to the construction of Pinto Valley Mine, a chalcocite-enriched zone of the
deposit was mined from 1943 until 1953 as the Castle Dome underground mine.
The Pinto Valley open pit mine and concentrator went into production in 1974. The SX/EW plant began processing
PLS from the leach dumps in 1981. In February 1998, mining and milling operations were suspended and
environmental permits were maintained during the suspension of operations, as were the water and electrical
systems. SX/EW facilities and cathode copper production continued during the suspension of mining and milling
operations.
18
The mine has had two restarts since the 1998 shutdown. The mine resumed sulphide operations in mid-2007 for
18 months to January 2009 and then went into care and maintenance with only leaching operations continuing.
The second restart began in December 2012 and included extensive rehabilitation of the site and purchase of a
new mining fleet.
Ownership of Pinto Valley has changed numerous times since its inception. At the time of construction and
commissioning, it was owned by Cities Service Company, who had recently merged with Tennessee Corporation.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation acquired Cities Service Company in late 1982 and sold the Miami operations
to Newmont Mining Corporation in 1983. At this time, the company's name was changed to Pinto Valley Copper
Corporation. In 1986, Newmont merged the Pinto Valley Copper assets into Magma Copper Company holdings,
and Pinto Valley Copper became the Pinto Valley Mining Division of Magma Copper Company. In 1995, Broken
Hill Proprietary Company Limited purchased Magma Copper Company. With the merger of Broken Hill Proprietary
Company Limited and Billiton in 2001, the Pinto Valley Mining Division became Pinto Valley Operations of BHP
Copper Inc. (“BHP Copper”). In 2013, Capstone purchased Pinto Valley Operations, now referred to as Pinto
Valley Mine or Pinto Valley.
Pre-2006 Pinto Valley drilling programs comprised a combination of core, rotary, and churn drillholes. Drilling
documentation was limited to BHP Copper internal reports and lacked descriptions for pre-2010 procedures. Churn
holes defined much of the early Castle Dome mineralization, which has been mined out. Drilling since the 1986
block model includes 10 core holes and 3 Reverse Circulation (“RC”) rotary holes drilled in 1992. From the
beginning of 1996 to April 1997, 67 RC exploration and infill holes were drilled: 48 RC holes drilled in 1996, and
19 RC holes drilled in 1997. The 1997 holes were drilled in the interior pit and through the Gold Gulch and
Continental faults. Seven of the exploration holes were drilled east of the existing pit and laid the ground work for
future plans of an east pit expansion. All drillhole collar locations were surveyed. The majority of the drillholes are
vertical and, therefore, do not have downhole surveys. However, most inclined holes have downhole surveys.
From 2006 through 2008, there were drilling campaigns with various purposes, including delineation, exploration,
geotechnical, and resource classification upgrade drilling. These include 39 drillholes in 2007 and 62 drillholes in
2008. Diamond drillhole programs in 2010 focused on exploration, while those in 2011 and 2012 focused on infill
drilling for resource classification upgrade in support of restarting operations. Ten holes were drilled in 2010, 40
holes were drilled in 2011, and 64 holes were drilled in 2012. In 2013 BHP Copper drilled 12 in-pit infill diamond
drillholes totaling 2,853 m, to close the drillhole spacing grid and 64 in-pit RC drillholes totaling 3,380 m to help
characterize the mineralization directly beneath working levels of the mine. All drillhole logging data, including
collar, survey, assay, lithology, alteration, and mineralization data were entered into an acQuire™ structured-
query-language (“SQL”) database system. All sample data were tagged and tracked using bar codes, which linked
all assay information provided by the laboratory to the database, including the QAQC. The system was secured
by BHP Copper using stringent protocols and procedures. Deviations and discrepancies from sample dispatch
reports were reported and investigated.
A number of different companies and laboratories provided assay services to Pinto Valley over the years. Details
of sampling and assaying procedures used during the earlier stages of operation are not readily available.
Procedures used by outside labs that ran assays for some of the later drilling campaigns, such as those performed
by Mountain States for the 1992 holes and Chemex for the 1996 holes, are also not readily available. The analytical
procedures were in line with industry standards for total copper analyses, but BHP Copper-specific procedures
were used to determine acid soluble copper concentrations. These involved digestion with 10% sulphuric acid,
followed by placement in a hot bath at 40°C, and read after 40 minutes.
Independent audits of the Pinto Valley assays were conducted in 1992 and 2000. Results indicated the assay
values in the Pinto Valley database have been reliably entered and that total copper assays in the Pinto Valley
database were reproducible and could be considered representative within normally-accepted error limits.
As part of BHP’s start-up Feasibility Study done in 2006, a QAQC program was conducted on 101 randomly
selected drillhole assay interval pulp samples and 15 randomly selected drill core assay intervals. Samples were
19
sent to Skyline Assayers and Laboratories Inc. (“Skyline Labs”) in Tucson, Arizona for total copper and acid-
soluble copper analyses. Skyline Labs was instructed to analyze the samples for acid soluble copper using BHP
Copper lab procedures. Certified reference material standards from the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (“NIST”) were inserted in sequential order for analysis preceding the 15th pulp sample in the analytical
run. The results indicated that historical quality control measures used in the Pinto Valley Mine analytical laboratory
were variable. At times they were extremely good, but at others they were less so, although still acceptable.
BHP Copper undertook surface mapping to provide additional data throughout the identification and selection
phases of the PV2 mine planning project. Two drilling campaigns were conducted on separate occasions to
improve both the geotechnical and geometallurgical knowledge of the deposit. The surface mapping for
geotechnical information focused primarily on the bedding planes, major structures, and overall geological strength
index. Various ore-types were confirmed using surface mapping and by reviewing core logs. Alteration zones and
ore-types were identified in the pit wall and correlated against core samples taken in previous drill campaigns.
Descriptions from the core logs were used to plot the correlation between rock type and alteration zone. The most
important ore types were narrowed down to Ruin granite, quartz monzonite, and diabase. These ore types are
based on relative abundance, gangue mineralogy, copper grade, alteration, and the potential impact on overall
production (recovery, throughput, and consumption of reagents/energy). Capstone relied extensively on the BHP
Copper’s PV2 project data to complete the Capstone PV2 PFS. The data provided by BHP Copper was reviewed
by the QPs in the Capstone PV2 PFS to ensure it was applicable and sufficiently detailed to form the basis of
assumptions in the study. Additional work was conducted where data gaps were found, including field mapping
for pit wall geotechnical analysis, geotechnical drilling for tailings impoundment design and metallurgical testing to
validate previous test results.
Geological Setting
The Globe-Miami mining district of central Arizona includes porphyry copper-molybdenum (“Cu-Mo”) deposits
associated with Paleocene Epoch granodiorite to granite porphyry stocks (65-59 million years ago). Vein deposits
and possible exotic copper deposits are also found within the district.
Precambrian basement rocks throughout southern Arizona and New Mexico largely consist of early Proterozoic
Pinal Schist (~1,700 million years old) intruded by granites correlative with two-mica granite batholiths (~1,450
million years old). At the Pinto Valley Mine this is represented by the Ruin granite (also referred to as the Lost
Gulch quartz monzonite) that hosts the Cu-Mo mineralization. The Late Proterozoic-aged (~1,420-1,150 million
years old) Apache group, comprising conglomerate, limestone, quartzite, and minor basalt units overlying the
basement rocks, was intruded by 1,150 million years old Apache diabase sills of varying thicknesses. These
diabase units are represented at the Pinto Valley Mine as thin dikes and sills, and commonly contain higher copper
concentrations than the surrounding Ruin granite. During the Paleozoic Era, various limestone units were
deposited representing the shallow, marine environment present over much of the southwestern US at the time.
Subduction of the Farallon tectonic plate (80-50 million years ago) off the west coast of the southwestern US
initiated arc magmatism responsible for generating the Cu-Mo-bearing intrusions in the region. Stocks emanating
from the Schultze granite, the source of the mineral-bearing fluids to the Globe-Miami mining district, were
emplaced at the Pinto Valley Mine between 60-59 million years ago.
Regional Tertiary-Era Basin and Range extension and faulting following cessation of subduction facilitated the
dismemberment, tilting, and exposure of the Cu-Mo deposits. They were preserved through deposition of the
Whitetail conglomerate (Oligocene Epoch) and the Apache Leap tuff (Miocene Epoch). Further extension in the
Pliocene Epoch deposited the Gila conglomerate into basins.
The Pinto Valley Mine deposit is bound by faults that vary in age from the Pre-Cambrian to the Tertiary. These
have controlled the emplacement of the Ruin granite, stocks of the Cu-Mo-bearing Schultze Granite, and
subsequent post-mineralization Basin-and-Range extensional faulting.
20
Exploration
Capstone is not currently exploring the Pinto Valley property due to the large resource already identified, of which
33% are Mineral Reserves, resulting in a mine life to 2039. Additional Mineral Resources could potentially be
brought into the Mineral Reserves in the future through operational improvements, cost reductions, and/or
increased metals prices.
Mineralization
The primary sulphide minerals encountered at the Pinto Valley Mine are chiefly pyrite and chalcopyrite with minor
amounts of molybdenite. Gold and silver are recovered as by-products when material containing sulphide minerals
is processed. Sphalerite and galena occur locally in very small amounts. Alteration of silicate minerals of the host
rocks to other groups of minerals due to the presence of hydrothermal fluids associated with the Cu-Mo-bearing
intrusive rocks include potassic, argillic, sericitic, and propylitic alteration suites.
Sulphide minerals generally occur in veins and microfractures and less abundantly as disseminated grains,
predominantly in biotite sites. The ore zone grades outward into a pyritic zone with higher total sulphide content.
Molybdenum distribution generally reflects copper distribution, with higher molybdenum values usually found in
the higher-grade copper zones. Oxide mineralization and a supergene enrichment blanket was developed at the
Pinto Valley Mine, but these areas have since been mined.
Sulphide deposition at Pinto Valley is controlled to some extent by the host rock. The sulphide content decreases
in Precambrian aplite intrusions. Aplite usually contains less than 0.25% copper, whereas adjacent Quartz
Monzonite may have as much as 0.6% copper. The deficiency of copper in aplite is probably due to the absence
of biotite, which makes up about 7% of Quartz Monzonite. Disseminated chalcopyrite shows an affinity for biotite,
where it is disseminated through the biotite or partially replacing it. Additional chalcopyrite is also present in veins
cutting both rock types.
Drilling
Recent drilling incorporated into the April 2019 Mineral Resource model consists of ten geotechnical holes in 2014,
43 infill RC holes and three geotechnical holes in 2015, four infill RC holes in 2016, 17 infill RC holes and one
RC/core hole in 2017, 4 RC holes and 1 core hole in 2018 and, in 2019, 4 RC holes and 1 core hole.
Sampling and Analysis
Pinto Valley uses RC and diamond drillcore samples for Mineral Resources estimates. The majority of drilling is
vertical with spacing commonly between 200ft and 400ft. Capstone employees and contractors are responsible
for all on-site sampling of drill core and drill cuttings. Typical sample intervals are 10 feet. Drillcore samples are
split by core saw and placed in marked bags and shipped to accredited external laboratories for sample
preparation and analysis for copper, acid soluble copper, and molybdenum. A total of 94,328 RC and diamond
drillhole samples were used for the April 2019 Mineral Resources estimate.
Sample quality of drillhole samples is monitored through regular insertion of reference material standards, blanks,
and duplicate samples. Certified reference material (CRM) standards are purchased commercially, and in
November 2017, CRM standards were also created from PV material. QAQC procedures include real-time
monitoring of quality control data, thresholds for sample failures and sample batch reanalysis, and regular monthly
reporting. QAQC results demonstrate that drillhole assay values are accurate, repeatable, and free from cross-
contamination.
Database validation work comprises a check of 10% of all new records entered into the database. This includes
verification of collar, downhole survey, lithology, and assay data. The most recent database validation was
completed in April 2018.
21
Security of Samples
Only employees and contractors are permitted in the core logging facility when unsampled drillcore is ready to be
cut and prepped RC cuttings and core are awaiting transport. A transmittal form which identifies the batch number
and the corresponding sample number series is emailed to the external laboratory. The samples are delivered to
the external laboratory by a laboratory representative transporting from site to laboratory.
Core and chip samples are stored on-site at a dedicated core storage facility.
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
The April 2019 Mineral Resource estimate for Pinto Valley mineralization was completed by Pinto Valley’s Chief
Geologist and Qualified Person, Klaus Triebel, CPG. The Mineral Resources were estimated using accepted
industry standards conforming to NI 43-101 requirements. Surfaces and solids were created by Pinto Valley Mine
staff for the lithology and mineralization domains, and major faults. Drillhole samples were composited downhole
to 13 m (45 feet) length to match the selective mining unit (“SMU”) bench height and to reduce the influence of
typically narrow, very high-grade samples. Thirteen lithology units were defined as domains, honouring fault
traces; these domains were considered as hard boundaries during estimation. Nine sub-domains based on
mineralization trends were modelled, with 6 forming soft boundaries where grade can be informed by nearby
samples located in an adjacent domain and 3 formed hard boundaries. Ordinary kriging (“OK”) was applied in all
domains for the Cu estimation. To control the influence of high-grade Cu samples when estimating block grades,
a combination of top-cutting and outlier search restriction was applied, with the resulting contained copper being
within 1% of an uncapped model. For molybdenum (“Mo”), top cutting was not applied. Density was estimated in
the April 2019 model using 300 density tests covering the five most important lithologies and 16 alteration types.
The average estimated density for ore-grade mineralized rock, primarily Ruin Granite, is 2.61 t/m3. Grade variability
is low, with nugget effects of less than 25% for both copper and molybdenum. The block model grades for copper
and molybdenum were estimated using OK into blocks that were 30 m Easting × 30 m Northing × 14 m Elevation
(100 ft × 100 ft × 45 ft) in size. During grade estimation, search orientations were designed to follow the general
trend of the mineralization in each of the structural domains. The estimation plan for most domains involved a
single search pass using a minimum of 2 composites and a maximum of 8 composites, with a maximum of 3 from
any single drillhole. Confidence classification was modified slightly from 2018, by adjusting the average maximum
distances to the closest two or three holes based on variography.
The reported Mineral Resources in Table 1 are based on the April 2019 Mineral Resources estimate completed
by Klaus Triebel, CPG., and reflect the mined topographic surface as at December 31, 2019. Mineral Resources
are reported above a 0.17% Cu cut-off grade within a reasonable economic prospects pit that use the following
parameters: $3.30/lb Cu, $10.00/lb Mo, 88% Cu recovery, 50% Mo recovery, $1.50/ton mining costs, $1.50/ton
G&A costs, $5.00/ton milling costs, and a pit slope angle of 45°. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of
Mineral Reserves, and Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic
viability. Contained metals are reported at 100%.
TABLE 1: PINTO VALLEY MINERAL RESOURCES AT 0.17% CU CUTOFF, AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 (METRIC UNITS)
Classification
Tonnes (millions) %Cu
Measured (M)
Indicated (I)
Total M & I
Inferred
567
791
1,357
176
0.33
0.28
0.30
0.25
%Mo
0.006
0.005
0.005
0.005
Contained Cu (Mt)
Contained Mo (Mt)
1.89
2.24
4.13
0.43
0.034
0.040
0.074
0.008
NOTE: Klaus Triebel, CPG., Chief Geologist at Pinto Valley, is the Qualified Person responsible for the Pinto Valley Mineral
Resources estimate. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral
Resources are presented inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are reported as at December 31, 2019 above a
0.17% Cu cut-off grade. The economic assumptions for the reasonable prospects pit include: $3.30/lb Cu, $10.00/lb Mo, 88%
Cu recovery, 50% Mo recovery, $1.50/ton mining costs, $1.50/ton G&A costs, $5.00/ton milling costs, and a pit slope of 45°.
Totals may not tally due to rounding. Contained metals are reported at 100%.
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The Mineral Reserve pit design was developed by John Marek, PE, President of Independent Mining Consultants,
Inc. (“IMC”). Claydon Craig, P.Eng., estimated Mineral Reserves in accordance with industry guidelines by
tabulating the contained measured and indicated (Proven and Probable) material inside of the designed pit. The
schedule utilizes a variable cut-off grade to the mill that fluctuates between 0.17 to 0.18 % Cu, resulting in a low-
grade stockpile that is processed at the end of the mine life. Stockpile material is included in the Mineral Reserve.
The final pit design and the Mineral Reserve do not include the low-grade leach dump material in the economic
analysis or Mineral Reserve. The Mineral Reserves design was completed at $2.75/lb copper and $12.50/lb
molybdenum. The effective date of the Mineral Reserve is January 1, 2020. Claydon Craig, P.Eng., oversaw the
production depletion of the Mineral Reserves model. To simplify the Mineral Reserve reporting process, the cut-
off grade was changed from the variable 0.17-0.18% Cu to 0.175% Cu. This cut-off closely approximates the
reported Mineral Reserves and will be used going forward.
TABLE 2: PINTO VALLEY MINERALS RESERVES, REMAINING AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 (METRIC UNITS)
Classification
Tonnes (millions) %Cu
Proven
Probable
Total P+P
246
153
399
0.33
0.29
0.31
%Mo
0.006
0.006
0.006
Contained Cu (Mt)
Contained Mo (Mt)
0.81
0.44
1.24
0.016
0.009
0.025
NOTE: Claydon Craig, P.Eng., Superintendent of Mine Technical Services at Pinto Valley is the Qualified Person responsible
for the Pinto Valley Mineral Reserves estimate. Economic inputs to the block model were USD$2.75/lb Cu and USD$12.50/lb
Mo. Mineral Reserves are reported above 0.175% Cu cut-off grade. Summation errors due to rounding. Contained metals are
reported at 100%.
Mining Operations
Run-of-mine ore is crushed through the primary crusher and conveyed to the fine crushing plant for further size
reduction. The fine-crushed ore is fed to a conventional grinding and flotations circuit to produce a bulk copper
concentrate and molybdenum concentrate. The concentrates are thickened and filtered to produce products
suitable for transport. Tailings are thickened and deposited in one of the two active tailings storage facilities (TSF3
and TSF4). Low-grade mineralization is leached and the pregnant solution is processed through an SX/EW plant
that exists on the property. However, no additional low-grade ore is being placed under leach in accordance with
the mine plan.
The copper concentrates and cathodes produced from Pinto Valley Mine is sold to smelters and traders. The high
quality of the concentrates makes it sought after by both smelters and traders. Pinto Valley has well-established
environmental protocols that adhere to federal and state regulatory requirements and to internal corporate
guidance to reduce impacts to the environment. Pinto Valley is subject to environmental regulations addressing
groundwater; surface water; storm water management; air quality; well installation; water withdrawal from state
aquifers; waste handling and disposal; handling and storage of toxic substances; surface reclamation; and cultural
and biological resources. The Pinto Valley Mine has all the necessary permits to conduct mining activities through
2026 with the exception of the consolidated Plan of Operations that is currently under review by the USFS. The
consolidated Plan of Operations is a compilation of prior authorizations and encroachments on federal lands.
The Pinto Valley Mine’s applicable taxes include the following:
• Corporate Taxes – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017 significantly reformed
the US tax system. Effective for the 2019 taxation year, the combined US Federal and Arizona state corporate
income tax is calculated at a blended 21% rate applied on taxable income. The Alternative Minimum Tax was
permanently repealed. Arizona allocates taxable income based on sales to customers in the state and Pinto
Valley does not expect to have sales in Arizona in the foreseeable future.
• The Arizona state severance tax on metalliferous minerals is charged at a 2.5% rate on 50% of the
difference between the gross value of production and production costs.
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• The Arizona Department of Revenue exercises general supervision over county assessors in
administering the property tax laws to ensure that all property is uniformly valued for property tax purposes.
Gila County tax authorities are responsible for the billing and collection of property taxes.
Exploration and Development
We do not currently have any planned exploration activities at the Pinto Valley Mine but from time to time we do
undertake in-pit drilling to better define Mineral Reserves for short-term planning purposes. This data is then
incorporated periodically into the Mineral Resource block model. Our development activities are focused on
execution of the PV3 mine plan.
Cozamin Mine (Mexico)
The Cozamin Mine is the subject of a report titled “Technical Report on the Cozamin Mine, Zacatecas, Mexico”
dated January 24, 2019 with an effective date of October 24, 2018 (the “Cozamin Report”). This technical report
was prepared by Gregg Bush, P.Eng. former COO of Capstone Mining Corp.; Jenna Hardy, P.Geo., Nimbus
Management Ltd.; Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Capstone Mining Corp.; Darren Kennard, P.Eng., Golder Associates
Ltd.; Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.; Chris Martin, CEng MIMMM, Blue Coast Metallurgy
Ltd.; Vivienne McLennan, P.Geo., Capstone Mining Corp. and Humberto Preciado, PhD, P.E., Wood Environment
& Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., each a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Reference should be made to
the full text of this report, which is available in its entirety on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under Capstone’s profile.
All scientific and technical information in this summary relating to any updates to the Cozamin Mine since the date
of the Cozamin Report, other than the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, has been reviewed and
approved by Qualified Persons who supervised the preparation of updates to elements of the Cozamin Report.
These Qualified Persons include those listed in Interests of Experts in this Annual Information Form.
Project Description and Location
The Cozamin Mine is an operating polymetallic mine with a 3,990 tonne per day milling capacity, located in the
Morelos Municipality of the Zacatecas Mining District, near the south-eastern boundary of the Sierra Madre
Occidental Physiographic Province in North-central Mexico. The mine and processing facilities are located near
coordinates 22° 48’ N latitude and 102° 35’ W longitude on 1:250,000 Zacatecas topographic map sheet (F13-6).
Currently, 91 Cozamin-owned concessions cover 4,210 hectares. Capstone acquired these concessions in
January 2004, which is 100% owned by Capstone, subject to a 3% NSR payable to Grupo Bacis S.A. de C.V., a
Mexican resource company. Mineral claims acquired in September 2009 from Minera Largo S de RL de CV, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Golden Minerals Company (“Golden Minerals”), are subject to future cash payments
of a NSR of 1.5% on the first one million tonnes of production and cash payments equivalent to a 3.0% NSR on
production in excess of one million tonnes from the acquired claims. The NSR on production in excess of one
million tonnes also escalates by 0.5% for each $0.50 increment in copper price above $3.00 per pound of copper.
In 2014, we acquired 45 additional concessions from Golden Minerals totalling 775 ha that surround the Cozamin
Mine’s existing concessions. A total of 17 of the claims are subject to a finder’s fee to be paid as a 1.0% NSR or
Gross Proceeds Royalty to International Mineral Development and Exploration Inc. pursuant to existing
agreements on the concessions dating back to October 1994 and August 2000.
In 2017, Capstone entered into an agreement with Endeavour Silver Corp. (“Endeavour”) allowing for the two
companies to exchange access to certain of each other’s mining concessions that abut at the southern boundary
of Capstone’s Cozamin Mine property. The agreement provides Capstone with exploration and exploitation rights
on the Endeavour concessions below 2,000 metres above sea level (masl), a depth where copper-rich
mineralization has been historically found and mined by Capstone and provides Endeavour with exploration and
exploitation rights on the Capstone concessions above 2,000 masl, where more precious-metal dominant
mineralization has historically been mined, in the historic Zacatecas district. The agreement provides for both
parties to share information on the concession covered by the agreement and to jointly have access to explore for
and exploit mineralization appropriate to each company’s core business; being base metals for Capstone and
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precious metals for Endeavour. In certain instances, it also provides for a 1% NSR royalty for the entity electing
not to produce. Additionally, and under certain well-defined circumstances, it provides flexibility around the 2,000
masl division.
The Cozamin property requires payment of mining duties to the Secretaria de Economía on the mining
concessions semi-annually in January and July, plus annual land payments for surface use. Mining duties totaled
$64,167 in 2017, $77,726 in 2018 and $91,889 in 2019.
The Cozamin Mine lies within a regionally mineralized area that has seen extensive historic mining over more than
475 years. Host rocks surrounding the mineralized vein systems are anomalous in base and precious metals,
providing a detectable halo of elevated metal values that extends a considerable distance beyond the known
workings. Numerous old mine workings, excavations and dumps, and historic tailings are present, both on, and
adjacent to, the Cozamin mine site; some lie on mining lands held by Capstone and others are held by third parties.
Cozamin Mine has an inspection, maintenance and surveillance program in place to ensure that its TSF continues
to perform safely and as intended. Humberto Preciado, PE, of Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.,
is the EOR, Engineer of Record, for Cozamin’s TSF. The EOR is responsible for the design of the TSF and
provides guidance on construction and operational practices. Cozamin Mine personnel monitor performance of
the TSF daily and prepare weekly and monthly internal reports for site management and engineering groups. The
EOR reviews the site reports monthly. At least three times per year, a representative from the EOR’s firm, performs
an inspection of the TSF, including one or two inspections per year by the EOR. Annually, the EOR summarizes
TSF performance and operational practices, and provides recommendations for current and future work.
Approximately every 2 years, an independent third party reviews the work completed by the EOR and the
performance of the TSF. The most recent independent third-party review was completed in February 2018 by
Norwest Corporation.
Prior to Capstone’s involvement in the Cozamin Mine, several environmental studies had been carried out by
previous owners. As the San Roberto Mine, the Cozamin Mine was previously fully permitted to operate at 750
tpd. Capstone formally received its operating permit on October 20, 2006. This is known in Mexico as a Licencia
Ambiental Única (“LAU”). A LAU for a throughput expansion to 2,600 tpd was received on March 25, 2008. On
January 19, 2009, application was made to modify the LAU to expand throughput to 3,000 tpd, which was granted
in May of that year. In January of 2011, further application was made to increase the permitted throughput from
3,000 tpd to 4,000 tpd, which was granted in November of 2011. The permit to operate at throughput up to 4,500
tpd capacity was granted in June 2015.
The Cozamin Mine’s Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are situated within a mineralized vein/fault structure
known as the Mala Noche Vein (“MNV”) that strikes east-west and dips to the north. This structure hosts the
copper-rich San Roberto zone and adjacent to the east, the zinc-rich San Rafael zone. In 2010, we discovered
the MNFWZ, a vein splay off the MNV vein on the footwall side oriented northwest-southeast. Capstone is currently
exploring for extensions to mineralization found at MNV, San Rafael, and MNFWZ. Figure 2 illustrates the location
of project infrastructure and the surface projection of the MNV.
Environmental studies have shown that flotation tailings and some types of waste rock have the potential to
generate acidic drainage. In addition, construction activities as a part of the expansions have already reduced
identified sources of acidic drainage associated with the historic tailings impoundment as well as downstream
contamination due to tailings spills by previous operators. An environmental management and monitoring program
is currently underway and will be ongoing for the life of the mine. Data collected are being used to define an
operational environmental management and monitoring program, which will include appropriate environmental
management and mitigation plans based on the principle of continuous improvement. These will be reviewed and
revised as necessary, on at least an annual basis, with results reported as required to Mexican regulators.
25
Other issues of environmental concern relate to potential impacts comparable to those in underground mines of
similar size with flotation tailings impoundments. These include: dust, tailings handling/management, storm water
diversion, combustibles and reagent management/handling, waste management and disposal and noise. Work to
date indicates that environmental impacts are manageable. Cozamin was awarded the Clean Industry Certification
from Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente or
PROFEPA) for the third time in July 2018 for this management process and best practices and procedures. The
Clean Industry Certification is valid until July 2020.
FIGURE 2:
COZAMIN INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOCATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND RESERVES.
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
The Cozamin Mine is located 3.6 km to the north-northwest of the city of Zacatecas, the Zacatecas state capital.
The municipality of Zacatecas has a population of approximately 138,000 people. Other communities in the
immediate vicinity of the project include Hacienda Nueva (3 km west), Morelos (5 km northwest) and Veta Grande
(5 km north). The Cozamin Mine operates year-round and is accessible via paved roads to the project area
boundary where good, all-weather roads provide access to the mine and most of the surrounding area. The mine
area falls within the Hacienda Nueva and La Pimienta Ejidos.
The Cozamin Mine has excellent surrounding infrastructure including schools, hospitals, railroads, highways, and
electrical power. The mine has access to a power line and substation that allows Capstone to draw up to 7.5 MW
from the national power grid. Cozamin has requested an increase to 9.5 MW and is awaiting approval from El
Centro Nacional de Control de Energía (“CENACE”). Generators (both operating and back-up) on site have a
capacity of 1.0 MW. There is sufficient capacity to store all of the tailings from the processing of identified Mineral
Reserves, assuming continued proper tailings management and construction of the permitted upstream raise.
Employees and contractors are sourced from Zacatecas and other nearby communities with minimal foreign staff
at the mine. Sufficient surface rights have been obtained to conduct all mining operations.
The climate in the region is semi-arid with maximum temperatures of approximately 30°C during the summer and
minimum temperatures in the winter producing freezing conditions and occasional snow. The rainy season extends
from June until September, with average annual precipitation totalling approximately 500 mm. As the certainty of
runoff into the tailings pond cannot be predicted, additional water resources have been secured, with further water
rights undergoing evaluation.
26
The Cozamin Mine is located in the Western Sierra Madre Physiographic Province near the boundary with the
Mesa Central Province (Central Plateau Province). The Zacatecas area is characterized by rounded northwest
trending mountains with the Sierra Veta Grande to the north and the Sierra de Zacatecas to the south. Elevations
on the property vary from 2,400 m to 2,600 masl. The Zacatecas area is located between forested and sub-tropical
regions to the southwest and desert conditions to the northeast. Vegetation consists of natural grasses, mesquite
or huizache and crasicaule bushes. Standing bodies of water are dammed as most streams are intermittent.
History
In pre-Hispanic times, the area was inhabited by Huichol people who mined native silver from the oxidized zone
of argentiferous vein deposits in the Zacatecas Mining District. During the Spanish Colonial era production
commenced in 1548 at 3 mines: the Albarrada mine on the Veta Grande system, and the San Bernabe mine and
Los Tajos del Panuco on the Mala Noche Vein system. The initial operations worked only the oxide minerals for
silver and some gold, and later the sulphide-mineral zones were worked for base and precious metals.
From 1972, Consejo de Recursos Minerales worked mines in El Bote, La Purisima and La Valencia zones. A
number of old workings are located throughout the mine area, but accurate records of early production are not
available. Consejo de Recursos Minerales estimated Zacatecas district historic production until 1992 at 750 million
ounces of silver from 20 million tonnes grading over 900 g/t Ag and approximately 2.5 g/t Au. Lead, zinc and
copper have also been recovered but the production and grades were not estimated.
Minera Cozamin was established in 1982 by Jack Zaniewicki who consolidated concession holdings over much of
the Mala Noche Vein and operated the San Roberto Mine and plant at 250 tpd until October 1996. During this
period, Industrias Peñoles S.A. de C.V. (“Peñoles”) undertook exploration in the district but did not buy any
significant concessions. In all, it is estimated that 1.2 million tonnes of ore were mined and processed at the
Cozamin Mine prior to October 1996.
In October 1996, Zaniewicki sold Cozamin to Minera Argenta, a subsidiary of Minera Bacis S.A. de C.V. (“Bacis”).
Bacis expanded the mill to a 750 tpd flotation plant, and processed 250,000 tonnes of ore grading 1.2% Cu, 90 g/t
Ag, 0.5 g/t Au, 1.8% Zn and 0.6% Pb from 1997 to the end of 1999, mainly from shallow, oxide zone workings.
Bacis developed resources principally by drifting and raising on the Mala Noche Vein within the San Roberto zone.
Diamond drilling was only used as an exploration tool to identify areas with mineralization peripheral to the
developed mine workings. In 1999, Bacis closed the mine primarily due to low metal prices and under-capitalization
of the asset. Capstone assumed ownership of the Cozamin Mine in 2004.
Geological Setting
The Zacatecas Mining District covers a belt of epithermal and mesothermal vein deposits that contain silver, gold
and base metals (copper, lead and zinc). The district is in the Southern Sierra Madre Occidental Physiographic
Province near the boundary with the Mesa Central Physiographic Province in north-central Mexico. The dominant
structural features that localize mineralization are of Tertiary Era age and are interpreted to be related to the
development of a volcanic centre and to northerly trending basin-and-range structures. It occurs in a structurally
complex setting, associated with siliceous subvolcanic and volcanic rocks underlain by sedimentary and meta-
sedimentary rocks. The geologic units in this area include Triassic-aged metamorphic rocks of the Zacatecas
Formation and overlying basic volcanic rocks of the Upper Jurassic-aged or Lower Cretaceous-aged Chilitos
Formation. The Tertiary rocks consists mainly of a red conglomerate unit deposited in the Paleocene Epoch and/or
Eocene Epoch and overlying rhyolitic tuff and intercalated flows that were deposited from Eocene to Oligocene
Epochs. Some Tertiary Era rhyolite bodies cut the Mesozoic Era and Tertiary Era units and have the appearance
of flow domes.
The host rocks for the MNV are intercalated carbonaceous meta-sedimentary rocks and andesitic volcanic rocks
ranging in age from Triassic to Cretaceous, and Tertiary-aged rhyolite intrusive rocks and flows. Mineralization in
the MNV appears to have been episodic. A copper-silver dominant phase is interpreted as the first stage of
mineralization and is considered to be the most important phase of mineralization at Cozamin. In general, this
27
copper-silver phase was emplaced then enveloped, overprinted or brecciated by moderate to strong zinc-lead-
silver mineralization. Local rheology contrasts between rock units may have some control on vein emplacement,
as well as metal content.
Exploration
Cozamin exploration geologists have systematically mapped a total of 1,694 ha throughout the Cozamin Mine
property at scales of 1:1000 or 1:2000 since 2004. Regular surface exploration along the strike of the MNV system
has occurred through channel sampling and chip sampling. Channel samples were cut perpendicular to the strike
of the vein and weighed approximately 2 kg. The results of the surface channel and chip sampling programs have
been used to assist with exploration drillhole planning, but not used for Mineral Resources estimation. In 2015,
150 hectares were remapped at a scale of 1:2000 predominantly in the San Rafael area.
Capstone undertook several geophysical surveys using contractors between 2004 and 2010. A ground magnetic
survey completed by Zonge Engineering and Research Organization (“Zonge”) in 2004 collected total magnetic
field data from 24 north-oriented lines spaced 25 m apart that permitted mapping of the linear east-west orientation
of the Mala Noche system as well as other intrusive features. Also in 2004, Zonge undertook a resistivity study
through measurement of magnetic response using Controlled Source Audio Magnetotellurics over 8 line-
kilometres and Natural Source Audio Magnetotellurics over 16 line-kilometres indicated the presence of sulphide
mineralization below known mineralized extents. These results were used to assist with exploration drillhole
planning. During the summer of 2009, New Sense Geophysics Limited conducted an aeromagnetic survey over
all of the Cozamin Mine concessions. The results revealed a broad magnetic high trending northwest. These data
were later reprocessed in 2013 and used for tracking infrastructure such as power lines and pipe lines and the
general structural and vein trends of the Mala Noche system. In some cases, the data were used as a secondary
tool to help guide exploration and drill planning in new target areas. Between October 2009 and January 2010
Zonge completed resistivity and ground-induced polarization studies centered over Mala Noche West, Hacienda
Nueva South, Mala Noche North, and Mala Noche East. Identified anomalies were followed up by drilling, but the
results were poor. The presence of sulphide-rich and graphitic sedimentary rocks coupled with close proximity to
populated areas (buried pipes, fences, etc.), likely precluded effective chargeability, resistivity, or conductivity
surveys, and as such we have not explored using geophysical methods since 2010. In 2015, Condor Consulting
Ltd. conducted a full review of all previous geophysical surveys and determined the most likely effective
geophysical survey method for future exploration targeting is total field magnetics and derivative products.
Mineralization
All mineralization at the Cozamin mine occurs in veins and stockworks of veinlets. On surface, the MNV was
mapped for 5.5 km across the property. It strikes approximately east-west and dips on average at 60° to the north.
Several shafts provided access to historical workings at Cozamin. The largest mined area is the San Roberto zone
with a strike length of 1.4 km and a vertical extent of 820m. Adjacent to the San Roberto zone is the San Rafael
zone, a zinc-rich part of the deposit with the same mineralization characteristics as the San Roberto zone.
Mineralization peripheral to the historical workings was the principal target of Capstone’s exploration at Cozamin.
The MNFWZ, a splay off the footwall (south) side of MNV discovered in 2010, is not exposed at surface. Based
on underground drilling, MNFWZ strikes ~145° over more than 2.5 km and dips on average 54° to the northeast.
Known base metal mineralization at MNFWZ has a maximum vertical extent of approximately 800m. The MNFWZ
comprises multiple veins in close spatial association with rhyolite dikes and locally cross-cut the intrusions
themselves. The relative age of the copper mineralization ranges from contemporaneous with to perhaps slightly
post the rhyolite magmatism.
The MNV system occupies a system of anastomosing faults. The mineralized bodies within the Mala Noche Fault
System appear to be strongest where the individual faults coalesce into a single fault zone.
Currently mined mineralization at Cozamin is best described as intermediate sulphidation. The copper-rich
intermediate sulphidation mineralization is an early phase that is enveloped, overprinted or brecciated by zinc-rich
intermediate sulphidation mineralization. The copper veins are inferred to be higher temperature, have significantly
28
fewer vugs and can be massive pyrrhotite-pyrite-chalcopyrite with little gangue. Zinc-rich veins also tend to be
sulphide rich, like the copper-rich ones, but with slightly more gangue. Well-banded quartz, or quartz-carbonate
veins are inferred to be lower temperature and best classified as low sulphidation. They often have open space
filling textures with quartz druse vug linings, are typically less sulphide rich and are gold and silver rich with lesser
base metals and are generally not being mined on the property, but were historically important.
This transition from intermediate sulphidation copper-dominant mineralization to intermediate sulphidation zinc-
dominant mineralization is thought to be the result of an evolving, telescoped hydrothermal system. Blocks or
fragments of massive chalcopyrite-pyrite-pyrrhotite mineralization enveloped by zinc-dominant mineralization are
observed in drill core and in mine workings. This telescoping system is closely associated with the district’s largest
center of rhyolite flow domes which may be the shallow expression of a hidden, inferred buried felsic stock.
Pyrite is the dominant vein sulphide, is highly variable in concentration but typically comprises approximately 15%
of the MNV in the San Roberto zone. Pyrrhotite commonly occurs as an envelope to, or intermixed with, strong
chalcopyrite mineralization. Chalcopyrite is the only copper sulphide recognized visually at the Cozamin mine.
Like pyrrhotite, it is more common at intermediate and deeper levels of the mine. It occurs as disseminations,
veinlets and replacement masses. Mineralization at the MNFWZ is chalcopyrite dominant in contrast to the
polymetallic nature of the MNV. Sphalerite is the dominant economic sulphide in the upper levels in the San
Roberto mine. Most of the sphalerite is marmatitic. It occurs as disseminations and coarse crystalline masses and
is commonly marginal to the chalcopyrite-dominant portion of the vein. Argentiferous (silver-bearing) galena is less
common than sphalerite but is generally associated with it as crystalline replacement masses. Arsenopyrite
typically occurs as minor, microscopic inclusions in pyrite. Argentite is the most common silver mineral. It has been
identified microscopically occurring as inclusions in chalcopyrite and pyrite. Gangue minerals in the intermediate
sulphidation veins consist of quartz, silica, calcite, chlorite, epidote and minor disseminated sericite. The quartz
occurs as coarse-grained druse crystalline masses, and a stockwork of quartz veinlets.
Drilling
In all, 1,103 diamond drillholes including 956 holes of HQ and/or NQ diameter and 147 holes of BQ diameter have
been completed from surface and from underground locations at the Cozamin Mine since April 2004. A total of 17
phases of drilling have targeted resource definition and expansion along the MNV (San Roberto and San Rafael
zones), MNFWZ (since discovery in 2010), and other exploration targets on our property.
In 2019, Capstone drilled a total of 56,572 m in 87 angled HQ diamond drillholes and 6,755 m in 52 angled BQ
diamond drillholes at the MNFWZ, plus 2,358 m in 3 angled HQ diamond drillholes at other brownfield targets on
our property. Drilling for 2018 totaled 75,988 m in 108 angled HQ diamond drillholes and 1,926m in 15 angled BQ
diamond drillholes at the MNFWZ, plus 1,268 m in 11 holes in the San Rafael zone of MNV to define ore
boundaries immediately before mining. In 2017, Capstone drilled a total of 32,662 m in 44 angled, HQ diameter,
diamond drillholes at the MNFWZ, 10,215 m in 28 angled, HQ diameter, diamond drillholes at the San Rafael
zone, 1,945 m in 16 angled, HQ diameter, diamond drillholes at the San Roberto Zinc zone, and 2,019 m in 3
angled, HQ diameter, diamond drillholes at a new brownfield target located east of San Rafael. Drillhole collars
are located using a total station TRIMBLE instrument, model S6. Downhole survey readings were recorded using
either an Eastman Single Shot, FLEXIT SensIT or Reflex EZShot instrument. Survey readings are generally taken
every 50-150 m for surface holes and every 50-100 m for underground holes. Survey results were corrected for
magnetic declination.
In the core logging facility, drillholes are assessed for drilling recovery, which has historically been very good.
Drillholes are then logged for geology, alteration and mineralogy, followed by structural data measurements and
rock quality (RQD) assessment. Next, the drillholes are marked for sampling by the geologist. This is followed by
core photography before the core is sent for cutting.
29
Sampling and Analysis
We use diamond drillcore samples for Mineral Resources estimates. Diamond drillholes intersecting the MNV are
spaced approximately 60 m along strike and down dip in the San Roberto zone. In 2017, infill drilling closed the
drillhole spacing to approximately 40 m in the San Rafael zone. Mineralization is less continuous in the MNFWZ
than in the MNV, thus drillholes are more closely spaced averaging approximately 45 m along strike and down
dip. The entire vein width is sampled. Typical sample intervals for drillcore are 0.5 m in the vein and 2 m in the
wallrock (waste). Very high-grade intervals are marked out and sampled separately from lower grade zones.
Sample boundaries are based on mineral proportions and/or texture (e.g. massive versus disseminated). Drillcore
samples are split by core saw and placed in marked bags and shipped to accredited external laboratories for
sample preparation and analysis for copper, lead, zinc, silver, and sometimes gold. Samples from BQ diameter
are whole core. There were a total of 63,969 diamond drillhole samples contained in the database used for the
October 2018 Mineral Resources update of the MNFWZ and MNV block model. Capstone employees are
responsible for all on-site sampling of drill core.
Sample quality of drillhole samples is monitored through regular insertion of reference material standards, blanks,
and duplicate samples. Certified reference material standards are purchased commercially and are also created
from MNV material. QAQC procedures include real-time monitoring of quality control data, thresholds for sample
failures and sample batch reanalysis, and regular monthly reporting. QAQC results demonstrate that drillhole
assay values are accurate and repeatable. In 2018, the cross contamination first observed in 2017 across all
elements, particularly zinc, was intermittent. The impact of these blank failures on ore-waste classification is
considered low. Investigation into the root cause and mitigation continues.
The Cozamin Mine collects bulk density measurements from mineralized and non-mineralized intercepts from
each drillhole. All drillcore pieces greater than 10 cm in length within an assay sample length are selected from
the core box and measured using a weight-in-air weight-in-water technique. A review of these data highlighted
widely ranging values, which were reanalyzed as a part of a quality control check. The QAQC samples indicated
the bulk density dataset was of sufficient quality for use in Mineral Resource estimation. There are 37,428 bulk
density measurements in the database available to estimate density.
Database validation work comprises a check of 10% of all new records entered into the database as a part of the
Mineral Resource update process. This includes verification of collar, downhole survey, lithology, assay, and bulk
density data. This was completed twice in 2018 as part of the Mineral Resource update process. Other data checks
included validations of the spatial locations of mineralized drillhole intercepts and the locations of production chip-
channel sample data with respect to underground mapped geology. Errors were noted and corrected. There were
27 drillholes excluded from the geological modelling and Mineral Resource estimation process because either the
logged vein intercepts fell outside of modelled vein structures, the hole twinned another intersection, or they
intercepted the vein at a very shallow angle.
Security of Samples
Only employees of Capstone entities are permitted in the core shack when unsampled drillcore is ready to be cut.
Approximately 10 samples are placed in a large sack and secured by a tamper proof seal. A transmittal form is
then completed, which identifies the batch number, the serial numbers of the seals and the corresponding sample
number series, and delivered to the sample preparation laboratory by a Cozamin representative.
Drill core containing intercepts of the MNV and MNFWZ structure is stored in a secured warehouse near the core
shack. Waste hanging wall and footwall drill core is kept in a secure storage facility on the property and within the
mine on Level 8. Access to the warehouse and storage facilities are controlled by the Mine Geology Department.
No person other than the geologists responsible for logging is permitted to handle the core prior to sampling.
30
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
In March and October 2018, the MNFWZ block model was updated to incorporate drilling at MNFWZ. The July
2017 MNV block model was updated to reflect the revised NSR formula and new cut-off NSR used in the updated
MNFWZ model. Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd., an independent Qualified Person as
defined by NI 43-101, is responsible for the Cozamin Mineral Resource estimates.
The NSR formula used to report Mineral Resources at MNV and MNFWZ is based on projected long-term metal
prices of $3.50/lb copper, $18.00/oz silver, $1.20/lb zinc, and $1.00/lb lead with metal recoveries of 95% Cu, 78%
Ag, 58% Zn, 40% Pb. Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off of NSR $50.
All geological modelling was undertaken using the Leapfrog® Geo implicit modelling software. It comprised a
lithological model to assist with exploration targeting and mining planning activities, as well as a mineralization
model defining the mineralized MNV and MNFWZ structures. The veins were defined using logged and
underground-mapped contacts in combination with high NSR values as a guide where mineralization boundaries
were not exclusively defined in a vein structure.
All MNV samples were composited to a 2 m length and MNFWZ samples were composited to 1 m. This was
followed by an exploratory data analysis that showed a moderate correlation between copper and silver in the San
Roberto zone, San Rafael zone, and MNFWZ. In the San Rafael zone, zinc and lead also showed a moderate
correlation. The coefficient of variation (“COV”), which measures the spread of a distribution relative to its mean,
was reviewed for each element to help assess the need for top cutting and to confirm the selected OK estimation
method was appropriate. A COV of less than 1.5 is desired for OK grade estimation, which was found for copper,
silver, and zinc. Minor top cuts were needed for these elements. Lead had a COV higher than 2 resulting from a
longer high-grade tail of samples. This aligns with underground observations where lead can be found in high-
grade patches. As such, a combination of top cutting and search restrictions were used to limit the influence of the
high-grade lead samples. In MNFWZ, both lead and zinc had COV over 2, indicating higher variability. The impact
of high-grade lead and zinc samples at MNFWZ was limited using top-cutting. The modelled mineralization
triangulations were treated as hard boundaries at MNV and MNFWZ.
The three-dimensional spatial relationships of each element were assessed on the top-cut, composited data was
undertaken using normal-score transformed semi-variograms. At MNV, search ellipses were set to vary
dynamically during grade estimation to account for the local variations in strike and dip along the veins. The same
variogram and search parameters were used for copper and silver in all domains to maintain the element
correlations. At MNFWZ, the search ellipses were set as 100m spheres. At both MNV and MNFWZ, estimates do
not cross the modelled mineralization triangulations.
Grades were estimated into 12 m Easting × 2 m Northing × 10 m Elevation blocks in a sub-blocked model (in the
MNFWZ model the blocks were rotated parallel to the strike of the mineralization). Bulk density samples were
composited to 1.0 m lengths downhole and estimated using inverse distance weighting. Model validation included
visual validation of grades against composited drillhole samples, creation of swath plots along easting, northing
and elevation sections to assess grade smoothing, assessment of element correlations in the blocks, as well as a
global change of support to assess grade smoothing at various cut-off grades. Validation checks showed the
model to be valid with an appropriate amount of grade smoothing.
The June 2016 MNV and MNFWZ Mineral Resource models were externally reviewed by SRK Consulting. No
material issues were identified with the geological modelling, estimation, validation, or classification process. The
July 2017 MNV update followed the same methodology employed in the 2016 estimates.
At MNV, grades were re-estimated in March 2018 and October 2018 using revised NSR formulae that included
updated metallurgical recoveries and long-term outlook metal prices and updated NSR cut-offs of $42 and $50,
respectively. In July 2017, the San Roberto zone geological interpretation was modified slightly, a zinc zone was
broken out and grades were re-estimated. Zinc-oxide mineralization was identified in this zone during metallurgical
test work and is estimated to represent on average 18% of the total zinc mineralization in the San Roberto zinc
31
zone. However, the highest concentrations of zinc-oxide mineralization are not spatially associated with the
highest zinc grades. Additional metallurgical studies are on-going to determine whether this zone is economically
viable. In the San Rafael zinc zone, zinc-oxide mineralization is not observed. The NSR formula used for zinc
zones is the same formula used for copper zones, and used recoveries of 95% copper, 78% silver, 58% zinc, and
40% lead, and long-term estimated metal prices of $3.50/lb copper, $18.00/oz silver, $1.20/lb zinc, and $1.00/lb
lead. NSR formulae are based on the blended ore stream received by the mill.
The updated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources for the MNV and MNFWZ copper zones, after 2019
mining activities, total 14,091 kt with an average grade of 1.63% Cu above a $50 per tonne NSR cut-off (Table 3).
The NSR formula is stated in the table notes. Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd., an
independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, is responsible for the Mineral Resource estimates at
Cozamin. Mineral Resources are presented inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are not Mineral
Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
32
TABLE 3: COZAMIN MINE ESTIMATED MINERAL RESOURCES AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2019
Classification
Tonnes Copper
Silver
Zinc
Pb
Copper
Metal
Silver
Metal
Zinc
Metal
Lead
Metal
(kt)
(%)
(g/t)
(%)
(%)
(kt)
(koz)
(kt)
(kt)
Measured
Indicated
Measured + Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
407
2,925
3,332
3,817
-
10,759
Measured + Indicated
10,759
Inferred
9,326
Measured
Indicated
407
13,684
Measured + Indicated
14,091
Inferred
13,143
Measured
Indicated
Measured + Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured + Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured + Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
-
268
268
523
-
1,625
1,625
3,070
-
1,893
1,893
3,593
407
15,577
Measured + Indicated
15,984
Inferred
16,736
Copper Zone – San Roberto
1.24
1.06
1.08
0.70
53
45
46
37
1.23
1.55
1.51
1.53
0.40
0.39
0.39
0.14
Copper Zone – Mala Noche Footwall
-
1.80
1.80
1.60
1.24
1.64
1.63
1.34
-
43
43
50
-
0.73
0.73
1.07
Total – Copper Zones
53
44
44
46
1.23
0.91
0.91
1.20
-
0.20
0.20
0.32
0.40
0.24
0.25
0.27
Zinc Zone – San Roberto Zinc
-
0.20
0.20
0.13
-
0.29
0.29
0.24
-
0.28
0.28
0.22
-
31
31
25
-
4.05
4.05
3.49
-
0.72
0.72
0.43
Zinc Zone – San Rafael
-
46
46
37
-
3.59
3.59
3.26
Total – Zinc Zones
-
44
44
35
-
3.66
3.66
3.29
-
0.52
0.52
0.35
-
0.55
0.55
0.36
5
31
36
27
-
194
194
150
5
225
230
176
-
1
1
1
-
5
5
7
-
5
5
8
698
4,206
4,903
4,559
-
14,985
14,985
15,012
698
19,191
19,888
19,571
-
270
270
423
-
2,400
2,400
3,645
-
2,670
2,670
4,068
Total Mineral Resources (Copper + Zinc Zones)
1.24
1.48
1.47
1.10
53
44
44
44
1.23
1.24
1.24
1.65
0.40
0.28
0.28
0.29
5
230
235
184
698
21,860
22,558
23,639
5
45
50
58
-
79
79
99
5
124
129
158
-
11
11
18
-
58
58
2
11
13
5
-
22
22
30
2
33
35
35
-
2
2
2
-
8
8
100
11
-
69
69
118
5
193
198
276
-
10
10
13
2
43
45
48
NOTE: The Cozamin Mineral Resource estimate was completed by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems
Ltd., and an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The NSR formula used is based on $3.50/lb Cu,
$18/oz Ag, $1.20/lb Zn, $1.00/lb Pb and metallurgical recoveries of 95% Cu, 78% Ag, 58% Zn, 40% Pb. The resulting
NSR formula is Cu*65.024 + Ag*0.438 + Zn*10.755 + Pb*6.981. Mineral Resources are reported above $50/t NSR cut-
off. Mineral Resources are presented inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do
not have demonstrated economic viability. Figures may not sum due to rounding. Contained metals are reported at 100%.
33
The MNV and MNFWZ Mineral Reserve model was updated in October 2018, by Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Senior
Mining Engineer at Capstone and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, using the October 2018 Mineral
Resource models updated by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC. The Mineral Reserve estimate was generated using
base assumptions of $2.75/lb copper, $16.00/oz Ag, $1.10/lb Zn, by longitudinal longhole open-stoping mining.
The cut-off value used was $50.00. Development and stope triangulations were generated in Maptek Stope
Optimizer software (“MSO”). These triangulations were applied to the MNV and MNFWZ Mineral Resource block
models after the models were depleted of past mining production and areas of geotechnical sterilization. The
Mineral Reserve estimate also factors in unrecoverable geotechnical support pillars, 5% production losses and
dilution. Mining widths of 2.0 to 9.0m were applied. Mineral Reserves were classified as Proven and Probable in
accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM, 2014).
A geotechnical study was completed 2017-2018 to improve confidence in the mining methodology and to consider
the appropriateness or make modifications to the ground support methods continued in 2019. Further study on
pillar recovery optimization is ongoing with an updated assessment to be completed in 2020. Dilution and mining
recovery factors need to be continuously validated through annual reconciliations and adjusted as required,
especially in lithologies where historical mining experience is low.
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, discounted for mine production to December 31, 2019, contain 5,166 kt
at an average grade of 1.50% Cu above a $50/t NSR cut-off (fully diluted and recovered) are detailed in the table
below. Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Senior Mining Engineer at Capstone and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-
101, is responsible for the Mineral Reserve estimates at Cozamin.
TABLE 4: COZAMIN MINE ESTIMATED MINERAL RESERVES AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2019
Classification
Tonnes Copper Silver
Zinc
Pb
Copper
Metal
(kt)
(%)
(g/t)
(%)
(%)
(kt)
Silver
Metal
(koz)
Zinc
Metal
Lead
Metal
(kt)
(kt)
Copper Zones – MNV San Roberto + Mala Noche Footwall
Proven
Probable
Proven + Probable
Proven
Probable
Proven + Probable
Proven
Probable
Proven + Probable
0
4,518
4,518
0
648
648
0
5,166
5,166
0.00
1.64
1.64
0
39
39
0.00
0.39
0.39
0.00
0.08
0.08
0
74
74
Zinc Zones – MNV San Rafael + San Roberto
0.00
0.56
0.56
0.00
1.50
1.50
0
49
49
0.00
2.42
2.42
0.00
0.55
0.55
Reserves Summary
0
40
40
0.00
0.64
0.64
0.00
0.13
0.13
0
4
4
0
78
78
0
5,691
5,691
0
1,020
1,020
0
6,710
6,710
0
18
18
0
16
16
0
33
33
0
3
3
0
4
4
0
7
7
NOTE: Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Senior Mining Engineer at Capstone Mining Corp., is the Qualified Person for the Cozamin
Mineral Reserve. Disclosure of the Cozamin Mine Mineral Reserves as of December 31, 2019 was completed using fully
diluted mineable stope shapes generated by the Maptek Vulcan Mine Stope Optimizer software and estimated using the
2018 MNFW and MNV resource block models completed by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. The
Reserves are based on a $50/t NSR cut-off. The NSR formula used for the Reserves was based $2.75/lb Cu, $16/oz Ag,
$1.10/lb Zn, and metallurgical recoveries of 96.5% Cu, 81% Ag, 44% Zn. The resulting NSR275 formula is ($50.707*%Cu
+ 0.366*Ag ppm + 7.276*Zn%)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). Note that zero value is attributed to Pb due to low concentrations.
Tonnage and grade estimates include dilution and recovery allowances. The NSR royalty rate applied varies between 1%
and 3% depending on the mining concession. Contained metals are reported as 100%. Figures may not sum due to
rounding.
34
Mining Operations
The Cozamin Mine is an underground mining operation that commenced in 2006. Ore is extracted primarily using
long-hole open stoping. The mine extends for a strike length of over 2 km and Mineral Reserves extend to a depth
of 1,000 m. Access to the underground workings is via two service and haulage ramps and a hoisting shaft.
Run-of-mine ore is stockpiled on surface and sent to the crushing plant. The crushed ore is stored in two ore bins
that feed parallel conventional grinding circuits. The resulting product is sent to the copper-lead rougher flotation
where a copper- lead concentrate is produced. The tailings report to zinc conditioning tanks prior to zinc flotation,
where reagents are added to activate zinc mineralization. The tailings go through zinc rougher and cleaning circuits
to product a zinc concentrate. Separate copper and lead concentrates are produced from the copper-lead
concentrate via selective flotation. The concentrates are thickened and filtered to produce product suitable for
transport. The concentrates are trucked to Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. The current mine plans maintain the
Cozamin Mine operations life to 2024.
A 2018 internal material handling study concluded the current hoisting and haulage resources were limiting mine
production, and that the under-utilized plant is capable of an additional 842 tpd. A traffic study identified truck
haulage capacity is reduced by about 35% because of the bi-directional use of one of Cozamin’s two ramps for
ore haulage. A one-way truck haulage loop will be created by connecting the two current ramps with ~1,600m of
ramp development at -1:7 gradient. The one-way haulage loop is on schedule for completion before the end of
2020.
Permits required to conduct on-going mining work on the property have been obtained; permits required for the
targeted production increase are under consideration. There are no known factors or risks that affect access, title
or the ability to conduct mining. Environmental liabilities and issues are limited to those that are expected to be
associated with an underground base metal operation. These include an underground mine, associated
infrastructure, access roads and surface infrastructure including the process plant, waste and tailings disposal
facilities situation within the area of disturbance.
The Cozamin Mine’s applicable taxes include the following:
• Corporate Taxes - the Mexican corporate income tax is at a 30% rate applied on net income after
depreciation.
• A value added tax is payable to the Mexican government. Any overpaid (credit) amount may be offset with
receivable value added tax. .
• The 2013 Mexican Tax Reform introduced a 7.5% mining tax. The mining tax, effective January 1, 2014, is
applied on the positive difference between income arising from sales related to mining and the deductions
permitted by the Income Tax Law, not including deductions on investments (except those involved in mining
prospecting and exploration), interest payable and the annual inflation adjustment. The Tax Reform also
introduced a 0.5% mining tax on precious metals that is applied on gross taxable revenues.
• Property taxes are approximately $20,000 per year.
• The State of Zacatecas introduced taxes effective January 1, 2017 for purposes of reducing the
environmental impact created by industrial activities carried out in the state. These new taxes consist of the
(i) Environmental Remediation Tax on the Extraction of Materials, (ii) Tax on Gas Emissions to the
Atmosphere, (iii) Tax on Emissions of Pollutants to the Soil, Subsoil, and Water, and (iv) Tax on the Disposal
of Wastes. Taxes are calculated based on a rate per tonne of gas emitted, waste deposited, and per meters
of soil contaminated. The total environmental taxes paid by Cozamin were approximately $37,000 in 2019,
$38,000 in 2018 and $165,200 in 2017.
Exploration and Development
The 2020 exploration program includes a proposed 43,000 metres of infill drilling at MNFWZ and step-out
exploration drilling to test for further extensions on the MNFWZ and additional structures splaying from the main
Mala Noche fault system.
35
3.3
Other Properties
Santo Domingo Project (Chile)
The Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project (“Santo Domingo” or “the Project”) is a fully-permitted development
project located in Region III, Chile, and is owned 70% by Capstone and 30% by Korea Resources Corporation
(“KORES”). The Project has all required construction permits and received final approval of the Mine Closure Plan
in 2019.
In 2019, Capstone updated the economic model for the Project with more certain cost estimates, and studied the
option to produce battery-grade cobalt sulphate. In March 2020 Capstone published an updated technical report
for the Project titled “Santo Domingo Project, Region III, Chile, NI 43-101 Technical Report” (“2020 Santo
Domingo Technical Report“) effective February 19, 2020. The 2020 Santo Domingo Technical Report was
authored by Joyce Maycock, P.Eng., Amec Foster Wheeler Ingeniería y Construcción Ltda (doing business as
Wood) (“Wood”), Antonio Luraschi, CMC, Wood, Marcial Mendoza, CMC, Wood, Mario Bianchin, P.Geo., Wood
Canada Ltd., David Rennie, P.Eng., Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“RPA”), Carlos Guzman, CMC, NCL
Ingeniería y Construcción SpA (“NCL”), Roger Amelunxen, P. Eng., Aminpro, Michael Gingles, QP MMSA, Sunrise
Americas LLC, Tom Kerr, P.Eng., Knight Piésold Ltd., Roy Betinol, P.Eng., BRASS Chile SA, Lyn Jones, P.Eng.,
M.Plan International, each an independent Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and Gregg Bush, P.Eng.,
non-independent consulting engineer. The following descriptions of the Santo Domingo Project are based on
assumptions, qualifications and procedures which are set out in the 2020 Santo Domingo Technical Report filed
on March 24, 2020. Reference should be made to the full text of this report which is available in its entirety on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com under Capstone’s profile.
Capstone has two groups of concessions with a total of 116 claims (96 exploitation concessions totaling 27,597
ha and 20 exploration concessions totaling 1,300 ha) that cover a total of 28,897 ha and include the areas of the
planned mine site, plant area, and auxiliary facilities including proposed port facilities. Easements to cover 100%
of the facilities and infrastructure area are in progress. Current surface rights include 17 registered provisional
surface rights (3,634 ha) and 16 definitive surface rights (3,856.78 ha); applications for an additional six definitive
surface rights (239.84 ha) are in progress.
The centre of the Project is located at approximately 26°28'00”S and 70°00'30”W. Most areas of the proposed
open pits are located on concessions subject to one or the other of two 2% NSR agreements with BHP and
Empresa Nacional de Mineria, commonly called ENAMI, a Chilean government corporation. On June 17, 2011,
Capstone entered into a strategic relationship with KORES. The terms of this relationship provided for, amongst
other things, a private placement in the equity of Capstone, representation on the Board of Directors of Capstone,
the acquisition of a 30% interest in the project by KORES, participation in the financing of the project as well as
an agreement to enter into a life of mine off-take agreement for 50% of the production of copper and iron from the
project on prevailing market terms.
The currently proposed project uses desalinated water and will not require an application for water rights. An
approved maritime concession will allow the extraction of sea water for processing in the desalination plant. Water
for construction will be obtained from an authorized third-party provider.
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
David Rennie, P.Eng., of RPA, is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of the Santo Domingo
Mineral Resources estimates presented in the 2020 Santo Domingo Technical Report. The Mineral Resources
estimates for Santo Domingo Sur, Iris, Iris Norte and Estrellita are presented in Table 5 and have an effective date
of February 13, 2020.
Risk factors that could potentially affect these Mineral Resources estimates include changes to assumed long-
term metal prices and exchange rates, densities, geotechnical and hydrogeological considerations, factors used
in the preliminary pit optimization on the block models using a Lerchs–Grossmann algorithm (“LG shell”)
36
constraining Mineral Resources at Santo Domingo Sur, Iris, Iris Norte and Estrellita, metal recovery, concentrate
and smelting/refining terms or changes to the interpretations of mineralization geometry and continuity of
mineralization zones; delays or other issues in reaching agreements with local communities, and changes in
permitting, surface rights and environmental assumptions.
TABLE 5: SANTO DOMINGO ESTIMATED MINERAL RESOURCES AS AT FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Deposit
Tonnes
(Mt)
CuEq
(%)
Total Measured Resources
Santo Domingo Sur
Iris
Total Indicated Resources
Santo Domingo Sur
Iris
Iris Norte
Estrellita
Total M & I
Total Inferred Resources
Santo Domingo Sur
Iris
Iris Norte
Estrellita
66
64
2
471
224
103
89
55
537
48
24
4
14
5
0.81
0.82
0.42
0.48
0.54
0.45
0.44
0.40
0.52
0.41
0.40
0.42
0.45
0.32
Cu
(%)
0.61
0.62
0.39
0.26
0.31
0.19
0.12
0.38
0.30
0.19
0.22
0.19
0.09
0.31
Au
(g/t)
0.081
0.082
0.047
0.034
0.043
0.027
0.014
0.039
0.039
0.025
0.033
0.024
0.009
0.030
Fe
(%)
30.9
31.1
23.6
25.0
26.6
25.9
26.7
13.7
25.7
23.6
22.8
26.6
28.1
12.3
S
(%)
2.3
2.4
1.4
1.9
2.4
1.3
2.6
0
2.0
2.2
2.5
0.7
2.8
0
Co
(ppm)
254
254
250
225
275
166
231
125
229
197
195
125
256
108
NOTE: Mineral Resources are classified according to CIM (2014) standards. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of
Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The
Qualified Person for the estimates is Mr. David Rennie, P. Eng., an associate of Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. Mineral
Resources for the Santo Domingo Sur, Iris, Iris Norte and Estrellita deposits have an effective date of 13 February 2020.
Mineral Resources for the Santo Domingo Sur, Iris, Iris Norte and Estrellita deposits are reported using a cut-off grade of
0.125% copper equivalent (CuEq). CuEq grades are calculated using average long-term prices of US$3.50/lb) Cu,
US$1,300/oz Au and US$99/(dmt) Fe conc. The CuEq equation is: % Cu Equivalent = (Cu Metal Value + Au Metal Value +
Fe Metal Value) / (Cu Metal Value per percent Cu). The general equation for metal value is: Metal Value = Grade * Cm * R *
(Price – TCRC – Freight) * (100 – Royalty) / 100, were Cm is a constant to convert the grade of metal to metal price units, R
is metallurgical recovery, and TCRC is smelter treatment charges and penalties. Only copper, gold and iron were recognized
in the CuEq calculation; cobalt and sulphur were excluded. Mineral Resources are constrained by preliminary pit shells
derived using a Lerchs–Grossmann algorithm and the following assumptions: pit slopes averaging 45º; mining cost of
US$1.90/t, processing cost of US$7.27/t (including G&A cost); processing recovery of 89% copper and 79% gold, iron
recoveries are calculated based on magnetic susceptibility; and metal prices of US$3.50/lb Cu, US$1,300/oz Au and
US$99/dmt Fe concentrate. Rounding as required by reporting standards may result in apparent summation differences.
Tonnage measurements are in metric units. Copper, iron and sulphur are reported as percentages, gold as grams per tonne
and cobalt as parts per million.
Mr. Carlos Guzman, CMC, an employee of NCL, is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of the
Santo Domingo Mineral Reserves estimate presented in the 2020 Santo Domingo Technical Report. The effective
date of the Mineral Reserves estimate is November 14, 2018.
Pit optimization, mine design and mine planning were carried out by NCL using the 2012 block model prepared
by RPA and did not include consideration of material classified as Inferred. Inferred Mineral Resources were
treated as waste. A block size of 12.5 m Easting x 12.5 m Northing x 12 m Elevation was selected for the block
model. The selected block size was based on the geometry of the domain interpretation and the data configuration.
The mining cost estimate for the pit optimization process is based on studies developed by NCL during 2018. The
estimated average project mining cost was separated into various components such as fuel, explosives, tires,
37
parts, salaries and wages, benchmarked against similar current operations in Chile. Each component was updated
for third quarter 2018 prices and the exchange rate from Chilean Pesos to US dollars. This resulted in an estimated
mining cost of approximately $1.75/t. Estimated metal prices, processing costs, refining costs, and processing
recoveries were provided to NCL by Capstone. A number of calculations were performed in the model in order to
determine the NSR of each individual block. The internal (or mill) cut-off of $7.53/t milled incorporates all operating
costs except mining. This internal cut-off is applied to material contained within an economic pit shell, where the
decision to mine a given block was determined by the pit optimization and was applied to all of the Mineral Reserve
estimates. Marginal ore was calculated for the same $7.53/t cut-off, but for a NSR determined at higher metal
prices. Final slope angles used for the pit optimization process were a result of multiple iterations and analysis
carried out by the NCL mining team and geotechnical specialists Derk Ingeniería y Geología Ltda (“Derk”). The
original block model was based on an ore percentage with dimensions of 12.5 m x 12.5 m x 12 m, resulting in a
1,875 m3 block volume; this means that every block has a defined “ore” proportion with an ore density, and a
corresponding “waste” proportion with a waste density. To accommodate selective mining methods, any resource
block with an ore percentage that was less than 10% was treated as waste. Blocks with an ore percentage that
was higher than 90% were diluted with waste such that all high-ore blocks were considered to contain only 90%
ore. Selective mining therefore will be performed on those blocks that have an ore percentage of between 10%
and 90%. The Santo Domingo Mineral Reserves estimate is summarized in Table 6.
In the opinion of NCL, the factors most likely to significantly affect the Mineral Reserves estimate are metallurgical
recoveries and operating costs (fuel, energy and labour). NCL notes that the base price and changes in metals
prices do not affect the Mineral Reserves estimate to any significant degree, despite being the most important
factor for revenue calculation. A revenue factor of 0.84 was used for the LG shell that was employed as the guide
for the practical design for both the Santo Domingo and Iris Norte pits. This revenue factor is relatively
conservative, allowing for broad swings in metals prices without significantly impacting the Mineral Reserves
estimate.
TABLE 6: SANTO DOMINGO ESTIMATE MINERAL RESERVES AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2019
Stage
Proven Reserves
Tonnes
(Mt)
Grade
Au
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Contained Metal
Fe
(%)
Cu
(kt)
Au
(koz)
Magnetite
Conc. (Mt)
Santo Domingo Sur
65.4
0.61
0.08
30.9
398
169.9
8.2
Probable Reserves
Santo Domingo Sur
Iris Norte
Total Probable
Total Mineral Reserves
252.1
74.8
326.9
0.27
0.13
0.24
0.04
0.01
0.03
27.8
26.9
27.6
674
94
768
300.8
36
336.8
48.2
18.7
66.9
Proven + Probable
392.3
0.30
0.04
28.2
1167
506.7
75.1
NOTE: Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 14 November 2018 and were prepared by Mr. Carlos Guzman, CMC, an
employee of NCL. Mineral Reserves are reported as constrained within Measured and Indicated pit designs and supported
by a mine plan featuring variable throughput rates and cut-off optimization. The pit designs and mine plan were optimized
using the following economic and technical parameters: metal prices of US$3.00/lb Cu, US$1,280/oz Au and US$100/dmt
of Fe concentrate; average recovery to concentrate is 93.4% for Cu and 60.1% for Au, with magnetite concentrate recovery
varying on a block-by-block basis; copper concentrate treatment charges of US$80/dmt, U$0.08/lb of copper refining
charges, US$5.0/oz of gold refining charges, US$33/wmt and US$20/dmt for shipping copper and iron concentrates
respectively; waste mining cost of $1.75/t, mining cost of US$1.75/t ore and process and G&A costs of US$7.53/t processed;
average pit slope angles that range from 37.6º to 43.6º; a 2% royalty rate assumption and an assumption of 100% mining
recovery. Rounding as required by reporting standards may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade
and contained metal content. Tonnage measurements are in metric units. Copper and iron grades are reported as
percentages, gold as grams per tonne. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces, contained copper as million
pounds and contained iron as metric million tonnes.
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4 – RISK FACTORS
Capstone is subject to a number of significant risks due to the nature of our business which includes acquisition,
financing, exploration, development and operation of mining properties. You should carefully consider the risks
and uncertainties described below and other information contained in this Annual Information Form before deciding
whether to invest in Capstone common shares. The risks and uncertainties described below could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, and the trading price of our common
shares may decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment. We cannot give assurance that we can
control or will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business. Additional
risks or uncertainties not presently known to Capstone or that Capstone currently considers immaterial may also
impair our business operations.
Mining is inherently dangerous and subject to conditions or events beyond Capstone’s control.
Capstone’s operations are subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration,
development, care and maintenance of mining operations and production of copper and other metals, including,
without limitation, workplace accidents, fires, including wildfires, power outages, labour disruptions, flooding,
explosions, cave-ins, landslides, ground or stope failures, tailings dam failures and other geotechnical instabilities,
weather events, access to water, equipment failure or structural failure, metallurgical and other processing
problems and other conditions involved in the mining of minerals, any of which could result in damage to, or
destruction of, our mines, mineral properties, plants and equipment, personal injury or loss of life, environmental
damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, care and maintenance costs, asset write-downs, monetary
losses, legal liability and governmental action. Our mines have large tailings dams which could fail as a result of
extreme weather events, seismic activity or for other reasons. The occurrence of any of these events could result
in a prolonged interruption in Capstone’s operations, increased costs for asset protection or care and maintenance
activities that would have a material adverse effect on Capstone’s business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
Wildfires and inclement weather conditions, whether occurring at Capstone’s sites, adjacent lands, or supplier and
downstream sites, may impact our ability to operate, transport or access and supply sites, and increase overall
costs or impact Capstone’s financial performance. In severe circumstances, civil authorities may impose
evacuation orders. Our sites in Arizona and Mexico are subject to drought conditions and create a higher exposure
to wildfire risk.
Changes in the market price of copper and other metals could negatively affect the profitability of the
Company’s operations and financial condition and negatively impact Mineral Reserve estimations or
render our business, or part thereof, no longer economically viable. Our business is largely concentrated
in the copper mining industry, and, as a result, may be negatively impacted by fluctuation in the copper
mining industry generally.
Capstone is concentrated in the copper mining industry, and as such our profitability will be sensitive to changes
in, and our performance will depend, to a greater extent, on the overall condition of the copper mining industry.
The commercial viability of Capstone’s properties and Capstone’s ability to sustain operations is dependent on,
amongst other things, the market price of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver and molybdenum. Depending on the
expected price for any minerals produced, Capstone may determine that it is impractical to continue commercial
production at the Pinto Valley Mine or the Cozamin Mine, or to develop the Santo Domingo Project. A reduction
in the market price of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, iron, or molybdenum may prevent Capstone’s properties from
being economically mined or result in the write-down of assets whose value is impaired as a result of low metals
prices. The market price of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, iron and molybdenum is volatile and is impacted by
numerous factors beyond Capstone’s control, including, amongst others:
the supply/demand balance for any given metal;
international economic and political conditions;
tariffs or taxes imposed by governments;
•
•
•
• expectations of inflation or deflation;
39
increased production due to new mine developments;
international currency exchange rates;
interest rates;
•
•
• global or regional consumptive patterns;
• speculative activities;
• global or regional crises or breakout and spread of contagious illnesses or diseases;
•
• decreased production due to mine closures;
•
improved mining and production methods;
• availability and costs of metal substitutes;
• new technologies that use other materials in place of our products;
• metal stock levels maintained by producers and others; and
•
inventory carry costs.
The effect of these factors on the price of base and precious metals cannot be accurately predicted and there can
be no assurance that the market price of these metals will remain at current levels or that such prices will improve.
A decrease in the market price of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver or molybdenum would affect the profitability of
the Pinto Valley Mine and the Cozamin Mine and could affect Capstone’s ability to finance the exploration and
development of our other properties, which would have a material adverse effect on Capstone’s business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
Within this industry context, the Company’s strategy is to maintain a cost structure that will allow it to achieve
adequate levels of cash flow during the low point in the copper price cycle. Circumstances may arise, however,
where increased certainty of cash flows is considered more important to long term value creation than providing
investors short term exposure to the volatility of metal prices. In these circumstances, the Company may elect to
fix prices within a contractual quotational period and/or to lock in future prices through the variety of financial
derivative instruments available. There are, however, risks associated with programs to fix prices including,
amongst other things, the potential risk that the counter party will not be able to meet their obligations, the risk of
opportunity losses in the event of an increase in the world price of the commodity, the possibility that rising
operating costs will make delivery into hedged positions uneconomic, and production interruption events.
A global pandemic could cause temporary closure of businesses in regions that are significantly impacted by the
health crises, or cause governments to take preventative measures such as the closure of points of entry, including
ports and borders. These restrictive measures along with market uncertainty could cause an economic slowdown
resulting in a decrease in the demand for copper and have a negative impact on base metal prices. The recent
outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a negative impact on copper prices and governmental
actions to contain the outbreak may impact our ability to transport or market our concentrate or cause disruptions
in our supply chains or interruption of production. A material spread of COVID-19 in jurisdictions where we operate
could impact our ability to staff operations.
Financial covenant compliance risks
The terms of Capstone’s amended senior secured corporate revolving credit facility requires that Capstone satisfy
various affirmative and negative covenants and meet certain quarterly financial ratio tests. These covenants limit,
amongst other things, Capstone’s ability to incur further indebtedness if doing so would cause it to fail to meet
certain financial ratio tests. They also limit the ability of Capstone to create certain liens on certain assets or to
engage in certain types of transactions. A failure to comply with these covenants, including a failure to meet the
financial tests or ratios, could result in an event of default and allow lenders to accelerate the debt repayment.
Surety bonding risks
Capstone secures its obligations for reclamation and closure costs with surety bonds provided by leading global
insurance companies in favour of regulatory authorities in Arizona. The regulators could increase Capstone’s
bonding obligations for reclamation and closure activities. Further, these surety bonds include the right of the
surety bond provider to terminate the relationship with Capstone on providing notice of up to 90 days. The surety
40
bond provider would, however, remain liable to the regulatory authorities for all bonded obligations existing prior
to the termination of the bond in the event Capstone failed to deliver alternative security satisfactory to the
regulator.
Capstone remains as an Indemnitor for Minto Explorations Ltd.’s surety bond obligations in the Yukon and could
be liable for the bonded obligations in the event Minto Explorations Ltd. does not satisfy those obligations.
Financing requirement risks
Capstone may require substantial additional capital to accomplish its exploration and development plans and fund
strategic growth and there can be no assurance that financing will be available on terms acceptable to Capstone,
or at all. Capstone may require substantial additional financing to advance the Pinto Valley Mine, and the Cozamin
Mine to achieve designed production rates, to finance potential strategic acquisitions required for growth and to
accomplish any exploration and development plans for the Santo Domingo Project. These financing requirements
could adversely affect Capstone’s ability to access the capital markets in the future. Failure to obtain sufficient
financing, or financing on terms acceptable to Capstone, may result in a delay or indefinite postponement of
exploration, development or production at one or more of our properties. Additional financing may not be available
when needed and the terms of any agreement could impose restrictions on the operation of our business. Failure
to raise financing when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects.
Our operations are subject to geotechnical challenges, which could adversely impact our production and
profitability.
No assurances can be given that unanticipated adverse geotechnical and hydrological conditions such as
landslides, cave-ins, rock falls, slump, ground or stope failures, tailings storage facility failures or releases and pit
wall failures will not occur in the future or that such events will be detected in advance. Due to the age of our mines
and more complex deposits, Capstone’s pit is becoming deeper resulting in higher pitwalls and underground
environments are becoming more complex, potentially increasing the exposure to geotechnical instabilities and
hydrological impacts. Geotechnical instabilities can be difficult to predict and are often affected by risks and
hazards outside of Capstone’s control, such as seismic activity and severe weather events, which may lead to
periodic floods, mudslides, and wall instability.
Capstone’s mine sites have multiple active and inactive tailings storage facilities, including upstream raised dams
and legacy facilities inherited through acquisition activities. Our tailings storage facilities have been designed by
professional engineering firms specializing in this activity. Capstone continues to review and enhance existing
practices in line with international best practices; however, no assurance can be given that these events will not
occur in the future. Tailings storage facilities have the risk of failure due extreme weather events, seismic activity
or for other reasons. The failure of tailings dam facilities or other impoundments could cause severe or catastrophic
environmental and property damage or loss of life. Geotechnical or tailings storage facility failures could result in
the suspension of our operations, limited or restricted access to sites, government investigations, remediation
costs, increased monitoring costs and other impacts, which could result in a material adverse effect on our
operational results and financial position.
Capstone’s ability to acquire properties for growth.
The life of any mine is limited by its Mineral Reserves. As we seek to replace and expand our Mineral Reserves
through exploration, acquisition of interests in new properties or of interests in companies which own the
properties, we encounter strong competition from other companies in connection with the acquisition of properties.
This competition may limit our ability to adequately replace Mineral Reserves.
The sale of our metals is subject to counterparty and market risks.
Capstone enters into concentrate off-take agreements whereby a percentage of planned production of copper
concentrate produced from our mines is committed to various external parties throughout the calendar year. If any
counterparty to any off-take or forward sales agreement does not honour such arrangement, or should any such
41
counterparty become insolvent, Capstone may incur losses on the production already shipped or be forced to sell
a greater volume of our production in the spot market, which is subject to market price fluctuations. In addition,
there can be no assurance that Capstone will be able to renew any of our off-take agreements at economic terms,
or at all, or that Capstone’s production will meet the qualitative and quantitative requirements under such
agreements.
We may face market access restrictions or tariffs.
Capstone could experience market access interruptions or trade barriers due to policies or tariffs of individual
countries, or the actions of certain interest groups to restrict the import of certain commodities. Regional and global
crises including but not limited the breakout of contagious illnesses and global pandemics could significantly impact
our ability to or costs to market and transport our concentrate. Restrictions or interruptions in Capstone’s ability to
transport concentrate across country borders and globally could materially affect our business operations. Our
exported copper concentrate, or the supplies we import may also be impacted, which may impair the
competitiveness of our business.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have an adverse effect on Capstone’s business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar or Mexican peso relative to the US dollar could significantly affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Exchange rate movements can have a significant impact
on Capstone as all of Capstone’s revenue is received in US dollars but a portion of the Company’s operating and
capital costs are incurred in Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos. Also, Capstone is exposed to currency
fluctuations in the Chilean peso relating to expenditures for the Santo Domingo Project. As a result, a strengthening
of these currencies relative to the US dollar will reduce Capstone’s profitability and affect its ability to finance its
operations. While Capstone does not currently have any foreign currency contracts in place to hedge against
currency risk, circumstances may arise in the future where this may be an appropriate strategy to manage costs
and risks.
General economic conditions or changes in consumption patterns may adversely affect Capstone’s
growth and profitability.
Many industries, including the base and precious metals mining industry, are impacted by global market conditions.
Some of the key impacts of financial market turmoil include contraction in credit markets resulting in an increase
in credit risk, devaluations and high volatility in global equity, commodity, foreign exchange and metals markets,
and a lack of market liquidity. A slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including, but not
limited to, reduced consumer spending, increased unemployment rates, deteriorating business conditions,
inflation, deflation, volatile fuel and energy costs, increased consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, changes
in interest rates and changes in tax rates may adversely affect Capstone’s growth and profitability potential.
Specifically:
• a global credit/liquidity issue could impact the cost and availability of financing and our overall liquidity;
• volatility of prices for copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, iron and/or molybdenum may impact our future
revenues, profits and cash flows;
• recessionary pressures could adversely impact demand for our production;
• volatile energy prices, commodity and consumables prices and currency exchange rates could negatively
impact potential production costs; and
• devaluation and volatility of global stock markets could impact the valuation of Capstone’s securities, which
may impact Capstone’s ability to raise funds through future issuances of equity.
These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
42
Capstone’s Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimates and are subject to uncertainty.
Our Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimates and depend upon geological interpretation and
statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be inaccurate. Actual
recoveries of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, iron and molybdenum from mineralized material may be lower than
those indicated by test work. Any material change in the quantity of mineralization, grade or stripping ratio, may
affect the economic viability of Capstone’s properties. In addition, there can be no assurance that metal recoveries
in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production.
Notwithstanding pilot plant tests for metallurgy and other factors, there remains the possibility that the ore may not
react in commercial production in the same manner as it did in testing. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral
Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mining and metallurgy are inexact sciences and,
accordingly, there always remains an element of risk that a mine may not prove to be commercially viable.
Until a deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and
grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the quantity of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
may vary depending on, amongst other things, metal prices, cut-off grades and operating costs. Any material
change in quantity of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources, grade, percent extraction of those Mineral Reserves
recoverable by underground mining techniques or the stripping ratio for those Mineral Reserves recoverable by
open pit mining techniques may affect the economic viability of Capstone’s mining projects.
We face added risks and uncertainties of operating in foreign jurisdictions, including changes in
regulation and policy, and community interest or opposition.
Capstone’s business operates in a number of foreign countries where there are added risks and uncertainties due
to the different economic, cultural and political environments. Our mineral exploration and mining activities may
be adversely affected by political instability and changes to government regulation relating to the mining industry.
Changes in governmental leadership in the US, Chile, and Mexico, could impact Capstone’s operations and local
societal conditions. Other risks of foreign operations include political or social unrest, labour disputes and unrest,
invalidation of governmental orders and permits, corruption, organized crime, theft, war, civil disturbances and
terrorist actions, arbitrary changes in law or policies of particular countries (including nationalization of mines),
trade disputes, foreign taxation, price controls, delays in obtaining or renewing or the inability to obtain or renew
necessary environmental permits, opposition to mining from local communities and environmental or other non-
governmental organizations, social perception impacting our social license to operate, limitations on foreign
ownership, limitations on the repatriation of earnings, limitations on mineral exports and increased financing costs.
Local economic conditions, including higher incidences of criminal activity and violence in areas of Mexico can
also adversely affect the security of our people, operations and the availability of supplies. Capstone may
encounter social and community issues including but not limited to public expression against our activities,
protests, road blockages, work stoppages, or other forms of expression, which may have a negative impact on our
reputation and operations or projects. Opposition to our mining activities by local landowners, communities, or
activist groups may cause significant delays or increased costs to operations, and the advancement of exploration
or development projects, and could require Capstone to enter into agreements with such groups or local
governments.
In addition, risks of operations in Mexico include extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, high rates of
inflation, significant changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to tax regulations, hostage taking
and expropriation. These risks may limit or disrupt Capstone’s projects, reduce financial viability of local
operations, restrict the movement of funds or result in the deprivation of contract rights or the taking of property
by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation. There can be no assurance that changes in the
government or laws or changes in the regulatory environment for mining companies or for non-domiciled
companies will not be made that would adversely affect Capstone’s business, financial condition, results of
operation and prospects.
43
Differences in interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules and
Capstone’s application of those tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules where the tax impact to
the Company is materially different than contemplated may occur and adversely affect Capstone’s business,
financial condition, results of operation and prospects.
Resource nationalism
Governments in certain jurisdictions struggle with depressed economies and as a result have targeted mining
companies for additional revenue by way of increased economic rent for the exploitation of resources in their
countries. Many countries including Chile and Mexico have recently implemented changes to their respective
mining regimes. Future changes could include things such as, but not limited to, law affecting foreign ownership
and take-overs, mandatory government participation, taxation and royalties, working conditions, export duties or
repatriation of income or return of capital.
Our operations are subject to significant governmental regulation, which could significantly limit our
exploration and production activities.
Capstone’s mineral exploration, development and operating activities are subject to governmental approvals and
various laws and regulations governing development, operations, taxes, labour standards and occupational health,
mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use and land claims affecting local communities, First Nations and
Aboriginal populations. The liabilities and requirements associated with the laws and regulations related to these
and other matters may be costly and time-consuming and may restrict, delay or prevent commencement or
continuation of exploration or production operations. We cannot provide definitive assurance that we have been
or will be at all times in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and governmental orders. Failure to
comply with applicable laws, regulations and governmental orders may result in the assessment of administrative,
civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of cleanup and site restoration costs and liens, the issuance of
injunctions to limit or cease operations, the suspension or revocation of permits or authorizations and other
enforcement measures that could have the effect of limiting or preventing production from our operations.
Capstone may incur material costs and liabilities resulting from claims for damages to property or injury to persons
arising from Capstone’s operations. If Capstone is pursued for sanctions, costs and liabilities in respect of these
matters, Capstone’s mining operations and, as a result, Capstone’s financial performance, financial position and
results of operations, could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and
regulations will not be applied in a manner that could limit or curtail our exploration, development or production.
This risk may increase following changes to government leadership or governing parties, or through increasing
societal pressures. Amendments to current laws, tax regimes, regulations and permits governing operations and
activities of mining and exploration companies, or the more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material
adverse impact on Capstone and increase our exploration expenses, capital expenditures, ability to attract funds,
or production costs or reduce production at our producing properties or require abandonment or delays in exploring
or developing our properties.
Capstone is required to obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits,
which is often a costly, time-consuming and uncertain process.
Mining companies, including Capstone, need many environmental, construction and mining permits, each of which
can be time-consuming and costly to obtain, maintain and renew. In connection with our current and future
operations, we must obtain and maintain a number of permits that impose strict conditions, requirements and
obligations on Capstone, including those relating to various environmental and health and safety matters. To
obtain, maintain and renew certain permits, we are required to conduct environmental assessments pertaining to
the potential impact of our current and future operations on the environment and to take steps to avoid or mitigate
those impacts. For example, additional permits will be required to fully exploit the resources at Pinto Valley and
Cozamin. There is a risk that Capstone will not be able to obtain such permits or that obtaining such permits will
require more time and capital than anticipated.
44
Permit terms and conditions can also impose restrictions on how we operate and limits our flexibility in developing
our mineral properties. Many of Capstone’s permits are subject to renewal from time to time, and renewed permits
may contain more restrictive conditions than Capstone’s existing permits. In addition, we may be required to obtain
new permits to expand our operations, and the grant of such permits may be subject to an expansive governmental
review of our operations. Alternatively, we may not be successful in obtaining such permits, which could prevent
Capstone from commencing, extending or expanding operations or otherwise adversely affect Capstone’s
business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects. Further, renewal of our existing permits or
obtaining new permits may be more difficult if we are not able to comply with our existing permits. Applications for
permits, permit area expansions and permit renewals may be subject to challenge by interested parties, which can
delay or prevent receipt of needed permits. The permitting process can also vary by jurisdiction in terms of its
complexity and likely outcomes.
Accordingly, permits required for Capstone’s operations may not be issued, maintained or renewed in a timely
fashion or at all, may be issued or renewed upon conditions that restrict Capstone’s ability to operate economically,
or may be subsequently revoked. Design and construction standards for tailings storage facilities may become
more restricted in the future, impacting our mines’ ability to expand, operate, or renew permits and as a result,
considerable capital expenditures may be required to comply with new standards, regulations and permitting
requirements. Any such failure to obtain, maintain or renew permits, or other permitting delays or conditions,
including in connection with any environmental impact analyses, could have a material adverse effect on
Capstone’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. At the end of 2018, Cozamin mine
increased its Mineral Reserves and will require additional tailings capacity to support the extension of operations.
Cozamin is studying several potential tailings storage facility design options which will require additional permits
and regulatory approvals for construction activities. The proposed option could be more costly to design, construct,
or operate, and may impact the footprint of the mine plan boundaries. The current tailings facility will eventually
reach an optimal capacity limit, after which further expansion stages will not be pursued. This may result in
additional requirements for maintaining the tailings dam post-operation and pre-reclamation activities.
Climatic conditions can affect our operations at the Pinto Valley and Cozamin Mines and our Santo
Domingo Project, or current and future development projects.
The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and are particular to the
geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns
and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures. Additionally, global climatic
conditions can impact the capacity for insurance available in the market which could have a negative effect on
Capstone’s financial condition or risk exposure.
Arizona can be subject to periods of drought. Operations at the Pinto Valley Mine require water for normal
operations. Capstone has entered into a Water Supply Agreement with BHP Copper, but such agreement is
subject to water availability and BHP Copper’s own requirements. A lack of necessary water for a prolonged period
of time could affect operations at the Pinto Valley Mine and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Arizona can also be subject to significant rainfall events which could result in excess water or flooding of the pit,
tailings storage facilities or other significant areas at the Pinto Valley Mine adversely affecting our results of
operations or causing adverse impacts.
Operations at the Cozamin Mine are also subject to extreme adverse weather conditions including, but not limited
to, flooding and drought. The rainy season extends from June until September with an average annual precipitation
of approximately 500mm. Drought has also been prevalent in Central Mexico for years and the effects of lack of
water might disrupt normal process operations.
Extreme weather conditions in Chile, including but not limited to flooding, may have adverse effects on the ability
of the Santo Domingo project to advance development.
45
Changes in climate change regulatory regime could adversely affect our business.
Climate change is an international concern and as a result poses risk of both climate changes and government
policy in which governments are introducing climate change legislation and treaties at all levels of government that
could result in increased costs, and therefore, decreased profitability at some of our operations or projects. As the
regulatory requirements are evolving there is uncertainty to the requirements. Mining is an energy-intensive
business and can result in an increased carbon footprint. Regulation specific to greenhouse gases, emission levels
and energy efficiency is becoming more stringent. Carbon-pricing mechanisms may be introduced in the
jurisdictions we operate or conduct business. New legislation and increased regulation could impose costs on our
operations, customers, and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring
and reporting and other costs to comply with such regulations. The trend towards more stringent regulations and
carbon-pricing mechanisms aimed at reducing the effects of climate change could impact our decision to pursue
future opportunities, or maintain our existing operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our operations are subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations that could significantly limit
our ability to conduct our business.
Our operations are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment,
exploration, development, production, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, tailings facility
management, safety and other matters. Environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on
spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining operations, such
as spills or excessive seepage or dust from tailings storage facilities, which could result in environmental pollution.
A breach of such legislation may result in the imposition of fines and penalties. In addition, certain of our operations
require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving
in the direction of stricter standards and enforcement, higher fines and penalties for non-compliance, more
stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for
companies and their directors, officers and employees. Compliance with changing environmental laws and
regulations may require significant capital outlays, including but not limited to revisions to tailings facility designs,
obtaining additional permits, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions and may cause material
changes or delays in, or the cancellation of, our exploration programs or current operations.
Land reclamation and mine closure requirements may be burdensome and costly.
Land reclamation and mine closure requirements are generally imposed on mining companies, which require
Capstone, amongst other things, to minimize the effects of land disturbance. Additionally, Capstone has lease
agreements, and may enter into agreements in the future, which may require environmental restoration activities
at transportation, storage and shipping facilities such as the Skagway Ore Terminal and the San Manuel Transload
Facility or other properties. Further, the San Manuel Arizona Railroad Company may have increased reclamation
requirements as a rail transportation company. Such requirements may include controlling the discharge of
potentially dangerous effluents from a site and restoring a site’s landscape to its pre-exploration form. The actual
costs of reclamation and mine closure are uncertain and planned expenditures may differ from the actual
expenditures required. Through acquisition activities Capstone may discover or inherit historic tailings or waste
deposits which may require further remediation activities, including but not limited to the historic mining and
processing operations at Chiripa-La Gloria arroyo at the Cozamin Mine. Therefore, the amount that we are required
to spend could be materially higher than current estimates. Any additional amounts required to be spent on
reclamation and mine closure may have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, financial position
and results of operations and may cause Capstone to alter Capstone’s operations. Although we include liabilities
for estimated reclamation and mine closure costs in our financial statements and Life of Mine models, it may be
necessary to spend more than what is projected to fund required reclamation and mine closure activities.
46
There are uncertainties and risks related to the potential development of the Santo Domingo Project.
The development of the Santo Domingo Project will require securing financing and equity partnerships. Capstone's
ability to raise its equity contribution to the Santo Domingo Project may be influenced by future prices of
commodities and the market for project debt.
Various factors may influence the ability to further enhance the value of the Santo Domingo project including but
not limited to the expected timing for commencement of construction, the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates,
grade or recovery rates, an increase in capital requirements or construction expenditures, the timing and terms of
a power purchase agreement, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage or extreme weather
events. Delays to the development of the Santo Domingo project may be influenced by factors such as
dependence on key personnel, availability of contractors, accidents, labour pool constraints, labour disputes,
availability of infrastructure, objections by the communities or environmental lobby of the Santo Domingo Project
and associated infrastructure and other risks of the mining industry. These events could have a material adverse
effect on Capstone’s financial condition, business, operating results and prospects.
Any changes in the Santo Domingo Project parameters or development and construction delays may impact the
timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, success of mining operations,
environmental compliance, and reclamation requirements.
The costs, timing and complexities of developing Capstone’s projects may be greater than anticipated.
Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work is completed on a project. It is
common in mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction,
development and mine start-up. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that our activities will result in profitable
mining operations at our mineral properties. If there are significant delays in when these projects are completed
and are producing on a commercial and consistent scale, or their capital costs were to be significantly higher than
estimates, these events could have a significant adverse effect on Capstone’s results of operation, cash flow from
operations and financial condition.
Mineral rights or surface rights to our properties could be challenged, and, if successful, such challenges
could have a material adverse effect on our production and our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
Title to Capstone’s properties may be challenged or impugned. Our property interests may be subject to prior
unregistered agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects. Surveys have not been
carried out on the majority of our properties and, therefore, in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which
such properties are situated, their existence and area could be in doubt.
A claim by a third party asserting prior unregistered agreements or transfer on any of Capstone’s properties,
especially where Mineral Reserves have been located, could result in Capstone losing a commercially viable
property. Even if a claim is unsuccessful, it may potentially affect Capstone’s current operations due to the high
costs of defending against the claim and its impact on Capstone’s resources. Title insurance is generally not
available for mineral properties and Capstone’s ability to ensure that Capstone has obtained a secure claim to
individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. We rely on title information
and/or representations and warranties provided by our grantors. If we lose a commercially viable property, such a
loss could lower our future revenues or cause Capstone to cease operations if the property represented all or a
significant portion of our Mineral Reserves at the time of the loss.
It may be difficult for Capstone to find and hire qualified people in the mining industry who are situated in
Arizona, Mexico and Chile or to obtain all of the necessary services or expertise in Arizona, Mexico and
Chile or to conduct operations on Capstone’s projects at reasonable rates.
If qualified people and services or expertise cannot be obtained in Arizona, Mexico and Chile, we may need to
seek and obtain those services from people located outside of these areas, which will require work permits and
compliance with applicable laws and could result in delays and higher costs.
47
We are dependent on key management personnel.
We are very dependent upon the personal efforts and commitment of our existing management and our current
operations and future prospects depend on the experience and knowledge of these individuals. Capstone does
not maintain any “key person” insurance. To the extent that one or more of Capstone’s members of management
are unavailable for any reason, or should Capstone lose the services of any of them, a disruption to Capstone’s
operations could result, and there can be no assurance that Capstone will be able to attract and retain a suitable
replacement.
Our directors and officers may have interests that conflict with Capstone’s interests.
Certain of Capstone’s directors and officers also serve as directors or officers, or have significant shareholdings
in, other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and exploiting natural
resource properties. To the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures which Capstone may
participate in, or in ventures which Capstone may seek to participate in, our directors and officers may have a
conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. In all cases
where our directors and officers have an interest in other companies, such other companies may also compete
with Capstone for the acquisition of mineral property investments. As a result of these conflicts of interest, we may
not have an opportunity to participate in certain transactions, which may have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects.
Corruption and bribery risk
Capstone is required to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws of various countries including, Canada,
US, Mexico and Chile. In recent years there has been an increase in enforcement and severity of penalties under
such laws. A company may be found liable for violations by employees, contractors and third party agents.
Capstone has implemented policies and taken measures including training to mitigate the risk of non-compliance,
however, such measures are not always effective in ensuring that Capstone, its employees, contractors and third
party agents comply strictly with such laws. If Capstone is found to be in violation of such laws, this may result in
significant penalties, fines and/or sanctions resulting in a material adverse effect on Capstone’s reputation and
financial results.
Capstone’s insurance does not cover all potential losses, liabilities and damage related to Capstone’s
business and certain risks are uninsured or uninsurable.
In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties and in the conduct of our
operations, certain risks, including but not limited to rock bursts, cave-ins, environmental incidents, fires, flooding,
earthquakes and cyber-attacks may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks. Capstone
currently does not have insurance against all risks and may decide to or become required to accept higher
deductibles or self-insure and not to take out insurance against certain risks as a result of high premiums or for
other reasons. Further, insurance against certain risks, including but not limited to those related to certain
environmental matters, is generally not available to Capstone or to other companies within the mining industry.
Losses from these events may cause Capstone to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect
on Capstone’s business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects.
Our operations will be adversely affected if we fail to maintain satisfactory labour relations.
Our workforce is not unionized with the exception of approximately 371 of the hourly employees at the Pinto Valley
Mine which are represented by six unions, governed by one collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the
United Steelworkers Union which was renewed on May 30, 2018. Additional groups of non-union employees may
seek union representation in the future. Further, relations with employees may be affected by changes in the
scheme of labour relations that may be introduced by the relevant governmental authorities in jurisdictions where
Capstone conducts business. Changes in such legislation or otherwise in our relationship with our employees may
result in higher ongoing labour costs, employee turnover, strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
48
Increased energy prices could adversely affect Capstone’s results of operations and financial condition.
Mining operations and facilities are intensive users of electricity and carbon-based fuels. Energy prices can be
affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including global and regional supply and demand, political and
economic conditions, and applicable regulatory regimes. The prices of various sources of energy may increase
significantly from current levels. An increase in energy prices for which Capstone is not hedged could materially
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to compete successfully with other mining companies.
The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. Capstone faces strong competition from other mining
companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing or capable of producing metals. Many of
these companies have greater liquidity, greater access to credit and other financial resources, newer or more
efficient equipment, lower cost structures, more effective risk management policies and procedures and/or a
greater ability than Capstone to withstand losses. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new
laws or regulations or emerging technologies or devote greater resources to the expansion or efficiency of their
operations than we can. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish
cooperative relationships amongst themselves or with third parties. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors
or alliances amongst current and new competitors may emerge and gain significant market share to our detriment.
Capstone may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in our efforts to hire
experienced mining professionals. Increased competition could adversely affect Capstone’s ability to attract
necessary capital funding, to acquire it on acceptable terms, or to acquire suitable producing properties or
prospects for mineral exploration in the future. As a result of this competition, we may not be able to compete
successfully against current and future competitors, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Further, Capstone may become a target
for a corporate takeover or may decide to engage in a strategic merger. Such activities may create uncertainty
among shareholders and markets and therefore influence share prices.
Capstone may experience difficulties with Capstone’s joint venture partners.
Capstone currently operates the Santo Domingo Project through a joint ownership arrangement with Korea
Resources Corporate (KORES) and may in the future enter into additional joint ownership arrangements with other
partners. Capstone is subject to the risks normally associated with the conduct of joint ownership arrangements,
which include disagreements with Capstone’s partners on how to develop, operate and finance Capstone’s joint
ownership activities, including future acquisitions or the Santo Domingo Project, and possible disputes with
Capstone’s partners regarding joint ownership arrangement matters. These disagreements and disputes may
have an adverse effect on Capstone’s ability to successfully pursue joint ownership arrangements, including the
development of the Santo Domingo Project, which could affect our business, financial condition, results of
operation and prospects.
Capstone acquired the Pinto Valley Mine on an “as is where is” basis, provided indemnities to BHP Copper
and has limited recourse against BHP Copper with respect to many potential liabilities related to the Pinto
Valley Mine.
The Pinto Valley Mine was acquired on an “as is where is” basis with limited representations and warranties. In
addition, Capstone has provided indemnities to BHP Copper with respect to certain liabilities and have limited
recourse against BHP Copper with respect to many potential liabilities related to the Pinto Valley Mine. As a result,
the acquisition of mineral properties, such as the Pinto Valley Mine, may subject Capstone to unforeseen liabilities,
including environmental liabilities.
Capstone may experience cybersecurity threats
We rely on secure and adequate operations of information technology systems in the conduct of our operations.
Access to and security of the information technology systems are critical to our operations. To our knowledge, we
have not experienced any material losses relating to disruptions to our information technology systems. We have
enhanced and implemented ongoing policies, controls and practices to manage and safeguard Capstone and our
49
stakeholders from internal and external cybersecurity threats and to comply with changing legal requirements and
industry practice. Given that cyber risks cannot be fully mitigated and the evolving nature of these threats, we
cannot assure that our information technology systems are fully protected from cybercrime or that the systems will
not be inadvertently compromised or are without failures or defects. Disruptions to our information technology
systems, including, without limitation, security breaches, power loss, theft, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, natural
disasters, and non-compliance by third party service providers and inadequate levels of cybersecurity expertise
and safeguards of third party information technology service providers, may adversely affect the operations of
Capstone as well as present significant costs and risks including, without limitation, loss or disclosure of
confidential, proprietary, personal or sensitive information and third party data, material adverse effect on our
financial performance, compliance with our contractual obligations, compliance with applicable laws, damaged
reputation, remediation costs, potential litigation, regulatory enforcement proceedings and heightened regulatory
scrutiny.
Reputational risk
Capstone is subject to public scrutiny and negative publicity which may impact our public image and reputation
and ultimately impact our social license to operate. Our reputation can be damaged by the actual or perceived
occurrence of any number of events or societal trends.
Legal proceedings
From time to time, Capstone is involved in routine legal matters, including but not limited to, regulatory
investigations, claims, lawsuits, contract disputes and other proceedings in the ordinary course of our business.
There can be no assurances that these matters will not have a material effect on our business.
5 – DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
We have not declared or paid any dividends or distributions on our common shares in the last three financial years
and have no present intention of doing so, as we anticipate that all available funds will be invested to finance the
growth of our business.
6 – DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
6.1
General Description of Capital Structure
Capstone has an authorized capital of an unlimited number of common shares without par value, 400,045,604 of
which were issued and outstanding as of March 16, 2020.
Common Shares
The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at all meetings of the
shareholders of Capstone and each common share confers the right to one vote in person or by proxy at all
meetings of the shareholders. The holders of the common shares, subject to the prior rights, if any, of the holders
of any other class of shares of Capstone, are entitled to receive such dividends in any financial year as the Board
of Directors of Capstone may determine. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Capstone, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the common shares are entitled to receive, subject to the prior rights, if
any, of the holders of any other class of shares, the remaining property and assets of Capstone.
50
7 – MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Trading Price and Volume – Common Shares
Capstone’s common shares are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol “CS”. The following table sets out
the monthly price ranges and volumes of Capstone common shares on all Canadian marketplaces, during the 12
months ended December 31, 2019 and up to the date of this Annual Information Form:
Month
March 2020*
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
Volume in all Canadian
marketplaces
High (C$)
on the TSX
Low (C$)
on the TSX
12,758,524
17,733,466
18,502,005
13,551,797
13,819,723
6,560,095
13,293,962
8,200,912
10,135,537
7,595,646
14,160,568
17,487,614
13,893,125
16,353,276
14,655,632
0.66
0.75
0.92
0.78
0.63
0.59
0.60
0.56
0.60
0.62
0.66
0.73
0.73
0.71
0.72
0.39
0.59
0.68
0.53
0.50
0.49
0.49
0.41
0.51
0.51
0.52
0.63
0.57
0.54
0.56
* includes data from March 1 to March 17, inclusive.
Source: Bloomberg
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8 – DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
8.1
Name and Occupation
As of the date of this AIF, the directors and executive officers of Capstone are as follows:
Name and Address
George L. Brack[2][4]
British Columbia,
Canada
Robert J. Gallagher[3][4]
British Columbia,
Canada
Peter G. Meredith[2][5]
British Columbia,
Canada
Dale C. Peniuk[2][5]
British Columbia,
Canada
Darren M. Pylot
British Columbia,
Canada
SeungWan Shon[6]
Seoul,
Korea
Office held with
Capstone
Chairman and
Director
Principal Occupation during past
five years
Currently the Chairman of Capstone; and a
director of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. and
Alio Gold Inc.
Director Since[1]
May 19, 2009
Director
Director
Director
President and
CEO and
Director
Director
A director of Southern Arc Minerals Inc.,
Japan Gold Corp. and BC Hydro (a crown
corporation); former director and President &
CEO of New Gold Inc.; and former director of
Dynasty Gold Corp. and Yamana Gold Inc.
Chartered Professional Accountant, (CPA,
CA), director of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. and
chairman of Great Canadian Gaming
Corporation.
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA)
and corporate director; a director of Argonaut
Gold Inc., Lundin Mining Corporation and
Miramont Resources Corp.
November 1, 2016
April 25, 2019
May 19, 2009
President and CEO and a director of the
Company; and a director of Zena Mining Corp.
October 23, 2003
February 12, 2020
Currently, team lead of Korea Resources
Corporation (KORES) Copper Metal Team.
Former Manager of Geology Department of
Minera y Metalurgica Boleo Copper Mine,
Senior Manager of KORES Corporate
Partnership business, and Senior Manager,
Exploration of non-metal mineral Deposits in
South Korea.
Richard N. Zimmer[3][4][5]
British Columbia,
Canada
Director
A director of Alexco Resource Corp. and MG
Capital Corporation and chairman of Ascot
Resources Ltd.
June 20, 2011
[1] Each director is appointed for a term of one year, which expires on the date of the annual meeting of shareholders of
Capstone following his or her appointment. Capstone’s next annual meeting is scheduled to be held on April 29, 2020
[2] Member of the Human Resource & Compensation Committee
[3] Member of the Technical, Health, Environmental, Safety & Sustainability Committee
[4] Member of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee
[5] Member of the Audit Committee
[6] Replaced Min Geol Ryu on February 12, 2020
52
Name and Address
Office held with Capstone
Jerrold I. Annett
Ontario,
Canada
Vice President, Strategy &
Capital Markets
Jason P. Howe
British Columbia,
Canada
Wendy A. King
British Columbia,
Canada
Senior Vice President,
Corporate Development
Senior Vice President,
Legal, Risk and
Governance and Corporate
Secretary
Principal Occupation during
past five years
Vice President, Strategy & Capital Markets since
September 2019; previously CEO of Tethyan Resources
from January 2019 to September 2019; SVP Corporate
Development for Arizona Mining & Titan Mining from May
2017 to January 2019. Head of Mining Equities Sales at
Scotiabank from June 2008 to May 2017.
Senior Vice President since February 2020, Vice
President, Corporate Development since October 2016;
previously Vice President, Business Development from
March 2009 to October 2016; President & CEO of Zena
Mining since 2008.
Senior Vice President since February 2020, Vice
President, Legal, Risk and Governance since February
2014 and Corporate Secretary since March 2015;
previously Senior Vice President Government Relations,
General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and
Corporate Secretary for Central 1 Credit Union from
March 2012 to February 2014.
Brad J. Mercer
Alberta,
Canada
Senior Vice President,
Operations & Exploration
Senior Vice President, Operations & Exploration since
January 2019; previously Senior Vice President,
Exploration from March 2013 to December 2018.
Raman S. Randhawa
British Columbia,
Canada
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer since
February 2020; Chief Financial Officer since January
2019; previously Vice President, Finance, Financial
Planning and Analysis from April 2018 to December
2018; previously Vice President of Business Planning,
Vice President Business Performance & Reporting and
Vice President Finance, Operations for Goldcorp Inc.,
from 2013 to 2018.
Note: Paul Jones held the position of Vice President, Business Development and Investor Relations from January 2019 to September 2019.
8.2
Ownership of Securities by Directors and Officers
As at March 16, 2020, the directors and executive officers as a group beneficially owned or exercised control or
direction over, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 11,543,732 Capstone common shares, representing
approximately 3% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Capstone.
8.3
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
To the knowledge of Capstone, after reasonable enquiry, no director or officer of Capstone is, as at the date of
this Annual Information Form, or was within 10 years before the date of this Annual Information Form, a director,
chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including Capstone) that:
a. was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order, or an order that denied the
relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period for
more than 30 consecutive days (together, an “order”), that was issued while the director or officer was
acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or
53
b. was subject to an order that was issued after the director or officer ceased to be a director, chief executive
officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting
in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, except:
Mr. Peter Meredith served as a director of Ivanhoe Energy Inc. (“Ivanhoe Energy”) from December 2007
to December 2014. On February 20, 2015, Ivanhoe Energy filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal
under subsection 50.4(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada). Cease trade orders were issued
against Ivanhoe Energy in Alberta (July 15, 2015), Quebec (May 7, 2015), Manitoba (May 6, 2015),
Ontario (May 4, 2015) and British Columbia (April 14, 2015) in respect of the company failing to file its
audited financial statements and annual management’s discussion and analysis, annual information form
and certification of annual filings for the year ended December 31, 2014. The foregoing cease trade orders
remain in effect. On June 2, 2015, having failed to file a proposal, Ivanhoe Energy was assigned into
bankruptcy. Ivanhoe Energy dissolved on May 16, 2017.
To the knowledge of Capstone, after reasonable enquiry, no director or officer of Capstone, or a shareholder
holding a sufficient number of securities of Capstone to affect materially the control of Capstone:
a.
is as at the date of this Annual Information Form, or has been within the 10 years before the date of this
Annual Information Form, a director or officer of any company that, while that person was acting in that
capacity, or within a year of that person was acting in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal
under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings,
arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to
hold its assets; or
b. has, within the 10 years before the date of this Annual Information Form, become bankrupt, made a
proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any
proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee
appointed to hold the assets of the director, executive officer or shareholder.
To the knowledge of Capstone, after reasonable enquiry, no director or officer of Capstone, or a shareholder
holding a sufficient number of securities of Capstone to affect materially the control of Capstone has been subject
to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory
authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or any other penalties
or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable
investor in making an investment decision.
8.4
Conflicts of Interest
Certain of our directors and officers serve or may agree to serve as directors or officers of other reporting
companies, including public companies as noted in 8.1 above, or have significant shareholdings in other reporting
companies and, to the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which we may participate,
our directors may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such
participation. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of our directors, a director who has a
conflict abstains from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms and such director will
not participate in negotiating and concluding terms of any proposed transaction. From time to time, several
companies may participate in the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties thereby
allowing for their participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a greater number of programs and
reducing financial exposure in respect of any one program. It may also occur that a particular company will assign
all or a portion of its interest in a particular program to another of these companies due to the financial position of
the company making the assignment. Under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, the directors of Capstone
are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of Capstone. In determining whether or not we
will participate in a particular program and the interest therein to be acquired by it, the directors will primarily
consider the degree of risk to which we may be exposed and our financial position at that time. See also Risk
Factors.
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9 – AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
9.1
Audit Committee Terms of Reference
The full text of our Audit Committee Terms of Reference is included as Schedule “A” to this Annual Information
Form.
9.2
Composition of the Audit Committee and Relevant Education and Experience
As of the date of this AIF, our Audit Committee consists of three members all of whom are independent and
financially literate as defined by National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”). The name, relevant
education and experience of each Audit Committee member is outlined below:
Dale C. Peniuk (Chair)
Mr. Peniuk is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and corporate director. In addition to Capstone, Mr.
Peniuk currently serves on the board and as Audit Committee Chair of Lundin Mining Corporation, Argonaut Gold
Inc. and Miramont Resources Corp. and has been on the board and chair of the audit committee of numerous
other Canadian public mining companies since 2006. Mr. Peniuk obtained a B.Comm from the University of British
Columbia in 1982 and his Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British
Columbia (now the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia) in 1986, and spent more than 20
years with KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants (now KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants) and
predecessor firms, the last 10 of which as an assurance partner with a focus on mining companies.
Peter G. Meredith
Mr. Meredith is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and corporate director. Mr. Meredith currently
serves as chairman of the board and as a member of the audit committee of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
and has been on the board and a member of the audit committee of numerous other Canadian public mining
companies. Mr. Meredith spent thirty-one years with Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, and retired
as a partner in 1996. Mr. Meredith held the offices of Chief Financial Officer of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. and Chief
Financial Officer of Ivanhoe Capital Corporation. Mr. Meredith is a member of the Chartered Professional
Accountants of British Columbia and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.
Richard N. Zimmer
Mr. Zimmer is a corporate director. Mr. Zimmer has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and amongst
other degrees and designations, he has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Saskatchewan.
Mr. Zimmer has held other various executive positions with both major and junior mining companies, including
being the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Far West Mining Ltd. Mr. Zimmer currently serves as
the Chair of Ascot Resources Ltd. and a director of Alexco Resources Corp. and MG Capital Corporation. Mr.
Zimmer has extensive experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements and an understanding of internal
controls and procedures for financial reporting as both a director and senior executives of both private and public
companies.
9.3
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of our most recently completed financial year was a recommendation of the
Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Board of Directors.
9.4
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee pre-approves all non-audit services provided by our external auditor and has established
policies and procedures accordingly. When a new service is proposed by Capstone’s external auditor,
management confirms with the audit engagement partner that there is no independence concern related to the
55
proposed service. Once it is confirmed by the audit engagement partner and the Chair of the Audit Committee that
the proposed service(s) would not impair the auditor’s independence, the matter is raised to the Audit Committee
for approval before management proceeds with engaging the external auditor to perform the proposed service(s).
9.5
External Auditors Service Fees (By Category)
The aggregate fees billed by our external auditors in the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
are as follows:
Year Ending
Audit Fees1
Audit-Related Fees2
Tax Fees3
All Other Fees4
December 31, 2019
C$892,000
C$nil
C$99,000
C$35,000
December 31, 2018
C$912,000
C$144,000
C$160,000
C$345,000
1 This amount includes the fees billed for the audit of the annual consolidated financial statements and for the interim
review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
2 This amount relates to the Minto Mine specified procedures and standalone audit work during 2018. These fees were
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
3 The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. All fees
for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
4 The aggregate fees billed that are not “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” or “Tax Fees”. These fees in 2019 related
primarily to Human Resources and Finance strategy advisory services, and the fees in 2018 related primarily to IT and
Human Resources strategy advisory services. All fees for other professional services were pre-approved by the Audit
Committee.
10 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
Legal Proceedings
Capstone was not subject to any material legal proceedings throughout the recently completed financial year.
Capstone is, from time to time, involved in legal claims, proceedings and complaints arising in the ordinary course
of business. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that any
adverse decision in such proceedings or complaints will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or operations of Capstone. The directors and management know of no contemplated or pending
proceedings against anyone that might materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Regulatory Actions
Capstone is not subject to:
• any penalties or sanctions imposed against Capstone by a court relating to securities legislation or by a
securities regulatory authority during the financial year ended December 31, 2019; or
• any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against Capstone that would likely
be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision; or
• settlement agreements Capstone entered into before a court relating to securities legislation or with a
securities regulatory authority during the financial year ended December 31, 2019.
11 – INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, no director, executive officer or principal shareholder of Capstone, or any
associate or affiliate of the foregoing, have had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction within
the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year prior to the date of this Annual
Information Form that has materially affected or will materially affect Capstone.
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12 – TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare Investor Services Inc., at 3rd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3B9, is
the transfer agent and registrar of our common shares, and Computershare Investor Services Inc., at 11th Floor,
100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1, is the co-transfer agent and registrar.
13 – MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, that were entered into by
Capstone between January 1, 2019 and as of the date of this AIF, or before that time, but that are still in effect are
listed below:
1. Shareholders’ Agreement between the Company, KORES, Korea Chile Mining Corporation and 0908113
BC Ltd. dated June 17, 2011 with respect to the ownership of the Santo Domingo Project. This agreement
governs the conduct of the business and affairs of 0908113 B.C. Ltd. and the relationship of the
parties, and provides restrictions on transfer of title and ownership of shares. A copy of the Shareholders’
Agreement is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
2. The Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“the RCF”) between Capstone, Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Canadian Branch, Citibank, N.A.,
Canadian Branch, Bank of Montreal, Export Development Canada, National Bank of Canada, and ING
Capital LLC was amended on April 19, 2017 and further amended effective July 25, 2019. The RCF was
amended in 2019 as follows
• The Bank of Nova Scotia will retire as Administrative Agent and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
will become the successor Administrative Agent;
• The maturity of the RCF was extended to July 25, 2022;
• Removal of 50 basis point increase in the pricing grid;
• Removal of future amortizations of the credit limit on each anniversary of the facility; and
• Rate will remain at LIBOR plus 2.75% based on current net debt to EBITDA ratio.
A copy of the RCF and the related amendments are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
14 – INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
14.1 Names of Experts
Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants (“Deloitte”), Capstone’s independent auditors, have prepared
an auditors’ report dated February 11, 2020, on Capstone’s annual consolidated financial statements as of and
for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 which have been filed on SEDAR. Deloitte have
confirmed they are independent of Capstone within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the
Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.
The following persons or companies have prepared or certified a statement, report or valuation in this Annual
Information Form, and whose profession or business gives authority to the statement, report or valuation made by
the person or company: Chris Martin, CEng MIMMM, Gregg Bush, P.Eng., Jenna Hardy, P.Geo., Humberto
Preciado, PhD, P.E., Kenneth Major, P.Eng., Darren Kennard, P.Eng., Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Vivienne
McLennan, P.Geo., Corolla Hoag, CPG, SME-RM, Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Claydon Craig, P.Geo., Klaus
Triebel, CPG, John Marek, PE, Tony Freiman, PE, Carlos Guzman, CMC, David W. Rennie, P.Eng., Joyce
Maycock, P.Eng., Antonio Luraschi, CMC, Marcial Mendoza, CMC, Dr. Mario Bianchin, P. Geo., Roy Betinol,
P.Eng., Roger Amelunxen, P. Eng., Lyn Jones, P.Eng., Michael Gingles, QP MMSA and Tom Kerr, P.Eng.
57
14.2
Interests of Experts
Except as listed below, none of the experts named under “Names of Experts”, when or after they prepared the
statement, report or valuation, has received or holds any registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, in any
securities or other property of Capstone or of one of Capstone’s associates or affiliates (based on information
provided to us by the experts) or is expected to be elected, appointed or employed as a director, officer or
employee of Capstone or of any of our associates or affiliates.
Tucker Jensen, Vivienne McLennan and Gregg Bush beneficially own, directly or indirectly, less than one percent
of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
Tucker Jensen, Klaus Triebel and Claydon Craig are employees of Pinto Valley Mining Corp, Vivienne McLennan
is an employee of Capstone and Gregg Bush is a consultant to Capstone (Non-Independent per NI 43-101).
15 – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to Capstone may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including financial and
other information in our consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the year
ended December 31, 2019, under “Capstone Mining Corp.”
Additional information, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of
Capstone’s securities, and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is contained in
Capstone’s Information Circular for our most recent annual general meeting of security holders that involved the
election of directors.
58
SCHEDULE A
1. PURPOSE
AUDIT COMMITTEE
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The overall purpose of the Audit Committee of Capstone Mining Corp. (“Capstone”) is to assist the Board of
Directors (the “Board”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities related to the quality and integrity of financial
reporting, including ensuring fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of Capstone in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee will also ensure that
management has designed and implemented an effective system of internal financial controls and review their
compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements as they relate to consolidated financial statements,
taxation matters and disclosure of material facts.
2. COMPOSITION
A. The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three members of the Board, all of whom shall be
“independent directors”, as that term is defined in National Instrument 52-110, “Audit Committees”.
B. The Board, at its organizational meeting held in conjunction with each annual general meeting of the
shareholders, shall appoint the members of the Audit Committee for the ensuing year. The Board may
at any time remove or replace any member of the Audit Committee and may fill any vacancy in the
Audit Committee.
C. The Board shall have appointed the chair of the Audit Committee on an annual basis.
D. All of the members of the Audit Committee shall be “financially literate” (i.e. able to read and understand
a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of the issues that can
reasonably be expected to be raised by Capstone’s consolidated financial statements).
E. The secretary of the Audit Committee shall be designated from time to time from one of the members
of the Audit Committee or, failing that, shall be the Corporate Secretary, unless otherwise determined
by the Audit Committee.
F. The quorum for meetings shall be a majority of the members of the Audit Committee, present in person
or by telephone or other telecommunication device that permits all persons participating in the meeting
to speak and to hear each other.
3. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The overall duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee shall be as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
To assist the Board in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to accounting principles,
reporting practices and internal controls and its approval of Capstone’s annual and quarterly
consolidated financial statements;
To ensure that management has designed, implemented and is maintaining an effective
system of internal financial controls;
To assist the Board in the fulfilment of its enterprise risk management oversight specifically
relating to financial risks affecting Capstone, including but not limited to the significant
financial risks identified by management in Capstone’s corporate risk register and the
significant financial risks disclosed in Capstone’s continuous and other public disclosure
documents such as the interim and annual financial statements, the interim and annual
management’s discussion and analysis, and the annual information form; and
iv.
To report regularly to the Board in the fulfilment of its duties and responsibilities.
B. The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee as they relate to the external auditors shall, in
general, be to oversee the work of the external auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing
an auditor’s report or performing other audit, review or attest services for Capstone, including the
resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding financial
reporting. Specifically, these duties and responsibilities include the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
To recommend to the Board a firm of external auditors to be engaged by Capstone, and to
consider the independence of such external auditors;
To review and pre-approve the audit and any other services rendered by the external auditors
and review the fee, scope and timing of these services;
To review the audit plan of the external auditors prior to the commencement of the audit;
To review with the external auditors, upon completion of their audit, the following:
a) content of their report to the Audit Committee;
b) scope and quality of the audit work performed;
c) adequacy of Capstone’s financial and auditing personnel;
d) co-operation received from Capstone’s personnel during the audit;
e) significant transactions outside of the normal business of Capstone;
f) significant proposed adjustments and recommendations for improving internal
accounting controls, accounting principles or management systems;
g) any significant changes to their audit plan; and
h) any serious difficulties or disputes with management encountered during the
audit;
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
To discuss with the external auditors the quality and not just the acceptability of accounting
principles;
To implement structures and procedures to ensure that the Audit Committee meets the
external auditors on a regular basis in the absence of management;
To review the performance of the external auditors, making recommendations to the auditors,
to management and/or to the Board as appropriate; and
To review and approve hiring policies for employees or former employees of the past and
present external auditors.
C. The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee as they relate to the internal control
procedures are to:
i. Review and approve the internal control assessment plan;
ii. Review any significant findings and recommendations, and management’s response thereto;
iii. Review the appropriateness and effectiveness of the policies and business practices which
impact on the financial integrity of Capstone, including those relating to internal auditing,
accounting, information services and systems and financial controls, management reporting and
risk management;
iv. Review any unresolved issues between management and the external auditors that could affect
the financial reporting or internal controls;
v. Review all material written communications between the external auditors and management;
and
vi. Periodically review
to which
financial and auditing procedures and
recommendations made by the internal audit staff or by the external auditors have been
implemented.
the extent
the
D. The Audit Committee is also charged with the responsibility to:
i.
Review the quarterly financial statements and associated MD&A and earnings release and
recommend approval to the Board with respect thereto;
ii.
Review and approve the financial sections of:
a)
the annual report to shareholders;
b)
the annual information form;
c) prospectuses and other offering documents; and
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
d) other public reports requiring approval by the Board and report to the Board with
respect thereto;
Review regulatory filings and decisions as they relate to the consolidated financial
statements;
Review the appropriateness of the policies and procedures used in the preparation of the
consolidated financial statements and other required disclosure documents, and consider
recommendations for any material change to such policies;
Review and report on the integrity of the consolidated financial statements;
Review the minutes of any audit committee meetings of subsidiary companies;
Review with management, the external auditors and, if necessary, with legal counsel, any
litigation, claim or other contingency, including tax assessments that could have a material
effect upon the financial position or operating results and the manner in which such matters
have been disclosed in the consolidated financial statements;
Review the compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements as they relate to
consolidated financial statements, tax matters and disclosure of material facts;
Receive a report annually from management of all accounting firms employed, other than the
principal external auditors, with such report to include the nature of the services performed
and the fees charged;
Develop a calendar of activities to be undertaken by the Audit Committee for each ensuing
year and to submit the calendar in the appropriate format to the Board following each annual
general meeting of shareholders;
xi.
Establish and periodically review procedures for:
a)
b)
the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and
the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters; and
xii.
Review the adequacy of the Terms of Reference annually, proposing modifications as
appropriate.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIR
The fundamental responsibility of the Audit Committee Chair is to be responsible for the management and
effective performance of the Audit Committee and provide leadership to the Audit Committee in fulfilling its core
responsibilities and any other matters delegated to it by the Board. To that end, the Audit Committee Chair’s
responsibilities shall include:
A. Working with the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer and the Corporate Secretary to
establish the frequency of the Audit Committee meetings;
B. Providing leadership to the Audit Committee and presiding over Audit Committee meetings;
C. Facilitating the flow of information to and from the Audit Committee and fostering an environment in
which Audit Committee members may ask questions and express their viewpoints;
D. Reporting to the Board with respect to the significant activities of the Audit Committee and any
recommendations of the Audit Committee;
E. Leading the Audit Committee in annually reviewing and assessing the adequacy of its terms of
reference and evaluating its effectiveness in fulfilling its terms of reference; and
F. Taking such other steps as are reasonably required to ensure that the Audit Committee carries out its
core responsibilities under its terms of reference.
5. AUTHORITY
A. The Audit Committee shall have access to such officers and employees and to such information
respecting Capstone, as it considers to be necessary or advisable in order to perform its duties and
responsibilities.
B. The external auditors shall have a direct line of communication to the Audit Committee through its Chair
and may bypass management if deemed necessary. The Audit Committee, through its Chair, may
contact directly any Capstone employee as it deems necessary, and any employee may bring before
the Audit Committee any matter involving questionable, illegal or improper financial practices or
transactions.
C. The Audit Committee shall have authority to engage independent counsel, consultants and other
advisors at the expense of Capstone, as it determines to be necessary or advisable to carry out its
duties and responsibilities, including setting and authorizing the payment of the compensation for any
advisors employed by the Audit Committee, and to communicate directly with the internal and external
auditors.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY
A. The Audit Committee Chair has the responsibility to make periodic reports to the Board, as requested,
on financial reporting and internal financial control matters relative to Capstone.
B. The Audit Committee shall report its discussions to the Board by maintaining minutes of its meetings
and providing an oral report at the next Board meeting.
7. MEETINGS
Meetings of the Audit Committee shall be conducted as follows:
A. The Audit Committee shall meet at least four times annually at such times and at such locations as
may be requested by the Chair of the Audit Committee. The external auditors or any member of the
Audit Committee may request a meeting of the Audit Committee;
B. Notice of the time and place of every meeting of the Audit Committee shall be given in writing to each
member of the Audit Committee a reasonable time before the meeting;
C. The external auditors shall receive notice of and have the right to attend all meetings of the Audit
Committee;
D. Agendas for meetings of the Audit Committee shall be developed by the Chair of the Audit Committee
in consultation with management and the Corporate Secretary, and should be circulated to Audit
Committee members one week prior to Audit Committee meetings;
E. The following management representatives shall be invited to attend all meetings, except executive
sessions and private sessions with the external auditors:
i.
ii.
Chief Executive Officer; and
Chief Financial Officer;
F. Other management representatives shall be invited to attend as necessary;
G. A member of the Audit Committee may be designated as the liaison member to report on the
deliberations of the Audit Committee to the Board; and
H. All meetings shall include an in-camera session of independent directors without management present.