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the power
of silver
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Focused on Silver.
Focused on Growth.
Vancouver-based First Majestic Silver Corp. is one
of the industry’s fastest-growing silver producers.
With four operations in the US and Mexico, First
Majestic has grown from one small mine in 2004
to a 27 million ounce silver-equivalent producer
today. The Company employs more than 5,200
workers across its operating mines and ranks as
one of Mexico’s leading employers. After 19 years
in business, First Majestic continues to reach new
production milestones as it modernizes, expands
operations, acquires new mines and explores for
new resources. The Company has developed a
leading reputation for community outreach and
support, especially through its comprehensive
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Mines and Projects
IN PRODUCTION NEVADA, USA
JERRITT CANYON GOLD MINE
IN PRODUCTION MEXICO
SANTA ELENA SILVER/GOLD MINE
LA ENCANTADA SILVER MINE
SAN DIMAS SILVER/GOLD MINE
PROJECTS MEXICO
LA PARRILLA SILVER MINE
DEL TORO SILVER MINE
SAN MARTIN SILVER MINE
LA GUITARRA SILVER MINE
From the Team’s Perspective:
Photography in this Annual Report
Once again, we are both pleased and proud to feature photos
taken by employees at our operations. Some of the images were
part of a company-wide photo contest conducted in 2021.
As in the previous year, the contest aligned with First Majestic’s
Heart-Mind and Well-Being initiative, where we brought employees
together through our Company intranet to share knowledge on
various wellness topics, including managing pandemic stress
and demands.
I’m pleased to report this initiative was received enthusiastically
with participation throughout the Company. The photos in this
report reflect the closeness, community and shared support
amongst our First Majestic Family.
Jill Anne Arias
Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Table of Contents
02 Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Values
05 Milestones in 2021
05 Operating and Financial Highlights
06 Looking Ahead
07 Why Silver is More Essential than Ever
08 Message from the President and CEO
10 Letter from the Chief Operating Officer
11 Financial Review
12 Our Senior Leadership
14 Community, Health and Safety
16 Environmental Review
18 Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine
20 San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine
22 Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine
24 La Encantada Silver Mine
26 Reserves & Resources
29 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
77 Management Discussion & Analysis
Our Vision
FIRST MAJESTIC’S VISION
WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR VISION BY:
IS TO BECOME THE
WORLD’S LARGEST PRIMARY
SILVER PRODUCER WHILE
IMPROVING LIVES AND
COMMUNITIES IN OUR HOST
REGIONS AND INCREASING
SHAREHOLDER VALUE.
Continuing to hire the industry’s
best talent.
Aggressively pursuing the development
of our existing property assets.
Maximizing margins and minimizing risk
through company-wide R&D, optimization
and modernization.
Ongoing investment in exploration.
Acquiring additional mineral assets
focused on silver & gold.
02
Our Mission
OUR MISSION IS TO SAFELY PRODUCE PROFITABLE OUNCES
AND TO OPTIMIZE AND GROW OUR MINERAL RESOURCES
THROUGH ETHICAL, INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES THROUGH AN EMPOWERED WORK FORCE
THAT ENCOURAGES CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND
PERMANENCE OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Our Values
TRUST Act and firmly believe in
commitment and dedication of each other.
ATTITUDE Maintain a strong
positive disposition and commit in order
to learn and change.
ACCOUNTABILITY Take
ownership of our responsibilities and
meet our commitments.
HONESTY Always tell the truth,
have strong moral principles
CREATIVITY Turn new and
imaginative ideas into better ways of
doing things.
SUSTAINABILITY Work
to improve the quality of life of the
communities where we operate, while
using the best practices.
LOYALTY Be true to our values,
always look after the best interest of
our co-workers and families
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
03
“ FIRST MAJESTIC GENERATED
RECORD ANNUAL REVENUES
OF $584.1 MILLION IN 2021,
61% HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.”
04
Milestones in 2021
Achieved the highest
production of our 19-year
history
Achieved the strongest
production quarter (Q4)
in the Company’s history
Record gold production
of 192,353 ounces
(2020 = 100,081 ounces)
Acquired the Jerritt
Canyon Gold Mine in
Nevada, USA
Record silver equivalent
production of 26.9 million
ounces
(2020 = 20.4 million ounces)
Began initial production at
the Ermitaño mine near
Santa Elena, ahead of
schedule
Total capital expenditures
of $219.8 million
Generated record sales of over $10 million from our
on-line Silver Bullion Store
Operating and Financial Highlights
All dollar amounts in this report US$ unless otherwise indicated
OPERATING
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Silver equivalent ounces produced
26,855,783
20,379,010
25,554,288
22,243,071
16,207,905
Silver ounces produced
Gold ounces produced
Cash costs per silver equivalent ounce3
All-in Sustaining Costs per silver equivalent ounce3
FINANCIAL (Millions except per share amounts)
Revenues
Mine 0perating earnings
Net (loss) earnings
(Loss) earnings per share (“EPS”) - basic
Free Cash Flow (2021,2020,2019)2, 3
12,842,944
11,598,380
13,241,118
11,679,452
9,749,591
192,353
100,081
134,580
111,084
62,991
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
13.23
18.84
2021
584.1
101.4
(4.9)
(0.02)
(16.9)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
9.00
14.03
2020
363.9
105.1
23.1
0.11
30.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8.74
12.62
2019
363.9
66.2
(40.5)
(0.20)
91.0
$
$
$
$
N/A1
N/A1
2018
300.9
(11.9)
(204.2)
(1.11)
N/A
$
$
$
$
N/A1
N/A1
2017
252.3
16.0
(53.3)
(0.32)
N/A
1. N/A: “Not available”. The Company transitioned its cost reporting from Cost per Payable Silver Ounce to a Cost per Payable Silver Equivalent Ounce (“AgEq” Oz) basis effective January 1, 2021.
Costs for 2020 and 2019 have been retrospectively adjusted to Payable Silver Equivalent Ounces while figures shown for 2018 and earlier are reported on a Cost per Payable Silver Ounce basis.
Management believes the change to using Payable AgEq Oz will provide management and investors with an improved ability to evaluate operating performance of the Company, as it eliminates
volatility in Cash Cost and AISC per ounce due to market volatility in silver and gold prices as well as timing of by-product credit sales.
2. Effective December 31, 2021, the company has started reporting free cash flow and has transitioned away from cash flow per share, as this non-GAAP measure of liquidity is being widely adopted
and has replaced cash flow per share within the industry. Management has retrospectively calculated and reported this figure for 2020 and 2019 within the year-end MD&A.
3. The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce
sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and free cash flow. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and
the methods used by the Company to calculate such measures may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See “Non-GAAP Measures” on pages 45 to 53 for a
reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures in the Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”).
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
05
Looking Ahead
anticipating
another record
year “ 2022 IS ABOUT PRODUCTION GROWTH, FOCUSING ON SAFETY,
COST REDUCTIONS, INNOVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS WILL INCLUDE A FULL
YEAR OF PRODUCTION FROM BOTH THE JERRITT CANYON
AND ERMITAÑO MINES.”
—Steve Holmes, COO
KEY GOALS FOR 2022
Grow annual silver
equivalent production
to a record 32.2 to 35.8
million ounces
Increase silver
production to 12.2 to 13.5
million ounces
Increase gold production
to a record 258,000-
288,000 ounces
Aggressive exploration
investment, both
brownfield and
greenfield, of $45.2
million, including
320,000 metres of
exploration drilling
06
Capital investments of
$207.8 million, focused
on technology, plant
modernization and
expansion, including our
new “green” energy LNG
power generating plant
at Santa Elena
Continued
improvements in
metallurgical recoveries
through implementation
of fine grinding and
other ongoing R&D
initiatives
Digital modernization of
our underground mining
operations
Further strengthen our
leadership and technical
teams across the
Company
anticipating
another record
year
A Very Special Metal
The Power of Silver speaks primarily to
the metal’s most important properties:
conductivity and reflectivity. It’s why we
say there is no substitute for silver, and why
our vision is to become the largest primary
silver producer.
While silver is an important precious metal
for investment, its utility is what makes
it unique and most valuable—especially
as the world develops new technology to
reduce greenhouse gases, manage climate
change and meet skyrocketing demand for
electric vehicles.
While investment demand remains an
important segment of silver consumption,
First Majestic’s vision is built upon silver’s
fundamental value as an industrial metal.
Looking ahead for 2022, we believe
the world’s post-COVID economies will
continue to drive strong industrial silver
demand, maintaining or strengthening the
current supply deficit.
FIRST MAJESTIC’S SILVER
BULLION STORE: BUY SILVER FROM
THE SOURCE
Now in its 14th year, with a record of
$10 million of bullion products sold in 2021
alone, First Majestic’s unique Silver Bullion
Store offers investors and silver enthusiasts
the opportunity to purchase physical silver
mined from our Mexico operations. At
www.store.firstmajestic.com, you can buy
silver bullion online, securely, 24/7. We offer
high quality 0.999-fine silver rounds, ingots,
bars and medallions at one of the lowest
premiums on per-ounce silver prices on the
internet. Worldwide secure shipping and the
ability to track your order is available. Due
to high demand, we are now also selling our
#tripledigitsilver t-shirts online as well —
grab your t-shirt today!
Here’s why First Majestic remains
focused on silver:
• Annual global silver consumption
totals over 1 billion ounces
• The silver industry operated in a
physical deficit of 51.8 Moz in 2021,
with the Silver Institute forecasting a
71.5 Moz deficit in 2022
• Silver demand increased 19% from
2020 to 2021
• ~80% of silver is sourced from mining,
with ~20% sourced from recycling
• Scrap recycling is near historic lows
• Silver boasts higher electrical
conductivity than copper
• Industrial/technical applications
consume 57% of the annual silver
supply, including:
− Solar power
− Electronics
− Automotive manufacturing
− Medicine
− Water purification
− Window manufacturing
− 3D Printing
− Jewelry, silverware and
coins/bullion consume the
remaining 43%
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
07
Message from the President and CEO
the power
of silver
The Power of Silver underlies two fundamental beliefs
that fueled our accomplishments in 2021. One is how
our confidence in silver’s value has helped First Majestic
grow and prosper, thereby bettering the lives of our
employees and for citizens of the regions in which we
operate. The other is silver’s power to drive industry and
technology forward towards a better future.
In short, The Power of Silver is why we’re in business.
Silver has generated exceptional growth for First
Majestic, including record production and revenues
in 2021. Over the past ten years, our silver equivalent
production has grown from 7.5 million ounces to
nearly 27 million ounces. In the coming year, we expect
to produce more than 32 million ounces of silver
equivalent—an increase of 18 percent over 2021.
In the bigger picture, silver is essential for industry,
especially for new and innovative technologies that are
helping reduce greenhouse gases, power the world
and improve lives through cleaner water, medical
advancements and countless innovations to come.
Silver’s utility will only increase in the years ahead.
08
Two key events marked our growth in 2021. One was
acquisition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada.
The other was the start-up of our Ermitaño mine, situated
only four kilometres away from the Santa Elana milling
operation. The two mines, Jerritt Canyon and Ermitaño,
are expected to produce over 150,000 ounces of gold for
our production mix in 2022. While we remain focused
on silver, this base of gold production gives us revenue
stability and diversification.
Jerritt Canyon, located near Elko, Nevada, represents our
first acquisition outside of Mexico. It met all our criteria as
an operating mine which we feel we can build upon and
develop into a very profitable and larger operation. With the
changing geopolitical landscape in Mexico, we also believed
First Majestic’s growth and stability would be enhanced with
production from another top jurisdiction for mining.
Our gold revenue will also allow us to sell silver more
strategically. We can limit silver sales, or even temporarily
suspend sales, when silver prices are down.
We developed the Ermitaño mine which is part of the
Santa Elena operation, ahead of schedule in November.
As a result, Santa Elena achieved record quarterly
production in Q4. Ermitaño is expected to significantly
increase production and reduce costs at Santa Elena as
it ramps up through 2022.
PHOTO: Jose Pacheco Ochoa
“ JERRITT CANYON MET
ALL OUR CRITERIA AS AN
OPERATING MINE WHICH
WE FEEL WE CAN BUILD UPON
AND DEVELOP INTO A VERY
PROFITABLE AND LARGER
OPERATION.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With added revenue from both Jerritt Canyon and
Ermitaño, combined with our solid cash position of
$237.9 million, we’re making record investments in
exploration and development in 2022 to increase reserves
and production at all our mines in the years ahead.
We’re also investing heavily in mine improvements,
including mine digital innovation, fine grinding technology,
plant modernization and expansion of the LNG power
generation plant at Santa Elena.
In addition, we will continue seeking new M&A
opportunities, focused on silver producers in top mining
jurisdictions. Our vision is to become the largest global
primary silver producer, and internal growth plus M&A
remains our key strategy for achieving that vision.
In closing, I want to offer special thanks and
congratulations to our former CFO Ray Polman, who
retired from First Majestic after 15 years of exceptional
contributions to this company. Always a gentleman,
working with Ray was a pleasure. The First Majestic
Family wishes him a very happy retirement.
I also congratulate our entire team, in Mexico, Nevada and
Vancouver, for continuing to move us even closer towards
our vision. We continue to grow as the “First Majestic
Family,” for which I’m most grateful. I look forward to the
very exciting year ahead.
Keith Neumeyer
President and CEO
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
09
Letter from the Chief Operating Officer
The key event for First Majestic in 2021 was acquisition
of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada. This strategic
move marked a major step for our production growth
and diversification.
While First Majestic remains first and foremost a silver
company, having a dependable base of gold production
outside of Mexico provides a stable base for growth in a
premium, dependable, pro-mining US state. As noted in
The Fraser Institute’s latest survey, Nevada is the world’s
number one mining jurisdiction.
Jerritt Canyon has quickly become a top contributing
asset for the Company. It’s what I call a “turnaround”
project—we are rebuilding the project, one step at a time,
starting with exploration and development, followed by
production increase and cost reductions. Our goal is to
return Jerritt Canyon back to its previous status as one of
Nevada’s top mines.
To achieve these objectives, we were fortunate to bring
in a top leadership team, primarily from major operators
within Nevada, to manage this transformation. Our goal is
to safely reach the 200,000-ounce annual production level
at Jerritt Canyon in 2024.
With over 100 square miles of exploration territory and
rich targets, Jerritt Canyon also offers exceptional long-
term potential. In the coming year alone, we’re planning
138,000 metres of exploration drilling to test over 25
high-priority targets.
Other key achievements for the Company in 2021 included
record quarterly production in Q4, with 8.6 million silver
equivalent ounces produced. The total included gold
production of 67,411 ounces, representing the Company’s
highest-ever quarterly gold production. Our San Dimas and
Santa Elena operations achieved the highest ever quarterly
production since becoming part of our portfolio.
It’s important to note that all our mines produce doré bars
and not concentrate. Doré provides significant advantages
through lower refining, storage and shipping costs, and
integrates seamlessly into our fast-growing bullion sales.
10
Our strong Q4 performance contributed to record annual
production of 26.9 million silver equivalent ounces, an
increase of 11% over 2020, boosted by highest ever gold
output of 193,353 ounces. This figure marks a 92% increase
in gold production over 2020, due primarily to the opening of
Ermitaño and new production from Jerritt Canyon.
To make an aggressive company like First Majestic grow,
we must find new ore sources to feed our mill capacity.
We drilled over 227,000 metres in 2021, with active
programs across all mines. At the end of Q4, 21 drill rigs
were active in Mexico and Nevada. In 2022, we’re planning
to increase our exploration budget by 44%, which includes
320,000 metres of drilling.
Over the last five years, the Company has focused on
reducing its fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
In 2021, we converted the Santa Elena operation from
diesel fuel generation to clean-burning liquified natural
gas (LNG) with completion of a new 12.4 MW powerplant
facility. Over the past five years, we’ve increased the LNG
power contribution in Mexico from 16% to 40%. At San
Dimas, over 50% of the power requirements are provided
by clean, low-cost hydroelectric power. We will continue
efforts to reduce our fossil fuel consumption in the
coming years, through both LNG and hydropower
and potentially other technologies.
Steven Holmes,
Chief Operating Officer
Financial Review
RECORD ANNUAL REVENUES AND CASH
First Majestic generated record annual revenues of $584.1
million in 2021, 61% higher than the previous year due
primarily to the addition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine
during the second quarter, a 32% increase in payable silver
equivalent ounces sold, and a 19% increase in the average
realized silver price per ounce which averaged $25.16 per
ounce compared to $21.15 per ounce in 2020.
The record revenues contributed to record year-end cash
and cash equivalents of $237.9 million.
“ RECORD REVENUES
CONTRIBUTED TO RECORD
YEAR-END CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS POSITION
OF $237.9 MILLION.”
NET EARNINGS
AISC
The Company recognized a net loss of $4.9 million
(EPS of $(0.02)) in 2021, compared to net earnings of
$23.1 million (EPS of $0.11) in 2020. The decrease in
net earnings was attributable primarily to an increase
in income tax expense during the year as well as an
accounting loss recognized on the settlement of the
Company’s 2018 senior convertible notes of $4.6 million.
The new convertible notes provided extended financing
terms and allowed the Company to raise $230 million
in cash through the issuance of new senior convertible
notes with a coupon rate of 0.375%, representing a
low-cost bond offering by a precious metals company.
The remaining net proceeds will be used for general
corporate purposes and strategic opportunities.
CASH COSTS
Cash cost per silver equivalent (“AgEq”) ounce in 2021
was $13.23, compared to $9.00 in the previous year. The
cost increase was due primarily to the addition of Jerritt
Canyon, which was producing at a higher cash cost since
the acquisition. The Company has identified various
projects to be implemented over the next 12 months at
Jerritt Canyon to improve production and reduce costs at
the mine and processing plant. Additionally, there was an
increase in energy costs at San Dimas due to lower energy
contribution from the hydroelectric power plant as well as
an increase in costs at Santa Elena primarily due to higher
ore development and mining contractor costs to prepare
ore faces in the mine.
All-in sustaining cost (“AISC”) per AgEq ounce in the year
was $18.84, compared to $14.03 in the previous year. The
increase in AISC was primarily attributed to higher cash
costs, combined with an increase in sustaining capital
costs related to the Tailings Storage Facility 2 (“TSF2”) lift
project at Jerritt Canyon, which was completed on time
and under budget. The AISC increase was offset partially
by increased production at San Dimas, Santa Elena and
Jerritt Canyon during the year.
REVENUE
The Company generated record annual revenues of $584.1
million in 2021, 61% higher than the previous year.
DIVIDENDS
Under the Company’s dividend policy, initiated in 2021,
the quarterly dividend per common share is targeted to
equal approximately 1% of the Company’s revenue which
fluctuates with silver and gold prices.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
In 2022, the Company plans to invest a total of $208 million
in capital expenditures, including:
$88 million for underground development
$45 million for exploration
$52 million for property, plant and equipment (PP&E)
$23 million for corporate projects
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
11
Our Senior Leadership
the power
of experience
Keith Neumeyer
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Holmes
Chief Operating Officer
David Soares
Chief Financial Officer
Connie Lillico
Corporate Secretary
Sophie Hsia
General Counsel
Andrew Poon
Vice President Finance
Jill Arias
Vice President Corporate
Communications and
Marketing
Todd Anthony
Vice President Corporate
Development
Karen Liu
Vice President Treasury
Amar Parmar
Vice President of
Taxation
12
12
First Majestic’s steady growth over the past 19 years has
relied on a commitment to hiring the industry’s best and
providing an environment that encourages creativity,
independence and fresh ideas. We strengthened the team
in 2021 with new talent in exploration, mine management,
ESG and finance.
Post year end, in time for the printing of this Annual
Report, we were happy to announce the appointment of
David Soares as our new CFO. Mr. Soares recently served
as the Chief Financial Officer of Kirkland Lake Gold
where he played a key role in leading the development
and execution plan transforming Kirkland from an
Intermediate to a Senior gold producer.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
VALUE STATEMENT:
AT FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.,
WE VALUE THE DIVERSITY OF OUR
PEOPLE, OUR PARTNERS, AND
COMMUNITIES. WE BELIEVE A
SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATION IS
BUILT ON OUR COMMITMENT TO
PROVIDE A RESPECTFUL, EQUITABLE,
DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORK
ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES
TRUST AND ENCOURAGES
INNOVATION, AGILITY AND
SUSTAINABILITY
Ramon Mendoza
Vice President Technical
Services
Pepe Figueroa
Vice President
Information Techhnology
Mani Alkhafaji
Vice President
Business Planning
and Procurement
Persio Rosario
Vice President
Processing, Metallurgy,
and Innovation
David Smith
Vice President Human
Resources
Colin Bower
Vice President
Operations - Mexico
Gonzalo Mercado
Vice President
Exploration
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
13
Community,
Health & Safety
the power
of stewardship
This second year of operating within the global pandemic
again challenged how we worked and interacted with our
people and the communities within our area of influence.
Within First Majestic’s Values, our Sustainability focus
continued to lead our major business decisions and
capital allocation to continue delivering long-term
benefits for all First Majestic stakeholders.
We shared the mining industry’s global call to build
a more resilient and inclusive post-COVID-19 future,
maximizing positive impacts through our most effective
tools: local employment, local purchases, community
investments, and environmental stewardship.
EXPANDING EMPLOYMENT
Thanks to our higher silver and gold production in 2021,
we not only retained employment but also expanded our
job creation footprint. The expansion of the Santa Elena
mine and the ramp-up of its Ermitaño deposit opened
more than 500 new direct and indirect jobs, hiring mostly
from communities in Sonora. We also incorporated
approximately 290 direct employees and around 270
indirect employees from our recently acquired Jerritt
Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMERCE
Our focus on expanding local purchases of goods and
services that meet our health, safety and environmental
standards also increased. In Mexico, we expanded local
purchases by 33%. Last year, after new governmental
regulation, First Majestic recertified the legal and
labor compliance of all of its suppliers, including local
businesses from the communities where we operate.
14
INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
In 2021, our community and infrastructure budget
increased by 20% over the previous year. Access to clean
water, irrigation, health services, education programs,
solid waste management, economic diversification, and
cultural initiatives continued as our local stakeholders’
priorities, and we were proud of supporting them.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
In 2021, we promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in
our social investments to support the most vulnerable
members of our host communities. As an example, we
increased our resources dedicated to the COVID-19
community response by more than 50%. Continuing our
commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across our
workforce, suppliers, and the communities where we
operate, 19.4% of our new hires were women, including
leadership positions. Currently 12% of our full-time and
direct employees are women.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Attracting the best talent from our host communities in
Mexico and the US demands a daily focus on the health
and safety of our employees. In 2021 we reported a new
year with zero fatalities and also a new consecutive
year with a substantial improvement in our safety
performance. Our Total Recordable Incident Frequency
Rate (TRIFR) moved from 0.95 in 2020 to 0.84, and our
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) closed at 0.24 in
2021 compared with 0.31 in 2020.
INVESTING IN CLEANER ENERGY
We continue our commitment to greenhouse gas
reductions, with 2021 marking a new record as we
completed the transition from diesel to Liquid Natural
Gas (LNG) at both Santa Elena and La Encantada. This
transition implied a 43% reduction in our gross direct
emissions and a 23% reduction in total greenhouse
gas emissions. In 2022 we will further expand our
“green” energy capacity at Santa Elena by expanding
this state-of-the-art LNG powerplant. Several other
initiatives are also underway, potentially expanding the
use of hydroelectric energy and adopting hydrogen to
supplement energy needs.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND COLLABORATION
We are proud to provide outreach and support to
local and State communities in Mexico and to our new
neighbors in northern Nevada. Our approach focused
on an unprecedented level of collaboration with local
stakeholders providing jobs, clean drinking water,
infrastructure improvement, youth activities, educational
opportunities and medical support and advanced
technology to the communities in which we operate. We
achieved an entire year with zero operational disruptions
due to community disputes. Our engagement model
solved one legacy conflict with a communal landowner
organization, while reducing significant complaints
by 39% and the number of relevant incidents with
community members by 22%.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
15
Environmental Review
the power
of responsibility
First Majestic is committed to socially responsible
mining, and we believe that taking responsibility for our
impacts on the environment is a critical aspect of social
responsibility. Access to a healthy environment is not only
a fundamental human right, it also provides a foundation
for long-term, sustainable relations with our community
and government partners.
The team managing our Environmental Management
System achieved positive results that demonstrated high
responsibility and care for the ecosystem. We proudly
reported zero environmental incidents in 2021 related to
mine tailings across all operational and non-operational
mines, and no significant contaminant spills were
reported to the authorities.
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS
REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
First Majestic’s ongoing effort to operate in a socially
and environmentally responsible manner is generating
tangible results. In 2021, we reduced the number of
environmental incidents associated with our operations
by 21% while reducing the severity of those incidents to a
low and moderate level.
As part of our environmental goals, we continue our
commitment to greenhouse gas reductions. In 2021, we
completed the transition from diesel to Liquid Natural
Gas (LNG) at both Santa Elena and La Encantada.
This transition generated annual reductions in GHG
emissions of 8% between 2019 and 2021. As a result,
we are increasing mineral production with lower
greenhouse emissions.
16
EFFICIENT WATER MANAGEMENT
First Majestic continues to work with local stakeholders
to maintain efficient water management, an essential
resource for people, communities, and our operations.
In 2021, First Majestic’s three operating mines in Mexico
consumed a total of 1,594,267 m3 of water compared
with 1,370,816 m3 in 2020. Water usage at San Dimas and
La Encantada remained stable, why we registered an
increase in water usage at Santa Elena due to expansion of
the Ermitaño deposit. In 2021, our Mexico mines reported a
total of 524,904 m3 in surface discharged water, complying
with the quality standards for water discharge established
by the country’s national standard.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
17
Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine
Elko County, Nevada
HIGHLIGHTS
Ownership
2021 Gold Production (ounces – partial year)
2021 Silver Equivalent Production (ounces – partial year)
2021 Cash Costs per AuEq Ounce
2021 All-In Sustaining Costs per AuEq Ounce
2022 Projected Cash Costs per AuEq Ounce
2022 Projected All-In Sustaining Costs per AuEq Ounce
2022 Projected Gold Production (ounces)
100%
68,567
5,013,399
$1,624
$2,048
$ 1,259 - $1,334
$ 1,503 - $1,607
116,000 - 129,000
2022 Projected Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
9,000,000 – 10,000,000
18
A NEW CORNERSTONE ASSET FOR FIRST MAJESTIC
First Majestic acquired the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine,
historically one of Nevada’s most prolific gold operations,
from Sprott Mining, on April 30, 2021. The property
consists of 30,821 hectares (119 square miles) of mining
claims located 45 miles north of Elko in northeast Nevada.
The processing plant has a capacity of 4,000 tpd and
currently averages 2,500 tpd. The plant produces high
quality gold doré bars, which are then shipped for
commercial refining and sale.
Jerritt Canyon was discovered in 1972 and has been
in production since 1981, having produced over 9.5
million ounces of gold over its 40-year history. The mine
currently operates as an underground mine and holds
one of three permitted gold processing plants in Nevada
that uses roasting in its treatment of ore.
In our first year as owners of Jerritt Canyon, the new team
achieved an average gold grade of 3.84 g/t. We are planning
a number of improvements to the operation designed to
bring production up to levels not seen for over 15 years.
Jerritt Canyon operated as an open pit mine from early
1981 until late 1999. Underground operations started in
1997 at the SSX mine and continued until 2008. A new
mine plan was prepared in 2009, and underground mining
from the Smith mine recommenced in late January 2010
and the SSX mine reopened in October 2010.
First Majestic invested $30.5 million in capital projects in
2021, including expanded exploration, mine development,
plant upgrades and a major tailings expansion lift. We
completed a drift to connect the SSX and Smith mines at the
end of 2021. Plans are in place for increased exploration and
ore extraction. Current plans are to rehabilitate and restart
the West Generation and Saval II underground mines in H2
2022. Gold production is projected to reach approximately
200,000 ounces in 2024.
One of the most attractive features at Jerritt Canyon is
its vast exploration potential. Approximately 138,000
metres of exploration drilling are planned for 2022
to test over 25 high-priority targets. At the end of Q4,
nine drill rigs, consisting of four surface rigs and five
underground rigs, were active.
Underground development at Jerritt Canyon totaled
3,916 metres in 2021, while exploration drilling totaled
48,670 metres.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
19
San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine
Durango State, México
HIGHLIGHTS
Ownership
2021 Silver Production (ounces)
2021 Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
2021 Cash Costs per Ounce
2021 All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected Cash Costs per AgEq Ounce
2022 Projected All-In Sustaining Costs per AgEq Ounce
2022 Projected Silver Production (ounces)
2022 Projected Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
100%
7,646,898
13,525,049
$9.01
$12.70
$8.59 – $9.13
$11.75 – 12.65
7,400,000 - 8,200,000
13,700,000 – 15,200,000
OUR LEADING SILVER PRODUCER, POWERED BY CLEAN HYDROELECTRICITY
The San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, one of Mexico’s most
important silver and gold mines, is the largest producing
underground mine in the state of Durango. Mining was first
recorded at San Dimas in 1757. The property covers 71,868
hectares of mining concessions located approximately 130
kilometres northwest of the city of Durango, which has a
population 655,000.
Since its acquisition in 2018, San Dimas has become First
Majestic’s largest mine producing approximately 50%
Silver and 50% Gold. The mine employs around 1,800
people, most from the nearby town of Tayoltita.
San Dimas is fortunate to have over 50% of the mine’s
power provided by environmentally clean, low-cost
hydroelectric generation. First Majestic has begun
engineering and the permitting process to potentially
expand the dam to supply up to 100% of the power for
both the mine and the town of Tayoltita. San Dimas
uses long-hole stoping and mechanized cut-and-fill
underground mining methods, with all mined production
processed at the 2,500 tpd capacity milling operation.
After milling, cyanidation, precipitation, and smelting,
doré bars are poured and transported to refineries in
México and the United States.
Underground development at San Dimas totaled 25,220
metres in 2021, compared with 26,154 metres in 2020.
Exploration drilling totaled 99,825 metres, compared
with 87,659 metres in 2020.
20
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
21
Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine
Sonora State, México
HIGHLIGHTS
Ownership
2021 Silver Production (ounces)
2021 Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
2021 Cash Costs per Ounce
2021 All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected Cash Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected Silver Production (ounces)
2022 Projected Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
100%
1,954,491
5,041,937
$15.40
$19.20
$13.06 – $13.86
$15.58 – $16.66
1,900,000 – 2,100,000
6,600,000 – 7,400,000
COMMISSIONED ERMITAÑO, A NEW UNDERGROUND MINE IN RECORD TIME OF 5 YEARS FROM DISCOVERY
The Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine is located approximately
150 kilometres northeast of the city of Hermosillo in Sonora
State, México. The mining concessions at Santa Elena cover
a surface of 102,244 hectares, the largest in the company,
encompassing major geological structures that appear to be
controlling some of the region’s best mineralized systems.
The Santa Elena operation consists of the Santa Elena
mine and the new Ermitaño mine. The Santa Elena
processing plant is currently using a campaign method
of ore processing for treating the Santa Elena and
Ermitaño ores separately. To achieve optimum metal
recoveries and efficiencies, operating throughputs will
be adjusted throughout the year. An innovative dual-
circuit plant processing design including an additional
leach tank, CCD thickener and new high-capacity tailings
filter press is currently being constructed, which is
anticipated to allow for higher throughputs, recoveries
and cost reductions by Q4 2022.
A major milestone achieved in 2021 was the completion
of the 12.4 MW Liquid Natural Gas power generation
facility in April. The new LNG plant replaces the historic
diesel generators, substantially reducing the greenhouse
gas emissions and improving the environment footprint
of the Santa Elena operation. As a result of the Ermitaño
mine coming online, ahead of schedule, this LNG plant
will be expanded to roughly 20 MW by year end.
Approximately 68,100 metres of infill and near mine
drilling are planned to continue testing the Santa Elena
Main, Alejandra del Bajo, America, Fenix and Ermitaño
veins. Brownfield drilling is expected to focus on several
targets at both Santa Elena and Ermitaño, and additional
greenfield drilling is planned to test key prospects
already identified within this very large property.
Underground development at Santa Elena totaled 18,119
metres in 2021, compared with 7,851 metres in 2020.
Exploration drilling totaled 63,977 metres, compared
with 39,451 metres in 2020.
22
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
23
La Encantada Silver Mine
Coahuila State, México
HIGHLIGHTS
Ownership
2021 Silver Production (ounces)
2021 Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
2021 Cash Costs per Ounce
2021 All-in Sustaining Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected Cash Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected All-In Sustaining Costs per Ounce
2022 Projected Silver Production (ounces)
2022 Projected Silver Equivalent Production (ounces)
100%
3,241,556
3,274,798
$13.49
$16.66
$14.82 - $15.74
$17.89 - $19.15
2,900,000 – 3,200,000
2,900,000 – 3,200,000
ONE OF OUR ORIGINAL MINES ACHIEVES RECORD SILVER PRODUCTION
The La Encantada Silver Mine, producing almost
entirely silver, is located in northern México, 708
kilometres northeast of Torreon, Coahuila. The project
includes a 4,000 tpd cyanidation mill, and the site
encompasses 4,076 hectares of mining concessions
and 1,343 hectares of surface rights.
The La Encantada property has been in First Majestic’s
portfolio since 2006 and is a 100% silver producer of
silver in the form of doré bars. The Company recently
completed a land access agreement with the Tenochtitlan
Ejido. This agreement has opened a significant amount of
new, unexplored surface areas that are being planned for
exploration 2022.
Late in 2021, the Company completed 77 metres of an
underground ramp to access the Ojuelas orebody which
is known to contain higher silver grades. The Company is
planning to prepare the area for initial ore extraction in
the second half of 2022.
Natural gas generators currently supply 90% of power
requirements, providing significant cost savings over
diesel generation and producing considerably less
greenhouse gas emissions.
For 2022, First Majestic is focused on achieving higher
recoveries at La Encantada with recent changes made
to milling operations and improved ore production from
caving. We’re also evaluating modifications to the existing
roasting circuit to reprocess tailings and mine ore which
is expected to add additional production in the following
years assuming current studies confirm feasibility.
The Company also plans approximately 19,000 metres of
near-mine drilling in 2022 to continue adding resources
on several existing areas and brownfield drilling to test
several high potential targets.
Underground development at La Encantada totaled
3,305 metres in 2021, compared with 3,674 metres
in 2020. Exploration drilling totaled 15,373 metres,
compared with 18,611 metres in 2020.
24
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
25
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimates for the Material Properties,
With an Effective Day of December 31, 2021
Mineral Resource Statement prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., QP for First Majestic
Mine/Project Category/Area
Mineral Type
Tonnage
k tonnes
Grades
Metal Content
Ag (g/t)
Au (g/t)
Ag-Eq (g/t)
Ag (k Oz)
Au (k Oz)
Ag-Eq (k Oz)
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
SAN DIMAS
Measured (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG)
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
JERRITT CANYON
Measured (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Indicated (OP)
Total Measured and Indicated
SANTA ELENA
Measured Ermitano (UG)
Measured Santa Elena (UG)
Indicated Ermitano (UG)
Indicated Santa Elena (UG)
Indicated (Leach Pad)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG+Pad)
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
All Mineral Types
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Oxides Spent Ore
All Mineral Types
LA ENCANTADA
Indicated (UG)
Indicated Tailings Deposit No. 4
Total Measured and Indicated (UG+Tailings)
Oxides
Oxides
All Mineral Types
SUBTOTAL MATERIAL PROPERTIES
2,546
1,906
4,452
4,068
4,303
180
8,550
119
723
2,498
2,276
190
5,806
4,308
2,459
6,767
Total Measured
Total Indicated
Total Measured and Indicated
All mineral types
All mineral types
All mineral types
7,456
18,120
25,575
474
336
415
-
-
-
-
56
155
68
127
34
101
169
119
151
178
117
135
6.15
3.83
5.15
5.85
5.90
4.00
5.84
5.54
1.65
4.75
1.35
0.61
2.92
-
-
-
5.54
2.68
3.51
924
616
792
421
425
288
420
627
278
558
228
79
379
169
119
151
582
331
404
38,780
20,580
59,360
-
-
-
-
210
3,610
5,440
9,320
210
18,790
23,410
9,410
32,820
42,600
68,370
110,970
503
235
738
-
765
816
23
1,604
21
38
382
99
4
544
-
-
-
75,640
37,770
113,410
55,050
58,780
1,660
115,490
2,400
6,450
44,790
16,680
490
70,810
23,410
9,410
32,820
1,327
1,559
2,886
139,540
192,990
332,530
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates for the Material Properties,
With an Effective Day of December 31, 2021
Mineral Resource Statement prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., QP for First Majestic
Mine/Project Category/Area
Mineral Type
Tonnage
k tonnes
Grades
Metal Content
Ag (g/t)
Au (g/t)
Ag-Eq (g/t)
Ag (k Oz)
Au (k Oz)
Ag-Eq (k Oz)
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
SAN DIMAS
Inferred Total (UG)
Sulphides
4,073
310
3.54
570
40,660
463
74,630
JERRITT CANYON
SANTA ELENA
Inferred Total (UG)
Inferred Total (OP)
Inferred Total (UG & OP)
Inferred Ermitaño (UG)
Inferred Santa Elena (UG)
Inferred Total (UG)
LA ENCANTADA
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Inferred Total (UG)
Inferred Inferred Tailings Deposit No. 4
Inferred Total (UG + Tailings)
Oxides
Oxides
All Mineral Types
6,778
150
6,927
3,157
1,674
4,831
3,470
428
3,898
Total Inferred Material Properties
All mineral types
19,730
-
-
-
78
114
91
170
118
164
119
5.65
3.89
5.61
2.99
1.16
2.36
-
-
-
407
280
404
386
200
322
170
118
164
-
-
-
7,900
6,160
14,060
18,930
1,620
20,550
1,231
19
1,249
304
62
366
-
-
-
88,600
1,350
89,950
39,180
10,790
49,970
18,930
1,620
20,550
3.28
371
75,270
2,078
235,100
1. Mineral Resource estimates have been classified in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument NI 43-101.
2. The Mineral Resource estimates provided above have an effective date of December 31, 2021, for the Material Properties. The estimates were prepared by FMS Internal QPs, who have the appropriate
relevant qualifications, and experience in geology and resource estimation. The information provided was compiled by David Rowe, CPG, Internal QP for First Majestic, and reviewed by Ramon Mendoza
Reyes, P.Eng., Internal QP for First Majestic.
3. Sample data was collected through a cut-off date of December 31, 2021, for the material properties. All properties account for relevant technical information and mining depletion through December 31, 2021.
4. Metal prices considered for Mineral Resources estimates were $25.00/oz Ag and $1,800/oz Au.
5. Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding
contract of each mine. Estimation details are listed in each mine section of the 2021 Annual Information Form.
6. The cut-off grades and cut-off values used to report Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut-off grades, values and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each
mine section of the 2021 Annual Information Form.
7. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource estimates are inclusive of the Mineral Reserve estimates.
8. The technical reports from which the above-mentioned information for the material properties is derived are cited under the heading “Technical Reports for Material Properties” of the 2021 Annual
Information Form.
26
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimates for the Non-Material Properties,
With an Effective Day of December 31, 2020
Prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., QP for First Majestic
Mine/Project Category/Area
Mineral Type
Tonnage
Grades
Metal Content
k tonnes Ag (g/t) Au (g/t)
Pb (%)
Zn (%) Ag-Eq (g/t) Ag (k Oz) Au (k Oz) Pb (M lb) Zn (M lb) Ag-Eq (k Oz)
NON-MATERIAL PROPERTIES
SAN MARTIN
Measured (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG)
Oxides
Oxides
Oxides
LA PARRILLA
DEL TORO
LA GUITARRA
Measured (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG)
Sulphides
Sulphides
Oxides
Oxides + Sulphides
Indicated (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG)
Sulphides
Oxides + Transition
All Mineral Types
Measured (UG)
Indicated (UG)
Total Measured and Indicated (UG)
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
TOTAL NON-MATERIAL PROPERTIES
70
958
1,028
15
1,028
76
1,119
440
153
592
57
644
701
Total Measured
Total Indicated
Total Measured and Indicated
All mineral types
All mineral types
All mineral types
142
3,298
3,440
221
277
273
193
193
270
198
193
226
201
217
228
228
216
227
227
0.40
0.53
0.52
-
0.07
0.09
0.07
0.53
0.15
0.43
1.55
1.19
1.22
0.82
0.49
0.50
-
-
-
1.27
1.78
-
1.65
3.52
4.97
3.90
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.27
1.62
-
1.50
5.75
-
4.27
-
-
-
0.13
1.25
1.21
0.13
1.27
1.22
255
321
317
250
277
278
277
414
351
398
347
328
330
291
322
320
500
8,520
9,020
90
6,370
660
7,120
2,720
1,110
3,830
400
4,730
5,130
990
24,110
25,100
1
16
17
-
2
0
3
7
1
8
3
25
28
4
52
55
-
-
-
0.4
40.3
-
40.7
34.2
16.7
50.9
-
-
-
-
-
-
580
9,890
10,470
0.4
36.6
-
37.0
55.7
-
55.7
-
-
-
120
9,160
680
9,960
5,850
1,720
7,570
640
6,800
7,440
0.4
91.1
91.5
0.4
92.4
92.8
1,340
34,100
35,440
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates for the Non-Material Properties,
With an Effective Day of December 31, 2020
Prepared under the supervision of Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., QP for First Majestic
Mine/Project Category/Area
Mineral Type
Tonnage
Grades
Metal Content
k tonnes Ag (g/t) Au (g/t)
Pb (%)
Zn (%) Ag-Eq (g/t) Ag (k Oz) Au (k Oz) Pb (M lb) Zn (M lb) Ag-Eq (k Oz)
NON-MATERIAL PROPERTIES
SAN MARTIN
LA PARRILLA
DEL TORO
LA GUITARRA
Inferred Total (UG)
Oxides
2,533
226
0.36
-
-
256
18,400
29
-
-
20,870
Inferred (UG)
Inferred (UG)
Inferred Total (UG)
Inferred (UG)
Inferred (UG)
Inferred Total (UG)
Oxides
Sulphides
All Mineral Types
Sulphides
Oxides + Transition
All Mineral Types
393
1,028
1,421
496
690
1,186
200
215
211
185
182
183
0.08
0.09
0.09
0.25
0.08
0.15
-
1.56
1.13
3.08
3.74
3.46
-
1.91
1.38
2.73
-
1.15
207
299
274
322
273
293
2,530
7,090
9,620
2,950
4,030
6,970
1
3
4
4
2
6
-
35.4
35.4
33.7
56.8
90.5
-
43.3
43.3
29.8
-
30.1
2,610
9,890
12,500
5,130
6,050
11,180
Inferred Total (UG)
Sulphides
1,044
240
0.71
-
-
299
8,040
24
-
-
10,030
Total Inferred Non-Material Properties All mineral types
6,184
216
0.32
0.92
0.54
275
43,030
63
125.9
73.4
54,580
1. Mineral Resource estimates have been classified in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument NI 43-101.
2. The Mineral Resource estimates for the non-material properties were updated December 31, 2020. The estimates were prepared by FMS Internal QPs, who have the appropriate relevant qualifications,
and experience in geology and resource estimation. The information provided was compiled by David Rowe, CPG, Internal QP for First Majestic, and reviewed by Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., Internal
QP for First Majestic.
3. Sample data was collected through a cut-off date of December 31, 2020, for non-material properties.
4. Metal prices considered for Mineral Resources estimates on December 31, 2020 were $22.50/oz Ag, $1,850/oz Au, $0.90/lb Pb and $1.05/lb Zn.
5. Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding
contract of each mine.
6. The cut-off grades and cut-off values used to report Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut-off grades, values and economic parameters are listed in the applicable section describing each
mine section of the Annual Information Form.
7. Tonnage is expressed in thousands of tonnes, metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces. Totals may not add up due to rounding.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
27
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves,
With an Effective Date of December 31, 2021
Summary consolidated by Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., QP Mining for First Majestic Silver Corp.
Mine Category
Mineral Type
SAN DIMAS
Proven (UG)
Probable (UG)
Total Proven and Probable (UG)
JERRITT CANYON
Proven (UG)
Probable (UG)
Total Proven and Probable (UG)
SANTA ELENA
Proven (UG - Ermitano)
Proven (UG - Santa Elena)
Probable (UG - Ermitano)
Probable (UG - Santa Elena)
Probable (Pad)
Total Proven and Probable (UG+Pad)
LA ENCANTADA
Probable (UG)
Total Probable (UG)
Consolidated FMS
Proven (UG)
Probable (UG)
Total Proven and Probable
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Oxides
Oxides
Oxides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Sulphides
Oxides
Oxides + Sulphides
Oxides
Oxides
All mineral types
All mineral types
All mineral types
Tonnage
k tonnes
2,328
1,506
3,834
847
1,682
2,529
162
447
2,627
1,133
188
4,557
2,260
2,260
3,784
9,397
13,181
Grades
Metal Content
Ag (g/t)
Au (g/t)
Ag-Eq (g/t)
Ag (k Oz)
Au (k Oz)
Ag-Eq (k Oz)
348
265
315
-
-
-
45
144
52
134
31
80
170
170
216
122
149
4.42
3.02
3.87
5.23
5.50
5.41
4.70
1.68
3.60
1.26
0.55
2.74
-
-
4.09
2.72
3.11
697
504
621
407
428
421
569
279
453
236
75
371
170
170
545
368
419
26,050
12,820
38,870
-
-
-
240
2,060
4,430
4,870
190
11,790
12,350
12,350
28,350
34,660
63,010
331
146
477
143
297
440
25
24
304
46
3
402
-
-
52,190
24,390
76,580
11,080
23,120
34,200
2,970
4,010
38,260
8,600
450
54,290
12,350
12,350
522
797
1,319
70,250
107,170
177,420
1. Mineral Reserves have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose
definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101.
2. The Mineral Reserve statement provided in the table above have an effective date of December 31, 2021. The Mineral Reserve estimates were prepared under the supervision of Ramón Mendoza Reyes,
P.Eng., and a Qualified Person (“QP”) for the purposes of NI 43-101 who has the appropriate relevant qualifications, and experience in mining and mineral reserves estimation.
3. The Mineral Reserves were estimated from the Measured and Indicated portions of the Mineral Resource estimate. Inferred Mineral Resources were not considered to be converted into Mineral Reserves.
4. Silver-equivalent grade (Ag-Eq) is estimated considering metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the selling contract.
(a) The Ag-Eq grade formula used was:
Ag-Eq Grade = Ag Grade + Au Grade * (Au Recovery * Au Payable * Au Price) / (Ag Recovery * Ag Payable * Ag Price).
(b) Metal prices considered for Mineral Reserves estimates were $22.50/oz Ag and $1,750/oz Au for all sites. The silver-equivalent factor used for Jerritt Canyon was 77.8 g/t Ag-Eq per 1 g/t Au.
(c) Other key assumptions and parameters include: metallurgical recoveries; metal payable terms; direct mining costs, processing costs, indirect and G&A costs and sustaining costs. These parameters
are different for each mine and mining method assumed and are presented in each mine section of the 2021 Annual Information Form.
5. A two-step constraining approach has been implemented to estimate reserves for each mining method in use: A General Cut-Off Grade (GC) was used to delimit new mining areas that will require
development of access, infrastructure and all sustaining costs. A second Incremental Cut-Off Grade (IC) was considered to include adjacent mineralized material which recoverable value pays for all
associated costs, including but not limited to the variable cost of mining and processing, indirect costs, treatment, administration costs and plant sustaining costs but excludes the access development
assumed to be covered by the block above the GC grade.
6. The cut-off grades, metallurgical recoveries, payable terms and modifying factors used to convert Mineral Reserves from Mineral Resources are different for all mines and are presented in each mine section
in the 2021 Annual Information Form.
7. Modifying factors for conversion of resources to reserves include consideration for planned dilution which is based on spacial and geotechnical aspects of the designed stopes and economic zones,
additional dilution consideration due to unplanned events, materials handling and other operating aspects, and mining recovery factors. Mineable shapes were used as geometric constraints.
8. Tonnage is expressed in thousands of tonnes; metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces. Metal prices and costs are expressed in USD.
9. Numbers have been rounded as required by reporting guidelines. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
10. The technical reports from which the above-mentioned information is derived are cited under the heading “Technical Reports for Material Properties” in the 2021 Annual Information Form.
Production 2021
Ore Processed
Material from Reserves Mined and Processed
Material Mined from Areas Not In Reserves
Silver Produced
Gold Produced
Silver-Equivalent Produced from Gold (1)
Silver-Equivalent Produced
28
Units
Tonnes
Tonnes
Tonnes
Ounces
Ounces
Ounces
Ounces
SAN DIMAS
SANTA ELENA
LA ENCANTADA
JERRITT CANYON
TOTAL
822,791
768,829
53,962
879,060
873,151
5,909
1,004,144
255,262
748,882
633,400
171,000
462,400
3,339,394
2,068,242
1,271,153
7,646,898
1,954,492
3,241,555
0
12,842,945
81,237
42,088
5,878,151
3,087,445
460
33,243
68,567
192,353
5,013,999
14,012,838
13,525,049
5,041,937
3,274,798
5,013,999
26,855,783
Management’s Responsibilities
over Financial Reporting
The consolidated financial statements of First Majestic Silver Corp. (the
“Company”) have been prepared and are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board and reflect management’s best estimates and
judgment based on information currently available. Management has developed
and maintains a system of internal controls to ensure that the Company’s
assets are safeguarded, transactions are authorized and properly recorded, and
financial information is reliable.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring management fulfills its
responsibilities. The Audit Committee reviews the results of the audit and the
annual consolidated financial statements prior to their submission to the Board of
Directors for approval.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Deloitte LLP and
their report outlines the scope of their examination and gives their opinion on
the consolidated financial statements.
Keith Neumeyer
President & CEO
March 9, 2022
Andrew W. Poon, CPA, CA
Interim CFO
March 9, 2022
29
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Management excluded from its assessment the internal controls, policies and procedures of Jerritt Canyon, which the Company acquired control on April
30, 2021. Jerritt Canyon’s total assets, net assets, total revenues and net profit/loss on a combined basis constitute approximately 34%, 35%, 21% and
653%, respectively, of these consolidated annual financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021. This limitation of scope
is in accordance with section 3.3(1)(b) of NI 52-109, which allows for an issuer to limit the design of DC&P or ICFR to exclude a business that the issuer
acquired not more than 365 days before the end of the financial period to which the CEO’s and CFO’s certification of annual filings relates.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s Internal control over financial reporting as of the year ended December 31,
2021, in accordance with the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting was effective.
Deloitte LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2021, and as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, they have expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the year ended December 31, 2021.
30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of
First Majestic Silver Corp.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of First Majestic Silver Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as at
December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows, for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion,
the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and its financial
performance and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 9, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2)
involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion
on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the
critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. (“Jerritt Canyon”) — Refer to Note 4 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
On April 30, 2021 the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of Jerritt Canyon and recognized the assets acquired, including a mining interest, and
liabilities assumed at fair value. In determining the fair value of mining interest management used an income approach (discounted cashflow) and a
market approach which required management to make assumptions around future gold prices, quantities of reserves, expected future production costs
and capital expenditures based on the life of mine plans, discount rate and the area-based resources multiples to determine exploration potential.
While there are several estimates and assumptions that are required to determine the fair value of the mining interest, the estimates and assumptions
with the highest degree of subjectivity are future gold prices, discount rate and the area-based resources multiples. This required a high degree of auditor
judgment and an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of fair value specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the future gold prices, discount rate and area-based resources multiples used to determine the fair value of the mining
interest included the following, among others:
• Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s controls over management’s determination of estimates and assumptions relating to future gold
prices, discount rate, and area-based resources multiples.
• With the assistance of fair value specialists, evaluated the reasonableness of:
- Future gold prices by comparing forecasts to third party forecasts,
- The discount rate by developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management, and
- Area-based resources multiples applied to determine the valuation of the exploration potential by comparing to a range of comparable
market transactions.
31
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Primero Tax Rulings — Refer to Note 27(b) to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has an ongoing dispute with the Mexican Tax Authorities, the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (“SAT”). The dispute relates to the
determination of the transfer price, which is based upon an Advanced Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT, applied to intercompany silver sales in
connection with a silver streaming arrangement with an unrelated third party. In 2020, the Mexican Federal Court on Administrative Matters issued a decision
nullifying the APA and directing the SAT to reexamine the evidence and basis for the issuance of the APA; the Company has appealed this decision to the
Mexican Circuit Courts. As a result of the tax dispute with the SAT, should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its intercompany silver revenues
based on market prices, the incremental income tax for the years 2010 - 2019 would be approximately $228.5 million, before interest and penalties, without
any mitigating adjustments. The Company has not recognized a tax liability related to the Primero tax dispute with the SAT.
The evaluation of the accounting and the disclosure of the matter requires significant management judgment to determine the probability of having to
pay incremental income tax. Auditing the accounting and the disclosures related to the tax matter required a high degree of auditor judgment due to the
significant judgment by management and evaluating whether the audit evidence supports management’s position. This resulted in an increased extent of
audit effort, including the involvement of tax specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures relating to the evaluation of the accounting and disclosure related to the tax matter included the following, among others:
• Inquired of management to understand the developments of the tax dispute;
• Evaluated the effectiveness of management’s controls over the evaluation of the appropriateness of income tax filing positions and corresponding
disclosures in the financial statements;
• Obtained and evaluated management’s assessment of the dispute, including analysis from the Company’s external counsel;
• With the assistance of tax specialists, analyzed the Company’s accounting position related to the tax dispute; and
• Evaluated the Company’s disclosures for consistency with our knowledge of the Company’s tax matters and audit evidence obtained.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 9, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.
32
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of
First Majestic Silver Corp.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of First Majestic Silver Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021,
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated March 9, 2022, expressed an unqualified
opinion on those financial statements.
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over
financial reporting at Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. (“Jerritt Canyon”), which was acquired on April 30, 2021, and whose financial statements constitute 34%
and 35% of total and net assets, respectively, 21% of revenues, and 653% of net profit/loss of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for
the year ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Jerritt Canyon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures
of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 9, 2022
33
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020 (In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)
The Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) provide a summary of the Company’s financial performance and net earnings or loss over the
reporting periods.
Revenues
Mine operating costs
Cost of sales
Cost of sales - standby costs
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Mine operating earnings
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Mine holding costs
Loss on divestiture of exploration projects
Acquisition costs
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
Operating earnings
Unrealized loss on foreign currency derivatives
Investment and other (loss) income
Finance costs
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax recovery
Net (loss) earnings for the year
(Loss) earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Approved by the Board of Directors
Year Ended December 31,
Note
2021
2020
6
7
7
8
9
4
10
11
23
23
12
12
12
12
$584,117
$363,876
366,085
—
116,613
482,698
194,305
10,112
54,405
258,822
101,419
105,054
27,063
12,290
12,056
—
1,973
(1,165)
49,202
—
(2,948)
(21,004)
25,250
49,283
(19,110)
30,173
24,855
8,255
21,583
3,685
—
6,319
40,357
(982)
5,127
(14,773)
29,729
9,966
(3,324)
6,642
($4,923)
$23,087
($0.02)
($0.02)
$0.11
$0.11
244,749,772
213,879,622
244,749,772
215,878,829
Keith Neumeyer, Director
Douglas Penrose, Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements
34
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020 (In thousands of US dollars)
The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) provide a summary of total comprehensive earnings or loss and summarizes items
recorded in other comprehensive income that may or may not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss depending on future events.
Note
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
Net (loss) earnings for the year
($4,923)
$23,087
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net (loss) earnings:
Unrealized (loss) gain on fair value of investments in marketable securities, net of tax
Realized (loss) gain on investments in marketable securities, net of tax
Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan
14(b)
14(b)
(12,456)
(1,439)
95
10,249
211
(515)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Total comprehensive (loss) income
(13,800)
9,945
($18,723)
$33,032
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements
35
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020 (In thousands of US dollars)
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows provide a summary of movements in cash and cash equivalents during the reporting periods by classifying
them as operating, investing or financing activities.
Operating Activities
Net (loss) earnings for the year
Adjustments for:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Share-based payments
Income tax expense
Finance costs
Acquisition costs
Loss of write-down of plant and equipment
Loss (gain) from marketable securities and silver futures derivatives
Loss on divestiture of exploration projects
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency derivatives
Unrealized foreign exchange gain
Operating cash flows before working capital and taxes
Net change in non-cash working capital items
Income taxes paid
Cash provided by operating activities
Investing Activities
Restricted cash acquired on the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
Reclassification to restricted cash related to the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
Expenditures on mining interests
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Deposits paid for acquisition of non-current assets
Jerritt Canyon acquisition costs, net of cash acquired
Acquisition of Springpole Silver Stream
Other
Cash used in investing activities
Financing Activities
Proceeds from prospectus offering, net of share issue costs
Proceeds from 2021 convertible debenture, net of transaction costs
Payment for redemption of 2018 convertible debenture
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Repayment of lease liabilities
Finance costs paid
Proceeds from debt facilities
Repayment of debt facilities
Dividends declared and paid
Shares repurchased and cancelled
Cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Cash
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental cash flow information
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements
36
Year Ended December 31,
Note
2021
2020
($4,923)
$23,087
118,283
12,290
30,173
21,004
1,973
2,501
1,521
—
—
(6,067)
176,755
(31,504)
(76,528)
68,723
30,000
(12,574)
(132,409)
(56,558)
(7,839)
(948)
—
(425)
56,283
8,255
6,642
14,773
—
—
(4,051)
3,894
982
(2,522)
107,343
(22,831)
(4,799)
79,713
—
—
(68,647)
(43,322)
(13,846)
—
(2,521)
1,221
(180,753)
(127,115)
66,674
222,776
(171,841)
21,793
(9,287)
(4,326)
30,000
(40,000)
(3,930)
(42)
111,817
(439)
(213)
238,578
$237,926
$237,926
—
$237,926
126,132
—
—
14,011
(7,706)
(4,200)
10,000
(19,969)
—
(1,694)
116,574
397
69,172
169,009
$238,578
$207,132
31,446
$238,578
11
4
10
15
26
4
18
4
15(d)
26
24(a)
20(a)
20(a)
21
20(b)
20(b)
24(g)
24(f)
26
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020 (In thousands of US dollars)
The Consolidated Statements of Financial Position provides a summary of assets, liabilities and equity, as well as their current versus non-current
nature, as at the reporting date.
Note
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Trade and other receivables
Value added taxes receivable
Inventories
Other financial assets
Prepaid expenses and other
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Mining interests
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Deposits on non-current assets
Non-current restricted cash
Non-current value added taxes receivable
Deferred tax assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Unearned revenue
Current portion of debt facilities
Current portion of lease liabilities
Income taxes payable
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Debt facilities
Lease liabilities
Decommissioning liabilities
Other liabilities
Non-current income taxes payable
Deferred tax liabilities
Total liabilities
Equity
Share capital
Equity reserves
Accumulated deficit
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Commitments (Note 15; Contingencies (Note 27); Subsequent event (Note 30)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements
18(a)
25
13
14
15
16
17
18(b)
25(c)
23
19
6
20
21
23
20
21
22
23
23
$237,926
$238,578
12,570
7,729
46,531
60,613
26,486
5,352
—
4,271
41,641
32,512
36,319
2,725
397,207
356,046
1,048,530
449,237
29,225
10,949
115,012
572
74,257
509,730
258,220
14,330
14,246
—
15,301
69,644
$2,124,989
$1,237,517
$120,666
12,226
125
11,825
27,980
172,822
181,108
28,036
153,607
5,797
21,812
150,836
$76,002
2,717
10,975
5,358
6,574
101,626
141,733
15,217
51,471
5,406
23,099
48,729
$714,018
$387,281
1,659,781
98,943
(347,753)
$1,410,971
$2,124,989
1,087,139
101,997
(338,900)
$850,236
$1,237,517
37
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 2021 AND 2020 (In thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts)
The Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity summarizes movements in equity, including common shares, share capital, equity reserves and
retained earnings or accumulated deficit.
Share Capital
Equity Reserves
Shares
Amount
Share-based
payments(a)
Other
comprehensive
income(loss)(b)
Equity
component of
convertible
debenture(c)
Total equity
reserves
Accumulated
deficit
Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2019
208,112,072
$933,182
$74,060
($2,532)
$19,164
$90,692
($361,553)
$662,321
Net earnings for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Share-based payments
Shares issued for:
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,255
Prospectus offerings (Note 24(a))
10,654,338
126,132
—
Exercise of stock options
(Note 24(b))
Acquisition of Springpole Silver
Stream (Note 15(d))
Acquisition of mining interests
Settlement of restricted share units
(Note 24(c))
Shares repurchased and cancelled
(Note 24(f))
2,473,906
19,914
(5,903)
805,698
66,997
127,000
7,479
700
992
(275,000)
(1,260)
—
—
(992)
—
—
9,945
9,945
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9,945
9,945
8,255
—
(5,903)
—
—
(992)
23,087
—
23,087
—
—
—
—
—
—
23,087
9,945
33,032
8,255
126,132
14,011
7,479
700
—
—
(434)
(1,694)
Balance at December 31, 2020
221,965,011
$1,087,139
$75,420
$7,413
$19,164
$101,997
($338,900)
$850,236
Net loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Share-based payments
Shares issued for:
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
12,421
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
26,719,727
416,561
23,150
Sprott private placement (Note 4)
1,705,514
Prospectus offerings (Note 24(a))
4,225,000
Debt settlement (Note 20)
2,579,093
Exercise of stock options (Note 24(b))
2,502,234
26,589
66,674
27,733
30,436
Acquisition of Springpole Silver
Stream (Note 15(d))
Settlement of restricted share units
(Note 24(c) and 24(e))
Equity component of convertible
notes, net of tax (Note 20)
Shares repurchased and cancelled
(Note 24(f))
Dividend declared and paid (Note 24(g))
287,300
3,750
73,692
—
(6,913)
—
941
—
(42)
—
—
—
—
(8,643)
—
(963)
—
—
—
—
(13,800)
(13,800)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(13,800)
(13,800)
12,421
23,150
—
—
(46,127)
(46,127)
—
—
—
(8,643)
—
(963)
30,908
30,908
—
—
—
—
—
(4,923)
(4,923)
(13,800)
—
(4,923)
(18,723)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3,930)
12,421
439,711
26,589
66,674
(18,394)
21,793
3,750
(22)
30,908
(42)
(3,930)
Balance at December 31, 2021
260,050,658
$1,659,781
$101,385
($6,387)
$3,945
$98,944
($347,753)
$1,410,971
(a) Share-based payments reserve records the cumulative amount recognized under IFRS 2 share-based payments in respect of stock options granted, restricted share units
and shares purchase warrants issued but not exercised or settled to acquire shares of the Company.
(b) Other comprehensive income reserve principally records the unrealized fair value gains or losses related to fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”)
financial instruments and re-measurements arising from actuarial gains or losses and return on plan assets in relation to San Dimas’ retirement benefit plan.
(c) Equity component of convertible debenture reserve represents the estimated fair value of its conversion option of $42.3 million, net of deferred tax effect of $11.4 million.
This amount is not subsequently remeasured and will remain in equity until the conversion option is exercised, in which case, the balance recognized in equity will be
transferred to share capital. Where the conversion option remains unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance will remain in equity reserves. e
capital. Where the conversion option remains unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance will remain in equity reserves.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited consolidated financial statements
38
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
New and amended IFRS standards that are effective for the current year
First Majestic Silver Corp. (the “Company” or “First Majestic”) is in the
business of production, development, exploration, and acquisition of
mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North
America. The Company owns four producing mines, three mines in Mexico
consisting of the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold
Mine and the La Encantada Silver Mine and the recently acquired Jerritt
Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada, USA (see Note 4). In addition, the Company
owns four mines in suspension: the San Martin Silver Mine, the Del Toro
Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine and the La Guitarra Silver/Gold
Mine, and several exploration stage projects.
First Majestic is incorporated in Canada with limited liability under the
legislation of the Province of British Columbia and is publicly listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AG”, on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol “FR” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
under the symbol “FMV”. The Company’s head office and principal address
is located at 925 West Georgia Street, Suite 1800, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, V6C 3L2.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). The significant
accounting policies, estimates and judgments applied in preparing these
consolidated financial statements are summarized in Note 3 of the
consolidated financial statements and have been consistently applied
throughout all periods presented.
These audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
on an historical cost basis except for certain items that are measured
at fair value such as other financial assets (Note 14). All dollar amounts
presented are in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise
specified.
These audited consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Control exists
when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the
financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from
its activities. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of the Company and its subsidiaries (see Note 28). Intercompany balances,
transactions, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
In the current year, the Company has applied the below amendments to
IFRS Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (“IASB”) that were effective for annual periods that begin
on or after January 1, 2021. Their adoption has not had any material impact
on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these financial statements.
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2(Amendments to IFRS 9, I
AS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)
The amendments in Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2
(Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) introduce a
practical expedient for modifications required by the reform, clarify that
hedge accounting is not discontinued solely because of the IBOR reform,
and introduce disclosures that allow users to understand the nature
and extent of risks arising from the IBOR reform to which the entity
is exposed to and how the entity manages those risks as well as the
entity’s progress in transitioning from IBORs to alternative benchmark
rates, and how the entity is managing this transition.
Business Combinations
Accounting Policy:
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method.
The consideration of each business combination is measured, at the date of
the exchange, as the aggregate of the fair value of assets given, liabilities
incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the Company to
the former owners of the acquiree in exchange for control of the acquiree.
Acquisition-related costs incurred for the business combination are
expensed. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities are recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date.
Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognized as an asset and initially
measured at cost, being the excess of the consideration of the acquisition
over the Company’s interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities recognized. If the Company’s interest
in the fair value of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the acquisition, the excess is
recognized in earnings or loss immediately. Goodwill may also arise as a
result of the requirement under IFRS to record a deferred tax liability on
the excess of the fair value of the acquired assets over their corresponding
tax bases, with the corresponding offset recorded as goodwill.
These audited consolidated financial statements of First Majestic Silver
Corp. for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were approved
and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 9, 2022.
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Determination of a Business
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The Company’s management makes judgments in its process of applying
the Company’s accounting policies in the preparation of its audited
annual consolidated financial statements. In addition, the preparation
of the financial data requires that the Company’s management to make
assumptions and estimates of the impacts of uncertain future events on
the carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities at the end of
the reporting period, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates
as the estimation process is inherently uncertain. Estimates are reviewed
on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors
that are considered to be relevant under the circumstances. Revisions
to estimates and the resulting impacts on the carrying amounts of the
Company’s assets and liabilities are accounted for prospectively.
Determination of whether a set of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
constitute a business may require the Company to make certain judgments,
taking into account all facts and circumstances. A business consists of
inputs, including non-current assets and processes, including operational
processes, that when applied to those inputs have the ability to create
outputs that provide a return to the Company and its shareholders.
In 2021, the Company concluded that Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. (“Jerritt
Canyon”) met the definition of a business and, accordingly, the acquisition
was accounted for as a business combination (Note 4).
39
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
(continued)
Determining what is part of the business combination in the acquisition
of Jerritt Canyon
Accounting Estimates and Judgments: (continued)
Fair Value Estimates
In business combinations, it generally requires time to obtain the information
necessary to identify and measure the following as of the acquisition date:
(i) The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed;
(ii) The consideration transferred in exchange for an interest in the
acquiree;
(iii) The resulting goodwill.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the
end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company
reports in its consolidated financial statements provisional amounts
for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. These provisional
amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional
assets or liabilities are recognized, to reflect new information obtained
about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if
known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized
as of that date. The measurement period ends as soon as the Company
receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances
that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is
not obtainable and shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires
that management make judgments and estimates taking into account
information available at the time of the acquisition about future events
including, but not restricted to, estimates of mineral reserves and
resources, exploration potential, future metal prices, future operating
costs and capital expenditures and discount rates.
During the allowable measurement period, the Company will retrospectively
adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect
new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of
the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of
the amounts recognized as of that date. The Company may also recognize
additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would
have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that
date. The measurement period ends as soon as the Company receives the
information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of
the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable and
shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to change
for up to one year from the Acquisition Date. If new information arises which
would impact management’s assessment of the fair value at the Acquisition
Date, any adjustments to the allocation of the purchase consideration will
be recognized retrospectively and comparative information will be revised.
Consequently, the final allocation of the purchase price may result in different
adjustments than those shown in these audited consolidated financial
statements.
The Company needs to assess if other arrangement(s) or transaction(s) shall
be recognized as part of applying the acquisition method. To determine if the
arrangement(s) or transaction(s), is(are) part of the business combination,
the Company considers the following factors:
(i) The reasons for the arrangement(s) or transaction(s);
(ii) Who initiated the arrangement(s) or transaction(s); and
(iii) The timing of the arrangement(s) or transaction(s).
Management applied judgment based on the above criteria to determine
if private placement shares included as part of the acquisition of Jerritt
Canyon were a part of the business combination.
Goodwill
Accounting Policy:
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business is carried at cost as
established at the date of the acquisition less accumulated impairment
losses, if any. Goodwill is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating
units that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the acquisition. A cash-
generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment
annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be
impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its
carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying
amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of
the unit pro-rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any
impairment loss for goodwill is recognized directly in profit or loss in the
consolidated statements of earnings or loss. An impairment loss recognized
for goodwill is not reversed in subsequent periods. As at December 31, 2021,
the Company had $nil goodwill (2020 - $nil).
Foreign Currency
Accounting Policy:
The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
The individual financial statements of each entity are presented in their
functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the entities’
functional currencies at the exchange rates at the date of the transactions.
Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations denominated
in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated using exchange
rates prevailing at the date of the statement of financial position. Non-
monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign
currency are translated using the exchange rates on the dates of the
transactions. Revenue and expense items are translated at the exchange
rates in effect at the date of the underlying transaction, except for depletion
and depreciation related to non-monetary assets, which are translated
at historical exchange rates. Exchange differences are recognized in the
statements of earnings or loss in the period in which they arise.
Consideration for the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition
method. The consideration of each business combination is measured, at
the date of the exchange, as the aggregate of the fair value of assets given,
liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the
Company to the former owners of the acquiree in exchange for control of
the acquiree. Management made judgments and estimates in calculating
the value of the shares and warrants transferred, including but not limited
to share price, volatility, rate of quarterly dividends and the discount rate.
Determination of Functional Currency
The functional currency for each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the
currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity
operates. The Company has determined that the functional currency
of each entity is the U.S. dollar. Determination of functional currency
may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic
environment and the Company reconsiders the functional currency of its
entities if there is a change in events and conditions which determined the
primary economic environment.
40
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
Revenue Recognition (Note 6)
Accounting Policy:
The Company’s primary product is silver and gold. Other metals, such as
lead and zinc, produced as part of the extraction process are considered
to be by-products arising from the production of silver and gold. Smelting
and refining charges are net against revenue from the sale of metals.
Revenue relating to the sale of metals is recognized when control of the metal
or related services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects
the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the metals.
When considering whether the Company has satisfied its performance
obligation, it considers the indicators of the transfer of control, which
include, but are not limited to, whether: the Company has a present right
to payment; the customer has legal title to the asset; the Company has
transferred physical possession of the asset to the customer; and the
customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset.
Metals in doré sold are priced on date of transfer of control. Final weights and
assays are adjusted on final settlement which is approximately one month
after delivery. Metals in concentrate sold are provisionally priced at the date
of transfer of control as the final selling price is subject to movements in
the monthly average prices up to the final settlement date, typically one
to three months after delivery to the customer. Upon transfer of control of
the concentrate, the Company recognizes revenue on a provisional basis
based on spot price and, at each period end, subsequently re-estimated by
reference to forward market prices of the estimated month of settlement,
with the impact of changes in the forward market prices recognized as
revenue adjustments as they occur until final settlement.
Revenue from the sale of coins, ingots and bullion is recorded when the
products have been shipped and funds have been received. When cash was
received from customers prior to shipping of the related finished goods, the
amounts are recorded as unearned revenue until the products are shipped.
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Determination of Performance Obligations
The Company applied judgment to determine if a good or service that
is promised to a customer is distinct based on whether the customer
can benefit from the good or service on its own or together with other
readily available resources and whether the good or service is separately
identifiable. Based on these criteria, the Company determined the primary
performance obligation relating to its sales contracts is the delivery of the
bullion, doré and concentrates. Shipping and insurance services arranged
by the Company for its concentrate sales customers that occur after the
transfer of control are also considered to be performance obligations.
Inventories (Note 13)
Accounting Policy:
Mineral inventories, including stockpiled ore, work in process and
finished goods, are valued at the lower of weighted average cost and
estimated net realizable value. Cost includes all direct costs incurred in
production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and
amortization and directly attributable overhead costs. Net realizable value
is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing
and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert
the inventories into saleable form.
Any write-downs of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as cost
of sales. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the
previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed to the extent
that the related inventory has not been sold.
Stockpiled ore inventory represents ore that has been extracted from the
mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to stockpiled
ore inventory are valued based on current mining cost per ounce incurred
up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the weighted
average cost per ounce. Stockpiled ore tonnage and head grades are
verified by periodic surveys and physical counts.
Work in process inventory includes precipitates, inventories in tanks and
in the milling process. Finished goods inventory includes metals in their
final stage of production prior to sale, including primarily doré and dried
concentrates at our operations and finished goods in-transit.
Materials and supplies inventories are valued at the lower of weighted
average cost and net realizable value. Costs include acquisition, freight
and other directly attributable costs..
Exploration Potential, Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures (Note 15)
Accounting Policy:
Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for mineral
resources, the determination of technical feasibility and the assessment of
commercial viability of an identified resource. Exploration and evaluation
activity includes:
• acquiring the rights to explore;
• researching and analyzing historical exploration data;
• gathering exploration data through topographical, geochemical and
geophysical studies;
• exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;
• determining and examining the volume and grade of the resource;
• surveying transportation and infrastructure requirements; and
• compiling pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
Capitalization of exploration and evaluation expenditures commences on
acquisition of a beneficial interest or option in mineral rights. Capitalized
costs are recorded as mining interests at cost less accumulated transfers
to producing mineral properties and impairment charges, if applicable. No
amortization is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase as
the asset is not available for use.
Exploration and evaluation assets include exploration potential which
represents the potential additional mineralization beyond the existing
known reserves and resources of a producing mineral property which
the Company gain access through acquiring the mineral rights and/or
concessions. The exploration potential is recorded at cost less accumulated
transfers to producing mineral properties and accumulated impairment
losses, if any. No amortization is charged during the exploration and
evaluation phase as the asset is not available for use.
The majority of the Company’s exploration and evaluation expenditures
focus on mineral deposits in proximity to its existing mining operations.
Where the Company is acquiring a new property, the Company makes a
preliminary evaluation to determine that the property has significant
potential to develop an economic ore body.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures are transferred to development
or producing mining interests when technical feasibility and commercial
viability of the mineral resource have been demonstrated. Factors taken
into consideration include:
• there is sufficient geological certainty of converting the mineral
deposit into proven and probable reserves;
• life of mine plan and economic modeling support the economic
extraction of such reserves and resources;
41
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
(continued)
Exploration Potential, Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures (Note 15)
(continued)
From time to time, the Company acquires or disposes of properties
pursuant to the terms of option agreements. Options are exercisable
entirely at the discretion of the optionee with no obligation or sale until
exercised or expired and, accordingly, are recorded as mineral property
costs or recoveries when the payments are made or received.
Accounting Policy: (continued)
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
• or new properties, a scoping study and/or feasibility study demonstrates
that the additional reserves and resources will generate a positive
economic outcome; and
• operating and environmental permits exist or are reasonably assured
as obtainable.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures remain as exploration mining
interests and do not qualify as producing mining interests until the
aforementioned criteria are met. Exploration and evaluation expenditures
are transferred to development or producing mining interests when the
technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral resource has
been demonstrated according to the above mentioned factors.
Once the technical feasibility, commercial viability and a development
decision have been established, the value of the exploration and evaluation
asset is reclassified and accounted for in accordance with IAS 16, Property,
Plant and Equipment (“IAS 16”). The exploration and evaluation asset is
subject to an impairment test prior to reclassification in accordance with
IFRS 6. It is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depletion
and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Accounting estimates and judgments
Economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits of
exploration, evaluation and development costs
Management has determined that exploratory drilling, evaluation,
development and related costs incurred which were capitalized have
potential future economic benefits and are potentially economically
recoverable, subject to impairment analysis. Management uses several
criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of
future economic benefit including geologic and metallurgic information,
exploration plans and results, accessible facilities and existing permits.
Mining Interests (Note 15)
Accounting Policy:
Exploration, development and field support costs directly related to
mining interests are deferred until the property to which they directly
relate is placed into production, sold, abandoned or subject to a condition
of impairment. The deferred costs are amortized over the useful life of
the ore body following commencement of production, or written off if the
property is sold or abandoned. Administration costs and other exploration
costs that do not relate to any specific property are expensed as incurred.
Upon commencement of commercial production, mining interests are
depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated economic
life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is
determined using quantity of material extracted from the mine in the
period as a portion of total quantity of material to be extracted in current
and future periods based on reserves and resources considered to be
highly probable to be economically extracted over the life of mine. If no
published reserves and resources are available, the Company may rely
on internal estimates of economically recoverable mineralized material,
prepared on a basis consistent with that used for determining reserves
and resources, for purpose of determining depletion.
Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates
Mineral reserve and resource estimates affect the determination of
recoverable value used in impairment assessments, the depletion and
depreciation rates for non-current assets using the units of production
method and the expected timing of reclamation and closure expenditures.
The figures for mineral reserves and mineral resources are determined
in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) Technical
Report standards. There are numerous uncertainties
in
estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many
factors beyond the Company’s control. Such estimation is a subjective
process and the accuracy of any mineral reserve or mineral resource
estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of
the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological
interpretation. Differences between management’s assumptions including
economic assumptions such as metal prices and market conditions could
have a material effect in the future on the Company’s financial position,
results of operation and cash flows.
inherent
Depletion Rate for Mining Interests
Depletion expenses are allocated based on estimated useful life of the
asset. Should the expected asset life and associated depletion rate
differ from the initial estimate, the change in estimate would be made
prospectively in the consolidated statements of earnings or loss.
Stream Asset (Note 15)
Accounting Policy:
A stream asset is a long-term metal purchase agreement for which
settlement is called for in silver, the amount of which is based on production
at a mine corresponding to the specific agreement. On acquisition of a
stream asset, it is recorded at cost and is accounted for in accordance
with IFRS 6, Exploration and Evaluation of Mineral Resources (“IFRS 6”). A
stream asset where the mine corresponding to the specific agreement is
an exploration and evaluation stage property is classified as exploration
and evaluation asset and is assessed for impairment whenever indicators
of impairment exist in accordance with IFRS 6. An impairment loss is
recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its
recoverable amount.
Once the technical feasibility, commercial viability and a development
decision have been established, the value of the stream asset is
reclassified and accounted for in accordance with IAS 16, Property, Plant
and Equipment (“IAS 16”). The exploration and evaluation asset is subject
to an impairment test prior to reclassification in accordance with IFRS 6.
It is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depletion and
accumulated impairment losses, if any.
A producing stream asset is depleted using the units-of-production
method over the life of the property to which the interest relates, which
is estimated using available information of proven and probable reserves
and the portion of resources expected to be classified as mineral reserves
at the mine corresponding to the specific agreement.
42
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 16)
Accounting Policy:
Borrowing Costs
Accounting Policy:
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated
depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of
property, plant and equipment includes the purchase price or construction
cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and
condition necessary for its intended use, an initial estimate of the costs of
dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is
located, and borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of
qualifying assets.
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using either the straight-line
or units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated useful life
of the asset or the expected life of mine. Where an item of property, plant
and equipment comprises of major components with different useful lives,
the components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and
equipment. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and reclassified
to machinery and equipment when it becomes available for use.
Depreciation commences when the asset is in the condition and location
necessary for it to operate in the manner intended by management.
Depreciation charges on assets that are directly related to mineral
properties are allocated to those mineral properties.
The Company conducts an annual review of residual balances, useful lives and
depreciation methods utilized for property, plant and equipment. Any changes
in estimate that arise from this review are accounted for prospectively.
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Commencement of Commercial Production
Prior to reaching commercial production levels intended by management,
costs incurred are capitalized as part of the related mine or mill .
Depletion of capitalized costs for mining properties and depreciation
and amortization of property, plant and equipment begin when operating
levels intended by management have been reached.
Determining when a mine or mill is in the condition necessary for it to be
capable of operating in the manner intended by management is a matter of
judgment dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. The following
factors may indicate that commercial production has commenced:
• substantially all major capital expenditures have been completed to
bring the asset to the condition necessary to operate in the manner
intended by management;
• the mine or mill has reached a pre-determined percentage of design
capacity;
• the ability to sustain a pre-determined level of design capacity for a
significant period of time (i.e. the ability to process ore continuously
at a steady or increasing level);
• the completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant
and equipment;
• the ability to produce a saleable product (i.e. the ability to produce
concentrate within required sellable specifications);
• the mine or mill has been transferred to operating personnel from
internal development groups or external contractors; and
• mineral recoveries are at or near the expected production levels.
Depreciation and Amortization Rates for Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation and amortization expenses are determined based on
estimated useful life of the asset. Should the expected asset life and
associated depreciation rates differ from the initial estimate, the change
in estimate would be made prospectively in the consolidated statements
of earnings or loss.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or
production of a qualifying asset that takes a substantial period of time
to get ready for its intended use are capitalized as part of the cost of the
asset until the asset is substantially ready for its intended use. Other
borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. As
at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company does not have any qualifying
assets under construction.
Right of Use Assets (Note 17) and Lease Liabilities (Note 21)
Accounting Policy:
The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at
inception of the contract. The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset
and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements
in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases
with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets
(such as tablets and personal computers, small items of office furniture
and telephones). For short-term and low value leases, the Company
recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease
payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by
using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined,
the lessee uses its incremental borrowing rate.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:
• fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less
any lease incentives receivable;
• variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially
measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;
• the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual
value guarantees;
• the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably
certain to exercise the options; and
• payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term
reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.
The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying
amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective
interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease
payments made.
The Company remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding
adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:
• the lease term has changed or there is a significant event or change in
circumstances resulting in a change in the assessment of exercise of
a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is remeasured by
discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.
• the lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or
a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value,
in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the
revised lease payments using an unchanged discount rate (unless
the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest
rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used).
• a lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not
accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability
is remeasured based on the lease term of the modified lease by
discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate
at the effective date of the modification.
43
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
(continued)
CGU not been impaired. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized as
a gain in the statements of earnings or loss.
Right of Use Assets (Note 17) and Lease Liabilities (Note 21) (continued)
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Accounting Policy: (continued)
Indications of Impairment and Reversal of Impairment
The right-of-use assets comprise of the initial measurement of the
corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the
commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any initial
direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term
and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of
the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that
the Company expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-
use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The
depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.
As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-
lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-
lease components as a single arrangement.
Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction
of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on
the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognized
immediately in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to
qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalized in accordance with
the Company’s general policy on borrowing costs.
Impairment of Non-Current Assets
Accounting Policy:
At each statement of financial position date, the Company reviews the
carrying amounts of its non-current assets to determine whether there is
any indication that those assets are impaired. If any such indication exists,
the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine
the extent of the impairment, if any. Where the asset does not generate
independent cash inflows, the Company estimates the recoverable amount
of the cash generating unit (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs.
If the recoverable amount of the asset or CGU is determined to be less than
its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its
recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized as an expense in
the consolidated statements of earnings or loss. Recoverable amount is the
higher of fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and value in use (“VIU”).
FVLCD is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale
of the asset or CGU in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable
and willing parties. The Company considers the use of a combination of its
internal discounted cash flow economic models and in-situ value of reserves,
resources and exploration potential of each CGU for estimation of its FVLCD.
These cash flows are discounted by an appropriate post-tax discount rate to
arrive at a net present value of the asset. VIU is determined as the present
value of the estimated cash flows expected to arise from the continued
use of the asset or CGU in its present form and its eventual disposal. VIU is
determined by applying assumptions specific to the Company’s continued
use and does not take into account future development.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount
of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable
amount, so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment
been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior periods, adjusted for
additional amortization which would have been recorded had the asset or
44
Management considers both external and internal sources of information
in assessing whether there are any indications that the Company’s
property, plant and equipment and mining interests are impaired
or previous impairments should be reversed. External sources of
information management considers include changes in the market,
economic and legal environment in which the Company operates that are
not within its control and affect the recoverable amount of its property,
plant and equipment and mining interests. Internal sources of information
management considers includes the manner in which mining properties
and plant and equipment are being used or are expected to be used and
indications of economic performance of the assets.
For exploration and evaluation assets, indications include but are not
limited to expiration of the right to explore, substantive expenditure in the
specific area is neither budgeted nor planned, and if the entity has decided
to discontinue exploration activity in the specific area.
The Company did not identify any indicators of potential impairment or
impairment reversal on its non-current assets and CGUs during the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Fair Value Estimates
In determining the recoverable amounts of the Company’s property,
plant and equipment and mining interests, management makes
estimates of the discounted future cash flows expected to be derived
from the Company’s mining properties, costs of disposal of the mining
properties and the appropriate discount rate. Reductions in metal price
forecasts, increases in estimated future costs of production, increases
in estimated future capital expenditures, reductions in the amount of
recoverable reserves, resources, and exploration potential, and/or
adverse current economics can result in an impairment of the carrying
amounts of the Company’s non-current assets. Conversely, favourable
changes to the aforementioned factors can result in a reversal of
previous impairments.
Share-based Payment Transactions (Note 24(b))
Accounting Policy:
transactions
Employees (including directors and officers) of the Company may
receive a portion of their remuneration in the form of stock options
which are share-based payment
(“share-based
payments”). Stock options issued to employees are measured by
reference to their fair value using the Black-Scholes model at the date
on which they were granted. Forfeitures are estimated at grant date
and adjusted prospectively based on actual forfeitures. Share-based
payments expense, for stock options that are forfeited or cancelled
prior to vesting, is reversed. The costs of share-based payments are
recognized, together with a corresponding increase in the equity
reserve, over the period in which the services and/or performance
conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant
employees become fully entitled to the award (“the vesting date”). On
exercise by the employee, the associated option value in the equity
reserve is reclassified to share capital.
The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to
its directors, employees and consultants non-transferable Restricted
Share Units (“RSU’s”) based on the value of the Company’s share price
at the date of grant. Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically have
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) a graded vesting schedule over a three-year period and can be settled
either in cash or equity upon vesting at the discretion of the Company. The
Company intends to settle all RSU’s in equity.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences
to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future
taxable earnings is probable.
In situations where equity instruments are issued to non-employees, the
share-based payments are measured at the fair value of goods or services
received. If some or all of the goods or services received by the Company
as consideration cannot be specifically identified, they are measured at
the fair value of the share-based payment.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally
enforceable right to offset the current tax assets against the current
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same
taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets
and liabilities on a net basis.
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Valuation of Share-based Payments
Recognition of Deferred Income Tax Assets
The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model for valuation
of share-based payments. Option pricing models require the input of
subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, interest rate
and forfeiture rate. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect
the fair value estimate and the Company’s earnings and equity reserves.
Taxation (Note 23)
Accounting Policy:
Current and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss, except when
they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or
directly in equity, in which case they are recognized in other comprehensive
income or directly in equity.
Current income tax is based on taxable earnings for the year. The tax rates
and tax laws to compute the amount payable are those that are substantively
enacted in each tax regime at the date of the statement of financial position.
Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary
differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities in the
statement of financial position, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and
the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable earnings,
based on tax rates and tax laws that are substantively enacted at the date
of the statement of financial position and are expected to apply when the
related deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences
associated with investments in subsidiaries, and interests in joint ventures,
except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is
controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences
to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future
taxable earnings is probable.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally
enforceable right to offset the current tax assets against the current
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same
taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets
and liabilities on a net basis.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences
associated with investments in subsidiaries, and interests in joint ventures,
except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is
controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets recognized,
management makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable
income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of
existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken
will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In
making its assessments, management gives additional weight to positive
and negative evidence that can be objectively verified.
Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash
flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each
jurisdiction. Forecasted cash flows from operations are based on life
of mine projections internally developed, reviewed by management
and are consistent with the forecasts utilized for business planning
and impairment testing purposes. Weight is attached to tax planning
opportunities that are within the Company’s control, and are feasible
and implementable without significant obstacles. The likelihood that
tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable
tax authorities is assessed based on individual facts and circumstances
of the relevant tax position evaluated in light of all available evidence.
Where applicable tax laws and regulations are either unclear or subject
to ongoing varying interpretations, it is reasonably possible that changes
in these estimates can occur that materially affect the amounts of income
tax assets recognized. At the end of each reporting period, the Company
reassesses recognized and unrecognized income tax assets.
Tax Contingencies
involve dealing with uncertainties and
The Company’s operations
judgments in the application of tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions.
The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including
negotiations with tax authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution
of disputes arising from tax audits. The Company recognizes potential
liabilities and records tax liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based
on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will
be due. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts
and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of some of these
uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is
materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax
liabilities. If the Company’s estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than
the ultimate assessment, an additional charge to expense would result.
If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be greater than the ultimate
assessment, a tax benefit would result.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounting Policy:
Cash in the statement of financial position includes cash on hand and held
at banks and cash equivalents include short-term guaranteed investment
certificates redeemable within three months or less at the date of purchase.
45
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
Fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”)
(continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents (continued)
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Determination and classification of current and non-current restricted
cash (Note 18)
The Company determines if the funds on hand and held at banks meets
the definition of cash or cash equivalents. When there is a restriction on
those funds, the Company assesses the nature of the restriction and if it is
applicable, excludes the related amounts from the cash and cash equivalents
balance. The Company then assesses the classification of the restricted cash
between current and non-current based on the following factors:
• an asset is cash or a cash equivalent unless the asset is restricted
from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve
months after the period; and
• it expects to realize the asset within twelve months after the
reporting period.
The evaluation was performed based on the available information at the
end of the reporting period; if there are changes in the circumstances the
Company will reassess the classification.
Financial Instruments
Accounting Policy:
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized when the Company
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. On initial
recognition, all financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair
value, net of attributable transaction costs, except for financial assets and
liabilities classified as at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). The
directly attributable transaction costs of financial assets and liabilities
classified as at FVTPL are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities depends on
the classifications of such assets and liabilities.
Amortized cost
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured
subsequently at amortized cost:
• the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is
to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and
• the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified
dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest
on the principal amount outstanding.
The amortized cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial
asset is measured at initial recognition minus the principal repayments,
plus the cumulative amortization using effective interest method of any
difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted
for any loss allowance. Interest income is recognized using the effective
interest method.
The Company’s financial assets at amortized cost primarily include cash
and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and value added taxes
receivable included in other current and non-current financial assets in
the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
46
Financial assets that meet the following conditions are measured at
FVTOCI:
• The financial asset is held within a business model whose objective
is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling
financial assets; and
• The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified
dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest
on the principal amount outstanding.
The Company has designated certain investments in marketable securities
that are not held for trading as FVTOCI (Note 14).
On initial recognition, the Company may make an irrevocable election (on
an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate investments in equity
instruments that would otherwise be measured at fair value through
profit or loss to present subsequent changes in fair value in other
comprehensive income. Designation at FVTOCI is not permitted if the
equity investment is held for trading or if it is contingent consideration
recognized by an acquirer in a business combination. Investments in
equity instruments at FVTOCI are initially measured at fair value plus
transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with
gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in OCI. The
cumulative gain or loss is not reclassified to profit or loss on disposal of
the equity instrument, instead, it is transferred to retained earnings.
Financial assets measured subsequently at fair value through profit or
loss (“FVTPL”)
By default, all other financial assets, including derivatives, are measured
subsequently at FVTPL.
The Company, at initial recognition, may also irrevocably designate a
financial asset as measured at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly
reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise
arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and
losses on them on different bases.
Financial assets measured at FVTPL are measured at fair value at the end
of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses recognized
in profit or loss to the extent they are not part of a designated hedging
relationship. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 24.
The Company’s financial assets at FVTPL include its account receivable
arising from sales of metal contained in concentrates.
Financial liabilities and equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or
as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements
and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest
in the assets of the Company after deducting all its liabilities. Equity
instruments issued by the Company are recognized at the proceeds
received, net of direct issue costs. Repurchase of the Company’s own
equity instruments is recognized and deducted directly in equity. No
gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or
cancellation of the Company’s own equity instruments.
Financial liabilities that are not contingent consideration of an acquirer
in a business combination, held for trading or designated as FVTPL, are
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The
Company’s financial liabilities at amortized cost primarily include trade
and other payables, debt facilities (Note 20) and lease liabilities (Note 21)
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Provisions (Note 22)
Accounting Policy:
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or
constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the
Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate
of the obligation can be made. The amount recognized as a provision is
the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle
the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the
obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is
recognized as finance costs.
Accounting Estimates and Judgments:
Estimated Reclamation and Closure Costs
The Company’s provision for decommissioning liabilities represents
management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows
required to settle estimated reclamation and closure costs at the end of
the mine’s life. The provision reflects estimates of future costs, inflation,
movements in foreign exchange rates and assumptions of risks associated
with the future cash outflows, and the applicable risk-free interest rates
for discounting the future cash outflows. Changes in the above factors can
result in a change to the provision recognized by the Company.
Changes to reclamation and closure cost obligations are recorded with a
corresponding change to the carrying amounts of related mining properties.
Adjustments to the carrying amounts of related mining properties can
result in a change to future depletion expense.
Earnings or Loss per Share (Note 12)
Accounting Policy:
Basic earnings or loss per share for the period is calculated by dividing the
earnings or loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period.
Diluted earnings or loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted
average number of shares outstanding to assume conversion of all
potentially dilutive share equivalents, such as stock options, restricted share
units, convertible debt and share purchase warrants. Diluted earnings or loss
per share is calculated using the treasury stock method and assumes the
receipt of proceeds upon exercise of the options with exercise prices below
the average market price to determine the number of shares assumed to be
purchased at the average market price during the period.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as at December
31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use
(Amendments to IAS 16)
The amendments prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property,
plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced while
bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be
capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an
entity recognises the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of
producing those items, in profit or loss.
on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial
statements in which the Company first applies the amendments. The
Company will recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying the
amendments as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings
at the beginning of that earliest period presented. This amendment will
impact the Company’s accounting for proceeds from mineral sales prior to
reaching commercial production levels intended by management.
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1)
The amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements
by helping companies determine whether, in the statement of financial
position, debt and other liabilities with an uncertain settlement date
should be classified as current (due or potentially due to be settled within
one year) or non-current.
The amendments are applied on or after the first annual reporting period
beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with early application permitted.
This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS
Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgments—Disclosure of
Accounting Policies
The amendments change the requirements in IAS 1 with regard to
disclosure of accounting policies. The amendments replace all instances
of the term ‘significant accounting policies’ with ‘material accounting
policy information’. Accounting policy information is material if, when
considered together with other information included in an entity’s financial
statements, it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the
primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis
of those financial statements.
The supporting paragraphs in IAS 1 are also amended to clarify that
accounting policy information that relates to immaterial transactions,
other events or conditions is immaterial and need not be disclosed.
Accounting policy information may be material because of the nature of
the related transactions, other events or conditions, even if the amounts
are immaterial. However, not all accounting policy information relating
to material transactions, other events or conditions is itself material.
The Board has also developed guidance and examples to explain and
demonstrate the application of the
‘four-step materiality process’
described in IFRS Practice Statement 2.
The amendments to IAS 1 are effective for annual periods beginning on or
after 1 January 2023, with earlier application permitted and are applied
prospectively. The amendments to IFRS Practice Statement 2 do not
contain an effective date or transition requirements
Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates
and Errors—Definition of Accounting Estimates
The amendments replace the definition of a change in accounting estimates
with a definition of accounting estimates. Under the new definition,
accounting estimates are “monetary amounts in financial statements that
are subject to measurement uncertainty”.
The definition of a change in accounting estimates was deleted. However,
the Board retained the concept of changes in accounting estimates in the
Standard with the following clarifications:
The amendments are applied on or after the first annual reporting period
beginning on or after January 1, 2022, with early application permitted. The
amendments are applied retrospectively, but only to items of property, plant
and equipment that are brought to the location and condition necessary for
them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management
• A change in accounting estimate that results from new information
or new developments is not the correction of an error
• The effects of a change in an input or a measurement technique used to
develop an accounting estimate are changes in accounting estimates
if they do not result from the correction of prior period errors
47
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)
Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as at December 31, 2021 (continued)
Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors—Definition of Accounting Estimates (continued)
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 to changes in accounting policies and changes in accounting
estimates that occur on or after the beginning of that period, with earlier application permitted.
Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)
In May 2021, the International Accounting Standards Board issued targeted amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes. The amendments are effective for annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, although earlier application is permitted. With a view to reducing diversity in reporting, the amendments
will clarify that companies are required to recognize deferred taxes on transactions where both assets and liabilities are recognized, such as with leases
and decommissioning liabilities. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
4. ACQUISITION OF JERRITT CANYON CANADA LTD.
Description of the Transaction
On April 30, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. from Sprott Mining
Inc. (“Sprott Mining”) in exchange for 26,719,727 common shares of First Majestic (the “Consideration Shares”) and five million common share purchase
warrants (the “Consideration Warrants”), each exercisable for one common share of the Company at a price of $20 per share for a period of three years from
the date of acquisition on April 30, 2021 (the “Acquisition Date”). Concurrent with closing of the acquisition, Sprott Mining also completed a private placement
consisting of $30.0 million at a price of $17.59 per share for a total of 1,705,514 common shares of the Company (the “Private Placement Shares”) (together,
the “Acquisition Agreement”).
Pursuant to closing of the Acquisition Agreement, the Company deposited into escrow an aggregate of $60.0 million (the “Escrowed Funds”), including $30.0
million from First Majestic and $30.0 million proceeds from the Private Placement Shares, representing the estimated tax (“Triggered Tax”) due by Jerritt
Canyon Canada as a result of a reorganization completed prior to the acquisition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the
Purchase Price is increased to the extent the Triggered Tax is less than $60 million (“Triggered Tax Adjustment”) and decreased to the extent the working
capital (the “Working Capital Adjustment”) of Jerritt Canyon is less than zero. The amount of such tax liability was $45.2 million and has been paid from the
Escrowed Funds. As of April 30, 2021, Jerritt Canyon had a preliminary negative working capital of $2.8 million. As at December 31, 2021, the Working Capital
Adjustment and Triggered Tax Adjustment had not been finally determined and $12.6 million remains in escrow pending such determination.
Jerritt Canyon owns and operates the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine located in Elko County, Nevada. Jerritt Canyon was discovered in 1972 and has been in
production since 1981 having produced over 9.5 million ounces of gold over its 40-year production history. The mine currently operates as an underground
mine and has one of three permitted gold processing plants in Nevada that uses roasting in its treatment of ore. This processing plant has a capacity of
4,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”) and is currently operating at an average rate of approximately 2,200 tpd. The property consists of a large, under explored land
package consisting of 30,821 hectares (119 square miles). The acquisition was completed in order to support the Company’s growth strategy by adding
another cornerstone asset within a world class mining jurisdiction to the Company’s portfolio.
Management has concluded that Jerritt Canyon constitutes a business and, therefore, the acquisition is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 - Business
Combinations. Given the delivery of the consideration and the fulfillment of the covenants as per the Acquisition Agreement, the transaction was deemed
to be completed with First Majestic identified as the acquirer. Based on the April 30, 2021 opening share price of common shares, the total consideration
of the Jerritt Canyon acquisition is $478.9 million. The Company began consolidating the operating results, cash flows and net assets of Jerritt Canyon
from April 30, 2021 onwards.
The determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was previously reported based on preliminary estimates at the Acquisition
Date. The Company is completing a full and detailed valuation of the fair value of the net assets of Jerritt Canyon acquired using income, market, and cost
valuation methods with the assistance of an independent third party. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the allocation of purchase
price with respect to the fair value increment of assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been updated to reflect new information obtained which
existed at the Acquisition Date.
The fair value of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are subject to change for up to one year from the Acquisition Date. The Company is finalizing its
full and detailed assessment of the fair value of the net assets of Jerritt Canyon acquired. As stated above, the Triggered Tax Adjustment and the Working
Capital Adjustment, as well as any consequential impact on the deferred tax liabilities, have yet to be finally determined. If new information arises which
would impact management’s assessment of the fair value at the Acquisition Date, any adjustments to the allocation of the purchase consideration will be
recognized retrospectively and comparative information will be revised. Consequently, the final allocation of the purchase price consideration may result
in material adjustments to the amounts shown in these audited consolidated financial statements.
Consideration and Purchase Price Allocation
Total consideration for the acquisition was valued at $478.9 million on the Acquisition Date. The following table summarizes the consideration paid as
part of the purchase price:
48
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Total Consideration
26,719,727 Consideration Shares issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $15.59 per share(1)
1,705,514 Private Placement Shares issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $15.59 per share(1)
5,000,000 Consideration Warrants issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $4.63 per warrant(2)
Estimated Triggered Tax Adjustment
Total consideration
$416,561
26,589
23,150
12,570
$478,870
(1) Fair values of Consideration Shares and Private Placement Shares were estimated at $15.59 per share based on the opening price of First Majestic’s common share on the New York Stock Exchange on
April 30, 2021, as compared to their deemed price of $17.59 according to the Acquisition Agreement.
(2) The Consideration Warrants have an exercise price of $20 per share for a three-year term expiring on April 30, 2024. The fair value of Consideration Warrants were estimated using the Black-Scholes
method at the Jerritt Canyon Acquisition Date, using the following assumptions:
Stock price (as of opening on April 30, 2021)
Exercise price of Consideration Warrants
Term (years)
Volatility
Annual rate of quarterly dividends
Discount rate - bond equivalent yield
Total fair value of warrants
$15.59
$20.00
3
55%
0%
0.5%
$23,150
The following table summarizes the preliminary and revised purchase price allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities based on their estimated
fair values on the acquisition date:
Allocation of Purchase Price
Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets
Prepaid expenses
Restricted cash(1)
Mining interest
Property, plant and equipment
Deposit on non-current assets
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities(3)
Income taxes payable
Contingent environmental provision(2)
Decommissioning liabilities(2)
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets acquired
Preliminary
as reported
June 30, 2021
Adjustments
Revised
as reported
December 31, 2021
$1,025
19,304
135
3,581
1,662
96,985
409,930
224,034
128
(27,159)
(2,194)
(47,185)
(17,900)
(87,705)
(98,186)
$476,455
$—
—
(63)
—
62
—
22,729
(48,307)
—
3,974
—
1,866
17,900
16,570
(12,316)
$2,415
$1,025
19,304
72
3,581
1,724
96,985
432,659
175,727
128
(23,185)
(2,194)
(45,319)
—
(71,135)
(110,502)
$478,870
(1) Restricted cash includes $30.0 million proceeds from the issuance of Private Placement Shares which were deposited into the Escrowed Funds and $67.0 million in non-current environmental
reclamation bonds.
(2) Decommissioning liabilities include funds required to establish a trust agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) to cover post-closure water treatment costs at Jerritt
Canyon, which were previously reported as a contingent environmental provision.
(3) Lease liabilities are defined per Note 21.
The Company used discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of the depletable mining interest. The expected future cash flows are based
on estimates of future gold prices, estimated quantities of ore reserves and mineral resources, expected future production costs and capital expenditures
based on the life of mine plans at the acquisition date. The discounted future cash flow models used a 5.1% discount rate based on the Company’s
assessment of country risk, project risk, and other potential risks specific to the acquired mining interest.
49
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 4. ACQUISITION OF JERRITT CANYON CANADA LTD. (continued)
Consideration and Purchase Price Allocation (continued)
The significant assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the mining interests were as follows:
Short-term and long-term gold price
Discount rate
Mine life (years)
Average gold grade over life of mine
Average gold recovery rate
$1,750
5.1%
11
6.0 g/t
86%
The Company used a market approach to determine the fair value of exploration potential by comparing the costs of other precedent market transactions
within the industry on a dollar per square kilometres basis. Those amounts were used to determine the range of area-based resources multiples implied
within the value of transactions by other market participants. Management made a significant assumption in the determination of the fair value of
exploration potential by using an implied multiple of $298,524 per square kilometre for a total of $92.0 million. The Company accounted for exploration
potential through inclusion within non-depletable mineral interest.
Financial and operating results of Jerritt Canyon are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements effective April 30, 2021. During the
year ended December 31, 2021, the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon contributed $123.8 million of revenues and $32.1 million of net loss to the Company’s
financial results since April 30, 2021.
Had the business combination been effected at January 1, 2021, pro forma revenues and net loss of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021 would
have been $636.4 million and $26.5 million, respectively. Total transaction costs of $2.0 million related to the acquisition were expensed during the year.
5. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
All of the Company’s operations are within the mining industry and its major products are precious metals doré which are refined or smelted into pure
silver and gold and sold to global metal brokers. Transfer prices between reporting segments are set on an arms-length basis in a manner similar to
transactions with third parties. Coins and bullion cost of sales are based on transfer prices.
A reporting segment is defined as a component of the Company that:
• engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses;
• whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the entity’s chief operating decision maker; and
• for which discrete financial information is available.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s significant reporting segments includes its three operating mines in Mexico, the recently acquired
Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada, United States and its “non-producing properties” in Mexico which include the La Parrilla, Del Toro, San Martin and
La Guitarra mines, which have been placed on suspension. “Others” consists primarily of the Company’s corporate assets including cash and cash
equivalents, other development and exploration properties (Note 15), debt facilities (Note 20), coins and bullion sales, and corporate expenses which are
not allocated to operating segments. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) evaluates segment performance based on mine operating
earnings. Therefore, other income and expense items are not allocated to the segments.
50
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
Significant information relating to the Company’s reportable operating segments is summarized in the tables below:
Mining Interests
Year Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
Revenue
Cost of sales
Depletion,
depreciation, and
amortization
Mine
operating
earnings
(loss)
Capital
expenditures
Mexico
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Non-producing Properties
United States
Jerritt Canyon
Others(1)
Intercompany elimination(2)
Consolidated
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
$275,463
$132,550
$44,859
$98,054
$56,385
217,576
117,303
76,051
81,738
73,632
—
183
110,782
77,126
52,990
45,350
37,794
—
1,362
33,738
17,536
10,472
8,123
8,265
418
848
73,056
22,641
12,589
28,265
27,573
(418)
(2,027)
43,772
67,453
33,739
11,355
10,733
1,977
4,338
123,808
117,324
43,511
(37,027)
46,408
—
10,882
2,251
(25,077)
(5,817)
$584,117
$363,876
—
6,073
4,173
(12,338)
(2,684)
$366,085
$204,417
—
2,166
1,082
—
—
—
2,643
(3,004)
(12,739)
(3,133)
—
36,190
32,453
—
—
$116,613
$54,405
$101,419
$105,054
$219,768
$125,036
(1) The “Others” segment includes revenues of $10.9 million from coins and bullion sales of 349,278 silver ounces at an average price of $31.16 per ounce.
(2) Effective January 1, 2021, the Company is presenting its segment revenue, cost of sales and mine operating earnings (loss) on a gross basis, with a new line item to reflect intercompany eliminations.
The segmented information for the comparative periods have been adjusted to reflect this change for consistency.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had three (December 31, 2020 - three) customers that accounted for 99% (2020 - 99%) of its
sales revenue, with one major metal broker accounting for 93% of total revenue (2020 - 92%).
At December 31, 2021 and 2020
Producing
Exploration
Property,
plant and
equipment
Total
mining assets
Total
assets
Total
liabilities
Mining Interests
Mexico
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Non-producing Properties
United States
Jerritt Canyon
Others
Consolidated
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
$213,526
204,592
97,271
52,892
25,827
25,865
106,215
108,837
$29,186
$105,473
$348,185
$495,479
$119,764
17,179
31,067
33,951
4,640
2,955
38,752
37,004
112,105
64,843
49,245
20,680
16,555
27,180
29,888
333,876
193,181
136,088
51,147
45,375
172,147
175,730
439,145
257,244
166,525
114,634
99,185
215,725
219,109
105,462
66,795
33,467
35,245
29,354
31,760
40,274
362,811
104,431
172,857
640,099
733,725
233,484
—
—
—
$805,649
$392,185
—
34,804
26,455
$242,881
$117,545
—
58,204
50,427
—
93,008
76,882
—
308,182
313,553
$449,237
$1,497,767
$2,124,989
$258,220
$767,950
$1,237,517
—
226,970
178,724
$714,018
$387,281
51
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
6. REVENUES
The majority of the Company’s revenues are from the sale of precious metals contained in doré form. The Company’s primary products are precious
metals of silver and gold. Revenues from the sale of metal, including by-products, are recorded net of smelting and refining costs.
Revenues for the year are summarized as follows:
Gross revenue from payable metals:
Silver
Gold
Lead
Gross revenue
Less: smelting and refining costs
Revenues
Year Ended December 31,
2021
52%
48%
0%
2020
66%
34%
0%
$242,338
124,264
74
$307,304
279,921
—
587,225
100%
366,676
100%
(3,108)
$584,117
(2,800)
$363,876
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had $12.2 million of unearned revenue (December 31, 2020 - $2.7 million) that has not satisfied performance obligations.
(a) Gold Stream Agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd.
The Santa Elena mine is subject to a gold streaming agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”), which requires the Company to sell 20% of its
gold production over the life of mine from its leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations at the Santa Elena mine. The selling price
to Sandstorm is the lesser of the prevailing market price or $450 per ounce, subject to a 1% annual inflation. During the year ended December 31,
2021, the Company delivered 5,327 ounces (2020 - 5,697 ounces) of gold to Sandstorm at an average price of $467 per ounce (2020 - $463 per ounce).
(b) Net Smelter Royalty
The Santa Elena mine has a net smelter royalty (“NSR”) agreement with Orogen Royalties Inc. that requires a 2% NSR from the production of the
Ermitaño property. In addition, there is an underlying NSR royalty where Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. retains a 2% NSR from the sale of mineral products
extracted from the Ermitaño property. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had accrued $1.0 million (2020 - $nil) in NSR from the
production of Ermitaño in November and December of 2021 to be paid in the first quarter of 2022.
52
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
(c) Gold Stream Agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corporation
In 2018, the San Dimas mine entered into a purchase agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals International (“WPMI”), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., which entitles WPMI to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver
ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment) and
the prevailing market price for each gold equivalent ounce delivered. Should the average gold to silver ratio over a six-month period exceed 90:1 or
fall below 50:1, the fixed exchange ratio would be increased to 90:1 or decreased to 50:1, respectively. The fixed gold to silver exchange ratio as at
December 31, 2021 was 70:1.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company delivered 48,015 ounces (2020 - 38,604 ounces) of gold to WPMI at $617 (2020 - $610) per
ounce, respectively.
7. COST OF SALES
Cost of sales excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization and are costs that are directly related to production and generation of revenues at the
operating segments. Significant components of cost of sales are comprised of the following:
Consumables and materials
Labour costs
Energy
Other costs
Production costs
Transportation and other selling costs
Workers participation costs
Environmental duties and royalties
Inventory changes
Other
Cost of Sales
Cost of Sales - Standby Costs(1)
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$78,463
194,846
42,881
27,011
2020
$36,760
103,075
25,075
11,275
$343,201
$176,185
2,739
15,939
5,835
(2,304)
675
2,288
14,245
2,010
(423)
—
$366,085
$—
$194,305
$10,112
(1) Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 included standby costs of $10.1 million, primarily related to direct costs incurred at the San Dimas ($3.5 million), Santa Elena ($2.0 million) and La
Encantada ($1.7 million) mines due to temporary suspensions following Mexico’s Ministry of Health’s Federal Decree requiring all non-essential businesses, including mining, to temporarily suspend
activities throughout most of April and May in response to the global pandemic. In addition, the Company incurred $2.0 million in standby costs related to the 13-day union work stoppage at San Dimas
in June 2020.
8. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses are incurred to support the administration of the business that are not directly related to production. Significant
components of general and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:
Corporate administration
Salaries and benefits
Audit, legal and professional fees
Filing and listing fees
Directors fees and expenses
Depreciation
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$7,806
11,636
4,619
506
826
1,670
2020
$5,012
11,271
5,353
499
842
1,878
$27,063
$24,855
53
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
9. MINE HOLDING COSTS
The Company’s mine holding costs are primarily comprised of labour costs associated with care and maintenance staff, electricity, security, environmental
and community support costs for the following mines which are currently under temporary suspension:
Del Toro
La Parrilla
San Martin
La Guitarra
10. INVESTMENT AND OTHER (LOSS) INCOME
The Company’s investment and other (loss) income are comprised of the following:
(Loss) gain from investment in marketable securities (Note 14(a))
Loss on write-down of plant and equipment(1)(2)
Gain from investment in silver futures derivatives
Interest income and other
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$3,385
3,278
2,597
2,796
2020
$7,999
5,563
5,265
2,757
$12,056
$21,583
Year Ended December 31,
2021
($2,054)
(2,501)
532
1,075
($2,948)
2020
$1,973
—
2,079
1,075
$5,127
(1) In March 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Condor Gold PLC (“Condor”) to sell its AG Mill equipment for gross proceeds of $6.5 million, including $3.5 million in cash and $3.0 million in
common shares of Condor. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed the sale and recognized a loss of $2.1 million, being the difference between the proceeds of disposal and
the carrying amount of the project’s net assets, as loss on write-down of plant and equipment.
(2) In May 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Capstone Mining Corp. to sell certain mill equipment for gross proceeds of $6.4 million in cash, of which $5.7 million has been received as at
December 31, 2021. No gain or loss was recognized as part of this transaction as the equipment was sold at cost.
11. FINANCE COSTS
Finance costs are primarily related to interest and accretion expense on the Company’s debt facilities, lease liabilities and accretion of decommissioning
liabilities. The Company’s finance costs in the year are summarized as follows:
Debt facilities(1) (Note 20)
Lease liabilities (Note 21)
Loss on settlement of senior convertible note(2) (Note 20(a))
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
Silver sales and other
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$10,541
2,013
4,642
3,228
580
2020
$10,593
1,479
—
2,362
339
$21,004
$14,773
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2021, finance costs for debt facilities include non-cash accretion expense of $7.2 million (2020 - $6.8 million).
(2) In December 2021, the Company closed an offering of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior convertible notes plus an additional over-allotment option of $30 million which it
used to repurchase the outstanding 2018 senior convertible notes (Note 20 (a)). The repurchase generated a loss due to the difference between the cash paid to repurchase and cancel the 2018 senior
convertible notes, compared to the carrying value of the notes on the date of settlement.
54
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
12. EARNINGS OR LOSS PER SHARE
Basic earnings or loss per share is the net earnings or loss available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings or loss per share adjusts basic net earnings per share for the effects of potential dilutive
common shares. The calculations of basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Net (loss) earnings for the year
Year Ended December 31,
2021
($4,923)
2020
$23,087
Weighted average number of shares on issue - basic
244,749,772
213,879,622
Impact of effect on dilutive securities:
Stock options
Restricted, performance and deferred share units
Weighted average number of shares on issue - diluted(1)
(Loss) earnings per share - basic and diluted
—
—
1,705,689
293,518
244,749,772
215,878,829
($0.02)
$0.11
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2021, diluted weighted average number of shares excluded 2,014,379 (2020 - 2,666,819) options, 5,000,000 (2020 - nil) warrants, 701,250 restricted and performance
share units (2020 - nil), 16,327,598 (2020 - 16,327,598) common shares issuable under the 2018 convertible debentures and 13,888,895 common shares issuable under the 2021 convertible debentures
(2020- nil) (Note 20(a)) that were anti-dilutive.
13. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist primarily of materials and supplies and products of the Company’s operations, in varying stages of the production process, and are
presented at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value.
Finished goods - doré
Work-in-process
Stockpile
Silver coins and bullion
Materials and supplies
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$3,735
6,409
9,015
10,790
30,664
$60,613
$2,812
2,780
1,336
956
24,628
$32,512
The amount of inventories recognized as an expense during the period is equivalent to the total of cost of sales plus depletion, depreciation and
amortization for the period. As at December 31, 2021 mineral inventories, which consist of stockpile, work-in-process and finished goods, include a $7.5
million (2020 - $nil) writedown which was recognized in cost of sales during the year.
14. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
As at December 31, 2021, other financial assets consists of the Company’s investment in marketable securities comprised of the following:
FVTPL marketable securities (a)
FVTOCI marketable securities (b)
Total other financial assets
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$10,851
15,635
$26,486
$13,876
22,443
$36,319
(a) Fair Value through Profit or Loss (“FVTPL”) Marketable Securities
Loss in marketable securities designated as FVTPL for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2.1 million (2020 - gain of $2.0 million), and was
recorded through profit or loss.
(b) Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (“FVTOCI”) Marketable Securities
Changes in fair value of marketable securities designated as FVTOCI for the year ended December 31, 2021 was a loss of $13.9 million (2020 - gain
of $10.5 million), net of tax, and were recorded through other comprehensive income and will not be transferred into earnings or loss upon disposition
or impairment.
55
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
15. MINING INTERESTS
Mining interests primarily consist of acquisition, development, exploration and exploration potential costs directly related to the Company’s operations
and projects. Upon commencement of commercial production, mining interests for producing properties are depleted on a units-of-production basis over
the estimated economic life of the mine. In applying the units of production method, depletion is determined using quantity of material extracted from
the mine in the period as a portion of total quantity of material, based on reserves and resources, considered to be highly probable to be economically
extracted over the life of mine plan.
The Company’s mining interests are comprised of the following:
Depletable properties
Non-depletable properties (exploration and evaluation costs, exploration potential)
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$805,649
242,881
$1,048,530
$392,185
117,545
$509,730
Depletable properties are allocated as follows
Depletable properties
Cost
At December 31, 2019
Additions
Change in decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)
Transfer from exploration properties
At December 31, 2020
Additions
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Change in decommissioning liabilities (Note 22)
Transfer from exploration properties
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Non-producing
Properties(1)
Total
$220,658
$61,654
$111,590
$—
$494,132
$888,034
21,263
4,527
3,645
$250,093
34,894
—
1,209
—
6,218
1,191
4,229
$73,292
16,150
—
2,177
34,302
4,201
2,049
472
—
—
—
—
3,059
—
31,682
10,826
8,346
$118,312
$—
$497,191
$938,888
2,546
—
584
1,293
16,618
340,652
28,799
—
—
—
(2,623)
—
70,208
340,652
30,147
35,595
At December 31, 2021
$286,196
$125,921
$122,735
$386,069
$494,569
$1,415,490
Accumulated depletion, amortization and impairment
At December 31, 2019
Depletion and amortization
At December 31, 2020
Depletion and amortization
At December 31, 2021
Carrying values
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2021
($27,225)
($16,608)
($88,499)
(18,277)
(3,792)
(3,948)
($45,502)
($20,400)
($92,447)
$—
—
$—
($388,354)
($520,686)
—
(26,017)
($388,354)
($546,703)
(27,169)
(8,250)
(4,461)
(23,258)
—
(63,138)
($72,671)
($28,650)
($96,908)
($23,258)
($388,354)
($609,841)
$204,592
$213,526
$52,892
$97,271
$25,865
$25,827
$—
$362,811
$108,837
$106,215
$392,185
$805,649
(1) Non-producing properties include the San Martin, Del Toro, La Parrilla and La Guitarra mines.
56
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
Non-depletable properties costs are allocated as follows:
Non-depletable properties
San Dimas(a) Santa Elena(b)
La Encantada
Jerritt
Canyon(c)
Non-
producing
Properties(1)
Exploration
Projects(2)
Springpole
Stream(d)
Total
$8,699
$18,592
$1,104
$—
$32,938
$34,710
$—
$96,043
At December 31, 2019
Exploration and evaluation
expenditures
Change in decommissioning
liabilities (Note 22)
Sale of exploration project
12,125
19,588
2,323
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,066
1,142
4,356
43,601
—
—
—
59
(13,812)
—
—
—
—
59
(13,812)
(8,346)
Transfer to producing properties
(3,645)
(4,229)
(472)
At December 31, 2020
$17,179
$33,951
$2,955
$—
$37,004
$22,099
$4,356
$117,545
Exploration and evaluation
expenditures
Change in decommissioning
liabilities (Note 22)
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Transfer to producing properties
12,007
31,418
2,978
12,424
1,748
985
7,500
69,060
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(34,302)
(1,293)
—
92,007
—
—
—
—
(136)
—
—
—
—
—
(136)
92,007
(35,595)
At December 31, 2021
$29,186
$31,067
$4,640
$104,431
$38,752
$22,948
$11,856
$242,881
(1) Non-producing properties include the San Martin, Del Toro, La Parrilla and La Guitarra mines.
(2) Exploration projects include the La Luz, La Joya, Los Amoles, Jalisco Group of Properties and Jimenez del Tuel projects, as well as the Plomosas project which was sold during 2020.
(a) San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, Durango State, Mexico
The San Dimas Mine is subject to a gold and silver streaming agreement with WPMI which entitles WPMI to receive 25% of the gold equivalent
production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of
$600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment commencing in May 2019) and the prevailing market price for each gold ounce delivered. Should the
average gold to silver ratio over a six-month period exceed 90:1 or fall below 50:1, the fixed exchange ratio would be increased to 90:1 or decreased
to 50:1, respectively. The fixed gold to silver exchange ratio as at December 31, 2021 was 70:1.
(b) Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, Sonora State, Mexico
The Santa Elena Mine is subject to a gold streaming agreement with Sandstorm, which requires the mine to sell 20% of its life of mine gold production
from its leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations of the Santa Elena mine to Sandstorm. The selling price to Sandstorm is
currently the lesser of $464 per ounce, subject to a 1% annual inflation increase every April, and the prevailing market price.
The Santa Elena mine has a net smelter royalty (“NSR”) agreement with Orogen Royalties Inc. that requires a 2% NSR from the production of the
Ermitaño property. In addition, there is an underlying NSR royalty where Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. retains a 2% NSR from the sale of mineral products
extracted from the Ermitaño property. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had accrued $1.0 million (2020 - $nil) in NSR from the
production of Ermitaño in November and December of 2021 to be paid in the first quarter of 2022.
(c) Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, Nevada, United States
The Jerritt Canyon Mine is subject to a 0.5% NSR royalty on production of gold and silver from the Jerritt Canyon mines and processing plant. The
royalty is applied, at a fixed rate of 0.5%, against proceeds from gold and silver products after deducting treatment, refining, transportation, insurance,
taxes and levies charges.
The Jerritt Canyon Mine is also subject to a 2.5% to 5% NSR royalty relating to the production of gold and silver within specific boundary lines at certain
mining areas. The royalty is applied, at a fixed rate of 2.5% to 5.0%, against proceeds from gold and silver products.
As at December 31, 2021, total NSR royalty accrual outstanding was $0.1 million (2020 -$nil).
(d) Springpole Silver Stream, Ontario, Canada
In July 2020, the Company completed an agreement with First Mining Gold Corp. (“First Mining”) to purchase 50% of the life of mine payable silver
produced from the Springpole Gold Project (“Springpole Silver Stream”), a development stage mining project located in Ontario, Canada. First Majestic
agreed to pay First Mining consideration of $22.5 million in cash and shares, in three milestone payments, for the right to purchase silver at a price of
33% of the silver spot price per ounce, to a maximum of $7.50 per ounce (subject to annual inflation escalation of 2%, commencing at the start of the
third anniversary of production). Commencing with its production of silver, First Mining must deliver 50% of the payable silver which it receives from
the offtaker within five business days of the end of each quarter.
Transaction consideration paid and payable by First Majestic is summarized as follows:
• The first payment of $10.0 million, consisting of $2.5 million in cash and $7.5 million in First Majestic shares (805,698 common shares), was
paid to First Mining on July 2, 2020;
57
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 15. MINING INTERESTS (continued)
(d) Springpole Silver Stream, Ontario, Canada (continued)
• The second payment, consisting of $3.75 million in cash and $3.75 million in First Majestic shares (287,300 common shares), was paid on
January 21, 2021 upon the completion and public announcement by First Mining of the results of a Pre-Feasibility Study for Springpole; and
• The third payment, consisting of $2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in First Majestic shares (based on 20 days volume weighted average
price), will be paid upon receipt by First Mining of a Federal or Provincial Environmental Assessment approval for Springpole, which has not
yet been received.
In connection with the agreement, First Mining also granted First Majestic 30 million common share purchase warrants, each of which will entitle the
Company to purchase one common share of First Mining at CAD$0.40 over a period of five years. The fair value of the warrants was measured at $5.7
million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
First Mining shall have the right to repurchase 50% of the silver stream for $22.5 million at any time prior to the commencement of production at
Springpole leaving the Company with a reduced silver stream of 25% of life of mine payable silver production.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company has paid $17.5 million in consideration to First Mining as part of the agreement, of which $5.7 million was
allocated to other financial assets and $11.8 million was allocated to the Springpole Silver Stream recognized within exploration and evaluation assets.
First Mining is a related party with one independent board member who is also a director and/or officer of First Majestic.
16. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment is used in the Company’s operating mine segments. Property, plant and equipment is
depreciated using either the straight-line or units-of-production method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the expected life of
mine. Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as
separate items of property, plant and equipment. Assets under construction are recorded at cost and re-allocated to land and buildings, machinery and
equipment or other when they become available for use.
Property, plant and equipment are comprised of the following:
Cost
At December 31, 2019
Additions
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2020
Additions
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2021
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment
At December 31, 2019
Depreciation and amortization
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2020
Depreciation and amortization
Transfers and disposals
Loss on disposal of equipment
At December 31, 2021
Carrying values
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2021
Land and
Buildings(1)
Machinery and
Equipment
Assets under
Construction(2)(3)
Other
Total
$198,412
$456,655
—
917
2,096
9,873
$199,329
$468,624
34
32,992
12,602
2,974
137,219
15,645
$244,957
$624,462
($129,040)
($326,300)
(4,188)
72
(19,833)
2,754
($133,156)
($343,379)
(13,923)
(33,137)
—
—
1,637
—
($147,079)
($374,879)
$27,645
47,266
(19,242)
$55,669
77,151
4,337
(46,706)
$90,451
$—
—
—
$—
—
—
—
$—
$24,438
$707,150
391
3,822
49,753
(4,630)
$28,651
$752,273
341
1,179
3,412
80,500
175,727
(15,047)
$33,583
$993,453
($15,171)
($470,511)
(2,555)
208
(26,576)
3,034
($17,518)
($494,053)
(2,899)
240
(2,081)
(49,959)
1,877
(2,081)
($22,258)
($544,216)
$66,173
$97,878
$125,245
$249,583
$55,669
$90,451
$11,133
$11,325
$258,220
$449,237
(1) Included in land and buildings is $11.2 million (2020 - $11.2 million) of land which is not subject to depreciation.
(2) Assets under construction includes certain innovation projects, such as high-intensity grinding (“HIG”) mills and related modernization, plant improvements, other mine infrastructures and
equipment overhauls.
(3) Transfers and disposals in construction in progress includes the sale of the AG mill and certain mill equipment to Condor Gold PLC and Capstone Mining Corp. as disclosed in Note 10.
58
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Property, plant and equipment, including land and buildings, machinery and equipment, assets under construction and other assets above are allocated
by mine as follow:
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Non-producing
Properties(1)
Other
Total
Cost
At December 31, 2019
$136,303
$90,762
$137,302
$—
$297,240
$45,543
$707,150
Additions
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2020
Additions(2)
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2021
10,384
41
7,933
(1,364)
4,209
1,999
—
—
272
(3,751)
26,955
(1,555)
49,753
(4,630)
$146,728
$97,331
$143,510
$—
$293,761
$70,943
$752,273
9,484
—
2,316
19,885
—
5,381
5,831
—
1,377
17,366
175,727
229
—
27,705
—
80,500
175,727
(8)
(8,184)
(15,929)
(15,047)
$158,528
$122,597
$150,718
$193,085
$285,806
$82,719
$993,453
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment
At December 31, 2019
($19,747)
($42,975)
($122,566)
$—
($266,190)
($19,033)
($470,511)
Depreciation and amortization
Transfers and disposals
At December 31, 2020
Depreciation and amortization
Transfers and disposals
Write-down on assets held-for-sale
At December 31, 2021
Carrying values
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2021
(15,032)
156
(6,451)
1,340
(2,646)
(1,743)
—
—
(592)
2,909
(1,855)
(26,576)
372
3,034
($34,623)
($48,086)
($126,955)
$—
($263,873)
($20,516)
($494,053)
(17,801)
(631)
—
(6,997)
(2,671)
—
(2,259)
(824)
—
(20,228)
—
—
(266)
5,513
—
(2,408)
(49,959)
490
(2,081)
1,877
(2,081)
($53,055)
($57,754)
($130,038)
($20,228)
($258,626)
($24,515)
($544,216)
$112,105
$105,473
$49,245
$64,843
$16,555
$20,680
$—
$172,857
$29,888
$27,180
$50,427
$58,204
$258,220
$449,237
(1) Non-producing properties include the San Martin, Del Toro, La Parrilla and La Guitarra mines.
(2) Additions classified in “Other” primarily consist of innovation projects and construction-in-progress.
17. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS
The Company entered into operating leases to use certain land, building, mining equipment and corporate equipment for its operations. The Company is
required to recognize right-of-use assets representing its right to use these underlying leased asset over the lease term.
Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, equivalent to its obligation for payments over the term of the leases, and subsequently measured at
cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the shorter period of lease term and
useful life of the underlying asset.
Right-of-use assets are comprised of the following:
At December 31, 2019
Additions
Remeasurements
Depreciation and amortization
Disposals
At December 31, 2020
Additions
Remeasurements
Depreciation and amortization
Disposals
At December 31, 2021
Land
and Buildings
Machinery
and Equipment
$4,207
1,939
2,789
(848)
—
$8,087
1,294
363
(1,325)
(117)
$8,302
$7,812
554
(10)
(2,106)
(16)
$6,234
17,560
1,668
(4,520)
(23)
$20,921
Other
$15
—
—
(7)
—
$8
—
—
(7)
—
$2
Total
$12,034
2,494
2,779
(2,961)
(16)
$14,330
18,854
2,031
(5,851)
(139)
$29,225
59
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
18. RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash is comprised of the following:
(a) Current
As part of the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4), the Company was required to hold certain funds in escrow to settle the payment for Triggered Tax
provisions along with any adjustments to working capital. As at December 31, 2021, $12.6 million (2020 - $nil) remains in escrow which the Company
expects to be settled within the next twelve months.
(b) Non-Current
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection bond(1)
Chartis Commutation Account(2)
SAT Primero tax dispute(3)
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$39,727
27,275
48,010
$115,012
$—
—
—
$—
1. Jerritt Canyon is required to provide a surety bond to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) and the US Forestry Service to fund the
ongoing reclamation and mine closure obligations. To meet this surety requirement, the Company has on deposit $39.7 million in money market accounts.
The money market account principal balance plus interest earned on the principal is used to fund ongoing reclamation and mine closure obligations.
2. The Company owns an environmental risk transfer program (the “ERTP”) for Jerritt Canyon from American Insurance Group (“AIG”). As part of the
ERTP, $27.3 million is on deposit in an interest-bearing account with AIG (the “Commutation Account”). The Commutation Account principal plus
interest earned on the principal is used to fund ongoing reclamation and mine closure obligations. The Company can elect to extinguish all rights
under the policy, which would release AIG from reclamation cost and financial assurance liabilities, and substitute with replacement bonds. AIG would
pay Jerritt Canyon the remaining balance in the Commutation Account.
3.
In connection with the dispute between Primero Empresa Minera, S.A. de C.V. (“PEM”) and the Servicio de Admistracion Tributaria (“SAT”) in relation
to the advanced pricing agreement (Note 27(b)), the tax authority has frozen a PEM bank account with funds of $48.0 million (989.9 million MXN) as a
guarantee against certain disputed tax assessments. This balance consists of Value Added Tax (“VAT”) refunds that the Company has received which were
previously withheld by the tax authority. The Company does not agree with SAT’s position and has challenged it through the relevant legal channels.
19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
The Company’s trade and other payables are primarily comprised of amounts outstanding for purchases relating to mining operations, exploration and
evaluation activities and corporate expenses. The normal credit period for these purchases is usually between 30 to 90 days.
Trade and other payables are comprised of the following items:
Trade payables
Trade related accruals
Payroll and related benefits
Estimated Triggered Tax Adjustment and Working Capital Adjustment payable, net (Note 4)
NSR royalty liabilities (Notes 15(b)(c))
Environmental duty and net mineral sales proceeds tax
Other accrued liabilities
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$41,827
30,621
28,162
12,570
1,147
3,281
3,058
$31,262
18,635
21,427
—
—
2,156
2,522
$120,666
$76,002
60
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
20. DEBT FACILITIES
The movement in debt facilities during the year ended December 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, are comprised of the following:
Balance at December 31, 2019
Finance costs
Interest expense
Accretion
Proceeds from drawdown of revolving credit facility
Repayments of principal
Payments of finance costs
Balance at December 31, 2020
Gross proceeds from debt financing
Portion allocated to equity reserves from debt financing
Finance costs
Interest expense
Accretion
Proceeds from drawdown of revolving credit facility
Repayments of principal
Conversion of senior convertible notes to common shares
Transaction costs
Payments of finance costs
Balance at December 31, 2021
Statements of Financial Position Presentation
Current portion of debt facilities
Non-current portion of debt facilities
Balance at December 31, 2020
Current portion of debt facilities
Non-current portion of debt facilities
Balance at December 31, 2021
(a) Convertible Debentures
2018 Senior Convertible Debentures
Convertible
Debentures
(a)
$136,607
2,984
6,168
—
—
(2,934)
$142,825
$230,000
(42,340)
2,846
6,809
—
(125,576)
(23,230)
(7,224)
(2,932)
$181,178
$1,092
141,733
$142,825
$69
181,108
$181,178
Revolving
Credit Facility
(b)
Total
$19,211
$155,818
763
678
10,000
(19,969)
(800)
$9,883
$—
—
537
349
30,000
(40,000)
—
(101)
(612)
$56
$9,883
—
$9,883
$56
—
$56
3,747
6,846
10,000
(19,969)
(3,734)
$152,708
$230,000
($42,340)
3,383
7,158
30,000
(165,576)
(23,230)
(7,325)
(3,544)
$181,234
$10,975
141,733
$152,708
$125
181,108
$181,234
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company issued $156.5 million of unsecured senior convertible debentures (the “Existing Notes”). The Company
received net proceeds of $151.1 million after transaction costs of $5.4 million. The Existing Notes mature on March 1, 2023 and bear an interest rate
of 1.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in March and September of each year.
The Existing Notes are convertible into common shares of the Company at any time prior to maturity at a conversion rate of 104.3297 common shares
per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes converted, representing an initial conversion price of $9.59 per common share, subject to certain anti-
dilution adjustments. In addition, if certain fundamental changes occur, holders of the Existing Notes may be entitled to an increased conversion rate.
The Company may not redeem the Existing Notes before March 6, 2021, except in the event of certain changes in Canadian tax law. At any time on
or after March 6, 2021 and until maturity, the Company may redeem all or part of the Existing Notes for cash if the last reported share price of the
Company’s common shares for 20 or more trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 130% of the conversion price or $12.47 per
common share. The redemption price is equal to
the sum of: (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
The Company is required to offer to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Existing Notes upon a fundamental change, at a cash purchase price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the Existing Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the fundamental change purchase date.
61
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 20. DEBT FACILITIES (continued)
(a) Convertible Debentures (continued)
2018 Senior Convertible Debentures (continued)
The component parts of the convertible debentures, a compound
instrument, are classified separately as financial liabilities and equity in
accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and the
definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. A conversion
option that will be settled by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or
another financial asset for a fixed number of the Company’s own equity
instrument is an equity instrument.
At initial recognition, net proceeds of $151.1 million from the Existing
Notes were allocated into its debt and equity components. The fair
value of the debt portion was estimated at $124.8 million using a
discounted cash flow model method with an expected life of five years
and a discount rate of 6.14%. This amount is recorded as a financial
liability on an amortized cost basis using the effective interest method
using an effective interest rate of 6.47% until extinguished upon
conversion or at its maturity date.
The conversion option is classified as equity and was estimated based
on the residual value of $26.3 million. This amount is not subsequently
remeasured and will remain in equity until the conversion option is
exercised, in which case, the balance recognized in equity will be
transferred to share capital. Where the conversion option remains
unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance
will remain in equity reserves. Deferred tax liability of $7.1 million
related to taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion
of the convertible debenture was recognized in equity reserves.
Transaction costs of $5.4 million that relate to the issuance of the
convertible debentures were allocated to the liability and equity
components in proportion to the allocation of the gross proceeds.
Transaction costs relating to the equity component are recognized
directly in equity. Transaction costs relating to the liability component
are included in the carrying amount of the liability component and
are amortized over the life of the convertible debentures using the
effective interest method.
2021 Senior Convertible Debentures
On December 2, 2021, the Company issued $230 million of unsecured
senior convertible debentures (the “Notes”). The Company received
net proceeds of $222.8 million after transaction costs of $7.2 million.
The Notes mature on January 15, 2027 and bear an interest rate of
0.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in January and
July of each year.
The Notes are convertible into common shares of the Company at
any time prior to maturity at a conversion rate of 60.3865 common
shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes converted, representing
an initial conversion price of $16.56 per common share, subject to
certain anti-dilution adjustments. In addition, if certain fundamental
changes occur, holders of the Notes may be entitled to an increased
conversion rate.
The Company may not redeem the Notes before January 20, 2025
except in the event of certain changes in Canadian tax law. At any
time on or after January 20, 2025 and until maturity, the Company
may redeem all or part of the Notes for cash if the last reported
share price of the Company’s common shares for 20 or more trading
days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days exceeds 130% of the
conversion price in effect on each such trading day. The redemption
price is equal to the sum of: (i) 100% of the principal amount of the
Notes to be redeemed and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
the redemption date.
62
The Company is required to offer to purchase for cash all of the
outstanding Notes upon a fundamental change, at a cash purchase price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be purchased,
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the fundamental change
purchase date.
The component parts of the convertible debentures, a compound
instrument, are classified separately as financial liabilities and equity in
accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and the
definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. A conversion
option that will be settled by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or
another financial asset for a fixed number of the Company’s own equity
instrument is an equity instrument.
At initial recognition, net proceeds of $222.8 million from the Notes
were allocated into its debt and equity components. The fair value of
the debt portion was estimated at $180.4 million using a discounted
cash flow model method with an expected life of five years and a
discount rate of 4.75%. This amount is recorded as a financial liability
on an amortized cost basis using the effective interest method using
an effective interest rate of 5.09% until extinguished upon conversion
or at its maturity date.
The conversion option is classified as equity and was estimated based
on the residual value of $42.3 million. This amount is not subsequently
remeasured and will remain in equity until the conversion option is
exercised, in which case, the balance recognized in equity will be
transferred to share capital. Where the conversion option remains
unexercised at the maturity date of the convertible note, the balance
will remain in equity reserves. Deferred tax liability of $11.4 million
related to taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion
of the convertible debenture was recognized in equity reserves.
Transaction costs of $7.2 million that relate to the issuance of the
convertible debentures were allocated to the liability and equity
components in proportion to the allocation of the gross proceeds.
Transaction costs relating to the equity component are recognized
directly in equity. Transaction costs relating to the liability component
are included in the carrying amount of the liability component and
are amortized over the life of the convertible debentures using the
effective interest method.
A portion of the Notes proceeds received were used to redeem
125,231 of the Existing Notes for total costs of $164.9 million. The total
proceeds were allocated to the carrying value of the debt by $118.9
million and $41.8 million to equity reserves of these Notes, resulting
with a loss on the settlement of debt of $4.6 million. 24,219 of the
remaining Notes were converted to common shares by note holders at
an adjusted conversion rate of 106.0528 common shares per $1,000
face value note, where $23.2 million were allocated to the carrying
value of the debt and $4.1 million were transferred to share capital
from equity reserves. Finally, 6,950 of the remaining notes were
settled at par value with a payment in cash of $6.95 million; the cash
paid was allocated to the carrying value of the debt by $6.6 million and
$0.2 million to equity reserves. At December 31, 2021, the Existing
Notes have been fully settled, with a remaining carrying value of $nil.
(b) Revolving Credit Facility
On April 1, 2021, the Company renewed its senior secured revolving
credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with the Bank of Nova
Scotia and Bank of Montreal by extending the maturity date from May
10, 2021 to November 30, 2022 and reducing the credit limit from $75.0
million to $50.0 million. Interest on the drawn balance will accrue at
LIBOR plus an applicable range of 2.25% to 3.5% per annum while
the undrawn portion is subject to a standby fee with an applicable
range of 0.563% to 0.875% per annum, dependent on certain financial
parameters of First Majestic. As at December 31, 2021, the applicable
rates were 2.3% and 0.5625% per annum, respectively.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) These debt facilities are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company and are also secured by a first priority charge against the assets of the
Company, and a first priority pledge of shares of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants, to be tested quarterly on a consolidated basis, requiring First Majestic to maintain the
following: (a) a leverage ratio based on net indebtedness to rolling four quarters adjusted EBITDA of not more than 3.00 to 1.00; (b) an interest
coverage ratio, based on rolling four quarters adjusted EBITDA divided by interest payments, of not less than 4.00 to 1.00; and (c) tangible net worth
of not less than $563.5 million plus 50% of its positive earnings subsequent to June 30, 2018. The debt facilities also provide for negative covenants
customary for these types of facilities and allows the Company to enter into finance leases, excluding any leases that would have been classified as
operating leases in effect immediately prior to the implementation of IFRS 16 - Leases, of up to $30.0 million. As at December 31, 2021 and December
31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
21. LEASE LIABILITIES
The Company has finance leases, operating leases and equipment financing liabilities for various mine and plant equipment, office space and land.
Finance leases and equipment financing obligations require underlying assets to be pledged as security against the obligations and all of the risks and
rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset being transferred to the Company. For operating leases, the Company controls but does not have
ownership of the underlying right-of-use assets.
Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the
interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are subsequently
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
Certain lease agreements may contain lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For certain equipment leases,
such as vehicles, the Company has elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
The movement in lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020 are comprised of the following:
Balance at December 31, 2019
Additions
Remeasurements
Finance costs
Repayments of principal
Payments of finance costs
Foreign exchange gain
Balance at December 31, 2020
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Additions
Remeasurements
Disposals
Finance costs
Repayments of principal
Payments of finance costs
Foreign exchange gain
Balance at December 31, 2021
Statements of Financial Position Presentation
Current portion of lease liabilities
Non-current portion of lease liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2020
Current portion of lease liabilities
Non-current portion of lease liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2021
Finance Leases
Operating Leases(a)
$50
—
—
—
(50)
—
—
$—
2,194
4,001
—
—
89
(942)
(89)
—
$18,951
2,494
2,779
1,396
(5,353)
—
(281)
$19,986
—
18,854
2,031
(150)
1,915
(7,824)
—
(268)
$5,253
$34,544
$—
—
$—
$2,165
3,088
$5,253
$4,820
15,166
$19,986
$9,596
24,948
$34,544
Equipment
Financing(b)
$2,935
—
—
83
(2,303)
(126)
—
$589
—
—
—
—
9
(521)
(13)
—
$64
$538
51
$589
$64
—
$64
Total
$21,936
2,494
2,779
1,479
(7,706)
(126)
(281)
$20,575
2,194
22,855
2,031
(150)
2,013
(9,287)
(102)
(268)
$39,861
$5,358
15,217
$20,575
$11,825
28,036
$39,861
63
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 21. LEASE LIABILITIES (continued)
(a) Operating leases
Operating leases primarily relate to equipment and building rental contracts, land easement contracts and service contracts that contain embedded
leases for property, plant and equipment. These operating leases have remaining lease terms of one to ten years, some of which include options to
terminate the leases within a year, with incremental borrowing rates ranging from 3.35% to 11.20% per annum.
During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amounts of lease payments recognized in the profit and loss are summarized as follows:
Expenses relating to variable lease payments not included in
the measurement of lease liability
Expenses relating to short-term leases
Expenses relating to low value leases
(b) Equipment financing
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
$109,565
41,283
5
$150,853
$25,560
19,607
81
$45,248
During 2017, the Company entered into a $7.9 million credit facility with repayment terms ranging from 12 to 16 equal quarterly installments in
principal plus related interest. The facility bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.60%. Proceeds from the equipment financing were primarily used
for the purchase and rehabilitation of property, plant and equipment. The equipment financing is secured by certain equipment of the Company and
is subject to various covenants, including the requirement for First Majestic to maintain a leverage ratio based on total debt to rolling four quarters
adjusted EBITDA. As of December 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
As at December 31, 2021, the net book value of property, plant and equipment includes $2.0 million (December 31, 2020 - $1.9 million) of equipment pledged
as security for the equipment financing.
22. DECOMMISSIONING LIABILITIES
The Company has an obligation to undertake decommissioning, restoration, rehabilitation and environmental work when environmental disturbance is
caused by the development and ongoing production of a mining operation. Movements in decommissioning liabilities during the years ended December 31,
2021 and 2020 are allocated as follow:
Balance at December 31, 2019
$9,442
$4,971
$8,112
$—
$7,103
$4,337
$3,769
$2,178
$616
$40,528
San Dimas
Santa
Elena
La
Encantada
Jerritt
Canyon San Martin La Parrilla
Del Toro
La
Guitarra
La Luz
Total
Movements during the year:
Disposition of exploration project
—
—
—
Change in rehabilitation provision
4,527
1,191
2,049
Reclamation costs incurred
Interest or accretion expense
Foreign exchange loss
—
565
(475)
(55)
295
(252)
—
477
(415)
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,240
(81)
418
(359)
—
830
(20)
259
—
772
—
226
(216)
(190)
(153)
217
—
122
(86)
—
59
—
—
(153)
10,885
(156)
2,362
(2)
(1,995)
Balance at December 31, 2020
$14,059
$6,150
$10,223
$—
$8,321
$5,190
$4,577
$2,278
$673
$51,471
Movements during the year:
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
—
—
Change in rehabilitation provision
1,209
2,177
Reclamation costs incurred
Interest or accretion expense
—
715
—
313
—
584
—
521
Foreign exchange (loss) gain
(454)
(199)
(333)
71,135
28,799
(186)
642
—
—
(1,435)
(339)
424
(264)
—
(900)
(17)
264
(169)
—
(565)
(64)
234
(148)
—
278
—
115
(73)
—
71,135
(137)
30,010
—
—
9
(606)
3,228
(1,631)
Balance at December 31, 2021
$15,529
$8,441
$10,995
$100,390
$6,707
$4,368
$4,034
$2,598
$545 $153,607
A provision for decommissioning liabilities is estimated based on current regulatory requirements and is recognized at the present value of such costs.
The expected timing of cash flows in respect of the provision is based on the estimated life of the Company’s mining operations. The discount rate is a
risk-free rate determined based on Mexican pesos default swap rates ranging between 7.4% to 7.5% (2020 - 5.0% to 5.3%) for the respective estimated
life of the operations. The inflation rate used is based on historical Mexican inflation rate of 4.2% (2020 - 3.9%).
At the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, the discount rate is a risk-free rate determined based on the US swap rates ranging between 1.5% to 1.6% for the
estimated life of the mine. The inflation rate is based on historical US inflation rate of 2.15%. The present value of reclamation liabilities may be subject
to change based on changes to cost estimates, remediation technologies or applicable laws and regulations. Changes in decommissioning liabilities are
recorded against mining interests.
64
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) At December 31, 2021, the reclamation and closure cost obligation for the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine totaled $100.4 million. This obligation is secured
through cash of $39.7 million (note 18(b)), a surety bond of $41.3 million held with the NDEP and two surety bonds totaling $11.2 million held with the
United States Forest Services (“USFS”) to support various reclamation obligation bonding requirements.
On November 2, 2021, the Company executed an agreement with the NDEP relating to funds required to establish a trust agreement to cover post-closure
water treatment cost at Jerritt Canyon. The estimated costs are $17.6 million which are included in the decommissioning liabilities provision and would
need to be funded by October 31, 2022.
23. INCOME TAXES
The following is a reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory tax rate to the income tax expense
for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Earnings before tax
Combined statutory tax rate
Income tax expense computed at statutory tax rate
Reconciling items:
Effect of different foreign statutory tax rates on earnings of subsidiaries
Impact of foreign exchange on deferred income tax assets and liabilities
Change in unrecognized deferred income tax asset
7.5% mining royalty in Mexico
Other non-deductible expenses
Impact of inflationary adjustments
Change in tax provision estimates
Impact of divestitures and restructurings
Other
Income tax expense
Statements of Earnings Presentation
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax recovery
Income tax expense
Effective tax rate
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has the following income tax payable balances:
Current income tax payable
Non-current income tax payable
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$25,250
27%
6,818
4,962
(1,419)
14,100
13,389
15,491
(13,504)
(945)
102
(8,821)
$30,173
$49,283
(19,110)
$30,173
119%
2020
$29,729
27%
8,027
(4,760)
15,688
(4,596)
7,415
758
(1,317)
10,387
(16,724)
(8,236)
$6,642
$9,966
(3,324)
$6,642
22%
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$27,980
21,812
$49,792
2020
$6,574
23,099
$29,673
65
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
23. INCOME TAXES (continued)
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the movement in deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is shown as follows:
Deferred tax assets
At December 31, 2019
Benefit to statement of earnings
At December 31, 2020
Benefit (expense) to statement of earnings
Acquired from Jerritt Canyon
At December 31, 2021
Deferred tax liabilities
At December 31, 2019
Expense (Benefit) to statement of earnings
Reclassed to current income taxes payable
Charged to OCI
Divestiture of exploration projects
At December 31, 2020
Expense to statement of earnings
Reclassed to current income taxes payable
Acquired from Jerritt Canyon
Benefit to equity
Translation and other
At December 31, 2021
Statements of Financial Position Presentation
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
At December 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
At December 31, 2021
Losses
Provisions
Deferred
tax asset not
recognized
$126,472
21,327
$147,799
29,196
10,275
$22,887
($100,504)
2,389
$25,276
16,467
—
11,788
($88,716)
(12,891)
—
Other
$8,845
456
$9,301
4,667
2,801
Total
$57,700
35,960
$93,660
37,439
13,076
$187,270
$41,743
($101,607)
$16,769
$144,175
Property, plant
and equipment
and mining
interests
$33,001
23,883
—
—
—
$56,884
12,186
—
123,578
—
—
Effect of
Mexican tax
deconsolidation
$4,429
(113)
(2,245)
—
—
$2,071
84
(1,549)
—
—
—
Other
$33,045
(18,311)
—
1,633
(2,577)
$13,790
6,059
—
—
9,843
(2,192)
Total
$70,475
5,459
(2,245)
1,633
(2,577)
$72,745
18,329
(1,549)
123,578
9,843
(2,192)
$192,648
$606
$27,500
$220,754
$69,644
48,729
($20,915)
$74,257
150,836
$76,579
At December 31, 2021, the Company recognized $74.3 million (2020 - $69.6 million) of net deferred tax assets in entities that have had a loss for tax
purposes in either 2021 or 2020, or both. In evaluating whether it is probable that sufficient taxable income will be generated to realize the benefit of these
deferred tax assets, the Company considered all available evidence, including approved budgets, forecasts and business plans and, in certain cases, tax
planning opportunities.
The aggregate amount of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries for which deferred taxes have not been recognized,
as at December 31, 2021 was $334.0 million (2020 - $236.5 million).
66
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized are attributable to
the following:
Non-capital losses
Capital losses
Accrued expenses
Mineral properties, plant and equipment
Other
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$239,175
10,619
78,754
44,300
17,578
2020
$207,853
—
25,513
55,460
6,897
$390,426
$295,723
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has available Canadian, US and Mexican non-capital tax losses, which if not utilized will expire as follows:
Year of expiry
Canadian
non-capital losses
US non-capital
losses
Mexican
non-capital losses
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031 and after
No expiry
Total
Unrecognized losses
24. SHARE CAPITAL
(a) Authorized and issued capital
$—
$—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,113
—
$11,113
$11,113
14,334
66,578
$80,912
$—
$4,025
2,052
37,355
41,286
108,513
11,579
55,852
75,381
153,152
57,889
—
$4,025
2,052
37,355
41,286
108,513
11,579
55,852
75,381
153,152
83,336
66,578
$3,835
3,878
2,071
34,964
38,901
104,044
21,040
57,809
68,074
152,862
—
$547,084
$243,180
$639,109
$254,293
$487,478
$199,775
The Company has unlimited authorized common shares with no par value.
The movement in the Company’s issued and outstanding capital during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is summarized in the consolidated
statements of changes in equity.
ATM program(1)
Prospectus offering
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number of Shares
Net Proceeds
Number of Shares
Net Proceeds
4,225,000
—
$66,674
—
5,654,338
5,000,000
4,225,000
$66,674
10,654,338
$67,896
58,240
$126,136
(1) In May 2021, the Company filed prospectus supplements to its short form base shelf prospectus, pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time, sell common shares
of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $100.0 million. The sale of common shares is to be made through “at-the-market distributions” (“ATM”), as defined in the Canadian Securities
Administrators’ National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions, directly on the New York Stock Exchange. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold 4,225,000 (2020 - 5,654,338)
common shares of the Company under the ATM program at an average price of $16.24 (2020 - $12.31) for gross proceeds of $68.6 million (2020 - $69.6 million), or net proceeds of $66.7 million
(2020 - $67.9 million) after costs. At December 31, 2021, the Company completed $68.6 million of the ATM program.
(b) Stock options
Under the terms of the Company’s 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP
is 8% of the issued shares on a rolling basis. Options may be exercisable over periods of up to ten years as determined by the Board of Directors of
the Company and the exercise price shall not be less than the closing price of the shares on the day preceding the award date, subject to regulatory
approval. All stock options granted are subject to vesting with 25% vesting on first anniversary from the date of grant, and 25% vesting each six
months thereafter.
67
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
24. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
(b) Stock options (continued)
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2021:
Exercise prices (CAD$)
5.01 - 10.00
10.01 - 15.00
15.01 - 20.00
20.01 - 250.00
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Number of
Options
2,226,614
1,369,993
1,296,821
744,955
5,638,383
Weighted Average
Exercise Price (CAD
$/Share)
Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
8.62
13.62
16.21
21.56
13.29
6.87
8.19
8.45
8.76
7.80
Number of
Options
1,819,114
537,120
286,973
52,705
2,695,912
Weighted Average
Exercise Price (CAD
$/Share)
Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
8.57
13.31
15.93
22.55
10.57
6.70
7.61
7.56
0.23
6.85
The movements in stock options issued during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:
Balance, beginning of the year
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled or expired
Balance, end of the year
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number of
Options
7,074,092
1,400,000
(2,502,234)
(333,475)
5,638,383
Weighted Average
Exercise Price (CAD
$/Share)
12.07
18.98
10.87
29.45
13.29
Number of
Options
7,583,439
2,621,924
(2,473,926)
(657,345)
7,074,092
Weighted Average
Exercise Price (CAD
$/Share)
10.70
13.46
7.50
18.96
12.07
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the aggregate fair value of stock options granted was $9.9 million (December 31, 2020 - $12.1 million), or
a weighted average fair value of $7.04 per stock option granted (2020 - $4.63).
During the year ended December 31, 2021, total share-based payments expense related to stock options was $8.8 million (December 31, 2020 - $7.0
million).
The following weighted average assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing
Model:
Assumption
Based on
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Yield curves on Canadian government zero- coupon bonds with a
remaining term equal to the stock options’ expected life
Expected life (years)
Average of the expected vesting term and expiry term of the option
Expected volatility (%)
Historical and implied volatility of the precious metals mining sector
Expected dividend yield (%)
Annualized dividend rate as of the date of grant
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
1.04
5.93
49.00
0.10%
1.03
5.83
49.00
—
The weighted average closing share price at date of exercise for the year ended December 31, 2021 was CAD$13.29 (December 31, 2020 - CAD$15.61).
(c) Restricted Share Units
The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to its directors, employees and consultants non-transferable Restricted Share
Units (“RSU’s”) based on the value of the Company’s share price at the date of grant. Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically have a graded
vesting schedule over a three-year period and can be settled either in cash or equity upon vesting at the discretion of the Company. The Company
intends to settle all RSU’s in equity.
The associated compensation cost is recorded as share-based payments expense against equity reserves.
The following table summarizes the changes in RSU’s for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:
68
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
Outstanding, beginning of the year
Granted
Settled
Forfeited
Outstanding, end of the year
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
184,483
312,991
(69,504)
(27,421)
400,549
15.66
17.19
15.79
16.56
16.77
128,944
211,192
(127,000)
(28,653)
184,483
10.36
15.72
10.32
15.93
15.66
During the year ended December 31, 2021, total share-based payments expense related to RSU’s was $1.9 million (December 31, 2020 - $0.8 million).
(d) Performance Share Units
The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to its directors, employees and consultants non-transferable Performance Share
Units (“PSU’s”). The amount of units to be issued on the vesting date will vary from 0% to 200% of the number of PSU’s granted, depending on the
Company’s total shareholder return compared to the return of a selected group of peer companies. Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically vest
three years from the grant date. The fair value of a PSU is based on the value of the Company’s share price at the date of grant and will be adjusted
based on actual units issued on the vesting date. The Company intends to settle all PSU’s in equity.
The following table summarizes the changes in PSU’s granted to employees and consultants for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the year
ended December 31, 2020:
Outstanding, beginning of the year
Granted
Forfeited
Outstanding, end of the year
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
109,035
184,050
(17,569)
275,516
15.62
17.15
16.56
16.58
—
122,575
(13,540)
109,035
—
15.65
15.93
15.62
During the year ended December 31, 2021, total share-based payments expense related to PSU’s was $1.2 million (year ended December 31, 2020 -
$0.5 million).
(e) Deferred Share Units
The Company adopted the 2019 LTIP to allow the Company to grant to its directors, employees and consultants non-transferrable Deferred Share
Units (“DSU’s”). Unless otherwise stated, the awards typically vest immediately at the grant date. The fair value of a DSU is based on the value of the
Company’s share price at the date of grant. The Company intends to settle all DSU’s in equity.
The following table summarizes the changes in DSU’s granted to directors for the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Outstanding, beginning of the year
Granted
Settled
Outstanding, end of the year
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
Number of shares
Weighted Average
Fair Value
(CAD$)
—
31,040
(5,855)
25,185
—
18.08
17.08
18.31
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
During the year ended December 31, 2021, total share-based payments expense related to DSU’s was $0.4 million (year ended December 31,
2020 - $nil).
69
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) 24. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
(f) Share Repurchase Program and Share Cancellation
The Company has an ongoing share repurchase program to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares. The normal course
issuer bids will be carried through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and alternative Canadian marketplaces. During the year ended December
31, 2020, the Company repurchased and cancelled 275,000 common shares for a total consideration of $1.7 million through a normal course issuer bid
in the open market as approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange. No shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company cancelled 6,913 shares pursuant to section 4.4 of the plan of arrangement between Primero Mining Corp. (“Primero”) and the Company
with an effective date of May 10, 2018 that states that any former shareholder of Primero who does not surrender their shares on the third anniversary
of the effective date would cease the right to any of the Company’s shares and as such would automatically be cancelled.
(g) Dividend
The Company declared the following dividends during the year ended December 31, 2021:
Declaration Date
May 6, 2021
August 16, 2021
November 4, 2021
March 10, 2022(1)
Record Date
May 17, 2021
August 26, 2021
November 17, 2021
March 21, 2022
Dividend per Common Share
$0.0045
$0.0060
$0.0049
$0.0079
(1) These dividends were declared subsequent to the period end and have not been recognized as distributions to ownersduring the period presented.
25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s financial instruments and related risk management objectives, policies, exposures and sensitivity related to financial risks are summarized
below.
(a) Fair value and categories of financial instruments
Financial instruments included in the consolidated statements of financial position are measured either at fair value or amortized cost. Estimated fair
values for financial instruments are designed to approximate amounts for which the instruments could be exchanged in an arm’s-length transaction
between knowledgeable and willing parties.
The Company uses various valuation techniques in determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the extent to which the fair value
is observable. The following fair value hierarchy is used to categorize and disclose the Company’s financial assets and liabilities held at fair value for
which a valuation technique is used:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: All inputs which have a significant effect on the fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full contractual term.
Level 3: Inputs which have a significant effect on the fair value are not based on observable market data.
There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 during the year ended December 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020.
The table below summarizes the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of each financial instrument:
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
Valuation Method
Marketable securities - common shares
Marketable securities - stock warrants
Silver futures derivatives
Marketable securities and silver future derivatives are valued based on
quoted market prices for identical assets in an active market (Level 1)
as at the date of statements of financial position. Marketable securities
- stock warrants are valued using the Black-Scholes model based on the
observable market inputs (Level 2).
Financial Instruments Measured at Amortized Cost
Valuation Method
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Debt facilities
70
Approximated carrying value due to their short-term nature
Approximated carrying value as discount rate on these instruments
approximate the Company’s credit risk.
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:
December 31, 2021
Fair value measurement
December 31, 2020
Fair value measurement
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Financial assets
Marketable securities (Note 14)
$26,486
$22,531
$3,955
$36,319
$30,996
$5,323
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to maintain financial flexibility to continue as a going concern while optimizing growth and
maximizing returns of investments from shareholders.
(b) Capital risk management
The Company monitors its capital structure and, based on changes in operations and economic conditions, may adjust the structure by repurchasing
shares, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or retiring existing debt. The Company prepares annual budget and quarterly forecasts to facilitate the
management of its capital requirements. The annual budget is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.
The capital of the Company consists of equity (comprising of issued capital, equity reserves and retained earnings or accumulated deficit), debt facilities,
lease liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents as follows:
Equity
Debt facilities
Lease liabilities
Less: cash and cash equivalents
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$1,410,971
181,233
39,861
(237,926)
$1,394,139
$850,236
152,708
20,575
(238,578)
$784,941
The Company’s investment policy is to invest its cash in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less, selected with regards
to the expected timing of expenditures from operations. The Company expects that its available capital resources will be sufficient to carry out its
development plans and operations for at least the next 12 months.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements with the exception of complying with covenants under the debt facilities (Note
20(b)) and lease liabilities (Note 21(b)). As at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
(c) Financial risk management
The Company thoroughly examines the various financial instruments and risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those
risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, commodity price risk, and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are
reviewed and monitored by the Board of Directors.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk relates primarily
to chartered banks, trade receivables in the ordinary course of business, value added taxes receivable and other receivables.
As at December 31, 2021, VAT receivable was $47.1 million (December 31, 2020 - $56.9 million), of which $22.2 million (December 31, 2020 $16.5 million)
relates to Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V. (“MLE”) and $22.0 million (December 31, 2020 - $37.9 million) relates to PEM. The SAT commenced processing
VAT refund requests by PEM in June 2021 and the Company expects the amounts to be refunded within the next twelve months.
The Company sells and receives payment upon delivery of its silver doré and by-products primarily through three international customers. All of the
Company’s customers have good ratings and payments of receivables are scheduled, routine and fully received within 60 days of submission; therefore,
the balance of trade receivables owed to the Company in the ordinary course of business is not significant.
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the consolidated financial statements represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
With the exception to the above, the Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring
actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities. Cash flow forecasting is performed regularly to
ensure that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and our
holdings of cash and cash equivalents.
71
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
(c) Financial risk management (continued)
Liquidity Risk (continued)
The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities as at December 31, 2021 based on the undiscounted contractual
cash flows:
Trade and other payables
Debt facilities
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities
Carrying Amount
$120,666
181,233
39,861
5,797
Contractual
Cash Flows
$120,666
234,666
44,561
5,797
Less than 1 year
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
After 5 years
$120,666
1,216
11,252
—
$—
1,725
21,312
—
$—
231,725
10,752
—
$—
—
1,245
5,797
$7,042
$347,557
$405,690
$133,134
$23,037
$242,477
At December 31, 2021, the Company had working capital of $224.4 million (December 31, 2020 – $254.4 million). Total available liquidity at December 31,
2021 was $274.4 million, including $50.0 million of undrawn revolving credit facility.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash on hand, combined with cash flows from operations, to meet operating requirements as they arise for at
least the next 12 months. If the Company needs additional liquidity to meet obligations, the Company may consider drawing on its debt facility, securing
additional debt financing and/or equity financing.
Currency Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily relating to financial instruments that are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos,
which would impact the Company’s net earnings or loss. To manage foreign exchange risk, the Company may occasionally enter into short-term foreign
currency derivatives, such as forwards and options, to hedge its cash flows.
The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings or loss and comprehensive income or loss due to changes in the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar and
the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar is included in the table below:
Canadian dollar
Mexican peso
Cash and cash
equivalents
Restricted
cash
$52,978
36,575
$89,553
$12,574
48,010
$60,584
Value
added taxes
receivable
Other financial
assets
Trade and
other payables
Trade
and other
receivables
Net assets
(liabilities)
exposure
Effect of +/-
10% change in
currency
December 31, 2021
$—
$7,644
($3,547)
(47,023)
—
$7,644
($50,570)
42,979
$42,979
$90
—
$90
$69,739
80,541
$6,974
8,054
$150,280
$15,028
The Company utilizes certain derivatives to manage its foreign exchange exposures to the Mexican Peso. During the year ended December 31, 2021,
the Company had an unrealized loss of $nil (2020 - realized loss of $11.5 million) on fair value adjustments to its foreign currency derivatives. As at
December 31, 2021, the Company does not hold any foreign currency derivatives (2020 - $nil).
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk on silver and gold, which have a direct and immediate impact on the value of its related financial
instruments and net earnings. The Company’s revenues are directly dependent on commodity prices that have shown volatility and are beyond the
Company’s control. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its commodity price risk to silver or gold.
The following table summarizes the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk and their impact on net earnings:
Metals in doré inventory
72
December 31, 2021
Effect of +/- 10% change in metal prices
Silver
$2,217
$2,217
Gold
$571
$571
Total
$2,788
$2,788
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its short-term investments, debt facilities and lease liabilities. The Company monitors its exposure to
interest rates and has not entered into any derivative contracts to manage this risk. The Company’s interest bearing financial assets comprise of cash
and cash equivalents which bear interest at a mixture of variable and fixed rates for pre-set periods of time.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk on interest bearing liabilities is limited to its debt facilities and lease liabilities.
Based on the Company’s interest rate exposure at December 31, 2021, a change of 25 basis points increase or decrease of market interest rate does not
have a significant impact on net earnings or loss.
26. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Other adjustments to investing activities:
Purchase of marketable securities
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities
Cash received on settlement of derivatives
Net change in non-cash working capital items:
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease (increase) in value added taxes receivable
Increase in inventories
Increase in prepaid expenses and other
Decrease (increase) in income taxes payable
Increase in trade and other payables
Increase in restricted cash (Note 18(b))
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (Note 4)
Transfer of share-based payments reserve upon settlement of RSU’s
Transfer of share-based payments reserve upon exercise of options
Acquisition of mining interests
Assets acquired by finance lease
Conversion to common shares upon settlement of the convertible note
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
($3,522)
2,564
533
($425)
($3,386)
9,839
(8,956)
(903)
3,332
16,580
(48,010)
($31,504)
$466,300
963
8,643
(3,750)
(4,001)
(23,230)
$444,925
($1,522)
664
2,079
$1,221
$24
(27,525)
(4,288)
(692)
(1,115)
10,765
—
($22,831)
$—
992
5,903
(8,179)
—
—
($1,284)
As at December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents include $6.4 million (December 31, 2020 - $6.4 million) that are held in-trust as bonds for tax
audits in Mexico.
27. CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters arise in the ordinary course of business. The
Company accrues for such items when a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, these matters
will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
(a) Claims and Legal Proceedings Risks
The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities.
Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance
or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions
and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: availability of time on court calendars in Canada and
elsewhere; the recognition of Canadian judgments under Mexican law; the possibility of settlement discussions; the risk of appeal of judgment; and the
insufficiency of the defendant’s assets to satisfy the judgment amount. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that
some of these matters may be resolved unfavourably to the Company. First Majestic carries liability insurance coverage and establishes provisions for
matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which
may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.
73
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
27. CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS (continued)
(a) Claims and Legal Proceedings Risks (continued)
Although the Company has taken steps to verify ownership and legal title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, according to the usual
industry standards for the stage of mining, development and exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such
properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, and title may be affected by undetected defects. However, management is not aware of any
such agreements, transfers or defects.
(b) Primero Tax Rulings
When Primero, the previous owner of San Dimas acquired the San Dimas Mine in August 2010, it assumed the obligations under a Silver Purchase
Agreement (“Old Stream Agreement”) that required its subsidiary PEM to sell to WPMI all the silver produced from the San Dimas mine, up to 6 million
ounces and 50% of silver produced thereafter, at the lower of: (i) the spot market price and (ii) $4.014 per ounce plus an annual increase of 1%.
In order to reflect the commercial terms and the effects of the Old Stream Agreement, for Mexican income tax purposes, PEM recognized the revenue on
these silver sales based on its actual realized revenue (“PEM Realized Price”) instead of at spot market prices.
To obtain assurance that the SAT would accept the PEM Realized Price as the price to use to calculate Mexican income taxes, Primero applied for and
received on October 4, 2012, an Advance Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT for taxation years 2010 to 2014. The APA confirmed that the PEM
Realized Price could be used as Primero’s basis for calculating taxes owed by PEM for the silver sold under the Old Stream Agreement. The purpose of
the APA was to have SAT provide tax certainty and as a result Primero and PEM made significant investments in Mexico based on that certainty.
In February 2016, PEM received a legal claim from the SAT seeking to nullify the APA. The legal claim did not identify any alternative basis for paying taxes.
In 2019, the SAT issued reassessments for the 2010 to 2012 tax years in the total amount of $239.0 million (4,919 million MXN) inclusive of interest,
inflation, and penalties. In 2021, the SAT also issued a reassessment against PEM for the 2013 tax year in the total amount of $132.3 million (2,723 million
MXN) (collectively, the “Reassessments”). The Company believes that the Reassessments were issued in violation of the terms of the APA. The key items
in the Reassessments include determining revenue on the sale based on the silver spot market price, denial of the deductibility of interest expense and
service fees, SAT technical error related to double counting of taxes, and interest and penalties.
The Company continues to defend the APA in the Mexican legal proceedings, and initiated proceedings under relevant tax treaties between the competent
tax authorities of Mexico, Canada, Luxembourg and Barbados, all of which were subsequently dismissed on a unilateral basis by the SAT (“Dismissals”) in
May 2020. The Company believes that the Dismissals breach international obligations regarding double taxation treaties, and also that the APA remains
valid and legally binding. The Company will continue disputing the Reassessments, exhausting its domestic and international remedies.
While the Company continues to vigorously defend the validity of the APA and its transfer pricing position, it is also engaging in various proceedings
against the SAT seeking to resolve matters and bring tax certainty through a negotiated solution. Despite these extensive efforts and ongoing
legal challenges to the Reassessments and the Dismissals, in April 2020 and February 2021, SAT issued notifications to PEM to attempt to secure
amounts it claims are owed pursuant to its reassessments issued. These notifications impose certain restrictions on PEM including its ability to
dispose of its concessions and real properties, and to restrict access to funds within its bank account, the latter as disclosed in Note 18(b)3 of the
audited financial statements.
The Company has challenged SAT’s Reassessments and Dismissals through all domestic means available to it, including annulment suits before the
Mexican Federal Tax Court on Administrative Matters (“Federal Court”), which remain unresolved, and a complaint before Mexico’s Federal Taxpayer
Defense Attorney’s Office (known as “PRODECON”). The Company believes that the actions of the SAT are neither fair nor equitable, are discriminatory
against the Company as a foreign investor, amount to a denial of justice under international law, and furthermore violate various provisions of the Federal
Constitution of the United Mexican States, Mexican domestic law, and Mexican court precedents.
On May 13, 2020, the Company provided to the Government of Mexico notice of its intention to initiate an international arbitration proceeding (“Notice of
Intent”) pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). The Notice of Intent commenced a 90-day period for the Government of Mexico
to enter into good faith and amicable negotiations with the Company to resolve the dispute. On August 11, 2020, the 90-day period expired without any
resolution of the dispute.
In September 2020, the Company was served with a decision of the Federal Court seeking to nullify the APA granted to PEM. The Federal Court’s decision
directs SAT to re-examine the evidence and basis for the issuance of the APA with retroactive effect, for the following key reasons:
(i) SAT’s errors in analyzing PEM’s request for the APA and the evidence provided in support of the request; and
(ii) SAT’s failure to request from PEM certain additional information before issuing the APA.
The Company’s legal advisors having reviewed the written reasons have advised that the Federal Court’s decision is flawed both due to SAT’s procedural
irregularities and failure to address the relevant evidence and legal authorities. In addition, they consider that the laws applied to PEM in the decision are
unconstitutional. As a result, the Company filed an appeal of the decision to the Mexican Circuit Courts on November 30, 2020. Since two writs of certiorari
were filed before the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice, on April 15, 2021, the Plenary of the Supreme Court i) admitted one of those writs, ii) requested
the Circuit Court to send the amparo file and iii) assigned such writ to the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court for issuing the corresponding decision.
The other writ of certiorari has not been admitted by the Plenary of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the Company is currently waiting for the Supreme Court
to issue a resolution towards such writs of certiorari.
74
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
The Company intends to continue to challenge the actions of the SAT in Mexican courts. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Mexican courts
continues to be available only on a restricted basis for further hearings on these matters.
On March 2, 2021, the Company announced that it submitted a Request for Arbitration to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(“ICSID”), on its own behalf and on behalf of PEM, based on Chapter 11 of NAFTA. On March 31, 2021, the Notice of Registration of the Request for
Arbitration was issued by the ICSID Secretariat. Once the NAFTA Arbitration Panel (the “Tribunal”) was fully constituted by the appointment of all three
panel members on August 20, 2021, the NAFTA Arbitration Proceedings (the “NAFTA Proceedings”) were deemed to have commenced. The first session
of the NAFTA Proceedings was held by videoconference on September 24, 2021 to decide upon the procedural rules which will govern the NAFTA
Proceedings. The Tribunal issued Procedural Order No. 1 on October 21, 2021.
If the SAT were to be successful in retroactively nullifying the APA, the SAT may seek to audit and reassess PEM in respect of its sales of silver pursuant to
the Old Stream Agreement for 2010 through 2014. Such an outcome would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows. Should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its silver revenues based on spot market prices without any
mitigating adjustments, the incremental income tax for the years 2010-2019 would be approximately $228.5 million (4,703 million MXN), before taking
into consideration interest or penalties.
Based on the Company’s consultation with third party advisors, the Company believes PEM filed its tax returns in compliance with applicable Mexican law
and, therefore, at this time no liability has been recognized in the financial statements.
To the extent it is ultimately determined that the appropriate price of silver sales under the Old Stream Agreement is significantly different from the PEM
Realized Price and while PEM would have rights of appeal in connection with any reassessments, it is likely to have a materially adverse effect on the
Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
La Encantada Tax Re-assessments
In December 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the tax returns of Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V., the SAT issued tax assessments for fiscal 2012
and 2013 in the amount of $7.6 million (155.4 million MXN) and $6.2 million (126.6 million MXN), respectively. The key items relate to forward silver purchase
agreement and denial of the deductibility of mine development costs and service fees. The Company continues to defend the validity of the forward silver
purchase agreement and will vigorously dispute the assessments that have been issued. The Company, based on advice from legal and financial advisors
believes MLE’s tax filings were appropriate and its tax filing position is correct, therefore no liability has been recognized in the financial statements.
First Silver litigation
In April 2013, the Company received a positive judgment on the First Silver litigation from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Court”), which
awarded the sum of $93.8 million in favour of First Majestic against Hector Davila Santos (the “Defendant”). The Company received a sum of $14.1 million
in June 2013 as partial payment of the judgment, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately $64.3 million (CAD$81.5 million). As part of the ruling, the
Court granted orders restricting any transfer or encumbrance of the Bolaños Mine by the Defendant and limiting mining at the Bolaños Mine. The orders
also require that the Defendant to preserve net cash flow from the Bolaños Mine in a holding account and periodically provide to the Company certain
information regarding the Bolaños Mine. However, there can be no guarantee that the remainder of the judgment amount will be collected and it is likely
that it will be necessary to take additional action in Mexico and/or elsewhere to recover the balance. Therefore, as at December 31, 2021, the Company
has not accrued any of the remaining $64.3 million (CAD$81.5 million) unrecovered judgment in favour of the Company.
28. SUBSIDIARIES
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the following significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2021 and 2020 as follows:
Name of subsidiary
Operations and Projects
First Majestic Silver Corp.
Parent company and bullion sales
Corporación First Majestic, S.A. de C.V.
Primero Empresa Minera, S.A de C.V.
Nusantara de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Minera La Encantada, S.A. de C.V.
First Majestic Plata, S.A. de C.V.
Minera El Pilón, S.A. de C.V.
First Majestic Del Toro, S.A. de C.V.
La Guitarra Compañia Minera, S.A. de C.V.
Majestic Services, S.A. de C.V.
Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd.
Jerritt Canyon Gold LLC
FM Metal Trading (Barbados) Inc.
FMS Trading AG
Holding company
San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine
Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine
La Encantada Silver Mine
La Parrilla Silver Mine
San Martin Silver Mine
Del Toro Silver Mine
La Guitarra Silver Mine
Service company
Holding company
Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine
United States
Metals trading company
Metals trading company
Barbados
Switzerland
Location
Canada
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Canada
2021
% Ownership
2020
% Ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
—%
—%
100%
100%
75
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars)
29. KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
Salaries, bonuses, fees and benefits
Independent members of the Board of Directors
Other members of key management
Share-based payments
Independent members of the Board of Directors
Other members of key management
30. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Declaration of Quarterly Dividend
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$868
3,790
769
3,661
$9,088
$803
3,937
402
2,646
$7,788
On March 9, 2022, the Company’s board of directors approved its quarterly common share dividend of $0.0079 per share, payable on and after April 4,
2022, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2022. These dividends were declared subsequent to the quarter end and
have not been recognized as distributions to owners during the year ended December 31, 2021.
76
NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars) Management’s Discussion and Analysis
FOR THE YEAR AND QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
77
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements of First Majestic Silver Corp. (“First Majestic” or “the Company”) as at and for the year ended December 31, 2021 which
are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). All dollar
amounts are expressed in United States (“US”) dollars and tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Certain
amounts shown in this MD&A may not add exactly to total amounts due to rounding differences.
This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risk factors set out in a cautionary note contained at the end of this MD&A. All information
contained in this MD&A is current and has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company as of March 9, 2022 unless otherwise stated.
Company Overview
First Majestic is a multinational mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, focused on primary silver and gold production in North America,
pursuing the exploration and development of its existing mineral properties and acquiring new assets. The Company owns one producing mine in the
USA, the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, three producing mines in Mexico: the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada
Silver Mine, four mines currently in care and maintenance in Mexico: the San Martin Silver Mine, the Del Toro Silver Mine, the La Parrilla Silver Mine and
the La Guitarra Silver/Gold Mine.
First Majestic is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AG”, on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “FR” and on the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “FMV”.
IN PRODUCTION NEVADA, USA
JERRITT CANYON GOLD MINE
IN PRODUCTION MEXICO
SANTA ELENA SILVER/GOLD MINE
LA ENCANTADA SILVER MINE
SAN DIMAS SILVER/GOLD MINE
PROJECTS MEXICO
LA PARRILLA SILVER MINE
DEL TORO SILVER MINE
SAN MARTIN SILVER MINE
LA GUITARRA SILVER MINE
78
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 2021 Annual Highlights
Key Performance Metrics
Operational
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled
Silver Ounces Produced
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
Total Production Cost per Tonne (1)
Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (1)
Financial (in $millions)
Revenues
Mine Operating Earnings
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes
Net (Loss) Earnings
Operating Cash Flows before Working Capital and Taxes
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Working Capital (1)
Free Cash Flow (1)
Shareholders
(Loss) Earnings per Share (“EPS”) - Basic
Adjusted EPS (1)
NM - Not meaningful
2021
2020
2019
Change
‘21 vs ‘20
3,339,394
2,213,954
2,831,999
12,842,945
11,598,380
13,241,118
26,855,783
20,379,010
25,554,288
$13.23
$18.84
$102.77
$25.16
$584.1
$101.4
$25.3
($4.9)
$176.8
$237.9
$224.4
($16.9)
$9.00
$14.03
$79.59
$21.15
$363.9
$105.1
$29.7
$23.1
$107.3
$238.6
$254.4
$30.7
$8.74
$12.62
$75.05
$16.40
$363.9
$66.2
($39.0)
($40.5)
$108.9
$169.0
$171.1
$91.0
($0.02)
$0.02
$0.11
$0.18
($0.20)
$0.04
51%
11%
32%
47%
34%
29%
19%
61%
(3%)
(15%)
(121%)
65%
0%
(12%)
(155%)
(119%)
(86%)
(1) The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per ounce, total production cost per
tonne, average realized silver price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and free cash flow. These measures are widely used in the mining
industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and the methods used by the Company to calculate such measures
may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See “Non-GAAP Measures” on pages 109 to 114 for a reconciliation of
non-GAAP to GAAP measures.
Silver
Production (M Oz)
Silver Equivalent
Production (M Oz)
Cash Cost
per Eq Ounce ($/Oz)
AISC
per Eq Ounce ($/Oz)
12.8
11.6
13.2
26.9
25.6
$13.23
$18.84
20.4
$9.00
$8.74
$14.03
$12.62
2021
2020
2019
2021
2020
2019
2021
2020
2019
2021
2020
2019
79
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Operational Highlights
Annual Production Summary
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled
Silver Ounces Produced
Gold Ounces Produced
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce(1)
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce(1)
Cash Cost per Gold Equivalent Ounce(1)
All-in Sustaining Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce(1)
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
822,791
879,060
7,646,898
1,954,492
1,004,144
3,241,555
633,400
3,339,394
—
12,842,945
81,237
42,088
460
68,567
192,353
13,525,049
5,041,937
3,274,798
5,013,999
26,855,783
$9.01
$12.70
N/A
N/A
$15.40
$19.20
N/A
N/A
$13.49
$16.66
N/A
N/A
$22.21
$28.01
$1,624
$2,048
$13.23
$18.84
N/A
N/A
Total Production Cost per Tonne(1)
$142.00
$85.15
$42.25
$172.20
$102.77
(1) See “Non-GAAP measures”
• Annual silver production of 12,842,945 ounces, which slightly missed the lower end of the Company’s revised guidance range of producing between
13.0 to 13.8 million ounces of silver.
• Annual gold production of 192,353 ounces, was within the higher end of the Company’s revised guidance range of producing between 181,000 to
194,000 ounces. This strong performance was primarily attributed to the processing of Ermitaño ore at the Santa Elena plant and strong gold grades
at San Dimas in the fourth quarter
• Successfully completed the acquisition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine in Nevada, USA adding a fourth operating mine to the Company’s portfolio.
• Successfully began underground ore production from the Ermitaño mine near the Santa Elena mill in the fourth quarter of 2021, after five
years since its initial discovery. This was completed ahead of schedule following batch processing of Ermitaño ore which started in November.
This important new mine is expected to significantly increase production and reduce costs at Santa Elena as it ramps up throughout 2022.
• Successfully converted Santa Elena from diesel power to more environmentally friendly and lower cost liquid natural gas (“LNG”) with the
construction of the new 12.4 megawatt (“MW”) LNG facility.
• Sold a record 349,278 ounces of retail silver bullion products, or approximately 3% of the Company’s silver production, on First Majestic’s online
bullion store at an average silver price of $31.21 per ounce for total proceeds of $10.9 million.
• Cash cost per silver equivalent (“AgEq”) ounce in the year was $13.23, compared to $9.00 in the previous year. The increase in cash cost per AgEq
ounce was primarily due to the addition of Jerritt Canyon which was producing at a higher cash costs since the acquisition. The Company has identified
various projects to be implemented over the next 12 months at Jerritt Canyon to improve production and reduce costs at the mine and processing plant.
Additionally, there was an increase in energy costs at San Dimas due to lower energy contribution from the hydroelectric power plant as well as an
increase in costs at Santa Elena primarily due to higher ore development and mining contractor costs to prepare ore faces in the mine.
• All-in sustaining cost (“AISC”) per AgEq ounce in the year was $18.84, compared to $14.03 in the previous year. The increase in AISC per AgEq ounce
was primarily attributed to higher cash costs, combined with an increase in sustaining capital costs related to the Tailings Storage Facility 2 (“TSF2”) lift
project which was completed on time and under-budget at Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine. The increase in AISC was partially offset by increased production
at San Dimas, Santa Elena and Jerritt Canyon during the year.
Financial Highlights
• Robust cash position and liquidity: The Company ended the year with cash and cash equivalents of $237.9 million compared to $238.6 million at the
end of the previous year, while working capital decreased to $224.4 million compared to $254.4 million. Cash and cash equivalent excludes the re-
allocation of $48.0 million in VAT refunds which have been recorded within non-current restricted cash.
• Revenue: The Company generated record annual revenues of $584.1 million in 2021, 61% higher than the previous year primarily due to the addition
of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine during the second quarter, a 32% increase in payable silver equivalent ounces sold and a 19% increase in the average
realized silver price per ounce which averaged $25.16 per ounce compared to $21.15 per ounce in 2020.
• Mine operating earnings: During the year, the Company recognized mine operating earnings of $101.4 million compared to $105.1 million in 2020. The
decrease in mine operating earnings was primarily driven by higher costs at Jerritt Canyon to prepare the mine for higher throughputs and improved
plant performance along with increased costs at Santa Elena due to Ermitaño ramping up production during the year which was partially offset by an
increase in revenue.
• Net earnings: The Company recognized a net loss of $4.9 million (EPS of $(0.02)) in 2021 compared to net earnings of $23.1 million (EPS of $0.11)
in 2020. The decrease in net earnings was primarily attributable to an increase in income tax expense during the year as well as an accounting loss
recognized on the settlement of the Company’s 2018 senior convertible notes of $4.6 million. The new convertible notes provided extended financing
terms and allowed the Company to raise $230 million in cash which was used to repurchase the notes issued in 2018 for $171.8 million, with the
remaining net proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes and strategic opportunities.
80
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
• Adjusted earnings: Adjusted earnings (see “Non-GAAP Measures”), normalized for non-cash or unusual items such as COVID-19 standby costs, write-
down of mineral inventory, loss on early settlement of senior convertible notes, share-based payments and deferred income taxes for the year ended
December 31, 2021 was $6.0 million ($0.02 per share), compared to adjusted earnings of $37.4 million ($0.18 per share) in 2020.
• Cash flow from operations: During the year, cash flow from operations before changes in working capital and income taxes was $176.8 million
compared to $107.3 million in 2020.
Acquisition of Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd.
On April 30, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. from Sprott Mining
Inc. (“Sprott Mining”) in exchange for 26,719,727 common shares of First Majestic (the “Consideration Shares”) and five million common share purchase
warrants (the “Consideration Warrants”), each exercisable for one common share of the Company at a price of $20 per share for a period of three years
from the date of acquisition on April 30, 2021 (the “Acquisition Date”). Concurrent with closing of the acquisition, Sprott Mining also completed a private
placement consisting of $30.0 million at a price of $17.59 per share for a total of 1,705,514 common shares of the Company (the “Private Placement
Shares”) (together, the “Acquisition Agreement”).
Pursuant to closing of the Acquisition Agreement, the Company deposited into escrow an aggregate of $60.0 million (the “Escrowed Funds”), including $30.0
million from First Majestic and $30.0 million proceeds from the Private Placement Shares, representing the estimated tax (“Triggered Tax”) due by Jerritt
Canyon Canada as a result of a reorganization completed prior to the acquisition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the
Purchase Price is increased to the extent the Triggered Tax is less than $60 million (“Triggered Tax Adjustment”) and decreased to the extent the working
capital (the “Working Capital Adjustment”) of Jerritt Canyon is less than zero. The amount of such tax liability was $45.2 million and has been paid from the
Escrowed Funds. As of April 30, 2021, Jerritt Canyon had a preliminary negative working capital of $2.8 million. As at December 31, 2021, the Working Capital
Adjustment and Triggered Tax Adjustment had not been finally determined and $12.6 million remains in escrow pending such determination.
Jerritt Canyon owns and operates the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine located in Elko County, Nevada. Jerritt Canyon was discovered in 1972 and has been in
production since 1981 having produced over 9.5 million ounces of gold over its 40-year production history. The mine currently operates as an underground
mine and has one of three permitted gold processing plants in Nevada that uses roasting in its treatment of ore. This processing plant has a capacity of
4,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”) and is currently operating at an average rate of approximately 2,200 tpd. The property consists of a large, under explored land
package consisting of 30,821 hectares (119 square miles). The acquisition was completed in order to support the Company’s growth strategy by adding
another cornerstone asset within a world class mining jurisdiction to the Company’s portfolio.
Management has concluded that Jerritt Canyon constitutes a business and, therefore, the acquisition is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 - Business
Combinations. Given the delivery of the consideration and the fulfillment of the covenants as per the Acquisition Agreement, the transaction was deemed
to be completed with First Majestic identified as the acquirer. Based on the April 30, 2021 opening share price of common shares, the total consideration
of the Jerritt Canyon acquisition is $478.9 million. The Company began consolidating the operating results, cash flows and net assets of Jerritt Canyon
from April 30, 2021 onwards.
The determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was previously reported based on preliminary estimates at the Acquisition
Date. The Company is completing a full and detailed valuation of the fair value of the net assets of Jerritt Canyon acquired using income, market, and cost
valuation methods with the assistance of an independent third party. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the allocation of purchase
price with respect to the fair value increment of assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been updated to reflect new information obtained which
existed at the Acquisition Date.
The fair value of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are subject to change for up to one year from the Acquisition Date. The Company is finalizing its
full and detailed assessment of the fair value of the net assets of Jerritt Canyon acquired. As stated above, the Triggered Tax Adjustment and the Working
Capital Adjustment, as well as any consequential impact on the deferred tax liabilities, have yet to be finally determined. If new information arises which
would impact management’s assessment of the fair value at the Acquisition Date, any adjustments to the allocation of the purchase consideration will be
recognized retrospectively and comparative information will be revised. Consequently, the final allocation of the purchase price consideration may result
in material adjustments to the amounts shown in these audited consolidated financial statements.
81
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Consideration and Purchase Price Allocation
Total consideration for the acquisition was valued at $478.9 million on the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the consideration paid as
part of the purchase price:
Total Consideration
26,719,727 Consideration Shares issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $15.59 per share(1)
1,705,514 Private Placement Shares issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $15.59 per share(1)
5,000,000 Consideration Warrants issued to Sprott Mining with an accounting fair value of $4.63 per warrant(2)
Estimated Triggered Tax Adjustment
Total consideration
$416,561
26,589
23,150
12,570
$478,870
(1) Fair values of Consideration Shares and Private Placement Shares were estimated at $15.59 per share based on the opening price of First Majestic’s
common share on the New York Stock Exchange on April 30, 2021, as compared to their deemed price of $17.59 according to the Acquisition Agreement.
(2) The Consideration Warrants have an exercise price of $20 per share for a three-year term expiring on April 30, 2024. The fair value of Consideration
Warrants were estimated using the Black-Scholes method at the Jerritt Canyon Acquisition Date, using the following assumptions:
Stock price (as of opening on April 30, 2021)
Exercise price of Consideration Warrants
Term (years)
Volatility
Annual rate of quarterly dividends
Discount rate - bond equivalent yield
Total fair value of warrants
$15.59
$20.00
3
55%
0%
0.5%
$23,150
The following table summarizes the preliminary and revised purchase price allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities based on their estimated
fair values on the acquisition date:
Allocation of Purchase Price
Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets
Prepaid expenses
Restricted cash(1)
Mining interest
Property, plant and equipment
Deposit on non-current assets
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities(3)
Income taxes payable
Contingent environmental provision(2)
Decommissioning liabilities(2)
Deferred tax liabilities
Net assets acquired
Preliminary as
reported June 30, 2021
Adjustments
Revised as reported
December 31, 2021
$1,025
19,304
135
3,581
1,662
96,985
409,930
224,034
128
(27,159)
(2,194)
(47,185)
(17,900)
(87,705)
(98,186)
$476,455
$—
—
(63)
—
62
—
22,729
(48,307)
—
3,974
—
1,866
17,900
16,570
(12,316)
$2,415
$1,025
19,304
72
3,581
1,724
96,985
432,659
175,727
128
(23,185)
(2,194)
(45,319)
—
(71,135)
(110,502)
$478,870
(1) Restricted cash includes $30.0 million proceeds from the issuance of Private Placement Shares which were deposited into the Escrowed Funds and
$67.0 million in non-current environmental reclamation bonds.
(2) Decommissioning liabilities include funds required to establish a trust agreement with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) to
cover post-closure water treatment costs at Jerritt Canyon, which were previously reported as a contingent environmental provision.
(3) Lease liabilities are defined per Note 21.
82
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company used discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of the depletable mining interest. The expected future cash flows are based
on estimates of future gold prices, estimated quantities of ore reserves and mineral resources, expected future production costs and capital expenditures
based on the life of mine plans at the acquisition date. The discounted future cash flow models used a 5.1% discount rate based on the Company’s
assessment of country risk, project risk, and other potential risks specific to the acquired mining interest.
The significant assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the mining interests were as follows:
Short-term and long-term gold price
Discount rate
Mine life (years)
Average gold grade over life of mine
Average gold recovery rate
$1,750
5.1%
11
6.0 g/t
86%
The Company used a market approach to determine the fair value of exploration potential by comparing the costs of other precedent market transactions
within the industry on a dollar per square kilometres basis. Those amounts were used to determine the range of area-based resources multiples implied
within the value of transactions by other market participants. Management made a significant assumption in the determination of the fair value of
exploration potential by using an implied multiple of $298,524 per square kilometre for a total of $92.0 million. The Company accounted for exploration
potential through inclusion within non-depletable mineral interest.
Financial and operating results of Jerritt Canyon are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements effective April 30, 2021. During the
year ended December 31, 2021, the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon contributed $123.8 million of revenues and $32.1 million of net loss to the Company’s
financial results since April 30, 2021.
Had the business combination been effected at January 1, 2021, pro forma revenues and net loss of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021 would
have been $636.4 million and $26.5 million, respectively. Total transaction costs of $2.0 million related to the acquisition were expensed during the year.
2021 Fourth Quarter Highlights
Key Performance Metrics
Operational
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled
Silver Ounces Produced
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce (1)
Total Production Cost per Tonne (1)
Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce (1)
Financial (in $millions)
Revenues
Mine Operating Earnings
Net (Loss) Earnings
Operating Cash Flows before Movements in Working Capital and Taxes
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Working Capital (1)
Free cash flow (1)
Shareholders
(Loss) Earnings per Share (“EPS”) - Basic
Adjusted EPS (1)
NM - Not meaningful
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
Change
Q4 vs Q3
2020-Q4
Change
Q4 vs Q4
955,810
943,126
3,358,809
3,302,086
8,561,023
7,319,441
$12.32
$17.26
$105.37
$24.18
$14.09
$19.93
$106.52
$23.10
$204.9
$40.4
($4.0)
$71.8
$237.9
$224.4
$66.4
$124.6
$3.5
($18.4)
$22.6
$192.8
$262.5
($24.7)
($0.02)
$0.02
($0.07)
($0.07)
1%
2%
17%
(13%)
(13%)
(1%)
5%
64%
NM
(78%)
NM
23%
(15%)
NM
(71%)
NM
625,332
3,452,959
5,477,492
$10.21
$16.12
$85.68
$24.88
$117.1
$43.7
$34.5
$48.2
$238.6
$254.4
$25.7
53%
(3%)
56%
21%
7%
23%
(3%)
75%
(8%)
(112%)
49%
0%
(12%)
158%
$0.16
$0.11
(110%)
(85%)
(1) The Company reports non-GAAP measures which include cash costs per silver equivalent ounce produced, all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent
ounce produced, total production cost per tonne, average realized silver price per ounce sold, working capital, adjusted EPS and free cash flow. These
measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and the methods used by
the Company to calculate such measures may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See “Non-GAAP Measures” on
pages 109 to 114 for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.
83
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Fourth Quarter Production Summary
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled
Silver Ounces Produced
Gold Ounces Produced
Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced
Cash Costs per Silver Equivalent Ounce
All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Ounce
Cash Cost per Gold Equivalent Ounce
All-In Sustaining Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce
206,738
2,174,353
23,795
224,459
426,870
19,810
268,239
757,586
146
256,374
955,810
—
3,358,809
23,660
67,411
4,015,346
1,955,550
768,796
1,821,331
8,561,023
$7.98
$11.29
N/A
N/A
$11.56
$14.02
N/A
N/A
$14.51
$19.41
N/A
N/A
$21.71
$26.95
$1,674
$2,077
$12.32
$17.26
N/A
N/A
Total Production Cost per Tonne
$146.30
$93.78
$39.70
$151.23
$105.37
Operational Highlights
• Total production: During the quarter, total production was 8.6 million silver equivalent ounces, representing a 17% increase over the prior quarter.
Silver production reached 3.4 million ounces, representing a 2% increase over the prior quarter. Gold production reached 67,411 ounces of gold,
representing a 24% increase from the prior quarter and the Company’s highest quarterly gold production primarily due to the addition of Jerritt Canyon
and higher gold grades from San Dimas and Santa Elena.
• Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce for the quarter was $12.32 per ounce, compared to $14.09 per ounce in the previous quarter. The decrease in
cash cost per AgEq ounce was primarily due to an increase in production from San Dimas and Santa Elena.
• All-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce in the fourth quarter was $17.26 per ounce compared to $19.93 per ounce in the previous quarter.
The decrease in AISC per AgEq ounce was primarily attributed to an increase in production at San Dimas and Santa Elena, as well as lower sustaining
capital expenditures in the fourth quarter as expenditures related to the Tailings Storage Facility 2 (“TSF2”) lift project at Jerritt Canyon have now been
completed on time and under budget.
• Processing of Ermitaño ore: In November, the Company began batch processing of Ermitaño’s ore at the Santa Elena processing plant and in December
started commercial production, ahead of schedule, which resulted in a new quarterly production record at Santa Elena. A total of 2.0 million silver
equivalent ounces were produced in the quarter consisting of 426,870 ounces of silver and 19,810 ounces of gold. This represents a significant 84%
increase from the prior quarter and the highest quarterly production since acquiring the mine in 2015.
• San Dimas Production: San Dimas produced a record 4.0 million silver equivalent ounces, consisting of 2.2 million ounces of silver and 23,795 ounces
of gold, representing a 17% increase in total production from the prior quarter and the highest quarterly production since acquiring the mine in 2018.
• 21 active drill rigs: The Company completed a total of 55,621 metres in exploration drilling across the Company’s mines during the quarter. At the end
of the quarter, a total of 21 exploration drill rigs were active consisting of seven rigs at San Dimas, nine rigs at Jerritt Canyon, three rigs at Santa Elena
and two rigs at La Encantada.
Financial Highlights
• In the fourth quarter, the Company generated revenues of $204.9 million compared to $117.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in
revenues was primarily attributed to the addition of Jerritt Canyon, the processing of the Ermitaño ore and the sale of 1.4 million silver ounces of
inventory previously withheld in the prior quarter. The average realized silver price of silver averaged $24.18 per ounce during the quarter, a 3%
decrease compared to $24.88 in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• The Company realized mine operating earnings of $40.4 million compared to mine operating earnings of $43.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The
decrease in mine operating earnings was primarily attributed to an increase in cost of sales and depreciation and depletion attributed to the addition
of Jerritt Canyon, partially offset by an increase in silver ounces sold.
• Net loss for the quarter was $4.0 million (EPS of ($0.02)) compared to net earnings of $34.5 million (EPS of $0.16) in the fourth quarter of 2020. The
decrease in net earnings was primarily attributable to an income tax expense of $23.9 million compared to a recovery of $7.1 million in the fourth
quarter of 2020.
• Adjusted net earnings (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter, normalized for non-cash or unusual items such as loss on early settlement of
senior convertible notes, share-based payments, unrealized gain on foreign currency derivatives and deferred income taxes for the quarter ended
December 31, 2021, was $4.1 million (Adjusted EPS of $0.02) compared to adjusted net earnings of $24.2 million (Adjusted EPS of $0.11) in the
fourth quarter of 2020.
• Operating cash flow before movements in working capital and taxes in the quarter was an inflow of $71.8 million compared to a cash inflow of $48.2
million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $237.9 million and working capital of $224.4 million.
84
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 2022 Production Outlook and Cost Guidance Update
This section provides management’s revised production outlook and cost guidance for 2022. These are forward-looking estimates and are subject to
the cautionary note regarding the risks associated with relying on forward-looking statements at the end of this MD&A. Actual results may vary based
on production throughputs, grades, recoveries and changes in economic circumstances.
The Company expects 2022 total production from its four operating mines to range between 32.2 to 35.8 million silver equivalent ounces consisting of 12.2
to 13.5 million ounces of silver and 258,000 to 288,000 ounces of gold. Based on the midpoint of the guidance range the Company expects silver equivalent
ounces to increase 27% when compared to 2021. Silver production is expected to remain consistent with 2021 rates whereas gold production is expected
to increase by 42% year-over-year. The increase in gold production is primarily due to the ramp up of production at Ermitaño which is known to contain
higher amounts of gold and a full year of production from Jerritt Canyon.
A mine-by-mine breakdown of the 2022 production guidance is included in the table below. The Company reports cost guidance to reflect cash costs and
AISC on a per silver equivalent payable ounces. For 2022, the Company is using a 78:1 silver to gold ratio compared to a 72:1 silver to gold ratio in its
revised 2021 guidance. Metal price and foreign currency assumptions for calculating equivalents are silver: $22.50/oz, gold: $1,750/oz, MXN:USD 20:1.
Guidance for Full Year 2022
Silver:
San Dimas, Mexico
Santa Elena, Mexico
La Encantada, Mexico
Mexico Consolidated:
Gold:
Jerritt Canyon, USA
Total Production
Consolidated*
Silver Oz (M)
Gold Oz (k)
Silver Eqv Oz (M)
Cash Cost
AISC
7.4 – 8.2
1.9 – 2.1
2.9 – 3.2
81 – 91
61 – 68
–
13.7 – 15.2
8.59 – 9.13
11.75 – 12.65
6.6 – 7.4
2.9 – 3.2
13.06 – 13.68
15.58 – 16.66
14.82 – 15.74
17.89 – 19.15
12.2 – 13.5
142 – 159
23.2 – 25.8
10.65 – 11.31
15.18 – 16.35
($ per AgEq oz)
($ per AgEq oz)
–
116 – 129
9.0 – 10.0
1,259 – 1,334
1,503 – 1,607
($ per AuEq oz)
($ per AuEq oz)
($ per AgEq oz)
($ per AgEq oz)
12.2 – 13.5
258 – 288
32.2 – 35.8
12.20 – 12.94
16.79 – 18.06
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
* Cash Costs and AISC are non-GAAP measures. Consolidated AISC includes general and administrative cost estimates and non-cash costs of $1.49 to
$1.66 per payable silver ounce. The Company calculates AISC in the manner set out in the table below.
The Company is projecting its 2022 AISC to be within a range of $16.79 to $18.06 on a per consolidated payable silver equivalent ounce basis. Excluding
non-cash items, the Company anticipates its 2022 AISC to be within a range of $16.34 to $17.56 per payable silver equivalent ounce. An itemized AISC
cost table is provided below:
All-In Sustaining Cost Calculation
Total Cash Costs per Payable Silver Ounce
General and Administrative Costs
Sustaining Development Costs
Sustaining Property, Plant and Equipment Costs
Sustaining Exploration Costs
Profit Sharing
Share-based Payments (non-cash)
Lease Payments
Accretion and Reclamation Costs (non-cash)
All-In Sustaining Costs (Ag Eq Oz)
All-In Sustaining Costs: (Ag Eq Oz excluding non-cash items)
FY 2022
($ per AgEq oz)
12.20 – 12.94
1.04 – 1.16
1.29 – 1.44
0.86 – 0.96
0.13 – 0.15
0.49 – 0.54
0.34 – 0.38
0.33 – 0.37
0.11 – 0.13
16.79 – 18.06
16.34 – 17.56
(1) AISC is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated based on the Company’s consolidated operating performance. Other mining companies may calculate
AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles, the definition of “sustaining costs” and the distinction between sustaining
and expansionary capital costs.
(2) Total cash cost per payable silver equivalent ounce includes estimated royalties and 0.5% Mexico mining environmental fee of $0.15 to $0.17 per
payable silver equivalent ounce.
85
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Investing for Future Growth
In 2022, the Company plans to invest a total of $207.8 million on capital expenditures consisting of $86.3 million for sustaining investments and $121.5
million for expansionary projects. This represents a 5.4% decrease compared to the 2021 capital expenditures and is aligned with the Company’s
future growth strategy of investments in fine grinding technology, processing plant modernizations (including the dual-circuit project installation and
expansion of the LNG generation plant at Santa Elena), increased exploration investment, higher mine development rates, and to increase underground
ore extraction and plant processing rates at Jerritt Canyon and Santa Elena.
2022 Capital Budget ($millions)
Underground Development
Exploration
Property, Plant and Equipment
Corporate Projects
Total*
Sustaining
Expansionary
$46.2
9.2
27.4
3.4
$86.2
$41.8
36.0
24.5
19.3
Total
$88.8
45.2
51.9
22.7
$121.6
$207.8
*Certain amounts shown may not add exactly to the total amount due to rounding differences.
The 2022 annual budget includes total capital investments of $88.8 million to be spent on underground development; $51.9 million towards property,
plant and equipment; $45.2 million in exploration; and $22.7 million towards corporate innovation projects. Management may revise the guidance and
budget during the year to reflect actual and anticipated changes in metal prices or to the business.
The Company plans to increase underground development in 2022 to approximately 53,700 metres compared to 50,559 metres completed in 2021.
The 2022 development program consists of approximately 29,100 metres at San Dimas; 4,950 metres at Jerritt Canyon; 14,900 metres at Santa Elena
(including Ermitaño) and 4,750 metres at La Encantada. This year-over-year increase is primarily due to the Company’s plan to increase underground
ore production in the mines. At San Dimas, the Company is planning to bring the Perez and San Jose Veins, located in the Sinaloa Graben block, into
production in the second half of 2022. At Santa Elena, underground development will focus on the Ermitaño mine to continue the ramp up process to
achieve approximately 1,000 tonnes per day of underground ore extraction throughout all of 2022 and further increasing to 2,000 tonnes per day in 2023.
At Jerritt Canyon, higher development rates are planned to prepare the SSX/Smith mines for increased ore extraction over the next two years. In addition,
the Company is planning to begin underground production in the West Generator mine at the end of 2022. At La Encantada, the Company is continuing to
develop towards the Ojuelas orebody to prepare for initial production in the second half of 2022.
The Company is planning to significantly increase exploration drilling in 2022 by 41% to approximately 320,200 metres compared to 227,845 metres
which were completed in 2021. The 2022 drilling program will consist of:
• At San Dimas, approximately 98,000 metres of exploration drilling are planned with infill, step-out and exploratory holes focused on near-mine and
brownfield targets including major ore controlling structures in the West, Central, Sinaloa and Tayoltita blocks.
• At Jerritt Canyon, approximately 135,100 metres are planned and consisting of a mixture of surface and underground infill, step-out and exploratory
holes to support the life of mine and test the presence of a new ore body target at Waterpipe II, Wheeler Fault Zone, and Northeast Starvation Canyon.
In addition, eight near-mine targets located adjacent to historic underground and open pit mines will be drilled from surface. Underground drilling
will be conducted at the Saval 2 mine located north of the main SSX/Smith mine operations and in the West Generator underground mine which is
scheduled to be re-opened by the end of 2022.
• At Santa Elena, approximately 68,100 metres are planned with infill and near-mine drilling to continue testing the Santa Elena Main, Alejandra de
Bajo, America, Fenix and Ermitaño veins. Brownfield drilling will focus on several targets around the mine areas (both Santa Elena and Ermitaño)
and greenfield exploration will continue to test key projects around this very large property.
• Finally, at La Encantada the Company has planned approximately 19,000 metres consisting of near-mine drilling to continue adding resources on
several existing areas and brownfield drilling to test several high potential targets. The Company recently completed a land access agreement with
the Tenochtitlan Ejido which has opened a significant amount of new land that is planned to be explored for the first time in 2022.
86
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Overview of Operating Results
Selected Production Results for the Past Eight Quarters
PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Ore processed/tonnes milled
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Silver equivalent ounces produced
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Silver ounces produced
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Consolidated
Gold ounces produced
San Dimas
Santa Elena
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Cash cost per Ounce(2)
San Dimas (per AgEq Ounce)
Santa Elena (per AgEq Ounce)
La Encantada (per AgEq Ounce)
Jerritt Canyon (per AuEq Ounce)
Consolidated (per AgEq Ounce)
All-in sustaining cost per Ounce(2)
San Dimas (per AgEq Ounce)
Santa Elena (per AgEq Ounce)
La Encantada (per AgEq Ounce)
Jerritt Canyon (per AuEq Ounce)
Consolidated (per AgEq Ounce)
Production cost per tonne
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
2021
2020
Q4
Q3
Q2(3)
Q1
Q4
Q3
Q2(1)
Q1
206,738
214,205
202,382
199,466
208,648
189,918
114,390
200,109
224,459
234,862
234,381
185,358
168,276
204,577
89,590
177,834
268,239
263,645
242,839
229,421
248,408
261,425
129,579
221,200
256,374
230,415
146,611
—
—
—
—
—
955,810
943,126
826,213
614,245
625,332
655,920
333,559
599,142
4,015,346
3,422,032
3,176,725
2,910,946
3,477,061
3,125,662
2,395,633
3,672,169
1,955,550
1,061,657
1,140,398
884,332
901,630
1,091,026
595,651
1,593,400
768,796
913,481
847,502
745,018
1,098,800
984,397
514,092
929,487
1,821,331
1,922,270
1,270,398
—
—
—
—
—
8,561,023
7,319,441
6,435,023
4,540,296
5,477,492
5,201,085
3,505,376
6,195,057
2,174,353
1,888,371
1,868,031
1,716,143
1,941,286
1,678,075
1,102,931
1,677,376
426,870
508,641
565,453
453,528
418,153
502,375
222,100
550,133
757,586
905,074
840,541
738,354
1,093,521
978,416
509,544
924,472
3,358,809
3,302,086
3,274,026
2,908,024
3,452,959
3,158,866
1,834,575
3,151,980
23,795
19,810
23,660
67,265
$7.98
$11.56
$14.51
$1,674
$12.32
$11.29
$14.02
$19.41
$2,077
$17.26
20,767
7,498
26,145
54,410
$8.29
$17.09
$12.25
$1,735
$14.09
$11.58
$21.10
$15.28
$2,286
$19.93
19,227
8,453
18,762
46,442
$10.17
$16.70
$13.66
$1,407
$13.89
$14.22
$21.31
$15.97
$1,679
$19.42
17,448
6,327
—
19,980
6,294
—
18,268
7,428
—
12,042
3,677
—
21,308
10,842
—
23,775
26,274
25,696
15,719
32,150
$10.00
$20.18
$13.77
$—
$8.49
$16.50
$10.42
$—
$12.61
$10.21
$14.31
$25.66
$16.30
$—
$12.32
$21.76
$12.39
$—
$7.74
$13.81
$10.16
$—
$9.48
$10.74
$16.36
$12.12
$—
$6.43
$11.44
$9.55
$—
$7.76
$10.70
$15.02
$11.76
$—
$7.15
$9.25
$10.80
$—
$8.25
$9.86
$10.60
$13.33
$—
$19.35
$16.12
$14.01
$13.95
$12.23
$146.30
$128.67
$153.43
$140.29
$135.13
$120.60
$129.67
$126.33
$93.78
$39.70
$75.76
$41.08
$79.17
$45.71
$151.23
$192.17
$177.30
$94.15
$42.99
$—
$86.32
$43.72
$—
$71.44
$36.04
$—
$74.50
$36.80
$—
$81.04
$43.82
$—
$105.37
$106.52
$104.94
$90.03
$85.68
$71.56
$78.78
$82.41
(1) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mexican Ministry of Health issued a decree requiring non-essential businesses, including mining, to
temporarily suspend activities until May 23, 2020. As a result, production and costs were adversely affected during the quarter.
(2) Effective January 1, 2021, the Company is reporting its cash costs and all-in sustaining costs on a per silver equivalent (“AgEq”) ounce basis. Cash cost
and AISC per AgEq Ounce for previous comparative periods were updated based on the new metric. See “Non-GAAP” section.
(3) Jerritt Canyon production was from April 30, 2021 to June 30, 2021, or 62 days.
87
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Operating Results – Consolidated Operations
CONSOLIDATED
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
2021-Q2
2021-Q1
2021-YTD
2020-YTD
Ore processed/tonnes milled
955,810
943,126
826,213
614,245
3,339,394
2,213,954
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver recovery (%)
Gold recovery (%)
Production
Silver ounces produced
Gold ounces produced
125
2.42
88%
91%
122
2.00
90%
90%
137
1.80
90%
91%
166
1.26
89%
96%
135
1.94
89%
91%
184
1.46
88%
96%
3,358,809
3,302,086
3,274,026
2,908,024
12,842,945 11,598,380
67,411
54,525
46,544
23,873
192,353
100,081
Silver equivalent ounces produced
8,561,023
7,319,441
6,435,023
4,540,296
26,855,783 20,379,010
Cost
Cash Cost per AgEq Ounce
All-In sustaining costs per AgEq ounce
$12.32
$17.26
$14.09
$19.93
$13.89
$19.42
Total production cost per tonne
$105.37
$106.52
$104.94
Underground development (m)
Diamond drilling (m)
11,535
55,621
11,827
79,066
13,490
53,608
The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Operations
$12.61
$19.35
$90.03
13,706
39,550
$13.23
$18.85
$102.77
$9.00
$14.03
$79.59
50,558
38,504
227,845
156,244
Change
Q4 vs Q3
Change
‘21 vs ‘20
1%
2%
21%
(2%)
1%
2%
24%
17%
(13%)
(13%)
(1%)
(2%)
(30%)
51%
(27%)
33%
1%
(5%)
11%
92%
32%
47%
34%
29%
31%
46%
COVID-19 sanitary protocols were established in 2020 at all Company facilities and operations. These protocols include continuous monitoring and testing
of workers, use of effective PPE, and other sanitary control measures. These measures have proven effective at managing the pandemic impacts on the
Company’s operations and remain in full effect. Worker availability has improved over the past several months, however, it continues to be a challenge but
is currently being mitigated by increasing the use of temporary workers and contractors to replace vulnerable workers.
The Company also continues supporting local communities by sponsoring health professionals, medical and testing equipment, personal protective
equipment, medicine and health supplements.
Production
During the year, the Company produced 26.9 million silver equivalent ounces, consisting of 12.8 million ounces of silver and 192,353 ounces of gold,
representing an increase of 11% and 92% respectively, compared to the prior year. The increase in production was primarily due to the reduced effect of
the temporary COVID-19 suspensions and units operating with limited workforce levels in the previous year, as well as the addition of Jerritt Canyon and
commencing production at Ermitaño.
Total production in the fourth quarter was 8.6 million silver equivalent ounces, consisting of 3.4 million ounces of silver and 67,411 ounces of gold,
representing an increase of 2% and 24%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter.
Total ore processed amounted to 3,339,394 tonnes during the year and 955,810 tonnes during the quarter, representing a 51% and 1% increase compared
to the prior year and quarter, respectively. The increase in tonnes processed was primarily due to Jerritt Canyon processing higher volumes of lower
grade surface material partially offset by slightly lower throughput rates at San Dimas and Santa Elena.
Consolidated silver grades in the quarter averaged 125 g/t compared to 122 g/t in the previous quarter and consolidated gold grades averaged 2.42 g/t
compared to 2.00 g/t in the prior quarter. The increase in consolidated silver and gold grades were primarily due to processing higher grade ore within
the Jessica vein at San Dimas and the introduction of Ermitaño’s ore into the Santa Elena plant in November.
Consolidated silver and gold recoveries averaged 88% and 91%, respectively, during the quarter which are consistent compared to the previous quarter. The
Company continues to work towards optimizing the metallurgical recoveries of Ermitaño’s ore which achieved 61% for silver and 91% for gold during the
fourth quarter. The Santa Elena processing plant will be modified to facilitate finer grinding and improve metallurgical recoveries and operating costs with the
commissioning of a new tailing filter-press, an additional leaching tank and a fourth counter current decantation (“CCD”) thickener in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Cash Cost and All-In Sustaining Cost per Ounce
Cash cost per AgEq ounce for the year was $13.23 per ounce, compared to $9.00 per ounce in the previous year. The increase in cash cost per AgEq
ounce was primarily due to the addition of Jerritt Canyon which was producing at a higher cash costs since the acquisition. The Company has identified
88
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION various projects to be implemented over the next 12 months at Jerritt Canyon to improve production and reduce costs at the mine and processing plant.
Additionally, there was an increase in energy costs at San Dimas due to lower energy contribution from the hydroelectric power plant as well as an
increase in costs at Santa Elena primarily due to higher ore development and mining contractor costs to prepare ore faces in the mine.
Cash cost per AgEq ounce for the quarter was $12.32 per ounce, compared to $14.09 per ounce in the previous quarter. The decrease in cash cost per
AgEq ounce was primarily due to an increase in production from San Dimas and Santa Elena.
All-in Sustaining Cost per AgEq ounce in the year was $18.85 per ounce compared to $14.03 per ounce in the previous year. The increase in AISC per AgEq
ounce was primarily attributed to higher cash costs, combined with an increase in sustaining capital costs related to the TSF2 lift project at Jerritt Canyon
Gold. The increase in AISC was partially offset by increased production at San Dimas, Santa Elena and Jerritt Canyon Gold during the year.
All-in Sustaining Cost per AgEq ounce in the fourth quarter was $17.26 per ounce compared to $19.93 per ounce in the previous quarter. The decrease in
AISC per AgEq ounce was primarily attributed to lower sustaining capital expenditures in the fourth quarter as expenditures related to the TSF2 lift project
at Jerritt Canyon have now been completed as well as an increase in production at San Dimas and Santa Elena.
Development and Exploration
During the year, the Company completed 50,558 metres of underground development and 227,845 metres of diamond drilling, compared to 38,504 metres
and 156,244 metres, respectively, in the previous year.
The Company completed a total of 55,621 metres in exploration drilling across the Company’s mines during the fourth quarter. At the end of the quarter,
a total of 21 exploration drill rigs were active consisting of seven rigs at San Dimas, nine rigs at Jerritt Canyon, three rigs at Santa Elena and two rigs at
La Encantada.
San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, Durango, México
The San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine is located approximately 130 km northwest of Durango, Durango State, Mexico and consists of 71,868 hectares of mining
claims located in the states of Durango and Sinaloa, Mexico. San Dimas is one of the country’s most prominent silver and gold mines and the largest
producing underground mine in the state of Durango with over 250 years of operating history. The San Dimas operating plan involves processing ore
from several underground mining areas with a 2,500 tpd capacity milling operation which produces silver/gold doré bars. The mine is accessible via a
40-minute flight from the Durango International Airport to the private airstrip in the town of Tayoltita, or by improved roadway. The Company owns 100%
of the San Dimas mine.
San Dimas
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
2021-Q2
2021-Q1
2021-YTD
2020-YTD
Change
Q4 vs Q3
Change
‘21 vs ‘20
Total ore processed/tonnes milled
206,738
214,205
202,382
199,466
822,791
713,064
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver recovery (%)
Gold recovery (%)
Production
Silver ounces produced
Gold ounces produced
347
3.71
94%
96%
289
3.14
95%
96%
301
3.07
95%
96%
285
2.83
94%
96%
305
3.19
95%
96%
297
3.24
94%
96%
2,174,353
1,888,371
1,868,031
1,716,143
7,646,898
6,399,667
23,795
20,767
19,227
17,448
81,237
71,598
Silver equivalent ounces produced
4,015,346
3,422,032
3,176,725
2,910,946 13,525,049 12,670,526
Cost
Cash cost per AgEq Ounce
All-In sustaining costs per AgEq Ounce
$7.98
$11.29
$8.29
$11.58
$10.17
$14.22
$10.00
$14.31
$9.01
$12.70
$7.53
$10.91
Total production cost per tonne
$146.30
$128.67
$153.43
$140.29
$142.00
$127.91
(3%)
20%
18%
(1%)
0%
15%
15%
17%
(4%)
(3%)
14%
Underground development (m)
Diamond drilling (m)
5,104
17,279
5,237
32,086
6,637
26,382
8,242
24,078
25,220
99,825
26,154
87,659
(3%)
(46%)
15%
3%
(2%)
1%
0%
19%
13%
7%
20%
16%
11%
(4%)
14%
89
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 2021 vs. 2020
In 2021, San Dimas produced 7,646,898 ounces of silver and 81,237 ounces of gold for a total production of 13,525,049 silver equivalent ounces, a 7%
increase compared to 12,670,526 silver equivalent ounces in 2020. The mill processed a total of 822,791 tonnes, a 15% increase compared to 713,064
tonnes processed in the previous year.
During 2021, silver and gold grades averaged 305 g/t and 3.19 g/t, respectively, compared to 297 g/t and 3.24 g/t in the previous year. Silver recoveries
averaged 95% compared to 94% in 2020, while gold recoveries averaged 96%, which was consistent with 2020.
During the year, cash cost per AgEq ounce averaged $9.01 compared to $7.53 per ounce in 2020. AISC averaged $12.70 per ounce in 2021 compared to
$10.91 per ounce in 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to higher energy costs incurred in the first half of the year as the mine had to rely on
electricity from the public grid and diesel power generation as a result of lower rainfall and lower energy contribution from the Las Truchas hydroelectric
power plant during the dry season.
The San Dimas mine is subject to a gold and silver streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (“Wheaton” or “WPM”) which entitles
Wheaton to receive 25% of the gold equivalent production (based on a fixed exchange ratio of 70 silver ounces to 1 gold ounce) at San Dimas in exchange
for ongoing payments equal to the lesser of $600 (subject to a 1% annual inflation adjustment commencing in May 2019) and the prevailing market price,
for each gold ounce delivered. Should the average gold to silver ratio over a six-month period exceed 90:1 or fall below 50:1, the fixed exchange ratio
would be increased to 90:1 or decreased to 50:1, respectively. The fixed gold to silver exchange ratio as at December 31, 2021 was 70:1. During the year
ended December 31, 2021, the Company delivered 48,015 ounces (2020 - 38,604 ounces) of gold to WPM at $617 (2020 - $610) per ounce.
During the year, a total of 25,220 metres of underground development and 99,825 metres of diamond drilling were completed compared to 26,154 metres
and 87,659 metres, respectively, in the prior year.
2021Q4 vs. 2021Q3
During the fourth quarter, San Dimas produced 2,174,353 ounces of silver and 23,795 ounces of gold representing an increase of 15% in each metal,
compared to the prior quarter. Total production during the fourth quarter amounted to 4,015,346 silver equivalent ounces compared to 3,422,032 silver
equivalent ounces in the prior quarter, representing the highest quarterly production since the Company acquired the mine in 2018.
The mill processed a total of 206,738 tonnes of ore with average silver and gold grades of 347 g/t and 3.71 g/t, respectively, compared to 214,205 tonnes
milled with average silver and gold grades of 289 g/t and 3.14 g/t, respectively, in the previous quarter. Silver and gold grades increased in the fourth
quarter as a major high-grade area within the Jessica vein of the Central Block was brought into production at the end of the third quarter.
Silver and gold recoveries averaged 94% and 96%, respectively, during the quarter which was consistent with the prior quarter.
The Central Block and Sinaloa Graben areas contributed approximately 62% and 35%, respectively, of the total production during the quarter. In addition,
the Tayoltita, El Cristo and West Block areas contributed approximately 3% of total production in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, cash cost per AgEq ounce was $7.98 per ounce compared to $8.29 per ounce in the prior quarter. The decrease in cash costs during
the quarter was primarily due to a 17% increase in silver equivalent ounces produced.
AISC per AgEq ounce for the quarter was $11.29 per ounce compared to $11.58 per ounce in the prior quarter, primarily due to a decrease in cash costs
per ounce.
A total of 5,104 metres of underground development was completed in the fourth quarter, compared to 5,237 metres in the prior quarter. During the fourth
quarter, seven underground drills completed 17,279 metres compared to 32,086 metres in the prior quarter.
90
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, Sonora, México
The Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine is located approximately 150 kilometres northeast of the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The operating plan for
Santa Elena involves the processing of ore in a 3,000 tpd cyanidation circuit from a combination of underground reserves and spent ore from the previous
heap leach pad. The Company owns 100% of the Santa Elena mine including mining concessions totaling over 102,244 hectares, inclusive of the Ermitaño
concessions and ore deposit.
SANTA ELENA
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
2021-Q2
2021-Q1
2021-YTD
2020-YTD
Change
Q4 vs Q3
Change
‘21 vs ‘20
Total ore processed/tonnes milled
224,459
234,862
234,381
185,358
879,060
640,276
(4%)
37%
Santa Elena - heap leach and
underground
Tonnes milled
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Ermitaño mine
Tonnes milled
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver recovery (%)
Gold recovery (%)
Production
Silver ounces produced
Gold ounces produced
120,717
234,861
234,381
185,358
775,317
640,276
88
1.37
103,742
54
4.83
82%
92%
74
1.04
—
—
—
91%
96%
81
1.17
—
—
—
93%
96%
82
1.11
—
—
—
93%
96%
80
1.15
103,742
54
4.83
90%
94%
88
1.43
—
—
—
93%
96%
426,870
508,641
565,453
453,528
1,954,492
1,692,761
19,810
7,498
8,453
6,327
42,088
28,242
Silver equivalent ounces produced
1,955,550
1,061,657
1,140,398
884,332
5,041,937
4,181,708
Cost
Cash cost per AgEq Ounce
All-In sustaining costs per AgEq Ounce
Total production cost per tonne
Underground development (m)
Diamond drilling (m)
2021 vs. 2020
$11.56
$14.02
$93.78
4,430
13,847
$17.09
$21.10
$75.76
4,195
19,609
$16.70
$21.31
$79.17
4,994
17,915
$20.18
$25.66
$94.15
4,500
12,607
$15.40
$19.20
$85.15
18,119
63,977
$12.32
$15.14
$78.44
7,851
39,451
(49%)
19%
32%
100%
100%
100%
(10%)
(4%)
(16%)
164%
84%
(32%)
(34%)
24%
6%
(29%)
21%
(9%)
(20%)
100%
100%
100%
(3%)
(2%)
15%
49%
21%
25%
27%
9%
131%
62%
In 2021, Santa Elena produced 1,954,492 ounces of silver and 42,088 ounces of gold for a total production of 5,041,937 silver equivalent ounces, a
21% increase compared to 4,181,708 silver equivalent ounces in 2020. The mill processed a total of 879,060 tonnes compared to 640,276 tonnes in
the previous year, representing a 37% increase compared to 2020. Overall production in 2021 in the Santa Elena mine increased following multiple
improvements in mining methods at the Main, Alejandra Bajo and America veins. Mining and milling rates improved as progress was made in improving
underground infrastructure, development and haulage rates over the prior year, plus the addition of Ermitaño ore feed in the fourth quarter.
A 12.4 MW LNG facility was successfully completed and commissioned at Santa Elena during the year, supplying all the power requirements to the
operation by the end of the year. This modern “green energy” plant will significantly yield energy cost savings and reduce the carbon emissions of the
operations.
Silver and gold grades from Santa Elena ore averaged 80 g/t and 1.15 g/t, respectively, compared to 88 g/t and 1.43 g/t in the previous year as lower
grade ore was extracted from the Main Santa Elena vein. Silver recoveries decreased from 93% in 2020 to 90% in 2021 while gold recoveries decreased
from 96% to 94% in the current year. The decrease in recoveries is a result of the lower ore grades from Santa Elena and the first quarter of production at
Ermitaño. The Company will continue to optimize batch processing and metallurgical recoveries of Ermitaño’s ore during 2022 and plans to upgrade the
processing plant with the Dual Circuit Project. The Dual Circuit Project includes the addition of one leaching tank, one CCD tank and a new high-capacity
tailing press filter to better handle fine grinding of Ermitaño and Santa Elena ores.
91
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION During the year, cash cost per AgEq silver equivalent ounce averaged $15.40 compared to $12.32 per ounce in 2020, representing an increase of 25%
while AISC averaged $19.20 per silver equivalent ounce compared to $15.14 per ounce in the previous year, an increase of 27%. The increase was
primarily attributed to higher ore development and mining contractor costs incurred during the year to prepare additional ore faces in the Santa Elena
mine. Additionally, costs for specialized consulting services were also incurred during the year to establish a more effective Management Operating
System (“MOS”) at the mine. The increase in AISC is primarily attributed to increased waste mine development costs.
The Santa Elena mine is subject to a gold streaming agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (“Sandstorm”), which requires the mine to sell 20% of its gold
production from the leach pad and a designated area of its underground operations over the life of mine to Sandstorm. The selling price to Sandstorm
is currently the lesser of $450 per ounce (subject to a 1% annual inflation increase every April) and the prevailing market price. During the year ended
December 31, 2021, the Company delivered 5,327 ounces of gold (2020 - 5,697 ounces) to Sandstorm at an average price of $467 per ounce (2020 - $463
per ounce).
Orogen Royalties Inc., formerly Evrim Resource Corp., retains a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty from the sale of mineral products extracted from the
Ermitaño mining concessions. In addition, there is an underlying NSR royalty where Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. retains a 2% NSR from the sale of mineral
products extracted from the Ermitaño mining concessions.
During the year, a total of 18,119 metres of underground development (2020 - 7,851 metres) and 63,977 metres of diamond drilling (2020 - 39,451 metres)
were completed, including 6,301 metres of underground development at the Ermitaño project near Santa Elena.
2021Q4 vs. 2021Q3
After five years since its initial discovery, the Company successfully began underground ore production from the Ermitaño mine near Santa Elena in
the fourth quarter of 2021. This important new mine is expected to significantly increase production and reduce costs at Santa Elena as it ramps up
throughout 2022.
During the fourth quarter, Santa Elena produced a new quarterly record of 1,955,550 silver equivalent ounces consisting of 426,870 ounces of silver
and 19,810 ounces of gold representing a decrease of 16% in silver and an increase of 164% in gold production, when compared to the prior quarter.
This represents a significant 84% increase from the prior quarter and the highest quarterly production since the Company acquired the mine in 2015.
Production was significantly higher than prior quarter due to the introduction of Ermitaño’s higher grade ore into the processing plant in November,
approximately two months ahead of schedule. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had accrued $1.0 million (2020 - $nil) in NSR from
the production of Ermitaño in November and December of 2021 to be paid in the first quarter of 2022.
The mill processed a total of 224,459 tonnes during the quarter, consisting of 120,717 tonnes of ore from Santa Elena (including the existing heap leach
pad) and 103,742 tonnes of ore from Ermitaño compared to total production of 234,862 tonnes in the prior quarter.
Silver and gold grades from Santa Elena averaged 88 g/t and 1.37 g/t, respectively and increase of 19% and 32%, respectively compared to the previous
quarter, while silver and gold grades from Ermitaño averaged 54 g/t and 4.83 g/t, respectively.
Silver and gold recoveries in the fourth quarter averaged 82% and 92%, respectively compared to 91% and 96% respectively in the prior quarter. The
Company continues to optimize the batch processing and metallurgical recoveries of Ermitaño and Santa Elena ore. The Company is in the process of
modifying the Santa Elena processing plant with the commissioning of a new filter-press, an additional leaching tank and a fourth CCD thickener expected
to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022 in order to facilitate finer grinding, improve metallurgical recoveries and reduce operating costs.
Cash cost per AgEq ounce in the fourth quarter was $11.56 per ounce compared to $17.09 per ounce in the previous quarter. The decrease in cash cost
was primarily attributed to a 84% increase in production due to the increase in silver and gold grades compared to the previous quarter. AISC per AgEq
ounce for the quarter was $14.02 per ounce compared to $21.10 per ounce in the prior quarter, primarily driven by the decrease in cash costs per ounce
combined with the increase in AgEq production during the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Santa Elena completed a total of 4,430 metres of underground development, compared to 4,195 metres in the previous quarter. A
total of three drill rigs, consisting of two surface rigs and one underground rig, were active at the end of the quarter, completing 13,847 metres compared
to 19,609 metres in the prior quarter.
92
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION La Encantada Silver Mine, Coahuila, México
The La Encantada Silver Mine is an underground mine located in the northern México State of Coahuila, 708 kilometres northeast of Torreon. La Encantada
has 4,076 hectares of mineral concessions and surface land ownership of 1,343 hectares. La Encantada also has a 4,000 tpd cyanidation plant, a camp
with 120 houses as well as administrative offices, laboratory, general store, hospital, airstrip and all the necessary infrastructure required for such an
operation. The mine is accessible via a two-hour flight from the Durango International Airport to the mine’s private airstrip, or via an improved road from
the closest city, Muzquiz, Coahuila State, which is 225 kilometres away. The Company owns 100% of the La Encantada Silver Mine.
LA ENCANTADA
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
2021-Q2
2021-Q1
2021-YTD
2020-YTD
Change
Q4 vs Q3
Change
‘21 vs ‘20
Ore processed/tonnes milled
268,239
263,645
242,839
229,421
1,004,144
860,613
Average silver grade (g/t)
Silver recovery (%)
Production
Silver ounces produced
Gold ounces produced
117
75%
134
80%
138
78%
131
77%
130
77%
162
78%
757,586
905,074
840,541
738,354
3,241,555
3,505,953
146
114
102
98
460
241
Silver equivalent ounces produced
768,796
913,481
847,502
745,019
3,274,798
3,526,776
Cost
Cash cost per AgEq Ounce
All-In sustaining costs per AgEq Ounce
Total production cost per tonne
Underground development (m)
Diamond drilling (m)
2021 vs. 2020
$14.51
$19.41
$39.70
790
2,406
$12.25
$15.28
$41.08
722
5,196
$13.66
$15.97
$45.71
827
4,905
$13.77
$16.30
$42.99
965
2,866
$13.49
$16.66
$42.25
3,304
15,373
$10.32
$12.47
$40.37
3,674
18,611
2%
(13%)
(6%)
(16%)
28%
(16%)
18%
27%
(3%)
9%
(54%)
17%
(20%)
(1%)
(8%)
91%
(7%)
31%
34%
5%
(10%)
(17%)
In 2021, La Encantada produced 3,241,555 ounces of silver and 460 ounces of gold for a total of 3,274,798 silver equivalent ounces, a decrease of 7%
compared to 3,526,776 silver equivalent ounces in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to a 20% decrease in silver head grade and a 1% decrease in
silver recovery, partially offset by a 17% increase in tonnes milled. This reduction was driven by lower ore grades mined from the northern draw-points
of the La Prieta, Milagros and La Fe ore bodies.
Silver recoveries averaged 77% during the year, compared to 78% in 2020. Silver grades during the year averaged 130 g/t, a decrease of 20% compared
to 162 g/t in 2020. In the fourth quarter, the Company began to establish new draw-points within the 660 area ore body in order to increase silver grades
in the upcoming quarters.
During the year, cash cost per AgEq ounce averaged $13.49 compared to $10.32 per ounce in 2020, and AISC averaged $16.66 per ounce in 2021 compared
to $12.47 per ounce in 2020. The increase was primarily attributed to lower production, a stronger Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar compared to the
previous year along with an increase in energy costs as diesel generators had to be rented due to delay in the liquid gas deliveries at the beginning of the
year. Furthermore, the Company has invested in a mill modernization project that was advanced during the year; this included a new refinery scrubber
and the installation of two thickener mechanisms.
During the year, the Company entered into a surface access agreement with the Tenochtitlan Ejido to gain access to the land owned by the Ejido’s, covering
part of the Company’s 4,076 hectares of mineral concessions at La Encantada. This new agreement allows the Company, for the first time since owning
the mine, to initiate surface exploration programs on this large land package.
A total of 3,304 metres of underground development and 15,373 metres of diamond drilling were completed in 2021 compared to 3,674 metres of
underground development and 18,611 metres of diamond drilling in the prior year.
2021Q4 vs. 2021Q3
During the quarter, La Encantada produced 757,586 silver ounces compared to 905,074 in previous quarter, representing a 16% decrease in production
compared to the previous quarter primarily due to a 13% decrease in silver grade.
The mill processed a total of 268,239 tonnes with an average silver grade and recovery during the quarter of 117 g/t and 75%, respectively, compared to
263,645 tonnes, 134 g/t and 80%, respectively, in the previous quarter. The decrease in grade and recoveries were the result of low-grade material being
sourced from previously mined areas. During the quarter, the Company began to establish new draw-points within the 660 area ore body in an effort to
increase silver grades in the upcoming quarters.
93
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Cash cost per AgEq ounce for the quarter was $14.51 compared to $12.25 in the previous quarter. The increase in cash cost per AgEq ounce was primarily
due to the 16% decrease in silver equivalent ounces produced.
AISC per AgEq ounce for the quarter was $19.41 per ounce, an increase of 27% compared to $15.28 per ounce in the previous quarter primarily due to the
increase in cash cost per AgEq ounce combined with an increase in the workers participation cost.
A total of two underground drill rigs were active on the property at the end of the quarter. A total of 790 metres of underground development were
completed in the fourth quarter compared to 722 metres in the prior quarter. One underground and one surface drill completed 2,406 metres of drilling
compared to 5,196 metres in the previous quarter.
During the fourth quarter, the Company completed 77 metres of an underground ramp in order to access the Ojuelas orebody which is known to contain
higher silver grades. The Company is planning to prepare the area for initial ore extraction in the second half of 2022.
Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, Nevada, United States
The Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine is an underground mine located in Northern Nevada, United States. Jerritt Canyon was discovered in 1972 and has been
in production since 1981 having produced over 9.5 million ounces of gold over its 40-year production history. The mine was purchased by the Company
on April 30, 2021 and currently operates as an underground mine and has one of three permitted gold processing plants in Nevada that uses roasting in
its treatment of ore. This processing plant has a capacity of 4,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”). The property consists of a large, under explored land package
consisting of 30,821 hectares (119 square miles). Jerritt Canyon is 100% owned by the Company.
Jerritt Canyon
Ore processed/tonnes milled
Average gold grade (g/t)
Gold recovery (%)
Production
Gold ounces produced
Silver equivalent ounces produced
Cost
Cash cost per AuEq Ounce
All-In sustaining costs per AuEq Ounce
Total production cost per tonne
Underground development (m)
Diamond drilling (m)
2021-Q4
2021-Q3
2021-Q2
2021-YTD
Change
Q4 vs Q3
256,374
230,415
146,611
633,400
3.41
84%
4.19
84%
4.03
84%
3.84
84%
23,660
26,145
18,762
68,567
1,821,331
1,922,270
1,270,398
5,013,999
$1,674
$2,077
$1,734
$2,285
$1,407
$1,679
$1,624
$2,048
$151.23
$192.17
$177.30
$172.20
1,211
22,089
1,673
22,175
1,031
4,406
3,915
48,670
11%
(18%)
0%
(10%)
(5%)
(3%)
(9%)
(21%)
(28%)
0%
Since being acquired on April 30, 2021, the Jerritt Canyon mine has produced 68,567 ounces of gold or 5,013,999 silver equivalent ounces. The mill
processed a total of 633,400 tonnes with an average gold grade of 3.84 g/t and a recovery of 84%.
Permitting, preparation and construction activities for the TSF2 12-ft lift project was completed during the year, which included installation of a new liner.
The $10.4 million lift which was under budget which will provide over two years of additional deposition storage for tailings material at the site. A life-of-
mine tailing deposition optimization study was started during the year and will be completed in early 2022.
During the year, cash cost per AuEq ounce averaged $1,624 per ounce and AISC averaged $2,048 per ounce. The main cost drivers in 2021 were the semi-
annual maintenance overhaul of the dual roasters which was completed on October 4th and included a planned 14-day major maintenance shutdown,
combined with the TSF2 12-ft lift project. As a result, the AISC is expected to normalize in 2022.
Since the acquisition announcement in January 2021, First Majestic has been developing a long-term mine and exploration plan for the future of the
operation. The Company has identified numerous projects that have been implemented or will be implemented over the next 12 to 24 months to improve
environmental compliance and production, and reduce costs at the mine and processing plant, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rebuild a Leadership Team and add technical expertise to the operation (Completed)
Complete the remodeling of all resources inclusive of all available drilling data and mapping (Completed)
Execute a roaster expansion capacity study for future growth (Completed)
Optimize the water treatment plant for mine dewatering prioritization (Completed)
Complete the lift upgrade and develop a long-term TSF2 plan (Completed)
94
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 6.
7.
8.
Establish a Special Environmental Trust to manage the Reclamation and Closure of four waste rock stockpiles (Completed)
Complete a site-wide Environmental Audit (Completed)
Connect the two underground Smith and SSX producing mines with an underground development drift which will be used for future ore haulage
and exploration activities (Completed December 2021)
Obtain permits for potential pushbacks of past-producing open pits for future mill feed (Ongoing)
9.
10. Test over 25 high-priority exploration targets, both near-mine and greenfield (Ongoing)
11. Evaluate and complete ore purchase opportunities with third parties to fill roaster excess capacity (Ongoing)
12. Optimize the underground mining plan and execution of mining with the mine contractor (Ongoing)
13. Evaluate and competitively bid all major procurement contracts for services and consumables (Ongoing)
14. Develop a mercury remediation plan for improved capture of off-gas from the roasters and refinery (Ongoing)
It should be noted that many of the anticipated benefits from these modifications are not yet reflected in the forecasted operating results and are expected
to take several quarters to materialize.
2021Q4 vs. 2021Q3
During the fourth quarter, Jerritt Canyon produced 23,660 ounces of gold, representing a 10% decrease compared to the prior quarter. The decrease was
primarily due to harsh winter weather in December which significantly reduced production for a period of two weeks, causing a reduction in throughput.
In order to mitigate future harsh winter conditions, Jerritt Canyon:
• implemented a new blending strategy to improve material handling of frozen and wet ore;
• installed heat trace and insulation on critical lines and valves;
• connected the two mines which will help with accessibility and ore movement in extreme winter events; and
• are optimizing the dryer operation to better handle major swings in moisture content to improve reliability and performance.
The mill processed a total of 256,374 tonnes with an average gold grade and recovery of 3.41 g/t and 84%, respectively, compared to 230,415 tonnes
with an average grade and recovery of 4.19 g/t and 84%, respectively in the prior quarter. Increased ore development rates and processing of lower ore
grade from surface material continued during the quarter which resulted in higher average tonnage with lower average ore grades processed in the plant.
The SSX and Smith mines contributed approximately 33% and 50%, respectively, of the total production during the quarter. In addition, numerous lower
grade surface stockpiles contributed approximately 17% of total production during the quarter. During the quarter, the tailings lift at TSF2 and the
underground connection drift between the SSX and Smith mines were both completed on-time and under budget. The new connection is expected to
reduce transportation bottlenecks and improve movement efficiencies of personnel and equipment. In addition, the connection drift is expected to support
future exploration activities.
Cash cost per AuEq ounce for the quarter was $1,674 compared to $1,734 in the prior quarter primarily due to a 14-day planned major maintenance of
the dual roasters at the end of the previous quarter. AISC per AuEq ounce for the quarter was $2,077 per ounce, compared to $2,285 in the prior quarter
primarily due lower exploration and sustaining costs as well as the completion of the TSF2 tailings lift project in the current quarter.
A total of nine drill rigs, consisting of four surface rigs and five underground rigs, were active at the end of the quarter. A total of 22,089 diamond drilling
metres and 1,211 metres of underground development were drilled during the quarter.
In early November, the Company executed an agreement with the NDEP relating to funds required to establish a trust agreement to cover post-closure
water treatment cost at Jerritt Canyon. The estimated costs are $17.6 million and would be required to be funded by October 31, 2022. The Company
is investigating alternative closure methods, including passive remediation and alternative water treatment methods, that may reduce this funding
requirement.
La Parrilla Silver Mine, Durango, México
The La Parrilla Silver Mine, located approximately 65 kilometres southeast of the city of Durango in Durango State, México, is a complex of underground
operations consisting of the Rosarios, La Blanca and San Marcos mines which are inter-connected through underground workings, and the Vacas and
Quebradillas mines which are connected via above-ground gravel roads. The total mining concessions consist of 69,478 hectares. The Company owns 60
hectares, and leases an additional 107 hectares of surface rights, for a total of 167 hectares of surface rights. La Parrilla includes a 2,000 tpd sequential
processing plant consisting of a 1,000 tpd cyanidation circuit and a 1,000 tpd flotation circuit, an ISO 9001 certified central laboratory, metallurgical pilot
plant, buildings, offices and associated infrastructure. The Company owns 100% of the La Parrilla Silver Mine.
Operations at the La Parrilla mine have been placed on care and maintenance since September 2019. The Company completed discussions with the La
Parrilla Ejido to continue the long-term land use agreement at La Parrilla during the fourth quarter.
Del Toro Silver Mine, Zacatecas, México
The Del Toro Silver Mine is located 60 kilometres to the southeast of the Company’s La Parrilla mine and consists of 3,815 hectares of mining concessions
and 219 hectares of surface rights. The Del Toro operation represents the consolidation of three historical silver mines, the Perseverancia, San Juan
and Dolores mines, which are approximately one and three kilometres apart, respectively. Del Toro includes a 2,000 tpd flotation circuit and a 2,000 tpd
cyanidation circuit. First Majestic owns 100% of the Del Toro Silver Mine.
Operations at the Del Toro mine has been placed on care and maintenance since January 2020.
95
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION San Martin Silver Mine, Jalisco, México
The San Martin Silver Mine is an underground mine located near the town of San Martin de Bolaños in the Bolaños river valley, in the northern portion
of the State of Jalisco, México. San Martin has 33 contiguous mining concessions in the San Martin de Bolaños mining district covering mineral rights
for 12,795 hectares, plus an application of a new mining concession covering 24,723 hectares to be granted. In addition, the mine owns 160 hectares
of surface land where the processing plant, camp, office facilities, maintenance shops, and tailings dams are located, and an additional 640 hectares of
surface rights. The 1,300 tpd mill and processing plant consists of crushing, grinding and conventional cyanidation by agitation in tanks and a Merrill-
Crowe doré production system. The mine can be accessed via small plane, 150 kilometres from Durango, or 250 kilometres by paved road north of
Guadalajara, Jalisco. The San Martin Silver Mine is 100% owned by the Company.
In July 2019, the Company temporarily suspended all mining and processing activities at the San Martin operation due to marginal economics and
growing insecurity in the area. The Company continues to work with government authorities to secure the area and continued to maintain the mine and
plant facilities, including advancing a buttressing project on the TSF2 tailings impoundment. The re-opening date is contingent on economics and security
conditions in the region and cannot be determined at this time.
La Guitarra Silver Mine, México State, México
The La Guitarra Silver Mine is located in the Temascaltepec Mining District in the State of México, México, approximately 130 kilometres southwest
from México City. The La Guitarra mine covers 39,714 hectares of mining claims and has a 500 tpd flotation processing plant, buildings and related
infrastructure. The Company owns 100% of the La Guitarra Silver Mine.
The La Guitarra milling and mining operations were placed under care and maintenance effective August 3, 2018.
Springpole Silver Stream, Ontario, Canada
In July 2020, the Company completed an agreement with First Mining Gold Corp. (“First Mining”) to purchase 50% of the life of mine payable silver
produced from the Springpole Gold Project (“Springpole Silver Stream”), a development stage mining project located in Ontario, Canada. First Majestic
agreed to pay First Mining consideration of $22.5 million in cash and shares, in three milestone payments, for the right to purchase silver at a price of
33% of the silver spot price per ounce, to a maximum of $7.50 per ounce (subject to annual inflation escalation of 2%, commencing at the start of the
third anniversary of production). Commencing with its production of silver, First Mining must deliver 50% of the payable silver which it receives from the
offtaker within five business days of the end of each quarter.
Transaction consideration paid and payable by First Majestic is summarized as follows:
• The first payment of $10.0 million, consisting of $2.5 million in cash and $7.5 million in First Majestic shares (805,698 common shares), was paid to
First Mining on July 2, 2020;
• The second payment, consisting of $3.75 million in cash and $3.75 million in First Majestic shares (287,300 common shares), was paid on January
21, 2021 upon the completion and public announcement by First Mining of the results of a Pre-Feasibility Study for Springpole; and
• The third payment, consisting of $2.5 million in cash and $2.5 million in First Majestic shares (based on 20 days volume weighted average price), will
be paid upon receipt by First Mining of a Federal or Provincial Environmental Assessment approval for Springpole, which has not yet been received.
In connection with the agreement, First Mining also granted First Majestic 30 million common share purchase warrants, each of which will entitle the
Company to purchase one common share of First Mining at CAD$0.40 over a period of five years. The fair value of the warrants was measured at $5.7
million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
First Mining shall have the right to repurchase 50% of the silver stream for $22.5 million at any time prior to the commencement of production at
Springpole leaving the Company with a reduced silver stream of 25% of life of mine payable silver production.
Springpole is one of Canada’s largest, undeveloped gold projects with permitting underway. In January 2021, First Mining announced positive results of
its Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) which supports a 30,000 tonnes-per-day open pit mining operation over an 11 year mine life. First Mining announced
resources of 24.3 million ounces of silver in the Indicated category and 1.4 million ounces of silver in the Inferred category, plus 4.6 million ounces of gold
in the Indicated category and 0.3 million ounces of gold in the Inferred category.
The Springpole Project also includes large land holdings of 41,913 hectares which are fully encompassed under the silver streaming agreement.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company has paid $17.5 million in consideration to First Mining as part of the agreement, of which $5.7 million was allocated
to other financial assets and $11.8 million was allocated to the Springpole Silver Stream recognized within exploration and evaluation assets.
First Mining is a related party with one independent board member who is also a director and/or officer of First Majestic.
96
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Overview Of Financial Performance
For the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts):
Revenues
Mine operating costs
Cost of sales
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Fourth Quarter 2021
Fourth Quarter 2020
Variance %
$204,876
$117,075
75% (1)
121,236
43,278
164,514
58,008
15,399
73,407
109% (2)
181% (3)
124%
Mine operating earnings
40,362
43,668
(8%)
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Mine holding costs
Acquisition costs
Foreign exchange loss
Operating earnings
Unrealized gain on foreign currency derivatives
Investment and other income (loss)
Finance costs
Earnings before income taxes
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Income tax expense (recovery)
Net (loss) earnings for the period
(Loss) earnings per share (basic)
(Loss) earnings per share (diluted)
NM - Not meaningful
6,988
2,859
2,485
23
(262)
28,269
—
736
(9,077)
19,928
23,743
156
23,899
7,205
2,227
7,017
—
(2,424)
29,643
3,880
(2,333)
(3,717)
27,473
4,115
(11,187)
(7,072)
($3,971)
$34,545
($0.02)
($0.02)
$0.16
$0.15
(3%)
28%
(65%)
(4)
100%
89%
5%
(100%)
(5)
132% (6)
(144%)
(7)
(27%)
NM
NM
NM (8)
NM (9)
NM (9)
NM (9)
1. Revenues in the quarter increased $87.8 million compared to the same quarter of the previous year primarily attributed to:
• a 76% increase in payable silver equivalent ounces sold compared to the same quarter of the previous year which contributed to an increase in
revenues of $91.6 million primarily due to the the addition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine and the sale of 1.4 million silver ounces of inventory
previously withheld in the prior quarter;
Partially offset by:
• a 3% decrease in realized silver price per ounce sold, which averaged $24.18 during the quarter compared to $24.88 in the fourth quarter of 2020,
resulting in a $3.5 million decrease in revenues.
2. Cost of sales in the quarter increased $63.2 million compared to the same quarter of the previous year primarily due to:
• the addition of the Jerritt Canyon mine which incurred $40.7 million in cost of sales during the fourth quarter; and
• a $11.5 million increase in change in inventory expense primarily due to sale of 1.4 million silver ounces of inventory withheld in the prior quarter,
which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2021.
3. Depletion, depreciation and amortization in the quarter increased $27.9 million compared to the same quarter of the previous year, primarily as a
result of:
• the addition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine which incurred $18.4 million during the fourth quarter;
• the increase of depletable assets from the Mexican operations which incurred $4.2 million; and
• the sale of the 1.4 million in silver ounces withheld from the prior quarter which incurred $4.9 million during the quarter.
97
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 4. Mine holding costs decreased by $4.5 million compared to the same quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in labour costs at Del Toro, San Martin
and La Parrilla following restructuring that took place in 2020.
5. Fair value adjustment on foreign currency derivatives of $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year related to mark-to-market adjustments
on the Company’s foreign currency derivatives, which were fully settled as at December 31, 2020. The Company utilized these foreign currency options
and swaps to hedge cash flows relating to mining operations, exploration and evaluation activities and corporate expenses in Mexican Pesos.
6. Investment and other income for the quarter increased by $3.1 million compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year, primarily due to an unrealized
gain of $0.8 million on the companies marketable securities, compared to an unrealized loss of 2.4 million during the same quarter of the previous year.
7. Finance costs for the quarter increased by $5.4 million compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year, primarily due to an accounting loss of $4.6
million on the settlement of the Company’s 2018 senior convertible notes during the quarter.
8. During the quarter, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $23.9 million compared to a recovery of $7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to increase in the non-deductible expenses, the changes in valuation allowance, the foreign
exchange impact on the Company’s Mexican Peso denominated future income tax liability balances and the benefit associated with the impact of
divestitures and restructuring recognized in 2020.
9. As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the quarter was $4.0 million (EPS of ($0.02)) compared to net earnings of $34.5 million (EPS of $0.16) in the
same quarter of the prior year.
For the years to date ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts):
Revenues
Mine operating costs
Cost of sales
Cost of sales - standby costs
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Annual 2021
Annual 2020
Annual 2019
Variance % 21 vs ‘20
$584,117
$363,876
$363,944
61% (1)
366,085
—
116,613
482,698
194,305
10,112
54,405
258,822
232,146
—
65,584
297,730
88% (2)
(100%) (3)
114% (4)
86%
Mine operating earnings
101,419
105,054
66,214
(3%)
General and administrative
Share-based payments
Impairment of non-current assets
Acquisition costs
Mine holding costs
Loss on divestiture of exploration projects
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
Operating earnings (loss)
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency derivatives
Investment and other (loss) income
Finance costs
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax (recovery)
Income tax expense
Net (loss) earnings for the year
27,063
12,290
—
1,973
12,056
—
(1,165)
49,202
—
(2,948)
(21,004)
25,250
49,283
(19,110)
30,173
($4,923)
24,855
8,255
—
—
21,583
3,685
6,319
40,357
(982)
5,127
(14,773)
29,729
9,966
(3,324)
6,642
26,800
8,325
58,739
—
7,579
—
(3,243)
(31,986)
—
8,109
(15,147)
(39,024)
16,423
(14,973)
1,450
$23,087
($40,474)
(Loss) earnings per share (basic and diluted)
($0.02)
$0.11
($0.20)
9%
49% (5)
0%
100% (6)
(44%) (7)
(100%) (8)
(118%)
22%
(100%) (9)
(157%) (10)
(42%) (11)
NM
NM
NM
NM (12)
NM (13)
NM (13)
NM - Not meaningful
98
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION 1. Revenues in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $220.2 million or 61% compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to:
• $126.1 million increase due to a 32% increase in payable silver equivalent ounces sold compared to the prior year mainly attributed to the addition
of Jerritt Canyon, achieving production at Ermitaño during the fourth quarter of 2021 and the increase in production from the Mexican operations
due to the reduced effect of the temporary COVID-19 suspension and units operating with limited workforce levels in the previous year; and
• $94.4 million increase due to a 19% increase in realized silver price per ounce sold, which averaged $25.16 compared to $21.15 in the prior year.
2. Cost of sales in the year increased $171.8 million or 88% compared to 2020 as a result of the following factors:
• the addition of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine on April 30, 2021, which contributed $117.3 million to cost of sales since its acquisition by First Majestic;
• a stronger Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar, which averaged 7% higher compared to the same period of 2020; and
• an increase in throughput from the Mexican operations compared to 2020 primarily attributed to an increase in operational days due to lower
impact from the COVID-19 suspension.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Standby costs in 2020 were primarily related to direct costs incurred at the San Dimas ($3.5 million), Santa Elena ($2.0 million) and La Encantada
($1.7 million) mines during the temporary COVID-19 suspensions, as well as $2.0 million incurred during a 13-day union work stoppage at San Dimas
during the second quarter of 2020.
Depletion, depreciation and amortization in the year increased $62.2 million or 114% compared to the previous year primarily as a result of the
addition of the Jerritt Canyon mine, which contributed $43.5 million during the year, and a $17.6 million increase from Mexican operations due to an
increase in throughput, higher mining interest and property plant and equipment balances.
Share based payments in the year increased $4.0 primarily attributed to an increase in the fair value of the options granted, restricted and performance
share units granted during the year as well as the introduction of the deferred shares units compensation for the independent directors.
Acquisition costs of $2.0 million relates to due diligence costs and closing fees incurred in connection with the acquisition of the Jerritt Canyon
Canada Ltd. which closed on April 30, 2021.
Mine holding costs for the year decreased $9.5 million compared to the previous year primarily due to a decrease in labour costs at Del Toro, San
Martin and La Parrilla following restructuring that took place in early 2020.
Loss on divestiture of exploration projects of $3.7 million in 2020 related to $10.2 million loss on the sale of the Plomosas project to GR Silver Mining Ltd.
in March 2020, partially offset by $6.5 million gain on the arrangement to option the La Joya project to Silver Dollar Resources Inc. in September 2020.
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency derivatives of $1.0 million loss during 2020 related to mark-to-market adjustments on the Company’s
foreign currency derivatives, which have been fully settled as at December 31, 2021. The Company utilized these foreign currency options and swaps
to hedge cash flows relating to mining operations, exploration and evaluation activities and corporate expenses in Mexican Pesos.
10. Investment and other income in the year decreased $8.1 million compared to the previous year primarily due to a $2.5 million loss on the write-down
of property and equipment in relation to the sale of certain AG mill equipment to Condor Gold PLC and a $2.1 million unrealized loss on investments
in marketable securities.
11. Finance costs in the year increased by $6.2 million compared to the previous year primarily due to an accounting loss of $4.6 million on the settlement
of the Company’s 2018 senior convertible notes.
12. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $30.2 million, compared to $6.6 million in 2020. The
increase in income tax expense was primarily due to:
• the increase in non-deductible expenses of $15.3 million at operating mines;
• additional non-deductible expenses consisting of $14.1 million related to expenditures incurred at care and maintenance mines in Mexico, as well
as head office losses arising from the cost of settlement of 2018 senior convertible notes and other expenses;
• the one-time benefit associated with the impact of divestitures and restructuring recognized in 2020 in the amount of $16.7 million;
Partially offset by:
• the foreign exchange impact on the Company’s Mexican Peso denominated future income tax liability balances of $17.0 million.
13. As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $4.9 million (EPS of ($0.02)), compared to net income of $23.1 million
(EPS of $0.11) in the prior year.
99
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Summary of Quarterly Results
The following table presents selected financial information for each of the most recent eight quarters:
2021
2020
Selected Financial Information
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Revenue
Cost of sales
$204,876
$124,646
$154,073
$100,522
$117,075
$125,881
$34,855
$86,065
$121,236
$92,006
$95,782
$57,061
$58,008
$60,275
$26,187
$49,835
Cost of sales - standby costs
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
$43,278
$29,122
$28,868
$15,345
$15,399
$17,573
$9,166
$7,264
$946
$14,169
Mine operating earnings (loss)
$40,362
$3,518
$29,423
$28,116
$43,668
$48,033
($7,762)
$21,115
Net (loss) earnings after tax
($3,971)
($18,406)
$15,599
$1,855
$34,545
$30,946
($9,968)
($32,436)
(Loss) earnings per share - basic
(Loss) earnings per share - diluted
($0.02)
($0.02)
($0.07)
($0.07)
$0.06
$0.06
$0.01
$0.01
$0.16
$0.15
$0.14
$0.14
($0.05)
($0.05)
($0.15)
($0.15)
During the fourth quarter of 2021, mine operating earnings were $40.4 million compared to earnings of $3.5 million in the previous quarter. Net loss for
the quarter was $4.0 million compared to a loss of $18.4 million in the prior quarter, as the Company sold 1.4 million ounces of silver withheld in inventory
in the prior quarter.
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Contractual Obligations
Liquidity
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $237.9 million, comprised primarily of cash held with reputable financial
institutions and is invested in cash accounts and in highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of three months or less. With the exception of
$6.4 million held in-trust for tax audits in Mexico, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are not exposed to liquidity risk and there are no restrictions
on the ability of the Company to use these funds to meet its obligations.
Working capital as at December 31, 2021 was $224.4 million compared to $254.4 million at December 31, 2020. Total available liquidity at December 31,
2021 was $274.4 million, including $50.0 million of undrawn revolving credit facility.
The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activity during the year:
Cash flow
Cash generated by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash generated by financing activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$68,723
(180,753)
111,817
($213)
(439)
238,578
$79,713
(127,115)
116,574
$69,172
397
169,009
$237,926
$238,578
The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
• Cash used in operating activities of $68.7 million, primarily due to:
• $176.8 million in cash flows from operating activities before movements in working capital and taxes;
net of:
• $76.5 million in income taxes paid during the period; and
• $31.5 million in net change in non-cash working capital items during the period, including $9.0 million increase in inventories and $48.0 million
increase in restricted cash (PEM frozen bank account), partially offset by an increase of $16,580.0 million in trade and other payables and $9.8
million decrease in VAT receivables.
100
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
• Cash used in investing activities of $180.8 million, primarily related to:
• $132.4 million spent on mine development and exploration activities;
• $56.6 million spent on purchase of property, plant and equipment;
• $12.6 million reclassification of restricted cash for the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon (escrow funds);
• $7.8 million spent on deposits on non-current assets;
• $3.5 million spent on the purchase of marketable securities;
net of:
• $30.0 million of restricted cash acquired through the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon; and
• $2.6 million of net proceeds from the disposal of marketable securities.
• Cash provided by financing activities of $111.8 million, primarily consists of the following:
• $222.8 million of net proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 senior convertible debentures;
• $66.7 million of net proceeds from the issuance of shares through the ATM;
• $30.0 million of net proceeds from the drawdown on the Scotiabank revolving credit facility;
• $21.8 million of net proceeds from the exercise of stock options;
net of:
• $171.8 million net repayment of the 2018 senior convertible debentures;
• $40.0 million repayment of debt facility;
• $9.3 million on repayment of lease obligations;
• $4.3 million payment of financing costs; and
• $3.9 million payment on dividends paid.
During the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company received $48.0 million (966 million MXN) related to value added tax filings. In connection with
the PEM tax ruling, the tax authority has frozen a PEM bank account with funds of $48.0 million as a guarantee against certain disputed tax assessments
which are currently held within the Company’s restricted cash accounts. This balance consists of VAT refunds that the Company has received which were
previously withheld by the tax authority. The Company does not agree with SAT’s position and is challenging the freezing of the bank account through the
relevant legal channels. Additionally, as part of the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon, the Company was required to hold certain funds in escrow to settle the
payment for Triggered Tax provisions along with any adjustments to working capital. As at December 31, 2021, $12.6 million remained in escrow.
Reconciliation on Use of Proceeds from ATM Programs
At-the-Market Distributions (“ATM”) Programs
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold 4,225,000 common shares under the ATM programs at an average price of $16.24 for
gross proceeds of $68.6 million, or net proceeds of $66.7 million after costs. The primary business objectives that the Company expects to use the net
proceeds is was for general working capital purposes, expansion of existing operations, and for general corporate purposes. This includes completing
corporate acquisitions, financing future growth opportunities and to repay existing or future indebtedness. The use of proceeds from the amount raised
in the current year is reconciled as follows:
Gross Proceeds:
Use of Proceeds:
Mine development
Mine exploration
General working capital
Offering expenses
Capital Resources
$68,630
35,191
18,822
12,662
1,955
$68,630
The Company’s objective when managing capital is to maintain financial flexibility to continue as a going concern while optimizing growth and maximizing
returns of investments from shareholders.
The Company monitors its capital structure and based on changes in operations and economic conditions, may adjust the structure by repurchasing
shares, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or retiring existing debt. The Company prepares an annual budget and quarterly forecasts to facilitate the
management of its capital requirements. The annual budget is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements with the exception of complying with banking covenants defined in its debt
facilities. As at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company was fully in compliance with these covenants.
101
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As at December 31, 2021, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are summarized as follows:
Trade and other payables
Debt facilities
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities
Purchase obligations and commitments
Contractual
Cash Flows
$120,666
234,666
44,561
5,797
19,176
Less than 1 year
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
After 5 years
$120,666
1,216
11,252
—
19,176
$—
1,725
21,312
—
—
$—
231,725
10,752
—
—
$—
—
1,245
5,797
—
$424,866
$152,310
$23,037
$242,477
$7,042
At December 31, 2021, the Company had working capital of $224.4 million (2020 – $254.4 million) and total available liquidity of $274.4 million (2020 –
$319.4 million), including $50.0 million of undrawn revolving credit facility.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash on hand, combined with cash flows from operations, to meet operating requirements as they arise for at least
the next 12 months.
Management of Risks and Uncertainties
The Company thoroughly examines the various financial instruments and risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those
risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, commodity price risk, and interest rate risk. Where material, these risks are
reviewed and monitored by the Board of Directors.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk relates primarily
to chartered banks, trade receivables in the ordinary course of business, value added taxes receivable and other receivables.
As at December 31, 2021, VAT receivable was $47.1 million (December 31, 2020 - $56.9 million), of which $22.2 million (December 31, 2020 $16.5 million)
relates to Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V. (“MLE”) and $22.0 million (December 31, 2020 - $37.9 million) relates to PEM. The SAT commenced processing
VAT refund requests by PEM in June 2021 and the Company expects the amounts to be refunded within the next twelve months.
The Company sells and receives payment upon delivery of its silver doré and by-products primarily through three international customers. All of the
Company’s customers have good ratings and payments of receivables are scheduled, routine and fully received within 60 days of submission; therefore,
the balance of trade receivables owed to the Company in the ordinary course of business is not significant.
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the consolidated financial statements represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
With the exception to the above, the Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring
actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities. Cash flow forecasting is performed regularly to
ensure that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and our
holdings of cash and cash equivalents.
Currency Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily relating to financial instruments that are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos,
which would impact the Company’s net earnings or loss. To manage foreign exchange risk, the Company may occasionally enter into short-term foreign
currency derivatives, such as forwards and options, to hedge its cash flows.
102
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings or loss and comprehensive income or loss due to changes in the exchange rates of the Canadian Dollar and
the Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar is included in the table below:
Cash and cash
equivalents
Restricted
cash
$52,978
36,575
$89,553
$12,574
48,010
$60,584
Canadian dollar
Mexican peso
Commodity Price Risk
Value
added taxes
receivable
Other financial
assets
Trade and
other payables
Trade
and other
receivable
Net assets
(liabilities)
exposure
Effect of +/-
10% change in
currency
December 31, 2021
$—
$7,644
($3,547)
(47,023)
—
$7,644
($50,570)
42,979
$42,979
$90
—
$90
$69,739
80,541
$6,974
8,054
$150,280
$15,028
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk on silver and gold, which have a direct and immediate impact on the value of its related financial
instruments and net earnings. The Company’s revenues are directly dependent on commodity prices that have shown volatility and are beyond the
Company’s control. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its commodity price risk to silver or gold.
The following table summarizes the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk and their impact on net earnings:
Metals in doré inventory
Political and Country Risk
December 31, 2021
Effect of +/- 10% change in metal prices
Silver
$2,217
$2,217
Gold
$571
$571
Total
$2,788
$2,788
First Majestic currently conducts foreign operations in México and the United States, and as such the Company’s operations are exposed to various
levels of political and economic risks by factors outside of the Company’s control. These potential factors include, but are not limited to: royalty and tax
increases or claims by governmental bodies, expropriation or nationalization, foreign exchange controls, high rates of inflation, extreme fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates, import and export tariffs and regulations, lawlessness, cancellation or renegotiation of contracts and environmental and
permitting regulations. The Company currently has no political risk insurance coverage against these risks.
The Company is unable to determine the impact of these risks on its future financial position or results of operations. Changes, if any, in mining or investment
policies or shifts in political attitude in foreign countries may substantively affect the Company’s exploration, development and production activities.
Uncertainty in the Calculation of Mineral Reserves, Resources and Silver Recovery
There is a degree of uncertainty attributable to the calculation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources (as defined in NI 43-101). Until Mineral Reserves or
Mineral Resources are actually mined, extracted and processed, the quantity of minerals and their grades must be considered estimates only. In addition, the
quantity of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources may vary depending on, among other things, applicable metal prices. Any material change in the quantity
of Mineral Reserves, Mineral Resources, grade or mining widths may affect the economic viability of some or all of the Company’s mineral properties and
may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operational results and financial condition. Mineral Reserves on the Company’s properties have been
calculated on the basis of economic factors at the time of calculation; variations in such factors may have an impact on the amount of the Company’s Mineral
Reserves. In addition, there can be no assurance that silver recoveries or other metal recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger
scale tests under on-site conditions or during production, or that the existing known and experienced recoveries will continue.
Public Health Crises
Global financial conditions and the global economy in general have experienced, at various times in the past and potentially in the future, extreme volatility in
response to economic shocks or other events, such as the ongoing situation concerning COVID-19. Many industries, including the mining industry, are impacted by
volatile market conditions in response to the widespread outbreak of epidemics, pandemics, or other health crises. Such public health crises and the responses
of governments and private actors can result in disruptions and volatility in economies, financial markets, and global supply chains as well as declining trade and
market sentiment and reduced mobility of people, all of which could impact commodity prices, interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk and inflation.
The Company’s business could be materially adversely affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the date of this MD&A, the global spread
of COVID-19 continues to result in, among other things, restrictions in many jurisdictions on travel and gatherings of individuals, quarantines, temporary
business closures and a general reduction in consumer activity. Due to the potential for new variants of COVID-19, future disruptions to business
internationally and related financial impact on the Company and the economy in general cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty at this time. In
addition, the long-term impact of the pandemic on global economies and financial markets remains uncertain and could result in a protracted economic
downturn that could have an adverse effect on the demand for precious metals and the Company’s future prospects.
In particular, the continued spread of COVID-19 globally and emergence of new variants could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business,
including without limitation, employee health, workforce availability and productivity, limitations on travel, supply chain disruptions, increased insurance
103
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
premiums, increased costs and reduced efficiencies, the availability of industry experts and personnel, restrictions on the Company’s exploration and
drilling programs and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing and the slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some
or all of the Company’s properties, resulting in reduced production volumes. Although the Company has the capacity to continue certain administrative
functions remotely, many other functions, including mining operations, cannot be conducted remotely.
During 2021, the Company continued to implement preventative control measures to protect the safety and health of our employees, contractors, and
communities in which we operate, including social distancing, remote working, cancellation of any non-essential visits to the mines, comprehensive
sanitation measures for the workplace and company transportation, and pre-screening for virus symptoms. The Company’s Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) laboratory in Durango, Mexico, supported these initiatives.
The Company continues to monitor the various government health measures in the jurisdictions where we operate and there are no COVID-19-related
restrictions on mine operations at this time.
There is no guarantee that the Company will not experience significant disruptions to or additional closures of some or all of its active mining operations
due to COVID-19 restrictions in the future. Any such disruptions or closures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s production, revenue,
net income and business. In addition, parties with whom the Company does business or on whom the Company is reliant, including suppliers and refineries
may also be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis which may in turn cause further disruption to the Company’s business, including delays or halts
in availability or delivery of consumables and delays or halts in refining of ore from the Company’s mines. Any long-term closures or suspensions may
also result in the loss of personnel or the workforce in general as employees seek employment elsewhere.
The impact of COVID-19 and government responses thereto may also continue to have a material impact on financial markets and could constrain the
Company’s ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future, which may have a material and adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and
results of operations.
Environmental and Health and Safety Risks
The Company’s activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing environmental protection and employee health and safety. Environmental
laws and regulations are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. The Company is required to obtain governmental permits and
in some instances air, water quality, and mine reclamation rules and permits. The Company has complied with environmental taxes applied to the use
of certain fossil fuels according to the Kyoto Protocol. Although the Company makes provisions for reclamation costs, it cannot be assured that these
provisions will be adequate to discharge its future obligations for these costs. Failure to comply with applicable environmental and health and safety
laws may result in injunctions, damages, suspension or revocation of permits and imposition of penalties. While the health and safety of our people and
responsible environmental stewardship are our top priorities, there can be no assurance that First Majestic has been or will be at all times in complete
compliance with such laws, regulations and permits, or that the costs of complying with current and future environmental and health and safety laws and
permits will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.
On August 26, 2021, the NDEP issued 10 Notices of Alleged Violation (collectively the “NOAV”) that alleged the Company doing business as Jerritt Canyon
Gold, LLC had violated various air permit conditions and regulations applicable to operations at the Jerritt Canyon in Elko County, Nevada. The NOAV are
related to compliance with emission monitoring, testing, recordkeeping requirements, and emission and throughput limits.
The Company filed a Notice of Appeal on September 3, 2021, challenging the NOAV before the Nevada State Environmental Commission (“NSEC”). The
Company raised various defenses to the NOAV, including that the Company is not liable for the violations because it was never the owner/operator
of Jerritt Canyon during the period the alleged violations began (on April 30, 2021, the Company acquired Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd, which, through
subsidiaries, owns and operates Jerritt Canyon). There is currently no hearing scheduled or any scheduling order in the matter, and the parties have yet
to engage in discovery. At this time the estimated amount cannot be reliably determined.
On March 8, 2022, NDEP issued an additional four Notices of Alleged Violations to Jerritt Canyon Gold, LLC for alleged exceedances and violations of an
Air Quality Operating permit and Mercury Operating Permit to Construct. The new NOAVs relate to alleged exceedances of a mercury emission limitations,
exceedances of operating parameters, installation of equipment, and recordkeeping requirements. The Company is evaluating the claims contained in the
NOAVs and JCG has until March 18, 2022 to respond to the NOAV by filing a challenge with the NSEC.”
Claims and Legal Proceedings Risks
The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities.
Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance
or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions
and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: availability of time on court calendars in Canada and
elsewhere; the recognition of Canadian judgments under Mexican law; the possibility of settlement discussions; the risk of appeal of judgment; and the
insufficiency of the defendant’s assets to satisfy the judgment amount. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that
some of these matters may be resolved unfavourably to the Company. First Majestic carries liability insurance coverage and establishes provisions for
matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which
may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.
Although the Company has taken steps to verify ownership and legal title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, according to the usual
industry standards for the stage of mining, development and exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such
properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, and title may be affected by undetected defects. However, management is not aware of any
such agreements, transfers or defects.
104
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Primero Tax Rulings
When Primero, the previous owner of San Dimas acquired the San Dimas Mine in August 2010, it assumed the obligations under a Silver Purchase
Agreement (“Old Stream Agreement”) that required its subsidiary PEM to sell to WPMI all the silver produced from the San Dimas mine, up to 6 million
ounces and 50% of silver produced thereafter, at the lower of: (i) the spot market price and (ii) $4.014 per ounce plus an annual increase of 1%.
In order to reflect the commercial terms and the effects of the Old Stream Agreement, for Mexican income tax purposes, PEM recognized the revenue on
these silver sales based on its actual realized revenue (“PEM Realized Price”) instead of at spot market prices.
To obtain assurance that the SAT would accept the PEM Realized Price as the price to use to calculate Mexican income taxes, Primero applied for and
received on October 4, 2012, an Advance Pricing Agreement (“APA”) from the SAT for taxation years 2010 to 2014. The APA confirmed that the PEM
Realized Price could be used as Primero’s basis for calculating taxes owed by PEM for the silver sold under the Old Stream Agreement. The purpose of
the APA was to have SAT provide tax certainty and as a result Primero and PEM made significant investments in Mexico based on that certainty.
In February 2016, PEM received a legal claim from the SAT seeking to nullify the APA. The legal claim did not identify any alternative basis for paying taxes.
In 2019, the SAT issued reassessments for the 2010 to 2012 tax years in the total amount of $239.0 million (4,919 million MXN) inclusive of interest,
inflation, and penalties. In 2021, the SAT also issued a reassessment against PEM for the 2013 tax year in the total amount of $132.3 million (2,723 million
MXN) (collectively, the “Reassessments”). The Company believes that the Reassessments were issued in violation of the terms of the APA. The key items
in the Reassessments include determining revenue on the sale based on the silver spot market price, denial of the deductibility of interest expense and
service fees, SAT technical error related to double counting of taxes, and interest and penalties.
The Company continues to defend the APA in the Mexican legal proceedings, and initiated proceedings under relevant tax treaties between the competent
tax authorities of Mexico, Canada, Luxembourg and Barbados, all of which were subsequently dismissed on a unilateral basis by the SAT (“Dismissals”) in
May 2020. The Company believes that the Dismissals breach international obligations regarding double taxation treaties, and also that the APA remains
valid and legally binding. The Company will continue disputing the Reassessments, exhausting its domestic and international remedies.
While the Company continues to vigorously defend the validity of the APA and its transfer pricing position, it is also engaging in various proceedings against
the SAT seeking to resolve matters and bring tax certainty through a negotiated solution. Despite these extensive efforts and ongoing legal challenges to
the Reassessments and the Dismissals, in April 2020 and February 2021, SAT issued notifications to PEM to attempt to secure amounts it claims are owed
pursuant to its reassessments issued. These notifications impose certain restrictions on PEM including its ability to dispose of its concessions and real
properties, and to restrict access to funds within its bank account, the latter as disclosed in Note 18(b)3 of the audited financial statements.
The Company has challenged SAT’s Reassessments and Dismissals through all domestic means available to it, including annulment suits before the
Mexican Federal Tax Court on Administrative Matters (“Federal Court”), which remain unresolved, and a complaint before Mexico’s Federal Taxpayer
Defense Attorney’s Office (known as “PRODECON”). The Company believes that the actions of the SAT are neither fair nor equitable, are discriminatory
against the Company as a foreign investor, amount to a denial of justice under international law, and furthermore violate various provisions of the Federal
Constitution of the United Mexican States, Mexican domestic law, and Mexican court precedents.
On May 13, 2020, the Company provided to the Government of Mexico notice of its intention to initiate an international arbitration proceeding (“Notice of
Intent”) pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). The Notice of Intent commenced a 90-day period for the Government of Mexico
to enter into good faith and amicable negotiations with the Company to resolve the dispute. On August 11, 2020, the 90-day period expired without any
resolution of the dispute.
In September 2020, the Company was served with a decision of the Federal Court seeking to nullify the APA granted to PEM. The Federal Court’s decision
directs SAT to re-examine the evidence and basis for the issuance of the APA with retroactive effect, for the following key reasons:
(i) SAT’s errors in analyzing PEM’s request for the APA and the evidence provided in support of the request; and
(ii) SAT’s failure to request from PEM certain additional information before issuing the APA.
The Company’s legal advisors having reviewed the written reasons have advised that the Federal Court’s decision is flawed both due to SAT’s procedural
irregularities and failure to address the relevant evidence and legal authorities. In addition, they consider that the laws applied to PEM in the decision are
unconstitutional. As a result, the Company filed an appeal of the decision to the Mexican Circuit Courts on November 30, 2020. Since two writs of certiorari
were filed before the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice, on April 15, 2021, the Plenary of the Supreme Court i) admitted one of those writs, ii) requested
the Circuit Court to send the amparo file and iii) assigned such writ to the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court for issuing the corresponding decision.
The other writ of certiorari has not been admitted by the Plenary of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the Company is currently waiting for the Supreme Court
to issue a resolution towards such writs of certiorari.
The Company intends to continue to challenge the actions of the SAT in Mexican courts. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Mexican courts
continues to be available only on a restricted basis for further hearings on these matters.
On March 2, 2021, the Company announced that it submitted a Request for Arbitration to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(“ICSID”), on its own behalf and on behalf of PEM, based on Chapter 11 of NAFTA. On March 31, 2021, the Notice of Registration of the Request for
Arbitration was issued by the ICSID Secretariat. Once the NAFTA Arbitration Panel (the “Tribunal”) was fully constituted by the appointment of all three
panel members on August 20, 2021, the NAFTA Arbitration Proceedings (the “NAFTA Proceedings”) were deemed to have commenced. The first session
of the NAFTA Proceedings was held by videoconference on September 24, 2021 to decide upon the procedural rules which will govern the NAFTA
Proceedings. The Tribunal issued Procedural Order No. 1 on October 21, 2021.
105
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
If the SAT were to be successful in retroactively nullifying the APA, the SAT may seek to audit and reassess PEM in respect of its sales of silver pursuant to
the Old Stream Agreement for 2010 through 2014. Such an outcome would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows. Should the Company ultimately be required to pay tax on its silver revenues based on spot market prices without any
mitigating adjustments, the incremental income tax for the years 2010-2019 would be approximately $228.5 million (4,703 million MXN), before taking
into consideration interest or penalties.
Based on the Company’s consultation with third party advisors, the Company believes PEM filed its tax returns in compliance with applicable Mexican law
and, therefore, at this time no liability has been recognized in the financial statements.
To the extent it is ultimately determined that the appropriate price of silver sales under the Old Stream Agreement is significantly different from the PEM
Realized Price and while PEM would have rights of appeal in connection with any reassessments, it is likely to have a materially adverse effect on the
Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
La Encantada Tax Re-assessments
In December 2019, as part of the ongoing annual audits of the tax returns of Minera La Encantada S.A. de C.V., the SAT issued tax assessments for fiscal
2012 and 2013 in the amount of $7.6 million (155.4 million MXN) and $6.2 million (126.6 million MXN), respectively. The key items relate to forward silver
purchase agreement and denial of the deductibility of mine development costs and service fees. The Company continues to defend the validity of the
forward silver purchase agreement and will vigorously dispute the assessments that have been issued. The Company, based on advice from legal and
financial advisors believes MLE’s tax filings were appropriate and its tax filing position is correct, therefore no liability has been recognized in the financial
statements.
First Silver litigation
In April 2013, the Company received a positive judgment on the First Silver litigation from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Court”), which
awarded the sum of $93.8 million in favour of First Majestic against Hector Davila Santos (the “Defendant”). The Company received a sum of $14.1 million
in June 2013 as partial payment of the judgment, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately $64.3 million (CAD$81.5 million). As part of the ruling, the
Court granted orders restricting any transfer or encumbrance of the Bolaños Mine by the Defendant and limiting mining at the Bolaños Mine. The orders
also require that the Defendant to preserve net cash flow from the Bolaños Mine in a holding account and periodically provide to the Company certain
information regarding the Bolaños Mine. However, there can be no guarantee that the remainder of the judgment amount will be collected and it is likely
that it will be necessary to take additional action in Mexico and/or elsewhere to recover the balance. Therefore, as at December 31, 2021, the Company
has not accrued any of the remaining $64.3 million (CAD$81.5 million) unrecovered judgment in favour of the Company.
Other Financial Information
Share Repurchase Program
The Company has an ongoing share repurchase program to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares. The normal course
issuer bids will be carried through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and alternative Canadian marketplaces.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased and cancelled 275,000 common shares for a total consideration of $1.7 million,
through a normal course issuer bid in the open market as approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange. No shares were repurchased during the year ended
December 31, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2021, the Company had no material off-balance sheet arrangements such as contingent interest in assets transferred to an entity,
derivative instruments obligations or any obligations that generate financing, liquidity, market or credit risk to the Company, other than contingent
liabilities and vendor liability and interest, as disclosed in this MD&A and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
Related Party Disclosures
Amounts paid to related parties were incurred in the normal course of business and measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount agreed upon
by the transacting parties and on terms and conditions similar to non-related parties.
In July 2020, the Company completed the agreement with First Mining Gold Corp., to purchase 50% of the payable silver produced from the Springpole
Gold Project for total consideration of $22.5 million in cash and shares, over three payments, for the silver stream which covers the life of the Springpole
project. First Mining is a related party with one independent board member who is a director and/or officer of First Majestic.
With the exception of the agreement with First Mining Gold Corp., there were no transactions with related parties outside of the ordinary course of
business during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Outstanding Share Data
As at March 9, 2022, the Company has 260,181,673 common shares issued and outstanding.
106
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Subsequent Events
The following significant events occurred subsequent to December 31, 2021:
Declaration of Quarterly Dividend
On March 9, 2022, the Company’s board of directors approved its quarterly common share dividend of $0.0079 per share, payable on and after April 4,
2022, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2022. These dividends were declared subsequent to the quarter end and
have not been recognized as distributions to owners during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Accounting Policies, Judgments And Estimates
Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS as issued by IASB requires management to make judgments, estimates
and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the amount,
events or actions, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Determination of a Business
Determination of whether a set of assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business may require the Company to make certain judgments, taking
into account all facts and circumstances. A business consists of inputs, including non-current assets and processes, including operational processes, that
when applied to those inputs have the ability to create outputs that provide a return to the Company and its shareholders. In 2021, the Company concluded
that Jerritt Canyon met the definition of a business and, accordingly, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.
Consideration for the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration of each business combination is measured, at the date of the
exchange, as the aggregate of the fair value of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the Company to the former
owners of the acquiree in exchange for control of the acquiree. Management made judgments and estimates in calculating the value of the shares and
warrants transferred, including but not limited to share price, volatility, rate of quarterly dividends and the discount rate.
Determining what is part of the business combination in the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
The Company needs to assess if other arrangement(s) or transaction(s) shall be recognized as part of applying the acquisition method. To determine if the
arrangement(s) or transaction(s), is(are) part of the business combination, the Company considers the following factors:
(i) The reasons for the arrangement(s) or transaction(s);
(ii) Who initiated the arrangement(s) or transaction(s); and
(iii) The timing of the arrangement(s) or transaction(s).
Management applied judgment based on the above criteria to determine if private placement shares included as part of the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon
were a part of the business combination.
Fair Value Estimates
In business combinations, it generally requires time to obtain the information necessary to identify and measure the following as of the acquisition date:
(i) The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed;
(ii) The consideration transferred in exchange for an interest in the acquiree;
(iii) The resulting goodwill.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports
in its consolidated financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. These provisional amounts are adjusted
during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities are recognized, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that
existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The measurement period
ends as soon as the Company receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that
more information is not obtainable and shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires that management make judgments and estimates taking into account information
available at the time of the acquisition about future events including, but not restricted to, estimates of mineral reserves and resources, exploration
potential, future metal prices, future operating costs and capital expenditures and discount rates.
During the allowable measurement period, the Company will retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect
new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of
the amounts recognized as of that date. The Company may also recognize additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and
107
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date.
The measurement period ends as soon as the Company receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the
acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable and shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to change for up to one year from the Acquisition Date. If new information arises
which would impact management’s assessment of the fair value at the Acquisition Date, any adjustments to the allocation of the purchase consideration
will be recognized retrospectively and comparative information will be revised. Consequently, the final allocation of the purchase price may result in
different adjustments than those shown in these audited consolidated financial statements.
Determination and classification of current and non-current restricted cash
The Company determines if the funds on hand and held at banks meets the definition of cash or cash equivalents. When there is a restriction on those
funds, the Company assesses the nature of the restriction and if it is applicable, excludes the related amounts from the cash and cash equivalents balance.
The Company then assesses the classification of the restricted cash between current and non-current based on the following factors:
• an asset is cash or a cash equivalent unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after
the period; and
• it expects to realize the asset within twelve months after the reporting period.
The evaluation was performed based on the available information at the end of the reporting period; if there are changes in the circumstances the
Company will reassess the classification.
New and amended IFRS standards that are effective for the current year
In the current year, the Company has applied the below amendments to IFRS Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (“IASB”) that were effective for annual periods that begin on or after January 1, 2021. Their adoption has not had any material impact on
the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these financial statements.
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2(Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)
The amendments in Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) introduce a practical
expedient for modifications required by the reform, clarify that hedge accounting is not discontinued solely because of the IBOR reform, and introduce
disclosures that allow users to understand the nature and extent of risks arising from the IBOR reform to which the entity is exposed to and how the
entity manages those risks as well as the entity’s progress in transitioning from IBORs to alternative benchmark rates, and how the entity is managing
this transition.
Future Changes in Accounting Policies Not Yet Effective as at December 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)
The amendments prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing
that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity recognises
the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of producing those items, in profit or loss.
The amendments are applied on or after the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2022, with early application permitted. The
amendments are applied retrospectively, but only to items of property, plant and equipment that are brought to the location and condition necessary
for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial
statements in which the Company first applies the amendments. The Company will recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying the amendments as
an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the beginning of that earliest period presented. This amendment will impact the Company’s
accounting for proceeds from mineral sales prior to reaching commercial production levels intended by management.
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1)
The amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether, in the statement of financial
position, debt and other liabilities with an uncertain settlement date should be classified as current (due or potentially due to be settled within one year)
or non-current.
The amendments are applied on or after the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with early application permitted. This
amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgments—Disclosure of Accounting Policies
The amendments change the requirements in IAS 1 with regard to disclosure of accounting policies. The amendments replace all instances of the term
‘significant accounting policies’ with ‘material accounting policy information’. Accounting policy information is material if, when considered together with
other information included in an entity’s financial statements, it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general
purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.
108
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION The supporting paragraphs in IAS 1 are also amended to clarify that accounting policy information that relates to immaterial transactions, other events
or conditions is immaterial and need not be disclosed. Accounting policy information may be material because of the nature of the related transactions,
other events or conditions, even if the amounts are immaterial. However, not all accounting policy information relating to material transactions, other
events or conditions is itself material. The Board has also developed guidance and examples to explain and demonstrate the application of the ‘four-step
materiality process’ described in IFRS Practice Statement 2.
The amendments to IAS 1 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023, with earlier application permitted and are applied
prospectively. The amendments to IFRS Practice Statement 2 do not contain an effective date or transition requirements.
Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors—Definition of Accounting Estimates
The amendments replace the definition of a change in accounting estimates with a definition of accounting estimates. Under the new definition, accounting
estimates are “monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertainty”.
The definition of a change in accounting estimates was deleted. However, the Board retained the concept of changes in accounting estimates in the
Standard with the following clarifications:
• A change in accounting estimate that results from new information or new developments is not the correction of an error
• The effects of a change in an input or a measurement technique used to develop an accounting estimate are changes in accounting estimates if they
do not result from the correction of prior period errors
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 to changes in accounting policies and changes in accounting
estimates that occur on or after the beginning of that period, with earlier application permitted.
Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)
In May 2021, the International Accounting Standards Board issued targeted amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes. The amendments are effective for annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, although earlier application is permitted. With a view to reducing diversity in reporting, the amendments
will clarify that companies are required to recognize deferred taxes on transactions where both assets and liabilities are recognized, such as with leases
and decommissioning liabilities. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Non-GAAP Measures
The Company has included certain non-GAAP measures including “Cash costs per silver equivalents ounce”, “All-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent
ounce”, “Production cost per tonne”, “Average realized silver equivalent price”, “Adjusted earnings per share”, “Free cash flow” and “Working capital” to
supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with IFRS. The terms IFRS and generally accepted accounting
principles (“GAAP”) are used interchangeably throughout this MD&A.
The Company believes that these measures, together with measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to
evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore
they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data is intended to provide additional information and should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Effective January 1, 2021, the Company transitioned its cost reporting from Cost per Silver Ounce to Cost per Silver Equivalent (“AqEq”) Ounce basis.
Management believes the change to using silver equivalent ounce will provide management and investors with an improved ability to evaluate operating
performance of the Company, as it eliminates volatility in Cash Cost and AISC per ounce due to market volatility in silver and gold prices as well as timing
of by-product credit sales. Prior period comparatives of Cash Cost and AISC per ounce have been updated to be consistent with the new AgEq ounce
metric.
Cash Cost per AgEq Ounce, All-In Sustaining Cost per AgEq Ounce and Production Cost per Tonne
Cash costs per AgEq ounce and total production cost per tonne are non-GAAP performance measures used by the Company to manage and evaluate
operating performance at each of the Company’s operating mining units, in conjunction with the related GAAP amounts. These metrics are widely
reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for performance but do not have a standardized meaning and are disclosed in addition to IFRS measures.
Management and investors use these metrics for comparing the costs against peers in the industry and for assessing the performance of each mine
within the portfolio.
Management calculates the cash costs per ounce and production costs per tonne by:
• starting with the production costs (GAAP) from the income statement;
• adding back duties and royalties, smelting and refining costs as well as transportation and selling costs, which form a part of the cost of sales on the
financial statements and provide a better representation of total costs incurred;
• cash costs are divided by the payable silver equivalent ounces produced; and
• production costs are divided by the total tonnes milled.
109
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION AISC is a non-GAAP performance measure and was calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council (“WGC”). WGC is not a regulatory
industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate
AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles and policies applied, as well as differences in definitions of sustaining versus
expansionary capital expenditures. AISC is a more comprehensive measure than cash cost per ounce and is useful for investors and management to
assess the Company’s operating performance by providing greater visibility, comparability and representation of the total costs associated with producing
silver from its current operations, in conjunction with related GAAP amounts. AISC helps investors to assess costs against peers in the industry and help
management assess the performance of each mine within the portfolio in a standardized manner.
The Company defines sustaining capital expenditures as, “costs incurred to sustain and maintain existing assets at current productive capacity and constant
planned levels of productive output without resulting in an increase in the life of assets, future earnings, or improvements in recovery or grade. Sustaining capital
includes costs required to improve/enhance assets to minimum standards for reliability, environmental or safety requirements. Sustaining capital expenditures
excludes all expenditures at the Company’s new projects and certain expenditures at current operations which are deemed expansionary in nature.”
Expansionary capital expenditure is defined as, “costs incurred to extend existing assets beyond their current productive capacity and beyond their planned
levels of productive output, resulting in an increase in the life of the assets, increasing their future earnings potential, or improving their recoveries or grades
which would serve to increase the value of the assets over their useful lives”. Development and exploration work which moves inferred resources to
measured or indicated resources and adds to the Net Present Value of the assets is considered expansionary in nature. Expansionary capital also includes
costs required to improve/enhance assets beyond their minimum standard for reliability, environmental or safety requirements.
Consolidated AISC includes total production costs (GAAP measure) incurred at the Company’s mining operations, which forms the basis of the Company’s
total cash costs. Additionally, the Company includes sustaining capital expenditures, corporate general and administrative expense, share-based
payments, operating lease payments and reclamation cost accretion. AISC by mine does not include certain corporate and non-cash items such as
general and administrative expense and share-based payments. The Company believes this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing
silver from current operations, and provides additional information of the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. As the
measure seeks to reflect the full cost of silver production from current operations, new project and expansionary capital at current operations are not
included. Certain other cash expenditures, including tax payments, dividends and financing costs are also not included.
The following tables provide detailed reconciliations of these measures to cost of sales, as reported in notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except ounce and per ounce amounts)
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
Mining cost
Milling cost
Indirect cost
Total production cost (A)
Add: transportation and other selling cost
Add: smelting and refining cost
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost
Total cash cost (B)
Workers’ participation
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
Sustaining capital expenditures
Operating lease payments
All-In Sustaining Costs (C)
$11,232
$10,052
$3,514
$20,480
$45,277
7,162
11,852
7,174
3,824
4,290
2,845
13,296
4,996
31,921
23,517
$30,246
$21,050
$10,649
$38,771
$100,716
449
755
591
160
165
1,203
103
239
116
14
20
793
780
1,179
2,703
$32,041
$22,578
$11,107
$39,598
$105,378
4,010
—
—
175
8,989
95
54
—
—
76
3,514
1,167
1,538
—
—
128
1,272
816
—
—
—
319
8,887
347
5,602
6,591
2,859
951
23,387
2,996
$45,310
$27,389
$14,861
$49,151
$147,764
Payable silver equivalent ounces produced (D)
4,013,338
1,953,539
765,430
1,823,950
8,556,257
Payable gold equivalent ounces produced (E)
Tonnes milled (F)
N/A
N/A
N/A
206,738
224,459
268,239
23,660
256,374
N/A
955,810
Cash cost per AgEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AgEq ounce (C/D)
Cash cost per AuEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AuEq ounce (C/E)
Production cost per tonne (A/F)
110
$7.98
$11.29
N/A
N/A
$11.56
$14.02
N/A
N/A
$14.51
$19.41
N/A
N/A
$21.71
$26.95
$1,674
$2,077
$12.32
$17.26
N/A
N/A
$146.30
$93.78
$39.70
$151.23
$105.37
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except ounce and per ounce amounts)
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Consolidated
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
Mining cost
Milling cost
Indirect cost
Total production cost (A)
Add: transportation and other selling cost
Add: smelting and refining cost
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost
Total cash cost (B)
Workers’ participation
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
Sustaining capital expenditures
Operating lease payments
All-In Sustaining Costs (C)
Payable silver equivalent ounces produced (D)
Tonnes milled (E)
Cash cost per AgEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AgEq ounce (C/D)
Production cost per tonne (A/E)
$12,669
6,028
9,497
$4,461
6,308
3,757
$3,106
4,573
3,183
$20,236
16,909
16,437
$28,194
$14,526
$10,862
$53,582
433
471
425
134
107
97
160
241
141
784
819
665
$29,523
$14,864
$11,404
$55,850
3,103
—
—
149
9,999
58
$42,832
3,475,323
208,648
$8.49
$12.32
$135.13
55
—
—
78
3,636
963
$19,596
900,729
168,276
$16.50
$21.76
$86.32
87
—
—
125
1,298
646
3,245
6,727
2,227
623
17,507
2,024
$13,560
$88,203
1,094,267
5,470,319
248,408
625,332
$10.42
$12.39
$43.72
$10.21
$16.12
$85.68
Year Ended December 31, 2021
(expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except ounce and per ounce amounts)
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Jerritt Canyon
Consolidated
Mining cost
Milling cost
Indirect cost
Total production cost (A)
Add: transportation and other selling cost
Add: smelting and refining cost
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost
Total cash cost (B)
Workers’ participation
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
Sustaining capital expenditures
Operating lease payments
All-In Sustaining Costs (C)
$47,270
$32,024
$13,206
$58,689
$151,188
28,258
41,311
28,254
14,576
17,978
11,256
35,551
14,830
110,040
81,973
$116,840
$74,853
$42,440
$109,069
$343,202
1,433
1,819
1,683
618
523
1,559
427
718
406
47
47
2,188
2,738
3,107
5,836
$121,775
$77,553
$43,991
$111,351
$354,883
13,374
—
—
716
35,542
312
269
—
—
313
15,636
2,943
2,296
—
—
521
4,616
2,894
—
—
—
642
27,565
862
15,939
25,393
12,290
3,228
85,664
8,708
$171,719
$96,714
$54,318
$140,420
$506,105
Payable silver equivalent ounces produced (D)
13,518,292
5,036,842
3,260,834
5,013,388
26,829,356
Payable gold equivalent ounces produced (E)
N/A
N/A
N/A
68,567
N/A
Tonnes milled (F)
822,791
879,059
1,004,144
633,400
3,339,394
Cash cost per AgEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AgEq ounce (C/D)
Cash cost per AuEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AuEq ounce (C/E)
Production cost per tonne (A/E)
$9.01
$12.70
N/A
N/A
$15.40
$19.20
N/A
N/A
$13.49
$16.66
N/A
N/A
$22.21
$28.01
$1,624
$2,048
$13.23
$18.85
N/A
N/A
$142.00
$85.15
$42.25
$172.20
$102.77
111
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except ounce and per ounce amounts)
Mining cost
Milling cost
Indirect cost
Total production cost (A)
Add: transportation and other selling cost
Add: smelting and refining cost
Add: environmental duty and royalties cost
Total cash cost (B)
Workers’ participation
General and administrative expenses
Share-based payments
Accretion of decommissioning liabilities
Sustaining capital expenditures
Operating lease payments
All-In Sustaining Costs (C)
Payable silver equivalent ounces produced (D)
Tonnes milled (E)
Cash cost per AgEq ounce (B/D)
AISC per AgEq ounce (C/D)
Production cost per tonne (A/E)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020
San Dimas
Santa Elena
La Encantada
Consolidated
$40,662
$15,952
19,318
31,232
23,187
11,088
$9,597
15,335
9,813
$66,211
57,840
52,133
$91,212
$50,227
$34,746
$176,185
1,224
1,604
1,278
$95,318
13,663
—
—
565
28,361
291
397
434
395
425
749
337
2,288
2,800
2,010
$51,453
$36,257
$183,283
206
—
—
295
10,033
1,252
377
—
—
477
4,112
2,573
14,245
22,977
8,255
2,362
49,003
5,349
$138,198
$63,239
$43,796
$285,474
12,664,191
4,177,527
3,512,126
20,353,844
713,064
640,276
860,613
2,213,954
$7.53
$10.91
$127.92
$12.32
$15.14
$78.44
$10.32
$12.47
$40.37
$9.00
$14.03
$79.59
112
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce
Revenues are presented as the net sum of invoiced revenues related to delivered shipments of silver or gold doré bars, including associated metal by-
products of gold, lead and zinc after having deducted refining and smelting charges, and after elimination of intercompany shipments of silver, silver
being minted into coins, ingots and bullion products.
The average realized silver price is a non-GAAP performance measure that allows management and investors to assess the Company’s ability to sell ounces
produced, in conjunction with related GAAP amounts. Management calculates this measure by taking total revenue reported under GAAP and adding back
smelting and refining charges to arrive at the gross reportable revenue for the period. Gross revenues are divided into payable silver equivalent ounces
sold to calculate the average realized price per ounce of silver equivalents sold. The streaming and royalty agreements in place between the Company and
Sandstorm as well as Wheaton, impacts the total revenues reported on the financial statements given the reduced prices provided to these vendors in line
with the terms of the agreements. Therefore, management adjusts revenue to exclude smelting and refining charges as well as revenues earned through
agreements with these vendors. This provides management with a better picture regarding its ability to convert ounces produced to ounces sold and provides
the investor with a clear picture of the price that the Company can currently sell the inventory for, excluding pre-arranged agreements.
Revenues as reported
Add back: smelting and refining charges
Gross revenues
Less: Sandstorm gold revenues
Less: Wheaton gold revenues
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
$204,876
$117,076
$584,117
$363,876
1,179
819
3,108
2,800
206,055
117,895
587,225
366,676
(461)
(9,385)
(579)
(7,057)
(2,489)
(29,612)
(2,636)
(23,541)
Gross revenues, excluding Sandstorm, Wheaton (A)
$196,208
$110,259
$555,124
$340,499
Payable silver equivalent ounces sold
9,378,637
5,319,935
25,954,222
19,614,393
Less: Payable silver equivalent ounces sold to Sandstorm
(74,554)
(81,319)
(382,659)
(499,931)
Less: Payable silver equivalent ounces sold to Wheaton
(1,189,362)
(807,046)
(3,511,128)
(3,016,658)
Payable silver equivalent ounces sold, excluding Sandstorm and Wheaton (B)
8,114,720
4,431,570
22,060,436
16,097,804
Average realized silver price per ounce (A/B)
Average market price per ounce of silver per COMEX
$24.18
$23.35
$24.88
$24.44
$25.16
$25.15
$21.15
$21.72
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP liquidity measure which is determined based on operating cash flows less sustaining capital expenditures. Management uses
free cash flow as a critical measure in the evaluation of liquidity in conjunction with related GAAP amounts. It also uses the measure when considering
available cash, including for decision-making purposes related to dividends and discretionary investments. Further, it helps management, the Board of
Directors and investors evaluate a Company’s ability to generate liquidity from operating activities.
Operating cash flows
Less: Sustaining capital expenditures
Free cash flow
Adjusted Earnings per Share (“Adjusted EPS”)
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2021
$89,812
23,387
$66,425
2020
$43,210
17,507
$25,703
2021
$68,723
85,664
($16,941)
2020
$79,713
49,003
$30,710
The Company uses the financial measure “Adjusted EPS” which is a non-GAAP measure, to supplement earnings per share (GAAP) information in its
consolidated financial statements . The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and
certain investors and analysts use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance.
Management uses adjusted earnings per share as a critical measure operating performance in conjunction with the related GAAP amounts. The only items
considered in the adjusted earnings-per-share calculation are those that management believes (1) may affect trends in underlying performance from year
to year and (2) are not considered normal recurring cash operating expense.
Adjusted earnings per share is used for forecasting, operational and strategic decision making, evaluating current Company and management performance,
and calculating financial covenants. Management believes that excluding certain non-cash and non-recurring items from the calculation increases
113
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER 2021 ANNUAL REPORTMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION comparability of the metric from period to period, which makes it useful for management, the audit committee and investors, to evaluate the underlying core
operations. The presentation of Adjusted EPS is not meant to be a substitute for EPS presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in
conjunction with such IFRS measure.
To calculate adjusted earnings per share, management adjusts from net earnings (GAAP), the per-share impact, net of the tax effects of adjustments, of the
following:
• share based payments;
• realized and unrealized gains and losses from investment in derivatives and marketable securities; and
• other infrequent or unusual losses and gains.
The following table provides a detailed reconciliation of net earnings (losses) as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements to adjusted net
earnings and Adjusted EPS:
Net (loss) earnings as reported
Adjustments for non-cash or unusual items:
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense
Share-based payments
Loss (gain) from investment in derivatives and marketable securities
Write-down on assets held-for-sale
Write-down (recovery) of mineral inventory
Acquisition costs
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency derivatives
Loss on early settlement of senior convertible notes
Standby costs related to COVID-19 Suspension
(Gain) loss on divestiture of exploration projects
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2021
2020
($3,971)
$34,545
($4,923)
$23,087
156
2,859
(776)
—
1,164
23
—
4,642
—
—
(11,187)
2,227
2,445
—
—
—
(3,880)
—
—
—
(19,110)
12,290
1,522
2,081
7,479
1,973
—
4,642
—
—
(3,324)
8,255
(1,973)
—
(443)
—
982
—
7,162
3,685
Adjusted net earnings
$4,097
$24,150
$5,954
$37,431
Weighted average number of shares on issue - basic
256,805,023
221,463,289
244,749,772
213,879,622
Adjusted EPS
$0.02
$0.11
$0.02
$0.18
Working Capital and Available Liquidity
Working capital is determined based on current assets and current liabilities as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The
Company uses working capital as a measure of the Company’s short-term financial health and operating efficiency. Available liquidity includes the
Company’s working capital and undrawn revolving credit facility.
Current Assets
Less: Current Liabilities
Working Capital
Available Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility
Available Liquidity
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
$397,207
(172,822)
$224,385
50,000
$274,385
$356,046
(101,626)
$254,420
65,000
$319,420
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the
effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded
that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information
required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the appropriate time periods and is
accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
114
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, with the participation of its CEO and interim CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting as such term is defined in the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities
Administrators. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The Company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
• maintain records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued
by IASB;
• provide reasonable assurance that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
the Company’s Directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements because of inherent limitations. Additionally,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the Company’s policies and procedures.
Management excluded from its assessment the internal controls, policies and procedures of Jerritt Canyon, which the Company acquired control on
April 30, 2021. Jerritt Canyon’s total assets, net assets, total revenues and net profit/loss on a combined basis constitute approximately 34%, 35%, 21%
and 653%, respectively, of these Consolidated Annual Financial statement amounts as of December 31, 2021. This limitation of scope is in accordance
with section 3.3(1)(b) of NI 52-109, which allows for an issuer to limit the design of DC&P or ICFR to exclude a business that the issuer acquired not
more than 365 days before the end of the financial period to which the CEO’s and CFO’s certification of annual filings relates. With the exception of the
internal controls of Jerritt Canyon, there have been no significant changes in our internal controls during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
The Company’s management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based upon the criteria set forth in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on management’s
evaluation, our CEO and interim CFO concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2021.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte LLP, have audited these Consolidated Annual Financial Statements and have
issued an attestation report dated March 9, 2022 on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Treadway Commission.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company implemented social distancing protocols to have majority of its corporate office and site
administrative staff to work remotely from home. This change has required certain processes and controls that were previously done or documented
manually to be completed and retained in electronic form. Despite the changes required by the current environment, there have been no significant
changes in our internal controls during the year ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations of Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that any disclosure controls and
procedures or internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, may not prevent or detect all misstatements because
of inherent limitations. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must
be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control
issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments
in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the
individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any control system also is
based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its
stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due
to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Cautionary Statements
Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained herein this MD&A constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws (collectively, “forward-
looking statements”). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Forward-
looking statements include, but are not limited to: commercial mining operations; anticipated mineral recoveries; projected quantities of future mineral
production; statements with respect to the Company’s business strategy; future planning processes; anticipated development, expansion, exploration
activities and production rates; the estimated cost and timing of plant improvements at the Company’s operating mines and development of the
Company’s development projects; the timing of completion of exploration programs and drilling programs; the repayment of the Debentures; statements
with respect to the Company’s future financial position including operating efficiencies, cash flow, capital budgets, costs and expenditures; the preparation
of technical reports and completion of preliminary economic assessments; the repurchase of the Company’s shares; viability of the Company’s projects;
potential metal recovery rates; the conversion of the Company’s securities. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-
looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives,
assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”,
“expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions) are not
statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the dates the statements are made, and are subject to a variety
of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. These factors include, without limitation: the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the
uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns
or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, the availability of and costs of financing
needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”.
The Company believes that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these
expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein this MD&A should not be unduly relied upon. These statements
speak only as of the date of this MD&A. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements,
except as required by applicable laws. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note regarding Reserves and Resources
National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”), issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators, lays out the standards of disclosure for mineral projects.
This includes a requirement that a certified Qualified Person (“QP”) (as defined under the NI 43-101) supervises the preparation of the mineral reserves
and mineral resources. Ramon Mendoza, P. Eng., Vice President of Technical Services is a certified QP for the Company and has reviewed this MD&A for QP
technical disclosures. All NI 43-101 technical reports can be found on the Company’s website at www.firstmajestic.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which
differ in certain material respects from the disclosure requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral
reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral
Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in the disclosure requirements promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and contained in Industry Guide 7 (“Industry Guide 7”). Under Industry Guide 7 standards, a
“final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report mineral reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any mineral reserve or cash
flow analysis to designate mineral reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in
and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101. However, these terms are not defined terms under Industry Guide 7 and are not permitted to be used in
reports and registration statements of United States companies filed with the Commission. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of
the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty
as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral
resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility
or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is
economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a mineral resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations. In contrast,
the Commission only permits U.S. companies to report mineralization that does not constitute “mineral reserves” by Commission standards as in place
tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S.
companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder.
Additional Information
Additional information on the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2021, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.firstmajestic.com.
116
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION CORPORATE INFORMATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Keith Neumeyer
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
@keith_neumeyer
Steven Holmes, MBA, BSc, MNEng.
Chief Operating Officer
David Soares, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
Sophie Hsia, LL.B., B.C.L., LL.M.
General Counsel
Connie Lillico, BA
Corporate Secretary
Douglas Penrose, B.COMM., CPA, CA 1
Director
Marjorie Co, B.SC., LLB, MBA 1,3
Director
Ana Lopez, BA Hons, LLB, CPHR, CEC 2
Director
Thomas Fudge Jr., P.E., P.Eng. (ret) 2, 3
Chairman & Director
Jean des Rivières, P.Geo, M.Sc.A, B.Sc. 1,2,3
Director
Colette Rustad, B.Comm, CPA, CA 1
Director
1. Audit Committee
2. Compensation Committee
3. Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Sutton Place Hotel
845 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Time: 10:00 am Pacific Standard Time
MARKET INFORMATION TRADING SYMBOLS
TSX: FR
NYSE: AG
FSE: FMV
First Majestic Silver Corp.
#1800 – 925 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
V6C 3L2
T: 604.688.3033
F: 604.639.8873
TF: 1.866.529.2807
info@firstmajestic.com | www.firstmajestic.com
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
3rd Floor - 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
V6C 3B9
T: 604.661.9400
F: 604.661.9401
Legal Advisors
Bennett Jones LLP
2500 Park Place
666 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6C 2X8
Independent Auditors
Deloitte LLP
939 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z 1L3
Investor Relations Contact
info@firstmajestic.com
T: 604.688.3033
TF: 1.866.529.2807 (North America only)
Todd Anthony, MBA
Vice President Corporate Development
Jill Anne Arias
Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications
@FMSilverCorp, @JillArias
instagram @firstmajesticsilver
First Majestic Bullion Sales
customersupport@firstmajestic.com
https://store.firstmajestic.com
@FMBullion
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