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Fortuna Silver Mines

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FY2010 Annual Report · Fortuna Silver Mines
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F O R T U N A   S I LV E R   M I N E S   I N C .     /     2 0 1 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Exceeding Objectives

Exceeding Objectives

pg.04

2011 - 2015 
Production Forecast

pg.05

Mid-Term Strategy

pg.09

pg.11

Mineral Reserves and 
Mineral Resources

Chief Executive 
Officer’s Letter

pg.15

Social 
Responsibility

pg.17

Caylloma
Mine, Peru

pg.21

San Jose
Mine, Mexico

pg.27

Silver
Analysis

pg.14

Chairman´s 
Letter

pg.29

Financial
Review

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this report constitute forward-looking statements and as such are based on an assumed set of economic conditions and courses of action. 
These include estimates of future production levels, expectations regarding mine production costs, expected trends in mineral prices and statements that describe Fortuna’s future plans, 
objectives or goals. There is a significant risk that actual results will vary, perhaps materially, from results projected depending on such factors as changes in general economic conditions and 
financial markets, changes in prices for silver and other metals, technological and operational hazards in Fortuna’s mining and mine development activities, risks inherent in mineral exploration, 
uncertainties inherent in the calculation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries, the timing and availability of financing, governmental and other approvals, political unrest 
or instability in countries where Fortuna is active, including labour relations and other risk factors.

Cover Photo: Caylloma Mine- Bateas vein workers  /  Photo: San Jose Mine- Crushing circuit

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. remains one of the industry’s most efficient and lowest 
cost silver producers and an outstanding performer amongst its peer companies. As 
a result, the Company’s operational team is gaining recognition as one of the best 
operators and mine developers in the emerging producer sector. During 2010, Fortuna 
capitalized on rising silver and base metal prices and realized its best performance 
to date in earnings and operating margins. Annual silver production at Fortuna’s 
Caylloma Mine in Peru has continually exceeded forecasts and increased by more 
than 250% over the past three years to 1.9 million ounces. With commissioning 
of the Company’s San Jose Mine in Mexico, planned for the third quarter of 2011, 
Fortuna offers one of the most exciting organic production growth profiles amongst 
emerging silver producers, ensuring increasing leverage to rising silver prices. >>

02

Corporate Office 
Vancouver, Canada

Management Head Office
Lima, Peru

San Jose Project
Oaxaca, Mexico
(Silver, Gold)

Caylloma Mine
Caylloma, Peru
(Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper)

2010 highlights

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (000’s)
Expressed in US dollars  
Sales  
Operating Income (loss) 
Net Income (loss)  
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted 
Net cash provided by operating activities  
Cash position  

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Tonnes milled 
Average tonnes milled per day (tpd) 

Production (metal contained)
Silver (oz) (*) 
Gold (oz) (*) 
Lead (000 lbs) 
Zinc (000 lbs)  
Copper (lbs)   

Unit Cash Cost and Net Smelter Return
Unit cash cost (US$/oz Ag**)  
Unit cash cost (US$/tonne)  
Unit NSR (US$/tonne)  

Realized Price (**)
Silver (US$/oz)  
Lead (US$/lb)  
Zinc (US$/lb)  
Copper (US$/lb) 
Gold (US$/oz) 

No. of Employees 

2010 
$  74,056 
30,111 
12,955 
0.12 
21,109 
90,087 

2009  
$  51,428 
14,383  
623  
 0.01 
13,686  
36,796 

2008
 $  24,867
(5,593)
(910)
 (0.01)
8,356
 na

2010 
434,656 
1,231 

2009  
 395,560  
1,121 

2008
331,381
936

1,906,423 
2,556.05 
21,373 
26,137 
1,026 

1,682,546  
2,780.07 
25,137  
28,442  
190  

(7.73) 
51.20 
163.59 

19.05 
0.80 
0.60 
2.67 
939.45 

(4.86) 
46.27 
124.07 

13.75  
0.61 
0.42 
 1.59  
812.08 

1,630 

1,185 

805,057
2,196.67
16,502
23,283
na

 (3.78)
46.41
 87.00

na
na
 na
na
na

885

03

CAPITAL STRUCTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Share Structure
(as of April 1, 2011)

Outstanding Options:  4.1 million

Warrants: 

0

Issued Capital: 

122.9 Million

Fully Diluted: 

127.1 Million

Exchanges
TSX: FVI
BVL: FVI
Frankfurt: F4S.F
OTC:BB: FVIT.F

Average Trading Volume
(3 month)

816,000 shares

Market Capitalization
(as of April 14, 2011) 

CND$771.8 million

52-week
Price Range
CND$6.81 – $1.85

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes:(*) 2010, 2009 Ag and Au production in Pb and Cu. 2008 Ag and Au production in Pb.(**) Considers deductions, treatment, and refining charges as applicable 
 
2010 Milestones:
Higher Income, Production and Declining Cash Costs

Net income of US$12.96 million, compared with US$0.62 million in 2009 n Sales of 

US$74.06 million, compared with US$51.43 million in 2009; 44% increase n Record silver 

production at Caylloma: 1.9 million ounces n Production of 26.1 million pounds of zinc, 

21.4 million pounds of lead and 1 million pounds of copper as by-products n Caylloma’s 

cash cost per silver ounce drop to negative US$7.73, net of by-product credits n San Jose 

on track to produce 542,420 ounces of silver and 4,816 ounces of gold or 824,158 silver 

equivalent ounces* in 2011 and 2.75 million silver equivalent ounces in 2012

n Two bought-deal financings raised more than CND$80 million n Cash position (including 

short-term investments and working capital) at year end: US$90.81 million and US$97.09 

million respectively.

2011-2015
Production Forecast

n  Caylloma Mine (Ag - Au)
n  San Jose Mine (Ag - Au)
n  Caylloma Mine Base Metal (Ag Eq)

10

z
o
M

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011E

2012E

2013E

2014E

2015E

04

Photo: San Jose Mine- Ocotlan grey water treatment plant

(*) Based on Ag= US$ 23.60/oz, Au= US$ 1,350/oz and metallurgical recoveries  of 88% and 90% for Ag and Au respectively1. Ratios for silver equivalency have been derived using the   following metal prices: Au: US$1,350/oz, Ag: US$35/oz,   Zn: US$2,400/t, Pb: US$2,400/t2. Metal production forecast based on Mineral Reserves   published in news release dated April 12th, 2011 
OUR VISION: To be valued as a
leading  silver  mining  company 
centered  on  developing  natural  resources  in  Latin 

America; operating with a commitment to profitability, 

growth, high standards and the well being of our work-

ers,  neighboring  communities  and  the  environment.

Fortuna Silver Mines’ Philosophy

OUR MISSION: To create shareholder value through the rational acquisition, 

exploration,  development  and  mining  of  silver  in  Latin  America  with  a 

commitment to sustainable growth of reserves and annual metal production.

To promote a stimulating work environment of high-standards 

and best-practices which fosters respect, team work, social 

and environmental responsibility.

OUR
VALUES

(1)  We  value  the  environment:  We  subscribe  to  the 

highest  environmental  standards  (2)  We  value  the 

health and safety of our workers: We will not tolerate 

insecure acts or conditions (3) We value our neighbors 

and other stakeholders: We have respect for cultural di-

versity and will work as a strategic partner towards the 

sustainable  development  of  neighboring  communities 

(4) We value the courage to introduce change: We will 

break industry paradigms (5) We value integrity: We do 

what we say we will do

OUR  MID-TERM  STRATEGY  n  Target  14  million  silver  equivalent  ounces  in 

production  and  development  by  2015,  7  million  silver  equivalent  ounces 

from current reserves and plans plus 7 million silver equivalent from new 

ounces  n  Focus  on  Latin  America  n  Focus  on  silver,  no  less  than  40%  of 

value n Focus on high margin operations below the median for industry cost.

Photo: Processing plant concentrate/tailings thickeners and water tanks

05

JORGE A.
GANOZA DURANT
President, CEO
and Director

CESAR F.
PERA CACERES
Vice President,
Human and Organizational 
Development

MANUEL
RUIZ-CONEJO CARLOS
Vice President,
Project Development

JORGE R.
GANOZA AICARDI
Vice President,
Operations

Dr. THOMAS I.
VEHRS
Vice President,
Exploration

LUIS DARIO
GANOZA DURANT
Chief Financial Officer

06

 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Production Guidance

Mine 

Silver (oz)  Gold (oz) 

Zinc (lbs) 

Lead (lbs)  Copper (lbs)

Caylloma, Peru 

1,900,000 

2,950  25,200,000  16,600,000 

760,000

San Jose, Mexico 

542,420 

4,580 

-- 

-- 

--

Total : 

2,442,420 

7,530  25,200,000  16,600,000 

760,000

Core Assets at a Glance

CAYLLOMA Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu MINE – AREQUIPA, PERU Low-cost, underground vein mine in 

operation since late 2006. Produces silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper from 1,250 tonnes 

per day operation. Silver production currently optimized at 1.9 million ounces. In 2010, 

silver accounted for 48% of revenue and gold 3%, the balance being base metals. Our 

Peruvian subsidiary employs approximately 1,050 workers.

SAN JOSE Ag-Au MINE – OAXACA, MEXICO Underground vein mine scheduled to initiate 

commercial operations in the third quarter of 2011 at a rate of 1,000 tonnes per day, 

increasing to 1,500 tonnes per day in late 2013. 2011 production forecast of 542,420 

ounces of silver plus 4,816 ounces of gold or 824,158 silver equivalent ounces.  For 2012, 

production forecast of 1.79 million ounces of silver plus 16,283 ounces of gold or 2.75 

million silver equivalent ounces. Our Mexican subsidiary currently employs approximately 

500 workers out of which 40% come from surrounding communities.

EXPLORATION AND RESERVE REPLACEMENT In 2009 and 2010, we successfully replaced 

reserves consumed through production at Caylloma and believe that with our improving 

understanding of ore controls in the district, we should be able to continue to add to the 

reserve and resource base.

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

07

Both Caylloma and
San Jose offer excellent 
potential for expansion 
of our current reserves 
and resources.

Both Caylloma and San Jose offer excellent

potential for expansion of our current reserves

and resources. Fortuna Silver has an aggressive 

Brownfields exploration program for 2011 with a 

budget of US$12.5 million, including more than 

30,000 meters of exploration drilling at Caylloma 

and San Jose. If successful, these exploration 

programs could have a material impact on expansion plans for the two operations. At the 

Caylloma Mine, the Company is targeting the lateral and depth extensions of the principal 

veins in the southern portion of the district. Targets have been defined at the northeast 

extension of the San Cristobal vein where the projection of the vein is covered by post-

mineral rock units. Similarly, drilling will further test the northeast extension of the Animas 

vein where prior drilling in 2007 and 2008 intersected ore-grade mineralization in the 

Nancy structure, a subsidiary structure to the Animas Vein. 

Exploration drilling will also test the northeast extension of the Bateas Vein near its projected 

intersection with the San Cristobal Vein. Both the Bateas and the San Cristobal veins have 

been prominent producers of high-grade silver ores throughout the history of the Caylloma 

District. Our geologists will also explore the La Plata Vein which is sub-parallel to the 

Animas Vein. Limited past drilling of the La Plata Vein has encountered high-grade silver 

mineralization over vein widths ranging to 2.65 meters.

At the San Jose Project, drilling targets have been defined along the southern strike 

extension of the San Jose deposit and in association with multiple vein targets in the Taviche 

Mining District located approximately 12 kilometers to the northeast of San Jose. Drilling is 

also planned in the El Rancho area, on-trend from the Taviche District, where geochemical 

surface sampling has identified a large Au-in-soil anomaly associated with strongly silicified 

and mineralized limestones stratigraphically beneath the volcanic sequence that is host to 

the vein-style mineralization present in the area. Additional exploration is planned to further 

evaluate previously identified stream sediment and soil anomalies located within Fortuna’s 

58,000 hectare concession package.

08

Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources 

MINERAL RESERVES – PROVEN AND PROBABLE

Tonnes 

Property

Classification

(000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t)

Pb (%)

Zn (%)

Cont. Ag 
(Moz)

Cont.Au 
(koz)

Caylloma, Peru

Silver Veins

Proven

Probable

Proven + Prob.

Polymetallic Veins

Proven

Probable

Proven + Prob.

Combined-All Veins Proven

Probable

Proven + Prob.

San Jose, Mexico

Probable

Total Reserves

Proven + Prob.

    403 

   111 

   515 

1,316 

2,305 

3,622 

1,720 

2,417 

4,136 

3,771 

7,908 

394

457

407

115

121

119

180

137

155

202

177

0.34

0.90

0.47

0.35

0.34

0.34

0.35

0.36

0.36

1.58

0.94 

0.03

0.11

0.05

1.96

1.80

1.86

1.50

1.72

1.63

0.04

0.04

0.04

2.92

2.64

2.74

2.24

2.52

2.40

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

5.1

1.6

6.7

4.9

9.0

13.9

10.0

10.6

20.6

24.5

45.1

4.5

3.2

7.7

14.6

25.0

39.6

19.1

28.2

47.3

191.6

238.9

MINERAL RESOURCES – MEASURED AND INDICATED

Property

Classification

(000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t)

Pb (%)

Zn (%)

Tonnes 

Cont. Ag 
(Moz)

Cont. Au 
(koz)

Caylloma, Peru

Measured

Indicated

   463 

1,423 

Measured + Ind.

1,887 

San Jose, Mexico

Indicated

   376 

Total

Measured + Ind.

2,263 

94

131

122

243

142

0.27

0.33

0.31

2.12

0.61

1.00

0.84

0.88

N/A 

N/A 

1.66

1.37

1.44

N/A 

N/A 

1.4

6.0

7.4

2.9

10.4

4.1

14.9

18.9

25.6

44.6

MINERAL RESOURCES - INFERRED

Tonnes 

Property

Classification

(000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t)

Pb (%)

Zn (%)

Cont. Ag 
(Moz)

Cont. Au 
(koz)

Caylloma, Peru

Inferred

San Jose, Mexico

Inferred

3,332 

3,074 

119

222

0.35

1.80

09

Total

Inferred

6,406 

    168 

1.05 

1.05

2.02

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

12.8

22.0

34.7

37.9

178.0

215.9

Notes: 1. Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as defined by the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Miner-
al Reserves 2. Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves 3. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have 
demonstrated economic viability 4. Caylloma Mineral Reserves are estimated and reported as of June 30, 2010 using break-even 
cut-off grades based on estimated NSR values using assumed metal prices of US$16.63/oz Ag, US$1066.68/oz Au, US$1984/t 
Pb and US$1962/t Zn; historic metallurgical recovery rates of 87% for Ag, 43% for Au, 91% for Pb and 89% for Zn; and historic 
operating costs adjusted for inflation. Caylloma Mineral Resources are reported as of June 30, 2010 based on estimated NSR val-
ues using the aforementioned assumed metal prices and a cut-off grade of US$30/t 5. Caylloma Mineral Resources include oxide 
material that is not amenable to processing in the existing flotation plant. Measured and Indicated oxide resources are estimated at 
831,100 tonnes averaging 200 g/t Ag, 0.38 g/t Au, 1.10% Pb and 1.30% Zn. Inferred oxide resources are estimated at 677,000 
tonnes averaging 176 g/t Ag, 0.30 g/t Au, 0.50% Pb and 0.91% Zn 6. San Jose Reserves are estimated and reported as of Dec. 31, 
2010 using break-even cut-off grades based on assumed metal prices of US$15.12/oz Ag and US$897.51/oz Au, estimated metal-
lurgical recovery rates of 88% for Ag and 90% for Au and projected operating costs. San Jose Resources are estimated and reported 
at a Ag Equivalent cut-off grade of 100 g/t, with Ag Eq in g/t = Ag (g/t) + Au (g/t) * ((US$856.16/US$13.75) * (91.5/92.5)) = Ag 
(g/t) + Au (g/t)*61.6 7. Totals may not add due to rounding procedures 8. N/A = Not Applicable

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exceeding Objectives
On Track to Becoming a

Leading Silver Miner in Latin America

10

Photo: San Jose Mine- Mine development

Chief Executive Officer’s Letter

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS 2010 has been 

with other structural changes, will assist us in

another year of accomplishment for Fortuna 

continuing to mobilize our organization to 

as we reported record financial performance, 

achieve sustainable long term growth.

driven by increases in production and metal 

prices, with net earnings of US$0.12 per 

GROWING OUR BUSINESS Over the course of 

share. We realized an average silver price 

the last four years we have been diligently de-

of US$19 dollars per ounce during the year 

ploying capital to build a base of reserves that 

and are well positioned to continue benefi-

have taken us to 45.1 million ounces of silver 

ting from the surge in silver price. Under the 

and 239,000 ounces of gold at both Caylloma 

theme of “building a leading silver miner” we 

and San Jose. This allows us to project the 

have been carrying initiatives in 2010 and 

life of each of our mines to over eight years 

into 2011, to continue delivering growth in 

and support an annual production rate of 6.5 

resources, reserves and silver production with 

million silver equivalent ounces (from silver 

an emphasis on remaining as one of the

and gold) starting in 2013. Our challenge now 

lowest cost silver producers. Cash cost per sil-

is to continue fuelling growth organically and 

ver ounce in 2010 was negative US$7.73 per 

through corporate transactions.

ounce net of by product base metal credits.

Exploration successes 

will likely lead to further 

11

incremental metal

production growth

For 2011, we have allocated US$12.5 mi-

llion dollars to brownfields exploration around 

our mines in Peru and Mexico. Exploration 

successes will likely lead to further incre-

mental metal production growth. In addition, 

we continue actively searching for new silver 

business opportunities in Latin America. Our 

business development efforts for a material 

In 2010, the Company incorporated a new

acquisition are centered in Mexico and Peru 

set of values to meet the challenges of our 

and over the past months, we have evaluated 

growing business: value for the environment, 

opportunities in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador 

value for the health and safety of our workers, 

and Colombia. Apart from the inherent cha-

value for surrounding communities and stake-

llenge of discovery, we are in a very com-

holders along with the courage to introduce 

petitive market. We rely on the skills of our 

change and integrity. This, in concurrence 

exploration team as well as on our regional 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

expertise to gain a competitive advantage

San Jose into production in the third quarter 

in our search for Fortuna´s next asset.  

of 2011, execute our planned exploration 

programs and meet sustaining capital require-

BUILDING OUR ORGANIZATION As a growth 

ments of our Caylloma Mine. Our excess cash 

company in a dynamic market, our organiza-

will allow us to aggressively pursue new busi-

tion is faced with a constant state of change. 

ness opportunities in Latin America. 

In 2010 and early 2011 we incorporated four 

key positions to Fortuna´s executive team.  

THE SAN JOSE AG-AU MINE: PLANNED 

The position of Vice President of Human 

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION FOR THIRD 

and Organizational Development will play a 

QUARTER 2011 The San Jose Mine 

strategic role in supporting our growth stra-

construction continues advancing within 

tegy ensuring that we have the ability of not 

schedule and budget targeting the start of 

only attracting but also retaining talent in an 

commercial production for the third quarter 

extremely competitive job market. We also in-

of 2011. Our 2011 budget to commission the 

corporated the positions of Corporate Manager 

mine is US$32 million dollars. 

for Financial Planning, reporting to the Chief 

Financial Officer; Corporate Resource Mana- 

As of March 2011 major processing plant 

ger and Brownfields Exploration Manager, both 

equipment has been mounted and installed. 

reporting to the Vice President of Exploration.  

This includes: three stage crushing circuit, 

FINANCIAL POSITION Fortuna enters 2011 

conveyors, ball mill, flotation cells, thicke-

with a solid balance sheet and a strong 

ners and water tanks. Key projects have been 

coarse and fine ore storage facilities and belt 

treasury. In cash and short term investments, 

concluded including the tailings and water 

12

we hold approximately US$90 million dollars 

storage facilities, 8MW power substation and 

with no long term debt. During 2010, we 

the Ocotlan gray water treatment plant. Mine 

closed two successful bought deal equity 

development and preparation is advancing 

financings raising CDN$80.5 million; in

according to plan with the aim of building a 

addition, we put in place a CDN$20 million 

30,000 tonne ore stock pile by June and

revolving credit facility with Scotiabank.

being in a position to source 1,000 tonnes 

With cash on hand and cash flow projections 

per day starting in July. Our project and 

from our mines, we are adequately funded to 

construction teams continue delivering an 

meet all of our capital requirements to bring 

excellent performance at San Jose. >>

Chief Executive Officer’s Letter
Continued

Photo: San Jose Mine- Processing plant ore transport conveyor belt system

13

OPERATING AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE

I want to take the opportunity to commend 

We continue to excel as a low cost 

our operating and construction teams in 

underground silver miner.  We produced 

Peru and Mexico for their commitment to a 

1.9 million ounces of silver, 2,000 ounces 

safe work environment. In March 2011, we 

of gold, 21.4 million pounds of lead, 26.1 

achieved 1,586,000 work time hours without 

million pounds of zinc and 1 million pounds 

any lost time accidents. 

of copper in 2010. Silver accounted for 

48% of revenue with a cash cost of negative 

The most valuable asset of any company is its 

US$7.73 cents net of by product base

people. I want to thank the continued sup-

metals and gold. For 2011, we plan to 

port and leadership of the Board of Directors 

produce 2.8 million silver equivalent ounces 

and all our co-workers and contractors who’s 

(from silver and gold) at a negative cash

efforts and dedicated work are contributing to 

cost net of by product base metal.

build Fortuna into a leading silver miner.

The most valuable

asset of any company

is its people.

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Jorge A. Ganoza D. 

President, CEO and Director 

Chairman’s Letter

EXCEEDING OBJECTIVES was an easy

has brought us to this pivotal year. Fortuna’s

choice for the title of this year’s annual 

silver production, revenue and cash flow 

report. It is after all management’s operating 

are set to grow significantly with the 

philosophy and it underpins their actions 

commissioning of the San Jose Mine in 

and decisions on a day to day basis. Your 

Mexico, pushing us ahead of many of our 

Company’s President, Jorge Ganoza Durant, 

peers in these three important metrics.

made this his battle cry when we founded 

Fortuna Silver back in 2005 and he has 

Our growth to date has been organic. We

instilled it in the management team he has so 

set out to build Fortuna through the drill bit. 

ably assembled in the years since then.

We have excellent mineral deposits that I

believe will keep growing even as they are

being mined. And we have excellent people

to explore, develop and mine those deposits 

and grow our Company.

As the management and workers of

Fortuna Silver continue to Exceed Objectives, 

so the Company will continue to outperform.

I am grateful for how the Fortuna team

has collectively embraced the Company’s 

goals and worked tirelessly to meet them.

I believe we can all look forward to very

positive years ahead.

14

Fortuna’s silver 

production, revenue 

and cash flow are set to 

grow significantly with 

the commissioning of 

the San Jose Mine in 

Mexico…

As Fortuna Shareholders we can count 

ourselves lucky. It is the reason our Company 

is where it is today.

2011: A YEAR OF GROWTH. Exceeding 

Simon Ridgway

objectives has served shareholders well and 

Chairman of the Board

 
 
 
 
 
Social Responsibility 

WE ARE COMMITTED to contribute to sustainable economic development — working with 

employees, their families, the local community and society at large to improve the quality 

of life, in ways that are both good for business and good for human development in the 

countries where we operate. We firmly believe that effective and responsible environmental 

and social management will result in greater efficiency by minimizing risks, thus contributing 

to our long term success.

Our corporate policies

commit us to working under

the following standards:

n To operate in an ethical and legal manner, with transparency and accountability, seeking 

to ensure access to new resources and to manage our projects with environmental and social 

responsibility. n To develop the full potential of our employees. We respect and value each of 

our employees and observe the fundamental tenets of human rights, safety and non-discrim-

ination in the workplace. n To responsibly manage all resources under our control by ensur-

ing the conservation of the environment and the welfare of our workers and our neighboring 

communities. n To minimize environmental, health, and safety risks by ensuring that all 

government and corporate regulations and standards are satisfied. n To maintain participa-

tory monitoring programs in our operations with local authorities and neighboring communi-

ties to ensure permanent compliance with our policies for social and environmental respon-

sibility and with government laws and regulations. n To periodically review all environmental, 

health and safety, and community relations systems, programs and regulations to guarantee 

continued improvement in the performance of our activities. n To keep our contractors and 

strategic partners informed and aligned with our Social Responsibility policy and programs. 

n To maintain open communications with regard to environmental, health, and safety matters 

with government authorities, shareholders, employees, communities in our areas of influ-

ence, their authorities and other concerned stakeholders. 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

15

Exceeding Objectives
We Are Committed To Contribute 

to Sustainable Economic Development

16

Photo: Caylloma Mine- Tailings dam ichu replanting

17

Exceeding Objectives
Low Cost Silver and Base Metal Producer

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Photo: Caylloma Mine- 1,250 tpd processing plant

Photo: Caylloma Mine- 4,500 m.a.s.l. mine camp

Corporate Office
Vancouver, Canada

Caylloma Mine, Peru 

Corporate Office

Vancouver, Canada

MEXICO
San Jose Project
CONSTRUCTION

Oaxaca, Mexico
(Silver, Gold)

MEXICO

San Jose Project

CONSTRUCTION

Oaxaca, Mexico

(Silver, Gold)

Management Head Office

Lima, Peru

PERU

Caylloma Mine

PRODUCTION

Caylloma, Peru

(Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper)

Management Head Office
Lima, Peru

PERU
Caylloma Mine
PRODUCTION

Caylloma, Peru
(Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper)

COMMODITIES:  Silver, Gold,  Zinc, Lead, Copper

LOCATION: 

Arequipa, Peru

(Latitude 15° 13” S, Longitude: 71° 49” W)

OWNERSHIP:   100%

Lima

DEPOSIT TYPE:   Intermediate-sulfidation epithermal vein deposit

STATUS: 

Mine and processing plant operating at 1,250 tpd

>>

2011 EXPLORATION TARGETS
San Cristobal Vein (NE extension), Bateas Vein
(NE extension), La Plata Vein, Animas Vein (NE extension)

SILVER PRODUCTION of 1,906,423 

CAYLLOMA MINE 2010 PRODUCTION

ounces, a 13% increase over the 

1,682,546 ounces in 2009, exceeded 

2010 guidance by 12%. This increase 

is attribu-table to an increase in mill 

throughput of 10%, an increase in 

silver recoveries of 0.3% and a 3% 

increase in silver head grade.

Cash cost per payable ounce silver in 

Tonnes Milled 
Average tonnes milled per day 

Silver 
  Grade (g/t) 

  Recovery (%) 

  Production (oz)* 

Lead 
  Grade (%) 

  Recovery (%) 

2010 was negative US$7.73 net of

  Production (000’s lbs) 

by-product credits compared to 

negative US$4.86 in 2009. The 

change was attributable to increased 

revenue from by-product credits and 

increased payable silver ounces of 

38% and 16%, respectively, offset by 

an 11% increase in refining charges. 

Zinc 
  Grade (%) 

  Recovery (%) 

  Production (000’s lbs) 

Copper 
  Production (000’s lbs) 

Unit Costs 
  Production cash cost(US$/oz Ag)** 

  Production cash cost(US$/tonne) 

  Unit Net Smelter Return(US$/tonne) 

Years Ended December 31,
2009

2010 
434,656 
1,231 

395,560

1,121

159.24 
85.67 
1,906,423 

154.76

85.40

1,682,546

2.44 
91.28 
21,373 

3.10 
87.99 
26,137 

3.10

93.02

25,137

3.66

89.07

28,442

1,026 

190

(7.73) 
51.20 
163.59 

(4.86)

46.27

124.07

18

The mill treated 434,656 tonnes of ore in 2010, compared to 395,560 tonnes in the prior 

year. The cash cost per tonne was US$51.20 compared to US$46.27 in 2009. >>

(*)   Silver in lead and copper concentrates
(**)   Net of by-product credits

 
 
 
 
Caylloma Mine, Peru 

Caylloma had a 13%
increase in Silver 
production in 2010.

Zinc and lead production during 2010 decreased 

by 8% and 15%, respectively, compared to 2009. 

This decrease was related to a shift in the mine 

plan designed to replace the polymetallic ore from 

the Animas vein with higher grade silver ore from 

level 6 in the upper part of the Animas vein. The mine plan shift was made because of 

lower than expected grades from the Bateas silver vein which lead to an acceleration of the 

incorporation of level 6 into the production plan.

Photo: Caylloma Mine: Animas vein

Cash cost per tonne of treated ore for the year 2010 increased by 11% to US$51.20 com-

pared to 2009. The cost variation reflected a 2010 upward revision of underground mine 

contractor tariffs and labor costs directed towards reducing personnel rotation at operations, 

higher preparation and breakage costs at the mine, commencement of ore control drilling in 

2010, local currency appreciation and preventive equipment maintenance plans that have 

been successful in increasing plant availability by 3% to 4%.

19

In 2010, 71% (2009: 85%) ore was sourced from the central and lower levels of Animas 

vein, 17% from level 6 in the upper part of Animas vein, and 11% (2009: 15%) from 

Bateas, Soledad, and Silvia veins.

Total mine development and preparation in 2010 was 12,110 meters, 56% in the Animas 

vein and 44% in the high-grade silver veins. The main focus of development in the Animas 

vein was to extend mineralization along strike towards the northeast on levels 10 and 12, 

and preparation of resource blocks between level 10 and level 12 with infrastructure as the 

mine plan extends below level 10 in 2011. In the upper part of the Animas vein, develop-

ment and preparation was focused on incorporating level 6 into the production plan.

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

In the high grade Soledad and Silvia silver veins mine development and preparation was 

aimed mainly below current working levels.

In the high-grade Bateas vein exploration and development drifting focused on extending 

mineralization along strike to the east and resulted in the discovery of high-grade silver ore 

shoots on levels 10 and 12 as reported in the press release of December 15, 2010.

The main capital projects executed in 2010 were a tailings reclassification plant for 

US$0.48 million, and the finalization of the feasibility study for the new tailings dam facility 

with an estimated total cost of US$4.2 million. The tailings reclassification plant will allow 

an increase in the percentage of tailings available for backfill material and the first stage of 

the new tailings dam will provide 7.5 years of life at current production levels.

In January 2011, production of copper-silver concentrate was discontinued at Caylloma 

due to a material deterioration in commercial treatment terms with respect to 2010. 

The Company is monitoring market conditions to evaluate restarting the circuit. Copper 

accounted for 4% of sales in 2010 (2009: 1%).

20

Photo: Caylloma Mine: Caylloma mining district

21

Exceeding Objectives
The San Jose Mine will be a Company Game Changer

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Photo: San Jose Mine- 13´ x 19.5´ ball mill

San Jose Mine, Mexico 

Corporate Office
Vancouver, Canada

Corporate Office
Vancouver, Canada

MEXICO
San Jose Project
CONSTRUCTION

Oaxaca, Mexico
(Silver, Gold)

COMMODITIES:  Silver, Gold

LOCATION: 
MEXICO
San Jose Project
CONSTRUCTION

Taviche Mining District, Oaxaca, Mexico

Management Head Office
Lima, Peru

PERU
Caylloma Mine
PRODUCTION

Caylloma, Peru
(Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper)

(Latitude: 16° 41” N, Longitude: 96° 42” W)

Oaxaca, Mexico
(Silver, Gold)

OWNERSHIP:   100%

DEPOSIT TYPE:   High-grade, low-sulfidation epithermal vein deposit

Mexico City

STATUS: 

- Construction of 1,500 tpd mine underway

PERU
Caylloma Mine
PRODUCTION

- Commissioning in Q3 2011 at 1000 tpd 

Management Head Office
Lima, Peru

Caylloma, Peru
(Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper)

>>

2011 EXPLORATION PROJECTS
San Ignacio, Taviche and El Rancho areas

SAN JOSE MINE 2011 AND 2012 PRODUCTION FORECAST  

Year   

2011 

2012 

Silver (oz) 

Gold (oz) 

Silver Equivalent (oz)*

542,420 

1.79M 

4,816 

16,283 

824,158

2.75M

THE SAN JOSE Ag-Au MINE The Company anticipates that the San Jose Mine, currently under 

construction in Mexico, will begin to contribute both silver and gold ounces starting in the 

third quarter of 2011 allowing the Company to maintain its organic silver production

growth in 2011.

Construction Highlights as of March 23, 2011:

n   Processing plant construction is 33% complete. Foundation work for crushers, milling,  

flotation, thickening and filtering areas is complete. Mounting and installation of major  

22

plant equipment was initiated in January 2011. The 13’ x 19.5’ ball mill has been 

  mounted where the milling section is 42% advanced. The three stage crushing circuit  

is being mounted and installed with a 66% advance. Flotation cells have arrived on site  

and thickeners are being mounted and installed.

n   Tailings dam construction was concluded in January 2011.

n   The 8MW power substation construction and commissioning has been concluded; 

connection to the national grid is expected in March 2011.

n   The mine access ramp has reached the 1,400 meter elevation, where the first

production level is being developed. >>

(*)   Based on Ag= US$ 23.60/oz, Au= US$ 1,350/oz  and 

metallurgical recoveries of 88% and 90% for Ag and Au respectively

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
San Jose Mine, Mexico

Photo: San Jose Mine- Mine develoment

n   Three stopes are being developed and prepared for the start of production in the third  

quarter at the initial rate of 1,000 tpd; Stope K is being developed on the Trinidad, 

Fortuna and Bonanza veins on sublevel 1430. Stopes L and M are being developed on  

level 1400. Overall advance on stope preparation is 115% against the program.

n   To December 31, 2010 the mine had built an ore stock pile of 6,816 tonnes grading 

234 g/t Ag and 2.13 g/t Au. The Company anticipates an inventory of approximately 

30,000 tonnes before the start of commercial operations in the third quarter of 2011.

n   Water pipeline installation to the mine site is 87% advanced.

23

PROCESSING PLANT AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES Construction of the 1,500 tpd processing 

plant and ancilliary facilities are on schedule for commissioning at an initial rate of 1,000 

tpd in the third quarter of 2011. The processing plant has no long lead equipment on criti-

cal path. Purchase orders for all plant equipment have been placed with equipment arriving 

on-site according to schedule. Processing plant construction is 33% complete. Foundation 

work for crushers, milling, flotation, thickening and filtering areas is complete. Mounting and 

installation of major plant equipment was initiated in January 2011. The 13’ x 19.5’ ball 

mill has been mounted where the milling section is 42% advanced. The three stage crushing 

circuit is being mounted and installed with a 66% advance. Flotation cells have arrived on 

site and thickeners are being mounted and installed.

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
TAILINGS DAM Construction of the tailings dam was concluded in January 2011. The 

tailings dam is currently prepared to store water for the commissioning of the processing 

plant. Conagua (National Water Commission of Mexico responsible for the management and 

preservation of national waters and their inherent goods in order to achieve sustainable use, 

with joint responsibility of the three tiers of government - federal, state and municipal- and 

society as a whole) technical observations to the design of the tailings facility were addressed 

with state and federal Conagua authorities. The Company expects approval of the final 

Conagua permit in the coming weeks.

UNDERGROUND MINE DEVELOPMENT In December, the main access ramp reached the 1400 

meter elevation -the first production level- allowing for the development of production stopes 

K, L and M for start-up of production at an initial mining rate of 1,000 tonnes per day. Vein 

widths and grades for the Trinidad, Fortuna and Bonanza veins intersect on level 1400 and 

sublevel 1430 are in line with the geologic resource model.

WATER SOURCING The Ocotlan grey water treatment plant is fully operational and the 

quality of the water obtained is within design parameters. The pipeline to carry water from 

the grey water treatment plant to the San Jose Mine site is 87% complete. Negotiations 

with a neighboring community are taking place to install the remaining two kilometers of 

the pipeline. Inflow to the process from the grey water treatment facility is required twenty 

months after the start of commercial operations.

POWER SUBSTATION Construction of the transformer and switching stations has been 

completed. Commissioning has been concluded and connection to the national power grid in 

March, 2011.

24

Photo: San Jose Mine- Tailings Dam

San Jose Mine Layout
San Jose Mine will begin to contribute both silver and

gold ounces starting in the third quarter of 2011

01

8 MW POWER
SUBSTATION
SWITCHING STATION /

TRANSFORMER STATION

02

MAIN ACCESS RAMP

25

01

02

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

03

05

PROCESSING PLANT
CRUSHING CIRCUIT 

1,500 TPD
PROCESSING PLANT

ANCILLARY FACILITIES

03

04

05

04

26

Silver Analysis

DUAL IDENTITY DRIVES
PRICE DYNAMICS
Silver prices averaged US$20.31 in 
2010, a 38.4% increase over 2009 
and second only to 1980’s average 
of US$20.65. Silver’s dual identity 
as both a precious and industrial 
metal continued to define its price 
performance. Thus the pricing 
dynamics remained much the 
same as in 2009: high investment 
demand and a recovering global 
economy.

HIGH PRICES GENERATE
RECORD SUPPLY
Prices rose despite a 9.3% 
increase in total silver supply 
to a record 1.03 billion ounces 
and a continuing decrease in 
photography demand. The largest 
supply increase in 2010 came from 
secondary recovery, as the higher 
prices generated unprecedented 
levels of scrap and industrial 
recovery plus high sales of 
jewelry and silverware. New mine 
production also increased.

RECOVERING ECONOMY 
AND SOLAR PANELS DRIVE 
FABRICATION INCREASE 
Increasing industrial activity 
worldwide and higher demand 
for consumer electronics 
produced a 9.5% increase in 
overall fabrication demand, 
from 864.8 million ounces in 
2009 to 946.6 million ounces 
in 2010. The sharpest demand 
increase occurred in solar panel 
fabrication—the industry is 
estimated to have consumed 64 
million ounces of silver in 2010, a 
205% increase over 2009.

$/Ounce 
45 

$/Ounce 
45 

THE PRICE OF SILVER
(Monthly Average Comex,

Through 13 April 2011)

MM Oz 

700 

MM Oz 
600 
700 
SILVER DEMAND AND
SUPPLY BALANCE
500 
600 

400 
500 

300 
400 

200 
300 

100 
200 

0 
100 

0 

07 

07 

08 

08 

09 

09 

10 

10 

11 

11 

MM Oz 

700 

MM Oz 

600 

700 

500 

600 

400 

500 

300 

400 

200 

300 

100 

200 

0 

100 

0 

WITE 

GLTR 

PSLV 

WITE 

27

SVR.UN 
GLTR 
SBT.U 

PSLV 

JB 

SVR.UN 
SBT.U 

SIVR 

MSL 

JB 

ZKB 

SIVR 

PHAG 

MSL 

SLV 

ZKB 

CEF 

PHAG 

SLV 

CEF 

06 

06 

$/Ounce 
40 
45 
35 
40 
30 
35 
25 
30 
20 
25 
15 
20 
10 
15 
5 
10 
0 
5 

0 

Million Ounces 
1100 

Million Ounces 
1000 
1100 
900 
1000 
800 
900 
700 
800 
600 
700 
500 
600 
400 
500 
300 
400 
200 
300 

$/Ounce 
40 
45 
35 
40 
30 
35 
25 
30 
20 
25 
15 
20 
10 
15 
5 
10 
0 
5 

0 

Million Ounces 
1100 

Million Ounces 
1000 
1100 
900 
1000 
800 
900 
700 
800 
600 
700 
500 
600 
400 
500 
300 
400 
200 
300 

75  77  79  81  83  85  87  89  91  93  95  97  99  01  03  05  07  09  11 

75  77  79  81  83  85  87  89  91  93  95  97  99  01  03  05  07  09  11 

Fabrication Demand 

Fabrication Demand 

Supply 

Supply 

60  63  66  68  72  75  78  81  84  87  90  93  96  99  02  05  08  11p 

200 

200 

60  63  66  68  72  75  78  81  84  87  90  93  96  99  02  05  08  11p 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

A NERVOUS WORLD PUSHES 
INVESTMENT DEMAND
Investment demand also rose in 
2010. Precarious political, debt and 
market forces continued to funnel 
cash into silver and gold as safe 
havens. Inflation and interest rate 
concerns, along with sovereign 
debt worries, remained key factors 
in the flight to safety which was 
marked by record purchases of ETF 
shares and silver coins. However, 
investment demand was also driven 
increasingly by speculation that 
fabrication demand will continue 
its climb.

MEXICO: LARGEST SILVER 
PRODUCER IN THE WORLD
Of interest in 2010 was Mexico’s 
rise to the world’s top silver 
producing country, overtaking Peru. 
Part of this surge was attributed to 
the opening of Goldcorp’s massive 
Penasquito mine and production 
increases at other major mines. 

2011: MORE OF THE SAME
Looking ahead, silver market 
dynamics for 2011 are likely to 
mirror those of 2010 and produce 
further increases in both demand 
and supply. Which force wins out 
as the primary market catalyst, 
however, is not as easy to predict. 
If inflation and interest rates trend 
higher, driven by both sovereign 
debt worries and recovering 
economies, silver may well reach 
record prices again in 2011.

64.0
Solar Panels

176.2
Other Uses

FABRICATION
DEMAND
FOR SILVER
Total Fabrication Demand

for Silver in 2010:

844.8 Million Ounces

220.4
Electronics
and Batteries

ETF SILVER
HOLDINGS
Exchange Traded Funds’

Physical Silver Holdings

Silver analysis and graphs provided

MM Oz 

700 

600 

500 

MM Oz 

700 

400 

600 

300 

500 

200 

400 

100 

0 

300 

200 

100 

0 

103.4
Photography

280.8
Jewelry and
Silverware

MM Oz 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

MM Oz 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

11 

$/Ounce 
45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Million Ounces 
1100 

28

1000 

900 

$/Ounce 
45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

75  77  79  81  83  85  87  89  91  93  95  97  99  01  03  05  07  09  11 

75  77  79  81  83  85  87  89  91  93  95  97  99  01  03  05  07  09  11 

Fabrication Demand 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

Million Ounces 
1100 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

Fabrication Demand 

60  63  66  68  72  75  78  81  84  87  90  93  96  99  02  05  08  11p 

Supply 

60  63  66  68  72  75  78  81  84  87  90  93  96  99  02  05  08  11p 

$/Ounce 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

1100 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

Million Ounces 

$/Ounce 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

Million Ounces 

1100 

1000 

Supply 

WITE 
GLTR 
PSLV 
SVR.UN 
SBT.U 
JB 
SIVR 
MSL 
ZKB 
PHAG 
SLV 
CEF 

WITE 
GLTR 
PSLV 
SVR.UN 
SBT.U 
JB 
SIVR 
MSL 
ZKB 
PHAG 
SLV 
CEF 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
Financial Review
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010

29

pg.30
Management’s
Discussion and
Analysis

pg.56
Consolidated
Financial
Statements

pg.62
Independent 
Auditor’s Report 
on Consolidated 
Financial Statements

pg.86
Corporate
Information

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  (“MD&A”)  is  intended  to  help  the  reader  understand  the 
significant factors that have affected Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (“Fortuna” or the 
“Company”) performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. For a comprehensive 
understanding of Fortuna’s financial condition and results of operations, this MD&A should be read in 
conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for year ended December 
31, 2010 and the related notes contained therein. The Company reports its financial position, results 
of operations and cash flows in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles 
(“Canadian  GAAP”).  In  addition,  the  following  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2009,  the  related  MD&A, 
and  Fortuna’s  Annual  Information  Form  (available  on  SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com).  This  MD&A  refers 
to various non-GAAP measures, such as cash cost per tonne of processed ore, cash cost per ounce of 
payable  silver,  adjusted  net  income  (loss),  cash  generated  by  operating  activities  before  changes  in 
working capital, used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance and ability to 
generate cash and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance. 
Cash costs are presented as they represent an industry standard method of comparing certain costs on 
a per unit basis. The Company believes that certain investors use these non-GAAP measures to evaluate 
the Company’s performance. Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized meaning. Accordingly, non-
GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance 
prepared in accordance with GAAP. To facilitate a better understanding of these measures as calculated 
by the Company, we have provided detailed descriptions and reconciliations where applicable.

This document contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the cautionary language under the 
heading “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information” below.

BUSINESS OF
THE COMPANY

Fortuna  Silver  Mines  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  is  a  mining  company  focused  on  producing  silver  and 
base metals and developing silver projects in Latin America. The Company’s principal assets are the 
Caylloma Polymetallic Mine in southern Peru and the San Jose Silver-Gold Project in southern Mexico.  

RECENT 
DEVELOPMENTS 
AND 2010 
HIGHLIGHTS

Financial Results

During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Company generated a net income of $12.96 million 
(2009: $0.62 million) on operating income of $30.11 million (2009: $14.38 million) and sales of 
$74.06 million (2009: $51.43 million). Record results were driven by increased silver production and 
higher silver and base metal prices. 

30

Silver  metal  production  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010  was  1,906,423  ounces,  13% 
above 2009. The increase was due to a combination of higher throughput (10%) and higher silver head 
grades (3%). Silver comprised 48% of revenue and the realized silver price was $19.05 per ounce.  
Cash cost per ounce, net of by-product credits, was negative $7.73. See the page 12 for reconciliation 
of cash cost to the cost of sales.

Adjusting for the mark-to-market effect on commodity contracts and a foreign exchange loss on the 
repatriation of funds from the Company’s Peruvian subsidiary (included in the $2.70 million foreign 
exchange loss recorded for the year) 2010 adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) totalled $11.29 
million (2009: $2.37 million). 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RECENT 
DEVELOPMENTS 
AND 2010 
HIGHLIGHTS

(continued)

NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR 
   Items of note, net of tax:
      Mark to Market effect on derivatives(1) 
Foreign exchange loss on repatriation
of funds from subsidiary(1) 
Stock-based compensation(1) 
ADJUSTED NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR(1) 

(1)   A non-GAAP measure 

                       Expressed in $ millions
                   Years ended December 31,
2010 
12.96 

$ 

$ 

(1.33) 

2.10 
(2.44) 
11.29 

$ 

$ 

2009 
0.62

1.75

- 
-
2.37

Cash generated by operating activities before changes in working capital (a non-GAAP measure) for the 
year totalled $22.11 million, up from $15.91 million in 2009. 

San Jose Mine Construction

Construction activities for the San Jose Project commenced in the second quarter of 2010 and are 
on schedule for completion and commissioning of the mine in the third quarter of 2011 at an initial 
annual production rate of 1,000 tpd yielding 1.8 million oz silver and 16,000 oz gold. To the end of 
January 2011, $29.1 million had been invested in construction or 52% of CAPEX.

Corporate Highlights

The Company’s common shares began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) at the opening of 
trading on Monday, January 18, 2010 under the symbol “FVI”. 

In 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with the Bank of Nova Scotia for a $20 million 
senior secured revolving credit facility to be refinanced or repaid before December 2012.

On  March  3,  2010,  the  Company  closed  a  bought-deal  public  offering  for  total  gross  proceeds  of 
CAD$34.5 million. The Company issued 15,007,500 shares at a price of CAD$2.30 per share.

On  December  23,  2010,  the  Company  closed  a  second  bought-deal  public  offering  for  total  gross 
proceeds  of  CAD$46  million.  The  Company  issued  11,500,000  shares  at  a  price  of  CAD$4.00  per 
share.

On June 2010, the Company appointed Mr. Cesar Pera as Vice President of Human Resources.

On July 2010, the Company announced changes to the Board of Directors with the appointment of Mr. 
Robert Gilmore and the resignation of Mr. Richard Clark.

On  August  2010,  the  Company  announced  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Jeffrey  Franzen  to  the  Board  of 
Directors. 

31

        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  SELECTED ANNUAL 
INFORMATION

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Expressed in $000’s, except per share data 
Sales 
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest 
Net income (loss) 
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted 

Total assets 

Long term liability 

                               Years Ended December 31, 

2010 
74,056 
26,975 
12,955 
0.12 

2009 
51,428 
6,312 
623 
0.01 

2008
24,867
687
(910)
(0.01)

243,183 

139,738 

115,368

3,166 

1,454 

1,382

In 2010, the Company generated record sales of $74.06 million compared to $51.43 million in 2009.  
This increase was primarily driven by higher silver prices (38%) and higher silver sales volume (15%).  
Total assets increased by 74% to $243.18 million with the proceeds from the $73.9 million bought-
deal financings for the development of the San Jose Project.

In 2009, the Company generated sales of $51.43 million compared to $24.87 million in 2008.  This 
increase  was  also  primarily  driven  by  higher  silver  and  lead  head  grades,  in  particular  silver  grades 
which increased by 64%, higher throughput, and reduced concentrate treatment charges.   

QUARTERLY 
INFORMATION

The following table provides information for the eight fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2010:

Expressed in $000’s, except per share data

          Quarters Ended 

Sales 
Mine operating 
   income (loss) 
Operating income 
Net income (loss)  
Earning (loss) 
   per share  - basic 

- diluted 

31-Dec-10  30-Sep-10  30-Jun-10  31-Mar-10  31-Dec-09  30-Sep-09  30-Jun-09  31-Mar-09
8,980

16,356  

18,039  

12,862  

17,543  

14,565  

13,230  

23,908  

16,203  
10,570  
4,222  

0.04 
0.04  

9,963  
4,678  
(2,542)  

(0.02)  
(0.02)  

7,996  
6,972  
5,980  

0.05  
0.05  

10,765  
7,891  
5,296  

10,375  
5,563  
1,037 

0.05  
0.05  

0.01  
0.01  

7,074  
4,388  
 (556)  

(0.01)  
(0.01)  

6,792  
4,355  
1,196  

0.01  
0.01  

3,487
76
(1,054)

(0.02)
(0.02)

The past eight quarters demonstrate a clear trend of sales growth. This trend reflects both the recovery 
in metal prices since the beginning of 2009 and increased silver output from the Caylloma mine. Sales 
and operating income in the second and third quarters of 2010 reflect a decrease in base metal prices 
during the period.

32

Even though the Company achieved higher sales in Q4 and Q3 2010 as compared to Q2 2010 resulted 
in lower net income primarily as result of the following:   higher production cash cost of 13% for Q3 
and 7% for Q4;  stock-based compensation expense of $1.22 million and $0.76 million in Q3 and 
Q4 2010, respectively, compared to a recovery of $2.40 million in Q2 2010; net losses on commodity 
contracts of $3.18 million in Q3 2010 and $0.73 million in Q4 2010 compared to a gain of $2.90 
million in Q2 2010; higher foreign exchanges losses in Q3 2010 of $1.4 million, as compared to Q2 
2010 of $0.36 million; and, write off of deferred exploration costs in Q3 2010 of $0.44 million.

The fourth quarter of 2010 net income of $4.22 million is primarily attributable to the record sales of 
$23.91 million, offset by a commodity contract loss of $0.73 million, a foreign exchange loss of $0.30 
million, stock-based compensation expense of $0.76 million and bonus accrual of $0.48 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS

San Jose Mine Construction

The Company anticipates that the San Jose Project, currently under construction in Mexico, will begin 
to contribute both silver and gold ounces starting in the third quarter of 2011 allowing the Company to 
maintain its organic silver production growth in 2011.  

Construction Highlights to March 23, 2011

•	 Processing	plant	construction	is	33%	complete.		Foundation	work	for	crushers,	milling,	flotation,	
thickening and filtering areas is complete.  Mounting and installation of major plant equipment was 
initiated in January 2011.  The 13’ x 19.5’ ball mill has been mounted where the milling section 
is 42% advanced.  The three stage crushing circuit is being mounted and installed with a 66% 
advance. Flotation cells have arrived on site and thickeners are being mounted and installed.

•	 Tailings	dam	construction	was	concluded	in	January	2011.
•	 The	8MW	power	substation	construction	and	commissioning	has	been	concluded;	connection	to	the	

national grid is expected in March 2011.

•	 The	mine	access	ramp	has	reached	the	1,400	meter	elevation,	where	the	first	production	level	is	

being developed.

•	 Three	stopes	are	being	developed	and	prepared	for	the	start	of	production	in	the	third	quarter	at	the	
initial rate of 1,000 tpd; Stope K is being developed on the Trinidad, Fortuna and Bonanza veins 
on sub-level 1430.  Stopes L and M are being developed on level 1400. Overall advance on stope 
preparation is 115% against the program.

•	 To	December	31,	2010	the	mine	had	built	an	ore	stock	pile	of	6,816	tonnes	grading	234	g/t	Ag	
and 2.13 g/t Au.  The Company anticipates an inventory of approximately 30,000 tonnes before the 
start of commercial operations in the third quarter of 2011.
•	 Water	pipeline	installation	to	the	mine	site	is	87%	advanced.

Processing Plant and Ancillary Facilities

Construction of the 1,500 tpd processing plant and ancilliary facilities are on schedule for commissioning 
at an initial rate of 1,000 tpd in the third quarter of 2011.

33

The  processing  plant  has  no  long  lead  equipment  on  critical  path.    Purchase  orders  for  all  plant 
equipment have been placed with equipment arriving on-site according to schedule.  Processing plant 
construction is 33% complete. 

Foundation work for crushers, milling, flotation, thickening and filtering areas is complete.  Mounting 
and installation of major plant equipment was initiated in January 2011. The 13’ x 19.5’ ball mill has 
been mounted where the milling section is 42% advanced.  The three stage crushing circuit is being 
mounted  and  installed  with  a  66%  advance.  Flotation  cells  have  arrived  on  site  and  thickeners  are 
being mounted and installed.

Tailings Dam

Construction of the tailings dam was concluded in January 2011.  The tailings dam is currently prepared 
to store water for the commissioning of the processing plant.  The Conagua (National Water Commission 
of Mexico responsible for the management and preservation of national waters and their inherent goods 
in order to achieve sustainable use, with joint responsibility of the three tiers of government - federal, 
state, and municipal, and society as a whole) technical observations to the design of the tailings facility 
were addressed with state and federal Conagua authorities.  The Company expects approval of the final 
Conagua permit in the coming weeks.

 
RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Underground Mine Development

In  December,  the  main  access  ramp  reached  the  1400  meter  elevation  -the  first  production  level- 
allowing for the development of production stopes K, L and M for start-up of production at an initial 
mining rate of 1,000 tpd.  

Vein  widths  and  grades  for  the  Trinidad,  Fortuna  and  Bonanza  veins  intersect  on  level  1400  and 
sublevel 1430 are in line with the geologic resource model. 

Water Sourcing

The  Ocotlan  grey  water  treatment  plant  is  fully  operational  and  the  quality  of  the  water  obtained  is 
within design parameters. 

The pipeline to carry water from the grey water treatment plant to the Project site is 87% complete.  
Negotiations with a neighboring community are taking place to install the remaining two kilometers 
of the pipeline.  Inflow to the process from the grey water treatment facility is required twenty months 
after the start of commercial operations.

Power Substation

Construction of the transformer and switching stations has been completed.  Commissioning has been 
concluded and connection to the national power grid is expected during March, 2011. 

Caylloma Ag-Pb-Zn Mine

Caylloma Mine Production 

Tonnes milled 
Average tons milled per day 

Silver* 
   Grade (g/t) 
   Recovery %* 
   Production (Oz)* 
Lead
   Grade (%)  
   Recovery %  
   Production (000’s lb)  
Zinc
   Grade (%)  
   Recovery %  
   Production (000’s lb)  
Copper
   Production (000’s lb)  
Unit Costs
   Production cash cost (US$/oz ag)** 
   Production cash cost (US$/tonne)  
   Unit Net Smelter Return (US$/tonne)  

* Silver in lead and copper concentrates
** Net of by-product credits

                   Years ended December 31,  
2009
395,560
1,121

2010 
434,656 
1,231  

159.24  
85.67  
1,906,423  

154.76
85.40
1,682,546

2.44  
91.28  
21,373  

3.10  
87.99  
26,137  

1,026  

(7.73)  
51.20  
163.59  

3.10
93.02
25,137

3.66
89.07
28,442

190

(4.86)
46.27
124.07

34

 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

(continued)

Silver production of 1,906,423 ounces, a 13% increase over the 1,682,546 ounces in 2009, exceeded 
2010 guidance by 12%. This increase is attributable to an increase in mill throughput of 10%, an 
increase in silver recoveries of 0.3% and a 3% increase in silver head grade. 

Cash cost per payable ounce silver in 2010 was negative $7.73 net of by-product credits compared to 
negative $4.86 in 2009. The change was attributable to an increased revenue from by-product credits 
and  increased  payable  silver  ounces  of  38%  and  16%,  respectively,  offset  by  an  11%  increase  in 
refining charges. See page 12 for reconciliation of cash production cost to the cost of sales.

The mill treated 434,656 tonnes of ore in 2010, compared to 395,560 tonnes in the prior year. The 
cash cost per tonne was $51.20 compared to $46.27 in 2009. Cash cost is a non-GAAP measure, see 
page 12 for reconciliation of cash cost to the cost of sales.

Zinc and lead production during 2010 decreased by 8% and 15%, respectively, compared to 2009.  
This decrease was related to a shift in the mine plan designed to replace the polymetallic ore from the 
Animas vein with higher grade silver ore from level 6 in the upper part of Animas vein.  The mine plan 
shift was made because of lower than expected grades from the Bateas silver vein which lead to an 
acceleration of the incorporation of level 6 into the production plan. 

Cash cost per tonne of treated ore for the year 2010 increased by 11% to $51.20 compared to 2009. 
The cost variation reflected a 2010 upward revision of underground mine contractor tariffs and labor 
costs directed towards reducing personnel rotation at operations, higher preparation and breakage costs 
at the mine, commencement of ore control drilling in 2010, local currency appreciation and preventive 
equipment maintenance plans that have been successful in increasing plant availability by 3% to 4%. 

In 2010, 71%  (2009: 85%) ore was sourced from the central and lower levels of Animas vein, 17% from 
level 6 in the upper part of Animas vein, and 11% (2009: 15%) from Bateas, Soledad, and Silvia veins. 

Total mine development and preparation in 2010 was 12,110 meters, 56% in the Animas vein and 
44%  in  the  high-grade  silver  veins.    The  main  focus  of  development  in  Animas  vein  was  to  extend 
mineralization along-strike towards the northeast on  levels 10 and 12, and preparation of  resource 
blocks between level 10 and level 12 with infrastructure as the mine plan extends below level 10 in 
2011.  In the upper part of Animas development and preparation was focused on incorporating level 6 
into the production plan. 

In the high grade Soledad and Silvia silver veins mine development and preparation was aimed mainly 
below current working levels.  

In the high-grade Bateas vein exploration and development drifting focused on extending  mineralization 
along-strike to the east and resulted in the discovery of high-grade silver ore shoots on levels 10 and 
12 as reported in the press release of December 15, 2010.

The main capital projects executed in 2010 were a tailings reclassification plant for $0.48 million, 
and the finalization of the feasibility study for the new tailings dam facility with an estimated total cost 
of $4.2 million.  The tailings reclassification plant will allow an increase in the percentage of tailings 
available for backfill material and the first stage of the new tailings dam will provide 7.5 years of life 
at current production levels.

In January 2011 production of copper-silver concentrate was discontinued at Caylloma due to a material 
deterioration in commercial treatment terms with respect to 2010. The Company is monitoring market 
conditions to evaluate restarting the circuit.  Copper accounted for 4% of sales in 2010 (2009: 1%).   

35

RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Caylloma Mine Concentrates 

                   Years ended December 31,  
2009

2010 

Zinc
   Opening Inventory (t)  
   Production (t)  
   Sales (t)  
   Adjustment (t)  
   Closing Inventory (t)  
   Ag in concentrate (g/t)  
   Zn in concentrate (%)  
Lead
   Opening Inventory (t)  
   Production (t)  
   Sales (t)  
   Adjustment (t)  
   Closing Inventory (t)  
   Ag in concentrate (g/t)  
   Pb in concentrate (%)  
Copper
   Opening Inventory (t)  
   Production (t)  
   Sales (t)  
   Adjustment (t)  
   Closing Inventory (t)  
   Ag in concentrate (g/t)  
   Cu in concentrate (%)  

Financial Results

369  
22,291  
22,419  
22  
263  
96  
53  

408  
15,015  
15,250  
14  
188  
1,499  
65  

46  
2,085  
2,117  
15  
29  
17,644  
22  

295
23,700
23,563
(63)
369
95
54

17
18,078
17,715
28
408
2,567
63

0
411
366
1
46
14,496
21

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010  the  Company  generated  net  income  of  $12.96  million 
(2009: $0.62 million) on operating income of $30.11 million (2009: $14.38 million). 

Sales for the year were $74.06 million (2009: $51.43 million).  Increased sales were partially offset in 
operating income by a higher cash cost per tonne of $51.20 (2009: $46.27). Operating income also 
includes higher corporate selling, general and administrative expenses of $5.23 million compared to 
2009.  These expenses were associated with the growth of the Company, legal fees related to the credit 
facility, development of corporate projects and bonus payments. 

36

Net income includes commodity contracts gain of $0.74 million (2009: loss $7.36 million), foreign 
exchange  loss  of  $2.70  million  (2009:  $0.65  million),  and  stock-based  compensation  recovery  of 
$0.42 million (2009: expense $2.71 million).

Sales  increased  by  44%  to  $74.06  million  (2009:  $51.43  million)  compared  to  a  year  ago.  The 
increase is primarily attributable to higher silver prices (38%) and higher sales volume (15%). Zinc 
and lead metal sold were below last year (7% and 11%, respectively) with zinc and lead prices above 
last year (31% and 25%, respectively).

 
RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Caylloma Mine Metal Sold and Prices 

                  Years ended December 31,  
2010 

2009

Silver
   Sales (Oz)*  
   Realized Price (US$/Oz)**  
   Average Price (US$/Oz)  
Lead
   Sales (000’s lb)*  
   Realized Price (US$/lb)**  
   Average Price (US$/lb)  
Zinc
   Sales (000’s lb)*  
   Realized Price (US$/lb)**  
   Average Price (US$/lb)  
Copper
   Sales (000’s lb)*  
   Realized Price (US$/lb)**  
   Average Price (US$/lb)  
Gold
   Sales (Oz)*  
   Realized Price (US$/Oz)**  
   Average Price (US$/Oz)  

1,894,703  
19.05  
20.16  

21,461  
0.80  
0.97  

26,306  
0.60  
0.98  

1,021  
2.67  
3.42  

2,411 
939.45  
1,225.07  

1,645,629
13.75
14.65

24,184
0.61
0.78

28,175
0.42
0.73

163
1.59
2.34

2,397
812.08
972.98

37

* The current and subsequent period may include final settlement quantity adjustments from prior periods.
** Considers deductions, treatment, and refining charges as applicable.
Treatment charges are allocated to the base metals.

Cost  of  sales  increased  by  25%  to  $22.27  million  (2009:  $17.76  million)  compared  to  last  year.  
The  increase  is  primarily  attributable  to  an  11%  higher  unit  production  cash  costs  and  increased 
throughput of 10%.   Refer to Page 7 discussion on cash cost per tonne of treated ore.

Operating income increased by 109% to $30.11 million (2009: $14.38 million) compared to 2009.  
The increase is primarily attributable to higher sales, a 115% decrease in stock-based compensation, a 
59% decrease in write-off of deferred exploration costs and a 15% increase in depletion, depreciation 
and accretion. These savings were offset by a 25% increase in cost of sales, and a 55% increase in 
selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 55%, in 2010, to $14.79 million (2009: 
$9.56 million).  The increase is primarily attributable to corporate general and administrative expenses 
associated with the growth of the Company, legal fees related to the credit facility with the Bank of 
Nova Scotia and bonus payments. 

Corporate general and administrative expenses  
Peruvian subsidiary:
   general and administrative expenses  
   selling expense (including trucking of concentrate)  
   government royalty    

                     Expressed in $ millions
                   Years ended December 31,
2010 
8.32  

$  

$  

$  

$  
$  

2.99  
2.69  
 0.79  
6.47  
14.79  

$  

$  
$  

2009 
4.06

3.08
1.93
0.49
5.50
9.56

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

(continued)

Stock-based  compensation  recovery  of  $0.42  million  (2009:  expense  $2.71  million)  is  primarily 
attributable to the cancellation of 2,665,000 share purchase options as shareholder approval was not 
obtained at the Company’s annual general meeting held on June 23, 2010 resulting in a stock-based 
compensation  recovery  of  $2.44  million.    In  addition,  stock-based  compensation  is  impacted  by  the 
mark-to-market value of the Company’s deferred and restricted share units of $2.02 million (2009: $nil).

Interest  and  other  (expenses)  income  decreased  by  188%  to  an  expense  of  $0.38  million  (2009: 
income  $0.43  million)  compared  to  a  year  ago.    The  increase  in  costs  is  primarily  attributable  to 
the  dividend  withholding  tax  paid  of  $0.27  million  (2009:  $nil)  offset  by  an  increase  in  interest 
income arising from higher interest rates applied to higher cash and cash equivalents and short term 
investments balances.

Interest and finance expenses, increased by 240% to $0.54 million (2009: $0.16 million) compared 
to a year ago.  The increase is primarily attributable to the commitment and standby fees associated 
with the Bank of Nova Scotia credit facility and capital lease obligations at our operating subsidiary.

Net gain (loss) on commodity contract increased to a net gain of $0.74 million (2009: loss ($7.36 
million)). The gain reflected the change in fair value of derivative contracts between the opening of 
the  reporting  period  and  either  the  expiry  of  the  contracts  or  the  closing  of  the  period,  whichever 
happened first. Included in the $0.74 million gain is a mark-to-market effect of $2.12 million ($1.33 
million, net of tax), related to open contracts as at December 31, 2010 expiring March 2011. The 
Company occasionally enters into commodity forward and option contracts to secure a minimum price 
level on part of Caylloma’s zinc and lead metal production.  Additionally, for the unhedged balance 
of production, the Company enters regularly into short term forward lead and zinc and silver option 
contracts to fix the final settlement price of metal delivered in concentrates, where the final settlement 
price is yet to be set at a future quotational period according to contract terms. The Company does not 
use hedge accounting. 

Price protection program - Derivatives

As at December 31, 2010, the Company had the following contracts outstanding:

Type of 
contract 
Forward sale  
Forward sale  
Long put  
Short call  
Long put  
Short call  

Metal 
Lead  
Zinc  
Silver  
Silver  
Silver  
Silver  

Total tonnage (t) 
or ounces (oz) 
210 t  
240 t  
90,000 oz  
90,000 oz  
50,000 oz  
50,000 oz  

Settlement 
period 
March 2011  
March 2011  
January 2011  
January 2011  
January 2011  
January 2011  

Price/t or
Price/oz
$2,500/t
$2,415/t
$28.00/oz
$32.10/oz
$29.00/oz
$31.70/oz

38

Foreign exchange loss, increased four-fold to $2.70 million (2009: $0.65 million).  The increase is 
primarily attributable to the $2.10 million foreign exchange loss realized upon the repatriation of funds 
from the Company’s Peruvian subsidiary.

Income  tax  provision  increased  by  139%  to  $14.02  million  (2009:  $5.87  million).    Income  tax 
provision is comprised of current and future income tax expense. Current income tax for the period, 
including  the  worker  profit  sharing  plan  regulated  by  Peruvian  law,  totalled  $10.94  million  (2009: 
$5.08 million). Future income tax expense, amounting to $3.08 million (2009: $0.79 million) was 
attributed  to  temporary  differences  arising  on  amounts  of  mineral  properties  at  Peruvian  operations 
where exploration and development are expensed for tax purposes.

    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

CASH COST PER
SILVER OUNCE
AND CASH COST
PER TONNE 

(Non-Gaap
Measures)

Cash cost per ounce and cash cost per tonne are key performance measures that management uses 
to monitor performance. In addition, cash costs are presented as they represent an industry standard 
method  of  comparing  certain  costs  on  a  per  unit  basis.  Management  believes  that  certain  investors 
use these non-GAAP measures to evaluate the Company’s performance. These performance measures 
have  no  meaning  within  Canadian  Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles  (“Canadian  GAAP”) 
and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining 
companies. 

The following table presents a reconciliation of cash costs per tonne of processed ore and cash cost per 
ounce of payable silver to the cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years 
ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Cost of sales  
Add / (Subtract)
Change in concentrate inventory  
Inventory adjustment  
Depletion, depreciation, and accretion  
Cash cost  

      $’000’s

                  Years ended December 31,  
2009
23,699

2010 
29,129  

(305)  
290  
(6,859)  
22,255  

549
-
(5,944)
18,304

Total processed ore (tonnes)  

434,656  

395,561

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore ($/t)  

Cash cost  
Add / (Subtract)
By-product credits1  
Refining charges  
Cash cost applicable per payable ounce  

51.20  

22,255  

(37,825)  
1,576  
(13,994)  

46.27

18,304

(27,318)
1,416
(7,598)

Payable silver ounces  

1,811,102  

1,563,775

39

Cash cost per ounce of payable silver ($/oz)  

(7.73)  

(4.86)

1 By-product credits as included in the provisional liquidation

LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL
RESOURCES   

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2010 totalled $70.30 million, and short 
term investments totalled $20.51 million. Working capital amounted to $97.09 million. 

During 2010, cash generated by operating activities before changes in working capital was $22.19 
million. Changes in working capital amounted to $1.08 million, resulting in cash generated by operating 
activities of $21.11 million. 

During  2010,  cash  consumed  by  the  Company  in  investing  activities  totalled  $57.39  million  with 
$16.60 million for mineral properties, $19.82 million for property, plant and equipment, $4.29 million 
for deposits on long term assets, and short term investments of $13.86 million. The total investment 
in San Jose amounted to $27.90 million and included $8.12 million for mineral properties, $15.39 
million for property, plant and equipment, and $4.39 million for deposits on long term assets. 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

 LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL 
RESOURCES   

(continued)

During 2010, cash generated by financing activities totalled $73.69 million comprised of net proceeds 
on the issuance of common shares of $74.92 million less the repayment of capital lease obligations 
of $1.23 million.

In 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with the Bank of Nova Scotia for a $20 million 
senior secured revolving credit facility (“credit facility”) to be refinanced or repaid on or within two and 
one-half years or before December 2012. The credit facility is secured by a first ranking lien on Bateas 
and its assets and bears interest and fees at prevailing market rates. No funds were drawn from this 
credit facility during the year. 

The  Company  has  raised  funds  from  two  prospectus  financings.  The  details  of  the  expected  use  of 
proceeds and actual use of proceeds are discussed below.

Prospectus February 18, 2010 Closed March 2, 2010

San Jose Project Financing
Expressed in CAD $ millions 

Actual Use of 
Proceeds** 
3.3  
$  
4.8  
3.9  
2.4  
2.2  
1.0  
17.6  

$  

Variance
3.4 
11.8 
(2.0)
0.6  
(2.2) 
(1.0)
10.6

$  

$  

$  

Expected Use 
of Proceeds* 
6.7  
16.6  
1.9  
3.0  
-  
-  
28.2  

$  

Mine development  
Processing plant  
Tailings dam  
Water and Infrastructure  
Energy supply  
Construction management  
Total  

*excludes over-allotment 
**US CAD FX rate at 1.0 

Prospectus December 17, 2010 Closed December 23, 2010

San Jose Project Financing**
Expressed in CAD $ millions 

Expected Use 
of Proceeds* 
14.5  
5.5  
17.7  

$  

$  

37.7  

Planned expansion  
Exploration programs  
Working capital  
Water and Infrastructure   
Energy supply  
Construction management 
Total  

*excludes over-allotment
** funds to be utilized post development

$  

Actual Use of 
Proceeds 
-  
-  
-  
-  
 -  
 -  
-  

$  

Variance
14.5
5.5
17.7
-
-
-
37.7

$  

$  

40

Management believes the Company’s cash position, along with its ongoing operation in Caylloma and 
the  credit  facility,  is  sufficient  to  support  the  Company’s  operating  and  capital  requirements  on  an 
ongoing basis. Actual funding requirements may vary from those planned due to further acquisition 
opportunities. Management believes it will be able to raise equity capital or access debt facilities as 
required in both the short and long term, but it recognizes the uncertainty attached thereto. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL 
RESOURCES   

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Guarantees and Indemnifications (expressed in $’000’s)

The Company may provide guarantees and indemnifications in conjunction with transactions in the normal 
course of operations. These are recorded as liabilities when reasonable estimates of the obligations can 
be made. Indemnifications that the Company has provided include obligation to indemnify:

•	 directors	and	officers	of	the	Company	and	its	subsidiaries	for	potential	liability	while	acting	as	a	
director or officer of the Company, together with various expenses associated with defending and 
settling such suits or actions due to association with the Company;

•	 certain	vendors	of	acquired	company	for	obligations	that	may	or	may	not	have	been	known	at	the	

date of the transaction.

The Caylloma mine closure plan was approved in November 2009 with total closure costs of $3,587 of 
which $1,756 is subject to an annual collateral in the form of a letter of guarantee, to be awarded each 
year in increments of $146 over 12 years, and is based on the estimated life of the mine.

Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.,  a  third  party,  has  established  a  bank  letter  of  guarantee  on 
behalf of Bateas in favor of the Peruvian mining regulatory agency in compliance with local regulation 
associated  with  the  approved  Bateas’  mine  closure  plan,  for  the  sum  of  $293.  This  bank  letter  of 
guarantee expires 360 days from December 2010.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., has also established bank letters of guarantee totalling $54 to 
provide an annual guarantee associated with an office lease contract and truck rentals. These bank 
letters of guarantee expire 360 days from June 2010. 

Interbank,  a  third  party,  has  renewed  the  bank  letter  of  guarantee  in  the  amount  of  $2,  in  favor  of 
the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines, to allow a temporary concession to study electric power 
generation in the hydro electric power plant, to expire April 2011.

The Company acts as guarantor to capital lease obligations held by two of its mining contractors.  These 
capital lease contracts are related to the acquisition of mining equipment deployed at the Caylloma 
mine.  As at December 31, 2010, these obligations amounted to $711 with $231 and $480 maturing 
in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

41

OFF-BALANCE
SHEET 
ARRANGEMENTS

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or commitments that are expected 
to  have  a  current  or  future  effect  on  our  financial  condition,  results  of  operations,  liquidity,  capital 
expenditures, or capital resources that is material to investors, other than those disclosed in this MD&A 
and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

RELATED PARTY 
TRANSACTIONS 

The Company incurred charges from directors, officers, and companies having a common director or 
officer as follows: 

(Expressed
in $’000’S)

Transactions with related parties 
Consulting fees 1  
Salaries and wages 2,3  
Other general and administrative expenses 3  

                      Expressed in $’000’s
                   Years ended December 31,
2010 
175  
174  
185  
534  

$  

$  

$  

$ 

2009 
145
122
159
426

1Consulting fees includes fees paid to two directors, Simon Ridgway and Mario Szotlender.
2 Salaries and wages includes employees’ salaries and benefits charged to the Company based on an estimated percentage of the actual hours worked for the Company.
2, 3 Radius Gold Inc. (“Radius”) has directors in common with the Company and shares office space, and is reimbursed for various general and administrative costs incurred on 
behalf of the Company.

     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RELATED PARTY 
TRANSACTIONS 
(EXPRESSED IN 
$’000’S)

(continued)

In September 2009, the Company was granted an option to acquire a 60% interest in the Tlacolula 
silver project located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico from Radius.    

Amounts due to/(from) related parties are comprised of the following:

Amounts due to/(from) related parties 
Owing (from)/to a director and officer4  
Owing to a company with common directors3  

                       Expressed in $’000’s
   December 31, 2010  
$  
$  
$  

(1)   $  
$  
41  
$  
40  

December 31, 2009 
(1)
50
49

4Owing from a director includes non-interest bearing advances to Jorge A. Ganoza Durant at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

The transactions with related parties are measured at the agreed upon exchange amount, which is the 
amount of consideration established and agreed upon by the parties. The balances with related parties 
are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and payable in the normal course of business.

CRITICAL 
ACCOUNTING 
ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets 
and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  dates  of  the  consolidated 
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. 
These estimates and assumptions are based on established industry standards, historical experience, 
and are reviewed on an ongoing basis to confirm their continued applicability.

Depletion and Mineral Properties Cost

Mineral property costs are comprised of acquisition costs and capitalized exploration, construction, and 
development costs. Upon initiating production, the asset is depleted over its estimated useful life on 
a units-of-production basis. The Company estimates reserves and resources and the economic life of 
its mines and utilizes this information to calculate depletion expense. Depletion charges are adjusted 
prospectively based on periodic re-assessments of the Company’s mineral reserves.

The estimate of mineral reserves is prepared by Qualified Persons in accordance with industry standards 
defined under NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities regulatory authorities. Mineral reserve estimates can 
change over time as a result of numerous factors, including changes in metal prices, production costs, 
or the re-evaluation of geological, engineering, and economic data of a deposit. A significant reduction in 
mineral reserves would have a negative impact on the calculation of the depletion of this asset.

42

Asset Retirement Obligations

Fortuna’s determination for asset retirement obligations involves estimation of timing and amounts of 
future costs relating to ongoing environmental and mine closure activities required under applicable 
law or the Company’s own remediation plans. These estimates are subject to significant uncertainties 
because many of these costs will not be incurred for a number of years, the nature of the reclamation 
activities  might  change  and  the  assumptions  regarding  the  rate  of  inflation  and  credit  risk-adjusted 
interest rate used in the calculation may vary over time. Therefore, actual costs and their timing might 
differ from current estimates.

     
 
 
CRITICAL 
ACCOUNTING 
ESTIMATES

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Management  reviews  and  evaluates  its  long-lived  assets  for  impairment  when  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Examples of such 
events or circumstances are changes in metal prices, sudden physical deterioration of the asset, legal 
circumstances or political risks in the countries Fortuna operates, or other external factors which could 
have a significant impact on the operations of the Company. Impairment is considered to exist if total 
estimated future cash flows or probability-weighted cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than 
the carrying amount of the assets, including mineral property, plant and equipment and non-producing 
property. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash 
flows or the application of an expected present value technique to estimate fair value in the absence 
of a market price. Future cash flows include recoverable proven and probable reserves and a portion 
of recoverable resources, silver, zinc, copper, lead and gold prices (considering current and historical 
prices, price trends and related factors), production levels, capital and reclamation costs, all based on 
detailed engineering life-of-mine plans. Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates are subject 
to risks and uncertainties. Any differences between significant assumptions and market conditions and/
or the Company’s performance could have a material effect on any impairment provision, and on the 
Company’s financial position and results of operations. 

Income Taxes

The estimation of the Company’s future tax liabilities and assets involves significant judgment around a 
number of assumptions. Judgement must be used to determine the Company’s future earning potential, 
and the expected timing of the reversal of future tax assets and liabilities. Further uncertainties are 
the result of interpretation of tax legislation in a number of jurisdictions which might differ from the 
ultimate assessment of the tax authorities. These differences may affect the final amount or the timing 
of the payment of taxes. 

Stock-based Compensation

i.   Stock Option Plan

The  Company  records  all  stock-based  compensation  relating  to  options  granted  using  the  fair  value 
method such that stock-based payments are measured at fair value and expensed over their vesting 
period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus.  Upon exercise of share purchase options, 
the  consideration  paid  by  the  option  holder,  together  with  the  amount  previously  recognized  in 
contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital.  

ii.   Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU”)

The Company’s DSU compensation liability is accounted for based on the number of units outstanding 
and the market value of the Company’s common shares at the balance sheet date.  The year-over-year 
change in the deferred share unit compensation liability is recognized in operating income.

iii.   Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU”)

The Company recognizes a compensation cost in operating income on a prescribed vesting basis for 
each RSU granted equal to the market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of which 
RSUs are awarded to each participant prorated over the performance period and adjusts for changes in 
the market value until the end of the performance date.  The cumulative effect of the change in market 
value is recognized in operating income in the period of change.

43

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
 AND RELATED 
RISKS

The  Company’s  financial  instruments  are  exposed  to  certain  financial  risks,  including  currency  risk, 
credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk, and price risk. The Company’s Board of Directors has overall 
responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework and 
reviews the Company’s policies on an ongoing basis.

(a) Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable, accounts 
payable  and  accrued  liabilities,  and  due  to  related  parties  approximate  their  fair  value  due  to  the 
relatively short periods to maturity and the terms of these financial instruments.  

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and 
information  about  the  financial  instrument.  These  estimates  are  subjective  in  nature  and  involve 
uncertainties and matters of significant judgement and, therefore cannot be determined with precision. 
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

The analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value 
can be categorized into Levels 1 to 3 based upon the degree to which the fair value is observable.

•	 Level	 1	 -	 inputs	 to	 the	 valuation	 methodology	 are	 quoted	 (unadjusted)	 for	 identical	 assets	 or	

liabilities in active markets.

•	 Level	 2	 -	 inputs	 to	 valuation	 methodology	 include	 quoted	 market	 prices	 for	 similar	 assets	 and	
liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 
or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

•	 Level	3	-	inputs	to	the	valuation	methodology	are	unobservable	and	significant	to	the	fair	value	of	

measurement.

The Company has classified the determination of fair value of accounts receivable, and derivatives as 
level  2,  as  the  valuation  method  used  by  the  Company  includes  an  assessment  of  assets  in  quoted 
markets with significant observable inputs.

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable  
Derivatives 

                 Financial assets (liabilities) at fair value as at December 31, 2010

Level 1 
70,298  
20,509  
-  
 - 
 90,807 

$ 

 $ 

Level 2 
 -  
-  
12,551  
 (133)  
 12,418  

$  
- 

$ 

$  

$ 

Level 3  
-  

$ 

-  
-  
 - 

 $  

There were no changes in the levels during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable  
Derivatives  

                 Financial assets (liabilities) at fair value as at December 31, 2009

Level 1 
30,763 
6,034 
-  
-  
36,797 

$ 

 $  

Level 2 
 - 
 -  
8,322 
(3,055) 
5,267  

 $  

$  

Level 3  
-  
-  
-  
 -  
-  

$  

$  

$  

$  

Total
70,298
20,509
12,551
(133)
103,225

Total
30,763
6,034
8,322
(3,055)
42,064

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
 AND RELATED 
RISKS

(continued)

Accounts  receivable  includes  accounts  receivable  from  provisional  sales.  The  fair  value  of  accounts 
receivable resulting from provisional pricing reflect observable market commodity prices.  Resulting fair 
value changes to accounts receivable are through sales.  Transactions involving accounts receivable are 
with counterparties the Company believes are creditworthy.

Derivatives  are  carried  at  their  fair  value,  which  is  determined  based  on  internal  valuation  models 
that reflect observable forward market commodity prices.  Resulting fair value changes to derivatives 
are  through  net  gain  (loss)  on  commodity  contracts.  Transactions  involving  derivatives  are  with 
counterparties the Company believes to be creditworthy.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, there have been no changes in the classification of financial 
assets and liabilities in level 3 of the hierarchy.

(b) Currency risk

The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates.  The 
Company operates in Canada, Peru, Mexico and Barbados and a portion of its expenses are incurred 
in Canadian dollars, Nuevo Soles, and Mexican Pesos.  A significant change in the currency exchange 
rates between the United States dollar relative to the other currencies could have a material effect on 
the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.  The Company has not hedged its 
exposure to currency fluctuations. 

As at December 31, 2010, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and 
liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars, Nuevo Soles and Mexican Pesos (all amounts are expressed 
in thousands of Canadian dollars, thousands of Nuevo Soles or thousands of Mexican Pesos):

  Expressed in ‘000’s

 December 31, 2010 

  December 31, 2009

45

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable  
Long term investment and receivable  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Long term liability  
Asset retirement obligation  

$   54,782   S/.  
20,514  
71 
-  
 (625) 
(1,999)  
-  

-    
 1,304    
-    
 (27,268)    
-    
(9,169)   

 Canadian 
  Dollars 

  Nuevo 
Soles 
741 

 $  

 Mexican  
  Pesos  

  Canadian 
Dollars 
2,201   $   21,283  
560  
5  
-  
 (194)  
 -  
-  

-  
42,452  
24,209  
(6,390) 
- 
  (19,959)  

S/.  

  Nuevo 
  Soles 
302  
- 
880  
-  
(17,150)  
-  
(8,835)  

  Mexican
Pesos
$   1,283
 -
6,565
-
(623)
-
-

Based on the above net exposure as at December 31, 2010, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 10%
depreciation or appreciation of the US dollar against the above currencies would result in an increase or decrease, expressed in
US dollars, as follows:

Impact to other comprehensive 
   income  
Impact to net income (loss)  

$   8,081

$   (1,360) 

 $  

382

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
 AND RELATED 
RISKS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

(c) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to 
meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short term investments 
are  held  through  large  Canadian,  international  and  foreign  national  financial  institutions.  These 
investments mature at various dates within one year. All of the Company’s trade accounts receivables 
are held with large international metals trading companies.

The  Company  holds  derivative  contracts  with  financial  institutions  and  in  this  regard  is  exposed 
to  counterparty  risk.  The  Company  mitigates  this  risk  by  transacting  only  with  reputable  financial 
institutions to minimize credit risk. 

As at December 31, 2010, the Company has a Mexican value added tax of $3.34 million and Peruvian 
value added tax of $0.14 million. The Company expects to recover the full amounts from the Mexican 
and Peruvian Governments.

(d) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall 
due. The Company manages liquidity risk by continuing to monitor forecasted and actual cash flows. 
The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to 
support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its development plans. 
The Company strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its short term business requirements, taking 
into account its anticipated cash flows from operations, its holdings of cash, short term investments, 
and its committed liabilities. 

The Company expects the following maturities of its financial liabilities (including interest), operating 
leases, and other contractual commitments:

       Expressed in $‘000’s
             Expected payments due by period as at December 31, 2010

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Due to related parties, net  
Derivatives  
Long term liability  
Total1   

$  

$  

Less than 
1 year 
13,496   $ 
40 
133  
1,083  
14,752 

 $ 

  1-3 years 

  4-5 years 

After 
5 years  

 -   $  
 -  
-  
3,243  
 3,243   $ 

-   $  
-  
-  
-  
 -   $  

-   $  
-  
-  
-  
-   $  

Total
13,496
40
133
4,326
17,995

46

1 Amounts above do not include payments related to the following: (i) the Company’s anticipated asset retirement obligation of $4,924 associated with mine closure, land reclamation, 
and other environmental matters.

(e) Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate 
because of changes in market interest rates. The risk that the Company will realize a loss as a result 
of a decline in the fair value is limited because the balances are generally held with major financial 
institutions in demand deposit accounts. 

      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

(f) Metal price risk

The Company is exposed to metals price risk with respect to silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper sold 
through  its  mineral  concentrate  products.  The  Company  mitigates  this  risk  by  implementing  price 
protection programs for some of its zinc and lead production through the use of derivative instruments. 
As a matter of policy, the Company does not hedge its silver production.

FINANCIAL 
INSTRUMENTS
 AND RELATED 
RISKS

(continued)

OTHER DATA

Additional  information  related  to  the  Company  is  available  for  viewing  at  www.sedar.com  and  the 
Company’s website at www.fortunasilver.com.

The Company’s outstanding share position as at March 23, 2011 is 122,749,221 common shares. In 
addition, a total of 4,305,500 incentive stock options are currently outstanding as follows:

SHARE POSITION
AND OUTSTANDING
WARRANTS 
AND OPTIONS

      Type of Security 

No. of Shares 

Incentive Stock Options:  

47

TOTAL OUTSTANDING OPTIONS  

240,000  
200,000  
60,000 
200,000  
7,500  
225,000  
825,000 
225,000  
60,000 
670,000 
20,000  
38,000  
5,000  
25,000  
250,000 
810,000  
240,000  
205,000 
4,305,500

Exercise 
Price 
(CAD$) 

$1.35  
$2.29  
$1.75  
$1.75  
$0.85 
$1.55  
 $1.66 
$1.61  
 $0.85 
 $2.22 
$0.85 
$0.85 
$0.85  
$0.85  
 $2.52 
$0.85 
$0.85  
 $0.83 

Expiry Date

February 5, 2016
March 30, 2016
May 8, 2016
May 22, 2016
 July 5, 2016
July 5, 2016
 July 10, 2016
September 13, 2016
 January 11, 2017
 January 11, 2017
 February 6, 2017
 June 27, 2017
July 2, 2017
October 24, 2017
 February 5, 2018
 October 5, 2018
November 5, 2018
 July 6, 2019

CHANGE IN 
ACCOUNTING
POLICY

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

The Company has not adopted any new accounting standards during the year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RECENTLY 
RELEASED 
CANADIAN 
ACCOUNTING 
STANDARDS

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

The Company has assessed new and revised accounting pronouncements that have been issued and 
determined that the following will have an impact on the Company:

Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 

In 2006, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) published a new strategic plan that will 
significantly affect financial reporting requirements for Canadian companies. The AcSB strategic plan 
outlines the convergence of Canadian GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
over an expected five year transitional period. In February 2008, the AcSB announced that 2011 is the 
changeover date for publicly-listed companies to use IFRS, replacing Canadian GAAP. This date is for 
interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. 
The Company will begin reporting its financial statements in accordance with IFRS on January 1, 2011, 
with comparative figures for 2010.  

The  adoption  date  of  January  1,  2011  will  require  the  restatement,  for  comparative  purposes,  of 
amounts reported by the Company for its year ended December 31, 2010, and of the opening balance 
sheet as at January 1, 2010. 

IFRS Project Overview 

The Company continues to advance through its IFRS transition project plan. 

During 2009, the Company began planning its transition to IFRS. The process consists of three phases: 
Scoping and Diagnostics, Analysis and Development, and Implementation and Review. 

Phase One: Scoping and Diagnostics, which involved project planning and identification of differences 
between  current  Canadian  GAAP  and  IFRS,  was  completed  in  the  third  quarter  of  2009  with  the 
assistance of external advisors. 

The  resulting  identified  areas  of  accounting  difference  of  highest  potential  impact  to  the  Company, 
were:    IFRS  1  “First-time  Adoption  of  IFRS”;  International  Accounting  Standard  (“IAS”)  21  “The 
Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates”; and, IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment”. 

Phase  Two:  Analysis  and  Development  involved  detailed  diagnostics  and  evaluation  of  the  financial 
impacts  of  various  options  and  alternative  methodologies  provided  for  under  IFRS:  identification 
and  design  of  operational  and  financial  processes;  initial  staff  training;  analysis  of  IFRS  1  optional 
exemptions  and  mandatory  exceptions  to  the  general  requirement  for  full  retrospective  application 
upon transition to IFRS; summarization of 2011 IFRS disclosure requirements; and development of 
required solutions to address identified issues.  

Following the completion of the scoping and diagnostic assessment, the Company engaged external 
advisors  to  assist  with  detailed  technical  reviews  of  the  identified  potential  high  impact  areas. 
These  reviews  included  the  identification  of  IFRS  -  Canadian  GAAP  differences,  accounting  policy 
considerations, and preliminary implementation plans. The high impact areas relating to conversion 
include  foreign  currency;  property,  plant  and  equipment;  income  taxes;  and  provisions,  contingent 
liabilities  and  contingent  assets  (including  asset  retirement  obligations).  During  the  second  quarter 
of  2010,  the  technical  review  aspects  of  these  assessments  were  substantially  completed.  During 
the third and fourth quarters of 2010, the Company substantially completed the preliminary opening 
balance sheet quantification of the identified technical differences and quantification of the impacts of 
IFRS transition on the first three quarters of 2010. 

48

  
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RECENTLY 
RELEASED 
CANADIAN 
ACCOUNTING 
STANDARDS

(continued)

Phase Three: Implementation and Review, will involve the execution of changes to information systems 
and  business  processes;  completion  of  formal  authorization  processes  to  approve  recommended 
accounting  policy  changes;  integration  of  appropriate  changes  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  internal 
controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; and further training programs 
across the Company’s finance and other affected areas, as necessary. It will culminate in the collection 
of financial information necessary to compile IFRS-compliant financial statements and reconciliations; 
embedding of IFRS in business processes; and, audit committee approval of IFRS-compliant financial 
statements. This phase commenced in the third quarter of 2010.

The Company will continue to monitor changes in IFRS leading up to the changeover date, and will 
update the conversion plan as required. Changes in circumstances may cause the Company to revise 
its IFRS opening balance sheet and policy choices before the changeover date. The opening balance 
sheet will be published in the first quarter of 2011.

First Time Adoption Elections and Accounting Policy Changes

At the present time the Company is planning to apply five of the 17 elections within IFRS 1 which 
include:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

IFRS	 3	 “Business	 Combinations”	 which	 allows	 an	 entity	 that	 has	 conducted	 prior	 business	
combinations to apply IFRS 3 on a prospective basis only from the date of transition. This avoids 
the  requirement  to  restate  prior  business  combinations,  although  some  adjustments  may  still  be 
necessary. 
IFRS	2	“Share-based	Payment”	which	allows	full	retrospective	application	to	be	avoided	for	certain	share-
based instruments depending on the grant date, vesting terms and settlement of any related liabilities. 
IAS	 21	 “The	 Effects	 of	 Changes	 in	 Foreign	 Exchange	 Rates”	 which	 allows	 for	 the	 cumulative	
translation differences that existed at the date of transition to IFRS to be reset to zero.
IAS	23	“Borrowing	Costs”	which	allows	full	retrospective	application	to	be	avoided	by	electing	an	
effective date as the date of transition, January 1, 2010, to IFRS.
IAS	37	“Provisions,	Contingent	Liabilities	and	Contingent	Assets”	which	allows	a	short	cut	method	in	
recalculating both the decommissioning liability and asset at the transition date of January 1, 2010. 
This avoids the requirement to recalculate the liability retrospectively from the date of recognition 
and then re-measure it at each subsequent reporting period up until the date of transition. 

49

Below is a preliminary summary of the impacts of the high impact areas relating to conversion to IFRS 
and their expected impact on the Company:

a)   Foreign Currency 

Under IAS 21, it is necessary to assess the functional currency of all the Company’s entities based on 
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. In addition, secondary factors may 
also provide evidence of an entity’s functional currency. Once the functional currency is determined, 
it does not change unless there is a change in the underlying nature of the transactions and relevant 
conditions and events.

All  entities  that  have  a  Canadian  GAAP  measurement  currency  that  is  different  than  the  functional 
currency  under  IFRS  will  need  to  translate  their  balance  sheets  to  the  functional  currency  at  the 
transition date. The Company’s preliminary analysis determined that Compania Minera Cuzcatlan S.A. 
de C.V., Fortuna Silver Mines Peru S.A.C., and Recursos del Golfo, S.A. change from a Canadian dollar 
(“CAD$”) measurement currency under Canadian GAAP to a United States dollar (“US$”) functional 
currency under IFRS. 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RECENTLY 
RELEASED 
CANADIAN 
ACCOUNTING 
STANDARDS

(continued)

The Company intends to continue with a US$ presentation currency under IFRS. 

The Company is planning to take the IFRS 1 exemption that resets the cumulative translation adjustment 
balance (“CTA”) to zero, to reduce the conversion effort. This will result in the reclassification of the 
CTA existing balance into deficit on transition to IFRS on January 1, 2010, in the preliminary amount 
of $2.90 million.

The preliminary adjustments for the opening balance sheet includes a foreign currency reduction to 
property, plant and equipment and mineral properties of $0.33 million and $2.20 million, respectively.

b)  Property, Plant and Equipment

Under  IAS  16,  each  part  of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  with  a  cost  that  is  significant 
in  relation  to  the  total  costs  of  an  item  is  depreciated  separately.  This  is  commonly  referred  to  as 
component depreciation. Each separate part is depreciated over its useful economic life to the residual 
value. Under IFRS, the assessment of the useful economic life and the residual value of each part of the 
asset are determined on an annual basis. The Company has completed a detailed review of fixed assets 
and preliminarily concluded that there will be no transitional adjustments as a result of this issue.

Under IFRS, there is an option to use either the cost method or the revaluation model for subsequent 
measurement of classes of property, plant and equipment. The Company plans to continue to use the 
cost method.

Canadian GAAP does not specifically state how to treat borrowing costs related to the construction of 
an asset, whereas IFRS states that borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or 
construction of a qualifying asset shall be capitalized as part of the cost of that asset on a net basis. 
The Company has elected to apply the borrowing cost requirements effective January 1, 2010.

For impairment, Canadian GAAP generally uses a two-step approach to testing: first comparing asset 
carrying values with undiscounted future cash flows to determine whether impairment exists, and then 
measuring any impairment by comparing asset carrying values with fair values. IAS 36, “Impairment of 
Assets”, uses a one-step approach for both testing for and measurement of impairment, with carrying 
values compared directly with the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use (which uses 
discounted future cash flows). This may potentially result in more write-downs when carrying values 
of assets are supported under Canadian GAAP on an undiscounted cash flow basis, but could not be 
supported on a discounted cash flow basis. 

However, the extent of any new writedowns may be partially offset by the requirement under IAS 36 to 
reverse any previous impairment losses where circumstances have changed such that the impairments 
have been reduced. Canadian GAAP prohibits reversal of impairment losses. 

The Company has preliminarily concluded that there will be no impairment adjustments required at the 
transition date to IFRS.

c)   Income Taxes

Under Canadian GAAP, current and future income tax assets and liabilities are referred to as “future 
income tax” (“FIT”) assets or liabilities whereas under IFRS the terminology is “deferred tax”. There 
are no accounting policy choices available upon transition to IAS 12 “Income Taxes”.

50

RECENTLY 
RELEASED 
CANADIAN 
ACCOUNTING 
STANDARDS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

The  preliminary  analysis  completed  to  date  has  identified  two  significant  differences  in  the  area  of 
accounting for income taxes. 

Canadian GAAP has a specific exemption for future income taxes related to non-monetary assets or 
liabilities of integrated foreign operations. Future income taxes cannot be recognized for a temporary 
difference arising from the difference between the historical exchange rate and the current exchange 
rate translation of the cost of non-monetary assets or liabilities of integrated foreign operations. Under 
IFRS,  deferred  tax  is  recognized  on  the  difference  between:  the  accounting  basis  of  all  items.  For 
foreign currency non-monetary assets or liabilities, this is the local or tax basis currency translated into 
the functional currency at the historical rate; and the tax basis, which is the local or tax basis currency 
amount translated to the functional currency at the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date. The 
result  of  this  calculation  difference  will  be  added  volatility  in  the  tax  expense  as  foreign  exchange 
changes will have a more pervasive impact on tax expense.

IAS  12  does  not  permit  recognition  of  a  temporary  difference  on  initial  recognition,  except  if  the 
transaction  is  a  business  combination  or  if  the  transaction  affects  accounting  or  taxable  profit  or 
loss. Under Canadian GAAP, where assets are acquired other than in a business combination and a 
temporary difference arises the associated FIT asset (subject to the more likely than not test) or liability 
is recognized at the time of acquisition and added to the cost of the asset. The amount of the FIT is 
calculated using a simultaneous equation; this method of tax calculation is referred to as the ‘gross up’ 
method. Under IAS 12, any temporary differences arising on subsequent asset acquisitions, other than 
in a business combination, would be ignored. On adoption of IFRS, the temporary differences arising 
from the ‘gross up’ method under Canadian GAAP will be reversed.

In  addition,  IFRS  requires  additional  disclosure  with  respect  to  “outside  basis”  differences  not 
recognized in the tax provision. These “outside basis” differences are essentially any tax liability that 
would  result  on  accounts  that  are  eliminated  upon  consolidation  (for  example:  intercompany  loans, 
intercompany  dividends,  or  investments).  The  Company  has  some  outside  basis  differences  arising 
from foreign exchange rates on loans denominated in United States dollars. 

The preliminary adjustment to the future income tax liability opening balance sheet amounts to a reduction 
of $5.38 million comprised of the following: reversal of future income tax of $1.09 million related to 
workers’ participation; $3.47 million related to  temporary differences on business combinations; $0.15 
million related to provision; and, $0.67 million related to foreign currency adjustments.

d)    Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (including asset retirement obligations)

Under  Canadian  GAAP,  the  Company  recognizes  decommissioning  liabilities  where  there  is  a  legal 
obligation  as  compared  to  IFRS  requiring  including  both  legal  and  constructive  obligations.  The 
preliminary analysis has determined there are no additional constructive obligations for the Caylloma 
mine or the San Jose Project.

Under Canadian GAAP, the Company applies a credit adjusted risk free interest rate to the undiscounted 
cash flow estimate at each site. IFRS requires the Company to use a pre-tax discount rate, typically a 
long term government bond rate in the jurisdiction the Company intends to raise the financing to meet 
the reclamation costs. In addition, under Canadian GAAP, the estimate of cash flows is based on a third 
party concept and cannot be based on the Company’s calculated cost of using its own equipment. IFRS 
allows a Company to use internal cost estimates if the Company is likely to use its own machinery and 
labour to perform the reclamation work. 

51

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

RECENTLY 
RELEASED 
CANADIAN 
ACCOUNTING 
STANDARDS

(continued)

The Company has elected to take the IFRS 1 exemption to avoid the requirement to recalculate the 
liability retrospectively from the date of recognition and then re-measure it at each subsequent reporting 
period up until the date of transition. 

On a go forward basis, the Company will be required to present accretion as a finance cost under IFRS. 
In addition, there will be differences due to the subsequent re-measurement of the decommissioning 
liability.

The preliminary adjustment to the asset retirement obligation opening balance sheet amounts to an 
increase of $0.39 million.

e)   Other

The Company considered both IFRS 2 - “Share-based Payment” and IFRS 6 - “Exploration for and 
Evaluation  of  Mineral  Resources”  as  part  of  its  initial  diagnostic  assessment.  The  Company  has 
concluded that there will be no significant or material transitional adjustments or changes in reported 
results arising from the application of these standards upon transition to IFRS.

OUTLOOK ON 
FUTURE 
EARNINGS

Future  net  earnings  will  be  impacted  by  the  change  in  the  accounting  methodology  of  recognizing 
deferred taxes that arise on foreign non-monetary assets or liabilities.  The result of this calculation 
difference will be added volatility in the tax expense as foreign exchange swings will have an impact 
on the tax expense.

QUANTITATIVE
 IMPACT ON 
TRANSITION 
TO IFRS

Based on the analysis completed to date, the Company expects the following impact on shareholders 
equity on transition to IFRS:

Shareholders’ Equity, Canadian GAAP, December 31, 2009  
Adjustments:
Effect of foreign exchange on property, plant and equipment  
Deferred income tax adjustments  
Transfer of accumulated other comprehensive income to deficit  
Reset accumulated other comprehensive income to zero  
Asset retirement obligation adjustments  
Shareholders’ Equity, IFRS, January 1, 2010  

Expressed in
$ millions

$  

112.56

(2.54)
1.48
2.90
(2.90)
(0.32)
111.18

$  

Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The  Company  has  considered  the  short  term  effects  the  IFRS  transition  will  have  on  our  internal 
controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. We will continue to monitor 
and assess these controls on an on-going basis.

Business Activities and Key Performance Measures

The Company has considered what effects the IFRS transition will have on our business policies and 
activities. The following key areas are likely to be affected:
•	
•	 Dual	reporting	obligation	for	the	year	2010	because	statements	are	required	under	both	Canadian	

Internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	with	respect	to	the	IFRS	transition	project;

GAAP and IFRS for that year; 

•	 Budgeting	and	Forecasting	activities	during	the	IFRS	transition	year,	2010.		The	budgeting	process	

for 2011 factored in IFRS related impacts that have been identified;  and,

•	 Key	performance	measures.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANTITATIVE
 IMPACT ON 
TRANSITION 
TO IFRS

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

Financial Reporting Expertise in IFRS

The Company is maintaining its financial reporting expertise and competencies by addressing training 
requirements  through  IFRS  sessions  provided  by  external  advisors.  The  training  is  targeted  to  key 
finance staff and will continue to be delivered in 2011.

IT Systems

The  extent  of  the  impact  of  the  Company’s  information  systems  for  transitioning  to  IFRS  has  been 
determined.  The  adoption  of  IFRS  will  have  an  impact  on  the  Company’s  information  systems  in 
particular the process of consolidating information for reporting of the external financial statements.  
The  Company  has  commenced  a  process  of  changing  its  consolidation.    During  the  third  quarter, 
the Company engaged a third party to assist with implementing modifications to ensure an efficient 
conversion to IFRS. 

OTHER RISKS AND 
UNCERTAINTIES

There have been no major changes from the reported risks factors outlined in the Annual Information 
Form dated March 31, 2010.

CONTROLS AND 
PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and 
procedures, as of December 31, 2010, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) 
and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based on the results of this evaluation the CEO and the CFO 
have concluded that such disclosure controls are sufficiently effective to provide reasonable assurance 
that  material  information  relating  to  the  Company  is  made  known  to  management  and  disclosed  in 
accordance with the applicable securities laws.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management, with the participation of its CEO and CFO, are responsible for establishing 
a  system  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability  and  integrity  of  the  Company’s  financial  information  and  the  preparation  of  its  financial 
statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. 

The Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, believe that due to its inherent limitations, 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements  on  a  timely  basis.  
Also,  projection  of  any  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to 
future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

There  has  been  no  change  in  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred 
during the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal 
control over financial reporting.

OUTLOOK

The Company anticipates that the San Jose Project, currently under construction in Mexico, will begin 
to  contribute  both  silver  and  gold  ounces  starting  in  the  third  quarter  of  2011  allowing  Fortuna  to 
maintain its organic silver production growth in 2011.  

53

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

OUTLOOK

(continued)

Once San Jose is in operation in the third quarter of 2011, Management anticipates that Fortuna’s 
operations at Caylloma and San Jose should produce a total of 2.4 million ounces of silver and 7,530 
ounces of gold or 2.8 million silver equivalent ounces (*) plus base metal credits in 2011. San Jose’s 
contribution will be 500,000 ounces of silver and 4,580 ounces of gold. The Company is executing 
plans to reach a production rate of 7 million ounces of silver equivalent annual production from existing 
reserves by 2013.

CAUTIONARY 
STATEMENT ON 
FORWARD-LOOKING 
INFORMATION

2011 Production Guidance

Mine  
Caylloma, Peru  
San Jose, Mexico  
Total :  

Silver (oz)  
1,900,000  
500,000  
2,400,000 

Gold (oz)  
2,950  
4,580 
 7,530 

Zinc (lbs)  
25,200,000  
 -  
 25,200,000  

Lead (lbs)  
16,600,000  
-  
16,600,000  

Copper (lbs)  
760,000
-
760,000

(*) Based on Ag = US$ 23.60/oz, Au = US$ 1,350/oz and metallurgical recoveries of 88% and 90% for Ag and Au respectively

In 2012, its first full year of production, the San Jose Mine is scheduled to produce 1.77 million ounces 
of silver and 16,120 ounces of gold or 2.75 million silver equivalent ounces.  At full design capacity, 
planned for late 2013 (24 months from the start of operations), the San Jose Mine’s annual production 
forecast is 3.2 million ounces of silver, 24,220 ounces of gold or 4.6 million silver equivalent ounces.  

Certain  statements  contained  in  this  MD&A  and  any  documents  incorporated  by  reference  into  this 
MD&A  constitute  forward-looking  statements  and  forward-looking  information.  Any  statements  or 
information 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  “expects”,  “is  expected”,  “anticipates”,  “believes”,  “plans”,  “projects”, 
“estimates”,  “assumes”,  “intends”,  “strategies”,  “targets”,  “goals”,  “forecasts”,  “objectives”, 
“budgets”, “schedules”, “potential” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results 
“may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of 
these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking 
statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things:

•	 estimates	of	mineral	reserves	and	mineral	resources	to	the	extent	that	they	involve	estimates	of	the	

•	

mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed;
timing	of	the	completion	of	construction	activities	at	the	Company’s	properties	and	their	completion	
on budget;

•	 production	rates	at	the	Company’s	properties;
•	 cash	cost	estimates;
•	
•	
•	
•	

timing	to	achieve	full	production	capacity	at	the	Company’s	properties;
timing	for	completion	of	infrastructure	upgrades	related	to	the	Company’s	properties;
timing	for	delivery	of	materials	and	equipment	for	the	Company’s	properties;	and
the	sufficiency	of	the	Company’s	cash	position	and	its	ability	to	raise	equity	capital	or	access	debt	
facilities.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, 
while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of such statements, are inherently subject 
to significant business, economic, social, political and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and 
other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected in the 
forward-looking statements. The estimates and assumptions of the Company contained or incorporated 
by reference in this MD&A which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, (1) that all 

54

CAUTIONARY 
STATEMENT ON 
FORWARD-LOOKING 
INFORMATION

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

Dollar amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated

required third party contractual, regulatory and governmental approvals to the Offer will be obtained for 
the development, construction and production of its properties, (2) there being no significant disruptions 
affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage 
to  equipment  or  otherwise;  (3)  permitting,  development,  expansion  and  power  supply  proceeding 
on  a  basis  consistent  with  the  Company’s  current  expectations;  (4)  currency  exchange  rates  being 
approximately consistent with current levels; (5) certain price assumptions for silver, lead, zinc and 
copper; (6) prices for and availability of natural gas, fuel oil, electricity, parts and equipment and other 
key supplies remaining consistent with current levels; (7) production forecasts meeting expectations; 
(8)  the  accuracy  of  the  Company’s  current  mineral  resource  and  reserve  estimates;  (9)  labour  and 
materials  costs  increasing  on  a  basis  consistent  with  the  Company’s  current  expectations;  and  (10) 
assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation.

In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, 
performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements 
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include, risks associated 
with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining 
and  mineral  processing;  changes  in  national  and  local  government  legislation,  taxation,  controls, 
regulations  and  political  or  economic  developments  in  Canada,  Mexico,  the  United  States,  Peru  or 
other countries in which the Company does or may carry on business; the possibility of cost overruns or 
unanticipated expenses; fluctuations in silver, lead, zinc and copper prices; title matters; uncertainties 
and  risks  related  to  carrying  on  business  in  foreign  countries;  environmental  liability  claims  and 
insurance; reliance on key personnel; currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition; and other risks 
and uncertainties, including those described in the Risks and Uncertainties section in the MD&A and 
in  the  Risk  Factors  section  in  the  Company’s  Annual  Information  Form  for  the  financial  year  ended 
December 31, 2009 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. 

Although  the  Company  has  attempted  to  identify  important  factors  that  could  cause  actual  actions, 
events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be 
other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These 
forward-looking  statements  are  made  as  of  the  date  of  this  MD&A.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that 
forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ 
materially  from  those  anticipated  in  such  statements.  Accordingly,  readers  should  not  place  undue 
reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume the 
obligation to revise or update these forward looking statements after the date of this document or to 
revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

55

Deloitte & Touche LLP
2800 - 1055 Dunsmuir Street
4 Bentall Centre
P.O. Box 49279
Vancouver BC  V7X 1P4
Canada

Tel: 604-669-4466
Fax: 604-685-0395
www.deloitte.ca

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., 
which  comprise  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  at  December  31,  2010  and  2009,  and  the 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows 
for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory 
information. 

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such 
internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on 
our  audits.  We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are 
free from material misstatement. 

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and 
disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on 
the  auditor’s  judgment,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, 
the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s 
internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used 
and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the 
overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
financial position of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. as at December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the results 
of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally 
accepted accounting principles.

Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 23, 2011

56

CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 

Expressed in thousands of US Dollars

ASSETS
CURRENT 
Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses  
GST/HST and value added tax receivables  
Inventories  

DEPOSITS ON LONG TERM ASSETS  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  
MINERAL PROPERTIES  

LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Due to related parties  
Derivatives  
Current portion of long term liability  

LONG TERM LIABILITY  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION  
FUTURE INCOME TAX LIABILITY  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
SHARE CAPITAL 
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS  
RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  

Notes 

2010 

4  
6  

7  

8  
9  
10  

11  
12  
5  
13 a)  

13  
14  
15 

$  

$  

$  

$  

70,298  
20,509 
13,454  
3,542  
4,034  
111,837  

4,533  
35,763 
91,050 
243,183  

13,496  
40  
133 
1,083 
14,752 

3,166  
4,924  
 14,333  
37,175 

 180,403 
11,116  
3,597  
10,892 
14,489 
206,008  
243,183  

2009

30,763
6,034
8,635
601
2,329
48,362

16
17,233
74,127
139,738

8,083
49
 3,055
 1,038
 12,225

1,454
2,529
10,973
27,181

104,701
14,315
(9,357)
 2,898
 (6,459)
112,557
139,738

$  

$  

$  

$  

57

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  
SUBSEQUENT EVENT  

18
22

APPROVED BY THE DIRECTORS:

“Jorge Ganoza Durant” 

, Director  

“Robert R. Gilmore” 

, Director

Jorge Ganoza Durant 

Robert R. Gilmore

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

Expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

CONSOLIDATED 
STATEMENTS OF 
OPERATIONS

Sales  
Cost of sales  
Depletion, depreciation and accretion  
MINE OPERATING INCOME  

Notes 

$ 

Selling, general and administrative expenses  
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense  
Write-off of deferred exploration costs  

12  
16 c)  

OPERATING INCOME  

Interest and other (expenses) income  
Interest and finance (expenses)  
Net gain (loss) on commodity contracts  
(Loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment  
(Loss) on disposal of mineral property  
(Loss) on disposal of investment  
Foreign exchange (loss)  

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 
AND NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST  

Income tax provision  
Non-controlling interest  
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR  

15  

$  

2010 
74,056 
22,270  
6,859  
44,927 

14,789  
(416)  
443  
14,816  

30,111  

(379)  
(544)  
736  
(27)  
(100)  
(119)  
(2,703)  
(3,136)  

26,975  

14,020  
-  
12,955  

2009
51,428
17,755
5,944
 27,729

9,558
2,707
1,081
13,346

14,383

433
(160)
(7,356)
(101)
-
(236)
(651)
(8,071)

6,312

5,869
(180)
 623

 $  

$ 

Earnings per Share - Basic  
Earnings per Share - Diluted  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted  

0.12  
$  
0.12  
$  
  108,120,452  
  110,564,767  

0.01
$  
$  
0.01
  91,802,881
  91,802,881

58

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

Expressed in thousands of US Dollars

CONSOLIDATED 
STATEMENTS OF 
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME

Net income for the year  
Other comprehensive income
   Unrealized gain on available for sale long term investments, net of taxes  
   Transfer of unrealized loss to realized loss upon derecognition of available for
   sale long term investment, net of taxes  
   Transfer of unrealized loss to realized loss upon reduction of net investment, 
   net of taxes  
   Unrealized gain on translation of functional currency to reporting currency 
Other comprehensive income  
Comprehensive income for the year  

       2010 
12,955  

$  

$  

-  

-  

2,100  
 5,895  
7,994  
 20,949  

$  

$ 

2009
623

148

462

-
13,400
14,010
14,633

59

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED 
STATEMENTS OF 
CASH FLOWS 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

Expressed in thousands of US Dollars

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income for the year  
   Items not involving cash
      Depletion and depreciation 
      Accretion expense  
      Future income tax 
      Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense  
      Unrealized (gain) loss on commodity contracts  
      Non-controlling interest  
      Write-off of deferred exploration costs  
      Loss on disposal of equipment 
      Loss on disposal of investments 
      Loss on disposal of mineral property 
      Unrealized foreign exchange loss 

   Changes in non-cash working capital items
      Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 
      Inventories  
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
      Due to related parties 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Costs relating to the acquisition of Continuum  
   Short term investments  
   Mineral property expenditures 
   (Payments) receipts of value added taxes on purchase of
   property, plant and equipment 
   Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
   Deposits on long term assets 
   Proceeds on disposal of equipment  
   Acquisition of long term investments  
   Proceeds on disposal of long term investments  
   Proceeds on disposal of mineral property  
Net cash used in investing activities  

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Net proceeds on issuance of common shares  
   Repayment of capital lease obligations  
Net cash provided by financing activities  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year  

Notes 

2010 

$  

12,955 

 $  

3  

 6,896  
185 
 3,080  
(416) 
(2,922)  
-  
443  
 27  
 119  
 100 
 1,726  
22,193  

 (4,908) 
(1,537) 
5,372 
 (11) 
 21,109  

-  
(13,858) 
 (16,595)  

(2,915)  
(19,816)  
(4,290)  
68  
-  
-  
13  
(57,393)  

74,922  
(1,231)  
73,691 

37,407  

2,128  

30,763  

2009

623

5,858
150
794
 2,707
4,473
(180)
1,081
101
236
 -
67
15,910

 (5,073)
 (313)
 3,158
 4
13,686

(162)
 (5,990)
(11,023)

2,897
(3,098)
96
47
(235)
489
-
(16,979)

1,025
(976)
 49

(3,244)

4,553

29,454

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF YEAR  

$  

70,298  

$  

30,763

Supplemental cash flow information  

21

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share amounts

CONSOLIDATED 
STATEMENTS OF 
SHAREHOLDERS’ 
EQUITY

Share Capital

Shares

Amount

Contributed 
Surplus

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(“AOCI”)

Total Retained 
Earnings 
(Deficit)
and AOCI  

Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Balance - December 31, 2008  
Exercise of options  
Exercise of warrants  
Issuance of shares for property  
Cancellation of fractional shares  
Transfer of contributed  surplus on exercise 
of options  
Stock-based compensation  
Income for the year  
Unrealized gain on available for sale long 
term investments  
Transfer of unrealized loss to realized loss 
upon derecognition ofavailable for sale 
long-term investment, net of taxes  
Unrealized gain on translation of functional 
currency to reporting currency  
Balance - December 31, 2009  
Issuance of shares under bought deal 
financing, net of issuance costs  
Exercise of options  
Issuance of shares for property  
Transfer of contributed surplus on exercise  
of options  
Stock-based compensation  
Income for the period  
Transfer of unrealized loss to realized loss 
upon reduction of net investment, net of taxes  
Unrealized gain o translation of functional 
currency to reporting currency  
Balance - December 31, 2010  

85,331,659  
389,000  
2,475,355  
6,786,674  
(36)  

$  

$   98,206  
281  
776  
5,192  
-  

-  
-  
-  

-  

-  

246  
-  
-  

-  

-  

11,854  
-  
-  
-  
-  

(246)  
2,707  
-  

-  

-  

$  

(9,980)   $  
-  
-  
-  
-  

(11,112)   $   (21,092)   $   88,968
281
776
5,192
-

-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
623  

-  

-  

-  
-  
-  

148  

-  
-  
623  

148  

-
2,707
623

148

462  

462  

462

-  
94,982,652  

-  
$  104,701  

-  
 14,315  

$ 

$ 

-  
 (9,357)   $  

13,400  
2,898   $  

13,400  
(6,459)  

13,400
  112,557

26,507,500  
999,500  
7,813  

  73,919  
1,004  
20  

- 
- 
-  

-  
 -  
-  

-  
-  
-  

-  

759  
- 
-  

-  

(759)  
 (2,440)  
-  

-  
-  
12,955  

-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  

-  
-  
-  

- 
-  
12,955  

73,919
1,004
20

 -
(2,440)
12,955

-  
122,497,465  

-  
$  180,403 

-  
 11,116  

 $ 

$  

-  
3,597   $ 

5,895  

5,895
 10,892   $   14,489   $   206,008

5,895  

61

-  

-  

2,100  

2,100  

2,100

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

01. NATURE OF 
OPERATIONS

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (the “Company”) is engaged in silver mining and related activities, including 
exploration, extraction, and processing.  The Company operates the Caylloma silver/zinc/lead/copper 
mine in southern Peru and is currently developing the San Jose silver/gold project in Mexico.  

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES

a)   Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally 
accepted  accounting  principles  (“GAAP”),  and  presented  in  US  dollars.    The  consolidated  financial 
statements include the accounts of the Company and wholly owned subsidiaries: Minera Bateas S.A.C. 
(“Bateas”); Fortuna Silver (Barbados) Inc.; Compania Minera Cuzcatlan SA (“Cuzcatlan”); Continuum 
Resources Ltd. (“Continuum”); and Fortuna Silver Mines Peru S.A.C.   

All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation.

b)   Change in Reporting Currency

 Effective January 1, 2009, the Company changed its reporting currency to the US dollar.  The change 
in reporting currency better reflects the Company’s business activities and improves investors’ ability to 
compare the Company’s financial results with other publicly traded businesses in the mining industry.  
Prior to January 1, 2009, the Company reported its annual and quarterly consolidated balance sheets 
and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows in Canadian dollars (CAD).

In  making  this  change  in  reporting  currency,  the  Company  followed  the  recommendations  of  the 
Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”), set out 
in EIC-130, “Translation Method when the Reporting Currency Differs from the Measurement Currency 
or there is a Change in the Reporting Currency”.  

In accordance with EIC-130, the financial statements for all years and periods presented have been 
translated  into  the  new  reporting  currency  using  the  current  rate  method.    Under  this  method,  the 
statements of operations and cash flows statements items for each year and period have been translated 
into the reporting currency using the average exchange rates prevailing during each reporting period.  
All assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the consolidated 
balance sheets dates.  All resulting exchange differences arising from the translation are included as a 
separate component of other comprehensive income.  All comparative financial information has been 
restated to reflect the Company’s results as if they had been historically reported in US dollars.

c)   Adoption of New Accounting Standards

The Company has not adopted any new accounting standards during the current year. The Company 
is adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) effective January 1, 2011. Refer to 
Note 2 v).

d)   Use of Estimates

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  Canadian  GAAP  requires  the  Company’s 
management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and 
liabilities,  the  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  financial  statements 
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could 
differ  from  those  estimates.    The  most  significant  estimates  are:  quantities  of  proven  and  probable 

62

 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

silver reserves; the value of mineralized material beyond proven and probable reserves; future costs 
and expenses to produce proven and probable reserves; future commodity prices and foreign currency 
exchange  rates;  the  future  cost  of  asset  retirement  obligations;  amounts  of  contingencies;  and  the 
fair value of acquired assets and liabilities including pre-acquisition contingencies.  Significant items 
that  require  estimates  as  the  basis  for  determining  the  stated  amounts  include  inventories,  trade 
accounts receivable, mineral properties, property, plant and equipment, investments in non-producing 
properties, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, unrealized gains and losses on commodity 
contracts, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, and taxes.

e)   Revenue Recognition

Revenue arising from the sale of metal concentrates is recognized when title and the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership of the concentrates have been transferred to the buyer.  The passing of title 
to the customer is based on the terms of the sales contract and final commodity prices are set on a 
specified quotational period, either one or three months after delivery at the option of the customer.  
The Company’s metal concentrates are provisionally priced at the time of sale based on the prevailing 
market price.  Variations recorded between the price recorded at the time of provisional settlement and 
the actual final price are caused by changes in metal prices.

f)   Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents which are designated as held-for-trading financial assets and measured at 
fair value, include cash on hand and demand deposits. 

g)   Short term Investments

Short  term  investments,  which  are  designated  as  held-for-trading  financial  assets  and  measured  at 
fair value, include bank notes, guaranteed investment certificates, term deposits, and money market 
instruments with maturities, of 91 days to one year, from the date of acquisition.

h)   Deposits on Long Term Assets

63

Deposits on long term assets consist of advance payments to construction contractors and equipment 
providers and other receivables which have a maturity period of greater than one year.

i)   Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated economic 
life of the asset on a straight line basis as follows:

Buildings, mine site 
Buildings, other 
Machinery and equipment 
Furniture and other equipment 
Transport units 

Life of mine
6 - 20 years
3 - 8 years or Life of mine
3 - 13 years
4 - 5 years

The expected remaining life of Caylloma mine as at December 31, 2010 is 9.3 years. 

Land  is  not  depreciated.    Equipment  under  capital  lease  is  initially  recorded  at  the  present  value 
of  minimum  lease  payments  at  the  inception  of  the  lease.    Spare  parts  and  components  included 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

in  machinery  and  equipment,  depending  on  the  replacement  period  of  the  initial  component,  is 
depreciated over 8 to 18 months.

j)   Depletion and Mineral Properties Cost

The Company defers the cost of acquiring, maintaining its interest, exploring, and developing mineral 
properties until such time as the properties are placed into production, abandoned, sold or considered 
to be impaired in value.  General exploration costs that do not relate to a property where the Company 
has a vested interest are expensed as incurred.  Costs of producing properties are depleted on a unit-of-
production basis over proven and probable reserves and costs of abandoned properties are written-off.  
Proceeds received from the sale of interests in mineral properties are credited to the carrying value of 
the mineral properties, with any excess included in operations.  Write-downs due to impairment in value 
are charged to operations.  

Significant payments related to the acquisition of land and mineral rights are capitalized as incurred.  
Prior to acquiring such land or mineral rights, the Company makes a preliminary evaluation to determine 
that the property has significant potential to develop an economic ore body.  The time between initial 
acquisition and full evaluation of a property’s potential is dependent on many factors including location 
relative to existing infrastructure, the property’s stage of development, geological controls, and metal 
prices.  If a mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production commences.  
If no mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined 
the property has no future economic value.  In countries where the Company paid Value Added Tax 
(“VAT”)  and  where  there  is  uncertainty  of  its  recoverability,  the  VAT  payments  are  capitalized  with 
mineral property costs relating to the property or expensed if the exploration costs have been expensed 
according to our accounting policy.  If the Company recovers amounts that have been deferred, the 
amount received will be applied to reduce mineral property costs or taken as a credit against current 
expenses depending on the prior treatment.

k)   Operational Mining Properties and Mine Development

For operating mines all exploration within the mineral deposit is capitalized and depleted on a unit-of-
production basis over proven and probable reserves as part of the production cost.

Costs  associated  with  commissioning  activities  on  constructed  plants  are  deferred  from  the  date  of 
mechanical completion of the facilities until the date the Company is ready to commence commercial 
production.    Any  revenues  earned  during  this  period  are  recorded  as  a  reduction  in  deferred 
commissioning costs.  These costs are depleted using the units-of-production method over the life of 
the mine, commencing on the date of commercial service.

64

l)   Asset Impairment

Management  reviews  and  evaluates  its  long-lived  assets  for  impairment  when  events  or  changes 
in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  related  carrying  amounts  may  not  be  recoverable.    Impairment 
is  considered  to  exist  if  total  estimated  future  cash  flows  or  probability-weighted  cash  flows  on  an 
undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets, including mineral property, plant 
and  equipment  and  producing  and  non-producing  properties.    An  impairment  loss  is  measured  and 
recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows or the application of an expected present 
value technique to estimate fair value in the absence of a market price.  Future cash flows are based on 
recoverable proven and probable reserves and a portion of recoverable resources, silver, zinc, copper, 

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

lead  and  gold  prices  (considering  current  and  historical  prices,  price  trends  and  related  factors), 
production levels, capital and reclamation costs, all based on detailed engineering life-of-mine plans.  
Assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties.  

Any  differences  between  significant  assumptions  and  market  conditions  and/or  the  Company’s 
performance could have a material effect on any impairment provision, and on the Company’s financial 
position and results of operations.  In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest 
levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other 
groups.  Generally, in estimating future cash flows, all assets are grouped at a particular mine for which 
there is identifiable cash flow. 

m)   Asset Retirement Obligation

The fair value of an obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset is recorded 
in the period in which it is incurred and a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made, with 
a  corresponding  increase  to  the  carrying  amount  of  the  related  asset.    The  liability  is  accreted  over 
time  for  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  liability  through  charges,  which  are  included  in  depletion, 
depreciation, and accretion expense.  The costs capitalized to the related assets are amortized in a 
manner consistent with the depletion and depreciation of the related assets.

n)   Inventories

Inventories  include  metals  contained  in  concentrates,  stockpile  ores,  materials,  and  supplies.    The 
classification  of  metals  inventory  is  determined  by  the  stage  at  which  the  ore  is  in  the  production 
process.  Inventories of ore are sampled for metal content and are valued based on the lower of actual 
production  costs  incurred  or  estimated  net  realizable  value  based  upon  the  period  ending  prices  of 
contained metal. Mined material that does not contain a minimum quantity of metal to cover estimated 
processing expense to recover  the  contained metal is not classified as inventory  and is assigned  no 
value.

Ore  stockpile  and  finished  goods  inventories  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  production  cost  and  net 
realizable  value.    Materials  and  supplies  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  average  cost  and  net  realizable 
value.  Production costs include all mine site costs. 

65

o)   Income Taxes

The  Company  uses  the  asset  and  liability  method  of  accounting  for  income  taxes.  Under  the  asset 
and liability method, future tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences 
attributable to loss carryforwards and to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts 
of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and loss carryforwards.  Future tax assets 
and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income 
in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect 
on future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the year that 
includes the date of substantive enactment. Future tax assets are recognized to the extent that they are 
considered more likely than not to be realized.

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

p)   Stock-based Compensation

i.    Stock Option Plan

The  Company  records  all  stock-based  compensation  relating  to  options  granted  using  the  fair  value 
method such that stock-based payments are measured at fair value and expensed over their vesting 
period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus.  Upon exercise of share purchase options, 
the  consideration  paid  by  the  option  holder,  together  with  the  amount  previously  recognized  in 
contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital.  

ii.   Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU”)

The Company’s DSU compensation liability is accounted for based on the number of units outstanding 
and the market value of the Company’s common shares at the balance sheet date.  The year-over-year 
change in the deferred share unit compensation liability is recognized in operating income.

iii.   Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU”)

The Company recognizes a compensation cost in operating income on a prescribed vesting basis for 
each RSU granted equal to the market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of which 
RSUs are awarded to each participant prorated over the performance period and adjusts for changes in 
the market value until the end of the performance date.  The cumulative effect of the change in market 
value is recognized in operating income in the period of change.

q)   Earnings (loss) per Share

Basic  earnings  (loss)  per  share  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income  (loss)  by  the  weighted  average 
number of common shares outstanding during the period.

The diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation is based on the weighted average number of common 
shares  outstanding  during  the  period,  plus  the  effects  of  dilutive  common  share  equivalents.  The 
dilutive  effect  of  outstanding  options  and  warrants  issued  should  be  calculated  using  the  treasury 
stock method.  This method assumes that all common share equivalents have been exercised at the 
beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and that the funds obtained thereby were 
used to purchase common shares of the Company at the average trading price of the common shares 
during the period, but only if dilutive.

66

r)   Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. On January 1, 2009, the Company changed 
its reporting currency to the US dollar.

Transaction  amounts  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  at  exchange  rates  prevailing  at 
the transaction dates. Carrying values of foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are adjusted at 
each balance sheet date to reflect the exchange rate prevailing at that date. Gains and losses arising from 
translation of foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities at each period end are included in earnings.

The accounts of certain subsidiaries, which are considered to be integrated operations, are translated 
into  US  dollars  using  the  temporal  method.  Under  this  method,  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  of 
foreign  subsidiaries  are  translated  at  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  end  of  each  period  and  non-

 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

monetary assets and liabilities are translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses 
are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses 
are included in the determination of net income or loss.

The accounts of other subsidiaries are translated using the current rate method. Assets and liabilities 
are translated into US dollars using the current rate method at period-end exchange rates and resulting 
translation adjustments are reflected in comprehensive income.  Revenues and expenses are translated 
at average exchange rates for the period.

s)   Financial Instruments

All financial liabilities must be classified as held-for-trading or other financial liabilities. All financial 
instruments, including derivatives, are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured 
at  fair  value,  except  for  held-to-maturity  investments,  loans  and  receivables,  and  other  financial 
liabilities, and these are all measured at amortized cost. The carrying value of receivables, and accounts 
payable  and  accrued  liabilities  approximate  their  fair  value  because  of  the  short-term  maturity  of 
those instruments.  Subsequent measurements and recognition of changes in fair value depend on the 
instrument’s initial classification.  Held-for-trading financial instruments are measured at fair value, 
and all gains and losses are included in net income (loss) in the period in which they arise. Available- 
for-sale financial instruments are measured at fair value, determined by published market prices in an 
active market, except for investments in equity instruments that do not have quoted market prices in an 
active market which are measured at cost. Changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive 
income (loss) until the assets are removed from the balance sheet. Investments classified as available-
for-sale are written down to fair value through income whenever it is necessary to reflect other than-
temporary  impairment.  Realized  gains  and  losses  on  the  disposal  of  available-for-sale  securities  are 
recognized in investment and other income. Also, transaction costs related to all financial assets and 
liabilities are recorded in the acquisition or issue cost, unless the financial instrument is classified as 
held-for-trading or other liabilities, in which case the transaction costs are recognized immediately in 
net income (loss). 

Financial and non-financial derivative instruments are measured at fair value and recorded as either 
assets or liabilities. Certain derivatives embedded in non-derivative contracts must also be measured 
at fair value. Any changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are included in net income (loss) 
for the period in which they arise, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, as defined in CICA 
Section 3865. The same accounting treatment applied to these non-financial derivative contracts prior 
to  the  adoption  of  CICA  Section  3855.  Fair  values  for  the  Company’s  recognized  commodity-based 
derivatives are based on the forward prices of the associated market index. 

The Company has designated each of its significant categories of financial instruments as follows:

    Financial Instrument 

Classification 

Measurement

    Cash and Cash Equivalents 
    Short Term Investments 
    Accounts Receivable  

Held-for-trading 
Held-for-trading 
Loans and receivables 

Fair value
Fair value
Amortized cost

    Long Term Receivables 

Loans and receivables 

Amortized cost

    Derivatives  

Held-for-trading 

Fair value

    Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities  
    Due to Related Parties 

Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Amortized cost          
Amortized cost 

    Long Term Liability 

Other liabilities 

Amortized cost   

67

 
02. SUMMARY OF 
SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING
POLICIES 

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

t)   Derivatives and Trading Activities

The Company employs metals contracts, including forward contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations 
in metal prices.  For metals production, these contracts are intended to reduce the risk of falling prices 
on the Company’s future sales.  

All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses 
on derivative instruments are marked to market at the end of each accounting period with the results 
included in gain or loss on commodity and foreign currency contracts in the Consolidated Statement 
of Operations.

u)   Comparative figures

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the presentation adopted for the 
current year.  In particular, Long Term Investments and Receivables are now included in Deposits on 
Long Term Assets.

v)   Recently released Canadian Accounting Standards

The Company has assessed new and revised accounting pronouncements that have been issued and 
determined that the following will have an impact on the Company:

Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

In 2006, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) published a new strategic plan that will 
significantly affect financial reporting requirements for Canadian companies.  The AcSB strategic plan 
outlines the convergence of Canadian GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
over an expected five year transitional period.  In February 2008, the AcSB announced that 2011 is 
the changeover date for publicly-listed companies to use IFRS, replacing Canadian GAAP.  This date 
is for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 
2011.  The Company will begin reporting its financial statements in accordance with IFRS on January 
1, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010.   

The  adoption  date  of  January  1,  2011  will  require  the  restatement,  for  comparative  purposes,  of 
amounts reported by the Company for its year ended December 31, 2010, and of the opening balance 
sheet as at January 1, 2010. 

68

03. ACQUISITION 
OF MINING
INTEREST 

On March 6, 2009, the Company closed the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of 
Continuum which had 124,037,920 shares outstanding as of March 6, 2009.  The Company agreed 
to  issue  to  the  Continuum  shareholders  a  total  of  6,995,738  shares,  which  is  an  exchange  ratio  of 
approximately 0.0564 of a share of the Company for every one Continuum share held.  

As Fortuna held 3,706,250 common shares of the issued and outstanding share capital of Continuum 
as at March 6, 2009, those shares were cancelled and Fortuna issued a total of 6,786,674 shares to 
the Continuum shareholders other than Fortuna.  As a result of the acquisition of Continuum, Fortuna 
now owns 100% of the San Jose Project in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase of assets.  The following calculations include the 
fair value of Fortuna shares issued, based on the issuance of 6,786,674 Fortuna shares at CAD$0.98 

 
  
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

03. ACQUISITION  
OF MINING 
INTEREST 

(continued)

per share for consideration of $5,194 (CAD$6,651).  A valuation date of March 6, 2009 was determined 
for the share value. 

The  difference  between  the  purchase  consideration  and  the  fair  values  of  Continuum’s  other  assets 
and liabilities has been allocated to “Mineral properties”.  The fair value of all identifiable assets and 
liabilities acquired was determined by a valuation effective March 6, 2009.  No future tax asset has 
been recorded.  The resulting “negative” purchase price discrepancy would have resulted in a future 
tax asset as it is more likely than not that this will not be recovered.

The purchase price allocation is as follows:  

Purchase price
      6,786,674 common shares of Fortuna  
      Acquisition costs  
      Loan to Continuum  
      Cost of shares previously acquired  
Total purchase price  

Purchase price allocation
Net assets acquired:
   Cash received  
   Property, plant & equipment  
   Mineral property interests  
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Net identifiable assets of Continuum  

$  

$  

$  

$  

5,194
113
3,184
130
8,621

5
6
8,749
(139)
8,621

Included as part of the mineral property interests purchased was the Predilecta project in Mexico with 
a value of $87 at acquisition date.

As a result of the acquisition of Continuum, the non-controlling interest previously in Cuzcatlan was 
eliminated.

69

04. SHORT TERM 
INVESTMENTS

Held-for-Trading  
Short term investments  

December 31, 2010 

December 31, 2009

 Fair Value  
$   20,509  
$   20,509  

Cost  
$   20,509  
$   20,509  

 Fair Value  
$   6,034  
$   6,034  

Cost
$   6,034
6,034
$ 

05. DERIVATIVES

The  Company  enters  into  forward  commodity  contracts  as  well  as  put  and  call  option  commodity 
arrangements to secure a minimum price level on part of its zinc and lead metal production.  Additionally, 
for  the  unhedged  balance  of  production,  the  Company  enters  regularly  into  short  term  forward  and 
option metal contracts to fix the final settlement price of metal delivered in concentrates, where the 
final settlement price is yet to be set at a future quotational period according to contract terms.  

The forward sale and option contracts are settled against the arithmetic average of metal spot prices 
over the month in which the contract matures.

The contracts are spread evenly over the periods shown below with settlement occurring on a monthly 
basis.  No initial premium associated with these trades has been paid. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

05. DERIVATIVES

As at December 31, 2010, the Company had the following contracts outstanding:

(continued)

Type of contract                   Metal 
Lead 
Forward sale 
Zinc 
Forward sale 
Silver 
Long put 
Silver 
Short call 
Silver 
Long put 
Silver 
Short call 

Total tonnage (t) 
or ounces (oz) 
210 t 
240 t 
90,000 oz 
90,000 oz 
50,000 oz 
50,000 oz 

Settlement period 
March 2011 
March 2011 
January 2011 
January 2011 
January  2011 
January  2011 

As at December 31, 2009 the main contracts outstanding were the following:

Type of contract               
Forward sale  
Forward sale  
Long put  
Short call  
Long put  
Short call  
Long put  
Short call  
Long put  
Short call  

 Metal 
Lead  
Zinc  
Zinc  
Zinc  
Lead  
Lead  
Zinc  
Zinc  
Lead  
Lead  

Total tonnage (t) 
1,800  
1,050 
2,100  
2,100  
1,200  
1,200  
3,150  
3,150  
2,850  
2,850  

 Settlement period 
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
 Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010  
Jul 2010 – Dec 2010  
Jul 2010 – Dec 2010  
Jul 2010 – Dec 2010  
Jul 2010 – Dec 2010  

Price/t or 
Price/oz
$2,500/t
$2,415/t
$28.00/oz
$32.10/oz
$29.00/oz
$31.70/oz

Price/t
US$1,910/t
US$1,787/t
US$2,000/t
US$3,010/t
US$2,000/t
US$2,975/t
US$2,000/t
US$3,010/t
US$2,000/t
US$2,974/t

The  estimated  fair  value  of  the  outstanding  liability  in  derivative  contracts  of  $133  (2009:  liability 
$3,055)  was  determined  with  reference  to  the  published  market  prices  for  underlying  commodities 
quoted at the London Metal Exchange. 

06. ACCOUNTS 
RECEIVABLE AND 
PREPAID EXPENSES  

Trade accounts receivable  
Advances and other receivables  
Prepaid expenses and deposits  

December 31, 2010 
11,224  
$  
1,327  
903  
13,454  

$  

  December 31, 2009
7,154
$  
1,168
313
8,635

$  

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses include prepaid income tax of $nil (2009: $9), $39 (2009: 
$121) short term portion of the long term receivable, $57 (2009: $34) in guarantee deposits. Trade 
accounts receivable includes receivables from the sale of concentrates of $11,224 (2009: $7,154) 
and are aged as follows:

70

0-30 days  
31-60 days  
61-90 days  
over 90 days  

December 31, 2010 
9,754  
$  
1,057  
413  
-  
11,224  

$  

  December 31, 2009
7,154
$  
-
-
-
7,154

$  

The Company has no allowance for doubtful accounts (2009: $nil). 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

07. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

Stockpile ore  
Concentrate inventory  
Materials and supplies  

December 31, 2010 
1,274  
$  
347  
2,413  
4,034  

$  

  December 31, 2009
204
$  
651
1,474
2,329

$  

The  amount  of  inventory  recognized  as  expenses  during  2010  was  $22,270  (2009:  $17,755)  and 
there has been no impairment during 2010 (2009: $nil).

08. DEPOSITS ON 
LONG TERM ASSETS

Deposits on long term assets consist of advance payments to construction contractors and equipment 
providers, and other receivables that are long term in nature and consist of the following:

Deposits on equipment  
Deposits to contractors  
Other  

December 31, 2010 
2,996  
$  
1,529  
8  
4,533  

$  

  December 31, 2009
-
$  
-
16
16

$  

Property, plant and equipment are comprised of the following:

09. PROPERTY, 
PLANT AND 
EQUIPMENT

 December 31, 2010 

  December 31, 2009

$  

Land  
Buildings  
Machinery & equipment  
Equipment under capital lease  
Furniture & other equipment  
Transport units  
Work in progress  

$ 

71

  Accumulated 
  Depreciation 

Net Book 
Value 

329   $  

  Accumulated 
Depreciation 

Cost 
316   $  

Cost 
329   $  

8,760  
11,451  
4,174  
4,174  
442  
14,977  
44,307   $ 

-   $  

2,069  
4,027  
1,281  
836  
331  
-  
 8,544   $  

6,691    
7,424    
2,893    
3,338    
111    
14,977    
35,763   $   22,541   $  

4,740  
10,152  
3,249  
1,627  
430  
2,027  

Net Book
Value
316
3,700
7,129
2,681
1,189
191
2,027
17,233

-   $  

1,040    
3,023    
568    
438    
239    
- 
5,308   $  

Machinery & equipment includes costs of $682 (2009: $526) and accumulated depreciation of $201 
(2009: $131) resulting from the estimate for the asset retirement obligation.

Work in progress includes construction costs of $1,029 (2009: $1,202) and $13,948 (2009: $825) 
related to the Caylloma, Peru and San Jose, Mexico properties, respectively.  

The net carrying amount of $2,503 (2009: $2,503) related to an idle plant in Mexico, is not being 
amortized while the San Jose, Mexico property is under construction.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

10. MINERAL 
PROPERTIES 

Mineral properties are located in Peru and Mexico and are comprised of the following:

 December 31, 2010 

  December 31, 2009

Caylloma, Peru  
San Jose, Mexico  
Tlacolula, Mexico  
Predilecta, Mexico  

Cost    Depletion 
$  51,971   $  16,079  
  55,525  
-  
 -  
76 
-  
118  
$  107,690   $  16,079  

a)   Caylloma Project, Peru

  Write-off 

 Net Book   
Value   

Cost   Depletion   
443   $  35,449  $  42,209   $  11,685  
 -  
-     55,525    44,745   
- 
-    
76   
-    
 -  
109   
-   
118    
561   $  91,050  $  87,063   $  11,685 

$  

$  

Write-off 
$  

  Net Book
Value
160   $   30,364
   43,654
-
 -    
109
-    
$   1,251   $   74,127

1,091 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010,  additions  to  the  Caylloma  mineral  property  includes 
development and exploration costs of $9,564 (2009: $6,122).  

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company wrote down exploration costs in the amount 
of $443 (2009: $160) as it was determined there are significant exploration risks and does not warrant 
drill testing of the property.

b)   San Jose Project, Mexico

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010,  additions  to  the  San  Jose  mineral  property  consist  of 
development and exploration costs capitalized of $5,781 (2009: $5,742), general and administrative 
costs  to  develop  the  mine  of  $2,308  (2009:  $1,425),  and  asset  retirement  obligation  of  $1,626 
(2009: $nil).

Included in the additions for the San Jose property is $62 (2009: $66) relating to the accretion of 
the payable for the Monte Alban II concession.  This property was acquired for a total of $1,900 and 
consists of a payment of $1,100 made in May 2008 and a future payment of $800 to be made in May 
2012 (Note 13. b)).  The present value of the $800 was $589 and this is being accreted monthly with 
the accretion amount being capitalized to the mineral property.

Also included in the additions for the San Jose mineral property is depreciation of equipment involved in 
construction work of $317 (2009: $220) and $1 (2009: $141) received as interest on VAT recovered. 

72

c)   Tlacolula Project, Mexico

In  September  2009,  the  Company,  through  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Cuzcatlan,  was  granted 
an  option  (the  “Option”)  to  acquire  a  60%  interest  (the  “Interest”)  in  the  Tlacolula  silver  project 
(“property”) located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico from Radius Gold Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, 
Radius (Cayman) Inc. (“Radius”) (a related party by way of directors in common with the Company). 

The Company can earn the Interest by spending $2,000, which includes a commitment to drill 1,500 
meters within three years, and making staged annual payments of $250 cash and $250 in common 
stock of the Company to Radius according to the following schedule:

•			$20	cash	and	$20	cash	equivalent	in	shares	upon	stock	exchange	approval;
•			$30	cash	and	$30	cash	equivalent	in	shares	by	the	first	year	anniversary;
•			$50	cash	and	$50	cash	equivalent	in	shares	by	the	second	year	anniversary;
•			$50	cash	and	$50	cash	equivalent	in	shares	by	the	third	year	anniversary;	and,
•			$100	cash	and	$100	cash	equivalent	in	shares	by	the	fourth	year	anniversary.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

10. MINERAL 
PROPERTIES 

(continued)

Upon completion of the cash payments and share issuances, and incurring the exploration expenditures 
as set forth above, the Company will be deemed to have exercised the Option and acquired a 60% 
interest in the property, whereupon a joint venture will be formed to further develop the property on the 
basis of the Company owning 60% and Radius 40%.

On January 15, 2010, the transaction was approved by the TSX Venture Exchange,   The Company has 
issued 7,813 common shares of the Company, at a fair market value of $2.56 per share and paid $20 
cash according to the terms of the option agreement.  Refer to Note 22. 

d)   Predilecta, Mexico

During the first quarter of 2010, the Company sold its interest in the Predilecta mineral property, for 
cash consideration of $13 resulting in a loss of $100.

11. ACCOUNTS 
PAYABLE 
AND ACCRUED 
LIABILITIES

Trade accounts payable  
Income taxes payable  
Payroll and other payables  
Restricted share unit payable  

December 31, 2010 
3,968  
$  
4,192  
5,249  
87 
13,496  

$  

  December 31, 2009
2,577
$  
2,949
2,557
 -
8,083

$  

Payroll  and  other  payables  includes  $2,328  (2009:  $1,084)  attributable  to  workers’  participation 
under Peruvian law and $495 (2009: $nil) attributable to bonus accruals.

12. RELATED PARTY 
TRANSACTIONS

The Company incurred charges from directors, officers, and companies having a common director or 
officer as follows: 

                  Years ended December 31, 

Transactions with related parties 
Consulting fees1 
Salaries and wages2,3  
Other general and administrative expenses3  

$  

$ 

2010 
175  
174  
185  
534  

$  

$  

2009
145
122
159
426

73

1  Consulting fees includes fees paid to two directors, Simon Ridgway and Mario Szotlender.
2  Salaries and wages includes employees’ salaries and benefits charged to the Company based on an estimated percentage of the actual hours worked for the Company.
2, 3  Radius Gold Inc. (“Radius”) has directors in common with the Company and shares office space, and is reimbursed for various general and administrative costs incurred on 
behalf of the Company.

In September 2009, the Company was granted an option to acquire a 60% interest in the Tlacolula 
silver project located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico from Radius.  Refer to Notes 10. c) and 22.

December 31, 2010 
Amounts due to/(from) related parties 
Owing (from)/to a director and officer4  
(1)  
$  
Owing to a company with common directors3   $  
41  
40  
$  

  December 31, 2009
(1)
$  
50
$  
49
$  

4  Owing from a director includes non-interest bearing advances to Jorge A. Ganoza Durant at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

The transactions with related parties are measured at the agreed upon exchange amount, which is the 
amount of consideration established and agreed upon by the parties.  The balances with related parties 
are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and payable in the normal course of business.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

13. LEASES AND LONG 
TERM LIABILITIES

Leases and long term liabilities are comprised of the following:

Obligations under capital Lease  
Long term liability  
Deferred share unit payable  
Restricted share unit payable  

a)   Obligations under Capital Lease

December 31, 2010 
462  
$  
705  
1,955 
44 
3,166  

$  

  December 31, 2009
810
$  
644
 -
 -
 1,454

$ 

The  following  is  a  schedule  of  the  Company’s  capital  lease  obligations.    These  are  related  to  the 
acquisition of mining equipment, vehicles, and buildings.

Interest Rate 

Maturity Date 

December 31, 2010 

December 31, 2009

Gross lease payments:
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Banco Internacional del Peru S.A.A.  
Banco Internacional del Peru S.A.A.  
Banco Internacional del Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Banco Internacional del Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Scotia Bank Peru S.A.A.  
Gross lease payments 
Less: interest  
Total payment, net of interest  
Less: current amount  

b)   Long Term Liability

8.66%  
8.20%  
8.49%  
8.34%  
8.49%  
6.75%  
6.75%  
4.00%  
9.12%  
9.75%  
4.50%  
9.75% 
4.50%  
4.85%  

2010  
2010  
2010  
2011  
2011  
2011  
2011  
2011  
2011  
2012  
2012  
2012  
2012  
2012  

$  

$  

$  

-  
-  
-  
1  
31  
7  
9  
93  
89  
58  
341  
574  
360  
58  
1,622 
(77)  
1,545 
(1,083)  
462  

$  

$  

$  

104
261
60
15
107
17
22
205
185
101
-
936
-
-
2,014
(165)
1,848
(1,038)
810

In May 2008, the Company acquired the Monte Alban II concession (10. b)) for which a payment of 
$800 is due May 2012.  This payment is non-interest bearing and all debt relating to the acquisition 
of the mineral resource property has been recognized as at December 31, 2010.  

74

Face value of long term liability  
Less: adjustment to amortized cost  
Opening fair value of liability measured at amortized cost  
Cancellation of contract  
Add: accretion to period end  
Liability at period end  
Less: current portion of long term liability  

December 31, 2010 
644  
$  
-  
644  
-  
61  
705  
-  
705  

$  

$ 

  December 31, 2009
 970
(225)
745
(156)
55
644
-
644

$  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

13. LEASES AND 
LONG TERM 
LIABILITIES

(continued)

Principal minimum repayment terms will be:

2011  
2012  

$  

$  

-
800
800

c)   Contingent Liabilities

The Caylloma mine closure plan was approved in November 2009 with total closure costs of $3,587 of 
which $1,756 is subject to an annual collateral in the form of a letter of guarantee, to be awarded each 
year in increments of $146 over 12 years, and is based on the estimated life of the mine.  

Banco  Bilbao  Vizcaya  Argentaria,  S.A.,  a  third  party,  has  established  a  bank  letter  of  guarantee  on 
behalf of Bateas in favor of the Peruvian mining regulatory agency in compliance with local regulation 
associated  with  the  approved  Bateas’  mine  closure  plan,  for  the  sum  of  $293.    This  bank  letter  of 
guarantee expires 360 days from December 2010.  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., has also established bank letters of guarantee totalling $54 to 
provide an annual guarantee associated with an office lease contract and truck rentals.  These bank 
letters of guarantee expire 360 days from June 2010.

Interbank,  a  third  party,  has  renewed  the  bank  letter  of  guarantee  in  the  amount  of  $2,  in  favor  of 
the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines, to allow a temporary concession to study electric power 
generation in the hydro electric power plant, to expire April 2011.

d)   Deferred Share Units Payable

The deferred share units are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.  As at December 31, 2010, 
there are 409,097 (2009: nil) deferred share units outstanding with a mark-to-market value of $1,955 
(2009: $nil).  

e)   Restricted Share Units Payable

75

The restricted share units are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. As at December 31, 2010, 
there are 219,114 (2009: nil) restricted share units outstanding with a mark-to-market value of $131 
(2009: $nil) of which $87 is current (2009: $nil). Refer to Note 11.  

14. ASSET 
RETIREMENT 
OBLIGATION

A summary of the Company’s provision for asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) is presented below.

Asset retirement obligation - beginning of year  
Additions to obligation  
Revisions in estimates  
Accretion expense, included in depreciation, depletion and accretion  
Foreign exchange impact  
Asset retirement obligation - end of year  

December 31, 2010 
 2,529  
1,626  
584  
185  
-  
4,924  

$ 

$  

December 31, 2009
1,066
$  
-
1,286
150
27
2,529

$  

For  the  Caylloma  Mine,  the  accretion  expense  of  $185  (2009:  $150)  was  calculated  over  the  year 
using a risk free interest rate of 4.87% (2009: 7.46%).  The Company had reviewed its reclamation 
obligations at the property in light of changing regulations and on the basis of further data in respect of 
the mine life and had made an increase to the estimated amount of the asset retirement obligation of 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

14. ASSET 
RETIREMENT 
OBLIGATION

(continued)

$584 (2009: $1,286) with a foreign exchange impact of $ nil (2009: $27). As at December 31, 2010, 
the accrued obligation was estimated using an undiscounted cash flow of $3,587 (2009: $3,346), a 
risk free rate of 4.87% (2009: 7.46%), mine life of 8.17 years (2009: 9.67 years), and Nuevo Soles 
to  United  States  dollars  foreign  exchange  rate  of  2.809  (2009:  3.011).    The  accrued  obligation  at 
December 31, 2010 is $3,298.  Refer to Note 13 c).

For the San Jose mine development, the Company estimated the ARO using a undiscounted cash flow 
of $2,540 (2009: $nil), a risk free rate interest rate of 4.945% (2009: nil), a mine life of 9 years, 
and Mexican Pesos to United States dollars foreign exchange rate of 12.610 (2009: nil).  Accretion 
expense over the year is $nil (2009: $nil) and the accrued obligation at December 31, 2010 is $1,626 
(2009: $nil).

In view of the uncertainties concerning environmental reclamation, the ultimate cost of reclamation 
activities could differ materially from the estimated amount recorded.  The estimate of the Company’s 
asset retirement obligation relating to the Caylloma mine is subject to change based on amendments 
to laws and regulations and as new information regarding the Company’s operations becomes available.

Future changes, if any, to the estimated liability as a result of amended requirements, laws, regulations, 
operating assumptions, estimated timing and amount of obligations may be significant and would be 
recognized  prospectively  as  a  change  in  accounting  estimate.    Any  such  change  would  result  in  an 
increase or decrease to the liability and a corresponding increase or decrease to the mineral property, 
plant and equipment balance.

15.  INCOME TAX

a)   Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the Canadian 
statutory income tax rate of 29% (2009 - 30%) to income before income taxes and non-controlling 
interest.  The reasons for the differences are as follows: 

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest  
Statutory income tax rate  
Expected income tax  
Items (deductible) non-deductible for income tax purposes  
Difference between Canadian and foreign tax rates  
Change in income tax rates  
Change in exchange rates  
Change in valuation allowance  
Total income taxes  
Represented by:
   Current income tax  
   Future income tax  

  December 31, 2010 
26,975  

$  

  December 31, 2009
6,312

$  

29%  

30%

$  

$  

$  

$  

7,688  
(488)  
2,535  
431  
24  
3,830  
14,020  

10,940  
3,080  
14,020  

$ 

$  

$  

$  

1,894
948
1,130
346
818
733
5,869

5,075
794
5,869

Current  income  taxes  payable  of  $4,192  (2009:  $2,949)  is  included  within  accounts  payable  and 
accrued liabilities in Note 11.

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

15.  INCOME TAX

(continued)

b)   The tax effects items that give rise to significant portions of the future tax assets and future tax 
liabilities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:

Future income tax assets:
   Non-capital losses  
   Share issue costs  
   Asset retirement obligation and other  
   Financial derivatives  
   Mineral properties and property, plant and equipment  
Total future income tax assets 
Valuation allowance 
   Net future income tax assets  
Future income tax liabilities:
Mineral properties – Peru 
Mineral properties – Mexico 
Equipment 
   Total future income tax liabilities  
Net future income tax liabilities 

December 31, 2010  

  December 31, 2009

$  

$ 

$  
$  

10,500  
1,037  
2,185  
48  
1,012  
14,782  
(10,553)  
4,229  

 (13,360)  
(5,024) 
(178) 
(18,562)  
(14,333) 

$  

$  

$ 
$ 

5,416
275
207
1,125
927
7,950
(6,599)
1,351

(10,366)
 (1,958)
 -
 (12,324)
 (10,973)

c)   The Company has non-capital loss carry-forwards that will expire if unused of $40,248 that may be 
available for tax purposes.  The loss carry-forwards expire as follows:

Non-capital losses, expiring as follows:
2013  
2014  
2016  
2017  
2025  
2026  
2027  
2028  
2029  
2030  
No expiry  

Canada  

380  
1,129  
915  
-  
2,139  
2,342  
3,850  
1,597  
4,674  
9,876 
-  
26,902  

$ 

$  

$  

$  

Peru  

 -  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
 -  
357  
357  

$  

$  

Mexico

-
-
41
3,371
1,999
-
-
-
3,702
3,876
-
12,989

A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the potential future income tax assets associated 
with the Canadian loss carry-forwards as their utilization is not considered more likely than not at this 
time.

16.  SHARE
CAPITAL

a)   Authorized:  Unlimited common shares without par value

On  June  17,  2009,  an  aggregate  of  36  common  shares  resulting  from  rounding  of  previous  capital 
consolidations  were  returned  to  treasury  to  reduce  the  accumulated  fractional  shares  held  in  the 
Company’s trustee account.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued an aggregate of 26,507,500 common 
shares, under two bought deal financings, for gross proceeds of $78,528.  Net proceeds of $73,919 
after  share  issuance  costs  of  $4,609  were  raised  from  the  bought  deal  financings  comprised  of: 

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

16.  SHARE
CAPITAL

(continued)

15,007,500 common shares at CAD$2.30 per share, for net proceeds of $31,135; and 11,500,000 
common shares at CAD$4.00 per share, for net proceeds of $42,784.  

Subsequent to December 31, 2010 to March 23, 2011, the Company issued 6,756 common shares, at 
a fair market value of CAD$4.41 per share, to Radius (refer to Notes 10.c) and 22) and 245,000 share 
purchase options were exercised at prices ranging from CAD$0.83 to CAD$2.22 per share, resulting in 
issued and outstanding shares of 122,749,221. 

b)   Stock Options

The Company’s stock option plan, approved by the shareholders on August 30, 2006 and accepted 
by  the  TSX  Venture  Exchange  on  October  16,  2006  provides  a  rolling  maximum  of  the  issuance  of 
common treasury shares equal to up to ten percent of the issued and outstanding common shares with 
no vesting provisions.  The exercise price of the optioned shares are no less than the market price, with 
the length of the grant expiring up to ten years from grant.  

The following is a summary of option transactions:  

Balance, December 31, 2008  
Granted  
Exercised 
Expired  
Forfeited  
Balance, December 31, 2009  
Exercised  
Cancelled  
Balance, December 31, 2010  

Number of Shares 
7,734,000  
2,915,000  
 (389,000)  
(970,000)  
(1,075,000)  
8,215,000  
(999,500)  
(2,665,000)  
4,550,500  

$  

Weighted Average Exercise
  Price Per Share in CAD$
1.87
1.56
0.81
2.35
3.22
1.50
1.03
1.62
1.51

$  

$  

During the period, 999,500 share purchase options with exercise prices ranging from CAD$0.80 to 
CAD$2.29 per share were exercised.  

During the period, 2,665,000 share purchase options with exercise prices ranging from CAD$1.60 to 
CAD$2.23 were cancelled as shareholder approval was not obtained at the Company’s annual general 
meeting held on June 23, 2010.

78

The  following  table  summarizes  information  related  to  stock  options  outstanding  and  exercisable  at 
December 31, 2010:

Number of 
outstanding 
share purchase 
options (in 000’s) 
1,621  
1,800  
1,130  
4,551  

Exercise price 
in CAD$ 
$0.80 to $0.99  
$1.00 to $1.99  
$2.00 to $2.75  
$0.80 to $2.75  

Weighted
average

remaining  Weighted average 
contractual life 
exercise price on 
of outstanding  outstanding share 
purchase options 
share purchase 
CAD$ 
options (years) 
0.85  
1.61  
2.30  
1.51  

7.7   $  
5.5  
6.1  
6.4   $  

Vested share 
purchase options 
(in 000’s) 

  Weighted average
exercise price on
vested share
purchase options
CAD$
0.85
1.61
2.30
1.51

1,621   $  
1,800  
1,130  
4,551   $  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

16.  SHARE
CAPITAL

(continued)

The weighted average remaining life of vested share purchase options at December 31, 2010 was 6.4 
years (2009: 8.3 years).

As at December 31, 2010, 4,550,500 share purchase options have vested. 

Subsequent  to  December  31,  2010  to  March  23,  2011,  245,000  share  purchase  options  were 
exercised at prices ranging from CAD$0.83 to CAD$2.22 per share. 

c)   Stock-based Compensation

i.   Stock Option Plan

The Company uses the fair value based method of accounting for share options granted to consultants, 
directors, officers, and employees.  The non-cash compensation recovery of $2,440 recognized for the 
year ended December 31, 2010 is associated with the 2,665,000 share purchase options granted in 
the fourth quarter of 2009 and cancelled as shareholder approval was not obtained at the Company’s 
annual general meeting held on June 23, 2010.

The non-cash compensation charge of $2,707 recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009 is 
associated with options granted to a directors, officers, and employees.  These compensation charges 
have been determined under the fair value method using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with 
the following assumptions:  

Risk-free interest rate  
Expected stock price volatility  
Expected term in years  
Expected dividend yield  

Years ended December 31,

2010  
n/a  
n/a  
n/a  
n/a  

2009
2.42% to 3.45%
70% to 78%
5 to 10 years
0%

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 
2010 was CAD$nil (2009 - CAD$0.91).

Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the estimate of the 
share price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected life of the options.  Changes in the subjective 
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the existing models do 
not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.

ii.   Deferred Share Units Cost

During the year, the Company implemented a deferred share unit plan which allows for up to 1% of the 
number of shares outstanding from time to time to be granted to eligible directors.  All grants under the 
plan are fully vested upon credit to an eligible directors’ account. As at December 31, 2010, there are 
409,097 (2009: nil) deferred share units outstanding with a mark-to-market cost of $1,897 (2009: 
$nil).

iii.   Restricted Share Units Cost

During the year, the Company implemented a restricted share unit plan for certain employees or officers.  
The RSUs entitle employees or officers to a cash payment after the end of each performance period, of 

79

 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

16.  SHARE
CAPITAL

(continued)

up to two years, following the date of the award.  The RSU payment will be an amount equal to the fair 
market value of the Company’s common share on the five trading days immediately prior to the end of 
the performance period multiplied by the number of RSUs held by the employee.

As at December 31, 2010, there are 219,114 (2009: nil) restricted share units outstanding with a 
mark-to-market cost of $127 (2009: $nil).

d)   Reserves

During the year, the Board of Directors of Bateas has appropriated reserves of $975 (2009: $1,130) 
from  its  retained  earnings  representing  ten  percent  of  the  net  income  earned  in  the  calendar  years 
2009 (2009: 2006, 2007, and 2008).  The reserve is required under the Republic of Peru’s General 
Corporate  Law  (Ley  General  de  Sociedades)  article  229,  whereas  a  legal  reserve  equivalent  to  a 
minimum of ten percent of the distributable value of each financial year, net of income taxes until the 
reserve reaches an amount equal to one fifth of its capital (capital defined as share capital and retained 
earnings) must be established.  The excess over this limit is not a legal reserve.  Dividends can only be 
paid on profits free of reserves.

e)   Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents

Weighted average number of commons shares  
Weighted average number of dilutive stock options  

December 31, 2010 
108,120  
2,445  
110,565  

  December 31, 2009
91,803
-
91,803

17.  SEGMENTED 
INFORMATION

a)   Industry Information

The  Company  operates  in  one  reportable  operating  segment,  being  the  acquisition,  exploration, 
development, and operation of mineral properties.

b)   Geographic Information

The following is the summary of operations and summary of certain assets on a geographical basis.

Canada 

Peru 

Mexico 

Other 

Total 

80

Year ended December 31, 2010
   Sales  
   Operating income (loss)  
Year ended December 31, 2009
   Sales  
   Operating income (loss)  

$  
$  

$  
$ 

As at December 31, 2010
$  
  Mineral Properties  
   Property, plant and equipment   $  
   Total assets  
$ 
As at December 31, 2009
   Mineral Properties  
$  
   Property, plant and equipment   $  
$  
   Total assets  

-  
$  
(5,807)   $  

74,056   $ 
35,962   $ 

 -   $  
 -   $ 

$  
-  
 (5,612)   $  

51,428   $  
20,992   $ 

-   $  
 (921)   $ 

-  
6  
 81,439  

-  
11  
25,120  

$  
$  
$  

$  
$  
$  

35,449   $  
14,953   $  
$ 
77,760 

55,601   $  
20,804   $ 
83,973   $  

30,364 
$  
12,298   $  
67,978   $ 

43,763   $  
4,922  $ 
 46,614  $  

-   $  
 (44)   $  

-   $ 
 (76)   $  

-   $  
 -   $  
11   $  

-   $ 
 2   $  
26   $  

74,056
30,111

51,428
14,383

91,050
35,763
243,183

4,127
17,233
139,738

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

c)   Major Customers   

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010,  there  were  two  customers  accounting  for  64%  and  36%, 
respectively, of the total sales of the Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, there was one customer accounting for 94% of total sales of 
the Company.

17.  SEGMENTED 
INFORMATION

(continued)

18.  COMMITMENTS 
AND 
CONTINGENCIES

The  Company  has  a  contract  to  guarantee  power  supply  at  its  Caylloma  mine.    Under  the  contract, 
the seller is obligated to deliver a “maximum committed demand” (for the present term this stands at 
2,800 Kw) and the Company is obligated to purchase subject to exemptions under provisions of “Force 
Majeure”.  The contract is automatically renewed every two years for a period of 10 years.  Renewal can 
be avoided without penalties by notifying 10 months in advance of renewal date.  

Tariffs are established annually by the energy market regulator in accordance with applicable regulations 
in Peru.

The Company acts as guarantor to capital lease obligations held by two of its mining contractors.  These 
capital lease contracts are related to the acquisition of mining equipment deployed at the Caylloma 
mine.  As at December 31, 2010, these obligations amounted to $711 with $231 and $480 maturing 
in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

a)   Environmental Matters

The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing 
the protection of the environment.  These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally 
becoming more restrictive.  The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and 
environment and believes its operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all 
material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply 
with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures.

81

Estimated future reclamation costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements.  As of 
December 31, 2010, $4,924 (2009: $2,529) was accrued for reclamation costs relating to mineral 
properties in accordance with Section 3110, “Asset Retirement Obligations”. See Note 14.  

b)   Income Taxes

The Company operates in numerous countries around the world and accordingly it is subject to, and 
pays annual income taxes under the various income tax regimes in the countries in which it operates.  
Some of these tax regimes are defined by contractual agreements with the local government, and others 
are defined by the general corporate income tax laws of the country.  

The Company has historically filed, and continues to file, all required income tax returns and to pay 
the taxes reasonably determined to be due.  The tax rules and regulations in many countries are highly 
complex and subject to interpretation.  From time to time, the Company is subject to a review of its 
historic  income  tax  filings  and  in  connection  with  such  reviews,  disputes  can  arise  with  the  taxing 
authorities over the interpretation or application of certain rules to the Company’s business conducted 
within the country involved.

18.  COMMITMENTS 
AND 
CONTINGENCIES

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

c)   Title Risk

Although the Company has taken steps to verify title to properties in which it has an interest, these 
procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title.  Property title may be subject to, among other things, 
unregistered prior agreements or transfers and may be affected by undetected defects.

d)   Credit Facility

In 2010, the Company entered into a credit agreement with the Bank of Nova Scotia for a $20 million 
senior secured revolving credit facility (“credit facility”) to be refinanced or repaid on or within two and 
one-half years or before December 2012.  The credit facility is secured by a first ranking lien on Bateas 
and its assets. The interest margin on drawings under the facility ranges from 4% to 4.5% depending 
on the leverage ratio.  A stand-by fee between 1.25% and 1.5% depending on the leverage ratio is 
to be paid on the undrawn amounts under the facility.  No funds were drawn from this credit facility 
during the year.

19. CAPITAL 
DISCLOSURE

The  Company’s  objectives  when  managing  capital  are  to  provide  shareholder  returns  through 
maximization of the profitable growth of the business and to maintain a degree of financial flexibility 
relevant to the underlying operating and metal price risks while safeguarding the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.  

The capital of the Company consists of shareholders’ equity and bank loan, net of cash.  The Board of 
Directors does not establish a quantitative return on capital criteria for management.  The Company 
manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions 
and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. 

The management of the Company believes that the capital resources of the Company as at December 
31, 2010, are sufficient for its present needs for the next 12 months.  The Company is not subject to 
externally imposed capital requirements.

The Company’s overall strategy with respect to capital risk management remained unchanged during 
the year.  

20.  MANAGEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL RISK

The  Company’s  financial  instruments  are  exposed  to  certain  financial  risks,  including  currency  risk, 
credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk, and price risk.  The Company’s Board of Directors has overall 
responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework and 
reviews the Company’s policies on an ongoing basis.

82

a)   Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable, accounts 
payable  and  accrued  liabilities,  and  due  to  related  parties  approximate  their  fair  value  due  to  the 
relatively short periods to maturity and the terms of these financial instruments.  

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and 
information  about  the  financial  instrument.    These  estimates  are  subjective  in  nature  and  involve 
uncertainties and matters of significant judgement and, therefore cannot be determined with precision.  
Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

20.  MANAGEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL RISK

(continued)

The analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value 
can be categorized into Levels 1 to 3 based upon the degree to which the fair value is observable.

•	 Level	 1	 -	 inputs	 to	 the	 valuation	 methodology	 are	 quoted	 (unadjusted)	 for	 identical	 assets	 or	

liabilities in active markets.

•	 Level	 2	 -	 inputs	 to	 valuation	 methodology	 include	 quoted	 market	 prices	 for	 similar	 assets	 and	
liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 
or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

•	 Level	3	-	inputs	to	the	valuation	methodology	are	unobservable	and	significant	to	the	fair	value	of	

measurement.

The Company has classified the determination of fair value of accounts receivable and derivatives as 
level  2,  as  the  valuation  method  used  by  the  Company  includes  an  assessment  of  assets  in  quoted 
markets with significant observable inputs.

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable  
Derivatives 

$  

$  

$  

Financial assets (liabilities) at fair value as at December 31, 2010  
Level 1 
Total
70,298
70,298  
20,509
20,509  
12,551
-  
(133)
 -  
103,225
90,807  

  Level 2 
-  
- 
12,551  
(133)  
12,418  

 Level 3  
-  
 -  
-  
-  
 -  

$  

$  

$  

$  

$ 

There were no changes in the levels during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable 
Derivatives  

$  

$  

$  

Financial assets (liabilities) at fair value as at December 31, 2009
Level 1 
Total
30,763
30,763  
 6,034
6,034 
8,322
 -  
(3,055)
-  
42,064
36,797  

Level 2 
-  
 -  
8,322  
(3,055)  
5,267  

 Level 3  
-  
- 
-  
-  
-  

$  

$  

$  

$  

$  

83

Accounts  receivable  includes  accounts  receivable  from  provisional  sales.  The  fair  value  of  accounts 
receivable resulting from provisional pricing reflect observable market commodity prices.  Resulting fair 
value changes to accounts receivable are through sales.  Transactions involving accounts receivable are 
with counterparties the Company believes are creditworthy.

Derivatives  are  carried  at  their  fair  value,  which  is  determined  based  on  internal  valuation  models 
that reflect observable forward market commodity prices.  Resulting fair value changes to derivatives 
are  through  net  gain  (loss)  on  commodity  contracts.    Transactions  involving  derivatives  are  with 
counterparties the Company believes to be creditworthy.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, there have been no changes in the classification of financial 
assets and liabilities in level 3 of the hierarchy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20.  MANAGEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL RISK

(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

b)   Currency Risk

The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates.  The 
Company operates in Canada, Peru, Mexico and Barbados and a portion of its expenses are incurred 
in Canadian dollars, Nuevo Soles, and Mexican Pesos.  A significant change in the currency exchange 
rates between the United States dollar relative to the other currencies could have a material effect on 
the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.  The Company has not hedged its 
exposure to currency fluctuations.  

As at December 31, 2010, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and 
liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars, Nuevo Soles and Mexican Pesos (all amounts are expressed 
in thousands of Canadian dollars, thousands of Nuevo Soles or thousands of Mexican Pesos):

Cash and cash equivalents  
Short term investments  
Accounts receivable  
Long term investment and receivable   
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Long term liability  
Asset retirement obligation  

  December 31, 2009

Nuevo 
Soles 

                    December 31, 2010 
  Canadian 
Dollars 
$   54,782   S/.  
20,514    
71    
-    
(625)   
(1,999)   
-    

741   $  
-  
1,304  
-  

(27,268)    

(9,169)    

-  

  Mexican  
Pesos  
2,201   $   21,283   S/.  

  Canadian 
Dollars 

-  
42,452  
24,209  
(6,390)  
-  
(19,959)  

560  
5  
-  
(194)  
-  
-  

Nuevo 
Soles 

302   $  
-  
880  
-  

(17,150)    

-  
(8,835) 

Mexican
Pesos
1,283
-
6,565
-
(623)
-
 -

Based on the above net exposure as at December 31, 2010, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 10% 
depreciation or appreciation of the US dollar against the above currencies would result in an increase or decrease, expressed in 
US dollars, as follows:

Impact to other comprehensive 
   income  
Impact to net income (loss)  

$  

8,081

  $  

(1,360)   $  

382

c)   Credit Risk

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  an  unexpected  loss  if  a  customer  or  third  party  to  a  financial  instrument 
fails to meet its contractual obligations.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short term 
investments are held through large Canadian, international and foreign national financial institutions.  
These  investments  mature  at  various  dates  within  one  year.    All  of  the  Company’s  trade  accounts 
receivables are held with large international metals trading companies.

84

The  Company  holds  derivative  contracts  with  financial  institutions  and  in  this  regard  is  exposed 
to  counterparty  risk.    The  Company  mitigates  this  risk  by  transacting  only  with  reputable  financial 
institutions to minimize credit risk.  

As at December 31, 2010, the Company has a Mexican value added tax of $3,336 and Peruvian value 
added tax of $136.  The Company expects to recover the full amounts from the Mexican and Peruvian 
Governments.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20.  MANAGEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL RISK
(continued)

FORTUNA SILVER MINES INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

All amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except for share and per share amounts

d)   Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall 
due.  The Company manages liquidity risk by continuing to monitor forecasted and actual cash flows.  
The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to 
support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its development plans.  
The Company strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its short term business requirements, taking 
into account its anticipated cash flows from operations, its holdings of cash, short term investments, 
and its committed liabilities. 

          Expected payments due by period as at December 31, 2010

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Due to related parties, net  
Derivatives  
Long term liability  
Total1  

$  

$  

Less than 
1 year 
13,496 
40  
133  
1,083  
14,752   $  

  1-3 years 
 $ 

 -   $  
-  
- 
3,243  
3,243   $ 

  4-5 years 

After 
5 years  

-   $  
-  
-  
-  
 -   $  

-   $  
-  
-  
-  
-   $  

Total
13,496
40
133
4,326
17,995

1 Amounts above do not include payments related to the following: (i) the Company’s anticipated asset retirement obligation of $4,924 associated with mine closure, land reclamation, 
and other environmental matters.

e)   Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate 
because of changes in market interest rates.  The risk that the Company will realize a loss as a result 
of a decline in the fair value is limited because the balances are generally held with major financial 
institutions in demand deposit accounts. 

f)   Metal Price Risk

The Company is exposed to metals price risk with respect to silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper sold 
through  its  mineral  concentrate  products.  The  Company  mitigates  this  risk  by  implementing  price 
protection programs for some of its zinc and lead production through the use of derivative instruments.  
As a matter of policy, the Company does not hedge its silver production.

Cash received or paid for interest and income taxes:
   Cash received for interest  
   Cash paid for income taxes  
Non-cash Transactions:
   Issuance of shares on purchase of resource property  
   Reassessment of asset retirement obligation 
   Cancellation of Minera Condor liability  
   Equipment purchased through capital lease  
   Fair value of options exercised  
   Disposal of investment in subsidiary  

Notes 

10 c)  
14 
13 b)  

Years ended December 31, 

2010 

335  
4,346  

20  
2,210  
-  
925  
759  
119  

$  
$  

$  
$  
$  
$  
$  
$  

2009

210
596

5,194
1,286
156
1,425
246
-

$  
$  

$  
$  
$  
$  
$  
$  

85

21. SUPPLEMENTAL 
CASH FLOW 
INFORMATION

22. SUBSEQUENT 
EVENT UP TO 
MARCH 23, 2011

On January 14, 2011, the Company issued 6,756 common shares of the Company to Radius, at a fair 
market value of $4.44 per share and paid $30 cash according to the terms of the option agreement 
referenced in Note 10.c).

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

Corporate Office

355 Burrard Street, Suite 840

Vancouver, BC

Canada, V6C 2G8

Tel: +1.604.484.4085

Management Head Office

Piso 17. Av. Pardo y Aliaga # 640

San Isidro, Lima - Peru

Tel: +51.1.616.6060, ext. 2

Investor Relations

Management Head Office

Carlos Baca

Corporate Office

Ralph Rushton / Erin Ostrom

info@fortunasilver.com

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:

I

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Stock Exchanges

TSX: FVI

Lima Stock Exchange: FVI

Frankfurt: F4S.F

OTC:BB: FVIT.F

Auditors

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chartered Accountants

2800 – 1055 Dunsmuir Street

Vancouver, BC

Canada V7X 1P4

Share Transfer Agent

Olympia Trust Company

750 West Pender Street, Suite 1003

Vancouver, BC

Canada V6C 3L2

Qualified Person
Mr. Miroslav Kalinaj, P. Geo., is the
Company’s Qualified Person as defined
by the NI 43 – 101 and is responsible
for the accuracy of the technical
information in this annual report.

86

Photo: San Jose Mine: Processing plant ore transport conveyor belt underground tunnel

 
 
 
 
 
 
www.fortunasilver.com

TSX: FVI
Lima Stock Exchange: FVI
Frankfurt: F4S.F
OTC:BB: FVIT.F

Photo: San Jose Mine: Processing plant flotation cells and ball mill