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Hudbay MineralsU.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 40-F Check One ¨ Registration Statement Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 Commission File Number: 001-38141 Sierra Metals Inc. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) N/A (Translation of Registrant’s name into English (if applicable)) Canada (Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable)) 1021 N/A (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable)) 161 Bay Street, Suite 4260, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1, (416) 366-7777 (Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices) Cogency Global Inc. 10 East 40th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016, (800) 221-0102 (Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code of agent for service in the United States) Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. Common Shares Title of each class NYSE American Name of each exchange on which registered Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. None (Title of Class) Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None (Title of Class) For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form: x Annual information form x Audited annual financial statements Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: Common Shares: 162,810,553 Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes x No ¨ If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ Not applicable Emerging growth companyx DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) has designed disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, on a regular basis, including during the period in which the Company’s Annual Report on Form 40-F relating to financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 is being prepared. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of that evaluation date, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act, was (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”) rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS For management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, see “Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting ("ICFR") in our MD&A attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 40-F and incorporated by reference herein. 2 This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for companies that are newly public in the U.S. AUDITOR ATTESTATION CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, or in other factors that could significantly affect such internal controls, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. None. NOTICES PURSUANT TO REGULATION BTR The Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) has a standing audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following three Board members: Koko Yamamoto, Douglas Cater and Jose Vizquerra Benavides. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT The Board has determined that all three members serving on its Audit Committee are considered “audit committee financial experts”. Each of Koko Yamamoto, Douglas Cater and Jose Vizquerra Benavides has been determined to be such an audit committee financial expert, within the meaning of Item 407 of Regulation S-K. Each of Ms. Yamamoto, Mr. Cater and Mr. Vizquerra Benavides is independent, as that term is defined by the listing standards of the NYSE American, LLC (“NYSE American”) applicable to the Company. The Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that the designation of each of Ms. Yamamoto, Mr. Cater and Mr. Vizquerra Benavides as an audit committee financial expert does not make Ms. Yamamoto, Mr. Cater and Mr. Vizquerra Benavides an “expert” for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Ms. Yamamoto, Mr. Cater and Mr. Vizquerra Benavides that are greater than those imposed on Board members who do not carry this designation, or affect the duties, obligations or liabilities of any other Board member. NYSE AMERICAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE As a Canadian corporation listed on the NYSE American, we are not required to comply with certain NYSE American corporate governance standards, so long as we comply with applicable Canadian and Toronto Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements. In order to claim relief under these provisions, Section 110 of the NYSE American Company Guide requires us to provide written certification from independent local counsel that the non-complying practice is not prohibited by home country law. A comparison of NYSE American governance rules required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under NYSE American’s listing standards and our corporate governance practices (such disclosure required by item 303A.11 of the NYSE American Listed Company Manual and section 110 of the NYSE American Company Guide) is available on the Corporate Governance section of our website at: https://s23.q4cdn.com/335191765/files/doc_downloads/corporate_governance/Sierra-Website- Disclosure-Governance.pdf. 3 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP acted as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For a description of the total amount PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP billed to us for services performed in the last two fiscal years by category of service (audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees), see the information under the caption "Audit Committee Information - External Auditor Fees" in our Annual Information Form (“AIF”), which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 40-F and incorporated by reference herein. The Audit Committee has adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services, including the requirement that all non-audit services to be performed by the external auditor must be pre-approved and monitored by the Audit Committee. Subject to National Instrument 52- 110 Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by our Board, and where applicable the Audit Committee, on a case-by-case basis. CODE OF ETHICS The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct & Ethics (the "Code"), covering all employees, officers, directors, agents and contractors of our company, to assist in maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in corporate affairs. In addition, the Board must comply with conflict of interest provisions in Canadian corporate law, including relevant securities regulatory instruments, in order to ensure that directors exercise independent judgment in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which a director or executive officer has a material interest. A copy of the Code is available on the Company’s website at: https://s23.q4cdn.com/335191765/files/doc_downloads/corporate_governance/2020/01/Code_of_Busi ness_Conduct_and_Ethics_-_Final_June_2019.pdf All amendments and any waivers of the Code that apply to the officers covered by it will be posted on our website, furnished to the SEC as required, and provided to any shareholder who requests them. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we did not grant any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code to any executive officer or director. With the exceptions of the Code, no information contained on the Company’s website shall be incorporated by reference in this Form 40-F. The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in General Instruction B(11) to Form 40-F as of December 31, 2020. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS The required information is provided in the section “FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISKS” sub-section “Liquidity risk” - note 10 (b) in the MD&A, contained in Exhibit 99.2 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F and incorporated by reference herein. 4 CLASSIFICATION OF MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES In our AIF, the definitions of proven and probable mineral reserves, and measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources are those used by the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and conform to the definitions utilized by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM"), as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES READERS CONCERNING MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES Our AIF for the year ended December 31, 2020 attached to the Form 40-F as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the Securities Act. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained in our AIF may contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities under the regulation of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Administration under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries operated a coal or other mine in the United States, and we were not subject to any citations, orders or other legal actions under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. 5 DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(r) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT Pursuant to section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, the Company is required to disclose whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings related to both the Islamic Republic of Iran (“Iran”) and certain persons listed on the Specially Designated National and Blocked Persons list maintained by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, during the year ended December 31, 2020. Disclosure of these certain activities, transactions or dealings is generally required even if conducted in compliance with applicable law and regulations. The Company is not aware that it or any of its affiliates have knowingly engaged in any transaction or dealing reportable under section 13(r) of the Exchange Act during the year ended December 31, 2020. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information relating to our company, including our AIF, Audited Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the SEC website at www.sec.gov, or on our website at www.sierrametals.com. Shareholders may also contact the Vice President, Investor Relations of the Company by phone at 1-(866)-493-9646 or by email at info@sierrametals.com to request copies of these documents and this annual report on Form 40-F. UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS The Company undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities. The Company has previously filed a Form F-X in connection with each class of securities to which the obligation to file this Form 40-F arises. Any change to the name and address of the agent for service of process shall be communicated promptly to the Commission by amendment to Form F-X. 6 Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this Form 40-F to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized. SIGNATURES Dated: March 18, 2021 SIERRA METALS INC. By: /s/ Luis Marchese Luis Marchese Chief Executive Officer 7 The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Form 40-F: Exhibit Number Document EXHIBITS Certifications 13.1 13.2 Consents 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 23.7 23.8 Annual Information 99.1 99.2 99.3 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.DEF 101.LAB 101.PRE Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated March 18, 2021 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated March 18, 2021 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Consent of Andre Deiss Consent of Daniel H. Sepulveda Consent of Carl Kottmeier Consent of Cliff Revering Consent of Jarek Jakubec Consent of Giovanny J. Ortiz Consent of Americo Zuzunaga Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 XBRL Instance Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 13.1 I, Luis Marchese, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Sierra Metals Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: (a) (b) (c) (d) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) (b) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 18, 2021 /s/ Luis Marchese Name: Luis Marchese Title: Chief Executive Officer CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Ed Guimaraes, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Sierra Metals Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: (a) (b) (c) (d) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) (b) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 18, 2021 /s/ Ed Guimaraes Name: Ed Guimaraes Title: Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 Exhibit 13.2 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) for the yearly period ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Luis Marchese, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge: (1) (2) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Luis Marchese Name: Luis Marchese Title: Chief Executive Officer Date: March 18, 2021 The foregoing certificate is solely for the purposes of compliance with the aforementioned Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any other purposes. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request. Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 40-F of Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) for the yearly period ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Ed Guimaraes, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge: (1) (2) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Ed Guimaraes Name: Ed Guimaraes Title: Chief Financial Officer Date: March 18, 2021 The foregoing certificate is solely for the purposes of compliance with the aforementioned Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any other purposes. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request. Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We hereby consent to the inclusion in this Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 of Sierra Metals Inc. (the Company) of our report dated March 15, 2021, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this 40-F. /s/PricewaterhouseCoopers.LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants Toronto, Canada March 15, 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 99 Bank Street, Suite 710, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 1E4 T: +1 613 237 3702, F: +1 613 237 3963, www.pwc.com/ca “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. Exhibit 23.2 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos province, Peru” dated effective June 30, 2020 (the “Yauricocha PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/Andre Deiss Andre Deiss, B.Sc. (Hons). Pr.Sci.Nat., MSAIMM Exhibit 23.3 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos province, Peru” dated effective June 30, 2020 (the “Yauricocha PEA Technical Report”), the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bolivar Mine, Mexico” dated effective December 31, 2019 (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”), and the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State, Mexico” dated effective August 31, 2020 (the “Cusi PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report and the Cusi PEA Technical Report, or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report, or the Cusi PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or the Cusi PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/Daniel H. Sepulveda Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc Exhibit 23.4 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos province, Peru” dated effective June 30, 2020 (the “Yauricocha PEA Technical Report”), the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bolivar Mine, Mexico” dated effective December 31, 2019 (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”), and the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State, Mexico” dated effective August 31, 2020 (the “Cusi PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report and the Cusi PEA Technical Report, or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report, or the Cusi PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or the Cusi PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/Carl Kottmeier Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA Exhibit 23.5 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bolivar Mine, Mexico” dated effective December 31, 2019 (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/Cliff Revering Cliff Revering, P. Eng. Exhibit 23.6 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bolivar Mine, Mexico” dated effective December 31, 2019 (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Bolivar PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/Jarek Jakubec Jarek Jakubec, C. Eng. FIMMM Exhibit 23.7 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1- 38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to the: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State, Mexico” dated effective August 31, 2020 (the “Cusi PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Cusi PEA Technical Report, or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein derived from the Cusi PEA Technical Report or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Cusi PEA Technical Report. Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/ Giovanny J. Ortiz Giovanny J. Ortiz, BSc Geology, FAusIMM Exhibit 23.8 VIA SEDAR / EDGAR Ontario Securities Commission, as Principal Regulator British Columbia Securities Commission Alberta Securities Commission Autorité des marchés financiers United States Securities and Exchange Commission Dear Sirs/Mesdames: Re: Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Information Form for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “AIF”), Annual Report on Form 40-F for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (File no. 1-38141) (the “Form 40-F”) Consent of Qualified Person Reference is made to the AIF and to the Form 40-F. I hereby consent to: (i) inclusion of the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos province, Peru” dated effective June 30, 2020 (the “Yauricocha PEA Technical Report”), the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Bolivar Mine, Mexico” dated effective December 31, 2019 (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”), and the summary section of the report entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment, Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State, Mexico” dated effective August 31, 2020 (the “Cusi PEA Technical Report”) in the AIF and any amendments thereto, and the incorporation of this report in the AIF, (ii) incorporation of the AIF in the Form 40-F and any amendments thereto and (iii) being named in, and the use of the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report and the Cusi PEA Technical Report, or portions thereof prepared, reviewed and/or approved by me, in the AIF and Form 40-F. I also hereby confirm that I have read the AIF and have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein that are derived from the Updated Mineral Estimates or within my knowledge as a result of the services I performed in connection with the Updated Mineral Estimates. [Signature page follows] Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/ Americo Zuzunaga Americo Zuzunaga, MAusIMM CP Exhibit 99.1 SIERRA METALS INC. ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 DATED: MARCH 18, 2021 Corporate Office: 161 Bay Street, Suite 4260 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preliminary Notes Corporate Structure General Development of the Business Description of the Business Material Mineral Properties Updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Information Risk Factors Dividends and Distributions Description of Capital Structure Market for Securities Escrowed Securities Directors and Officers Audit Committee Information Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Actions Interest of Management and Others in Material Transactions Transfer Agent and Registrar Material Contracts Interest of Experts Additional Information Audit Committee Charter 3 5 6 16 24 59 61 73 73 73 74 75 78 80 81 81 81 81 82 83 ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM DATED MARCH 18, 2021 SIERRA METALS INC. (“Sierra”, “Sierra Metals” or the “Company”) PRELIMINARY NOTES Effective Date of Information The date of this Annual Information Form (the “AIF”) is March 18, 2021. Except as otherwise indicated, the information contained herein is as at December 31, 2020. Documents Incorporated by Reference The information provided in this AIF is supplemented by disclosure contained in the documents listed below which are incorporated by reference into this AIF. These documents must be read together with the AIF in order to provide full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to Sierra Metals. The documents listed below are not contained within or attached to this document. The documents may be accessed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company’s profile. Document Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos Province, Peru (the “Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report”). Effective Date/ Period Ended Date Filed on SEDAR website Document Category on the SEDAR Website June 30, 2020 December 8, 2020 Technical Report PEA, Bolivar Mine, Mexico (the “Bolivar PEA Technical Report”) December 31, 2019 November 5, 2020 Technical Report PEA for the Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State, Mexico (the “Cusi PEA Technical Report”) August 31, 2020 January 5, 2021 Technical Report Cautionary Statement – Forward Looking Information This AIF contains “forward looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws related to the Company and its operations, and in particular, the anticipated developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, the Company’s planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be considered to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if and when the properties are developed or further developed. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: future production of silver, gold, lead, copper and zinc (collectively, the “metals”); future cash costs per ounce or pound of the metals; the price of the metals; the effects of domestic and foreign laws, regulations and government policies and actions affecting the Company’s operations or potential future operations; future successful development of the Yauricocha mine in Yauyos Province, Peru (the “Yauricocha Mine”), the Bolivar mine in Chihuahua, Mexico (the “Bolivar Mine”) and the Cusihuiriachic property in Chihuahua, Mexico (the “Cusi Mine”) and other exploration and development projects; the sufficiency of the Company’s current working capital, anticipated operating cash flow or the Company’s ability to raise necessary funds; estimated production rates for the metals produced by the Company; timing of production; the estimated cost of sustaining capital; ongoing or future development plans and capital replacement, improvement or remediation programs; the estimates of expected or anticipated economic returns from the Company’s mining projects; future sales of the metals, concentrates or other future products produced by the Company; the Strategic Process (as defined herein); implementation of programs; effects of renegotiation and termination of contracts or sub-contracts; the effective date of treaties; and the Company’s plans and expectations for its properties and operations. 3 Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “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 information. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks with respect to: operating hazards and risks; precious metal and base metal price fluctuation; mining operations; infrastructure; exploration and development; uncertainty of calculation of reserves and sources and metal recoveries; replacement of reserves and resources; fluctuations in the price of consumed commodities; no defined mineral reserves at the Cusi Mine; risk of foreign operations; burden of government regulation and permitting; risks relating to outstanding borrowings; uncertainty of title to assets; environmental risks; litigation risks; insurance risks; competitive risks; volatility in the price of the common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”); global financial risks; employee recruitment and retention; reliance on key personnel and labour relations; potential conflict of interest; significant shareholders; third party reliance; differences in U.S. and Canadian reporting of mineral reserves and resources; claim under U.S. securities laws; potential dilution of present and prospective shareholdings; currency risks; risks related to cyclical business; liquidity risks; financial reporting standards; credit risks; climate change; and the coronavirus (COVID-19) (“COVID-19”). This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward- looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in this AIF under the heading “Risk Factors”. The Company’s statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Classification of Mineral Reserves and Resources In this AIF, the definitions of proven and probable mineral reserves, and measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources are those used by the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and conform to the definitions utilized by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”), as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. 4 Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources This AIF has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the CIM as the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As set out above, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained in this AIF contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Currency Information All currency references in this AIF are in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. References to “Canadian dollars” or the use of the symbol “C$” refers to Canadian dollars. CORPORATE STRUCTURE Name, Address and Incorporation The Company was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “CBCA”) on April 11, 1996 under the corporate name “Line Islands Exploration Inc.”. The articles were amended by a certificate of amendment dated December 9, 1999 changing the corporate name to “Dia Bras Exploration Inc.” The Company changed its name to “Sierra Metals Inc.” by a certificate of amendment dated December 5, 2012. On June 19, 2014, the Company’s articles were further amended to provide that meetings of shareholders may be held in (i) Canada, (ii) the United States of America or (iii) any city, municipality or other country in which the Company is doing business. The registered principal office of Sierra Metals is located at 161 Bay Street, Suite 4260, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2S1. The head office of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries is located at Calle Blas Cano de los Rios No 500, Colonia San Felipe, C.P 31203, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. The head office of the Company’s Peruvian subsidiaries is located at Av. Pedro de Osma, 450 Barranco, Lima, Peru. 5 Intercorporate Relationships The Company carries on a significant portion of its business through a number of direct and indirect subsidiaries, as follows: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS Three-Year History and Recent Developments 2018 Peru On June 27, 2018, the Company reported the results of a PEA for the Yauricocha Mine, yielding a 486% return on investment and after-tax net present value (“NPV”) of US$393 million at an 8% discount rate. The PEA was compiled under NI 43-101 standards by Mining Plus Peru SAC. On October 1, 2018, the Company confirmed the discovery of a new style of mineralization (copper-molybdenum porphyry). The results were from testing of the geophysical anomalies in the quartz monzonite intrusive, in the eastern part of the mineralized area. This area is known as the Central Mine which is located between the Cuye and Esperanza zones. Prior evidence of copper-molybdenum porphyry mineralization had been observed on surface within the monzonite intrusive and had previously been sampled by Rio Tinto Zinc. Subsequently, drill core was sampled at 10-meter intervals over the entire hole length and the Company obtained 122 samples. A hole was drilled from the Klepetko Tunnel to test the priority anomaly located in the monzonite intrusive as this zone had high conductivity within the Intrusive. A copper-molybdenum mineralized porphyry was discovered. 6 Mexico On May 22, 2018, the Company announced an update to its Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimate for the Bolivar Mine. Total Probable Mineral Reserves for the Bolivar Mine were 7,925,000 tonnes averaging 19 g/t silver, 0.86% copper and 0.25 g/t gold, 1.14% CuEq representing an 83% increase to the previous Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate. Total Indicated Mineral Resources were 13,267,000 tonnes averaging 22.5 g/t silver, 1.04% copper and 0.29 g/t gold, 1.37% CuEq representing a 42% increase to the previous Indicated Mineral Resource estimate. Total Inferred Mineral Resources were 8,012,000 tonnes averaging 22 g/t silver, 0.96% copper and 0.30 g/t gold, 1.35% CuEq representing an 11.5% decrease to the previous Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate. On June 6, 2018, the Company announced the results of an infill drilling program evaluating the continuity and characteristics of geophysical anomalies that were previously tested as part of a recent Titan 24 Geophysical Survey and deemed high value targets at the Bolivar Mine. Drilling has identified and defined a new zone named Cieneguita, which is an extension of the Bolivar northwest structure and is situated in close proximity to the Bolivar northwest zone with similar characteristics. The Company completed a successful infill drilling program on those previously tested areas, which resulted in a new structure being defined demonstrating the continuity of the previously defined wide high-grade copper structures. On June 18, 2018, the Company reported the results of the Cusi PEA Technical Report, yielding a 75% internal rate of return and after-tax NPV of US$92 million at an 8% discount rate. The Cusi PEA Technical Report was compiled under NI 43-101 standards by Mining Plus Peru SAC and was filed on SEDAR on August 2, 2018. On June 29, 2018, the Company announced that the development program at the Cusi Mine has confirmed a wide, high-grade silver stockwork zone located within the Santa Rosa de Lima vein complex. This mineralized zone extends to over 100 meters in length, 40 meters in width and 70 meters in height. On July 9, 2018, the Company reported the results of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report, yielding a 550% return on investment and after-tax NPV of US$214 million at an 8% discount rate. The Bolivar PEA Technical Report was compiled under NI 43-101 standards by Mining Plus Peru SAC and was filed on SEDAR on August 23, 2018. Financing and Corporate Activities Initiation of Normal Course Issuer Bid On December 11, 2018, the Company announced that its board of directors (the “Board”) approved a share repurchase program in the form of a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB”) in the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and other Canadian marketplaces/alternative trading systems. Pursuant to the NCIB, the Company proposed to repurchase for cancellation up to 1,500,000 Common Shares, which represented approximately 0.92% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as at December 11, 2018. 7 Under the NCIB, the Company was permitted to purchase up to 1,500,000 Common Shares through the facilities of the TSX and other Canadian marketplaces/alternative trading systems during the 12-month period commencing on December 17, 2018 and ending on or before December 16, 2019. Any Common Share purchases made pursuant to the NCIB were to be at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction, purchased in accordance with the policies of the TSX and conducted by CIBC Capital Markets (“CIBC”). In accordance with TSX rules, any daily purchases made under the NCIB were limited to a maximum of 4,214 Common Shares, which represented 25% of the average daily trading volume of 16,858 Common Shares on the TSX for the six months ended November 30, 2018. However, the Company was permitted to make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeded the daily repurchase restriction, up to and including the maximum annual aggregate limit of 1,500,000 Common Shares. 2019 Peru On February 13, 2019, the Company announced that Sociedad Minera Corona, S.A. (“Minera Corona”), one of its Peruvian subsidiaries, received approval from SENACE (National Environmental Certification Service), the agency responsible for the evaluation of natural resources and production projects in Peru, with respect to its recent Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) study for the expansion of the tailings deposition facility at the Yauricocha Mine. With this approval for the EIA study, the Company submitted and received approval on May 19, 2019, for the construction and operation of the phase 5 that will allow to dispose over 1Mm3 of tailings overall. 2020 Update: In November 2020, the Company, as a part of its permitting strategy, obtained the operation permit of the phase 5-1 to dispose tailings. Also, in July 2020, the Company obtained from the SENACE the permit to dispose underground mine waste through a technical report, Informe Técnico Sustentatorio (“ITS”). On March 21, 2019, the Company announced that employees who were members of the Union of the Mine and Metallurgical Workers of Minera Corona, representing approximately 66% of the employees at the Yauricocha Mine, initiated a strike action in protest of contractor changes made as part of regular operations at the Yauricocha Mine. The Company suspended all mining and milling activities for the safety of all employees as of March 19, 2019. The Peruvian Ministry of Labour, upon receiving notification by the Union of its intent to strike, indicated that the strike could not proceed. Once the strike had materialized, they deemed the strike as illegal under current legislation. On April 12, 2019, the Company announced the resolution of the strike action at the Yauricocha Mine. On June 27, 2019, the Company announced the receipt of its permit to construct the expansion of the tailing dam facility as well as its permit for the surface drilling program at the Yauricocha Mine. On December 19, 2019, the Company announced an updated Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimate at the Yauricocha Mine. The updated Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimate disclosed the following: · Mineral Reserves of 8,439,000 tonnes averaging 46.5 g/t silver, 1.1% copper, 0.8% lead, 3.1% zinc and 0.5 g/t gold representing a 5.4% overall tonnage decrease to the previous Reserve Estimate, however, Proven Mineral Reserves increased 45% with Probable Mineral Reserves decreasing 18% as compared to the previous Reserve Estimate. Total Proven and Probable Contained Metal decreased by 8.9% silver, 10.9% copper, 4.6% lead, increased by 20.1% zinc, and decreased by 8.9% gold as compared to the previous Reserve Estimate. · · Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 12,651,000 tonnes averaging 51.5 g/t silver, 1.3% copper, 0.9% lead, 3.0% zinc and 0.6 g/t gold representing a 4% tonnage decrease from the previous resource tonnage estimate, however, Measured Mineral Resources increased 18% with Indicated Mineral Resources decreasing 11% as compared to the previous Resource Estimate. 8 · · · Total Measured and Indicated Contained Metal reduced by 21% silver, 15% copper, 7% lead, increased by 8% zinc, and reduced by 12% gold as compared to the previous Resource Estimate. Total Inferred Mineral Resources of 6,501,000 tonnes averaging 39.1 g/t silver, 1.5% copper, 0.6% lead, 1.7% zinc and 0.5 g/t gold compared from the previous Resource Estimate, representing a 2% tonnage decrease to the overall Inferred Resource Estimate. Total Inferred Contained Metal reduced by 11% silver, 26% copper, increase by 32% lead, reduced by 23% zinc and 9% gold as compared to the previous Resource Estimate. Mexico On January 9, 2019, the Company reported that its expansion plans were on track at the Bolivar Mine. In July 2018, the Company had announced the results of a PEA at Bolivar to achieve a sustainable and staged increase in mine production and mill throughput from 3,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”) to 3,600 tpd in Q1-2019, and to 5,000 tpd by mid-2020. Completion of the expansion included the installation of a refurbished mill, an electrical substation with 1250 KVA of capacity, a secondary crusher and a hydrocyclone cluster that allowed for finer grind size optionality. On April 3, 2019, the Company announced positive results from a drilling program designed to test the continuity and characteristics of geophysical anomalies identified in a recent Titan 24 Geophysical Survey. The areas drilled had been deemed as high-value targets within the Bolivar West zone, located at the Bolivar Mine. Drilling identified and defined a new zone named West Extension to the Bolivar West zone which is an extension of the Bolivar West structure and is within close proximity to the Bolivar West zone with similar characteristics. On June 3, 2019, the Company announced that it had agreed to repurchase a royalty on the Cusi Mine from Minera Cusi SA de CV, for US$4.0 million. The royalty agreement required the Company to pay a 3% royalty on the net revenues generated by the mine, less transportation costs, for the life of the Cusi Mine. The Company already paid US$2.5 million upon signing the repurchase contract on May 10, 2019 and is required to pay a further US$1.5 million on May 10, 2021. On December 31, 2019, the Company announced an update to its Mineral Resource Estimate at the Bolivar Mine. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate disclosed the following: · · Total Indicated Mineral Resources were 11.63 million tonnes averaging 0.95% copper, 18.1 g/t silver and 0.24 g/t gold or 1.17% CuEq which represents a 12% overall tonnage decrease from the previous Indicated Resource Estimate, but which includes depletions since the previous Resource Update. Metal grades were also reduced by 9% for copper, 20% for silver and 17% for gold. Total Inferred Mineral Resources were 16.69 million tonnes averaging 0.93% copper, 16.8 g/t silver and 0.30 g/t gold or 1.16% CuEq which represents a 108% overall tonnage increase from the previous Inferred Resource Estimate. Metal grades were reduced by 3% for copper, 25% for silver and 29% for gold. The Company released another update on this Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimate on March 31, 2020 (see “General Development of the Business – 2020 – Mexico) as detailed later in this document. Financing and Corporate Activities Repayment of FIFOMI Loan in Mexico During February 2019, the Company repaid the remaining US$1,657,000 owed on Dia Bras Mexicana S.A. de C.V. (“Dia Bras Mexicana”)’s loan from FIFOMI. Dia Bras Mexicana is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sierra Metals. This repayment, prior to the loan’s maturity date, did not result in any financial penalties and was within the terms of the agreement. 9 Closing of New Senior Secured US$100 Million Corporate Credit Facility The Company, together with Dia Bras Peru S.A.C. and Dia Bras Mexicana, as co-obligors, entered into a new six-year senior secured corporate credit facility (“Corporate Facility”) dated March 8, 2019, as amended on July 12, 2019, with Banco de Credito del Peru, as lender, and Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent and agent of guarantees, that provides funding of up to US$100 million. The Corporate Facility provides the Company with additional liquidity and will provide the financial flexibility to fund future capital projects in Mexico as well as corporate working capital requirements. The Company also used a portion of the proceeds of the Corporate Facility to repay old debt balances. The key terms of the Corporate Facility are as follows: · · · · Term: 6-year term maturing March 2025 Principal Repayment Grace Period: 2 years Principal Repayment Period: 4 years Interest Rate: 3.15% + LIBOR 3M The Corporate Facility is subject to customary covenants, including consolidated net leverage and interest coverage ratios and customary events of default. Changes to the Board On April 4, 2019, the Company announced the appointment of Ricardo Arrarte to the Board. Mr. Arrarte filled the vacancy created by the resignation of Philip Renaud. On July 15, 2019, the Company announced the appointment of Koko Yamamoto to the Board. Ms. Yamamoto was also appointed to the audit committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) and would serve as its Chair. Automatic Share Purchase Plan and NCIB Amendment On April 15, 2019, the Company announced that, in connection with its NCIB, it had entered into an automatic share purchase plan (the “ASPP”) with CIBC, the Company’s designated broker for the NCIB. The ASPP permitted CIBC to purchase Common Shares at times when the Company ordinarily would not be active in the market due to insider trading rules and its own internal trading blackout periods. Purchases were only to be made by CIBC based upon parameters set out by the Company prior to the commencement of any such blackout period and in accordance with the terms of the ASPP. Outside of these blackout periods, Common Shares would continue to be purchased at the Company’s discretion, subject to the rules of the TSX and applicable securities laws. The Company’s NCIB commenced on December 17, 2018 and remained active until December 16, 2019. On September 18, 2019, the Company announced its intention to amend the NCIB to increase the number of Common Shares which the Company was permitted to repurchase for cancellation thereunder from 1,500,000 Common Shares to 2,500,000 Common Shares. Other than the increase to the maximum number of Common Shares purchasable by the Company pursuant to the NCIB, no other amendments had been made to the NCIB. The Company purchased a total of 2,012,654 Common Shares under the NCIB. 10 Management Changes On August 1, 2019, the Company announced the mutually agreed upon departure of Gordon Babcock, its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Babcock’s responsibilities were taken over by Alonso Lujan, Vice President Exploration and Country Manager Mexico, and James Leon, Country Manager Peru. 2020 Peru On February 3, 2020, the Company filed a technical report with respect to the updated Resource and Reserves Estimates at the Yauricocha Mine effective as of October 31, 2019. On March 17, 2020, the Company announced that the Peruvian government had declared a 15-day state of emergency to contain the advancement of COVID-19, which restricted travel within the country and required citizens to remain at home with the exception of grocery, banks and medical. On March 26, 2020, the Peruvian government extended the state of emergency for an additional 13 days until April 12, 2020. As such, all mining activities and permitting submissions in Peru were also halted, which in general resulted in a delay in all permits being issued. Pursuant to this declaration, the Company also ceased its mining operations at the Yauricocha Mine, with the exception of emergency staff as permitted by the government. Due to the uncertainty of the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic could have on the Company’s operations and financial condition, and due to rapidly changing developments, the Company started implementing proactive and reactive mitigation measures to minimize any potential impacts that COVID-19 may have on its employees, communities, operations, supply chain and finances. This also included preserving capital and deferring capital programs, where appropriate, in order to improve liquidity. The Company continued to maintain its guidance due to the operating flexibility of its Yauricocha Mine and the current normal operation of its Mexican mines. The state of emergency was extended twice subsequently, on April 9, 2020 until April 26, 2020 and on April 26, 2020 until May 10, 2020. On May 25, 2020, the Company announced that the Peruvian Government had extended its state of emergency and a nationwide lockdown to fight the COVID-19 pandemic until June 30, 2020. This extension came with the reopening of certain economic activities. Large open-pit mines and a select number of underground mines in the country received permission to restart operations in phase one. It was anticipated that the second group of mining companies would be included in phase two. This phase two of the economic recovery plan was activated effective June 5, 2020, which allowed the Company to begin to recall required furloughed employees and contractors and to progressively start ramping up the Yauricocha mine operations back up to full capacity. On November 18, 2020, the Company reported the results of a PEA completed for the Yauricocha Mine and also announced the large increase in the Mineral Resource estimate for Yauricocha. Highlights of the PEA included: · After-tax Net Present Value (NPV): US$333 Million at an 8% discount rate · · Plant Processing Rate after expansion: 5,500 tonnes per day (TPD) Incremental benefit of increasing the production to 5,500 TPD from 3,780(1) TPD is estimated to have an after tax NPV (@8%) of US$27.1 Million, and IRR of 29.5% 11 Life of Mine & Sustaining Capital Cost: US$268.5 Million Total Operating Unit Cost: US$48.89/tonne and US$1.28/lb copper equivalent · Net After-tax Cash Flow: US$495 Million · · · Average LOM Grades of Silver 34.2 g/t (1.1 oz/t), Copper 1.28%, Gold 0.42 g/t (0.01 oz/t), Zinc 1.71% and Lead 0.48% · · Mine Life: 12 years based on updated Mineral Resource Estimate which includes a 26% increase in the measured and indicated resource category and a 79% Copper Price Assumption US$3.05/lb · increase in the inferred resource category. Life of Mine Payable Production: Copper 419 million pounds, Silver 13.7 million troy ounces, Gold 43 thousand troy ounces, Zinc 541 million pounds, Lead 167 million pounds. (1) 3,780 Tonnes per day represents the expected upcoming expansion to 3,600 tonnes per day plus a 5% overallotment allowance. Sierra is awaiting this permit from the government and hopes to receive it in Q1 2021. The Mineral Resource update included the following: · Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources - 15,924,000 tonnes averaging 43.8 g/t silver, 0.5 g/t gold, 1.2% copper, 0.6% lead and 2.2% zinc representing a · 26% tonnage increase from the previous resource tonnage estimate. Total Inferred Mineral Resources - 11,633,000 tonnes averaging 27.5 g/t silver, 0.5 g/t gold, 1.4% copper, 0.3% lead and 1.0% zinc compared from the previous Resource Estimate, representing a 79% tonnage increase to the overall Inferred Resource Estimate On December 8, 2020, the Company announced filing of the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report including a 7.8% improved after tax NPV of $359 million versus $333 million reported in the November 18, 2020 press release. Mexico On February 6, 2020, the Company announced the settlement of the P&R Litigation (as defined herein). The accord was executed in The Second District Court (the “Court”) in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The declaration of the termination of P&R Litigation was issued by the Court on February 6, 2020. This settlement ends all claims against and litigation against the Company and Dia Bras Mexicana from P&R. The impact of the settlement amount paid on the Company’s financial condition and operating results was not significant. On March 31, 2020, the Company announced an update to its Bolivar Mineral Resource and Reserves estimates, which included additional information for drilling that took place between October and December 2019 of approximately 10,203 meters as well as results from a litho-structural model. On April 1, 2020, the Company announced that the Mexican Federal Government had suspended all non-essential activities in Mexico for 30 days to contain the advancement of COVID-19 virus. This suspension includes all mining activities from March 30th to April 30th, 2020. As a result of this declaration, the Company decided to maintain only an essential services crew at the Bolivar Mine site until April 30, 2020. The Cusi Mine site was placed into care and maintenance during this period. On April 26, 2020, the Mexican Federal Government announced the extension of the suspension until May 30, 2020, except for municipalities that present a low or null transmission of COVID-19 as on May 18, 2020. Based on this announcement, the Company resumed its operations at the Bolivar Mine on May 18, 2020 because of its remote location. The Cusi Mine continued to remain in care and maintenance due to its proximity to urban communities. 12 On May 14, 2020, the Company filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report in support of the March 31, 2020 update on the Bolivar Resources and Reserves. On May 14, 2020, the Mexican Federal Government issued a communication stating that the effective date for Mining to be deemed an essential service was June 1, 2020. Following this announcement, the Company began recalling employees from the Bolivar Mine to begin a COVID-19 screening process, including a quarantine period, allowing the Company to be ready to commence mining activities on June 1, 2020. The Cusi Mine continued to remain in care and maintenance. On June 18, 2020, the Company announced the discovery of a new high-grade silver zone with significant widths in an area called Northeast – Southwest System of Epithermal Veins at its Cusi Mine. This new high-grade silver vein system was discovered as a consequence of a combination of mine development work in recent months and confirmatory drilling, which included true widths of 17.45 meters of 428 g/t silver (464 g/t silver equivalent), 9.35 meters of 304 g/t silver (327 g/t silver equivalent), 8.75 meters of 303 g/t silver (322 g/t silver equivalent) and 4.90 meters of 1,140 g/t silver (1,163 g/t silver equivalent). The Company also announced its plans to drill an additional 1,000 meters to better understand the extension of the zone at depth and to Northeast. With the June 18, 2020 announcement, the Company also provided an operational update for the Cusi Mine. This included the management team’s efforts to complete an optimised view of the entire mine operation during the period of care and maintenance. The Company announced the following as part of the optimization of Cusi’s operations: · · · Changes on the interpretation of the geological system made based on updated information from a stockwork tonnage system to a vein model system, which is expected to help better control and improve head grades, dilution, and make better use of Cusi’s silver mineral resources. The Company’s plan to use a sublevel stoping method for extraction, which is better suited to the rock/mineral environment. Extension of the main access ramp to an opening of four meters by four meters, which will allow for the use of larger 30-ton capacity trucks into the mine and improve the efficiency of ore haulage coming from the mine. The operational update included announcement of restart of mine development work and possible commencement of operations once the development work was complete. Production was anticipated to include ore from Santa Rosa de Lima zone, the Promontorio zone, as well as from a series of east-west vein systems including the new zone announced as part of the press release. Additionally, major projects during the second half of the year would include studies on the potential expansion of Cusi, a new tailings dam near the Mal Paso Mill, and infill drilling at the Santa Rosa de Lima, Promontorio, and San Nicolas zones to improve and build on mineral resources at the mine. On July 28, 2020, the Company announced the restarting of production at the Cusi Mine. 13 On October 20, 2020, the Company reported the results of a PEA for doubling its output at the Bolivar Mine to 10,000 tpd. Highlights of the PEA include: · After-tax Net Present Value (NPV): US$283 Million at an 8% discount rate · Incremental benefit of increasing the production to 10,000 TPD from 5,000 TPD is estimated to have an after tax NPV (@8%) of US$57.4 million, and IRR of 27.9% Life of Mine & Sustaining Capital Cost: US$317 Million Total Operating Unit Cost: US$19.77/tonne and US$1.16/lb copper equivalent Plant Processing Rate after expansion: 10,000 tonnes per day (TPD) · Net After-tax Cash Flow: US$521 Million · · · · Average LOM Copper Grade 0.72% · · Mine Life: 14 years based on existing Mineral Resource Estimate Life of Mine Copper Payable Production: 583 million pounds · Copper Price Assumption US$3.05/lb On November 5, 2020, the Company announced filing of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report for the results reported on October 19, 2020. On November 18, 2020, the Company announced an update on the Cusi Mineral Resource Estimate, which was the result of drilling programs completed between January 2018 and August 2020. The updated Resource Estimate incorporated new exploration drilling, sampling, and underground mapping information into the geologic interpretation and grade estimations, thereby providing more refined resource models in the Santa Rosa de Lima and Northeast-Southwest zones. The updated Mineral Resource Estimate disclosed the following: · · · · Total Measured and Indicated Resources increased 18% to 5,356,000 tonnes from 4,557,000 tonnes previously reported; and Total Inferred Resources increased 200% to 4,893,000 tonnes from 1,633,000 tonnes previously reported. Total Measured Mineral Resources for Cusi are 850,000 tonnes averaging 213 g/t silver, 0.06 g/t gold, 0.26% lead and 0.30% zinc, and 231 g/t silver equivalent. Total Indicated Mineral Resources for Cusi are 4,506,000 tonnes averaging 176 g/t silver, 0.13 g/t gold, 0.54% lead, 0.63% zinc and 212 g/t silver equivalent. Total Inferred Mineral Resources for Cusi are 4,893,000 tonnes averaging 146 g/t silver, 0.18 g/t gold, 0.43% lead, 0.69% zinc and 183 g/t silver equivalent. On December 10, 2020, the Company reported the results of a PEA for doubling its output at the Cusi Mine to 2,400 tpd. Highlights of the PEA include: · After-tax Net Present Value (NPV): US$81 Million at an 8% discount rate assuming a long-term silver price of $20/oz · Incremental benefit of increasing the production to 2,400 TPD from 1,200 TPD is estimated to have an after tax NPV (@8%) of US$28.1 million, and IRR of 46.8% Life of Mine & Sustaining Capital Cost: US$91 Million Total Operating Unit Cost: US$35.24/tonne and US$8.83/oz silver equivalent Plant Processing Rate after expansion: 2,400 tonnes per day (TPD) · Net After-tax Cash Flow: US$134 Million · · · · Average LOM Grades for Silver 127.2 g/t (4.1 oz/t), Gold 0.12 g/t, Zinc 0.48% and Lead 0.34% · Mine Life: 13 years based on existing Mineral Resource Estimate Life of Mine Silver Payable Production: 33.4 million ounces · On December 22, 2020, the Company announced the filing of a NI 43-101 technical report for the increase of mineral resources at Cusi Mine, as per the press release dated November 18, 2020. 14 Financing and Corporate Activities On January 8, 2020, the Company announced that, as a result of entering into a new phase as a generator of free cash flow, it was in a position to start returning capital to its shareholders. In this regard, the Board approved a plan to return up to US$30 million to shareholders in the coming year. In furtherance of this plan, the Company announced its intention to launch a substantial issuer bid (the “SIB”) pursuant to which the Company would offer to repurchase for cancellation up to US$15 million in value of Common Shares from shareholders for cash. The SIB was intended to proceed by way of a modified Dutch auction and would be funded with available cash on hand. In the first quarter of 2020, metal prices weakened due to the impact of COVID-19. Since the extent and duration of the impacts of COVID-19 on the metal prices and the operations of the Company were still unknown at that time, the Company postponed the contemplated SIB. On May 19, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of Luis C. Marchese as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2020. Mr. Marchese replaced Sierra Metals' then current President and CEO, Igor Gonzales, who resigned this position effective May 31, 2020 and his Board seat effective May 19, 2020. Mr. Marchese joined the Board effective immediately. On August 1, 2020, Gabriel Pinto Gregori started with the Company as Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. 2021 On January 6, 2021, the Company announced the filing of the Cusi PEA Technical Report, as per the press release dated December 10, 2020. On January 8, 2021, the Company announced that the Board, supported by its management team and with the full support of Arias Resource Capital Fund L.P. ("ARCF I"), Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P. (the Company’s then two largest shareholders) and Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P., had commenced a process to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value (the “Strategic Process”). The Company engaged CIBC World Markets Inc. to assist the Board in its review of strategic alternatives. Jill Neff resigned as Corporate Secretary of the Company effective January 15, 2021 and Ed Guimaraes, CFO, assumed the responsibilities of interim Corporate Secretary effective January 16, 2021. On January 21, 2021, the Company, through a press release, made a reference to the announcement made earlier that day by ARCF I regarding its distribution of an aggregate of 52,721,964 Common Shares from ARCF I to its underlying limited partners which was made in connection with the winding-up and dissolution of ARCF I. The Company confirmed that the Strategic Process continued to have the full support of the Board, management team, Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P. (now the Company’s largest shareholder) and Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P. On January 29, 2021, the Company announced the appointment of Jose Vizquerra Benavides as the Chairman of the Board, replacing Alberto Arias. Alberto Arias continues to remain as a member of the Board. 15 DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS General Summary Sierra Metals is a diversified Canadian mining company focused on the production, exploration and development of precious and base metals in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s strategic focus is to continue being a profitable, low-cost, mid-tier precious and base metals producer. The Company plans to continue growing its production base through exploration investments within its properties. The Company has high returns on invested capital and strong cash flow generation as key priorities. The Company has mining properties at several stages of development and manages its business on the basis of the geographical location of its mining projects. The Peruvian operation (Peru) includes the Yauricocha Mine and its near-mine concessions. The Mexican Operation (Mexico) includes the Bolivar and Cusi mines both located in the Chihuahua State, Mexico, their near-mine concessions and the Mexican exploration and early-stage properties. Sierra Metals is fully committed to disciplined and responsible growth and has Safety and Health and Environmental Policies in place to support this commitment. The Company’s corporate responsibility objectives are to prevent pollution, minimize the impact operations may cause to the environment and practice progressive rehabilitation of areas impacted by its activities. The Company aims to operate in a socially responsible and sustainable manner, and to follow international guidelines in Mexico and Peru. The Company plans to focus on social programs with the local communities in Mexico and Peru on an ongoing basis. The Company produces zinc, copper and lead concentrates with gold and silver by-products from its polymetallic circuit at the Yauricocha Mine; copper concentrates at the Bolivar Mine; and a silver-lead concentrate at the Cusi Mine. These concentrates are sold to international metal traders who in turn sell and deliver these products to different clients around the world. The breakdown of revenue from metals payable by product for 2019 and 2020 is as follows: By Revenue (%) Silver Copper Lead Zinc Gold 2019 2020 19% 38% 12% 26% 6% 23% 39% 9% 20% 9% Peru – Yauricocha Mine Mining at Yauricocha is completed by various extraction methods, principally sublevel caving and overhand cut and fill stoping. Ore is transported via underground rail to the on-site Chumpe mill for processing. The Chumpe mill processes ores produced by Yauricocha using crushing, grinding and flotation. Polymetallic ore is processed and treated in a polymetallic circuit. 16 Mexico – Bolivar Mine At the Bolivar Mine, mining is done by room-and-pillar and sublevel stoping methods. Extracted ore is trucked 5 kilometers to the Company’s Piedras Verdes mill, which is a conventional flotation processing plant rated at 5,000 tpd depending on the work index. Mexico – Cusi Mine Mining at the Cusi Mine is completed by cut and fill method. Mined development rock is trucked 37 km via flat, paved roads to the Company’s Malpaso mill, which is a conventional flotation processing plant. The plant has three ball mills: (1) 8´ x 14´ mill, with capacity of 28 tph; (2) 8´ x 7´ mill, with capacity of 13 tph; and (3) 7´ x 10´ mill, with capacity of 9 tph. Total capacity between the three mills is 50 tph, or 1,200 tpd. Exploration Properties Of the several exploration properties in Mexico held by the Company, two have had work done by the Company and are considered properties of merit: Bacerac and Batopilas. The others, such as Arechuyvo and Maguarchic, have not had work performed on them because they are considered to be of lower priority for allocation of resources such as personnel and funds. Specialized Skill and Knowledge Most aspects of the Company’s business require specialized skills and knowledge. Such skills and knowledge include the areas of geology, mining, metallurgy, engineering, environmental issues, permitting, social issues, and accounting. The Company has adequate employees with experience in these specialized areas to meet its current needs. Cycles The mining and exploration industry is cyclical in nature. The mining industry is subject to commodity pricing, which is in turn affected by other economic indicators and worldwide cycles. The pricing cycles that the mining industry experiences affect the overall environment in which the Company conducts its business. For example, if commodity pricing is low, Sierra’s access to capital may be restricted. Continuing periods of low commodity prices or economic stalls could also affect the economic potential of the Company’s current properties and may affect its ability to, among other things: (i) capitalize on financing, including equity financing, to fund its ongoing operations and exploration and development activities; and (ii) continue exploration or development activities on its properties. Furthermore, weather cycles may affect the Company’s ability to conduct exploration activities at its mines, including the Yauricocha Mine, Bolivar Mine and Cusi Mine. More specifically, drilling and other exploration activities may be restricted during periods of adverse weather conditions or winter seasons as a result of weather-related factors, including inclement weather, snow covering the ground, frozen ground and restricted access due to snow, ice, or other weather related factors. Competitive Conditions The mining and exploration industry is competitive in all aspects. The Company competes with other mining companies, many of whom have greater financial resources, operational experience or technical capabilities than Sierra, in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, precious metals. In addition, the Company also competes for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and consultants. 17 Changes to Contracts The Company does not anticipate that its business will be materially affected in the current financial year by the renegotiation or termination of any contracts or sub-contracts. Metal Price Volatility The profitability of the Company’s operations may be significantly affected by changes in the market price of the precious and base metals that it produces. The economics of producing precious and base metals are affected by many factors, including the cost of operations, variations in the grade of ore mined and the price of the precious and base metals. Depending on the price of precious and base metals that it produces, the Company may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue commercial production. The price of precious and base metals fluctuates widely and is affected by numerous industry factors beyond the Company’s control, such as the demand for precious and base metals, forward selling by producers and central bank sales and purchases of precious and base metals. The price of gold and silver is also affected by macro-economic factors, such as expectations for inflation, interest rates, the world supply of mineral commodities, the stability of currency exchange rates and global or regional political and economic situations. Such external economic factors are in turn influenced by changes in international investment patterns, monetary systems and political systems and developments. The price of precious and base metals has fluctuated widely in recent years, and future serious price declines could cause commercial production to be uneconomic. Any significant drop in the price of precious and base metals adversely impacts the Company’s revenues, profitability and cash flows. In addition, sustained low gold price may: · · · · · reduce production revenues as a result of cutbacks caused by the cessation of mining operations involving deposits or portions of deposits that have become uneconomic at prevailing prices; cause the cessation or deferral of new mining projects; decrease the amount of capital available for exploration activities; reduce existing reserves by removing ore from reserves that cannot be economically mined at prevailing prices; or cause the write-off of an asset whose value is impaired by low metal prices. There can be no assurance that the price of precious and base metals will remain stable or that such prices will be at a level that will prove feasible to begin development of its properties, or commence or continue commercial production, as applicable. Environmental Protection The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable environmental regulations applicable to its exploration, development, construction and operating activities. The financial and operational effects of environmental protection requirements on capital expenditures, earnings and expenditures during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 were not material. Employees As at December 31, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries had 595 employees in Peru, 715 employees in Mexico, and 7 employees in Canada. 18 Social or Environmental Policies The Company works towards building strong relationships with the communities in which it operates and is committed to complying in all material respects with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to its activities. The Company has developed and in December 2020, approved the Sustainability Policy, Environment Policy and Health and Safety Policy, which are currently under implementation. Sustainability Policy The Company’s vision is to achieve development that is shared with the communities around its operating locations, with the goal of mutual well-being of all stakeholders for both the mid- and the long term. In order to achieve this, the Sustainability Policy contemplates the Company: · Maintaining an open, transparent and collaborative relationship with those living in the surrounding communities, their organizations and government entities. · · · · · These relationships are based on mutual respect and maintaining an inclusive and cooperative dialogue. Identifying, respecting and supporting the development aspirations of the people residing in surrounding communities, establishing shared activities that support the development of those aspirations within a suitable time frame. Complying with all commitments made to the surrounding communities. The Company understands that this is a collaborative effort and so it encourages the participation of third parties when defining and fulfilling commitments. Providing opportunities for the inhabitants of the surrounding communities to provide goods and services for the Company’s activities when required. Ensuring the development of and access to mechanisms that allow those residing in the surrounding communities to express their concerns, and also addressing those concerns preemptively and ensuring they are answered. Fighting corruption. In order to do this, the Sustainability Policy contemplates compliance with all anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations that may apply when conducting business and activities, as established in the company’s policies. Environmental Policy The Company envisions itself as a leading company when it comes to minimizing impacts on the environment and the active prevention of environmental pollution in underground polymetallic mining. The Environmental Policy contemplates the Company: · · · · · · · · · Ensuring compliance with the legislation in the countries in which it operates, and also complying with its commitments. Ensuring that potential environmental impacts caused by the Company’s activities are identified ahead of time, and that control measures are implemented to eliminate or minimize these impacts. Ensuring the development, implementation and maintenance of an Environmental Management System that makes it possible to manage environmental aspects of and impacts on all its operations. Putting in the necessary effort to implement the best possible industry practices, when technologically possible and economically viable, including the use of clean energy. Establishing environmental performance objectives and goals in its operations, as well as measuring their performance and framing them within a process of continuous improvement. Encouraging responsible and efficient water use in its operations. Promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among its employees and contractors, as well as with its stakeholders. Ensuring that its employees and contractors clearly understand their responsibility to maintain proper environmental management in their activities. Communicating the Environmental Policy to all its employees and contractors, as well as stakeholders upon request. 19 Health and Safety Policy The Company is aware that in order to achieve its vision of being a leading polymetallic production company with a world-class reputation in all aspects of its operations, it has the responsibility to maintain safe and healthy workplaces for all its employees and partners. As such, the Health and Safety Policy contemplates the Company: · · · · · Complying with legislation in the countries in which it operates, and with proper industry standards. Promoting a culture of safety throughout the organization that supports its vision and values as a company. In order to do this, the Company will establish clearly defined objectives framed within a culture of ongoing improvement, which will be periodically communicated and evaluated. Ensuring that dangers and risks that could cause death or severely damage the health of its employees and contractors are identified and mitigated in advance, through the implementation of a Health and Safety Management system within its operations. Providing the leadership and resources necessary to develop, implement and maintain its Health and Safety Management systems . Ensuring that all its employees and contractors have the training and knowledge necessary to carry out their activities safely, and that they clearly understand their responsibilities regarding health and safety. · Maintaining open and transparent communication and consultation with its employees about decision-making processes related to health and safety, using the appropriate channels. Communicating the Health and Safety policy to all its employees and contractors, as well as making it available to stakeholders. · The Sustainability Policy, Environmental Policy and Health and Safety Policy are applicable to all employees of Sierra Metals and its subsidiaries, as well as companies that are contracted for Sierra Metals activities. Foreign Operations Doing Business in Peru Peru is a democratic republic governed by an elected government which is headed by a president who serves for a five-year term. In Peru, the General Mining Law allows mining companies to obtain clear and secure title to mining concessions. The surface land rights are distinct from the mining concessions. The government retains ownership of mineral resources, but the titleholder of the concessions retains ownership of extracted mineral resources. Peruvian law requires that all operators of mines in Peru have an agreement with the owners of the land surface above the mining rights or to establish an easement upon such surface for mining purposes. Mining concessions allow for both exploration and for exploitation. 20 Mining rights in Peru can be transferred by their private holders with no restrictions or requirements other than to register the transaction with the Public Mining Register and the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The only exception to this rule is that foreigners cannot acquire or possess mining concessions within 50 kilometers of the border, unless an exception based on public necessity or national interest is granted by the President of Peru by means of a Supreme Decree. The sale of mineral products is also unrestricted, so there is no obligation to satisfy the internal market before exporting products. Pursuant to environmental laws applicable to the mining sector, holders of mining activities are required to file and obtain approval for an EIA, which incorporates technical, environmental and social matters, before being authorized to commence operations. The Environmental Evaluation and Oversight Agency (“OEFA”) monitors environmental compliance. OEFA has the authority to carry out audits and levy fines on companies if they fail to comply with prescribed environmental standards. The following main permits are generally needed for a project: Start-Up Authorization; Certificate for the Inexistence of Archaeological Remains (CIRA); EIA; Mine Closure Plan; Beneficiation Concession; Water Usage Permits and Rights over surface lands. Companies incorporated in Peru are subject to income tax on their worldwide taxable income, while foreign companies that are located in Peru and non-resident entities are taxed on income from Peruvian sources only. The current corporate income tax rate is 29.5%. In general terms, mining companies in Peru are subject to the general corporate income tax regime. If the taxpayer has elected to sign a Stability Agreement, an additional 2% premium is applied on the regular corporate income tax rate. The Company has not signed a Stability Agreement. Also, 50% of income tax paid by a mine to the Central Government is remitted as “Canon” by the Central Government back to the regional and local authorities of the area where the mine is located. In Peru, the current dividend tax rate of 5% is imposed on distributions of profits to non-residents and domiciled individuals by resident companies and by branches, permanent establishments and agencies of foreign companies. This rate applies to dividends that correspond to profits generated since January 1, 2017. Profits generated up to December 31, 2014 are subject to a withholding tax rate of 4.1%, and profits generated between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 6.8%, even if the relevant profits are distributed in future years. Peru’s transfer-pricing rules apply to cross-border and domestic transactions between related parties and to all transactions with residents in tax-haven jurisdictions. The transfer-pricing rules also apply to transactions with residents in non-cooperating jurisdictions, as well as transactions with residents whose revenue or income is subject to a preferential tax regime. In Peru, the Board will be responsible for approving the entity’s tax planning. This obligation cannot be delegated. Peru has entered into double tax treaties with Brazil, Canada, Chile, Korea (South), Mexico, Portugal Switzerland and Japan. This last treaty will become effective as from January 1, 2022, but provisions concerning the exchange of information and the assistance in the collection of taxes entered into force on January 29, 2021. It has also entered into an agreement to avoid double taxation with the other members of the “Comunidad Andina” (Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador). As of 2004, holders of mining concessions are required to pay the government a Mining Royalty as consideration for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic minerals. Payment of mining royalties shall be completed on a quarterly basis and is calculated based on the greater of either: (a) an amount determined in accordance with a statutory scale of tax rates based on a company’s operating profit margin and applied to the company’s operating profit; and (b) 1% of the company’s net sales, in each case during the applicable quarter. The royalty rate applicable to the company’s profit is based on its operating profit margin according to a statutory scale of rates that range between 1% and 12%. Mining royalty payments are deductible as expenses for income tax purposes in the fiscal year in which such payments are made. 21 The Special Mining Tax (“SMT”) is a tax imposed in parallel with the Mining Royalty described above. The SMT is applied on operating margin profit based on a sliding scale, with progressive marginal rates ranging from 2.0% to 8.4%. The tax liability arises and becomes payable on a quarterly basis. The SMT applies on the operating margin profit derived from sales of metallic mineral resources, regardless of whether the mineral producer owns or leases the mining concession. SMT payments are deductible as expenses for income tax purposes in the fiscal year in which such payments are made. Doing Business in Mexico Mexico is a federal presidential representative democratic republic, where the President is both head of state and head of government. The current government of Mexico is guided by the 1917 constitution. The President is the head of the executive branch, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and also the head of state. The President of Mexico is elected by an absolute majority of the federal entities. Mexico’s President is elected for six years and cannot be re-elected. The President is mandated to appoint and dismiss cabinet ministers and nearly all other officials of the executive. The mining industry in Mexico is controlled by the Secretaría de Economía through the Dirección General de Minas, which is officially located and administered from Chihuahua City, with offices in Mexico City. In Mexico, mining activities include extraction activities independent from petroleum, natural gas and radioactive minerals, and certain non-metallic minerals such as construction and ornament materials, some of which are not subject to the mining legislation. In addition to the extraction activities, mining, smelting and refining activities are also considered as part of the mining industry, which are jointly known as mining- metallurgic activities. Mining concessions in Mexico may only be obtained by Mexican nationals or Mexican companies incorporated under Mexican law (which could be wholly owned by foreign investors). The construction of processing plants requires further governmental approvals (e.g. Federal, local and municipal permits). In Mexico, surface land rights are distinct from the mining concessions. The holder of a mining concession is granted the exclusive right to explore and develop a designated area. Mining concessions are granted for 50 years from the date of their registration with the Public Registry of Mining to the concession holder as a matter of law, if all regulations have been complied with. During the final five years of this period, the concession holder may apply for one additional 50-year period, which shall be granted provided all other concession terms have been complied with. Mining rights in Mexico can be transferred by their private holders with no restrictions or requirements other than to register the transaction with the Public Registry of Mining and that the assignee is qualified to hold a concession (i.e. a Mexican national or a Mexican company incorporated under Mexican law having mining activities as its main corporate purpose). Securities can be imposed to mining concessions. The instrument formalizing the corresponding security shall be also registered before the Mining Public Registry. Concessionaires must perform work each year that begins within ninety days of the concession being granted. Concessionaires must file proof of the work performed every year by the end of May. Non-compliance with these requirements is cause for cancellation only after the authority communicates in writing to the concessionaire any such default, granting the concessionaire a specified time frame in which to remedy the default. In Mexico, there are no limitations on the total amount of mining concessions or on the amount of land that may be held by an individual or a company. Excessive accumulation of concessions is regulated indirectly through the duties levied on the property and the production and exploration requirements as outlined below. 22 Three different fees or royalties applicable to the mining activity in Mexico exist as per the Federal Fees Law (LFD). Such fees are as follows: · Special mining fee: This fee shall be calculated at a 7.5% rate over the positive difference resulting from subtracting the deductions allowed in the Mexican Income Tax Law (MITL) from the income resulting from the revenue of the mining activity. However, for the purposes of calculating the basis of this fee, the LFD does not allow to take into account several expenses that may be incurred by the mining taxpayers. Such expenses involve investments not related to mining prospecting and exploration, as well as tax losses not yet amortized and incurred in previous fiscal years. Mining concessionaires and assignees shall be exempted from the payment of this fee exclusively for the use, enjoyment, or exploitation of coal gas deposits. · Additional mining fee: This fee shall be incurred based on the maximum rate of the mining fee set forth in Article 263 of the LFD per concession’s hectare. Usually, this fee is nominal. · Extraordinary mining fee: This fee shall be calculated at a 0.5% rate over the income resulting from the sale of gold, silver, and platinum, without any deduction. Control over Subsidiaries Corporate Governance The Company has implemented a system of corporate governance, internal controls over financial reporting, and disclosure controls and procedures that apply at all levels of the Company and its subsidiaries. These systems are overseen by the Board and implemented by the Company’s senior management. The relevant features of these systems are set forth below. The Company’s corporate structure has been designed to ensure that the Company controls, and/or has a measure of direct oversight over, the operations of its subsidiaries. The Company, as the ultimate shareholder, has internal policies and systems in place which provide it with visibility into the operations of its subsidiaries, including its subsidiaries operating in emerging markets, and the Company’s management team is responsible for monitoring the activities of the subsidiaries. The Company, directly or indirectly, controls the appointments of all of the directors and senior officers of its subsidiaries. The directors of the Company’s subsidiaries are ultimately accountable to the Company as the shareholder appointing him or her, and the Board and senior management of the Company. As well, the annual budget, capital investment and exploration program in respect of the Company’s mineral properties are established by the Company. 23 Further, signing officers for subsidiary foreign bank accounts are either employees of the Company or employees of the subsidiaries. In accordance with the Company’s internal policies, all subsidiaries must notify the Company’s corporate treasury department of any changes in their local bank accounts including requests for changes to authority over the subsidiaries’ foreign bank accounts. Monetary limits are established internally by the Company as well as with the respective banking institution. Annually, authorizations over bank accounts are reviewed and revised as necessary. Changes are communicated to the banking institution by the Company and the applicable subsidiary to ensure appropriate individuals are identified as having authority over the bank accounts. Strategic Direction While the mining operations of each of the Company’s subsidiaries are managed locally, the Board is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Company and, as such, supervises the management of the business and affairs of the Company. More specifically, the Board is responsible for reviewing the strategic business plans and corporate objectives, and approving acquisitions, dispositions, investments, capital expenditures and other transactions and matters that are material to the Company including those of its material subsidiaries. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements on an annual basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and on a quarterly basis in accordance with IFRS as applicable to interim financial reports including International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting. This requires financial information and disclosures from its subsidiaries. The Company implements internal controls over the preparation of its financial statements and other financial disclosures to provide reasonable assurance that its financial reporting is reliable and that the quarterly and annual financial statements are being prepared in accordance with the relevant reporting framework and securities laws. The responsibilities of the Board include oversight of the Company’s internal control systems including those systems to identify, monitor and mitigate business risks as well as compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. Regional Experience The directors and executive officers of the Company have significant experience conducting business in Peru and/or Mexico, including (i) international corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions experience in Peru and/or Mexico, (ii) planning, supervising and managing experience with mining operations in Peru and/or Mexico, (iii) executive officers and/or directors with experience with other publicly-listed mining companies with operations in Peru and/or Mexico, and (iv) visiting the Company’s projects in Peru and Mexico on a regular basis. Further, Alberto Arias (Director), Dionisio Romero (Director), Jose Vizquerra Benavides (Director), Ricardo Arrarte (Director), Luis Marchese (Chief Executive Officer), Ed Guimaraes (Chief Financial Officer), Alonso Lujan (Vice President, Exploration) and Rajesh Vyas (Corporate Controller) are all either fluent or proficient in Spanish. MATERIAL MINERAL PROPERTIES The Company has three material projects described below. To satisfy the reporting requirements of National Instrument 51-102F2 with respect to the Company’s material mineral projects, the Company has opted, as permitted by the Instrument, to reproduce the summaries from the technical reports on the respective material properties and to incorporate by reference each such technical report into this AIF. 24 Yauricocha Mine, Peru The Company owns 81.84% of Minera Corona, which in turn owns 100% of the Yauricocha Mine. Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report The following is the summary section of the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (“SRK”), and signed by Qualified Persons Américo Zuzunaga Cardich, Sierra Metals Inc., Vice President Corporate Planning, Andre Deiss, BSc. (Hons), Pr. Sci. Nat., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining) and Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc., SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy). The full text of the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report is available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and is incorporated by reference in this AIF. Defined terms and abbreviations used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report. “1 Executive Summary This PEA report was prepared as a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) Technical Report (Technical Report) for an updated Mineral Resource estimate prepared for Sierra Metals Inc. (Sierra), on the Yauricocha Mine (Yauricocha or Project), which is located in the eastern part of the Department of Lima, Peru. Sierra engaged various specialist groups to evaluate how, on a conceptual level; mining, mineral processing, and tailings management could be adapted at the Property to achieve a sustainable and staged increase in mine production and mill throughput. Sierra Metals prepared life of mine (LOM) production and development plans based on four production rate options ranging from the base case of 3,780 tonnes per day (tpd) to 7,500 tpd (Table 0-1). The specific details for these production options are described in Section 16, operating and capital cost information is provided in Section 21, and an economic analysis of each production rate option is provided in Section 22. Table 0-1: LOM Production Rates Tonnes/Day 3,780 tpd (base case) 5,500 tpd 6,500 tpd 7,500 tpd Tonnes/Year 1.3 M 2.0 M 2.4 M 2.8 M Comments Constant production rate through LOM * Increases from 3,780 tpd to 5,500 tpd in 2024 Reaches 6,500 tpd in 2024 Reaches 7,500 tpd in 2024 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 Note: * *3780 tpd used as the base case assumes that permits will be received to reach that level, which is in the initial process. This Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) report was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines, May 10, 2014 (CIM, 2014). The reader is reminded that PEA studies are indicative and not definitive and that the resources used in the proposed mine plan include Inferred Resources as allowed for by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) NI 43-101 in PEA studies. The PEA is preliminary in nature; it includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized. 25 This PEA report is not a wholly independent report as some sections have been prepared and signed off by qualified persons (QPs) from Sierra Metals, the project owner and producing issuer. The terms ‘QP’ and ‘producing issuer’ are used here as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Additionally, Sierra is a producing issuer as defined in the NI 43-101 guidelines. 1.1 Property Description and Ownership The Yauricocha Mine is in the Alis district, Yauyos province, department of Lima approximately 12 km west of the Continental Divide and 60 km south of the Pachacayo railway station. The active mining area within the mineral concessions is located at coordinates 421,500 m east by 8,638,300 m north on UTM Zone 18L on the South American 1969 Datum, or latitude and longitude of 12.3105⁰ S and 75.7219 ⁰ W. It is geographically in the high zone of the eastern Andean Cordillera, and within one of the major sources of the River Cañete which discharges into the Pacific Ocean. The mine is at an average altitude of 4,600 masl (Gustavson, 2015). The current operation is an underground polymetallic sulfide and oxide operation, providing material for the nearby Chumpe process facility. The mine has been operating continuously under Sociedad Minera Corona S.A. (Minera Corona) ownership since 2002 and has operated historically since 1948. Sierra Metals purchased 82% of Minera Corona in 2011. 1.2 Geology and Mineralization The Yauricocha Mine features several mineralized bodies, which have been emplaced along structural trends, with the mineralization itself related to replacement of limestones by hydrothermal fluids related to nearby intrusions. The mineralization varies widely in morphology, from large, relatively wide, tabular manto-style deposits to narrow, sub-vertical chimneys. The mineralization features economic grades of Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn, with local Au to a lesser degree. The majority of the deposits are related to the regional high-angle NW-trending Yauricocha fault or the NE-trending and less well-defined Cachi-Cachi structural trend. The mineralization generally presents as polymetallic sulfides but is locally oxidized to significant depths or related to more Cu-rich bodies. 1.3 Status of exploration, development and operations The mine is concurrently undertaking exploration, development and operations. Exploration is ongoing near the mine claim and is supported predominantly by drilling and exploration drifting. The mine is also producing several types of metal concentrates from the underground mine areas. 1.4 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing Yauricocha is consistently producing commercial quality copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and lead concentrate. The lead concentrate produced in the oxide plant, because of its small tonnage and/or lower grades, is blended in the plant with the concentrate produced from the polymetallic circuit to generate a lead concentrate of commercial quality. The plant has been subject to continuous improvements in recent years to improve recovery and deportment of metals. Recent improvements to the processing facilities include: 26 · Addition of one OK-50 flotation cell to increase Cu-Pb bulk flotation stage; · Installation of x-ray slurry analyzer for six streams: flotation feed, middling Zn feed, copper final concentrate, lead final concentrate, zinc final concentrate and final tailings; · · Mechanical rod feeder for primary rod mill grinding for improved safety and production; · Installation of five DR-180 cells in the Second Zn Cleaning Flotation Stage; four DR-180 cells in the Third Zn Cleaning Flotation Stage in order to improve the Zn concentrate grade and to increase the nominal plant capacity up to 4000 tpd; and Installation of 10 DR-180 cells in the Bulk Cleaning Flotation Stage arranged in three banks, with which the flotation retention time is increased from 9 minutes to 17 minutes: – – – First Cleaning Flotation Stage (comprising 5 cells); Second Cleaning Flotation Stage (comprising 3 cells); and Third Cleaning Flotation Stage (comprising 2 cells). Table 0-2 shows the mill’s feed tonnages and head grades for the period of January 2019 to June 2020. In this period, there was no treatment of any oxide mineralized material. Table 0-3 shows the mill’s performance from 2013 to 2020. Table 0-2: Mill Tonnage and Head Grades, January 2019 to June 2020 Period 2020 Jun 2020 May 2020 Apr 2020 Mar 2020 Feb 2020 Jan 2019 Dec 2019 Nov 2019 Oct 2019 Sep 2019 Aug 2019 Jul 2019 Jun 2019 May 2019 Apr 2019 Mar 2019 Feb 2019 Jan Averages Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Mineralized Material (tonnes) 78,080 64,364 60,090 78,553 103,764 102,908 110,939 101,862 108,900 100,030 106,988 100,221 99,588 101,502 53,075 51,707 88,010 94,097 89,149 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) As (%) Head Grade 61.1 69.65 69.69 70.85 66.01 61.89 59.33 58.74 62.27 63.02 66.77 69.25 68.84 59.55 59.25 64.91 63.08 63.15 64.1 1.49 1.99 1.43 1.59 1.6 1.49 1.47 1.66 1.52 1.54 1.82 1.69 1.8 1.5 1.29 1.48 1.28 1.61 1.58 1.02 1.1 1.57 1.22 1.09 1.11 1.22 0.93 1.01 1.11 1.14 1.11 1.09 0.94 1.12 1.17 1.06 0.85 1.09 3.72 3.89 2.74 3.87 3.81 4.05 3.99 4.09 4.07 3.57 3.94 3.86 3.58 3.33 3.02 3.29 3.57 3.7 3.72 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.15 0.13 0.15 0.14 0.15 0.13 0.14 0.14 0 0 0 0.12 0.63 0.68 0.53 0.63 0.66 0.75 0.7 0.55 0.56 0.51 0.59 0.64 0.55 0.65 0.61 0.59 0.59 0.5 0.61 27 Table 0-3: Yauricocha Metallurgical Performance, 2013 to 2020* Concentrate Grade Metal Recovery Period Stream Tonne Tonnes/day Au (g/t) (@ 365 d/y) Ag (g/t) Pb Cu Zn Au Ag (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Pb Cu Zn (%) (%) (%) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. Mineralized Material Cu Con. Pb Con. Zn Con. 641,268 12,728 14,258 45,412 703,713 12,782 18,055 48,657 618,460 8,145 14,463 37,587 698,872 9,068 18,014 47,573 966,138 16,412 21,731 65,671 985,679 21,940 20,146 65,823 1,092,410 30,931 26,574 69,863 483,509 17,127 13,972 38,925 Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 * January to June 2020 1,757 35 39 124.4 1,928 35 49 133 1,694 22 40 103 1,915 25 49 130 2,647 45 60 180 2,700 60 55 180 2,993 85 73 191 2,657 94 77 214 83 1,058 1,300 122 84 1,115 1,398 115 79 1,278 1,656 91 0.5 80.3 3.1 1362.6 1.7 1470.8 95.2 0.4 0.6 66 2.7 920.5 1.8 1242.3 0.4 110.8 0.6 58.4 2.2 677.4 2.2 1087.5 0.5 101.4 0.6 63.9 2.3 593.9 2.1 1131.6 90.6 0.5 0.7 66.3 1.9 531.5 2.2 996.4 76.9 0.4 1.5 2.8 53.4 0.6 1.8 2.1 58.6 0.8 1.6 2.3 59.5 0.6 1.8 2.1 59 0.7 1.5 2.4 56.8 0.9 1.3 2.3 56.1 0.8 1.6 1.8 57.6 0.6 1.6 1.9 47.9 0.6 0.7 23.2 1.8 1 0.7 26.4 1.5 1.4 0.6 27.8 1.1 1.2 0.6 26.3 1.2 1.2 0.7 26.9 2.5 1.4 0.9 28.1 3.3 1.8 1.1 29.4 2.4 1.7 1.2 25.4 2.1 1.5 4.1 6.4 5.9 50.8 4 6.8 4.9 50.6 3.4 4.1 4.3 50.7 3.9 6.8 4.8 51.5 3.9 7.6 5.5 51.4 3.8 7.5 5.7 50.9 3.7 6 5.5 51 100 8.1 9.1 4.9 100 8.4 7.4 5.3 100 8.4 7.6 5.2 100 11 8.4 4.9 3.7 5.9 4 40.5 100 10.4 9.5 5.1 100 25.2 34.7 10.4 100 24.2 42.8 9.5 100 21.4 49.3 7.1 100 22 47.2 8.1 100 23.7 42.3 11.4 100 25.8 38.1 11.6 100 26.3 43.1 9.1 100 28.4 43.4 9.3 100 3.7 80 3 100 2.1 83.9 3.1 100 1.8 85.7 2.1 100 1.5 86.3 2.6 100 2.8 86.9 4 100 3.8 85.8 4.1 100 3.2 88.8 2.6 100 4.3 87.2 3 100 70.6 6.3 10.8 100 68 5.3 13.2 100 65.3 4.7 13.4 100 61.3 5.6 14.2 100 67.3 8.4 14.2 100 70.1 7.5 13.4 100 76.9 5.4 10.1 100 76.4 5.1 10.6 100 3.1 3.2 88.7 100 3.1 3.2 88.5 100 1.6 2.9 90.1 100 2.3 3.1 88.9 100 3.3 3.2 89.4 100 4.4 3 88.7 100 4.6 3.6 88 100 5.6 3.1 87.5 In 2020, silver is preferably recovered with the lead sulfide concentrate and accounts for approximately 43% of the total silver recovered at Yauricocha. Copper concentrate recovers approximately 28% of the silver, and zinc concentrate recovers 9%. The overall silver recovery at Yauricocha totaled 81% during the first six months of 2020. Yauricocha’s metallurgical laboratory has been testing samples from multiple sources, including polymetallic material from Esperanza, Cuerpo Contacto Occidental, from Mina Mario among others. In most of the cases the metallurgical test results show good amenability to conventional processing and potential to achieve commercial quality concentrates. Some samples show arsenic presence, while others achieve lower concentrate grades because of their higher oxides content. In all cases, laboratory personnel are continuously investigating improved process conditions for treating the new sources of mineralized material. 28 1.5 Mineral Resource Estimate CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014) defines a Mineral Resource as follows: “A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling”. The “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” requirement generally implies that the quantity and grade estimates meet certain economic thresholds and that the Mineral Resources are reported at an appropriate cut-off grade (CoG) taking into account extraction scenarios and processing recoveries. To assess this at Yauricocha, SRK has calculated an economic value for each block in terms of US dollars based on the grade of contained metal in the block, multiplied by the assumed recovery for each metal, multiplied by pricing established by Sierra Metals for each commodity. Costs for mining and processing are taken from data provided by Sierra for their current underground mining operation. SRK is of the opinion that the resource estimations are suitable for public reporting and are a fair representation of the in-situ contained metal for the Yauricocha deposit. The June 30, 2020 consolidated Mineral Resource statement for the Yauricocha Mine is presented in Table 0-2. The detailed, individual tables for the various Yauricocha mining areas are presented in Section 14 of this report. Table 0-4: Consolidated Yauricocha Mine Mineral Resource Statement as of June 30, 2020 – SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Classification Measured Indicated Measured + Indicated Inferred Volume (m3) '000 1,458 3,226 4,684 3,346 Tonnes (K t) 4,904 11,020 15,924 11,633 Density (kg/m3) 3.36 3.42 3.40 3.48 Ag (g/t) 55.81 38.39 43.75 27.54 Au (g/t) 0.59 0.50 0.53 0.45 Cu (%) 1.13 1.20 1.18 1.40 Pb (%) 0.83 0.52 0.62 0.31 Zn (%) 2.59 2.05 2.22 0.95 As (%) 0.18 0.14 0.15 0.07 Fe (%) 24.47 25.41 25.12 26.65 NSR ($/t) 113 98 103 84 Ag (M oz) 8.8 13.6 22.4 10.3 Au (K oz) 93.5 178.0 271.5 167.4 Cu (M lb) 122.2 291.1 413.3 357.9 Pb (M lb) 89.4 126.7 216.2 79.3 Zn (M lb) 280.1 498.9 779.0 242.5 Notes (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Silver, gold, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic (deleterious) and iron assays were capped / cut where appropriate. The consolidated Yauricocha Mineral Resource estimate is comprised of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources in the Mina Central, Cuerpos Pequeños, Cuye, Mascota, Esperanza and Cachi-Cachi mining areas. Polymetallic Mineral Resources are reported at Cut-Off Values (COVs) based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. (3) (4) (5) Metal price assumptions used for polymetallic feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz), Copper (US$3.05/lb), Lead (US$0.91/lb), and Zinc (US$1.06/lb). (6) (7) Metal price assumptions used for lead oxide feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz) and Lead (US$0.91/lb). (8) (9) The mining costs are based on 2020 actual costs and are variable by mining method. The unit value COVs are variable by mining area and proposed mining method. The marginal COV ranges from US$25 to US$36. Lead Oxide Mineral Resources are reported at COVs based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. 29 1.6 Mineral Reserve Estimate A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Resource. It includes diluting material and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Prefeasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include the application of Modifying Factors. A Mineral Reserve has not been estimated for the Project as part of this PEA. The PEA includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. 1.7 Mining Methods 1.7.1 Mining The Yauricocha Mine is a producing operation with a long production history. The majority of mining is executed through mechanized sub-level caving with a relatively small portion of the mining using overhand cut and fill. The mine uses well-established, proven mining methods and is anticipated to continue to maintain an approximate 3,800 tpd (1.4 Mt/y) production rate for the remainder of 2020. Polymetallic sulfide mineralized material accounts for more than 99% of the material mined at Yauricocha. Material classified as lead oxide can also be encountered, but it is a minor component of the overall tonnage in the mineralized zones currently being mined. The mine is accessed by two shafts, Central shaft and Mascota shaft, and the Klepetko and Yauricocha tunnels. Mineralized material and waste are transported via the Klepetko tunnel at the 720 level (elevation 4,165 masl) which runs east-northeast from the mine towards the mill and concentrator, and the 4.7 km Yauricocha tunnel, commissioned in 2018, that also accesses the mine at the 720 level. The Yauricocha tunnel was added to increase haulage capacity and serves as a ventilation conduit. The Yauricocha shaft, currently under construction, will provide access down to 1370 level and is expected to be in production in 2021. 1.7.2 Geotechnical Geotechnical investigations have been conducted at the Yauricocha Mine to prepare a geotechnical model of ground conditions. The investigations involved preparing a major fault model, rock mass model, rock mass strength model, rock mass characterization, granular material (mineralized material) classifications; underground traverse mapping, core logging, laboratory tests, shafts inspections, subsidence studies, preparation of a geotechnical database, and the implementation of a data collection process. In 2017, SRK confirmed that these activities complied with international standards and industry best practices. Mudflows, also known as mud rushes, are encountered at Yauricocha. At present, lower mined levels where mudflows are occurring are at the 820 level (elevation of 4,040 masl to 4,057 masl in the Antacaca and Catas mineralized material bodies) and the 870 level (elevation of 4,010 masl to 4,093 masl in the Rosaura and Antacaca Sur mineralized material bodies). All of the recorded mudflows have been located within mineralized material bodies near the contact with the Jumasha limestone and the adjacent granodiorite and Celendín formation. The current understanding of mudflow conditions is sufficient to support the drawpoint design adjustments implemented by Yauricocha, mucking operations, and dewatering programs. The ground control management level plans reviewed present a rock mass quality regime that is consistent with the conceptual geotechnical rock mass model, as well as the description of the domains and sub-domains from the 2015 technical report. The level plans and accompanying development profile and installation procedures are well developed and appropriate for operational application. The ground support designs were not reviewed in detail as part of this study, but an observation was made that the ground support type for good ground did not include any surface support. Unless there is a thorough and regimented check-scaling procedure ensured, industry standard is to have surface support of mesh and/or shotcrete even in good ground. SRK is of the opinion that the current understanding of subsidence and its effects is reasonable. The current understanding of in-situ and induced stress for the current mining areas is satisfactory, but for the deeper planned mining areas, site specific stress measurements and stress modelling are needed. The current understanding of the conditions leading to mudflow and the mitigation measures put in place are reasonable; however, the potential occurrence of a mud rush event is an ever-present risk, particularly when entering new mining areas. Dewatering practices need to be maintained, existing drawpoints monitored, and new areas investigated prior to being developed. 30 1.7.3 Hydrogeology Hydrogeological and hydrological information is available from multiple sources, including mine records and a large number of investigations and data compilations by external consultants. Mine operations have compiled significant information on flow rates and field water quality parameters (e.g., color, pH, conductivity, temperature) across much of the mine and developed maps summarizing locations and data. The numerous hydrogeological and hydrological studies completed by external consultants (Geologic, 2014, 2015; Hydro-Geo Consultores, 2010, 2012, 2016; Geoservice Ingenieria 2008, 2014, 2016; Helium, 2018) involved the collection of data from underground observations, pump tests, tracer tests, and surface water features. Current observations and analyses suggest that inflow to both the subsidence (caving) zone and the mine will increase as the mine expands. Mitigation and management efforts should continue to understand the distribution of water and value in efforts to control or reduce inflow. Mud rushes pose a risk. 1.8 Project Infrastructure The Project is a mature producing mine and mill and all required infrastructure is fully functional. The Project has highway access with two routes to support the Project’s needs, and the regional capital Huancayo (population 340,000) is within 100 km. Personnel travel by bus to the site and are accommodated in four camps. There are currently approximately 1,700 personnel on-site with 500 employees and 1,200 contractors. The on-site facilities include the processing plant, mine surface facilities, underground mine facilities, tailings storage facility (TSF), and support facilities. The processing facility includes crushing, grinding, flotation; dewatering and concentrate separation, concentrate storage, and thickening and tailings discharge lines to the TSF. The underground mine and surface facilities include headframes, hoist houses, shafts and winzes, ventilation structures, mine access tunnels, waste storage facilities, high explosives and detonator magazines, underground shops, and diesel and lubrications storage. The support facilities include four camps where personnel live while on-site, a laboratory, change houses and showers, cafeterias, school, medical facility, engineering and administrative buildings, and miscellaneous equipment and electrical shops to support the operations. The site has existing water systems to manage water needs on-site. Water is sourced from the Ococha Lagoon, the Cachi-Cachi underground mine, and recycle/overflow water from the TSF, depending on end use. Water treatment systems treat the raw water for use as potable water or for service water in the plant. Additional systems treat the wastewater for further consumption or discharge. 31 Energy for the site is available through electric power, compressed air, and diesel. The electric power is supplied by contract over an existing 69 kV line to the site substation. The power is distributed for use in the underground or at the processing facility. The current power load is 10.5 MVA with approximately 70% of this being used at the mine and the remainder at the mill and other facilities. The power system is planned to be expanded to approximately 14 MVA in 2020/2021. A compressed air system is used underground with an additional 149 kW compressor system being added, and diesel fuel is used in the mobile equipment and in the 895 kW backup electrical generator. The site has permitted systems for the handling of waste including a TSF, waste rock storage facility, and systems to handle other miscellaneous wastes. The TSF has a capacity for 12 months at the current production levels. The TSF is being expanded with another lift in 2019/2020 to provide three more years of capacity. The three additional lift stages in total will provide the Project with approximately nine years of additional capacity. An on-site industrial landfill is used to dispose of the Project’s solid and domestic waste. The Project collects waste oil, scrap metal, plastic, and paper which are recycled at off-site licensed facilities. The site has an existing communications system that includes a fiber optic backbone with internet, telephone, and paging systems. The security on-site is managed through checkpoints at the main access road, processing plant, and at the camp entrances. Logistics to the site are primarily by truck with the five primary concentrate products being shipped by 30 t to 40 t trucks to other customer locations in Peru. Materials and supplies needed for Project operation are procured in Lima and delivered by truck. The infrastructure is well developed and functioning as would be expected for a mature operation. The TSF continues to develop and will require ongoing monitoring to assure the construction of the next lift is timely to support the operation. Ongoing monitoring of the stability of the embankment and operations practices is recommended to conform to industry best practices. 1.9 Environmental Studies and Permitting Sierra has all relevant permits required for the current mining and metallurgical operations. Sierra also has a Community Relations Plan that includes annual assessment, records, minutes, contracts and agreements. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was obtained on February 11, 2019. 1.10 Capital and Operating Costs The capital and operating costs presented here are for the base case production rate of 3,780 tpd. Capital and operating cost estimates for the higher production rates of 5,500 tpd, 6,500 tpd and 7,500 tpd are in Section 21. Table 0-5 and Table 0-6 show the capital and growth capital cost (capex) summaries for the base case of 3,780 tpd respectively. Table 0-7 shows the operating cost (opex) summary for the base case of 3,780 tpd. 32 Table 0-5: Sustaining Capex Estimation 3,780 Tonnes/Day Sustaining Capex Total (kUS$) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Exploration & Development Exploration Development Equipment Projects Central Shaft Rehab Mine Camp Mascota Shaft Personnel transportation Concentrator Plant Tunnel (Cx 5000 + Shotcrete Plant) Drainage System + Study Factibility Ventilation Ramp Lv 1592 and Mascota Environmental Seismograph Study and Instrumentation Geomechanical Model Study Fuel Distribution System Other Total Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 39,000 73,671 17,200 1,800 - - 4,550 5,450 2,300 2,200 14,812 3,240 1,160 250 500 300 - 166,433 3,000 5,667 1,800 1,000 - - 350 1,270 2,300 1,000 1,098 3,240 82 150 - 300 - 21,258 3,000 5,667 1,800 800 - - - 380 - 600 1,086 - 82 50 250 - - 13,716 3,000 5,667 3,400 - - - 770 800 - 600 1,085 - 83 50 - - - 15,456 3,000 5,667 2,500 - - - - 300 - - 1,080 - 83 - - - - 12,631 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - 770 300 - - 1,110 - 83 - 250 - - 12,381 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - - 300 - - 1,090 - 83 - - - - 11,341 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - 770 300 - - 1,093 - 83 - - - - 12,113 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - - 300 - - 1,091 - 83 - - - - 11,341 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - 770 300 - - 1,090 - 83 - - - - 12,111 3,000 5,667 1,200 - - - - 300 - - 1,081 - 83 - - - - 11,331 3,000 5,667 500 - - - 770 300 - - 1,098 - 83 - - - - 11,419 3,000 5,667 - - - - - 300 - - 1,080 - 83 - - - - 10,130 3,000 5,667 - - - - 350 300 - - 1,101 - 83 - - - - 10,501 - - - - - - - - - 629 - 83 - - - - 712 Table 0-5: Growth Capex Estimation 3,780 Tonnes/Day Growth Capex Projects Yauricocha Shaft Access to Yauricocha Shaft Tailing Dam Ramp Lv 720 to Ramp Tatiana Mine Camp Studies (Factibilty Increase production 5500) Studies (geometallurgical) Closure Total Total (kUS$) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 19,400 5,500 40,500 600 4,650 500 300 9,450 80,900 7,000 3,000 3,700 600 150 250 150 1,000 15,850 7,500 2,500 3,400 - 3,000 250 - 650 17,300 4,900 - 3,400 - 1,500 - 150 650 10,600 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - 3,000 - - - - 650 3,650 - - - - - - - 650 650 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 Table 0-5: Opex Estimation 3,780 Tonnes/Day Opex Total Mine Plant G&A Total Total (kUS$) 607,554 198,866 181,284 987,703 2021 44,938 14,712 13,362 73,011 2022 44,632 14,607 13,347 72,586 2023 44,598 14,596 13,345 72,538 2024 44,467 14,551 13,338 72,357 2025 45,247 14,818 13,377 73,442 2026 44,735 14,642 13,352 72,729 2027 44,793 14,662 13,355 72,810 2028 44,744 14,646 13,352 72,741 2029 44,725 14,639 13,351 72,715 2030 44,483 14,556 13,339 72,378 2031 44,929 14,709 13,361 72,999 2032 44,454 14,546 13,338 72,338 2033 45,001 14,734 13,365 73,100 2034 25,809 8,448 7,703 41,959 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 33 1.11 Economic Analysis The PEA considered four different production rates for the Yauricocha Mine: 1. 3,780 tpd (base case); 2. 5,500 tpd (in 2024); 3. 6,500 tpd (in 2024); and 4. 7,500 tpd (in 2024). The four production rate options were evaluated financially, and it was determined that the 7,500 tpd production rate had the highest post tax NPV. Sierra observes that there are some mineralized material and waste haulage issues due to mineralized zone geometry and distribution. As such, Sierra has decided that the 5,500 tpd production rate option is the recommended case for a future pre-feasibility study. Increased production rates beyond 5,500 tpd may be possible once Yauricocha has resolved the mineralized material and waste haulage issues. The 5,500 tpd (2024) proposed mine plan has a capital requirement (initial and sustaining) of US$ 269 M over the 12-year life LOM; efficiencies associated with higher throughputs are expected to drive a reduction in operating costs on a per tonne basis. This PEA indicates an after-tax NPV (8%) at 5,500 tpd (in 2024) of US$ 333 M. Total operating cost for the LOM is US$ 989 M, equating to a total operating cost of US$ 48.89 per tonne milled and US$ 1.28 per pound copper equivalent. A sensitivity analysis was performed for each mining plan to analyze the impact of the change on the main drivers: metal grades, operating and capital costs, and gross income. The analysis shows that the NPV is most sensitive to changes in gross income and operating costs, moderately sensitive to changes in capex and the grade of copper, and least sensitive to changes in the grades of silver, gold, lead and zinc. The proposed mine plan is conceptual in nature and would benefit from further, more definitive, investigation. 1.12 Conclusions and Recommendations Geology and Mineral Resources Estimation SRK has the following recommendations for the geology and Mineral Resources at Yauricocha: · · · Construct and compile a single reliable secure drilling and sampling database for the entire mine area, which can be easily verified, audited, and shared internally. This can be accomplished through commercially available SQL database management tools. Exploration should continue in the Esperanza area, which is locally open along strike and at depth. Long-term exploration should be focused on areas such as the possible intersection of the Yauricocha fault and the Cachi-Cachi structural trend, where recent geophysical data are currently being generated to assist in targeting. · Given the use of channel samples in the Mineral Resource estimations, SRK recommends ensuring that the channel samples are collected on a representative basis, and that they are collected across the entire exposed thickness of a mineralized zone. In addition, they should be weighed for each sample to ensure that appropriate quantities of material are sampled from both the harder, more difficult material and the higher-grade, softer material. SRK strongly recommends reviewing the performance of the QA/QC program as soon as batches of results are returned. If any failures occur investigation and re-analysis of these samples and +/- five adjacent samples on either side of the respective failure should be completed as soon as possible to prevent any sample preparation or laboratory issues. · 34 · No umpire laboratory checks of the Chumpe laboratory were completed in the period November 2019 to June 2020. SRK recommends that umpire · duplicates be implemented on a regular basis for both coarse and pulp reject material. SRK recommends that density measurements of drillhole core be implemented as a regular practice to improve density relationships in mineralized and non-mineralized rock. · Minera Corona should produce detailed internal documentation summarizing the procedures and methods similar to those described in this report. – Of note, SRK strongly recommends developing internal standards and procedures for estimation and reporting of Mineral Resources. Although this is somewhat new for the mine personnel, SRK is of the opinion that sufficient talent and technology support exists to continue to develop this expertise. Exploration should be supported by a reasonably detailed litho-stratigraphic and structural model for the area to aid in exploration targeting. At present, this model does not exist and should be generated by mine and exploration personnel to produce fit for purpose models. SRK recommends that a standardized workflow is applied to the geological modelling to prevent significant changes in mineralized shape forms with minor additions of drillhole information. The integration of structure, stratigraphy and mineralized zone into a global model is essential in developing a comprehensive exploration and mining model. This will prevent inconsistencies and overlap between mineralized zones modelled. Classification of certain areas should be reviewed to determine if opportunities exist to refine the scripted classification scheme, or that based on estimation pass (in the case of Minera Corona models) to a hybrid approach taking into account the confidence in the estimation and the reasonableness of the classification distribution. · · · · · Modelling variogram anisotropy for each of the mineralized domains can be improved by considering relevant transformation e.g. gaussian or log transforms of the composites before producing the experimental variograms. Ideally, modelled variograms should be back-transformed before the estimation. Certain commercially available software can complete this process seamlessly. Local and global grade anisotropy occur within the larger mineralized bodies. The sensitivity of utilizing a local anisotropy in highly informed data areas, whereas utilizing a global trend in poorly informed areas should be investigated. The models estimated internally by the mine should endeavor to regularize certain estimation parameters (such as sample selection criteria) so that these do not vary significantly between metals. SRK recommends that Minera Corona implement short term grade control models to track and reconcile with production. · · Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing SRK is of the opinion that Yauricocha’s processing facility is reasonably well operated and shows flexibility to treat multiple mineralized material sources. The metallurgical performance, i.e., metal recovery and concentrate grade has been consistent throughout the period evaluated allowing the mine to produce commercial quality copper concentrate, lead concentrate, and zinc concentrate. The spare capacity in their oxide circuit is an opportunity to source material from third-party mines located in the vicinity. The presence of arsenic is being well managed by blending mineralized material in order to control arsenic concentration in the final concentrates. Gold deportment seems an opportunity that Yauricocha may want to investigate, particularly by evaluating gravity concentration in the grinding stage, or alternatively in the final tails, or both. 35 Mining SRK has the following recommendations for the mining at Yauricocha: The Yauricocha shaft project should be monitored closely in order to ensure timely access to mineralized zones below 1070 level. · · A consolidated 3D LOM design should be completed to improve communication of the LOM plan, infill drilling requirements, and general mine planning and execution. Further technical-economic evaluations of the production rate expansion options should be undertaken via pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. · Geotechnical and Hydrogeological SRK’s geotechnical and hydrogeological recommendations are as follows: Continue collecting geotechnical characterization data from mined drifts and exploration drillholes; · · Maintain a central geotechnical database; · Develop and maintain geotechnical models, including structures and rock mass wireframes; · · · · Conduct a program of stress measurement in the deeper planned mining areas; Conduct numerical stress analyses of mining-induced stress effects on planned mining; Continue short-term to long-term dewatering programs with drainage systems; Examine the current mine sequence and simulate the optimal mine sequence to reduce safety risks and the risk of sterilizing mineralized material due to unexpected ground problems; and Revisit the current ground control management plans to check that they are appropriate for the deeper mining areas. Continue to actively dewater ahead of production mining and monitor for conditions that could lead to mud rushes. · · Infrastructure Ongoing monitoring of the stability of the TSF embankment and operations practices is recommended to conform to industry best practices. Recovery Methods SRK recommends that Yauricocha improve its control of plant operations by installing more instrumentation and an automation control system. Doing so would lead to more consistent plant operation, reduced electrical energy and reagent consumption, and ultimately initiate a continuous improvement of the plant’s unit operations and overall performance. Environmental Studies and Permitting Social and environmental activities are currently of high importance in Peru; therefore, SRK recommends that the company’s commitments and agreements be fulfilled in detail and in a timely manner. Reputational and legal risks can arise due to this issue. 1.13 Recommended Work Program Costs Table 0-6 lists the estimated costs for the recommended work that is not considered to be covered by on-going operating expenditures. 36 Table 0-6: Summary of Costs for Recommended Work Category Geology and Resources Work Infill Drilling (1) Exploration Drilling - Yauricocha Expansion (1) Structural and litho-stratigraphic model Training QA/QC and Re-analysis Annual data and analysis review and data collection Stress measurements Prefeasibility study Geotechnical Production Rate Increases Total Source: SRK, 2020 (1) Drilling costs assumed $100/m Bolivar Mine, Mexico Units 25,000 m 25,000 m 1 1 500 N/A 1 1 Cost US$ 2,500,000 2,500,000 100,000 10,000 12,500 100,000 30,000 500,000 5,752,500 The Company owns 100% of the Bolivar Mine. Bolivar PEA Technical Report The following is the summary section of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report, prepared by SRK and reviewed by Qualified Persons Américo Zuzunaga Cardich, Sierra Metals Inc., Vice President Corporate Planning, Cliff Revering, P. Eng., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining), Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc, SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy) and Jarek Jakubec, C. Eng. FIMMM, SRK Practice Leader/Principal Consultant (Mining, Geotechnical). The full text of the Bolivar PEA Technical Report is available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and is incorporated by reference in this AIF. Defined terms and abbreviations used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. “2 Executive Summary Introduction Sierra Metals Inc. own and operate the Bolivar Mine and Piedras Verdes processing plant (combined to form the Property) located in the Piedras Verdes District of Chihuahua State, Mexico, approximately 250 kilometres southwest of the city of Chihuahua. The Property consists of 14 mineral concessions totaling 6,800 hectares. Sierra Metals Inc. engaged various specialist groups to evaluate how, on a conceptual level; mining, mineral processing, and tailings management could be adapted at the Property to achieve a sustainable and staged increase in mine production and mill throughput. 37 This Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) report was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines, May 10, 2014 (CIM). The reader is reminded that PEA studies are indicative and not definitive and that the resources used in the proposed mine plan include Inferred Resources that are too speculative to be used in an economic analysis, except as allowed for by Canadian Securities Administrator’s National 43-101 (43-101) in PEA studies. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that Inferred Resources can be converted to Indicated or Measured Resources or Mineral Reserves, and as such, there is no certainty that the results of this PEA will be realized. This PEA report is not a wholly independent report as some sections have been prepared and signed off by qualified personnel (QP) from Sierra Metals, the project owner and producing issuer. The terms ‘QP’ and ‘producing issuer’ used here are as defined under Canadian Securities Administrator’s National 43-101 (43-101) guidelines. 2.1 Property Description and Ownership The Bolivar property is owned by Sierra Metals Inc. The property consists of 14 mineral concessions (approximately 6,800 ha) in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. The property is in the Piedras Verdes mining district, 400 km south by road from the city of Chihuahua (population 4.8 million as of 2010) and roughly 10 km southwest of the town of Urique (population 1,102 as of 2010). The property includes the Bolivar Mine, a historic Cu-Zn skarn deposit that has been actively mined by Sierra since November 2011, as well as the Piedras Verdes processing plant, which is situated approximately 5 km by road from the mine. 2.2 Geology and mineralization The Bolivar deposit is a Cu-Zn skarn and is one of many precious and base metal deposits of the Sierra Madre belt, which trends north-northwest across the states of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora in northwestern Mexico (Meinert, 2007). The deposit is located within the Guerrero composite terrane, which makes up the bulk of western Mexico and is one of the largest accreted terranes in the North American Cordillera. The Guerrero terrane, proposed to have accreted to the margin of nuclear Mexico in the Late Cretaceous, consists of submarine and lesser subaerial volcanic and sedimentary sequences ranging from Upper Jurassic to middle Upper Cretaceous in age. These sequences rest unconformably on deformed and partially metamorphosed early Mesozoic oceanic sequences. The Piedras Verdes district is made up of Cretaceous andesitic to basaltic flows and tuffs intercalated with greywacke, limestone, and shale beds. Cu-Zn skarn mineralization is in carbonate rocks adjacent to the Piedras Verde granodiorite. Mineralization exhibits strong stratigraphic control and two stratigraphic horizons host the bulk of the mineralization: an upper calcic horizon, which predominantly hosts Zn-rich mineralization, and a lower dolomitic horizon, which predominantly hosts Cu-rich mineralization. In both cases, the highest grades are developed where structures and associated breccia zones cross these favorable horizons near skarn-marble contacts. 2.3 Status of Exploration, Development and Operations The Bolivar Mine is currently an operational project. During 2019, the Piedras Verdes processing plant consistently produced copper concentrate of commercial quality with copper grade ranging between 21.7% Cu to 28% Cu, silver content in concentrate ranging from 392 g/t to 677 g/t, and gold content in concentrate ranging from 3.2 g/t to 7.9 g/t. Metal recovery for copper, silver, and gold averaged monthly 82.9%, 78.3% and 62.3%, respectively. The mined material is transported 5 km to the (t/d) Piedras Verdes Mill which currently operates at 3,500 tonnes of mineralized material per day. 38 2.4 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing Various development and test mining have occurred at the Bolivar Mine under Sierra’s ownership since 2005. Prior to late 2011, no processing facilities were available on site, and the mineralized material was trucked to the Cusi Mine’s Malpaso mill located 270 km by road. Bolivar’s Piedras Verdes processing facilities started operating in November 2011 at 1,000 t/d of nominal throughput. The mineralized material processing capacity was expanded to 2,000 t/d in mid-2013. The mill has been upgraded since and the current nominal throughput capacity is 3,500 t/d although the mine has exceeded this throughput on many occasions and in 2020, has achieved 5,000 tpd. 2.5 Mineral Resource Estimate CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014) defines a mineral resource as: “A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling”. The “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” requirement generally implies that the quantity and grade estimates meet certain economic thresholds and that the Mineral Resources are reported at an appropriate cut-off grade (CoG) taking into account extraction scenarios and processing recoveries. To assess this at Bolivar, SRK has calculated an economic value for each block in terms of US dollars based on the grade of contained metal in the block, multiplied by the assumed recovery for each metal, multiplied by pricing established by Sierra Metals for each commodity. Costs for mining and processing are taken from data provided by Sierra for their current underground mining operation. The December 31, 2019, consolidated mineral resource statement for the Bolivar Mine area is presented in Table 0-7. Table 0-7: Consolidated Bolivar Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2019 – SRK Consulting (Canada), Inc. (1)(2)(3) Category Indicated Inferred Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (M oz) Au (k oz) Cu (t) 19.4 21.4 15.1 14.2 0.21 0.21 0.77 0.78 9.4 9.8 127.8 145.6 149,116 167,077 Source: SRK, 2020 (1) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. (2) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (3) Mineral resources are reported at a value per tonne cut-off of US$24.25/t using the following metal prices and recoveries; Cu at US$3.08/t and 88% recovery; Ag at US$17.82/oz and 78.6% recovery, Au at US$1,354/oz and 62.9% recovery. 2.6 Mineral Reserve Estimate A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Resource. It includes diluting material and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Prefeasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include the application of Modifying Factors. A Mineral Reserve has not been estimated for the Project as part of this PEA. 39 The PEA includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. 2.7 Mining Methods Bolivar is a producing operation. The primary mining method at Bolivar is underground room and pillar mining. Previous mining at Bolivar has sometimes used lower cost and more productive longhole stope mining in areas where the mineralized zones have a steeper dip angle, and the mine plans to undertake a geotechnical assessment program in 2020/2021 to expand the use of longhole mining. Current mineralized material production is from the El Gallo Inferior, Chimenea 1 and 2, and the Bolivar West mineralized zones. The PEA evaluated seven different possible production rates for the Bolivar Mine: · · · · · · · 5,000 tpd (base case) 7,000 tpd (in 2024) 10,000 tpd in 2024 10,000 tpd in 2026 12,000 tpd in 2024 12,000 tpd in 2026 15,000 tpd in 2024 Development waste rock is primarily stored underground in historic mine openings. Mineralized material is hauled to the surface using one of several adits or declines accessing the mineralized material, and then dumped onto small surface storage pads outside the portals. The mineralized material is then loaded into rigid-frame, over-the-road trucks and hauled on a gravel road approximately 5 km south to the Piedras Verdes mill. As explained in more detail in Section 18, the mine is constructing an underground tunnel that will enable mineralized material to be delivered via underground truck transport to a portal adjacent to the mill. This development will eliminate the impact of bad weather on the current surface truck haulage system and will provide a lower cost and more reliable method of delivering mineralized material to the plant. Mine production at Bolivar in 2019 averaged approximately 3,500 t/d, but frequently surpassed 4,000 tpd and achieved rates of 5,000 tpd in early 2020. Due to efficiency improvements through better planning and improved equipment utilization, the mine is currently operating with a production rate of 5,000 tpd. 2.8 Recovery Methods Sierra operates a conventional concentration plant consisting of crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening and filtration of the final concentrate. Flotation tails are disposed of in a conventional tailings facility and future tailings (mid-2020) will be deposited as dry stack tailings. Run of mine mineralized material feed in 2019 totaled 1,269,697 t, equivalent to an average of 105,000 tonnes per month (t/m), or 3,500 t/d. The plant has repeatedly demonstrated that it can process 5,000 tpd and is doing so in 2020. During 2019, production of copper concentrate has consistently ranged between approximately 2,370 t/m and 3,850 t/m, equivalent to roughly a 2.9% mass pull. The monthly average concentrate has consistently reached commercial quality with copper averaging at 24.1% and credit metals averaging 531.6 g/t silver and 5.57 g/t gold in 2019. Metal recovery for copper, silver, and gold averaged monthly 82.9%, 78.3% and 62.3%, respectively. 40 2.9 Project Infrastructure The Project has fully developed infrastructure including access roads, a man-camp capable of supporting 329 persons that includes a cafeteria, laundry facilities, maintenance facilities for the underground and surface mobile equipment, electrical shop, guard house, fuel storage, laboratories, warehousing, storage yards, administrative offices, plant offices, truck scales, explosives storage, processing plant and associated facilities, tailings storage facility (TSF), and water storage reservoir and water tanks. The site has fully developed and functioning electric power from the Mexican power grid, backup diesel generators and heating from site propane tanks. The Project has developed waste handling and storage facilities. The site has minimal waste rock requirements but does have a small, permitted area to dispose of waste rock. The tailings management plan at the Bolivar Mine includes placement of tails in several locations in and around the TSF that has been in operation since late 2011. The existing TSF has five locations to store tailings (TSF1 through TSF5). A new dry-stack TSF (herein referred to as “New TSF”) to be located just to the west of the existing facility and has an expected life through 2025. The site is also installing an additional thickener and filter presses to allow additional water recovery. Thickened tails (60% solids) are being placed currently. After the filter presses are constructed, dry-stack tailings will be placed in the TSF starting in the latter part of 2020. This PEA considers the use of tailings as backfill and has included the capital and operating costs for a backfill plant. Storing some of the tailings underground would increase the life of the TSF, and also potentially permit the removal of mineralized material pillars that are currently unrecoverable. The overall Project infrastructure exists already and is functioning and adequate for the purpose of the supporting the mine and mill. 2.10 Environmental Studies and Permitting Sierra intends to build additional tailings capacity concurrent with mine operations, and the permitting associated with the TSF expansion has been completed. Geochemical characterization results for 2014 and 2015, provided to SRK, indicate low metals leaching potential and either uncertain or non-acid generating potential. The 2016 ABA results (NP = 52.5 kg CaCO3/ton; AP = 141 kg CaCO3/ton), however, suggest that some of the more recent material may be potentially acid generating: NP/AP = 0.372. Additional investigation of the current materials being deposited into the tailings impoundment may be warranted; however, given the dryness of the Chihuahuan Desert, this may not necessarily be a material issue for the project. The required permits for continued operation at the Bolivar Mine, including exploration of the site, have been obtained. SRK has not conducted an investigation as to the current status of all the required permits. At this time, SRK is not aware of any outstanding permits or any non-compliance at the project or nearby exploration sites. In February 2017, Treviño Asociados Consultores presented to Sierra a work breakdown of the anticipated tasks for closure and reclamation of the Bolivar Mine. The closure costs were estimated to be MX$9,259,318 (~US$475,324 based on the exchange rate at February 2020). SRK’s scope of work did not include an assessment of the veracity of this closure cost estimate, but, based on projects of similar nature and size within Mexico, the estimate appears low in comparison. 41 2.11 Capital and Operating Costs The basis of the operating cost estimate is based on site specific data and has been factored to account for an expansion to 10,000 tpd. Table 0-8 provides a summary of total operating costs and unit operating costs. Table 0-8: Operating Cost Summary Description Underground Mining Process G&A Backfill plant Total Operating Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Life of Mine (US$000’s) Life of Mine Life of Mine (US$/t mineralized material) (US$/Cu equivalent lb) 0.61 0.32 0.08 0.16 1.16 10.36 5.40 1.33 2.69 19.77 433,099 225,578 55,409 112,383 826,469 Based on a planned production rate of 10,000 tpd (2024), the yearly capital expenditure by area is summarized in Table 0-9. Table 0-9: Capital Cost Summary CAPEX Development sustaining capital Ventilation sustaining capital Development expansion capital Equipment sustaining capital Exploration sustaining capital Exploration capital Backfill Plant capital Plant sustaining capital Plant expansion capital Tailings storage facility capital Tailings storage facility sustaining capital Additional studies capital Closure capital Total Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 2.12 Economic Analysis Total [US$] 89,939,728 4,588,394 5,852,300 41,200,000 18,800,000 35,897,000 24,883,721 13,940,000 67,500,000 5,369,000 1,380,000 2,274,000 5,000,000 316,624,142 The economic analysis for this PEA was prepared by Sierra Metals and reviewed by SRK. The analysis is based on Mineral Resources only and includes inferred mineral resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and supported at least by a pre-feasibility study. This PEA is preliminary in nature and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. The commodity prices used in the economic analysis are described in Table 0-10. Table 0-10: Commodity Price Forecast by Year Metal Au Ag Cu Pb Zn Unit $/oz $/oz $/lb $/lb $/lb 2020 2021 2022 2023 1,755 19.83 2.65 0.82 0.94 1,907 24.12 2.86 0.87 0.99 1,782 22.22 2.89 0.89 1.04 42 Long Term (LT) 1,541 20.0 3.05 0.91 1.07 1,737 22.47 2.93 0.90 1.04 Additionally, the NSR factors in Table 0-11 and the Economic Factors in Table 0-12 were also used in the economic analysis. Table 0-11: NSR Factors Process Recoveries* Concentrate Grades Freight, Insurance and Marketing Smelter Terms Treatment Charges/Refining Charges (TC/RC) Net Smelter Return Factors Cu Ag Au Cu Ag Au Moisture content Transport losses Transportation Port Load Marketing Insurances Total Cu payable Ag payable Au payable Cu minimum deduction Ag minimum deduction Au minimum deduction Cu Concentrate TC Cu Refining charge Cu Refining cost Cu Price Participation Average Penalties Ag Refining charge Au Refining charge Total treatment cost Total cost of sales Cu Ag Au Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 * NI 43-101 Technical Report (SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. May 8, 2020) 43 % % % % gpt gpt % % US$/wmt US$/wmt US$/wmt US$/dmt US$/wmt US$/dmt % % % % oz/t oz/t US$/dmt US$/lb Cu US$/t Cu US$/dmt US$/dmt US$/oz US$/oz US$/t Cu US$/t Cu US$/t/% US$/t/gpt US$/t/gpt 88 78.7 62.43 25 570 6.8 8 0.5 42 9 40 10 10 102.92 96 90 92 1 0 0 69.00 0.069 152.12 0 10 0.35 6 727.68 879.80 48.8171 0.4444 28.1940 Other economic factors and assumptions used in the economic analysis include: Table 0-12: Economic Factors Measure Discount Rate LOM Average grade - Au LOM Average grade – Ag LOM Average grade - Cu Ordinary Mining Entitled Royalty Extraordinary Mining Entitled Royalty (applied to precious metals) Variable Special Mining Royalty Tax Rate Unit % g/t g/t % $USD/year % $USD/year $ Value 8 0.19 13.56 0.72 220,000 0.5 Depends on operating margin 30 Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Numbers are presented on a 100% ownership basis and do not include financing costs. A sensitivity analysis of the Post Tax NPV vs Tonnes Per Day throughput is shown in Figure 0-1. Figure 0-1: Sensitivity Analysis – NPV vs TPD Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Note: 5,000 tpd, 7,000 tpd, 10,000 tpd (2024), 12,000 tpd (2024), 15,000 tpd are shown The economic analysis is based on mine schedule, CAPEX and OPEX estimation, and price assumptions detailed above. Table 0-13 shows the results of the economic evaluations for the production rates evaluated in this PEA using the metal prices in Table 0-10. The production rate option of 15,000 tpd (2024) has the highest post tax NPV with respect to the other options and both the 10,000 tpd (2024) and 12,000 tpd (2024) options have better returns than their 2026 counterparts. 44 Description Life of mine Market Prices (Long Term) Gold Silver Copper Net Sales Gold Silver Copper Gross Revenue Charges for treatment, refining, impurities Gross Revenue After Selling and Treatment Costs Royalties and Mining Permits Gross Revenue After All Costs Operation Costs Mine Plant G&A Back Fill Total Operation EBITDA LoM Capital + Sustaining Capital Working Capital Income Taxes Cash flow before Taxes Cash flow after Taxes Post Tax NPV @ 5% Post Tax NPV @ 8% Post Tax NPV @ 10% Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Table 0-13: Summary Economic Evaluation 5 KTPD 24 7 KTPD (2024) 10 KTPD (2024) 10 KTPD (2026) 12 KTPD (2024) 12 KTPD (2026) 15 KTPD (2024) 18 13 14 12 12 11 Summary Economic Evaluation 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 1,541 20.00 3.05 233,617 265,316 233,617 265,316 233,617 265,316 1,680,297 1,680,297 1,680,297 1,680,297 1,680,297 1,680,297 1,680,297 2,179,230 2,179,230 2,179,230 2,179,230 2,179,230 2,179,230 2,179,230 172,461 233,617 265,316 233,617 265,316 233,617 265,316 233,617 265,316 172,461 172,461 172,461 172,461 172,461 172,461 2,006,769 2,006,769 2,006,769 2,006,769 2,006,769 2,006,769 2,006,769 99,936 1,923,230 1,918,536 1,912,672 1,913,435 1,909,832 1,911,260 1,906,833 88,233 94,097 83,539 95,509 96,937 93,335 414,747 217,521 48,414 104,987 785,669 433,099 225,578 55,409 112,383 826,469 472,036 242,443 73,397 128,510 916,385 512,790 438,771 393,612 259,792 228,035 208,147 78,009 58,030 41,419 145,984 114,732 96,638 739,815 839,567 996,574 926,656 1,002,151 1,086,203 1,073,867 1,124,163 1,106,550 1,167,018 408,345 319,854 244,825 18,146 18,696 18,849 (230,807) (230,410) (209,021) 740,527 735,317 662,982 509,720 504,908 453,961 354,455 334,178 282,882 288,105 267,228 225,191 252,002 232,484 197,271 268,624 18,276 (220,058) 715,251 495,193 320,898 256,236 223,529 316,624 18,146 (230,874) 751,433 520,559 350,787 282,546 246,605 355,105 18,950 (242,044) 750,108 508,064 349,978 284,080 248,693 357,639 17,566 (224,673) 731,344 506,671 336,798 268,832 233,214 423,093 221,151 52,053 108,413 804,711 45 Unit years $/oz $/oz $/lb k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ k$ Production Rates 7ktpd - 5ktpd 10ktpd (2024) - 5ktpd 10ktpd (2024) - 7ktpd 12ktpd (2024) - 5ktpd 12ktpd (2024) - 7ktpd 12ktpd (2024) - 10ktpd (2024) 15ktpd - 5ktpd 15ktpd - 7ktpd 15ktpd - 10ktpd (2024) 15ktpd - 12ktpd (2024) Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 Table 0-14: Incremental Post Tax NPV and Post Tax IRR Post Tax NPV US$ Post Tax IRR % 31,044,119 57,354,818 26,310,699 58,888,188 27,844,069 1,533,370 62,914,037 31,869,917 5,559,219 4,025,848 29.21% 27.87% 26.83% 26.63% 25.20% 5.75% 24.84% 23.03% 18.31% 16.84% As seen in Table 0-14, the incremental benefit generated by increasing the production rate from 5,000 tpd to 10,000 tpd is very significant with an incremental post tax NPV of $57.4 M and an incremental post tax IRR of 28%. However, the incremental benefit generated by increasing the production rate to 12,000 tpd or 15,000 tpd, are far less significant and given that trebling the production rate can potentially present significant operational challenges, Sierra Metals has therefore selected the 10,000 tpd (2024) production rate as the preferred option. The 10,000 tpd (2024) proposed mine plan requires a capital requirement (initial and sustaining) of US$ 317 M over the life of mine, efficiencies associated with higher throughputs are expected drive a reduction in operating costs on a per tonne basis. This PEA indicates a post-tax NPV (8%) at 10,000 tpd (in 2024) of US$ 283 M. Total operating cost for the life of mine is US$ 827 M, equating to a total operating cost of US$ 19.77 per tonne milled and US$ 1.16 per pound copper equivalent. Not included in the economic analysis is the potential sale of magnetite. Sierra is currently studying this potential development and believes that doing so could result in the following outcomes: 1. Reduction of overall tailing management costs (less tailings to be handled and stored, reduced tailings storage development capital); 2. 3. Impact on future closure costs (reduced closure costs); and Impact on revenue (increased sales revenue). The proposed mine plan is conceptual in nature and would benefit from further, more definitive, investigation. The Piedras Verdes processing plant can be adapted to process 10,000 tpd and would require: Temporary shutdown to overhaul equipment; · Purchase of mobile jaw and cone crushers; and · · Overhaul and reintroduction of idle equipment. The availability of tailings storage capacity is a risk to the proposed mine plan, but it is noted that there is ample underground storage that could be utilized for the storage of tailings and the financial analysis has allowed for capital and operating costs for the operation of tailings backfill plant. 46 2.13 Conclusions and Recommendations Geology and Mineral Resources SRK is of the opinion that the MRE has been conducted in a manner consistent with industry standards and that the data and information supporting the stated mineral resources is sufficient for declaration of Indicated and Inferred classifications of resources. SRK has not classified any of the resources in the Measured category due to some uncertainties regarding the data supporting the MRE. General deficiencies related to the Geology and Mineral Resources of Bolivar include: · No historic QA/QC program prior to 2016, this has been addressed by a limited resampling campaign of historical drill core and a more recent QA/QC program that was implemented in 2016. Continuation of the current QA/QC program will be required in order to achieve Measured resources which generally are supported by high resolution drilling and sampling data that feature consistently implemented and monitored QA/QC. · · · There is limited to no downhole deviation surveys in the historic drilling. Observations from the survey data which has been done to date show significant deviations from planned orientations as well as local downhole deviations that influence the exact position of mineralized intervals. There is currently insufficient density sampling and analysis to adequately define this characteristic for the different lithological units and mineralization types in the various areas of the project. Correlation of density to mineralization characteristics is important for this type of deposit and therefore additional density sampling and analysis will be required for all future drilling. There is inadequate detailed structural geology data collection from drill core to support interpretation of local mineralization controls and geotechnical characteristics. · A significant portion of the current sample database is missing gold analysis and therefore the current mineral resources may not accurately reflect the true value of Bolivar mineralization locally. · Bolivar currently does not have an adequate production reconciliation system to allow for robust comparison of mill production to mine forecasts. 47 SRK recommends the following action items for Bolivar: · · · Complete downhole surveys for all future exploration and delineation drill holes using a non-magnetic down-hole survey instrument. Continue to improve upon the current sample assay QA/QC program and monitor progress of the program over time to identify trends in the preparation and analytical phases of sample analysis. Complement the QA/QC protocol using additional controls including coarse blanks, twin samples, fine and coarse duplicates and a second lab control using a certified laboratory to control the different phases of the preparation and chemical analysis process. · Document the failures in the quality control protocol and the correction measurements taken. · Implement a consistent density testing program including the representative selection of drill core from the different lithological units and mineralization types for the various areas of Bolivar and La Sidra. Multiple density samples should be collected from every drill hole so that local density fluctuations can be assessed. · Density samples should be submitted for geochemical analysis to allow for correlation of density to mineralization type and extent. · Density check samples (approximately 5 to 10% of total) should be submitted to a third-party independent laboratory such as ALS Minerals for testing using ASTM standards as part of the QA/QC program. These samples should also be analyzed using the current methods employed by Sierra and reviewed to ensure that the mine site analytical performance is reasonable. · Drill core samples previously not analyzed for gold content should be re-analyzed for gold content. Current mineral resources may not reflect the true value of the mineralization and metal content due to missing gold analysis. All future drill core samples should be analyzed for the full suite of geochemical analysis. · Delineation and infill drilling are recommended in areas of Inferred mineral resources to facilitate upgrading to higher resource categories (i.e. Indicated or Measured mineral resource) to support life-of-mine planning activities. A drill hole spacing study should be completed to provide guidance on drill hole density requirements within Bolivar. · Detailed structural geology data collection (i.e. oriented drill core) should be implemented for all future drill holes to allow for more detailed analysis of mineralization controls and geotechnical assessments to support mine design. · · Continue to develop a site wide litho-structural model to support exploration, mineral resource delineation and mine design activities. Bolivar Mine must implement a production reconciliation system to allow for proper reconciliation of mill production to mine forecasts. This should include the development of a dynamic grade control model to support short and long-term mine planning activities. Recovery Methods There is a high level of month-to-month variability for both tonnes and head grade input to processing. Better integration between geology, mine planning and processing can significantly reduce this variability. Additional work is also needed in the processing facilities to stabilize the operation. Improvements include the implementation of a preventive maintenance program and training programs to improve operators’ skill, with the ultimate objective of improving metal recovery and lower operating cost, while maintaining or improving concentrate quality. Tailings Management As part of the overall tailings management plan, Bolivar is moving to filtered tailings (also known as dry stack tailings). Expansion in the immediate area of the currently operating facility will occur as the site was first moved to thickened tailings in mid-2017 and will move to filtered tailings in mid-2020. An analysis of utilizing tailings as backfill in the mine should be carried out, and a trade-off study should be completed to determine if the size of the New TSF can be reduced. 48 Environmental, Permitting, and Social It does not appear that there are currently any known environmental issues that could materially impact the extraction and beneficiation of mineral resources. Ongoing management of dust on surface roadways between the mine and the plant location should be actively performed to protect Sierra’s social license and avoid regulatory compliance violations. More recent geochemical characterization data suggest that some of the material from the underground mine may be potentially acid generating. Additional investigation of the current materials being deposited into the tailings impoundment may be warranted; however, given the dryness of the Chihuahuan Desert, this may not necessarily be a material issue for the project. The required permits for continued operation at the Bolivar Mine, including exploration of the site, have been obtained based on information provided by Sierra. Currently, SRK is not aware of any outstanding permits or any non-compliance at the project or nearby exploration sites. SRK’s scope of work did not include an assessment of the veracity of this closure cost estimate, but, based on projects of similar nature and size within Mexico, the estimate appears low in comparison. SRK has the following recommendations regarding environment, permitting, and social or community impact at Bolivar: · · The issue of surface road fugitive dust emissions should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing the mine’s social license and incurring compliance violation from the regulatory authorities. SRK recommends that Sierra contract an independent, outside review of the closure cost estimate, with an emphasis on benchmarking against other projects in northern Mexico. This may require and site investigation and the preparation of a more comprehensive and detailed closure and reclamation plan before a closure specialist evaluates the overall closure approach and costs. In 2017, FLOPAC Ingenieria signed a contract to conduct geophysics, geotechnical and hydrological studies. Based on the results of these studies, a new tailings dam was designed.” Cusi Mine, Mexico The Company owns 100% of the Cusi Mine. Cusi PEA The following is the summary section of the Cusi PEA Technical Report, prepared by SRK and reviewed by Qualified Persons: Américo Zuzunaga Cardich, Sierra Metals Inc., Vice President Corporate Planning, Giovanny Ortiz, B.Sc., PGeo., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining) and Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc, SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy). The full text of the Cusi PEA Technical Report is available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and is incorporated by reference in this AIF. Defined terms and abbreviations used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Cusi PEA Technical Report. 49 “3 Executive Summary This PEA report was prepared as a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) Technical Report (Technical Report) for an updated Mineral Resource estimate prepared for Sierra Metals Inc. (Sierra), on the Cusi Mine (Cusi or Project), which is located within the Abasolo Mineral District in the municipality of Cusihuiriachi, state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Sierra engaged various specialist groups to evaluate how, on a conceptual level; mining, mineral processing, and tailings management could be adapted at the Property to achieve a sustainable and staged increase in mine production and mill throughput. Sierra Metals prepared life of mine (LOM) production and development plans based on four production rate options ranging from the base case of 1,200 tonnes per day (tpd) to 3,500 tpd. Table 0-15: LOM Production Rates Tonnes/Day 1,200 (base case) 2,400 3,000 3,500 Tonnes/Year 432,000 864,000 1.1 M 1.3 M Comments Constant production rate through LOM Increases from 1,200 tpd to 2,400 tpd gradually 3,000 tpd in 2024 3,500 tpd in 2024 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 This Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) report was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines, May 10, 2014 (CIM, 2014). The reader is reminded that PEA studies are indicative and not definitive and that the resources used in the proposed mine plan include Inferred Resources as allowed for by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) NI 43-101 in PEA studies. The PEA is preliminary in nature; it includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized. This PEA report is not a wholly independent report as some sections have been prepared and signed off by qualified persons (QPs) from Sierra Metals, the project owner and producing issuer. The terms ‘QP’ and ‘producing issuer’ are used here as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Additionally, Sierra is a producing issuer as defined in the NI 43-101 guidelines. 3.1 Property Description and Ownership The Cusi property is held by Sierra Metals, formerly known as Dia Bras Exploration, Inc. It is located within the Abasolo Mineral District in the municipality of Cusihuiriachi, state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The property is 135 km from Chihuahua city by car and consists of 75 mineral concessions wholly owned by Sierra Metals. Included in these concessions are six historic Ag-Pb producers developed on several vein structures: San Miguel, La Bamba open pit, La India, Santa Eduwiges, San Marina, and Promontorio, as well as exploration concessions around the historic mine areas. 3.2 Geology and Mineralization The Cusi Project is located within the Sierra Madre Occidental, a 1,200 km by 300 km northwest-trending mountain system featuring a long volcanic plateau within a broad anticlinal uplift. The region is dominated by large-volume rhyolitic ash flow tuffs related to Oligocene (35 Ma to 27 Ma) calderas considered to be the Upper Volcanic Series. These volcanic rocks comprise calc-alkalic rhyolitic ignimbrites with subordinate andesite, dacite, and basalt with a cumulative thickness of up to a kilometer. The property lies within a possible caldera that contains a prominent rhyolite body interpreted as a resurgent dome. The rhyolite dome trends northwest-southeast with an exposure of roughly 7 km by 3 km and hosts mineralization. It is bounded (cut) on the east side by strands of the NW-trending Cusi fault and on the west by the Border fault. The Cusi fault has both normal and right-lateral strike-slip senses of shear. Strands of the Cusi fault are intersected by NE-trending faults, some of which indicate left-lateral strike-slip shear. NE-trending veins associated with these faults dip steeply either NW or SE. High-grade and wide alteration and mineralization zones exist in the areas of intersection of NW and NE structures. The property tectonically formed during dextral transtension associated with oblique subduction of the Farallon plate beneath the North American plate. Strike-slip and normal faults related to this transtension controlled igneous and hydrothermal activity in the region. Regional NW-trending faults like Cusi are generally right-lateral strike-slip faults with a normal slip component. NE-trending faults are commonly left-lateral strike slip faults which were antithetic Riedel shears in the overall dextral transtensional tectonic regime. 50 Numerous epithermal mineralized veins exist on the property. Typically, these are moderately to steeply dipping to the southeast, southwest, and north, ranging from less than 0.5 m to 2 m thick, and extend 100 m to 200 m along strike and up to 400 m down-dip. There are at least seven major mineralized areas within the Cusi area. Small open pits were typically developed at vein intersections. Mineralization mainly occurs in silicified faults, epithermal veins, breccias, and fractures ranging from 1 meter to 10 metres thick. Low-grade mineralized areas exist adjacent to major structures, and they show intense fracturing and are commonly laced with quartz veinlets forming a stockwork mineralized halo around more discrete structures. The country rock in these zones is variably silicified. Pyrite and other sulfide minerals are disseminated in the silicified country rock and are also clustered in the quartz veinlets. A well-developed mineralized stockwork zone is in the Promontorio area, especially proximal to the Cusi fault. These stockwork zones are the current targets for expansion and infill drilling, and their importance to the greater Cusi area is being studied in greater detail as a part of current exploration efforts. 3.3 Status of Exploration, Development and Operations The mine is concurrently undertaking exploration, development and operations. Exploration is ongoing near the mine and is supported predominantly by drilling and exploration drifting. The mine is also producing several types of metal concentrates from the underground mine areas. 3.4 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing Sierra reports that the Cusi mining operation is capable of producing as much as 1,100 t of mineralized material and 420 t of waste per day. The average production of mineralized material in 2019 was 780 tpd. As of the effective date of the Technical Report, further optimization is being done to both the mining and milling operation. Cusi’s Malpaso processing facility consists of a conventional concentration plant including crushing, grinding, flotation, dewatering of final concentrate, and a tailings disposal facility. It is located in the outskirts of Cuauhtemoc City, approximately 50 km by road from Cusi operations. Dump trucks, each hauling approximately 20 t of mineralized material, delivered 285,236 t in 2019 and 117,320 t in the first eight months of 2020. It should be noted however that production in 2020 was disrupted by Covid-19 and no run of mine mineralized material was processed in April, May or June. Table 0-16 shows the Metallurgical Balance (grades, recoveries and metal production) for previous years and for the period of January to August 2020. Table 0-16: Recent Cusi Metallurgical Balance (2018 to August 2020) Mill Feed (tonnes) Head Grades Ag (g/t) Pb Zn Au (g/t) Metallurgical Recoveries Pb concentrate Ag recovery Pb recovery Pb grade in concentrate % Au recovery Zn concentrate Ag recovery Zn recovery Zn grade in concentrate % Metal Production (combined in concentrates) Ag (oz) Zn (t) Pb (t) Au (oz) 2018 2019 2020* 186,889 285,236 117,320 140.17 129.06 138.20 0.39% 0.43% 0.16 83% 80% 9% 39% 0.1% 4% 45% 0.19% 0.21% 0.15 79% 75% 5% 36% N/A N/A N/A 0.29% 0.33% 0.18 90%** 92%** 9%** 50%** N/A N/A N/A 699,007 32 582 372 936,071 N/A 411 493 466,892 N/A 316 331 Source: Sierra Metals, 2020 * January to August 31, 2020 ** During April, May and June 2020, no mineralized material was received at the Malpaso plant due to the stoppage caused by Covid-19, but the mineralized material within the circuit was treated, which generated an increase in fines which positively impacted the recovery of metals. 51 3.5 Mineral Resource Estimate CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 10, 2014) defines a Mineral Resource as: “A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.” The “reasonable prospects for economic extraction” requirement generally implies that the quantity and grade estimates meet certain economic thresholds and that the Mineral Resources are reported at an appropriate cut-off grade (CoG) taking into account extraction scenarios and processing recoveries. To assess this at Cusi, SRK has calculated an economic value for each block in terms of US dollars based on the grade of contained metal in the block, multiplied by the assumed recovery for each metal, multiplied by pricing established by Sierra Metals for each commodity. Costs for mining and processing are taken from data provided by Sierra for their current underground mining operation. SRK is of the opinion that the resource estimations are suitable for public reporting and are a fair representation of the in-situ contained metal for the Cusi deposit. 52 The August 31, 2020 consolidated mineral resource statement for the Cusi area is presented in Table 0-17. Table 0-17: Consolidated Cusi Mine Mineral Resource Estimate as of August 31, 2020 – SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) Class Measured Indicated Inferred Source SRL Total Measured Promontorio Eduwiges SRL San Nicolas San Juan Minerva Candelaria Durana San Ignacio Total Indicated Measured + Indicated Promontorio Eduwiges SRL San Nicolas San Juan Minerva Candelaria Durana San Ignacio Total Inferred AgEq (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Tonnes (000's) 231 231 199 270 231 190 179 198 176 168 149 212 215 174 186 222 156 171 169 191 102 118 183 213 213 168 194 198 167 165 178 157 160 113 176 182 141 117 188 124 160 162 139 99 96 146 0.06 0.06 0.1 0.17 0.16 0.14 0.11 0.3 0.1 0.05 0.05 0.13 0.12 0.15 0.18 0.19 0.18 0.05 0.08 0.12 0.05 0.13 0.18 0.26 0.26 0.45 1.3 0.42 0.28 0.14 0.1 0.19 0.1 0.33 0.54 0.49 0.33 1.16 0.37 0.28 0.13 0.08 0.73 - 0.27 0.43 0.3 0.3 0.6 1.27 0.54 0.32 0.17 0.05 0.42 0.08 1.1 0.63 0.58 0.71 1.1 0.59 0.66 0.22 0.05 1.09 0.01 0.29 0.69 850 850 1,790 828 644 657 179 59 131 168 49 4,506 5,356 384 549 1,579 2,020 102 4 202 1 53 4,893 (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral resources are not ore reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Gold, silver, lead and zinc assays were capped where appropriate. (3) Mineral resources are reported at a single cut-off grade of 95 g/t AgEq based on metal price assumptions*, metallurgical recovery assumptions, personnel costs (US$10.56/t), mine operation, transport and maintenance costs (US$24.86/t), processing operation and maintenance (US$11.86/t), and general and administrative and other costs (US$3.20/t). (4) Metal price assumptions considered for the calculation of the cut-off grade and equivalency are: Silver (Ag): US$/oz 20.0, Lead (US$/lb. 0.91), Zinc (US$/lb. 1.07) and Gold (US$/oz 1,541.00). CIBC, Consensus Forecast, September 30, 2020 (5) The resources were estimated by SRK. Giovanny Ortiz, B.Sc., PGeo, FAusIMM #304612 of SRK, a Qualified Person, performed the resource estimation for the Cusi Mine. (6) Based on the historical production information of Cusi, the metallurgical recovery assumptions are: 87% Ag, 57% Au, 86% Pb, 51% Zn. 53 3.6 Mineral Reserve Estimate A Mineral Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Resource. It includes diluting material and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at Prefeasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that include the application of Modifying Factors. A Mineral Reserve has not been estimated for the Project as part of this PEA. The PEA includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. 3.7 Mining Methods Bench and fill mining method is currently used in the main areas of the mine and to a lesser extent, room and pillar mining is also used. The mining method used varies depending on geotechnical constraints, mineralization trends, dimensions, and mine production targets. Using the updated Mineral Resource estimate, Sierra Metals performed an expansion analysis to determine how the Cusi mine could achieve higher sustainable production rates. The analysis indicated that higher production rates are achievable through the massification of the bench and fill mining method in the new production areas, which will allow the sustainability of the operation. Current production at Cusi comes from the Promontorio and Santa Rosa de Lima mineralized zones. Mineralized material is currently hauled to the surface using one of several adits or declines accessing the mineralized zones, and is then dumped onto small pads outside of the portals. The mining sequence through this method is of a descending type, that is, the upper levels are mined, while in the lower ones the necessary preparations are made to start mining once the mineralized material has been extracted from the upper stopes. Within a sublevel, mining is carried out in retreat, starting at the ends of the stope and retreating towards the entrance. The extracted mineral is taken to the Malpaso processing plant located 36 km from the mine, where lead and zinc concentrates are produced. 3.8 Project Infrastructure The Project has fully developed infrastructure including access roads, an exploration camp, administrative offices, a processing plant and associated facilities, tailings storage facility, a core logging shed, water storage reservoir and water tanks. The site has electric power from the Mexican power grid, backup diesel generators, and heating from site propane tanks. The overall Project infrastructure is built out and functioning and adequate for the purpose of the planned mine and mill. Electrical power at the Cusi Mine and Malpaso Mill is provided by the Mexican Electricity Federal Commission (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). At the Cusi mine, electricity is conveyed by a 33 kV power line. At the Malpaso Mill, electricity is delivered on a 1,290-kilowatt power line. Existing electricity supply is expected to be adequate for foreseeable mining operations. Details regarding energy consumption of the operation have been provided by Sierra. In 2019, for example, average monthly usage was about 557,279 kWh at a cost of approximately MXN$2.09/kWh. 54 Waste from the Promontorio and Santa Eduwiges mines is stored near the entry portals and ramps of these mines. Waste is used as backfill for the mine, and thus requirements for waste storage are minimal. Waste disposal areas are expected to be sufficient for expected future operations. Construction of the La Colorada tailings storage facility (TSF) is based on a cut and fill method and presently consists of two cells at 4 construction stages and Cell 1 is currently under construction in the first stage, with a capacity of 356,262 t and during 2021, the construction of the second stage will begin with a capacity of 946,489 t. Cell 2 will have a total capacity of 1,875,677 t. Tailings management is conducted with specialized slurry pumps working at no more than 80% of capacity. The equipment used has a capacity of 1,200 tpd. 3.9 Environmental Studies and Permitting Sierra has all relevant permits required for the current mining and metallurgical operations. Sierra also has a Community Relations Plan that includes annual assessment, records, minutes, contracts and agreements. 3.10 Capital and Operating Costs The capital and operating costs presented here are for the base case production rate of 1,200 tpd. Capital and operating cost estimates for the higher production rates of 2,400 tpd, 3,000 tpd and 3,500 tpd are included in the analysis. Capital and operating costs are based upon forward-looking information. This forward- looking information includes forecasts with material uncertainty which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented herein. Table 0-18 and Table 0-19 show the capital and growth capital cost (capex) summaries for the base case of 1,200 tpd respectively. Table 0-20 shows the operating cost (opex) summary for the base case of 1,200 tpd. Table 0-18: Sustaining Capex Forecast 1,200 tpd Sustaining Capex Exploration & Development Development Equipment Projects Personnel transportation Ventilation Environmental Seismograph Study and Instrumentation Geomechanical Model Study Fuel Distribution System Total Total ($ 000s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 27,811 10,143 1,854 570 1,854 2,823 1,854 2,403 1,854 - 1,853 - 1,855 285 1,854 1,412 1,854 1,202 1,853 - 1,852 - 1,856 143 1,854 706 1,854 601 1,853 - 1,855 - 600 5,808 1,165 250 200 465 82 150 - 465 82 50 - 465 83 50 - 465 83 - - 465 83 - - 465 83 - 200 465 83 - - 465 83 - - 465 83 - - 465 83 - - 465 83 - 200 465 83 - - 232 83 - - - 83 - - - - - 500 300 46,576 - 300 3,621 250 - 5,524 - - 4,855 - - 2,402 250 - 2,651 - - 2,688 - - 4,013 - - 3,604 - - 2,401 - - 2,400 - - 2,547 - - 3,308 - - 2,771 - - 1,937 - - 1,855 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 Table 0-19: Growth Capex Forecast 1,200 tpd Total ($ 000s) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Growth Capex Projects Tailing Dam Ventilation and Services Studies (Increase production) Studies (geometallurgical) Closure Total 11,042 3,872 1,104 310 2,208 310 2,208 310 500 250 250 - 450 1,729 17,593 150 - 1,814 150 - 2,918 150 - 2,668 460 310 - - - 770 460 310 - - - 770 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 460 310 - - - 770 460 310 - - - 770 460 310 - - - 770 460 310 - - - 770 460 310 - 460 310 - - 346 1,116 - 346 1,116 460 155 - - 346 961 460 - - - 345 806 460 - - - 346 806 460 310 - - - 770 55 Table 0-20: Opex Forecast 1,200 tpd Opex Total Mine Plant G&A Total Total ($ 000s) 181,398 116,141 16,464 314,003 2021 12,715 7,270 1,031 21,016 2022 12,714 7,270 1,031 21,015 2023 11,159 7,269 1,031 19,460 2024 11,162 7,271 1,031 19,464 2025 11,158 7,269 1,031 19,457 2026 11,163 7,272 1,031 19,465 2027 11,160 7,270 1,031 19,460 2028 11,161 7,270 1,031 19,462 2029 11,158 7,268 1,031 19,457 2030 11,152 7,265 1,030 19,448 2031 11,168 7,275 1,031 19,474 2032 11,161 7,271 1,031 19,463 2033 11,161 7,270 1,031 19,462 2034 11,156 7,267 1,030 19,453 2035 11,165 7,273 1,031 19,469 2036 10,884 7,090 1,005 18,979 Source: Sierra Metals, Redco, 2020 3.11 Economic Analysis The PEA considered four different production rates for the Cusi Mine: 1. 2. 3. 4. 1,200 tpd (base case); 2,400 tpd; 3,000 tpd; and 3,500 tpd. The four production rate options were evaluated financially, and the 2,400 tpd production rate had the highest incremental net present value and IRR. Based on this, the 2,400 tpd option is the recommended case for the prefeasibility study. The 2,400 tpd (2024) proposed mine plan has a capital requirement (initial and sustaining) of US$ 91 M over the 13-year LOM; efficiencies associated with higher throughputs are expected drive a reduction in operating costs on a per tonne basis. This PEA indicates an after-tax NPV (8%) at 2,400 tpd (in 2024) of US$ 81 M. Total operating cost for the LOM is US$ 352 M, equating to a total operating cost of US$ 35.24 per tonne milled and US$ 8.83 per ounce silver equivalent. Economic estimates are based upon forward-looking information. This forward-looking information includes forecasts with material uncertainty which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented herein. A sensitivity analysis was performed for each mining plan to analyze the impact of the change on the main drivers: metal grades, operating and capital costs, and gross income. The sensitivity analysis shows that the NPV for the 2,400 tpd production rate is most sensitive to changes in the Ag grade and gross income, moderately sensitive to changes in opex, and least sensitive to changes in the Zn grade, Pb grade, Au grade, and capex. The proposed mine plan is conceptual in nature and would benefit from further investigation. 3.12 Conclusion and Recommendations Geology and Mineral Resources Estimation SRK has the following recommendations for the geology and Mineral Resources at Cusi: SRK is of the opinion that the exploration and evaluation work completed at Cusi are sufficient for the definition of Mineral Resources. The primary exploration methods at Cusi have been diamond core drilling and sampling of underground working areas, and both have been successful in delineating a system of discrete epithermal veins and related stockwork mineralization. The drilling appears to be able to target and identify mineralized structures with reasonable efficacy, and the majority of drilling is oriented in a fashion designed to approximate the true thicknesses of the mineralized veins. The exploration planning should be designed to maximize conversion of higher-grade Inferred areas with less dense drilling to Indicated and Measured, and/or extending mineralization away from known areas accessed through channel sampling. 56 The recent exploration activities have been focused on the area of SRL_HW zone that is characterized by several mineralized veins following a complex structural setting that will require detailed mapping combined with close-spaced drilling. Mine development activities are utilized for exploration purposes, because the mining exposures provide direct access to the mineralized veins along underground drifts. These exposures allow the Cusi exploration team to better understand the mineralization on a local scale. It is recommended that greater effort is required to improve the underground survey data, channel sampling procedures, and the 3D as-built data. SRK notes that recent efforts have improved the quality of the drilling and related information through more complete and thorough survey data (for drilling and underground development), as well as the implementation of QA/QC programs that are delivering reasonable results. This lends additional confidence to recently defined resources or newly drilled portions of historic areas. SRK also notes that some of the Malpaso Mill laboratory’s challenges identified in the previous technical reports are being addressed and the results of the QA/QC controls of the exploration team have shown improvements. These were related to significant differences between the values reported for identical samples between Malpaso and third-party laboratories. These issues, combined with historic deficiencies in downhole surveying, detract from the overall confidence in the quality of the historic data. SRK is aware that Sierra Metals continues with the implementation of standard operating procedures to improve the collection and reporting of data supporting Mineral Resource estimation and classification exercises. This includes improving down-hole surveys, improved channel sampling and mine working surveys, and adopting commercial standards for QA/QC. The Malpaso Mill laboratory will have to continue with making improvements in the sample preparation procedures and analyses consistent with ISO-certified laboratories like ALS. In SRK’s opinion, a combination of these factors, once demonstrated to be in full use and functioning appropriately, should be validated through a simple quarterly check sample process to ensure that the Malpaso Mill laboratory can produce results to the same precision and accuracy as commercial, independent laboratories. The implementation of detailed downhole surveys and updated industry-standard QA/QC protocols in the recent infill drilling campaign have resulted in the definition of Measured resources in the SRL vein. SRK has the following recommendations for additional work to be performed at the Cusi mine: · · · Continue identifying and drilling mineralized zones that are dominantly supported by channel sample data. This should be done at a regular spacing of approximately 25 m. – SRK recommends continuing with the program of drilling the new zones of high-grade mineralization, resulting in local high-grade Inferred blocks that could theoretically be converted to Measured and Indicated with additional drilling and mapping; these blocks should be prioritized. – Areas of cross-cutting veins may host high grade shoots that should be investigated and evaluated in further detail. Continue the implementation and improvement of the current QA/QC program and maintain regularity in the rates of insertion of controls including second lab checks. Continue the use of commercial standards for QA/QC monitoring taking into consideration the Ag, Au, Pb and Zn cut-off values and average grades of the deposit. · All analyses supporting a Mineral Resource estimation should continue to be analyzed by an ISO-certified independent laboratory such as ALS Minerals. 57 · · · The results of the QA/QC controls sent to the Malpaso laboratory have shown improvements in the sample preparation and analysis procedures, but this enhancement program should continue and be verified. Continued downhole surveys via Reflex or another appropriate survey tool for all drill holes completed. SRK recommends continuing the practice of using a total station GPS for surveying of drillhole collars and channel sample locations, as well as mine workings. Discrepancies between the precise locations of these three types of data occur regularly where they are closely spaced and reduces confidence in the data. · A 3D mine survey can be completed for minimal cost and should be conducted on a quarterly basis to develop improved measurements of the mined out material to be used in reconciliation processes. · Develop a simple method of reconciling the resource models to production, using stope shapes and grades derived from channel sampling. Mining SRK has the following recommendations for the mining at Cusi: · A consolidated 3D LOM design should be completed to improve communication of the LOM plan, infill drilling requirements, and general mine planning and execution. Further technical-economic evaluations of the production rate expansion options should be undertaken via pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. · Geotechnical and Hydrogeological SRK’s geotechnical and hydrogeological recommendations are as follows: continue collecting geotechnical characterization data from mined drifts and exploration drillholes; · · maintain a central geotechnical database; · · develop and maintain geotechnical models, including structures and rock mass wireframes; and examine the current mine sequence and simulate the optimal mine sequence to reduce safety risks and the risk of sterilizing mineralized material due to unexpected ground problems. Infrastructure Ongoing monitoring of the stability of the TSF embankment and operations practices is recommended to conform to industry best practices. Recovery Methods SRK recommends that Cusi evaluate the maximum head grade the mill is able to receive without compromising the quality of its lead concentrate because of the high presence of zinc (currently grading at about 9%). Improving selectivity will likely improve the overall lead grade in concentrate that needs to be at 50% Pb or higher to achieve better economic value. SRK recommends that Cusi improve its control of plant operations by installing more instrumentation and an automation control system. Doing so would lead to more consistent plant operation, reduced electrical energy and reagent consumption, and ultimately initiate a continuous improvement of the plant’s unit operations and overall performance. Environmental Studies and Permitting Social and environmental activities are currently of high importance in Mexico; therefore, SRK recommends that the company’s commitments and agreements be fulfilled in detail and in a timely manner. Reputation and legal risks can arise due to this issue. 58 3.13 Recommended Work Program Costs SRK notes that the costs for the majority of recommended work are likely to be a part of normal operating budgets that Cusi would incur as an operating mine. These are cost estimates and would depend on actual contractor costs and scope to be determined by Sierra. SRK notes that the recommendations for metallurgy, mine design, geotechnical studies, or economic analysis are not included in these costs, and that these recommendations solely impact the quality of the mineral resource estimation. Table 0-21 presents the general estimated cost of the future exploration drilling according to Sierra’s objectives. Table 0-21: Summary of Costs for Recommended Work Item Drilling (infill - step out) Cost (US$) $ 3,500,000 Source: SRK, 2020 Note: Drilling costs assume ~33,333 meters @ US$105/m drilling costs. Scope of drilling is difficult to assess without understanding the density of drilling required to support mineral resource delineation. UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE AND MINERAL RESERVE INFORMATION In accordance with NI 43-101, the Mineral Reserves previously reported for these mines are no longer valid after the issuance of the PEA Technical Reports and so have been removed from the tables below. The Mineral Reserves will be reported as part of an NI 43-101 Mineral Reserve Report. Yauricocha Mine The Company prepared an updated mineral resource estimate for the Yauricocha Mine (on a consolidated basis) as at December 31, 2020 which is set out in the chart below: Yauricocha Mine Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Tonnes (K t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (M oz) Contained Metal Cu (M lb) Pb (M lb) Au (K oz) Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Inferred 4,598 10,714 15,312 11,633 55.7 37.8 43.2 27.5 0.59 0.50 0.53 0.45 1.14 1.21 1.19 1.40 0.79 0.50 0.59 0.31 2.50 2.00 2.15 0.95 8.2 13.0 21.2 10.3 87.2 172.3 259.5 167.4 115.6 285.8 401.4 357.9 80.1 118.1 198.2 79.3 Zn (M lb) 253.4 472.4 725.8 242.5 Notes (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Silver, gold, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic (deleterious) and iron assays were capped / cut where appropriate. (3) The consolidated Yauricocha Mineral Resource estimate is comprised of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources in the Mina Central, Cuerpos Pequeños, Cuye, Mascota, Esperanza and Cachi-Cachi mining areas. (4) Polymetallic Mineral Resources are reported at Cut-Off Values (COVs) based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. (5) Metal price assumptions used for polymetallic feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz), Copper (US$3.05/lb), Lead (US$0.91/lb), and Zinc (US$1.06/lb). (6) Lead Oxide Mineral Resources are reported at COVs based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. (7) Metal price assumptions used for lead oxide feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz) and Lead (US$0.91/lb). (8) The mining costs are based on 2020 actual costs and are variable by mining method. (9) The unit value COVs are variable by mining area and proposed mining method. The marginal COV ranges from US$25 to US$36. 59 The above mineral reserve and resource estimate has been prepared by Americo Zuzunaga FAusIMM CP (Mining Engineer), Vice-President Corporate Planning of the Company, a Qualified Person and chartered professional qualifying as a Competent Person under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (“JORC”) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves. The resource estimate is based on the Yauricocha Mine consolidated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of June 30, 2020, as contained in the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report. In preparing the above estimate, Mr. Zuzunaga has taken account of changes to the mineral resources due to mining depletion as of the effective date of the report to December 31, 2020. The changes to the resource report reflect mine depletion due to mining activities; no other adjustments to the estimate have been made to the mineral resource and reserve estimate as set out in the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report. All economic parameters are based on the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report. All risks associated with the Yauricocha Mine are defined in the risks section of the report. Disclosure follows assumptions and parameters used in the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report. Bolivar Mine The Company prepared an updated mineral resource estimate for the Bolivar Mine (on a consolidated basis) as at December 31, 2020 which is set out in the chart below: Bolivar Mine Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020(1)(2)(3) Tonnes (K t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (M oz) Indicated Inferred Measured & Indicated 18,590 20,625 39,215 14.9 14.0 14.4 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.77 0.78 0.77 Contained Metal Au (K oz) Cu (M lb) 8.9 9.3 18.2 120.8 138.5 259.3 314.2 353.8 668.0 (1) Mineral resources are not ore reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. (2) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (3) Mineral resources are reported at a value per tonne cut-off of US$24.25/t using the following metal prices and recoveries; Cu at US$3.08/t and 88% recovery; Ag at US$17.82/oz and 78.6% recovery, Au at US$1,354/oz and 62.9% recovery. The above mineral resource estimate has been prepared by Americo Zuzunaga FAusIMM CP (Mining Engineer), Vice-President Corporate Planning of the Company, a Qualified Person and chartered professional qualifying as a Competent Person under the JORC Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves. The resource estimate is based on the Bolivar Mine consolidated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of December 31, 2019, as contained in the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. In preparing the above estimate, Mr. Zuzunaga has taken account of changes to the mineral reserves due to mining depletion as of the effective date of the report to December 31, 2020. The changes to the resource and reserve report reflect mine depletion due to mining activities; no other adjustments to the estimate have been made to the mineral resource and reserve estimate as set out in the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. All economic parameters are based on the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. All risks associated with the Bolivar Mine are defined in the risks section of the report. Disclosure follows assumptions and parameters used in the Bolivar PEA Technical Report. 60 Cusi Mine The Company prepared an updated mineral resource estimate for the Cusi Mine (on a consolidated basis) as at December 31, 2020 which is set out in the chart below: Cusi Mine Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Inferred Tonnes (K t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (M oz) Contained Metal Pb Au (M lb) (K oz) Zn (M lb) 795 4,451 5,246 4,893 216.5 176.2 182.0 146.0 0.05 0.13 0.12 0.18 0.26 0.54 0.50 0.43 0.30 0.63 0.58 0.69 5.5 25.2 30.7 23.0 1.4 18.2 19.6 27.7 4.6 53.0 57.6 46.1 5.3 61.9 67.2 74.9 (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral resources are not ore reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Gold, silver, lead and zinc assays were capped where appropriate. (3) Mineral resources are reported at a single cut-off grade of 95 g/t AgEq based on metal price assumptions*, metallurgical recovery assumptions, personnel costs (US$10.56/t), mine operation, transport and maintenance costs (US$24.86/t), processing operation and maintenance (US$11.86/t), and general and administrative and other costs (US$3.20/t). (4) Metal price assumptions considered for the calculation of the cut-off grade and equivalency are: Silver (Ag): US$/oz 20.0, Lead (US$/lb. 0.91), Zinc (US$/lb. 1.07) and Gold (US$/oz 1,541.00). CIBC, Consensus Forecast, September 30, 2020 (5) The resources were estimated by SRK. Giovanny Ortiz, B.Sc., PGeo, FAusIMM #304612 of SRK, a Qualified Person, performed the resource estimation for the Cusi Mine. (6) Based on the historical production information of Cusi, the metallurgical recovery assumptions are: 87% Ag, 57% Au, 86% Pb, 51% Zn. The above mineral resource estimate has been prepared by Americo Zuzunaga FAusIMM CP (Mining Engineer), Vice-President Corporate Planning of the Company, a Qualified Person and chartered professional qualifying as a Competent Person under the JORC Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves. The resource estimate is based on the Cusi Mine consolidated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of June 30, 2020, as contained in the Cusi PEA Technical Report. In preparing the above estimate, Mr. Zuzunaga has taken account of changes to the mineral resources due to mining depletion as of the effective date of the report to December 31, 2020. The changes to the resource report reflect mine depletion due to mining activities; no other adjustments to the estimate have been made to the mineral resource estimate as set out in the Cusi PEA Technical Report. All economic parameters are based on the Cusi PEA Technical Report. All risks associated with the Cusi Mine are defined in the risks section of the report. Disclosure follows assumptions and parameters used in the Cusi PEA Technical Report. RISK FACTORS The Company’s ability to generate revenues and profits from its mineral properties, or any other mineral property it may acquire, is dependent upon a number of factors. The risks and uncertainties described below as well as the other information contained in this AIF should be carefully considered. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. If any of these events actually occur, Sierra’s business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows and operating results could be materially harmed. 61 Operating hazards and risks Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following: environmental hazards, industrial accidents, third party accidents, unusual or unexpected geological structures or formations, fires, power outages, labour disruptions, floods, explosions, cave-ins, land-slides, acts of God, periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, earthquakes, war, rebellion, revolution, criminal activity, delays in transportation, inaccessibility to property, restrictions of courts and/or government authorities, other restrictive matters beyond the reasonable control of the Company, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour and other risks involved in the operation of mines. Operations in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of precious and base metals, any of which could result in work stoppages, delayed production and resultant losses, increased production costs, asset write downs, damage to or destruction of mines and other producing facilities, damage to life and property, environmental damage and possible legal liability for any or all damages. The Company may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or hazards against which it cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure. Any compensation for such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position. The Company’s property, business interruption and liability insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for losses related to these or other hazards. Insurance against certain risks, including certain liabilities for environmental pollution, may not be available to the Company or to other companies within the industry at reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the Company’s insurance coverage may not continue to be available at economically feasible premiums, or at all. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on Sierra’s business. Precious and base metal price fluctuations The value and price of the Company’s securities, its financial results, and its exploration, development and mining activities may be significantly adversely affected by declines in the price of precious and base metals. Such prices may fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control such as interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional supply and demand, and the political and economic conditions of precious and base metal producing countries throughout the world. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving adequate returns on invested capital or the investments retaining their respective values. Declining market prices for these metals could materially adversely affect the Company’s operations and profitability. Mineralized material calculations and life-of-mine plans using significantly lower precious and base metal prices could result in material write-downs of the Company’s investments in mining properties and increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges. 62 Mining operations The capital costs required by the Company’s projects may be significantly higher than anticipated. Capital and operating costs, production and economic returns, and other estimates contained in the Company’s current technical reports, may differ significantly from those provided for in future studies and estimates and from management guidance, and there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual capital and operating costs will not be higher than currently anticipated. In addition, delays to construction and exploration schedules may negatively impact the NPV and internal rates of return of the Company’s mineral properties as set forth in the applicable technical report. Similarly, there can be no assurance that historical rates of production, grades of ore processed, rates of recoveries or mining cash costs will not experience fluctuations or differ significantly from current levels over the course of the mining operations conducted by the Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to extend the production from its current operations through exploration and drilling programs. Infrastructure Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants, which affect capital and operating costs. The lack of availability on acceptable terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay exploitation or development of the Company’s projects. If adequate infrastructure is not available in a timely manner, there can be no assurance that the exploitation or development of the Company’s projects will be commenced or completed on a timely basis, if at all; the resulting operations will achieve the anticipated production volume, or the construction costs and ongoing operating costs associated with the exploitation and/or development of the Company’s advanced projects will not be higher than anticipated. In addition, unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect the Company’s operations and profitability. Exploration and development There is no assurance given by the Company that its exploration and development programs and properties will result in the discovery, development or production of a commercially viable ore body or yield new reserves to replace or expand current reserves. The business of exploration for minerals and mining involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. At this time, other than the mineral reserves on the Yauricocha Mine and Bolivar Mine, none of the Company’s properties have any orebodies with proven or probable reserves. The economics of developing precious and base metal properties are affected by many factors including capital and operating costs, variations of the tonnage and grade of ore mined, fluctuating mineral markets, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. Depending on the prices of silver, gold or other minerals produced, the Company may determine that it is impractical to commence or continue commercial production. Substantial expenditures are required to discover an ore-body, to establish reserves, to identify the appropriate metallurgical processes to extract metal from ore, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure. The marketability of any minerals acquired or discovered may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond the Company’s control and which cannot be accurately foreseen or predicted, such as market fluctuations, conditions for precious and base metals, the proximity and capacity of milling and smelting facilities, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to royalties, allowable production, importing and exporting minerals and environmental protection. 63 In order to commence exploitation of certain properties presently held under exploration concessions, it is necessary for the Company to apply for an exploitation concession. There can be no guarantee that such a concession will be granted. Unsuccessful exploration or development programs could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operations and profitability. Uncertainty of calculation of reserves and resources and metal recoveries Although the Company’s reported mineral reserves and resources have been prepared by Qualified Persons, these amounts are estimates only by independent geologists, and the Company cannot be certain that any specified level of recovery of mineral will in fact be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body that can be economically exploited. Mineralized materials, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. Any material changes in the quantity of mineralization, grade or stripping ratio, or the metal price may affect the economic viability of the Company’s properties. In addition, the Company cannot be certain that metal recoveries in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production. The mineral resource and reserve figures included in the AIF and the documents incorporated by reference are estimates, which are, in part, based on forward- looking information, and no assurance can be given that the indicated level of precious or base metals will be produced. Although resource estimates require a high degree of assurance in the underlying data when the estimates are made, unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors can have significant adverse or positive impacts on the estimates. Factors such as inherent sample variability, metal price fluctuations, variations in mining and processing parameters, increased production costs, reduced recovery rates and adverse changes in environmental or mining laws and regulations may render the present proven and probable reserves unprofitable to develop at a particular site or sites for periods of time and/or may require a reassessment of the commercial feasibility of a particular project. Such a reassessment may be the result of a management decision related to a particular project. Even if the project is ultimately determined to be economically viable, the need to conduct such a reassessment may cause substantial delays in development or may interrupt operations, if any, until the reassessment can be completed. Until reserves or resources are actually mined and processed, the quantities of mineralization and metal grades must be considered as estimates only. Any material change in the quantity of mineral reserves, mineral resources, grades and recoveries may affect the economic viability of the Company’s properties. Replacement of reserves and resources The Yauricocha Mine, Bolivar Mine and Cusi Mine are the Company’s only current sources of mineral production. Current life-of-mine plans provide for a defined production life for mining at the Company’s mines. If the Company’s mineral reserves and resources are not replaced either by the development or discovery of additional reserves and/or extension of the life-of-mine at its current operating mines or through the acquisition or development of an additional producing mine, this could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, financial performance and financial condition, including as a result of requirements to expend funds for reclamation and decommissioning. Fluctuations in the price of consumed commodities Prices and availability of commodities consumed or used in connection with exploration, development and mining, such as natural gas, diesel, oil, electricity, cyanide and other re-agents fluctuate and affect the costs of production at the Company’s operations. These fluctuations can be unpredictable, can occur over short periods of time and may have a materially adverse impact on our operating costs or the timing and costs of various projects. The Company’s general policy is not to hedge its exposure to changes in prices of the commodities used in its business. 64 No defined mineral reserves at the Cusi Mine Although commercial production at the Cusi Mine was declared in January 2013, the decision to put the Cusi Mine into production was not made based on a feasibility study or defined mineral reserves. In addition, the Cusi Mine is still considered to be in the development stage as the majority of its production comes from development rock. The development of a mining operation typically involves large capital expenditures and a high degree of risk and uncertainty. To reduce this risk and uncertainty, issuers typically make a production decision based on a comprehensive feasibility study of established mineral reserves. Historically, projects put into production without a comprehensive feasibility study of established mineral reserves have a much higher risk of economic or technical failure. As the decision to put the Cusi Mine into production was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, the project involves an increased level of uncertainty and an increased risk of economic and/or technical failure. No assurance can be given that the operation of the Cusi Mine will continue to be economic or profitable. Risk of foreign operations The Company’s operations are currently conducted through subsidiaries principally in Peru and Mexico and, as such, its operations are exposed to various levels of political, economic and other risks and uncertainties in those countries which could result in work stoppages, blockades of the Company’s mining operations and appropriation of assets. In addition, some of the Company’s operations are located in areas where Mexican drug cartels operate. These risks and uncertainties vary from region to region and include, but are not limited to, terrorism; hostage taking; local drug gang activities; military repression; expropriation; extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates; high rates of inflation; labour unrest; the risks of war or civil unrest; renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits and contracts; illegal mining; changes in taxation policies; restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation of earnings or capital, changing political conditions, currency controls and governmental regulations that favour or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. Local opposition to mine development projects could arise in Peru and/or Mexico, and such opposition could be violent. There can be no assurance that such local opposition will not arise with respect to the Company’s foreign operations. If the Company were to experience resistance or unrest in connection with its foreign operations, it could have a material adverse effect on its operations and profitability. To the extent the Company acquires mineral properties in jurisdictions other than Peru and Mexico, it may be subject to similar and additional risks with respect to its operations in those jurisdictions. Burden of government regulation and permitting The Company’s operations, exploration and development activities are subject to extensive foreign federal, state and local laws and regulations governing such matters as environmental protection, management and use of toxic substances and explosives, management of natural resources, health, exploration and development of mines, production and post-closure reclamation, safety and labour, mining law reform, price controls import and export laws, taxation, maintenance of claims, tenure, government royalties and expropriation of property. There is no assurance that future changes in such regulations, if any, will not adversely affect the Company’s operations. 65 The costs associated with compliance with these laws and regulations are substantial and possible future laws and regulations, changes to existing laws and regulations and more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expenses, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of the Company’s operations and delays in the development of its properties. Moreover, these laws and regulations may allow governmental authorities and private parties to bring lawsuits based upon damages to property and injury to persons resulting from the environmental, health and safety practices of the Company’s past and current operations, or possibly even those actions of parties from whom the Company acquired its mines or properties, and could lead to the imposition of substantial fines, penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions. The Company retains competent and well-trained individuals and consultants in jurisdictions in which it does business, however, even with the application of considerable skill the Company may inadvertently fail to comply with certain laws. Such events can lead to financial restatements, fines, penalties, and other material negative impacts on the Company. In the ordinary course of business, the Company will be required to obtain and renew governmental permits and licenses for the operation and expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. Obtaining or renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The duration and success of the Company’s efforts to obtain and renew permits and licenses are contingent upon many variables not within its control including the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting or licensing authority. The Company may not be able to obtain or renew permits and licenses that are necessary to continue its operations or the cost to obtain or renew permits and licenses may exceed what the Company expects. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting and licensing process could delay the development or impede operations, which may adversely affect the Company’s revenues and future growth. Risks relating to outstanding borrowings The Company’s ability to repay its outstanding borrowings depends on its future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition. The Company has prepared budgets based on estimates of commodity prices, future production, operating costs and capital costs, however the Company cannot assure that such revenues, production plans, costs or other estimates will be achieved. Actual revenues and production costs may vary from the estimates depending on a variety of factors including those discussed herein, many of which are not within the Company’s control. Failure to achieve revenue, production or cost estimates or material increases in costs or material decreases in commodity prices could have a material adverse impact on the Company's future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition. If there is any event of default under any of the Company’s loan facilities, the principal amount of such loans, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, may be declared immediately due and payable. If such an event occurs, this would place additional strain on the Company’s cash resources, which could inhibit its ability to further its operating and/or exploration activities. Uncertainty of title to assets Although the Company believes that it has exercised commercially reasonable diligence with respect to determining title to properties that it owns, controls or has rights in, there is no guarantee that title to such properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Company’s properties may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Company’s properties which could impair development and/or operations of the Company. If title to the Company’s properties is disputed it may result in the Company paying substantial costs to settle the dispute or clear title and could result in the loss of the property, which events may affect the economic viability of the Company. 66 Environmental risks All phases of the Company’s operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. The Company cannot be certain that future changes in environmental regulations, if any, will not adversely affect its operations. Environmental hazards may exist on properties held by the Company that are unknown to it and that have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the Company’s properties. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Litigation risks All industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Although the Company is not currently aware of any threatened or pending legal proceedings other than as disclosed in the Company’s financial statements, there is no guarantee that the Company will not become subject to additional proceedings in the future. There can be no guarantee of the outcome of any such claim. In addition, defense and settlement costs for any legal proceeding can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular legal proceeding will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Insurance risks The Company’s insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company’s operations. The Company may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, the Company expects that insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production may be prohibitively expensive to obtain for a company of Sierra’s size and financial means. The Company may also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which the Company may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Competitive risks The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. The Company faces strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, base and precious metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Company does. As a result of this competition, the Company may be unable to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Consequently, the Company’s revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. 67 Volatility in the price of the Common Shares Securities of mineral resource and mining companies have experienced substantial volatility in the past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the companies involved. In addition, because of the nature of the Company’s business, certain factors such as public announcements and the public’s reaction, the Company’s operating performance and the performance of competitors and other similar companies, fluctuations in the market prices of precious and base metals, government regulations, changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track Sierra’s securities or securities of other companies in the resource sector, general market conditions, announcements relating to litigation, the arrival or departure of key personnel and the risk factors described in this AIF can have an adverse impact on the market price of the Common Shares. Any negative change in the public’s perception of the Company’s prospects could cause the price of its securities, including the price of the Common Shares, to decrease dramatically. Furthermore, any negative change in the public’s perception of the prospects of mining companies in general could depress the price of Sierra’s securities, including the price of the Common Shares, regardless of the Company’s results. Securities class-action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Company may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management’s attention and resources. Global financial risks Financial markets globally have been subject to increased volatility. Access to financing has been negatively impacted by liquidity crises throughout the world. These factors may impact the Company’s ability to obtain loans and other credit facilities in the future and, if obtained, on terms favorable to Sierra. The levels of volatility and market turmoil are on the rise, and the Company may not be able to secure appropriate debt or equity financing, any of which could affect the trading price of the Company’s securities in an adverse manner. Employee recruitment and retention Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is critical to the Company’s success. The Company is dependent on the services of key executives including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and other highly skilled and experienced executives and personnel focused on managing the Company’s interests. The number of persons skilled in acquisition, exploration, development and operation of mining properties are limited and competition for such persons is intense. As the Company’s business activity grows, the Company will require additional key financial, administrative and mining personnel as well as additional operations staff. The Company could experience increases in its recruiting and training costs and decreases in its operating efficiency, productivity and profit margins. If the Company is not able to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel, the efficiency of its operations could be impaired, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, financial performance and financial condition. 68 Reliance on key personnel and labour relations The Company’s operations are dependent on the abilities, experience and efforts of key personnel. If any of these individuals were to be unable or unwilling to continue to provide their services to the Company, there may be a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. The Company’s success is dependent upon its ability to attract and retain qualified employees and personnel to meet its needs from time to time. The Company may be negatively impacted by the availability and potential increased costs that may be associated with experienced key personnel and general labour. Sierra’s ability to achieve its future goals and objectives is dependent, in part, on maintaining good relations with its employees and minimizing employee turnover. Work stoppages or other industrial relations events at any of Sierra’s operations could lead to delayed revenues, increased costs and delayed operation cash flows. As a result, prolonged labor disruptions at any of Sierra’s operations could have a material adverse impact on its operations as a whole. Potential conflicts of interest Certain of the Company’s directors and officers serve, or may serve in the future, as officers and directors for other companies engaged in natural resource exploration, development and/or production. Consequently, there is a possibility that the Company’s directors and/or officers may be in a position of conflict in the future. To the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which the Company is also participating, such directors and officers of the Company may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and reaching an agreement with respect to the extent of each company’s participation. The CBCA requires the directors and officers to act honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. However, in conflict of interest situations, directors and officers of the Company may owe the same duty to another company and will need to balance the competing obligations and liabilities of their actions. Significant shareholders Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P., Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P. (collectively, the “ARC Funds”), Arias Resource Capital GP Ltd. (the “General Partner”), J. Alberto Arias and Arias Resource Capital Management LP (the “Manager” or “ARCM”) collectively own a significant number of Common Shares. This significant concentration of ownership may adversely affect the trading price for the Common Shares because investors often perceive disadvantages in owning shares in companies with significant shareholders. In addition, these shareholders may be able to exercise influence over certain matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or its assets. This concentration of ownership could limit investors’ ability to influence corporate matters and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, including a merger, consolidation, or other business combination involving the Company, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control, even if that change in control would benefit the Company's other shareholders. Third party reliance The Company’s rights to acquire interests in certain mineral properties have been granted by third parties who themselves may hold only an option to acquire such properties. As a result, the Company may have no direct contractual relationship with the underlying property holder. 69 Differences in U.S. and Canadian reporting of mineral reserves and resources The Company’s mineral reserve and resource estimates are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements as the Company generally reports mineral reserves and resources in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices are different from those used to report mineral reserve and resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated and inferred resources, which are not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC by United States issuers. Under SEC rules, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves. Further, “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards “as in-place tonnage and grade” without reference to unit of metal measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization, reserves and resources contained in this AIF, or in the documents incorporated herein by reference, may not be comparable to information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. Claims under U.S. securities laws The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated under the federal laws of Canada, that the independent registered chartered accountants who have audited the Company’s financial statements and some or all of the Company’s directors and officers may be residents of Canada or elsewhere, and that all or a substantial portion of the Company’s assets and said persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for holders of the Common Shares to effect service of process within the United States upon people who are not residents of the United States or to realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States. Potential dilution of present and prospective shareholdings The exercise of stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) issued by the Company and the issuance of other additional equity securities in the future could result in dilution in the value of the Common Shares and the voting power represented by such shares. Furthermore, to the extent holders of the Company’s stock options or other securities exercise their securities and then sell the Common Shares they receive, the trading price of the Common Shares may decrease due to the additional number of Common Shares available in the market. Currency risks The Company's operations in Mexico and Peru are subject to foreign currency exchange fluctuations. The Company may suffer losses due to adverse foreign currency fluctuations. The Company and its subsidiaries’ financial instruments are exposed to currency risk where those instruments are denominated in currencies that are not the same as their functional currency; exchange gains and losses in these situations impact net income or loss. The Company raises its funds through equity issuances which are priced in Canadian dollars, and the majority of the exploration and operating costs of the Company are denominated in United States dollars, Peruvian Nuevo Soles, and Mexican pesos. In addition, the Company’s sales of silver, copper, lead, zinc and gold are denominated in United States dollars. The United States dollar is the functional currency of the Peruvian entities and the Mexican entities. The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of all other entities. The Company also holds cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable that are subject to currency risk. As a result, the Company’s financial performance may be significantly impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates. 70 Risks relating to cyclical business · · The mining and exploration industry is cyclical in nature. The mining industry is subject to commodity pricing, which is in turn affected by other economic indicators and worldwide cycles. The pricing cycles that the mining industry experiences affect the overall environment in which the Company conducts its business. For example, if commodity pricing is low, Sierra’s access to capital may be restricted. Continuing periods of low commodity prices or economic stalls could also affect the economic potential of the Company’s current properties and may affect its ability to, among other things: (i) capitalize on financing, including equity financing, to fund its ongoing operations and exploration and development activities; and (ii) continue exploration or development activities on its properties. Furthermore, weather cycles may affect the Company’s ability to conduct exploration activities at its mines, including the Yauricocha Mine, Bolivar Mine and Cusi Mine. More specifically, drilling and other exploration activities may be restricted during periods of adverse weather conditions or winter seasons as a result of weather-related factors, including inclement weather, snow covering the ground, frozen ground and restricted access due to snow, ice, or other weather related factors. Liquidity risks Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company has in place a planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its expansion and development plans. The Company’s budgets and forecasts are based on estimates of commodity prices, future production, operating costs and capital costs. The Company cannot assure that such revenues, production plans, costs or other estimates will be achieved. Actual revenues and production costs may vary from the estimates depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company’s control. Failure to achieve revenue, production or cost estimates or material increases in costs or material decreases in commodity prices could have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations as they come due. The Company ensures that it has sufficient committed credit facilities to meet its short-term operating needs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will be successful in obtaining these credit facilities on acceptable terms, or at all. If additional financing is not available, the Company may have to postpone its capital expenditures and exploration programs, which could materially impact the long-term financial performance of the Company. Financial reporting standards The Company prepares its financial reports in accordance with IFRS applicable to publicly accountable enterprises. In preparation of financial reports, management may need to rely upon assumptions, make estimates or use their best judgment in determining the financial condition of the Company. Significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the Company’s audited financial statements. In order to have a reasonable level of assurance that financial transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, transactions are properly recorded and reported, the Company has implemented and continues to analyze its internal control systems for financial reporting. Although the Company believes its financial reporting and financial statements are prepared with reasonable safeguards to ensure reliability, the Company cannot provide absolute assurance. 71 Credit risks Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument might fail to discharge its obligations under the terms of a financial contract. Credit risk is primarily associated with trade receivables; however, it also arises on cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and financial assets. The Company is subject to credit risk through its significant Mexican value-added-tax (“VAT”) receivable that is collectible from the government of Mexico. The VAT receivable balance as at December 31, 2020 was $5.9 million (December 31, 2019 - $9.2 million). Climate change There is significant evidence of the effects of climate change on our planet and an intensifying focus on addressing these issues. Governments are introducing climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national, and local levels, and regulations relating to emission levels and energy efficiency are evolving and becoming more rigorous. However, the laws and regulatory requirements are not consistent across the jurisdictions in which we operate, and regulatory uncertainty is likely to result in additional complexity and cost in our compliance efforts. Public perception of mining is, in some respects, negative and there is increasing pressure to curtail mining in many jurisdictions as a result, in part, of perceived adverse effects of mining on the environment. Concerns around climate change may also affect the market price of our shares as institutional investors and others may divest interests in industries that are thought to have more environmental impacts. While we are committed to operating responsibly and reducing the negative effects of our operations on the environment, our ability to reduce emissions, energy and water usage by increasing efficiency and by adopting new innovation is constrained by technological advancement, operational factors and economics. Adoption of new technologies, the use of renewable energy, and infrastructure and operational changes necessary to reduce water usage may also increase our costs significantly. Concerns over climate change, and our ability to respond to regulatory requirements and societal pressures, may have significant impacts on our operations and on our reputation, and may even result in reduced demand for our products. The physical risks of climate change could also adversely impact our operations. These risks include, among other things, extreme weather events, resource shortages, changes in rainfall and in storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and extreme temperatures. Climate-related events such as mudslides, floods, droughts and fires can have significant impacts, directly and indirectly, on our operations and could result in damage to our facilities, disruptions in accessing our sites with labour and essential materials or in shipping products from our mines, risks to the safety and security of our personnel and to communities, shortages of required supplies such as fuel and chemicals, inability to source enough water to supply our operations, and the temporary or permanent cessation of one or more of our operations. There is no assurance that we will be able to anticipate, respond to, or manage the risks associated with physical climate change events and impacts, and this may result in material adverse consequences to our business and to our financial results. 72 Biological hazards (COVID-19) The Company faces risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and other outbreaks of communicable diseases, which could significantly disrupt its operations and may materially and adversely affect its business and financial conditions. The Company’s business has been and could continue to be adversely impacted by the effects of COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics (see “General Development of the Business – 2020”). In December 2019, the COVID-19 virus emerged in China and has now spread around the world, including Canada, Mexico and Peru, and infections have been reported globally. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business, including its operations and the market for its securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak and the actions taken to contain or treat the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, the prevalence of COVID-19 globally could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business including without limitation, employee health, workforce productivity, increased insurance premiums, limitations on travel, the availability of industry experts and personnel, restrictions to its drill program and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing, and other factors that will depend on future developments beyond the Company’s control, which may have a material and adverse effect on the its business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company’s personnel will not be impacted by COVID-19 and other such pandemic diseases and ultimately see its workforce productivity reduced or incur increased medical costs / insurance premiums as a result of these health risks. Further, additional outbreaks of COVID-19 could result in a worsening global health crisis that could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could have an adverse effect on the demand for precious metals and our future prospects. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS There have been no cash dividends or distributions declared on any of Sierra’s securities for each of the three most recently completed financial years of the Company. The amount of future dividends to be declared in the future, if any, shall be considered by the Board on a quarterly basis and will depend on the Company's overall cash and operating position at the relevant time, satisfaction of solvency tests imposed by applicable law for the declaration and payment of dividends and other relevant factors. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value. As of the date hereof, the Company has 162,810,553 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Each Common Share carries one vote at all meetings of shareholders, is entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the Board and is entitled to participation in in the remaining property and assets of the Company upon dissolution or winding-up. The Common Shares do not carry any pre-emptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. MARKET FOR SECURITIES The Common Shares are currently listed for trading on the TSX and the Lima Stock Exchange under the symbol “SMT”. The Common Shares are also listed for trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “SMTS”. Trading Prices and Volumes The following table provides a summary of the high and low prices and volumes for the Common Shares as traded on the TSX for the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2020.(1) 73 Period January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020 High (C$) Low (C$) Volume 2.50 2.34 1.89 1.21 1.19 3.67 2.43 2.35 2.25 3.10 4.30 4.49 2.00 1.75 0.89 0.90 0.94 0.99 1.59 1.95 1.84 1.91 2.47 3.65 253,781 246,188 274,241 458,100 836,387 3,632,440 656,563 577,384 507,075 899,875 1,859,218 1,926,429 (1) Source: TSX eReview. Prior Sales During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued the following securities that are not listed or quoted on a marketplace: Date of Issue April 27, 2020 Type of Security Issued RSUs (1) 125,454 of these RSUs have since been cancelled ESCROWED SECURITIES Number of Securities Issued 898,587(1) To the Company’s knowledge, as at December 31, 2020, no securities of the Company were held in escrow or were subject to contractual restriction on transfer. 74 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS As of the date of this AIF, the Board consists of eight directors. Each director will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company or until his successor is elected or appointed, unless his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with the consenting documents of the Company or the provisions of the CBCA. The following table sets forth the names, residency and office of each director and executive officer of the Company as at the date hereof: Name, position with the Company, province or state and country of residence LUIS C. MARCHESE (6) Chief Executive Officer and Director (Lima, Peru) JOSE VIZQUERRA BENAVIDES (1)(2)(4) (7) Chairman of the Board and Director (Ontario, Canada) J. ALBERTO ARIAS (2)(4)(5) Director (Miami, USA) DOUGLAS F. CATER (1)(3)(6) Director (Ontario, Canada) STEVEN G. DEAN (2)(3)(5) Director (British Columbia, Canada) DIONISIO ROMERO PAOLETTI Director (Lima, Peru) RICARDO ARRARTE (6) Director (Lima, Peru) KOKO YAMAMOTO (1)(3)(4) Director (Ontario, Canada) ED GUIMARAES (8) Chief Financial Officer and Interim Corporate Secretary (Ontario, Canada) Principal occupation for the past five years -June 2020 to present: CEO of the Company -August 2019 to May 2019: Alternate Director at Minera Poderosa S.A (a mining company) -August 2019 to May 2019: Director at Cia Minera San Ignacio de Morococha S.A (a mining company) - July 2018 to July 2019: Senior Advisor to CEO at Anglo American (a mining company) - May 2009 to June 2018: Country Manager Peru for Anglo American (a mining company) -November 2019 to present: President & CEO of O3 Mining Inc. (a mining company) -June 2016 to November 2019: Executive VP of Strategic Development at Osisko Mining Inc. (a mining company) -July 2015 to June 2016: COO and Senior VP Corporate Development at Osisko Mining Inc. President and CEO, ARCM (a private fund manager) Director/officer of the Company since - CEO since June 1, 2020 -Director since May 19, 2020 November 9, 2017 November 26, 2008 -January 2019 to present: Independent Consultant -January 2016 to January 2019: VP Exploration (Canada), Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (a mining company) June 10, 2009 Independent businessman October 4, 2011 Corporate Director and Chairman of various public companies November 16, 2015 -July 2016 to present: Director with an affiliate of ARCM (a private fund manager) -July 2017 to February 2020: Chief Executive Officer of Cautivo Mining Inc. (a mining company) -January 2014 to June 2016: Central Mine Manager of Cementos Pascasmayo and Fosfatos del Pacifico (a mining company) Partner and Accountant at McGovern, Hurley LLP (a public accounting firm) April 5, 2019 July 15, 2019 CFO of the Company November 17, 2014 75 Name, position with the Company, province or state and country of residence ALONSO LUJAN Vice President, Exploration and Country Manager, Mexico (Chihuahua, Mexico) MICHAEL MCALLISTER Vice President, Investor Relations (Ontario, Canada) RAJESH VYAS Corporate Controller (Ontario, Canada) Principal occupation for the past five years Director/officer of the Company since -September 2016 to present: VP Exploration of the Company -January 2016 to September 2016: Independent Consultant September 14, 2016 -May 2019 to present: VP Investor Relations of the Company -July 2016 to May 2019: VP Corporate Development of the Company -April 2015 to July 2016: Director Corporate Development of the Company -December 2019 to present: Corporate Controller of the Company -November 2017 to November 2019: Director of Finance of Alamos Gold Inc. (a mining company) -April 2016 to November 2017: Operations Controller of Richmont Mines Inc. (a mining company) July 15, 2016 December 18, 2019 (1) Member of the Audit Committee (2) Member of the Compensation Committee (3) Member of the Corporate Governance Committee (4) Member of the Nomination Committee (5) Member of the Corporate Strategy Committee (6) Member of the Health, Safety, Environment & Community Relations Committee (7) Replaced J. Alberto Arias as Chairman of the Board on January 29, 2021 (8) Ed Guimaraes is also the Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and assumed responsibilities of the Corporate Secretary on January 16, 2021 As at the date hereof, the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group beneficially own, directly and indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, an aggregate of 44,992,558 Common Shares, representing approximately 27.6% of the outstanding Common Shares. This includes an aggregate of 42,908,871 Common Shares owned by the ARC Funds, the General Partner, J. Alberto Arias and the Manager. The ARC Funds are managed by the Manager. The respective general partner of each of the ARC Funds retains the power to make investment and voting decisions in respect of the Common Shares beneficially owned by the ARC Funds. J. Alberto Arias is the sole director of each of the general partners of the ARC Funds and indirectly controls the Manager. As such, Mr. Arias may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the Common Shares beneficially owned by the ARC Funds, the General Partner and the Manager, but he disclaims any beneficial ownership of any such securities, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. 76 Board Adviser Mr. Alberto Beeck serves as an adviser to the Board. Pursuant to an adviser agreement dated December 20, 2017 (the “Adviser Agreement”), Mr. Beeck was appointed as an adviser to the Board to provide such advice and direction requested by the Board in the performance of its duties and as may be within the expertise of Mr. Beeck. Under the Adviser Agreement, Mr. Beeck has the right to attend all meetings the Board strictly in a non-voting, advisory capacity but is not to take an active role in any Board meeting such as by moving any motion, voting on any matter or actively seeking to influence the actions of the Board. Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions No director or executive officer of the Company is, as of the date of this AIF, or was within ten years before the date of this AIF, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Company), that: (a) (b) was the subject of a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (an “order”) that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer. Except as disclosed herein, no director or executive officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company: (a) (b) is, as of the date of this AIF, or has been within the ten years before the date of this AIF, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Company) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or; has, within ten years before the date of this AIF, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement, or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, executive officer or shareholder. From March 28, 2013 until January 21, 2014, J. Alberto Arias served as a director of Colossus Minerals Inc. (“Colossus”). On January 14, 2014, Colossus filed a notice of intention to make a proposal under the Canada Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. No director or executive officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company has been subject to: (a) (b) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. Conflicts of Interest The Company confirms that there are currently no existing material conflicts of interest between Sierra or a subsidiary of Sierra and any director or officer of Sierra or of a subsidiary of Sierra. Other than with respect to (i) the involvement of certain directors of the Company in other mining companies, and (ii) the significant holding of the ARC Funds and the Manager in the Company for which J. Alberto Arias may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the Company securities beneficially owned by the ARC Funds and the Manager, there are no potential material conflicts of interest between Sierra or a subsidiary of Sierra and any director or officer of Sierra or of a subsidiary of Sierra. 77 AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION The Board has established the Audit Committee comprised of Koko Yamamoto (Chair), Douglas F. Cater and Jose Vizquerra Benavides. All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent, non-executive directors of the Company. All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence and financial literacy requirements of National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”). The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which sets out the Audit Committee’s responsibility in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company, audits of the financial statements of the Company, and the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of any registered external auditor employed by the Company for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. This charter is reviewed and assessed at least annually or otherwise, deemed appropriate, by the Board with the assistance of the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Audit Committees. A copy of this charter is attached hereto as Appendix “A”. Koko Yamamoto Ms. Yamamoto is a chartered professional accountant with over 19 years' experience. She is a partner at McGovern, Hurley LLP, a CPAB registered firm, since 2003, and her practice includes a focus on assurance engagements for reporting issuers in the resource sector. Ms. Yamamoto is involved in initial public offerings and private placements, mergers and acquisitions. She is currently a director for Largo Resources Inc. as well as Chair of the Largo Resources Audit Committee. Ms. Yamamoto is registered as a panel auditor with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), which enables her to conduct audits of investment dealers. Ms. Yamamoto obtained her CPA CA designation in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. Douglas F. Cater Douglas Cater is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and is a Professional Geologist with 30 years of experience in the exploration and mining of precious metals including the analysis of budgets and project management of mining projects. Mr. Cater retired from his position as Vice-President Exploration of Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (2016 – 2019), and prior to that he was Vice President Exploration of St. Andrews Goldfields Ltd. (2012 – 2015). Since June of 2009, he has also been the Project Manager for Sabina Gold & Silver Corporation, a mineral exploration and development corporation. He was the Exploration Manager for Dundee Precious Metals Inc., a Toronto-based mining and exploration Company, from August 2005 to June 2009. Mr. Cater’s experience in the mining industry has provided him with the knowledge required to understand accounting principles and financial statements. Jose Vizquerra Benavides Mr. Vizquerra is President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director of O3 Mining Inc. (“O3 Mining”). Prior to his appointment at O3 Mining, Mr. Vizquerra was Executive Vice President of Strategic Development for Osisko Mining Inc. (“Osisko Mining”). Mr. Vizquerra joined Osisko Mining from Oban Mining Corporation (“Oban”), where, as President and Chief Executive Officer, he played a leading role in the combination of Oban, Corona Gold Corporation, Eagle Hill Exploration Corporation, and Ryan Gold Corporation to form Osisko Mining. Through ambitious drilling and prudent capital raising, Osisko Mining has become the highly valued proponent of the world-class Windfall gold project. Before that, Mr. Vizquerra was Head of Business Development for Compañia de Minas Buenaventura. Previously, he was a production and exploration geologist at the Red Lake gold mine in Ontario. 78 Mr. Vizquerra currently serves as a director of Osisko Mining, and Sierra Metals Inc., and as an advisor to the boards of Discovery Metals Corporation and Palamina Resources. The Young Mining Professionals recognized Mr. Vizquerra as one of their Young Mining Professionals of the year with the 2019 Peter Munk Award. Mr. Vizquerra is an alumnus of the General Management Program at the Wharton School of Business. He holds an MSc in Mineral Exploration from Queens University and a B.Sc in Civil Engineering from UPC Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas. Mr. Vizquerra is a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. Audit Committee Oversight At no time since January 1, 2020 has a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not been adopted by the Board. Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures The Audit Committee has adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services, including the requirement that all non-audit services to be performed by the external auditor must be pre-approved and monitored by the Audit Committee. Subject to NI 52-110, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by the Board, and where applicable the Audit Committee, on a case-by-case basis. External Auditor Fees PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PWC”) was appointed as auditors of the Company on July 11, 2012. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fees billed by PWC are summarized below for each category: Service Audit Fees Audit-Related Fees (1) Tax Fees All Other Fees Total Fees Paid Fees billed in 2020 Fees billed 2019 327,465 $ 56,334 $ nil $ $ nil 383,799 $ 371,244 $ 73,455 $ nil $ nil $ 444,698 $ (1) For the year ended December 31, 2020, the $73,455 in “Audit-Related Fees” relates to PWC’s quarterly reviews. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2019, the $56,334 in “Audit-Related Fees” relates to PWC’s quarterly reviews. The fees set forth in the table above cover the following services provided to us by PWC: “Audit Fees” include fees necessary to perform the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees include quarterly reviews, fees for review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits. “Audit-Related Fees” include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation. “Tax Fees” include fees for all tax services other than those included in “Audit Fees” and “Audit-Related Fees”. This category includes fees for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities. “All Other Fees” include fees relating to the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the Company’s external auditor, other than the services reported in the preceding paragraphs. 79 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS Legal Proceedings The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the normal course of business. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably to the Company. The Company carries liability insurance coverage and will establish accruals and provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future. These may result in a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, cash flow and results of operations. The following is a description of the legal proceedings the Company is or was a party to, or that any of its property is or was the subject of, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020: In 2009, a personal action was filed in Mexico against DBM by an individual, Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, as administrator of the intestate succession of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes y Jesus Jose Bencomo Muñoz, claiming the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. In June 2011, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua, Mexico, ruled that the claim was unfounded and dismissed the case, the plaintiff appealed to the State Court. On November 3, 2014, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua ruled against the plaintiff, noting that the legal route by which the plaintiff presented his claim was not admissible. On February 17, 2017 the State Court issued a ruling dismissing the arguments of the plaintiff. Carlos Emilio Seijas Bencomo, a relative of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes and Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, following the steps of the Ambrosio lawsuit, filed a similar personal action to claim annulment and revocation of the purchase of the two mining concessions. In May 31, 2019, the Second Federal Civil Court issued a resolution ordering: a) the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of the two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V., and b) the payment of a sum of money pending to be defined by concept of restitution of the benefits of those two mining concessions. In June 2019, a Federal Court Chihuahua granted Sierra Metals a suspension of this adverse resolution. On January 14, 2021, the third Federal Collegiate Court of Civil and Labor Matters of the Seventeenth circuit in Chihuahua issued a resolution on the appeal (writ of amparo) presented by the company, declaring the adverse ruling as void and ordered the lower Court to issue a new resolution. On March 12, 2021, the first Civil Court of Chihuahua complied with the order of the Collegiate Court absolving DBM of all claims raised by the plaintiff. While the plaintiff has fifteen days to appeal against this judgement, the Company believes that this new development has reduced the possibilities of reversal of the March 12, 2021 ruling. The Company is not aware of any other significant legal proceedings known to be contemplated. 80 Regulatory Actions During the financial year ended December 31, 2020, there were no: (a) penalties or sanctions imposed against the Company by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority; (b) other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against the Company that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision; or (c) settlement agreements the Company entered into before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS Management of the Company is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any of the following persons or companies in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Company: · · · a director or executive officer of the Company; a person or company that beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of any class or series of the Company’s outstanding voting securities; and an associate or affiliate of any of the persons or companies referred to in (i) or (ii) above. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The Company’s registrar and transfer agent is Computershare Investor Service Inc. located at 1500 University Street, Suite 700, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3S8. MATERIAL CONTRACTS There are no contracts, other than those disclosed in this AIF (including the Corporate Facility, as amended), that are material to the Company and that were entered into during the financial year ended December 31, 2020, or before the most recently completed financial year that are still in effect as of the date of this AIF. INTEREST OF EXPERTS The Qualified Persons responsible for reviewing the Yaurocicha PEA Technical Report are Américo Zuzunaga Cardich, Sierra Metals Inc., Vice President Corporate Planning, Andre Deiss, BSc. (Hons), Pr. Sci. Nat., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining) and Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc., SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy). The Qualified Persons responsible for reviewing the Bolivar PEA Technical Report are Américo Zuzunaga Cardich, Sierra Metals Inc., Vice President Corporate Planning, Cliff Revering, P. Eng., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining), Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc, SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy) and Jarek Jakubec, C. Eng. FIMMM, SRK Practice Leader/Principal Consultant (Mining, Geotechnical). The Qualified Persons responsible for reviewing the Cusi PEA Technical Report are Giovanny Ortiz, B.Sc., PGeo., SRK Principal Consultant (Resource Geology), Carl Kottmeier, B.A.Sc., P. Eng., MBA, SRK Principal Consultant (Mining) and Daniel H. Sepulveda, BSc, SME-RM, SRK Associate Consultant (Metallurgy). 81 To the knowledge of the Company, each of the Qualified Persons listed above hold less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares, at the time of the preparation of the reports and/or at the time of the preparation of the technical information contained in this AIF and either did not receive any or received less than a 1% direct or indirect interest in any securities of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company in connection with the preparation of such reports or data. Americo Zuzunaga FAusIMM CP (Mining Engineer), the Vice-President Planning of the Company, is named in this AIF as having prepared the Yauricocha PEA Technical Report, the Bolivar PEA Technical Report, and the Cusi PEA Technical Report, under the heading “Material Mineral Properties”. As of the date hereof, Americo Zuzunaga holds 83,877 RSUs of the Company. PWC are the auditors of the Company who have prepared the auditors’ report in respect of Sierra’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. PWC has confirmed that it is independent with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario CPA Code of Professional Conduct. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional information including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Company’s securities, and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, if applicable, is contained in the Company’s information circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders that involved the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in the Company’s financial statements and management discussion & analysis for its most recently completed financial year. 82 APPENDIX “A” SIERRA METALS INC. AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER I PURPOSE The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) is a committee of the board of directors (the “Board”) of Sierra Metals Inc. (the “Corporation”). The primary function of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its financial reporting and controls responsibilities to the shareholders of the Corporation and the investment community. The external auditors will report directly to the Committee. The Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are: · · · overseeing the integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements and reviewing the financial reports and other financial information provided by the Corporation to any governmental body or to the public; recommending the appointment and reviewing and appraising the audit efforts of the Corporation’s external auditors, overseeing the external auditors’ qualifications and independence and providing an open avenue of communication among the external auditors, the Corporation’s financial and senior management and the Board; and monitoring the Corporation’s financial reporting process and internal controls, its management of business and financial risk, and its compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. II COMPOSITION The Committee will be comprised of members of the Board, the number of which will be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. The composition of the Committee will be determined by the Board such that the membership and independence requirements set out in the rules and regulations, in effect from time to time, of any securities commissions (including, but not limited to, the British Columbia Securities Commission) and any exchanges upon which the Corporation's securities are listed (including, but not limited to, the Toronto Stock Exchange) are satisfied. The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board at the annual organizational meeting of the Board and shall remain on the Committee until the next annual organizational meeting of the Board or until their successors have been duly elected or appointed. The Board may remove a member of the Committee at any time in its sole discretion by resolution of the Board. III DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Committee shall: (a) (b) (c) (d) review and recommend to the Board for approval the annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation; review with financial management and external auditors the Corporation’s financial statements, MD&A and earnings releases prior to filing the same with regulatory bodies such as securities commissions and/or prior to their release; review document referencing, containing or incorporating by reference the annual audited consolidated financial statements or non-audited interim financial statements (e.g. prospectuses and/or press releases containing financial results) prior to their release; and make changes or additions to security policies of the Corporation and report, from time to time, to the Board on the appropriateness of the policy guidelines in place to administer the Corporation’s security programs. 83 2. The Committee, in fulfilling its mandate, shall: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) ensure to its satisfaction that adequate internal controls and procedures are in place to allow the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation to certify financial statements and other disclosure documents as required under securities laws; ensure to its satisfaction that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Corporation’s financial statements, MD&A and annual and interim earnings press releases, and periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures; recommend to the Board the selection of the external auditors, consider their independence and effectiveness, and approve the fees and other compensation to be paid to the external auditors; monitor the relationship between management and the external auditors, including reviewing any management letters or other reports of the external auditors, and discussing and resolving any material differences of opinion or disagreements between management and the external auditors; review the performance of the external auditors and approve any proposed discharge and replacement of the external auditors when circumstances warrant. Consider, with management, the rationale for employing accounting/auditing firms other than the principal external auditors; periodically consult with the external auditors out of the presence of management about significant risks or exposures, internal controls and other steps that management has taken to control such risks, and the fullness and accuracy of the Corporation’s financial statements. Particular emphasis should be given to the adequacy of internal controls to expose any payments, transactions, or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper; arrange for the external auditors to be available to the Committee and the Board as needed. Ensure that the external auditors report directly to the Committee and are made accountable to the Board and the Committee, as representatives of the shareholders to whom the auditors are ultimately responsible; review and approve the Corporation’s hiring policies regarding employees or former employees of the current and former external auditors; review the scope of the external audit, including the fees involved; 84 (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) (p) (q) (r) (s) (t) (u) (v) (w) review the external auditors’ report on the annual audited consolidated financial statements; review problems found in performing the audit, such as limitations or restrictions imposed by management or situations where management seeks a second opinion on a significant accounting issue; review major positive and negative observations of the external auditors during the course of the audit; review with management and the external auditors the Corporation’s major accounting policies, including the impact of alternative accounting policies and key management estimates and judgments that can materially affect the financial results; review emerging accounting issues and their potential impact on the Corporation’s financial reporting; review and approve requests for any management consulting engagement to be performed by the external auditors and be advised of any other study undertaken at the request of management that is beyond the scope of the audit engagement letter and related fees; review with management, the external auditors and legal counsel, any litigation, claims or other contingency, including tax assessments, which could have a material impact upon the financial position or operating results of the Corporation, and whether these matters have been appropriately disclosed in the financial statements; review the conclusions reached in the evaluation of management’s internal control systems by the external auditors, and management’s responses to any identified weaknesses; review with management their approach to controlling and securing corporate assets (including intellectual property) and information systems, the adequacy of staffing of key functions and their plans for improvements; review with management their approach with respect to business ethics and corporate conduct; review annually the legal and regulatory requirements that, if breached, could have a significant impact on the Corporation’s published financial reports or reputation; receive periodic reports on the nature and extent of compliance with security policies. The nature and extent of non-compliance together with the reasons therefore, with the plan and timetable to correct such non-compliance will be reported to the Board, if material; review with management the accuracy and timeliness of filing with regulatory authorities; review periodically the business continuity plans for the Corporation; 85 (x) (y) (z) review annually general insurance coverage of the Corporation to ensure adequate protection of major corporate assets including, but not limited to, D&O (Directors and Officers) and “Key Person” coverage; perform such other duties as required by the Corporation’s incorporating statute and applicable securities legislation and policies; and establish procedures for: (i) (ii) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal controls, or auditing matters; and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or audit matters. 3. 4. The Committee may engage and communicate directly and independently with outside legal and other advisors for the Committee as required and set and pay the compensation of such advisors. On an annual basis, the Committee will review the Audit Committee Charter and, where appropriate, recommend changes to the Board. IV SECRETARY The Secretary of the Committee will be appointed by the Chair of the Committee. V MEETINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Committee shall meet at such times and places as the Committee may determine, but no less than four times per year. At least annually, the Committee shall meet separately with management and with the external auditors. Meetings may be conducted with members present in person, by telephone or by video conference. A resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Committee is valid as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Committee. Notice must be given to each Committee member not less than 48 hours before the time when a meeting is to be held. The notice period may be waived by a quorum of the Committee. The external auditors or any member of the Committee may also call a meeting of the Committee. The external auditors of the Corporation will receive notice of every meeting of the Committee. The Board shall be kept informed of the Committee’s activities by a report, including copies of minutes, at the next Board meeting following each Committee meeting. VI QUORUM Quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Committee shall be a majority of the number of members of the Committee. 86 Exhibit 99.2 SIERRA METALS INC. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 Corporate Office 161 Bay Street, Suite 4260 Toronto, ON, Canada M5J 2S1 TSX: SMT NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS BVL: SMT www.sierrametals.com TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 2. COMPANY OVERVIEW 3. 2020 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 4. COVID-19, OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE 2021 5. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 6. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL RESULTS 7. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REVIEW 8. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 9. SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT 10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISKS 11. OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 12. NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE MEASURES 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 14. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 15. OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 16. DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING (“ICFR”) 17. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 3 3 4 8 12 18 22 25 26 26 30 35 40 41 43 43 44 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) 1. INTRODUCTION This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with Sierra Metals Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Sierra” or “Sierra Metals”) consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and related notes thereto (the “Financial Statements”), which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). References herein to "$" are to the United States dollar and “C$” are to the Canadian dollar and all tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of $ unless otherwise stated. All information contained in this MD&A is current as of March 15, 2021 unless otherwise noted. The Company’s common shares (the “Common Shares”) are listed and traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”), the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE AMERICAN”), and the Peruvian Bolsa de Valores de Lima (“BVL” or the “Lima Stock Exchange”) under the symbol “SMT”, and “SMTS” on the NYSE AMERICAN. Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”), is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.sierrametals.com. A cautionary note regarding forward-looking information follows this MD&A. QUALIFIED PERSONS Americo Zuzunaga, FAusIMM CP (Mining Engineer) and Vice President of Corporate Planning is a Qualified Person and chartered professional qualifying as a Competent Person under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Augusto Chung, FAusIMM CP (Metallurgist) and Consultant to Sierra Metals is a Qualified Person and chartered professional qualifying as a competent person on metallurgical processes. 2. COMPANY OVERVIEW Sierra Metals is a diversified Canadian mining company focused on the production, exploration and development of precious and base metals in Peru and Mexico. The Company plans to continue growing its production base through brownfield exploration investments within its properties. The Company’s key priorities are to provide high returns on invested capital, to generate strong cash flows and to maximize shareholder value. The Company has three producing mining properties and manages its business on the basis of the geographical location of its mining projects. The Peruvian Operation (“Peru”) is comprised of the Yauricocha mine (“Yauricocha” or the “Yauricocha Mine”), located in the province of Yauyos, its near-mine concessions, and exploration and early-stage properties. The Mexican Operation (“Mexico”) includes the Bolivar (“Bolivar” or the “Bolivar Mine”) and Cusi (“Cusi” or the “Cusi Mine”) mines, both located in Chihuahua State, Mexico, their near-mine concessions, and exploration and early- stage properties. The Company’s strategic focus is currently on its operations, improving efficiencies, as well as pursuing growth opportunities at, and surrounding, its operating projects. The Company is also considering other opportunities to add value and expand through external growth. Exploration remains a key aspect of the improvement programs being implemented at all three of the Company’s mines and there is optimism that these brownfield exploration programs will continue to add increased economic tonnage going forward. Examples of this can be seen at Yauricocha with the Esperanza, Cuye-Mascota zones, at Bolivar, with the Bolivar West and Northwest zones, as well as at Cusi, with the Santa Rosa de Lima Zone. These results provide potential to further grow mineral resources and enhance shareholder value. 3 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) The Company is focused on improving operating performance through the production of higher volumes of ore to reduce unit costs, strengthening its asset base, continuing to increase its mineral reserves and resources at each of its mines, and exploring organic and external growth opportunities to enhance and deliver shareholder value. 3. 2020 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (In thousands of dollars, except per share and cash cost amounts, consolidated figures unless noted otherwise) Operating Ore Processed / Tonnes Milled Silver Ounces Produced (000's) Copper Pounds Produced (000's) Lead Pounds Produced (000's) Zinc Pounds Produced (000's) Gold Ounces Produced Copper Equivalent Pounds Produced (000's)1 Zinc Equivalent Pounds Produced (000's)1 Silver Equivalent Ounces Produced (000's)1 Cash Cost per Tonne Processed Cost of sales per AgEqOz2 Cash Cost per AgEqOz2 AISC per AgEqOz2 Cost of sales per CuEqLb2 Cash Cost per CuEqLb2 AISC per CuEqLb2 Cost of sales per ZnEqLb2 Cash Cost per ZnEqLb2 AISC per ZnEqLb2 Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 778,236 922 10,626 7,630 21,612 3,363 29,267 79,521 3,996 44.42 $ 9.76 $ 9.56 $ 18.72 $ 1.33 $ 1.31 $ 2.56 $ 0.49 $ 0.48 $ 0.94 $ 731,500 871 11,308 9,924 25,590 3,615 32,510 81,919 5,016 53.91 $ 9.61 $ 9.94 $ 16.18 $ 1.48 $ 1.54 $ 2.50 $ 0.59 $ 0.61 $ 0.99 $ 2,828,877 3,465 44,262 32,972 81,868 13,771 118,214 321,638 16,097 2,671,853 3,375 39,890 35,454 81,083 11,632 111,678 267,658 18,721 40.81 $ 8.67 $ 8.29 $ 15.59 $ 1.18 $ 1.13 $ 2.12 $ 0.43 $ 0.41 $ 0.78 $ 50.37 8.53 8.33 13.82 1.42 1.39 2.30 0.59 0.58 0.95 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 0.46 $ 0.83 $ 1.17 $ 2.11 $ 2.06 $ 2.92 $ 42.12 $ 56.64 $ 0.42 $ 0.91 $ 1.16 $ 2.47 $ 1.35 $ 2.34 $ 15.70 $ 28.18 $ Cash Cost per ZnEqLb (Yauricocha)2 AISC per ZnEqLb (Yauricocha)2 Cash Cost per CuEqLb (Yauricocha)2 AISC per CuEqLb (Yauricocha)2 Cash Cost per CuEqLb (Bolivar)2 AISC per CuEqLb (Bolivar)2 Cash Cost per AgEqOz (Cusi)2 AISC per AgEqOz (Cusi)2 Financial $ Revenues Adjusted EBITDA2 $ $ Operating cash flows before movements in working capital Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders2 $ $ Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders $ Cash and cash equivalents $ Working capital (1) Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $24.30/oz Ag, $3.32/lb Cu, $1.22/lb Zn, $0.89/lb Pb, $1,859/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $17.42/oz Ag, $2.69/lb Cu, $1.07/lb Zn, $0.92/lb Pb, $1,506/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb, $1,771/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $16.29/oz Ag, $2.73/lb Cu, $/1.14lb Zn, $0.91/lb Pb, $1,404/oz Au. 246,888 $ 96,982 $ 99,005 $ 29,569 $ 23,419 $ 71,473 $ 70,885 $ 0.37 $ 0.78 $ 1.01 $ 2.11 $ 1.13 $ 1.88 $ 16.62 $ 25.26 $ 76,218 $ 31,127 $ 32,259 $ 8,638 $ 7,603 $ 71,473 $ 70,885 $ 64,634 $ 19,104 $ 19,951 $ 7,228 $ 4,534 $ 42,980 $ 49,922 $ 229,038 65,257 66,359 13,874 4,431 42,980 49,922 0.46 0.79 1.12 1.91 1.73 2.86 21.38 30.89 (2) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance Measures section of the MD&A. Q4 2020 Production Highlights · · Copper production of 10.6 million pounds; a 6% decrease from Q4 2019 Silver production of 0.9 million ounces; a 6% increase from Q4 2019 · Gold production of 3,363 ounces; a 7% decrease from Q4 2019 · · Zinc production of 21.6 million pounds; a 16% decrease from Q4 2019 Lead production of 7.6 million pounds; a 23% decrease from Q4 2019 4 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) 2020 Consolidated Production Highlights · · Copper production of 44.3 million pounds; an 11% increase from 2019 Silver production of 3.5 million ounces; a 3% increase from 2019 · Gold production of 13,771 ounces; an 18% increase from 2019 · · · · Zinc production of 81.9 million pounds; a 1% increase from 2019 Lead production of 33.0 million pounds; a 7% decrease from 2019 Total of 2.8 million ore tonnes processed; a 6% increase from 2019 Consolidated copper equivalent production of 118.2 million pounds 2020 Operational Highlights and Growth Initiatives The Company achieved annual throughput that was 6% higher than the 2019 annual throughput despite the various COVID-19 related operational challenges including government-mandated shutdowns in the second quarter of the year. Annual 2020 consolidated production of silver, copper, zinc, and gold increased 3%, 11%, 1%, and 18% respectively, while lead production decreased by 7% compared to 2019. Despite the continued COVID-19 related operational challenges Q4 2020, consolidated quarterly ore throughput of 778,236 tonnes increased by 6% over Q4 2019, as higher throughput from the Mexican operations was partially offset by a 3% decline in Q4 2020 throughput from the Yauricocha mine. Copper equivalent production at Yauricocha declined 20% during Q4 2020 due to a 3% decrease in quarterly throughput combined with lower head grades and recoveries. At Bolivar, 10% higher ore throughput and higher recoveries were partially offset by lower head grades resulting in Q4 2020 copper equivalent pounds production that was in line with Q4 2019. Q4 2020 silver equivalent production at the Cusi mine was 83% higher than Q4 2019 due to 35% higher throughput realized, in addition to higher silver and gold head grades and 65% higher gold recoveries as compared to Q4 2019. 5 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) 2020 Consolidated Financial Highlights · · · · · · · · · · · Revenue from metals payable of $246.9 million in 2020 increased by 8% from $229.0 million in 2019. Higher revenue was largely a result of higher quantity of copper sales from the Bolivar mine attributable to increased throughput and higher average realized prices for copper, gold and silver as compared to 2019; Yauricocha’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.07 (2019 - $1.17), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.01 (2019 - $1.12), and AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound of $2.11 (2019 - $1.91); Yauricocha’s cost of sales per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.39 (2019 - $0.48), cash cost per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.37 (2019 - $0.46), and AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound of $0.78 (2019 - $0.79); Bolivar’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.14 (2019 - $2.03), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.13 (2019 - $1.73), and AISC per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.88 (2019 - $2.86); Cusi’s cost of sales per silver equivalent payable ounce was $17.92 (2019 - $13.35), cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce was $16.62 (2019 - $21.38), and AISC per silver equivalent payable ounce was $25.26 (2019 - $30.89); Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $97.0 million for 2020, which is a 49% increase from the adjusted EBITDA of $65.3 million for 2019; Net income attributable to shareholders for 2020 was $23.4 million (2019: $4.4 million) or $0.14 per share (basic and diluted) (2019: $0.03); Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders (1) of $29.6 million, or $0.18 per share, for 2020 was higher than the adjusted net income of $13.9 million, or $0.09 per share for 2019; A large component of the net income for every period is the non-cash depletion charge in Peru, which was $8.5 million for 2020 (2019: $10.3 million). The non-cash depletion charge is based on the aggregate fair value of the Yauricocha mineral property at the date of acquisition of Sociedad Minera Corona S.A. de C.V. (“Corona”) of $371.0 million amortized over the total proven and probable reserves of the mine; Cash flow generated from operations before movements in working capital of $99.0 million for 2020 increased compared to $66.4 million in 2019. The increase in operating cash flow is mainly the result of higher revenues generated and lower operating costs per tonne as indicated earlier; and Cash and cash equivalents of $71.5 million and working capital of $70.9 million as at December 31, 2020 compared to $43.0 million and $49.9 million, respectively, at the end of 2019. Cash and cash equivalents increased during 2020 due to $67.0 million of operating cash flows after taxes and changes in working capital, offset by $34.2 million of cash used in investing activities and interest payment of $4.1 million on the senior secured credit facility. (1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance Measures section of the MD&A. 6 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Project Development · On October 20, 2020, the Company reported positive results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for doubling its output at the Bolivar Mine to 10,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”). The PEA results indicated an incremental benefit of after-tax NPV (@8%) of $57.4 million and IRR of 27.9% A National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) technical report was filed on SEDAR and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2020; · On November 18, 2020, the Company announced an update on the Cusi Mineral Resource Estimate which included an 18% increase in the Measured and Indicated Resources and a 200% increase in the Inferred Resources. This update was followed up by a NI 43-101 technical report on December 22, 2020; · On December 8, 2020, the Company filed a NI 43-101 PEA technical report for the Yauricocha Mine with favourable economics including an incremental after-tax NPV (@8%) of $28.4 million and an IRR of 35.7% to increase the production to 5,500 tpd from 3,780 tpd. The technical report also contained an increase in the Mineral Resource estimate for the Yauricocha Mine. The update included a 26% increase in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources and a 79% increase in the Inferred Resource estimate; and · On December 10, 2020, the Company reported the results of a PEA for doubling its output at the Cusi Mine to 2,400 tpd, which indicated an after-tax incremental NPV (@8%) of $28.1 million and IRR of 46.8%. A 43-101 technical report for this PEA was filed January 6, 2021. Exploration Highlights Peru: · Exploration activities at the Yauricocha mine were suspended between March 16, 2020 to October 31, 2020 due to restrictions related to COVID-19; and · Of the planned 25,000 meters of drilling planned for the year, only 10,120 meters could be completed, which included 5,088 meters of underground drilling and 5,032 meters of brownfield surface exploration. Mexico: Bolivar · · The Infill Drilling program was carried in the El Gallo and Bolivar West. 6,971 meters of drilling was completed, including 6,413 meters at Bolivar West and 558 meters at El Gallo; and Brownfield exploration drilling program was completed for 19,372 meters, which included mainly 11,184 meters at Bolivar West and 7,222 meters at La Montura (El Salto) zone, with the remaining meters drilled in the copper porphyry. Cusi · · The Infill Drilling program was carried in the NorthEast System, with the objective to define the continuity and the grades of this system. 9,752 meters of drilling was completed, including 1,884 meters of definition drilling into this system with the termite rig; and Brownfield exploration drilling program started at Promontorio vein and La Gloria Vein and 3,975 meters of drilling was completed during the year. 7 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Corporate Development Highlights Management Changes On May 19, 2020 the Company announced the appointment of Luis Marchese as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2020. On August 1, 2020, Gabriel Pinto Gregori started with the Company as Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. Jill Neff resigned as Corporate Secretary of the Company effective January 15, 2021 and Ed Guimaraes, CFO, assumed the responsibilities of interim Corporate Secretary effective January 16, 2021. 4. COVID-19, OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE 2021 2020 was a challenging year due to the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company started Q1 2020 on a strong note, as both the Mexican mines achieved a quarter over quarter increase in throughput. The Yauricocha mine started feeling the impact of the pandemic in March 2020, as the Peruvian government imposed a state of emergency on March 17, 2020 to control the advancement of the pandemic. On March 31, 2020, the Mexican government also announced a suspension of all non-essential activities in Mexico for 30 days. Production in Q2 2020 was affected due to the government-mandated shutdowns in both jurisdictions. The Yauricocha and the Bolivar mines operated at reduced capacities during April and May, impacted by these shutdowns. The Company began ramping up its activities in Bolivar on June 1, 2020, as mining was deemed an essential service effective that date. Similarly, in Peru, restrictions were relaxed for mining and related activities effective June 5, 2020 allowing the Company to recall required furloughed employees and contractors with the aim to ramp up operations back to full capacity. The Cusi Mine remained under care and maintenance throughout the second quarter, due to its proximity to urban communities. Operations resumed at Cusi on July 28, 2020. All three mines of the Company delivered strong operating performance during Q3 2020. The Company continued its proactive and reactive mitigation measures to minimize any potential impacts COVID-19 on its employees, communities, operations, supply chain, and finances. These measures included, but were not limited to, quarantine, reducing on-site crew sizes, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, eliminating group meetings, requiring workers with symptoms not to come to work and promoting preventative measures including social distancing and frequent handwashing. All employees reporting for duty continued to go through a testing and screening process, which included a quarantine period before joining the active workforce. These measures continued in Q4 2020 and have impacted the performance of the Company operationally and financially. Operational impacts include mainly low availability of manpower leading to delays in mine development and consequent impact on metal production. Financial impacts include not only additional costs of COVID-19 tests, sanitization supplies and screening processes, but also the impact of operational delays on revenues. Global economic conditions improved during Q3 and Q4 2020 and metal prices demonstrated a sharp recovery. Although rollout of some vaccines was announced in Q4 2020, some uncertainty still exists due to the delays connected to the vaccine rollouts and questions around global distribution of these vaccines. The increase in the number of COVID-19 infections around the world, including the new variants of the virus, also adds to the uncertainty. 8 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Market Review and Trends Metal Prices One of the primary drivers of Sierra’s earnings and ability to generate operating cash flows are the metal market prices. In 2020, silver, gold and copper prices averaged 27%, 27% and 3% over their respective 2019 averages, while lead and zinc prices averaged 9% and 10% below their 2019 averages. Base metal prices were impacted by the global shutdown resulting from the measures taken by the governments to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. LME Average Prices (In US dollars) Silver (oz) Copper (lb) Lead (lb) Zinc (lb) Gold (oz) Three months ended Dec 31, Year ended Dec 31 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ 24.39 $ 3.25 $ 0.86 $ 1.19 $ 1,875 $ 17.31 $ 2.67 $ 0.92 $ 1.06 $ 1,482 $ 20.51 $ 2.80 $ 0.83 $ 1.03 $ 1,770 $ 16.20 2.72 0.91 1.15 1,392 Copper prices started the year around $2.75 per pound, but the containment measures and the lockdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus began to impact demand. March and April months saw significant decline in the prices, as copper slid below the $2.30 level. Prices started to tick up in May driven by demand growth especially from China, while the supply remained affected by the lingering disruptions. Copper prices continued their recovery throughout the year, ending the year at $3.52 per pound. Annual 2020 average copper prices were $2.80 per pound. Silver prices were resilient in 2020 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While silver, like most commodities, struggled during the first quarter of the year, prices bounced back sharply due to silver’s safe-haven appeal combined with increasing industrial demand in the second half of the year. Silver dropped to a low of $11.94 per ounce in March and sharply recovered to achieve around $29 per ounce mark in August. For the year, silver prices have averaged at $20.51 per ounce. 9 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Gold continued its upward momentum from 2019 into 2020. Safe haven demand for gold continued to support gold prices, as fears of a global economic downturn grew due the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns. Although these global restrictions were eased in the second half of the year, the economic measures taken by the US Federal Reserve and other Central Banks around the world supported gold prices. Gold breached the $2,000 per ounce mark in August but pulled back and remained between $1,800 and $1,900 per ounce for the remainder of the year. Gold prices averaged $1,770 per ounce for the year compared to the average price of $1,392 per ounce in 2019. Zinc prices fell almost 20% over the first three months of 2020 but edged higher over the remainder of the year fueled by industrial demand, as the global lockdowns were eased in the second quarter. Zinc prices ended 2020 at $1.26 per pound as compare to $1.07 at the beginning of the year, averaging $1.03 for the year. Lead prices started 2020 at $0.86 per pound and continued to increase in January on the back of a possible trade deal between US and China. However, in March 2020, these prices, like all other base metal prices, were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and its global impacts. With the re- opening of the economies, demand for lead picked up largely due to the increase in demand for industrial batteries and for backup power at hospitals, data centers, telecommunication companies and other critical infrastructure. Lead prices averaged $0.83 during 2020. 2021 outlook for metal prices Base metal prices recovered faster than anticipated in the second half of 2020. Most analysts and investors believe this is a sustained recovery. Global demand for metals is expected to continue through 2021 as extensive stimulus efforts begin to take effect. Some uncertainty still exists around the timing of the on-going roll out of the vaccines and also due to new mutated coronavirus. This can weigh on the metal prices in the short term. With tepid economic data and continued uncertainty, fiscal stimulus remains at the forefront to kick-start economic activity in the western world. Both federally and monetarily, accommodative policy looks here to stay until economic activity begins to show some consistency. Central banks across the globe have left rates at all-time lows and continue to inject capital into financial markets. These factors continue to support gold and silver prices. 2021 Guidance In 2020, the Company continued to operate all its mines and generate free cash flows, despite the COVID-19 related operational challenges. As the Company ramps up its production rates in 2021, it is projecting a growth in its EBITDA driven by improved prices, higher production and reduction in costs. This EBITDA growth and consequent cash flow generation would allow the Company to meet its financial commitments and its planned capital expenditures plans, which support improvement, strong further growth and value creation for all three mines. Production Guidance The Company anticipates that 2021 copper equivalent production will range between 130.0 to 141.0 million pounds; or silver equivalent production will range between 16.1 to 17.5 million ounces. The increase in 2021 guidance for copper pounds and silver ounces compared to the actual 2020 production is due to a 20% throughput and recovery increases planned at Yauricocha as well as increased daily throughput rates at Bolivar and Cusi. A table summarizing 2021 production guidance has been provided below: Silver (000 oz) Copper (000 lbs) Lead (000 lbs) Zinc (000 lbs) Gold (oz) Copper equivalent pounds (000's) Silver equivalent ounces (000's) 2021 Guidance Low High 2020 Actual 4,298 44,090 31,871 101,409 10,691 129,988 16,126 4,628 48,380 34,322 109,240 11,720 141,018 17,494 3,465 44,262 32,972 81,868 13,771 118,214 16,097 (1) 2021 metal equivalent guidance was calculated using the following prices: $25.15/oz Ag, $3.12/lb Cu, $1.09/lb Zn, $0.90/lb Pb, $1,936/oz Au. 2020 metal equivalent guidance was calculated using the following prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb and $1,771/oz Au. 10 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) 2021 Cost Guidance A mine by mine breakdown of 2021 production guidance, cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) are included in the table below. All costs are in USD. Cash costs and AISC guidance is shown per copper equivalent payable pound at Yauricocha and Bolivar, and silver equivalent payable ounce at Cusi. Mine Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Copper Eq Lbs ('000) Copper Eq Lbs ('000) Silver Eq Oz ('000) Equivalent Production Range (1) 79,300 - 85,600 37,500 - 41,500 1,650 - 1,725 Cash costs range per CuEqLb or AgEqOz $0.96 - $1.03 $1.00 - $1.07 $13.37 - $14.08 AISC(2) range per CuEqLb or AgEqOz $1.89 - $1.98 $1.92 - $2.05 $21.43 - $22.46 (1) 2021 metal equivalent guidance was calculated using the following prices: $25.15/oz Ag, $3.12/lb Cu, $1.09/lb Zn, $0.90/lb Pb and $1,936/oz Au. (2) AISC includes treatment and refining charges, selling costs, G&A costs and sustaining capital expenditure The 2021 cost guidance includes expenditure related to the COVID-19 testing and other measures to control the spread of the pandemic such as quarantine accommodations for employees and contractors, and sanitization and cleaning supplies. 2021 EBITDA Guidance Consolidated EBITDA Guidance including corporate expenses, at consensus prices(1), is expected to be between $155.0 million and $170.0 million, which is broken down as follows: Mine Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Corporate Total EBITDA Range ($'000) Low High 93,400 47,200 19,100 (4,700) 155,000 100,200 54,500 20,000 (4,700) 170,000 (1) Analyst consensus prices at the end of 2020 were: $25.15/oz Ag, $3.12/lb Cu, $1.09/lb Zn, $0.90/lb Pb, $1,936/oz Au. 2021 Capital Expenditures In 2021, the Company plans to invest a total of up to $78.0 million on capital expenditures of which approximately $10.0 million has been carried over from the 2020 Capex Budget for carry forward projects. The $78.0 million capital expenditure budget includes $37.0 million for sustaining capital requirements and $41.0 million for expansion, growth projects and exploration expenses. These capital expenditures will allow Sierra Metals to continue to significantly grow our mineral reserves and resources, complete the development work required in operations to increase production in the future. These capital expenditure projects are expected to result in increased cash flows, and lower cash costs. We expect these capital expenditure programs will be funded through the generation of operating cash flows. Management continues to review metal prices, and value enhancing opportunities, and retains the option to adjust the 2021 capital expenditure plan should metal prices experience any dramatic changes within the year. A breakdown by mine of the throughput and planned capital investments is shown in the following table: 11 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Greenfield Exploration Total Capital Expenditure Currency Exchange Rates Sustaining Amounts in $M Growth Total 18 13 6 - 37 21 9 8 3 41 39 22 14 3 78 The results of Sierra’s operations are affected by US dollar exchange rates. Sierra’s largest exposures are to the US dollar/Peruvian Nuevo Sol exchange rate and the US dollar/Mexican Peso exchange rate which impacts operating and administration costs in Peru and Mexico incurred in Nuevo Soles and Pesos while revenues are earned in US dollars. As at December 31, 2020 the US dollar/Peruvian Nuevo Sol exchange rate was 3.62 (December 31, 2019: 3.32) and the US dollar/Mexican Peso exchange rate was 19.94 (December 31, 2019: 18.87). A 10% appreciation in the value of the Nuevo Sol and Peso against the US dollar would have resulted in a change of $4.8 million and $3.7 million in the Company’s net profit, respectively, assuming that our operational performance during 2020 was consistent with 2019. The Company also has a minor exposure to the Canadian dollar through corporate administrative costs. 5. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Selected Production Results on a Mine-by-Mine Basis for the Past Eight Quarters Production Highlights Ore Processed/tonnes milled Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Cash cost per tonne processed Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Silver ounces produced (000's) Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Copper pounds produced (000's) Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Lead pounds produced (000's) Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Zinc pounds produced (000's) Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Gold ounces produced Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 2020 2019 311,946 383,607 82,683 778,236 $62.44 $26.66 $58.81 $44.42 430 149 343 922 4,759 5,867 - 10,626 7,040 - 590 7,630 21,612 - - 21,612 1,112 2,017 234 3,363 318,155 410,468 69,835 798,458 $50.09 $21.50 $57.31 $36.02 520 199 304 1,023 5,419 6,734 - 12,153 9,550 - 305 9,855 24,869 - - 24,869 1,076 2,740 173 3,989 202,534 308,951 - 511,485 $44.27 $23.38 $- $34.26 285,225 377,562 77,911 740,698 $70.20 $25.82 $62.11 $46.73 321,701 348,434 61,365 731,500 $75.58 $28.67 $83.64 $53.91 307,239 331,818 70,404 709,461 $67.86 $29.37 $66.06 $49.68 254,165 326,208 82,117 662,490 $66.01 $28.61 $54.04 $46.11 233,814 263,238 71,349 568,401 $73.63 $31.47 $54.99 $51.77 358 214 - 572 4,164 5,544 - 9,708 6,406 - - 6,406 13,741 - - 13,741 850 1,912 - 2,762 495 210 243 948 5,384 6,391 - 11,775 8,608 - 471 9,079 21,646 - - 21,646 1,254 2,191 212 3,657 496 185 190 871 5,648 5,660 - 11,308 9,691 - 233 9,924 25,590 - - 25,590 1,322 2,216 77 3,615 532 173 271 976 6,012 5,115 - 11,127 10,340 - 168 10,508 22,480 - - 22,480 1,282 2,073 135 3,490 401 152 283 836 4,536 5,187 - 9,723 7,911 - 154 8,065 16,593 - - 16,593 809 1,586 146 2,541 369 130 192 691 3,863 3,869 - 7,732 6,605 - 349 6,954 16,421 - - 16,421 753 1,100 133 1,986 12 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var Quarter Ended Year Ended Consolidated Production Tonnes processed Daily throughput Silver ounces (000's) Copper pounds (000's) Lead pounds (000's) Zinc pounds (000's) Gold ounces Silver equivalent ounces (000's) (1) Copper equivalent pounds (000's) (1) Zinc equivalent pounds (000's) (1) Metals payable in concentrates Silver ounces (000's) Copper pounds (000's) Lead pounds (000's) Zinc pounds (000's) Gold ounces Silver equivalent ounces (000's) (1) Copper equivalent pounds (000's) (1) Zinc equivalent pounds (000's) (1) 778,236 8,894 731,500 8,360 922 10,626 7,630 21,612 3,363 3,996 29,267 79,521 790 10,170 6,329 18,253 3,389 3,587 26,254 71,445 871 11,308 9,924 25,590 3,615 5,016 32,510 81,919 609 9,094 8,569 19,986 2,506 3,910 25,320 63,655 6% 6% 6% -6% -23% -16% -7% -20% -10% -3% 30% 12% -26% -9% 35% -8% 4% 12% 2,828,877 8,083 2,671,853 7,634 18,721 -14% 118,214 111,678 321,638 267,658 6% 6% 3% 11% -7% 1% 18% 6% 20% 8% 15% -9% 4% 47% 3,375 39,890 35,454 81,083 11,632 2,742 35,098 32,713 67,004 8,795 3,465 44,262 32,972 81,868 13,771 16,097 2,973 40,517 29,709 69,365 12,963 14,265 15,841 -10% 104,901 95,088 285,169 229,429 10% 24% (1) Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $24.30/oz Ag, $3.32/lb Cu, $1.22/lb Zn, $0.89/lb Pb, $1,859/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $17.42/oz Ag, $2.69/lb Cu, $1.07/lb Zn, $0.92/lb Pb, $1,506/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb, $1,771/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $16.29/oz Ag, $2.73/lb Cu, $/1.14lb Zn, $0.91/lb Pb, $1,404/oz Au. The Peruvian Operation Yauricocha Mine, Yauyos Province Corona’s main asset, Yauricocha, is an underground mine located in western central Peru in the Yauyos province, approximately 12 km west of the Continental Divide. The Yauricocha property covers 18,778 hectares that straddle a 20 km strike length of the prolific Yauricocha fault, a major ore controlling structure in this part of western central Peru. The mine is at an average altitude of 4,600 meters and has been producing for more than 68 years. Ore is processed at the on-site Chumpe plant using a combination of crushing, grinding and flotation and is permitted to produce at a rate of 3,000 tpd, which the Company expects to increase to 3,600 tpd during 2021 upon receipt of permits. The ore is treated in two separate circuits and is extracted from three different types of deposits which include the following: - - - A polymetallic deposit, containing silver, lead, zinc, copper, and gold A lead oxide deposit, containing lead, silver and gold A copper oxide deposit, containing copper, silver, lead and gold Drilling in and near the mine is focused on turning mineral resources into proven and probable reserves and is driven through a combination of Company and third-party drills. The 2020 exploration program of more than 25,000 meters was suspended between March 16, 2020 to October 31, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after resumption, there were various COVID related disruptions. As a result, only 10,120 meters of drilling could be executed during the year. 13 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated Yauricocha Production A summary of contained metal production from the Yauricocha Mine for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 has been provided below: Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. Year Ended 311,946 3,565 321,701 3,677 Yauricocha Production Tonnes processed Daily throughput(1) Silver grade (g/t) Copper grade Lead grade Zinc grade Gold Grade (g/t) Silver recovery Copper recovery Lead recovery Zinc recovery Gold Recovery Silver production (000 oz) Copper production (000 lb) Lead production (000 lb) Zinc production (000 lb) Gold Production (oz) Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(2) Zinc equivalent pounds (000's)(2) -3% -3% -11% -10% -26% -11% -5% 0% -4% 0% -2% -9% -13% -16% -27% -16% -16% 1,117,860 3,194 1,116,919 3,191 61.55 1.08% 1.45% 3.77% 0.61 81.53% 74.20% 88.63% 88.13% 19.72% 1,803 19,726 31,605 81,868 4,292 63.24 1.06% 1.57% 3.72% 0.59 79.20% 77.05% 89.33% 88.52% 19.74% 1,799 20,059 34,548 81,083 4,165 60.14 1.05% 1.55% 4.05% 0.60 79.75% 75.49% 88.39% 89.11% 21.22% 496 5,648 9,691 25,590 1,322 23,058 -20% 75,079 78,242 58,102 -14% 204,274 187,672 0% 0% -3% 2% -8% 1% 3% 3% -4% -1% 0% 0% 0% -2% -9% 1% 3% -4% 9% 53.74 0.95% 1.15% 3.59% 0.57 79.80% 72.69% 88.82% 87.62% 19.34% 430 4,759 7,040 21,612 1,112 18,373 49,922 (1) Daily throughput calculated using 350 operating days for the year. (2) Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $24.30/oz Ag, $3.32/lb Cu, $1.22/lb Zn, $0.89/lb Pb, $1,859/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $17.42/oz Ag, $2.69/lb Cu, $1.07/lb Zn, $0.92/lb Pb, $1,506/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb, $1,771/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $16.29/oz Ag, $2.73/lb Cu, $/1.14lb Zn, $0.91/lb Pb, $1,404/oz Au. The Yauricocha mine production decreased by 3% during Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019, as a result of operational downtimes and production disruptions during the quarter. Copper and zinc equivalent metal production in Q4 2020 decreased by 20% and 14% respectively due to lower throughput and lower head grades, as availability of manpower continued to impact mine development, leading to lower ore contribution from the high-grade cuerpos chicos zones. Annual throughput of 1,117,860 tonnes was in line with the 2019 annual production, despite the impact of COVID-19 related shutdowns faced in Q2 2020 and other COVID-19 related challenges throughout the year. Year over year copper equivalent production decreased 4% in 2020 compared to the prior year, while zinc equivalent production was 9% higher than the same period in 2019. During 2020, the annual production of zinc and gold increased 1% and 3% respectively, while copper and lead annual production decreased by 2% and 9%. Silver production for 2020 was in line with the 2019 annual silver production. 14 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) The Mexican Operations Bolivar Mine, Chihuahua State The Bolivar Mine is a contiguous portion of the 15,217-hectare Bolívar Property land package within the municipality of Urique, in the Piedras Verdes mining district of Chihuahua State, Mexico. During 2012, the Company achieved its first full year of commercial production at the Piedras Verdes plant, which is located 6 kilometres from the Bolivar Mine that had an initial capacity of 1,000 tpd. In September 2013, the Piedras Verdes plant further increased its daily throughput capacity to 2,000 tpd by installing a new circuit. The expansion of the plant, which included installation of a refurbished mill, an electrical substation with 1250 KVA of capacity, a secondary crusher and a hydrocyclone cluster was completed in the first quarter of 2019. This helped grind size optionality and consequent improved copper recoveries at the plant. Mill throughput for 2020 averaged 4,230 tpd as a result of these improvements, despite the various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mine development at Bolivar during 2020 totaled 7,288 meters, which included 2,881 meters of development to prepare stopes for mine production and 4,407 meters related to the deepening of ramps and developing service ramps to be used for ventilation and pumping in the El Gallo Inferior and Bolivar West zones. During the year, 6,971 meters of infill drilling program was carried out at Bolivar in the El Gallo and Bolivar West zones. Additionally, 19,372 meters of brownfield exploration was completed at the Bolivar West and La Montura zones. Bolivar Production A summary of contained metal production from the Bolivar Mine for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 has been provided below: Bolivar Production Tonnes processed (t) Daily throughput (1) Copper grade Silver grade (g/t) Gold grade (g/t) Copper recovery Silver recovery Gold recovery Copper production (000 lb) Silver production (000 oz) Gold production (oz) Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(2) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. 383,607 4,384 348,434 3,982 0.79% 14.50 0.25 88.21% 83.44% 64.41% 5,867 149 2,017 0.87% 20.98 0.32 84.76% 78.69% 62.28% 5,660 185 2,216 10% 10% -9% -31% -22% 4% 6% 3% 4% -19% -9% 1,480,588 4,230 1,269,698 3,628 0.87% 19.61 0.29 86.76% 82.73% 64.07% 24,536 772 8,860 0.85% 19.81 0.27 83.02% 79.18% 63.54% 19,830 640 6,975 17% 17% 2% -1% 7% 5% 4% 1% 24% 21% 27% 8,091 8,099 0% 35,804 27,236 31% (1) Daily throughput calculated using 350 operating days for the year. (2) Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $24.30/oz Ag, $3.32/lb Cu, $1.22/lb Zn, $0.89/lb Pb, $1,859/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $17.42/oz Ag, $2.69/lb Cu, $1.07/lb Zn, $0.92/lb Pb, $1,506/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb, $1,771/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $16.29/oz Ag, $2.73/lb Cu, $/1.14lb Zn, $0.91/lb Pb, $1,404/oz Au. 15 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Q4 2020 throughput of 383,607 tonnes was 10% higher than Q4 2019 production, despite the lack of manpower resulting from positive cases of the COVID-19 virus at site identified during our health safety screens. Operational challenges, emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, and technical difficulties at the mine, resulted in grades being negatively impacted during Q4 2020, as compared to the same quarter of the prior year. The Bolivar mine achieved annual throughput of 1,480,588 tonnes, or a 17% increase over the 2019 annual throughput largely attributable to the plant expansion at the end of 2019. Copper equivalent production for Q4 2020 was in line with the same quarter of the prior year, but 31% higher for the full year 2020 as compared to full year 2019. Annual copper, silver and gold production were 24%, 21% and 27% higher respectively as compared to 2019 production. Cusi Mine, Chihuahua State The Company’s Cusi Mine encompasses 73 concessions covering 11,977 hectares that include 12 historical mines, each located on a mineralized structure, which lie within 40 kilometers of the Malpaso Plant located in Chihuahua State, Mexico. On January 1, 2013 the Company announced that the Cusi Mine achieved commercial production. Mine development totaled 4,590 meters, mainly related to stope preparation in various zones within the mine. Cusi Production A summary of contained metal production from the Cusi Mine for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 has been provided below: Cusi Production Tonnes processed (t) Daily throughput(1) Silver grade (g/t) Gold grade (g/t) Lead grade Silver recovery (flotation) Gold recovery (lixiviation) Lead recovery Silver production (000 oz) Gold production (oz) Lead production (000 lb) Silver equivalent ounces (000's)(2) Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 % Var. Year Ended 82,683 945 160.62 0.19 0.28% 80.37% 46.73% 82.79% 343 234 590 383 61,365 701 120.51 0.14 0.23% 79.82% 28.36% 74.00% 190 77 233 35% 35% 33% 36% 22% 1% 65% 12% 81% 204% 153% 230,429 658 149.62 0.18 0.29% 80.32% 45.75% 82.40% 890 619 1,367 285,236 815 129.05 0.15 0.19% 79.10% 36.14% 75.40% 936 492 906 -19% -19% 16% 20% 53% 2% 27% 9% -5% 26% 51% 209 83% 998 1,029 -3% (1) Daily throughput calculated using 350 operating days for the year. Considering the care and maintenance period, Cusi operated for 240 days during the year, resulting in actual daily throughput of 960 tonnes per day. (2) Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $24.30/oz Ag, $3.32/lb Cu, $1.22/lb Zn, $0.89/lb Pb, $1,859/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for Q4 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $17.42/oz Ag, $2.69/lb Cu, $1.07/lb Zn, $0.92/lb Pb, $1,506/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2020 were calculated using the following realized prices: $20.59/oz Ag, $2.80/lb Cu, $1.03/lb Zn, $0.83/lb Pb, $1,771/oz Au. Silver equivalent ounces and copper and zinc equivalent pounds for full year 2019 were calculated using the following realized prices: $16.29/oz Ag, $2.73/lb Cu, $/1.14lb Zn, $0.91/lb Pb, $1,404/oz Au. 16 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Mill throughput during Q4 2020 at the Cusi mine was 82,683 tonnes or 35% higher than the Q4 2019 throughput. Higher silver and gold head grades during Q4 2020 resulted from mining the recently discovered high-grade Northeast Southwest vein system. Annual throughput at the Cusi Mine was 230,429 tonnes in 2020, which was 19% lower than 2019, as the mine remained in care and maintenance throughout Q2 2020 and part of Q3 2020. Despite the 83% increase in silver equivalent production during Q4 2020, annual silver equivalent production remained 3% below the 2019 annual production, due to the afore-mentioned care and maintenance period. Compared to 2019, silver production decreased 5% to 0.9 million ounces, gold production increased 26% to 619 ounces and lead production increased 51% to 1.4 million pounds. Q4 2020 production for silver, gold and lead was 81%, 204% and 153% higher respectively than the Q4 2019 production. CONSOLIDATED MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES The Company announced PEA results for all three mines during the year and filed the corresponding on the dates indicated below: Yauricocha mine – December 8, 2020; Bolivar mine – December 5, 2020; and Cusi mine – January 5, 2021. In accordance with NI 43-101, the Mineral Reserves previously reported for these mines are no longer valid after the issuance of the PEA Technical Reports and so have been removed from the tables below. The Mineral Reserves will be reported as part of an NI 43-101 Mineral Reserve Report. The Mineral Resources have been adjusted for the mining depletion as of the effective date of the technical reports to December 31, 2020. Sierra Metals Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020 Total Measured & Indicated Total Inferred 39,148 37,151 48.4 35.6 0.32 0.28 0.83 0.87 0.30 0.15 0.92 0.39 60.8 42.6 399.9 333.6 715.6 711.7 255.8 125.4 793.0 317.4 Yauricocha Mine Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020 – (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Inferred Tonnes (K t) 4,598 10,714 15,312 11,633 Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (M oz) Contained Metal Cu (M lb) Au (K oz) Pb (M lb) 55.7 37.8 43.2 27.5 0.59 0.50 0.53 0.45 1.14 1.21 1.19 1.40 0.79 0.50 0.59 0.31 2.50 2.00 2.15 0.95 8.2 13.0 21.2 10.3 87.2 172.3 259.5 167.4 115.6 285.8 401.4 357.9 80.1 118.1 198.2 79.3 Zn (M lb) 253.4 472.4 725.8 242.5 (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (3) The consolidated Yauricocha Mineral Resource estimate is comprised of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources in the Mina Central, Cuerpos Pequeños, Cuye, Mascota, Esperanza and Cachi-Cachi mining areas. (4) Polymetallic Mineral Resources are reported at Cut-Off Values (COVs) based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. (5) Metal price assumptions used for polymetallic feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz), Copper (US$3.05/lb), Lead (US$0.91/lb), and Zinc (US$1.06/lb). (6) Lead Oxide Mineral Resources are reported at COVs based on 2020 actual metallurgical recoveries and 2020 smelter contracts. (7) Metal price assumptions used for lead oxide feed considered CIBC, August 2020 long-term consensus pricing (Gold (US$1,502/oz), Silver (US$18.24/oz) and Lead (US$0.91/lb). (8) The mining costs are based on 2020 actual costs and are variable by mining method. (9) The unit value COVs are variable by mining area and proposed mining method. The marginal COV ranges from US$25 to US$36. 17 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Bolivar Mine Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020 (1) (2) Indicated Inferred Measured & Indicated Tonnes (K t) 18,590 20,625 39,215 Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (M oz) Contained Metal Cu (M lb) Au (K oz) Pb (M lb) 14.9 14.0 14.4 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.77 0.78 0.77 - - - - - - 8.9 9.3 18.2 120.8 138.5 259.3 314.2 353.8 668.0 Zn (M lb) - - - - - - (1) Mineral resources are not ore reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (2) Mineral resources are reported at a value per tonne cut-off of US$24.25/t using the following metal prices and recoveries; Cu at US$3.08/t and 88% recovery; Ag at US$17.82/oz and 78.6% recovery, Au at US$1,354/oz and 62.9% recovery. Cusi Mine Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2020 – (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Measured Indicated Measured & Indicated Inferred Tonnes (K t) 795 4,451 5,246 4,893 Ag (g/t) 216.5 176.2 182.0 146.0 Au (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (M oz) Contained Metal Cu (M lb) Au (K oz) Pb (M lb) 0.05 0.13 0.12 0.18 - - - - 0.26 0.54 0.50 0.43 0.30 0.63 0.58 0.69 5.5 25.2 30.7 23.0 1.4 18.2 19.6 27.7 - - - - 4.6 53.0 57.6 46.1 Zn (M lb) 5.3 61.9 67.2 74.9 (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. (2) Mineral resources are not ore reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (3) Mineral resources are reported at a single cut-off grade of 95 g/t AgEq based on metal price assumptions*, metallurgical recovery assumptions, personnel costs (US$10.56/t), mine operation, transport and maintenance costs (US$24.86/t), processing operation and maintenance (US$11.86/t), and general and administrative and other costs (US$3.20/t). (4) Metal price assumptions considered for the calculation of the cut-off grade and equivalency are: Silver (Ag): US$/oz 20.0, Lead (US$/lb. 0.91), Zinc (US$/lb. 1.07) and Gold (US$/oz 1,541.00). CIBC, Consensus Forecast, September 30, 2020 (5) The resources were estimated by SRK. Giovanny Ortiz, B.Sc., PGeo, FAusIMM #304612 of SRK, a Qualified Person, performed the resource estimation for the Cusi Mine. (6) Based on the historical production information of Cusi, the metallurgical recovery assumptions are: 87% Ag, 57% Au, 86% Pb, 51% Zn. 6. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL RESULTS Year ended December 31, 2020 (compared to the year ended December 31, 2019) (In thousands of United States dollars, except cash costs) Revenue Adjusted EBITDA 1 Cash flow from operations before movements in working capital Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders Non-cash charge on the acquisition of Corona Gross profit Income tax expense Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders (In thousands of United States dollars) Cash and cash equivalents Assets Liabilities Net Debt 2 Equity Year ended Dec 31, 2020 Year ended Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 $ 246,888 $ 96,982 99,005 29,569 8,503 81,585 (22,586) 23,419 229,038 $ 65,257 66,359 13,874 10,344 57,762 (12,528) 4,431 232,371 89,756 90,148 29,009 10,534 85,782 (26,340) 18,814 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 $ 71,473 $ 42,980 $ 439,592 199,384 27,910 240,208 411,447 199,428 56,834 212,019 Dec 31, 2018 21,832 356,441 152,836 34,421 203,605 1 This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see Non-IFRS Performance Measures section 2 Loans payable minus cash and cash equivalents. 18 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Net income attributable to shareholders for 2020 was $23.4 million (2019: $4.4 million) or $0.14 per share (basic and diluted) (2019: $0.03). The other major differences between these periods are explained below. Revenues Revenue from metals payable of $146.9 million at the Yauricocha Mine in Peru decreased by 6% compared to $156.0 million of revenues in 2019 primarily due to the increase of treatment and refining costs. Annual sales quantities for zinc and gold increased by 4% and 9%, while silver and lead sales quantities decreased by 1% and 9% respectively. Sales of copper pounds were in-line with full year 2019 sales. Average realized sale prices increased for silver (26%), gold (26%) and copper (3%), while average realized prices for zinc and lead decreased by 10% and 9% respectively as compared to 2019. Revenue from metals payable in Mexico increased to $100.0 million for 2020 from $73.1 million in 2019, driven mainly by the increase in metal sales at Bolivar mine combined with the impact of higher realized sale metal prices compared to 2019. The following table shows the Company’s realized selling prices for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: Realized Metal Prices (In US dollars) Silver (oz) Copper (lb) Lead (lb) Zinc (lb) Gold (oz) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 20.59 $ 2.80 $ 0.83 $ 1.03 $ 1,771 $ 16.29 2.73 0.91 1.14 1,404 $ $ $ $ $ Yauricocha’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.07 (2019 - $1.17), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.01 (2019 - $1.12), and AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound of $2.11 (2019 - $1.91). Lower cash costs resulted from decrease in cost per tonne attributable to lower labor and contractor costs due to operational challenges related to COVID-19. Cash costs for the year were 12% lower despite the $4.8 million of charges related to the COVID-19, such as cost of cleaning supplies, medical tests and costs related to quarantine employees and contractors. The increase in the AISC per copper equivalent payable pound for 2020 compared to 2019 was a result of higher treatment and refining costs. Other sustaining costs were in-line with these costs incurred in 2019. Yauricocha’s cost of sales per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.39 (2019 - $0.48), cash cost per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.37 (2019 - $0.46), and AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound of $0.78 (2019 - $0.79). Lower cash costs resulted from lower operating cost per tonne combined with 9% higher equivalent zinc pounds. AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound for twelve-month period of 2020 was in-line with same period of 2019 as lower cash costs were offset by the increase in treatment and refining costs. Bolivar’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.14 (2019 - $2.03), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.13 (2019 - $1.73), and AISC per copper equivalent 19 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) payable pound was $1.88 (2019 - $2.86). Lower unit costs at Bolivar were a result of the 48% increase in copper equivalent pound sold during 2020 as compared to 2019. Cusi’s cost of sales per silver equivalent payable ounce was $17.92 (2019 - $13.35), cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce was $16.62 (2019 - $21.38), and AISC per silver equivalent payable ounce was $25.26 (2019 - $30.89). Costs were lower during the year due to lower contractor costs related to underground development. Silver equivalent ounces sold during 2020 were 5% higher than 2019, despite the loss of production during the care and maintenance period, as silver and gold grades increased in Q4 2020. Non-Cash Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization The Company recorded total non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for 2020 of $41.7 million compared to $36.1 million for the same period in 2019. A large component of the net income for every period is the non-cash depletion charge in Peru, which was $8.5 million for 2020 (2019 - $10.3 million). The non-cash depletion charge is based on the aggregate fair value of the Yauricocha mineral property at the date of acquisition of Corona of $371.0 million amortized over the total proven and probable reserves of the mine. General and Administrative Expenses The Company incurred general and administrative expenses of $20.3 million in 2020 compared to $19.5 million in 2019. The 4% increase in general and administrative costs in 2020 compared to 2019 resulted mainly from increase in salaries and benefits, and insurances offset by a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA (1) The Company recorded adjusted EBITDA of $97.0 million during 2020 (2019: $65.3 million) which includes $59.7 million (2019: $60.2 million) from the Peruvian operations and $40.9 million (2019: $9.2 million) from the operations in Mexico. The increase in adjusted EBITDA is due to the increase in revenues and lower operating costs per tonne at the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that represents an indication of the Company’s continuing capacity to generate earnings from operations before taking into account management’s financing decisions and costs of consuming capital assets, which vary according to their vintage, technological currency, and management’s estimate of their useful life. Adjusted EBITDA comprises revenue less operating expenses before interest expense (income), property, plant and equipment amortization and depletion, foreign exchange variations, non-recurring provisions, share-based payments expense, and income taxes. The Company considers cash flow before movements in working capital to be the IFRS performance measure that is most closely comparable to adjusted EBITDA. 20 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) The following tables display selected annual financial results detailed by operating segment: Year ended December 31, 2020 Revenue (1) Production cost of sales Depletion of mineral property Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Cost of sales Gross profit (loss) from mining operations Net income (loss) from operations Adjusted EBITDA Income Taxes Peru Mexico Yauricocha Mine Bolivar Mine $ $ Mexico Cusi Mine $ Canada Corporate $ 146,941 81,762 18,185 (70,660) (8,503) (13,455) (92,618) 54,323 17,133 59,661 (37,319) (3,873) (10,320) (51,512) 30,250 19,322 38,442 (15,670) (2,063) (3,440) (21,173) (2,988) (4,198) 2,498 - - - - - - (4,866) (3,619) Total $ 246,888 (123,649) (14,439) (27,215) (165,303) 81,585 27,391 96,982 The Company recorded current tax expense of $20.5 million for 2020 compared to $17.4 million in 2019. The increase was the result of the higher taxable income generated during the year. During 2020, the Company recorded a deferred tax expense of $2.1 million compared to $4.9 million deferred tax recovery in 2019. The deferred tax expense, partially related to the weakening of the Peruvian Soles and Mexican Pesos during the year, was net of deferred tax recovery of $2.6 million for the non-cash recovery associated with the acquisition of Corona which has decreased period over period, in line with the non-cash depletion charge mentioned previously. Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Shareholders (1) Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders (1) of $29.6 million, or $0.18 per share, for 2020 was higher than the adjusted net income of $13.9 million, or $0.09 per share for 2019. Adjusted net income is defined by management as the net income attributable to shareholders shown in the condensed interim consolidated statements of income excluding the non-cash depletion charge due to the acquisition of Corona, the corresponding deferred income tax recovery, and certain non-recurring or non-cash items. Accordingly, management considers this metric to be more meaningful to measure the Company’s profitability than net income as it adjusts for specific non-cash items. Total Comprehensive Income Total comprehensive income (“TCI”) for 2020 was $27.5 million compared to TCI of $10.0 million in 2019. TCI includes a foreign currency gain of $0.1 million for 2020 (2019 - $0.7 million). The unrealized foreign currency translation gain was caused by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar during the period which resulted in a foreign exchange gain on the translation of the Canadian dollar net assets into the Company’s US dollar presentation currency. (1) This is a non-IFRS performance measure, see non-IFRS Performance Measures section of this MD&A. 21 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Cash Flows Cash flow generated from operations before movements in working capital of $99.0 million for 2020 increased compared to $66.4 million in 2019. The increase in operating cash flow is mainly the result of higher revenues generated and higher gross margins realized, attributable to lower operating costs. Net cash flow of $(34.2) million (2019 - $(54.6) million) used in investing activities during 2020 consists of purchases of property, plant and equipment, capital expenditures related to the Yauricocha shaft and tunnel development, and exploration and evaluation assets in Peru and Mexico, net of proceeds of equipment sale in Peru for $0.9 million (2019 - $nil) and proceeds of an insurance claim related to damage to fresh water dam in Mexico. A breakdown of the Company’s capital expenditures of $36.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 is presented in the following table: ($000) Expenditure Exploration Development Investment in Equipment Mascota Shaft / Central Shaft Concentrator Plant Improvements Ventilation Tailings dam Other Yauricocha Shaft Ramp Lv 720 Mascota - Esperanza Mine Camp Other Concessions 12M 2020 Capital Expenditures by Mine Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,122 $ 4,387 $ 4,879 $ 1,064 $ 1,416 $ 813 $ 94 $ 687 $ 731 $ 876 $ 2,256 $ - $ 18,325 $ 2,279 $ 3,612 $ 1,446 $ - $ 1,147 $ - $ 1,282 $ 1,081 $ - $ - $ - $ 1,636 $ 12,483 $ 220 $ 967 $ 1,345 $ - $ 799 $ - $ 1,542 $ 291 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 5,164 $ 3,621 8,966 7,670 1,064 3,362 813 2,918 2,059 731 876 2,256 1,636 35,972 Net cash flow of $28.5 million during 2020 mainly due to $67.0 million of operating cash flows after taxes and changes in working capital, offset by $34.2 million of cash used in investing activities and interest payment of $4.1 million on the senior secured credit facility. 7. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REVIEW The following table displays selected results from the eight most recent quarters: (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Revenues Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share ($) 2020 2019 Dec-31 Sep-30 Jun-30 Mar-31 Dec-31 Sep-30 Jun-30 Mar-31 76,218 31,127 73,211 37,186 41,901 12,595 55,558 16,074 64,634 19,104 64,551 21,554 50,673 12,558 49,180 12,041 8,638 18,377 1,344 1,210 7,228 4,115 1,645 886 7,603 17,531 154 (1,869) 4,534 1,779 (158) (1,724) 0.04 0.11 - (0.01) 0.03 0.01 - (0.01) 22 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Three months ended December 31, 2020 (compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019) Net income attributable to shareholders for Q4 2020 was $7.6 million, or $0.04 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.03 per share (basic and diluted) for the same period in 2019. The major differences between these periods are explained below. Revenues Revenues from metals payable from the Yauricocha Mine in Peru were $45.2 million for Q4 2020 compared to $42.2 million in Q4 2019. Revenues for Q4 2020 were higher compared to revenues for Q4 2019 mainly due to the increase in average realized prices for all metals except lead. The increase in metal prices more than compensated for the increase in treatment and refining costs and lower quantities of metal sales resulting from lower throughput and grades during Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019. Revenue from metals payable from the Bolivar mine was $23.1 million for Q4 2020, compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2019, driven higher mainly by the 23% increase in realized prices for copper. Revenues generated at the Cusi Mine for Q4 2020 were $7.9 million compared to $2.8 million for Q4 2019. Higher revenues in Cusi for Q4 2020 was a combined result of 35% higher throughput, 33% higher silver grades and 39% higher realized silver prices as compared to the same quarter of 2019. The following table shows the Company’s realized selling prices for each quarter in 2020 and 2019: Realized Metal Prices (In US dollars) Silver (oz) Copper (lb) Lead (lb) Zinc (lb) Gold (oz) 2020 2019 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 $ $ $ $ $ 24.30 $ 3.32 $ 0.89 $ 1.22 $ 1,859 $ 24.89 $ 2.97 $ 0.85 $ 1.08 $ 1,916 $ 16.59 $ 2.40 $ 0.76 $ 0.89 $ 1,722 $ 16.57 $ 2.53 $ 0.80 $ 0.93 $ 1,585 $ 17.42 $ 2.69 $ 0.92 $ 1.07 $ 1,506 $ 17.28 $ 2.63 $ 0.94 $ 1.06 $ 1,481 $ 14.88 $ 2.75 $ 0.85 $ 1.20 $ 1,323 $ 15.57 2.85 0.94 1.23 1,305 Yauricocha’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.21 (Q4 2019 - $1.11), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.16 (Q4 2019 - $1.17), and AISC per copper equivalent payable pound of $2.47 (Q4 2019 - $2.11). Lower cost of sales per pound resulted from a 17% decrease in the number of copper equivalent pound sold during the quarter as compared to the same quarter of 2019. Cash cost per copper equivalent pound for Q4 2020 was in line with Q4 2019, as the decrease in cash costs was offset by the decrease in copper equivalent pound sold. AISC per copper equivalent pound sold increase 17% also due to the decrease in copper equivalent pound sold, as lower cash costs and sustaining capital costs were offset by higher treatment and refining costs. Yauricocha’s cost of sales per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.44 (Q4 2019 - $0.44), cash cost per zinc equivalent payable pound was $0.42 (Q4 2019 - $0.46), and AISC per zinc equivalent payable pound of $0.91 (Q4 2019 - $0.83). In line cost of sales per pound and lower cash costs per pound for Q4 2020 as compared Q4 2019 resulted from the decrease in costs despite an 11% decrease in the number of zinc equivalent pound sold during Q4 2020. Lower quantity of zinc equivalent pound sold also resulted in 9% higher AISC per zinc equivalent pound during the quarter. 23 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Bolivar’s cost of sales per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.36 (Q4 2019 - $2.44), cash cost per copper equivalent payable pound was $1.35 (Q4 2019 - $2.06), and AISC per copper equivalent payable pound was $2.34 (Q4 2019 - $2.92) for Q4 2020. AISC per copper equivalent payable pound decreased during Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019, despite higher sustaining capital during the quarter, due to a 50% increase in the number of copper equivalent ounces sold. Cusi’s cost of sales per silver equivalent payable ounce was $14.98 (Q4 2019 - $25.29), cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce was $15.70 (Q4 2019 - $42.12), and AISC per silver equivalent payable ounce was $28.18 (Q4 2019 - $56.84) for Q4 2020. Unit costs decreased at Cusi due to the 155% increase in the silver equivalent ounces sold as compared to the same quarter of 2019. Non-Cash Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization The Company recorded total non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for Q4 2020 of $12.6 million compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2019. A large component of the non-cash depletion, depreciation and amortization expense is the depletion charge on the acquisition of Corona of $2.3 million for Q4 2020 compared to $2.7 million for the same period in 2019. The non-cash depletion charge is based on the aggregate fair value of the Yauricocha mineral property at the date of acquisition of Corona of $371.0 million amortized over the total proven and probable reserves of the mine. General and Administrative Expenses The Company incurred general and administrative expenses of $5.7 million for Q4 2020, slightly higher than $5.3 million for Q4 2019. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA(1) for Q4 2020 increased by 63% to $31.1 million as compared to the $19.1 million in Q4 2019. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was a result of higher revenues during the quarter combined with lower operating cost per tonne at Yauricocha (17%), Bolivar (7%) and Cusi (30%) as compared to the same quarter of 2019. Income Taxes The Company recorded current tax expense of $9.0 million for Q4 2020 compared to $5.2 million in Q4 2019. Current taxes increased due to higher net income during the quarter as compared to same quarter of the prior year. During Q4 2020, the Company recorded a deferred tax expense of $0.4 million compared to a deferred tax recovery of $3.4 million in Q4 2019. 24 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Shareholders The Company recorded an adjusted net income of $8.7 million for Q4 2020 compared to $7.2 million for Q4 2019. Adjusted net income is defined by management as the net income attributable to shareholders shown in the condensed interim consolidated statements of income excluding the non- cash depletion charge due to the acquisition of Corona, the corresponding deferred income tax recovery, and certain non-recurring or non-cash items. Accordingly, management considers this metric to be more meaningful to measure the Company’s profitability than net income as it adjusts for specific non-cash items. Total Comprehensive Income TCI for Q4 2020 was $9.9 million compared to TCI of $6.5 million for the same period in 2019. TCI includes a foreign currency gain of $0.6 million in Q4 2020 (Q4 2019 - $0.5 million). The unrealized foreign currency translation gain was caused by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar during the quarter, which resulted in a foreign exchange gain on the translation of the Canadian dollar net assets into the Company’s US dollar presentation currency. 8. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Financial Condition Review The following table provides a comparison of key elements of Sierra’s balance sheet as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: (000's) Cash and cash equivalents Working capital Total assets Debt (net of financing fees) Total liabilities Equity attributable to owners of the Company December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 42,980 $ 49,922 $ 411,447 $ 71,473 $ 70,885 $ 439,592 $ $ $ $ 99,383 $ 199,384 $ 99,814 199,428 201,000 $ 176,783 Cash and cash equivalents of $71.5 million and working capital of $70.9 million as at December 31, 2020 compared to $43.0 million and $49.9 million, respectively, at the end of 2019. Cash and cash equivalents increased during 2020 due to $67.0 million of operating cash flows after taxes and changes in working capital being offset by cash used in financing activities of $34.2 million and interest payment of $4.1 million. Trade and other receivables include $5.9 million (December 31, 2019 - $9.2 million) of Mexican value-added tax (“VAT”) receivables. The Company expects to collect or offset the VAT balance against 2021 VAT payables. Amounts included in trade and other receivables are current and the Company has no allowance for doubtful accounts as at December 31, 2020. 25 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Sierra’s outstanding loan and credit facilities are shown below: (000's) Senior Secured Corporate Facility with BCP(1) Total Debt Less cash balances Net Debt Balance Outstanding December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Limit $ 100,000 $ $ $ $ 99,383 $ 99,383 $ 71,473 $ 27,910 $ 99,814 99,814 42,980 56,834 (1) See consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2020 for details of each loan and credit facility. Outstanding Shares The authorized share capital at December 31, 2020 was an unlimited number of common shares without par value. As at March 15, 2021, the Company had 162.8 million shares issued and outstanding (December 31, 2019 – 162.1 million shares issued and outstanding). As at December 31, 2020, there were 1,409,058 RSUs outstanding at a weighted average fair value of C$1.57. As at March 15, 2021 there are 1,409,058 RSUs outstanding at a weighted average fair value of C$1.57. 9. SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT Sierra Metals is fully committed to disciplined and responsible growth and has Safety and Health and Environmental Policies in place to support this commitment. The Company’s corporate responsibility objectives are to prevent pollution, minimize the impact operations may cause to the environment and practice progressive rehabilitation of areas impacted by its activities. The Company aims to operate in a socially responsible and sustainable manner, and to follow international guidelines in Mexico and Peru. The Company focuses on social programs with the local communities in Mexico and Peru on an ongoing basis. 10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISKS Financial Risk Management The Company is exposed to financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk. The aim of the Company’s overall risk management strategy is to reduce the potential adverse effect that these risks may have on the Company’s financial position and results. The Company’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility and oversight of management’s risk management practices. Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Company may from time to time, use foreign exchange contracts, future and forward contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and metals prices. The Company does not ordinarily enter into hedging arrangements to cover long term commodity price risk unless it has the obligation to do so under a credit facility, which would be approved by the Board of Directors. 26 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (a) Market Risk (i) Currency Risk Currency risk is the risk that the fair values or future cash flows of the Company’s financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company and its subsidiaries’ financial instruments are exposed to currency risk where those instruments are denominated in currencies that are not the same as their functional currency; exchange gains and losses in these situations impact net income or loss. The Company’s sales of silver, copper, lead and zinc are denominated in United States dollars and the Company’s costs are incurred in Canadian dollars, United States dollars, Mexican pesos and Peruvian Nuevo Soles. The United States dollar is the functional currency of the Peruvian and Mexican entities. The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of all other entities. The Company also holds cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and other liabilities that are subject to currency risk. The following are the most significant areas of exposure to currency risk: Cash and cash equivalents Income tax and other receivables December 31, 2020 CAN dollar Mexican Peso 179 39 218 1,706 13,371 15,077 Peruvian Nuevo Soles 1,625 723 2,348 Total $ 3,510 14,133 17,643 Accounts payable and other liabilities (885) (27,009) (16,438) (44,332) Total (667) (11,932) (14,090) (26,689) December 31, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents Income tax and other receivables 113 45 158 CAN dollar Mexican Peso Peruvian Nuevo Soles 2,473 1,683 4,156 73 13,262 13,335 Total $ 2,659 14,990 17,649 Accounts payable and other liabilities (724) (30,208) (15,357) (46,289) Total (566) (16,873) (11,201) (28,640) The Company manages and monitors this risk with the objective of mitigating the potential adverse effect that fluctuations in currencies against the Canadian dollar and US dollar could have on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and Consolidated Statement of income (loss). As at December 31, 2020, the Company has not entered into any derivative contracts to mitigate this risk. 27 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) A 10% appreciation in the US dollar exchange rate against the Peruvian Nuevo Soles and the Mexican Peso based on the financial assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2020, with all the other variables held constant, would have resulted in an increase to the Company’s net income of $1,965 (increase in income in 2019 of $2,053). A 10% appreciation in the Canadian dollar exchange rate against the US dollar based on the financial assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2020 and 2019, with all the other variables held constant, would have resulted in a negligible impact to the Company’s net income (loss). (ii) Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair values or future cash flows of the Company will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its loans payable (note 10). The Company monitors its exposure to interest rates closely and has not entered into any derivative contracts to manage its risk. The weighted average interest rate paid by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2020 on its loans and notes payable in Peru was 4.07% (2019 – 5.58%). With all other variables unchanged a 1% increase in the interest rate would have increased the Company’s net loss by $708 (2019 - $690). (iii) Commodity Price Risk Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting all similar financial instruments in the market. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had certain amounts related to the sales of concentrates that have only been provisionally priced. Commodity price risk exists solely in Mexico as the Company fixes metal prices with the purchaser of its concentrates for specific sales for which concentrates have been delivered. The Company’s exposure to commodity price risk is as follows: Commodity 10% decrease in silver prices 10% decrease in copper prices 10% decrease in zinc prices 10% decrease in lead prices 10% decrease in gold prices As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any forward contracts outstanding. 2020 $ 2019 $ (471) (743) (354) (105) (928) (97) - - - (323) 28 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (b) Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligation as they fall due. The Company has in place planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its expansion and development plans. The Company tries to ensure that it has sufficient committed credit facilities to meet its short-term operating needs. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities and undiscounted cash flows as at December 31, 2020 of the Company’s financial liabilities and operating and capital commitments: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Loans payable Interest on loans payable Asset retirement obligations Other liabilities Total Commitments Within 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years After 5 years $ $ $ $ As at December 31, 2020 $ 30,317 18,750 3,334 1,284 7,562 61,247 - 25,000 2,513 4,816 2,207 34,536 - 56,250 2,464 4,819 - 63,533 - - - 14,321 - 14,321 30,317 100,000 8,311 25,240 9,769 173,637 In the opinion of management, the working capital at December 31, 2020, together with future cash flows from operations and available loan facilities, is sufficient to support the Company’s commitments through 2021. (c) Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument might fail to discharge its obligations under the terms of a financial contract. Credit risk is primarily associated with trade receivables; however, it also arises on cash and cash equivalents. The Company sells its concentrate to large international organizations. The Company is exposed to significant concentration of credit risk given that all of its revenues from Peru and Mexico were from two customers at each of the locations. At December 31, 2020 and 2019 the Company has not recorded an allowance against trade receivables because it is confident that all of the balances will be collected in full when due and there have not been any issues collecting balances owed to the Company in the past. The Company’s policy is to keep its cash and cash equivalents only with highly rated financial institutions and to only invest in government securities. The Company considers the risk of loss associated with cash and cash equivalents to be low. The counterparty to the financial asset is a large international financial institution with strong credit ratings and thus the credit risk is considered to be low. 29 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) 11. OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES Foreign Operations The Company currently conducts foreign operations and has exploration properties in Peru and Mexico, and as such is exposed to various levels of economic, political and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties vary from country to country and include, but are not limited to, royalties and tax increases or claims by governmental bodies, expropriation or nationalization, foreign exchange controls, import and export regulations, cancellation or renegotiation of contracts and environmental permitting regulations. The occurrence of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have a material adverse effect on operations or profitability. The Company currently has no political risk insurance coverage against these risks. The Company is unable to determine the impact of these risks on its future financial position or results of operations. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in foreign countries may substantively affect Company’s exploration, development and production activities. Environmental Regulation The Company’s activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing environmental protection which are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. The Company is required to obtain governmental permits and, in some instances, provide bonding requirements under federal, state, or provincial air, water quality, and mine reclamation rules and permits. Although the Company makes provisions for reclamation costs, it cannot be assured that these provisions will be adequate to discharge its future obligations for these costs. Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws may result in injunctions, damages, suspension or revocation of permits and imposition of penalties. While responsible environmental stewardship is one of the Company’s top priorities, there can be no assurance that the Company has been or will be at all times in complete compliance with such laws, regulations and permits, or that the costs of complying with current and future environmental laws and permits will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Exploration, Development and Mining Risk Sierra’s operations will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of base or precious metals, including, without limitation, unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, pit-wall failures, cave-ins, flooding, mud-rushes and other conditions involved in the drilling, mining and removal of material, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to life or property, environmental damage and legal liability. Milling operations are also subject to various hazards, including, without limitation, equipment failure and failure of retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and legal liability. 30 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Loan Repayment Risk The Company’s ability to repay its loans depends on its future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition. The Company has prepared budgets based on estimates of commodity prices, future production, operating costs and capital costs however the Company cannot assure you that such revenues, production plans, costs or other estimates will be achieved. Actual revenues and production costs may vary from the estimates depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within the Company’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to: commodity price fluctuations; actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution, and metallurgical and other characteristics; mine failures, slope failures or equipment failures; industrial accidents; natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rock slides and earthquakes; encountering unusual or unexpected geological conditions; changes in power costs and potential power shortages; exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations; shortages of principal supplies needed shortages of principal supplies needed for operations, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, equipment parts and lubricants; labor shortages or strikes; high rates of inflation; civil disobedience and protests; and restrictions (including change to the taxation regime) or regulations imposed by governmental or regulatory authorities or other changes in the regulatory environments. Failure to achieve revenue, production or cost estimates or material increases in costs or material decreases in commodity prices could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, profitability, results of operations and financial condition. Title Risk Although the Company believes that it has exercised commercially reasonable due diligence with respect to determining title to properties that it owns or controls, there is no guarantee that title to such properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Company’s properties may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Company’s properties which could impair development and/or operations of the Company. Permit Risk In the ordinary course of business, the Company will be required to obtain and renew governmental permits and licenses for the operation and expansion of existing operations or for the commencement of new operations. Obtaining or renewing the necessary governmental permits is a complex and time-consuming process. The duration and success of the Company’s efforts to obtain and renew permits and licenses are contingent upon many variables not within its control including the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting or licensing authority. The Company may not be able to obtain or renew permits and licenses that are necessary to continue its operations or the cost to obtain or renew permits and licenses may exceed what the Company expects. Any unexpected delays or costs associated with the permitting and licensing process could delay the development or impede operations, which may adversely affect the Company’s revenues and future growth. 31 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Estimates of Mineralized Materials are Subject to Geologic Uncertainty and Inherent Sample Variability Although the estimated resources have been delineated with appropriately spaced drilling and sampling, both underground and surface, there is inherent variability between duplicate samples taken adjacent to each other and between sampling points that cannot be reasonably eliminated. There also may be unknown geologic details that have not been identified or correctly appreciated at the current level of delineation. This results in uncertainties that cannot be reasonably eliminated from the estimation process. Some of the resulting variances can have a positive effect and others can have a negative effect on mining and processing operations. Acceptance of these uncertainties is part of any mining operation. Estimates of mineralized material constitute forward-looking information, which is inherently subject to variability. Although resource estimates require a high degree of assurance in the underlying data when the estimates are made, unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors can have significant adverse or positive impacts on the estimates. Actual results will inherently differ from estimates. The unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors include geologic uncertainties including inherent sample variability, metal price fluctuations, variations in mining and processing parameters, and adverse changes in environmental or mining laws and regulations. The timing and effects of variances from estimated values cannot be accurately predicted. Mineral Resources Although the Company’s reported mineral resources have been carefully prepared by qualified persons, these amounts are estimates only by independent geologists, and the Company cannot be certain that any specified level of recovery of mineral will in fact be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body that can be economically exploited. Mineralized materials, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. Any material change in the quantity of mineralization, grade or stripping ratio, or the metal price may affect the economic viability of the Company’s properties. In addition, the Company cannot be certain that metal recoveries in small-scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production. Until an un-mined deposit is actually mined and processed, the quantity of mineral resources and reserves and grades must be considered as estimates only. In addition, the economic value of mineral reserves and mineral resources may vary depending on, among other things, metal prices. Insurance Risk The Company’s insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company’s operations. The Company may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, the Company expects that insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production may be prohibitively expensive to obtain for a company of Sierra’s size and financial means. The Company might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which the Company may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. 32 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Competitive Risk The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases. The Company faces strong competition from other mining companies in connection with the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, base and precious metals. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than the Company does. As a result of this competition, the Company may be unable to maintain or acquire attractive mining properties on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Consequently, the Company’s revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Sierra’s Common Shares may Experience Price Volatility Securities of mineral resource and mining companies have experienced substantial volatility in the past, often based on factors unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the companies involved. These factors include macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, as well as market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. The price of the Company’s common shares is also likely to be significantly affected by short-term changes in commodity prices and currency exchange fluctuation. As a result of any of these factors, the market price of the Company’s common shares at any given point in time may not accurately reflect the long-term value of the Company. Securities class- action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Company may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management’s attention and resources. Global Financial Risk Financial markets globally have been subject to increased volatility. Access to financing has been negatively impacted by liquidity crises throughout the world. These factors may impact the Company’s ability to obtain loans and other credit facilities in the future and, if obtained, on terms favorable to Sierra. The levels of volatility and market turmoil are on the rise, and the Company may not be able to secure appropriate debt or equity financing, any of which could affect the trading price of the Company’s securities in an adverse manner. Reliance on Key Personnel and Labour Relations The Company’s operations are dependent on the abilities, experience and efforts of key personnel. If any of these individuals were to be unable or unwilling to continue to provide their services to the Company, there may be a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. The Company’s success is dependent upon its ability to attract and retain qualified employees and personnel to meet its needs from time to time. The Company may be negatively impacted by the availability and potential increased costs that may be associated with experienced key personnel and general labour. Sierra’s ability to achieve its future goals and objectives is dependent, in part, on maintaining good relations with its employees and minimizing employee turnover. Work stoppages or other industrial relations events at any of Sierra’s operations could lead to delayed revenues, increased costs and delayed operation cash flows. As a result, prolonged labor disruptions at any of Sierra’s operations could have a material adverse impact on its operations as a whole. 33 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Biological hazards (COVID-19) The Company faces risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and other outbreaks of communicable diseases, which could significantly disrupt its operations and may materially and adversely affect its business and financial conditions. The Company’s business has been and could continue to be adversely impacted by the effects of COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics (see “General Development of the Business – 2020”). In December 2019, the COVID-19 virus emerged in China and has now spread around the world, including Canada, Mexico and Peru, and infections have been reported globally. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company’s business, including its operations and the market for its securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak and the actions taken to contain or treat the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, the prevalence of COVID-19 globally could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business including without limitation, employee health, workforce productivity, increased insurance premiums, limitations on travel, the availability of industry experts and personnel, restrictions to its drill program and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing, and other factors that will depend on future developments beyond the Company’s control, which may have a material and adverse effect on the its business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company’s personnel will not be impacted by COVID-19 and other such pandemic diseases and ultimately see its workforce productivity reduced or incur increased medical costs / insurance premiums as a result of these health risks. Further, additional outbreaks of COVID-19 could result in a worsening global health crisis that could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could have an adverse effect on the demand for precious metals and our future prospects. Claims and Legal Proceedings The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the normal course of business. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved unfavorably to the Company. The Company carries liability insurance coverage and will establish accruals and provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Company may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations. In 2009, a personal action was filed in Mexico against Dia Bras Mexicana S.A de C.V “DBM” by an individual, Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, as administrator of the intestate succession of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes y Jesus Jose Bencomo Muñoz, claiming the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. In June 2011, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua, Mexico, ruled that the claim was unfounded and dismissed the case, the plaintiff appealed to the State Court. On November 3, 2014, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua ruled against the plaintiff, noting that the legal route by which the plaintiff presented his claim was not admissible. On February 17, 2017 the State Court issued a ruling dismissing the arguments of the plaintiff. 34 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Carlos Emilio Seijas Bencomo, a relative of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes and Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, following the steps of the Ambrosio lawsuit, filed a similar personal action to claim annulment and revocation of the purchase of the two mining concessions. In May 31, 2019, the Second Federal Civil Court issued a resolution ordering: a) the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of the two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V., and b) the payment of a sum of money pending to be defined by concept of restitution of the benefits of those two mining concessions. In June 2019, a Federal Court in Chihuahua granted Sierra Metals a suspension of this adverse resolution. On January 14, 2021, the Third Federal Collegiate Court of Civil and Labor Matters of the Seventeenth Circuit in Chihuahua issued a resolution on the appeal (writ of amparo) presented by the Company, declaring the adverse ruling as void and ordered the lower court to issue a new resolution. On March 12, 2021, the first Civil Court of Chihuahua complied with the order of the Collegiate Court absolving DBM of all claims raised by the plaintiff. While the plaintiff has fifteen days to appeal against this judgement, the Company believes that this new development has reduced the possibilities of reversal of the March 12, 2021 ruling. 12. NON-IFRS PERFORMANCE MEASURES The non-IFRS performance measures presented do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be directly comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Non-IFRS Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that represents an indication of the Company’s continuing capacity to generate earnings from operations before taking into account management’s financing decisions and costs of consuming capital assets, which vary according to their vintage, technological currency, and management’s estimate of their useful life. EBITDA comprises revenue less operating expenses before interest expense (income), property, plant and equipment amortization and depletion, and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA has been included in this document. Under IFRS, entities must reflect in compensation expense the cost of share-based payments. In the Company’s circumstances, share-based payments involve a significant accrual of amounts that will not be settled in cash but are settled by the issuance of shares in exchange for cash. As such, the Company has made an entity specific adjustment to EBITDA for these expenses. The Company has also made an entity-specific adjustment to the foreign currency exchange (gain)/loss. The Company considers cash flow before movements in working capital to be the IFRS performance measure that is most closely comparable to adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the consolidated financial statements for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: 35 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (In thousands of United States dollars) Net income Adjusted for: Depletion and depreciation Interest expense and other finance costs NRV adjustments on inventory Share-based payments Foreign currency exchange and other provisions Derivative loss/(gains) Legal settlement and related charges Income taxes Adjusted EBITDA Non-IFRS Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 9,348 $ 6,016 $ 27,391 $ 9,417 12,390 882 32 203 (1,151) 37 - 9,386 31,127 $ 9,177 1,672 - 353 59 - - 1,827 19,104 $ 41,654 4,293 1,248 668 (1,022) (904) 1,068 22,586 96,982 $ 36,084 5,078 - 1,174 976 - - 12,528 65,257 $ The Company has included the non-IFRS financial performance measure of adjusted net income, defined by management as the net income attributable to shareholders shown in the statement of earnings plus the non-cash depletion charge due to the acquisition of Corona and the corresponding deferred tax recovery and certain non-recurring or non-cash items such as share-based compensation and foreign currency exchange (gains) losses. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors may want to use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance and ability to generate cash flows. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. The following table provides a reconciliation of adjusted net income to the consolidated financial statements for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: (In thousands of United States dollars) Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Non-cash depletion charge on Corona's acquisition Deferred tax recovery on Corona's acquisition depletion charge Share-based compensation Legal settlement and related charges Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) Derivative gains Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders $ $ Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 7,603 $ 2,311 - 203 - (1,516) 37 8,638 $ 4,534 $ 2,655 (373) 353 - 59 - 7,228 $ 23,419 $ 8,503 (2,163) 668 1,068 (1,022) (904) 29,569 $ 4,431 10,344 (3,051) 1,174 - 976 - 13,874 Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce, Copper Equivalent Payable Pound, and Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound The Company uses the non-IFRS measure of cash cost per silver equivalent ounce, copper equivalent payable pound, and zinc equivalent payable pound to manage and evaluate operating performance. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company’s performance and ability to generate cash flows. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company considers cost of sales per silver equivalent payable ounce, copper equivalent payable pound, and zinc equivalent payable pound to be the most comparable IFRS measure to cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce, copper equivalent payable pound, and zinc equivalent payable pound, and has included calculations of this metric in the reconciliations within the applicable tables to follow. 36 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce, Copper Equivalent Payable Pound, and Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cost (“AISC”) is a non-IFRS measure and was calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council (“WGC”) in June 2013. WGC is not a regulatory industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles and policies applied, as well as differences in definitions of sustaining versus development capital expenditures. AISC is a more comprehensive measure than cash cost per ounce/pound for the Company’s consolidated operating performance by providing greater visibility, comparability and representation of the total costs associated with producing silver and copper from its current operations. The Company defines sustaining capital expenditures as, “costs incurred to sustain and maintain existing assets at current productive capacity and constant planned levels of productive output without resulting in an increase in the life of assets, future earnings, or improvements in recovery or grade. Sustaining capital includes costs required to improve/enhance assets to minimum standards for reliability, environmental or safety requirements. Sustaining capital expenditures excludes all expenditures at the Company’s new projects and certain expenditures at current operations which are deemed expansionary in nature.” Consolidated AISC includes total production cash costs incurred at the Company’s mining operations, including treatment and refining charges and selling costs, which forms the basis of the Company’s total cash costs. Additionally, the Company includes sustaining capital expenditures and corporate general and administrative expenses. AISC by mine does not include certain corporate and non-cash items such as general and administrative expense and share-based payments. The Company believes that this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver and copper from current operations and provides the Company and other stakeholders of the Company with additional information of the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. As the measure seeks to reflect the full cost of silver and copper production from current operations, new project capital and expansionary capital at current operations are not included. Certain other cash expenditures, including tax payments, dividends and financing costs are also not included. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash costs to cost of sales, as reported in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: 37 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Cash Cost per Tonne of Processed Ore Cost of Sales Reverse: Workers Profit Sharing Reverse: D&A/Other adjustments Reverse: Variation in Finished Inventory Total Cash Cost Tonnes Processed Cash Cost per Tonne Processed US$ (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Cash Cost per Tonne of Processed Ore Cost of Sales Reverse: Workers Profit Sharing Reverse: D&A/Other adjustments Reverse: Variation in Finished Inventory Total Cash Cost Tonnes Processed Cash Cost per Tonne Processed US$ Three months ended December 31, 2020 Three months ended December 31, 2019 Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated 25,764 (657) (6,871) 1,242 19,478 311,946 62.44 15,033 - (4,110) (696) 10,227 383,607 26.66 6,771 - (1,632) (276) 4,863 82,683 58.81 47,568 (657) (12,613) 270 34,568 778,236 44.42 26,873 (755) (3,753) 1,949 24,314 321,701 75.58 13,525 - (2,430) (1,106) 9,989 348,434 28.67 6,595 - (1,182) (280) 5,133 61,365 83.64 46,993 (755) (7,365) 563 39,436 731,500 53.91 Year ended December 31, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2019 Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated Yauricocha Bolivar Cusi Consolidated 92,618 (2,879) (22,994) (2,341) 64,404 1,117,860 57.61 51,512 - (14,599) (902) 36,011 1,480,588 24.32 21,173 - (6,636) 498 15,035 230,429 65.25 165,303 (2,879) (44,229) (2,745) 115,450 2,828,877 40.81 100,317 (3,170) (21,026) 3,034 79,155 1,116,919 70.87 48,340 - (10,274) (713) 37,353 1,269,697 29.42 22,619 - (4,784) 309 18,144 285,236 63.61 171,276 (3,170) (36,084) 2,630 134,652 2,671,853 50.37 The following table provides detailed information on Yauricocha’s cost of sales, cash cost, and all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent payable ounce, copper equivalent payable pound, and zinc equivalent payable pound for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: Yauricocha: YAURICOCHA Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Cash Cost per zinc equivalent payable pound Total Cash Cost Variation in Finished inventory Total Cash Cost of Sales Treatment and Refining Charges Selling Costs G&A Costs Sustaining Capital Expenditures All-In Sustaining Cash Costs Silver Equivalent Payable Ounces (000's) Cost of Sales Cost of Sales per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Zinc Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) 19,478 (1,242) 18,236 12,904 1,212 2,631 3,966 38,949 2,155 19,087 8.86 8.46 18.08 15,770 1.21 1.16 2.47 42,914 0.44 0.42 24,314 (1,949) 22,365 8,209 1,508 2,554 5,618 40,254 2,948 21,129 7.17 7.59 13.65 19,089 1.11 1.17 2.11 48,213 0.44 0.46 64,404 2,341 66,745 45,761 4,785 9,072 12,718 139,081 8,952 70,660 7.89 7.46 15.54 65,827 1.07 1.01 2.11 178,946 0.39 0.37 0.91 0.83 0.78 79,155 (3,034) 76,121 27,574 4,746 8,817 12,892 130,150 11,306 79,339 7.02 6.73 11.51 67,975 1.17 1.12 1.91 164,390 0.48 0.46 0.79 38 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) The following table provides detailed information on Bolivar’s cost of sales, cash cost, and all-in sustaining cost per copper equivalent payable pound, zinc equivalent payable pound, and silver equivalent payable ounce for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: Bolivar: BOLIVAR Three months ended Twelve months ended (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Cash Cost per copper equivalent payable pound December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Total Cash Cost Variation in Finished inventory Total Cash Cost of Sales Treatment and Refining Charges Selling Costs G&A Costs Sustaining Capital Expenditures All-In Sustaining Cash Costs Silver Equivalent Payable Ounces (000's) Cost of Sales Cost of Sales per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Zinc Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) 10,227 696 10,923 2,302 1,430 1,748 2,562 18,965 1,105 11,021 9.97 9.88 17.16 8,089 1.36 1.35 2.34 22,012 0.50 0.50 9,989 1,106 11,095 1,999 1,093 1,370 190 15,747 834 13,191 15.82 13.30 18.88 5,398 2.44 2.06 2.92 13,572 0.99 0.83 36,011 902 36,913 7,297 4,534 5,763 6,718 61,225 4,439 37,319 8.41 8.32 13.79 32,644 1.14 1.13 1.88 88,741 0.42 0.42 0.86 1.18 0.69 37,353 713 38,066 6,603 4,007 4,035 10,288 62,999 3,702 44,721 12.08 10.28 17.02 22,054 2.03 1.73 2.86 53,035 0.85 0.72 1.19 The following table provides detailed information on Cusi’s cost of sales, cash cost, and all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent payable ounce, copper equivalent payable pound, and zinc equivalent payable pound for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: Cusi: CUSI (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Cash Cost per silver equivalent payable ounce Total Cash Cost Variation in Finished inventory Total Cash Cost of Sales Treatment and Refining Charges Selling Costs G&A Costs Sustaining Capital Expenditures All-In Sustaining Cash Costs Silver Equivalent Payable Ounces (000's) Cost of Sales Cost of Sales per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Zinc Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 4,863 276 5,139 1,093 377 320 2,295 9,224 327 4,903 14.98 15.70 28.18 2,396 2.05 2.15 3.85 6,519 0.75 0.79 1.41 5,133 280 5,413 448 347 301 770 7,279 129 3,250 25.29 42.12 56.64 832 3.91 6.51 8.75 2,092 1.55 2.59 3.48 15,035 (498) 14,537 2,350 876 861 3,462 22,086 874 15,670 17.92 16.62 25.26 6,430 2.44 2.26 3.43 17,481 0.90 0.83 1.26 18,144 (309) 17,835 1,775 987 886 4,282 25,765 834 11,132 13.35 21.38 30.89 5,058 2.20 3.53 5.09 12,229 0.91 1.46 2.11 39 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Consolidated: CONSOLIDATED (In thousand of US dollars, unless stated) Total Cash Cost of Sales All-In Sustaining Cash Costs Cost of Sales Silver Equivalent Payable Ounces (000's) Cost of Sales per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce Copper Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Copper Equivalent Payable Pound Zinc Equivalent Payable Pounds (000's) Cost of Sales per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound All-In Sustaining Cash Cost per Zinc Equivalent Payable Pound Additional Non-IFRS Measures Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 132,022 218,914 135,192 15,842 8.53 8.33 118,195 222,393 123,649 14,265 8.67 8.29 34,298 67,138 35,011 3,587 9.76 9.56 38,873 63,280 37,570 3,911 9.61 9.94 (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) (US$) 18.72 26,254 1.33 1.31 2.56 71,445 0.49 0.48 16.18 25,319 1.48 1.54 2.50 63,877 0.59 0.61 15.59 104,901 1.18 1.13 2.12 285,169 0.43 0.41 0.94 0.99 0.78 13.82 95,087 1.42 1.39 2.30 229,654 0.59 0.57 0.95 The Company uses other financial measures, the presentation of which is not meant to be a substitute for other subtotals or totals presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measures. The following other financial measures are used: · Operating cash flows before movements in working capital - excludes the movement from period-to-period in working capital items including trade and other receivables, prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, trade and other payables and the effects of foreign exchange rates on these items. The terms described above do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and therefore the Company’s definitions are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company’s management believes that their presentation provides useful information to investors because cash flows generated from operations before changes in working capital excludes the movement in working capital items. This, in management’s view, provides useful information of the Company’s cash flows from operations and are considered to be meaningful in evaluating the Company’s past financial performance or its future prospects. The most comparable IFRS measure is cash flows from operating activities. 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded consulting fees of $200 (2019 - $200) to companies related by common directors or officers. Related party transactions occurred in the normal course of business. (a) Compensation of Directors and Key Management Personnel The remuneration of the Company’s directors, officers and other key management personnel during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: Salaries and other short term employment benefits Share-based payments (1) Total compensation (1) calculated at fair value on day of the grant 2020 $ 2019 $ 2,289 496 2,785 3,304 1,581 4,885 40 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (b) Principal Subsidiaries The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Non-controlling interests represent equity interests in subsidiaries owned by outside parties. Changes in the parent company’s ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The principal subsidiaries of the Company and their geographical locations as at December 31, 2020 are as follows: Name of the subsidiary Dia Bras EXMIN Resources Inc. Sociedad Minera Corona, S. A. (“Corona”) 1 Dia Bras Peru, S. A. C. (“Dia Bras Peru”) 1 Dia Bras Mexicana, S. A. de C. V. (“Dia Bras Mexicana”) Servicios de Minería de la Sierra, S. A. de C. V. Bolívar Administradores, S. A. de C. V. EXMIN, S. A. de C. V. Servicios de Produccion Y Extraccion de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V Asesores Administrativos Y de Recursos Humanos, S.A. de C.V Ownership interest 100% 81.84% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Location Canada Perú Perú México México México México México México 1The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Dia Bras Peru, holds an 81.84% interest in Corona, which represents 92.33% of the voting shares. The Company consolidates Corona's financial results and records a non-controlling interest for the 18.16% that it does not own. 14. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Significant Accounting Judgments and Estimates In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2 of the Company’s December 31, 2020 consolidated financial statements, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the effects of uncertain future events on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances and historical experience. Actual results may differ from these estimates; potentially having a material future effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The following are the significant judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements: 41 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (a) Impairment Review of Asset Carrying Values In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, at every reporting period, the Company assesses whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of its assets or CGUs may be impaired, which is a significant management judgment. Where there is an indication that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company prepares a formal estimate of the recoverable amount by analyzing discounted cash flows. The resulting valuations are particularly sensitive to changes in estimates such as long- term commodity prices, exchange rates, sales volume, operating costs, and discount rates. In the event of impairment, if there is an adverse change in any of the assumptions or estimates used in the discounted cash flow model, this could result in a further impairment of the asset. Also, in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, the Company capitalizes evaluation expenditures when there is a high degree of confidence that these costs are recoverable and have a probable future benefit. As at December 31, 2020, management assessed its mining property assets and exploration and evaluation expenditures for impairment and determined that no impairment was required. (b) Mineral Reserves and Resources The Company estimates mineral reserves and resources based on information prepared by qualified persons as defined in accordance with NI 43-101. These estimates form the basis of the Company’s life of mine (“LOM”) plans, which are used for a number of important and significant accounting purposes, including: the calculation of depletion expense and impairment charges, forecasting the timing of the payment of decommissioning costs and future taxes. There are significant uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves and the assumptions used which include commodity prices, production costs, recovery rates and exchange rates may change significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in assumptions could result in mineral reserves being revised, which in turn would impact our depletion expense, asset carrying values and the provision for decommissioning costs. As indicated earlier, in accordance with NI 43-101, the Mineral Reserves previously reported for these mines are no longer valid after the issuance of the PEA Technical Reports and so have not been disclosed in this document. The Mineral Resources reported herein reflect the resources as at the effective dates of each mine’s Reserves and Resources update reduced by depletion until December 31, 2020. (c) Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The Company’s management makes significant estimates and judgments in determining the Company’s tax expense for the period and the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management interprets tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and makes estimates of the expected timing of the reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, management makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income based on cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Assumptions used in the cash flow forecast are based on management’s estimates of future production and sales volume, commodity prices, operating costs, capital expenditures, dividends, and decommissioning and reclamation expenditures. These estimates are subject to risk and uncertainty and could result in an adjustment to the deferred tax provision and a corresponding credit or charge to the statement of loss. The Company is subject to assessments by the various tax authorities who may interpret the tax laws differently. These differences may impact the final amount or the timing of the payment of taxes. The Company provides for such differences where known based on management’s best estimates of the probable outcome of these matters. 42 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) (d) Decommissioning and Restoration Liabilities Costs The Company’s provision for decommissioning and restoration costs is based on management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle the liability. In determining the liability, management makes estimates about the future costs, inflation, foreign exchange rates, risks associated with the cash flows, and the applicable risk-free interest rates for discounting future cash flows. Changes in any of these estimates could result in a change in the provision recognized by the Company. Also, the ultimate costs of environmental disturbance are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many factors including changes to the relevant legal requirements, the emergence of new restoration techniques or experience at other mine sites. Changes in decommissioning and restoration liabilities are recorded with a corresponding change to the carrying amounts of the assets to which they relate. Adjustments made to the carrying amounts of the asset can result in a change to the depreciation charged in the consolidated statement of loss. 15. OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements as at December 31, 2020. 16. DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING (“ICFR”) Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company's management is responsible for designing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2020, as defined in the rules of the Canadian Securities Administration. Based on this evaluation, they concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports we filed or submitted under Canadian securities legislation was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules. Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting Management, including the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and used the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) to evaluate the effectiveness of our controls in 2020. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2020 and provided a reasonable assurance of the reliability of our financial reporting and preparation of the financial statements. 43 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) No matter how well designed any system of internal control has inherent limitations. Even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of the reliability of financial statement preparation and presentation. Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting There have been no changes in ICFR during the three months ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, ICFR. 17. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This discussion includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking”. All statements in this discussion, other than statements of historical fact, addressing future exploration drilling, exploration and development activities, production activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, and other factors which are discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form completed for the year end December 31, 2020 available at www.sedar.com and at www.sec.gov under the Company’s name. The MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward looking information” within Canadian securities laws (collectively “forward-looking statements”) related to the Company and its operations, and in particular, the anticipated developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, the Company’s planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if and when the properties are developed or further developed. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, relate to, among other things: future production of silver, lead, copper and zinc (the “metals”); future cash costs per ounce or pound of the metals; the price of the metals; the effects of domestic and foreign laws, regulations and government policies and actions affecting the Company’s operations or potential future operations; future successful development of the Yauricocha, Bolivar and Cusi near-mine exploration projects and other exploration and development projects; the sufficiency of the Company’s current working capital, anticipated operating cash flow or the Company’s ability to raise necessary funds; estimated production rates for the metals produced by the Company; timing of production; the estimated cost of sustaining capital; ongoing or future development plans and capital replacement, improvement or remediation programs; the estimates of expected or anticipated economic returns from the Company’s mining projects; future sales of the metals, concentrates or other future products produced by the Company; and the Company’s plans and expectations for its properties and operations. 44 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) Risks and uncertainties relating to foreign currency fluctuations; risks inherent in the mining industry including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations, ground control problems, flooding and mud rushes; risks associated with the estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; the potential for and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; actual material mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; the inherent uncertainty of pilot-mining activities and cost estimates, including the potential for unexpected costs/expenses and commodity price fluctuations; uncertain political and economic environments; changes in laws or policies, foreign taxation, delays or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “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 information. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: uncertainty of production and cost estimates for the Yauricocha Mine (as hereinafter defined), the Bolivar Mine (as hereinafter defined) and the Cusi Mine (as hereinafter defined); uncertainty of production at the Company’s exploration and development properties; risks and uncertainties associated with developing and exploring new mines including start-up delays; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including operating in foreign jurisdictions, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results and the geology, grade and continuity of the Company’s mineral deposits; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for the Company’s planned development activities and to complete further exploration programs; fluctuations in spot and forward markets for the metals and certain other commodities; risks related to obtaining long-term sales contracts or completing spot sales for the Company’s products; the Company’s history of losses and the potential for future losses; risks related to general economic conditions, including recent market and world events and conditions; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; challenges to, or difficulty maintaining, the Company’s title to properties and continued ownership thereof; risks related to the Company’s covenants with respect to the Corporate Facility (as hereinafter defined); changes in national and local legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments or changes in Canada, Mexico, Peru or other countries where they may carry on business; risks related to the delay in obtaining or failure to obtain required permits, or non-compliance with permits the Company has obtained; increased costs and restrictions on operations due to compliance with environmental laws and regulations; regulations and pending legislation governing issues involving climate change, as well as the physical impacts of climate change; risks related to reclamation activities on the Company’s properties; uncertainties related to title to the Company’s mineral properties and the surface rights thereon, including the Company’s ability to acquire, or economically acquire, the surface rights to certain of the Company’s exploration and development projects; the Company’s ability to successfully acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights; risks related to currency fluctuations (such as the Canadian dollar, the United States dollar, the Peruvian sol and the Mexican peso); increased costs affecting the mining industry, including occasional high rates of inflation; increased competition in the mining industry for properties, qualified personnel and management; risks related to some of the Company’s directors’ and officers’ involvement with other natural resource companies; the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and management to grow the Company’s business; risks related to estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities; risks related to claims and legal proceedings and the Company’s ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting. 45 Sierra Metals Inc. Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the year ended December 31, 2020 (In thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise stated) This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Other Risks and Uncertainties”. The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Resources This document uses the term “Inferred Mineral Resources”. U.S. investors are advised that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not recognize it. Inferred Mineral Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of economic studies other than a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). This document also uses the terms “Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources”. The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits included in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits the reporting of non-reserve mineralization as in-place tonnage and grade. 46 SIERRA METALS INC. Consolidated Financial Statements Years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 Exhibit 99.3 1 | page March 15, 2021 Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting Management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financing Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and reflect management’s best estimates and judgments based on information currently available. Management maintains accounting systems and internal controls to produce reliable consolidated financial statements and provide reasonable assurance that assets are properly safeguarded. The consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and their report outlines the scope of their examination and gives their opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for ensuring that Management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting. The Board of Directors carries out this responsibility through its Audit Committee, which is composed of three members. The committee meets various times during the year and at least once per year with the external auditors, with and without Management being present, to review the consolidated financial statements and to discuss audit and internal control related matters. The Board of Directors approved the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. “Luis Marchese” Luis Marchese Chief Executive Officer “Ed Guimaraes” Ed Guimaraes Chief Financial Officer 2 | page Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sierra Metals Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Sierra Metals Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants Toronto, Canada March 15, 2021 We have served as the Company's auditor since 1997. Sierra Metals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Income tax receivable Prepaid expenses Inventories Non-current assets: Property, plant and equipment Deferred income tax Total assets LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income tax payable Loans payable Decommissioning liability Other liabilities Non-current liabilities: Loans payable Deferred income tax Decommissioning liability Other liabilities Total liabilities EQUITY Share capital Accumulated deficit Other reserves Equity attributable to owners of the Company Non-controlling interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Contingencies (notes 10 and 25) 3 | page Note December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 5 6 7 9 8 10 11 12 10 9 11 12 14 71,473 38,694 438 1,968 23,476 136,049 301,786 1,757 439,592 30,317 7,545 18,480 1,260 7,562 65,164 80,903 29,903 21,207 2,207 199,384 230,980 (41,820) 11,840 201,000 39,208 240,208 42,980 31,892 1,471 1,904 26,053 104,300 305,115 2,032 411,447 44,910 1,355 - 865 7,248 54,378 99,814 27,653 16,029 1,554 199,428 230,456 (65,239) 11,566 176,783 35,236 212,019 439,592 411,447 Approved on behalf of the Board and authorized for issue on March 15, 2021: “Jose Vizquerra” Jose Vizquerra Chairman of the Board “Koko Yamamoto” Koko Yamamoto Chairperson Audit Committee The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. Sierra Metals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Revenue Cost of sales Mining costs Depletion, depreciation and amortization Gross profit from mining operations General and administrative expenses Selling expenses Income from operations Other expenses and losses Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) Interest expense and other finance costs Derivative instruments gains Income before income tax Income tax (expense) recovery: Current tax expense Deferred tax recovery (expense) Net income Net income attributable to: Shareholders of the Company Non-controlling interests Weighted average shares outstanding (000s) Basic Diluted Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share 4 | page Year Ended December 31, Note 24 15(a) 15(a) 15(b) 16 17 18 9 9 14 2020 $ 246,888 2019 $ 229,038 (123,649) (41,654) (165,303) (135,192) (36,084) (171,276) 81,585 57,762 (20,270) (10,195) 51,120 (665) 2,911 (4,293) 904 49,977 (20,535) (2,051) (22,586) (19,515) (9,741) 28,506 (710) (976) (4,875) - 21,945 (17,416) 4,888 (12,528) 27,391 9,417 23,419 3,972 27,391 4,431 4,986 9,417 162,638 164,047 163,075 164,705 0.14 0.14 0.03 0.03 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. Sierra Metals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars) Net income Other comprehensive income Items that may be subsequently classified to net income: Currency translation adjustments on foreign operations Total comprehensive income Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders Non-controlling interests Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders 5 | page Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 27,391 130 27,521 23,549 3,972 27,521 2019 $ 9,417 667 10,084 5,098 4,986 10,084 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 6 | page Sierra Metals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars) Common Shares Other Balance at January 1, 2020 Shares Amounts $ 162,115,379 230,456 Exercise of RSUs Share-based compensation expense Total comprehensive income Balance at December 31, 2020 524 695,174 - - - - 162,810,553 230,980 11,566 (524) 668 130 11,840 Retained earnings Total attributable Non-controlling reserves (accumulated deficit) $ $ to shareholders $ (65,239) 176,783 Total Interest shareholders' equity $ 212,019 35,236 $ - - 23,419 (41,820) - 668 23,549 201,000 - - 3,972 39,208 - 668 27,521 240,208 Balance at January 1, 2019 163,427,335 Shares Amounts $ 231,792 reserves (accumulated deficit) $ (69,307) $ 10,870 to shareholders $ 173,355 Common Shares Other Retained earnings Total attributable Non-controlling Total Interest shareholders' equity $ 203,605 $ 30,250 Exercise of RSUs Share-based compensation expense Shares repurchased and cancelled Total comprehensive income Balance at December 31, 2019 700,698 - (2,012,654) - 162,115,379 1,145 - (2,481) - 230,456 (1,145) 1,174 - 667 11,566 - - (363) 4,431 (65,239) - 1,174 (2,844) 5,098 176,783 - - - 4,986 35,236 - 1,174 (2,844) 10,084 212,019 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. Sierra Metals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars) Cash flows from operating activities Net income Adjustments for items not affecting cash: Depletion, depreciation and amortization Share-based compensation Loss on disposals and write-offs Change in supplies inventory reserve Revisions in estimates of decomissioning liability at closed mine Interest expense and other finance costs Net realizable value adjustment to inventory Current income tax expense Deferred income taxes expense (recovery) Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss Operating cash flows before movements in working capital Net changes in non-cash working capital items Decomissioning liabilities settled Income tax paid Cash generated from operating activities Cash (used in) investing activities Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from insurance claim Cash (used in) investing activities Cash from (used in) financing activities Proceeds from issuance of loans, net of transaction costs Repayment of loans and credit facilities Loan interest paid Cash paid to repurchase shares Cash generated from (used in) financing activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year 7 | page Note Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 2019 $ 27,391 9,417 41,916 668 1,571 176 - 4,592 1,248 20,535 2,051 (1,143) 99,005 (18,239) (405) (13,380) 66,981 (35,972) 901 822 (34,249) - - (4,066) - (4,066) 36,084 1,174 1,072 238 144 5,055 - 17,416 (4,888) 647 66,359 (3,680) (914) (22,178) 39,587 (54,621) - - (54,621) 99,814 (56,193) (4,615) (2,844) 36,162 (173) 20 28,493 42,980 71,473 21,148 21,832 42,980 23 10 13 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 8 | page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 1 Description of business and nature of operations Sierra Metals Inc. (“Sierra Metals” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on April 11, 1996 and is a diversified Canadian mining company focused on the production, exploration and development of precious and base metals in Peru and Mexico. The Company’s key priorities are to generate strong cash flows and to maximize shareholder value. The Company’s shares are listed on the TSX, NYSE American Exchange, and the Bolsa de Valores de Lima (“BVL”) and its registered office is 161 Bay Street, Suite 4260, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2S1, Canada. The Company owns an 81.84% interest in the polymetallic Yauricocha Mine in Peru and a 100% interest in the Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. In addition to its producing mines, the Company also owns various exploration projects in Mexico and Peru. 2 Significant accounting policies The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are as follows: (a) Basis of preparation These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on March 15, 2021. (b) Basis of consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Non-controlling interests represent equity interests in subsidiaries owned by outside parties. Changes in the parent company’s ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The principal subsidiaries of the Company and their geographical locations as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: Name of the subsidiary Dia Bras EXMIN Resources Inc. Sociedad Minera Corona, S. A. (“Corona”) 1 Dia Bras Peru, S. A. C. (“Dia Bras Peru”) 1 Dia Bras Mexicana, S. A. de C. V. (“Dia Bras Mexicana”) Servicios de Minería de la Sierra, S. A. de C. V. Bolívar Administradores, S. A. de C. V. EXMIN, S. A. de C. V. Servicios de Produccion Y Extraccion de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V Asesores Administrativos Y de Recursos Humanos, S.A. de C.V Ownership interest 100% 81.84% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Location Canada Perú Perú México México México México México México 1 The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Dia Bras Peru, holds an 81.84% interest in Corona, which represents 92.33% of the voting shares. The Company consolidates Corona's financial results and records a non-controlling interest for the 18.16% that it does not own. 9 | page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) (c) Foreign currency translation (i) Functional currency Items included in the financial statements of each of the Company’s subsidiaries are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of Sierra Metals Inc., the parent entity, is the Canadian dollar (“C$”). The functional currency of the Mexican and Peruvian subsidiaries is the United States dollar. (ii) Presentation currency The presentation currency of the financial statements is United States dollar (“$”). The financial statements of entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: assets and liabilities – at the closing rate at the date of the statement of financial position, income and expenses – at the average rate of the period (as this is considered a reasonable approximation of the actual rates prevailing at the transaction dates). All resulting differences are recognized in other comprehensive income as cumulative translation adjustments. (iii) Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency are recognized in the consolidated statement of loss. (d) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. (e) Financial Instruments The Company’s financial assets and liabilities (financial instruments) include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and long-term debt. The Company recognizes financial assets and financial liabilities on the date the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments. A financial asset is derecognized either when the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset or when cash flows expire. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expired. Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Trade and other receivables are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and measured at fair value. Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities, including accounts payable and accrued liabilities, as well as debt and financing obligations are accounted for at amortized cost. 11 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) Non-hedge derivatives The Company may hold derivative financial instruments to hedge its risk explosure to fluctuations in commodity prices. These derivative financial instruments are classified as financial instruments through profit or loss and recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value of non-hedge derivatives at each reporting date are included in the Consolidated Statement of Incomes as derivative gain or loss. (f) Segment reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments and has been identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. (g) Inventories Inventories consist of concentrates, ore stockpiles, supplies and spare parts. Concentrates include stockpiled concentrates at milling operations or at warehouses. Stockpiled ore is comprised of in-process mineralized material awaiting processing at milling facilities and materials for use in milling operations. Concentrates and stockpiled ore are valued at the lower of average production cost and net realizable value (“NRV”). Concentrates and stockpiled ore inventory costs include all direct costs incurred in production including direct labor and materials, freight and amortization, and directly attributable overhead costs. NRV is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing metal market prices less estimated future costs to convert the inventories into saleable form and estimated costs to sell. The supplies and spare parts inventories will be used for exploration and production and are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Cost includes acquisition, freight and other directly attributable costs. If the carrying value of inventory exceeds NRV, a write-down is recognized as production costs of sales in the consolidated statement of income (loss). If there is a subsequent increase in the value of the inventory, the previous write-downs to NRV are reversed up to cost to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold. (h) Exploration and evaluation expenditure Exploration and evaluation expenditures are comprised of costs that are directly attributable to: · · · · Researching and analysing existing exploration data; Conducting geological studies, exploratory drilling and sampling; Examining and testing extraction and treatment methods; and /or Compiling pre-feasibility and feasibility studies Exploration expenditures are costs incurred in the search for resources suitable for commercial exploitation. Evaluation expenditures are costs incurred in determining the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral resource. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are capitalized when there is a high degree of confidence in the project’s viability and thus it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company. Any items of property, plant and equipment used for exploration and evaluation are capitalised within property, plant and equipment. 12 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) Capitalized exploration and evaluation expenditures are considered to be tangible assets as they form part of the underlying mineral property and are recorded within property, plant and equipment - exploration and evaluation expenditures. (i) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and the estimated close down and restoration costs associated with the asset, and for qualifying assets, the associated borrowing costs. Once a mining project has been established as commercially viable, expenditure other than on land, buildings, plant and equipment is capitalized under ‘Mining properties’ together with any amount capitalized relating to that mining project from ‘Exploration and evaluation’. Where an item of property, plant and equipment is comprised of major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Costs associated with commissioning new assets, in the period before they are capable of operating in the manner intended by management, are capitalized. Revenue generated during the development stage from the sale of concentrate and related costs can be deducted from capitalized costs only if the production of the saleable material is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Development costs incurred after the commencement of production are capitalised to the extent they are expected to give rise to future economic benefits and these costs can be measured reliably. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the consolidated statement of income (loss) during the period in which they are incurred. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated over its useful life, or over the remaining life of the mine if shorter. Depreciation commences when the asset is available for use. Land is not depreciated. The major categories of property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis using the following average estimated useful lives below: Asset class Vehicle, furniture and other assets Machinery and equipment Buildings and other constructions Useful lives (years) 3 to 10 5 to 20 5 to 50 Mining properties are depleted over the life of the mine using the units of production method. In applying the units of production method, depletion is normally calculated using the quantity of material to be extracted in current and future periods based on proven and probable reserves or measured and indicated resources. Such non-reserve material may be included in depletion calculations in limited circumstances and where there is a high degree of confidence in its economic extraction. The Company conducts an annual review of residual values, useful lives, depletion and depreciation methods used for property, plant and equipment. Changes to estimated residual values or useful lives are accounted for prospectively. 13 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) (j) Impairment of non-financial assets Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is assessed at the level of cash generating units (‘CGUs’). The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell or value in use. Fair value less costs to sell is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction. The best evidence of fair value is the value obtained from an active market or binding sales agreement. Where this information is not available, fair value can be estimated as the present value of future cash flows expected to be realized from the continued use of the asset including expansion projects. Value in use is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows to be realized from the continued use of the asset in its present condition and from its ultimate disposal. Capitalized exploration expenditures are reviewed for indicators of impairment, which included a decision to discontinue activities in a specific area and the existence of sufficient data indicating that the carrying amount of an exploration and evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered from the development or sale of the asset. Non-financial assets that have suffered impairment are tested for possible reversal of the impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the impairment may have reversed. (k) Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are capitalized and included in the carrying amounts of those assets until they are ready for their intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. (l) Revenue recognition Revenues include sales of metal concentrates net of treatment and refining charges. The Company sells concentrate from certain of its mines to third-party smelter customers. These concentrates predominantly contain zinc, lead, and copper, along with quantities of gold and silver. The Company recognizes revenue from these concentrate sales when control of the concentrate has transferred to the customer, which is the point in time that the concentrate is delivered to the customer. Upon delivery, the customer has legal right to, physical possession of, and the risks and rewards of ownership of the concentrate. The customer is also committed to accept and pay for the concentrates once delivered; therefore, the customer is able to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the concentrate. The final prices for metals contained in the concentrate are generally determined based on the prevailing spot market metal prices on a specific future date, which is established on a date prior to the concentrate being delivered to the customer. Upon transfer of control at delivery, the Company measures revenue under these contracts based on forward prices agreed upon with the customer at the time of delivery and the most recent determination of the quantity of contained metals less smelting and refining charges charged by the customer. This reflects the best estimate of the transaction price expected to be received at final settlement. The variability associated with the embedded derivative for changes in the metal prices is recognized at fair value. These changes in the fair value of the receivable are adjusted through revenue from other sources at each subsequent financial statement date. 14 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) (m) Leases At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease by determining whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. A right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability is recognized at the lease commencement date. The ROU asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the lease term, or the end of the useful life of the asset. In addition, the right-of-use asset may be reduced due to impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. A lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if that rate cannot be readily determined, the incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of: · · · · · fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments, less any lease incentives receivable; variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date; amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; exercise prices of purchase options if we are reasonably certain to exercise that option; and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising an option to terminate the lease. The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, or if there is a change in our estimate or assessment of the expected amount payable under a residual value guarantee, purchase, extension or termination option. Variable lease payments not included in the initial measurement of the lease liability are charged directly to profit. (n) Share capital Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of the shares are recognized as a deduction from equity. (o) Share-based payments The fair value of the estimated number of stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) awarded to employees, officers and directors that will eventually vest, determined as of the date of grant, is recognized as share-based compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock options and RSUs, with a corresponding increase to equity. The fair value of each tranche is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with market related inputs as of the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs is the market value of the underlying shares as of the date of grant. The number of awards expected to vest is reviewed at least annually, with any change in the estimate recognized immediately in share-based payments expense with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 15 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) (p) Share repurchases The Company deducts from contributed surplus any excess of consideration paid over book value where the Company has repurchased any of its own common shares. Book value is calculated as the weighted average price of the shares issued and outstanding prior to the cancellation date. (q) Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the net income for the period attributable to the shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for dilutive instruments. The number of shares included with respect to options, warrants and similar instruments is computed using the treasury stock method. The Company’s potentially dilutive common shares comprise stock options and RSUs granted to employees. In periods of loss, basic and diluted EPS are the same, as the effect of dilutive instruments is anti-dilutive. (r) Income taxes Tax expense comprises current and deferred income and resource taxes. Current income, deferred income and resources taxes are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that the parent is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously. A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. 16 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 2 Significant accounting policies (continued) (s) Decommissioning and restoration liabilities Decommissioning and restoration costs include the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, the removal of residual materials and the remediation of disturbed areas. These costs are a normal consequence of mining activity and the majority of these expenditures are expected to be incurred at the end of the life of mine. Estimated decommissioning and restoration costs are provided in the accounting period when the obligation arising from the related disturbance occurs, based on the net present value of the estimated future costs discounted using the credit adjusted risk free rate. This provision is adjusted in each reporting period to reflect known developments, e.g. revisions to costs estimates and the timing of cash outflows. The initial decommissioning and restoration provision together with other movements resulting from changes in estimated cash flows or the credit adjusted risk free rates is capitalized within property, plant and equipment and amortized over the life of the asset to which it relates except where it relates to a closed mine where the expenses are recognized in the statement of loss. Provision is made for the estimated present value of costs of environmental clean-up obligations outstanding as at the date of the statement of financial position, and these costs are charged to the income statement as an operating cost. The amortization or unwinding of the discount applied in establishing the net present value of provision is accreted to the income statement in each accounting period with each interest charge included as a financing cost rather than as an operating cost. 3 Significant accounting estimates and judgments In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the effects of uncertain future events on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances and historical experience. Actual results may differ from these estimates, potentially having a material future effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The following are the significant judgements that management has made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements: (a) Impairment review of asset carrying values In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy (note 2(j)), at every reporting period, the Company assesses whether there are any indicators that the carrying value of its assets or Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) may be impaired, which is a significant management judgment. Where there is an indication that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company prepares a formal estimate of the recoverable amount by analyzing discounted cash flows. The resulting valuations are particularly sensitive to changes in estimates such as long-term commodity prices, exchange rates, sales volume, operating costs, and discount rates. In the event of impairment, if there is a subsequent adverse change in any of the assumptions or estimates used in the discounted cash flow model, this could result in a further impairment of the asset. Also, in accordance 17 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 3 Significant accounting estimates and judgments (continued) with the Company’s accounting policy (note 2(h)), the Company capitalizes evaluation expenditures when there is a high degree of confidence that these costs are recoverable and have a probable future benefit. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company made an assessment of its long-lived assets and exploration and evaluation expenditures and determined that there were no indicators of impairment. (b) Mineral reserves and resources The Company estimates mineral reserves and resources based on information prepared by qualified persons as defined in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument (“NI”) 43-101. These estimates form the basis of the Company’s life of mine (“LOM”) plans, which are used for a number of important and significant accounting purposes, including: the calculation of depletion expense and impairment charges, forecasting the timing of the payment of decommissioning costs and future taxes. There are significant uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves and the assumptions used, including commodity prices, production costs, recovery rates and exchange rates. These assumptions may change significantly when new information becomes available and could result in mineral reserves being revised, which in turn would impact depletion expense, asset carrying values and the provision for decommissioning costs. (c) Deferred tax assets and liabilities The Company’s management makes significant estimates and judgments in determining the Company’s tax expense for the period and the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Management interprets tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions and makes estimates of the expected timing of the reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, management makes estimates related to expectations of future taxable income based on cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Assumptions used in the cash flow forecast are based on management’s estimates of future production and sales volume, commodity prices, operating costs, capital expenditures, dividends, and decommissioning and reclamation expenditures. These estimates are subject to risk and uncertainty and could result in an adjustment to the deferred tax provision and a corresponding credit or charge to the statement of loss. The Company is subject to assessments by various tax authorities who may interpret the tax laws differently. These differences may impact the final amount or the timing of the payment of taxes. The Company provides for such differences where known based on management’s best estimates of the probable outcome of these matters. (d) Decommissioning and restoration liabilities costs The Company’s provision for decommissioning and restoration costs is based on management’s best estimate of the present value of the future cash outflows required to settle the liability. In determining the liability, management makes estimates about the future costs, inflation, foreign exchange rates, risks associated with the cash flows, and the applicable risk-free interest rates for discounting future cash flows. Changes in any of these estimates could result in a change in the provision recognized by the Company. Also, the ultimate costs of environmental disturbance are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many factors including changes to the relevant legal requirements, the emergence of new restoration techniques or experience at other mine sites. Changes in decommissioning and restoration liabilities are recorded with a corresponding change to the carrying amounts of the assets to which they relate. Adjustments made to the carrying amounts of the asset can result in a change to the depreciation charged in the consolidated statement of loss. 18 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 3 Significant accounting estimates and judgments (continued) (e) COVID-19 uncertainty In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the management makes judgments in applying its accounting policies. The areas of policy judgment are consistent with those reported in the Company’s 2019 annual consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company makes assumptions about the future in deriving estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements. As disclosed in the 2019 annual consolidated financial statements, sources of estimation uncertainty include estimates used to determine the recoverable amounts of long-lived assets, recoverable reserves and resources, the provision for income taxes and the related deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation of other assets and liabilities including decommissioning and restoration provisions. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to COVID-19. The current and expected impacts on global commerce are anticipated to be far-reaching. To date there have been significant stock market volatility, significant volatility in commodity and foreign exchange markets, restrictions on the conduct of business in many jurisdictions and the global movement of people and some goods has become restricted. There is significant ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the extent and duration of the impacts that it may have on demand and prices for the commodities the Company produces, on the Company’s suppliers, on its employees and on global financial markets. On March 17, 2020, the Peruvian government announced a state of emergency to contain the advancement of COVID-19, as a result of which the Yauricocha mine operated at reduced capacity, maintaining an essential crew at site. The mine started ramping up its operations in June 2020 after the inclusion of mining and related activities in phase 2 of the government’s economic recovery plan. Similarly, on March 31, 2020, the Mexican Federal Government also announced suspension of all non-essential services, causing the Company to slow down its mining operations at Bolivar and placing Cusi under care and maintenance. In June, the Company resumed normal operations at Bolivar as the Government deemed mining to be an essential service effective June 1, 2020. After remaining under care and maintenance throughout the second quarter, the Cusi Mine resumed operations and production on July 28, 2020. Despite lifting of restrictions in these countries, the Company continues to experience challenges related to movement of manpower and supplies, which is impacting operations, development and exploration activities at mine sites. Additionally, the Company has incurred additional costs related to COVID-19 such as cleaning and sanitization activities, purchase of disinfectants and quarantine costs for employees and contractors. The Company continues to act to protect the safety and health of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates in accordance with guidance from governments and public health authorities. These above-mentioned challenges and measures taken by the Company, combined with commodity market fluctuations resulting from COVID-19 have affected our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020. 4 Adoption of new accounting standards and future accounting changes A number of new standards, and amendments to standards and interpretations, are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2020, and have not been early adopted in preparing these financial statements. These new standards, and amendments to standards and interpretations are either not applicable or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. 19 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 5 Trade and other receivables Trade receivables Sales tax and other receivables 6 Inventories Stockpiles Concentrates Supplies and spare parts 2020 $ December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 20,549 11,343 31,892 28,750 9,944 38,694 2020 $ December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 4,096 4,376 17,581 1,047 4,185 18,244 Cost of sales are comprised of production costs and depletion, depreciation and amortization, and represent the cost of inventories recognized as an expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $165,303 and $171,276, respectively. Supplies and spare parts inventory as at December 31, 2020 is stated net of a provision of $3,808 (2019 - $3,632) to write inventories down due to obsolescence or infrequent use. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company wrote down stockpiles and concentrates inventory to its NRV, recording a charge of $1,248 (2019 - $804). Stockpiles and concentrates inventory held at NRV as at December 31, 2020 was $nil (2019 - $468). 23,476 26,053 20 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 7 Property, plant and equipment Cost Balance as of January 1, 2019 Additions Change in estimate of decomissioning liability Disposals Transfers Balance as of December 31, 2019 Additions Change in estimate of decomissioning liability Disposals Transfers Balance as of December 31, 2020 7 Property, plant and equipment (continued) Accumulated depreciation Balance as of January 1, 2019 Depletion, depreciation and amortization Disposals Balance as of December 31, 2019 Depletion, depreciation and amortization Disposals Transfers Balance as of December 31, 2020 Net Book Value - December 31, 2020 Net Book Value - December 31, 2019 Net Book Value - December 31, 2018 Plant and equipment $ Mining properties $ Assets under construction $ Exploration and evaluation expenditure $ 239,921 14,455 3,713 (11,768) 23,348 269,669 5,180 5,427 (4,514) 24,783 300,545 436,810 6,249 - - 4,016 447,075 6,348 - - 25,979 479,402 47,482 26,046 - (28) (23,348) 50,152 13,218 - - (10,909) 52,461 64,524 8,751 - - (4,016) 69,259 11,184 - (2,032) (39,853) 38,558 Plant and equipment $ Mining properties $ 156,223 21,447 (10,724) 166,946 27,475 (3,293) 12,310 203,438 97,107 102,723 83,698 335,960 15,093 - 351,053 13,958 - 731 365,742 113,660 96,022 100,850 Assets under construction $ - - - - - - - - 52,461 50,152 47,482 Exploration and evaluation expenditure $ 13,041 - - 13,041 - - (13,041) - 38,558 56,218 51,483 Total $ 788,737 55,501 3,713 (11,796) - 836,155 35,930 5,427 (6,546) - 870,966 Total $ 505,224 36,540 (10,724) 531,040 41,433 (3,293) - 569,180 301,786 305,115 283,513 21 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 8 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Trade payables Other payables and accrued liabilities All accounts payable and accrued liabilities are expected to be settled within 12 months. 9 Current and deferred income tax liability (a) Income and resource taxes Current Tax Expense Current income tax Deferred Tax Recovery Deferred Tax Expense (recovery) Total tax expense 2020 $ December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 30,422 14,488 44,910 16,949 13,368 30,317 2020 $ 2019 $ 20,535 20,535 17,416 17,416 2,051 2,051 (4,888) (4,888) 22,586 12,528 22 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 9 Current and deferred income tax liability (continued) (b) Tax rate reconciliation A reconciliation between income tax expense and the product of loss before income taxes multiplied by the combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate for the period ended December 31, 2020 is as follows: Income before income taxes Expected Tax Rate @ 26.50% (2019 - 26.50%) Effect of tax rate differences Stock based compensation costs Other Non-deductible expenses Unrealized foreign exchange income Inflation adjustment for Mexico tax purposes Expired losses Change in benefit of other temporary differences not recognized Foreign exchange and other Mining royalties and other 2020 $ 49,977 13,244 1,838 177 909 (175) 150 - 3,896 (3,326) 5,873 22,586 2019 $ 21,945 5,776 567 291 616 412 (224) 720 1,925 (1,391) 3,836 12,528 (c) Deferred tax asset and liability The significant components and movements of the Company’s net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: Balance Balance January 1, Change in December 31, Change in Property, Plant, and equipment Inventory Provisions Decommissioning liabilities Mining royalties Mining assets Other items Non-capital losses 2019 $ (1,666) (2,098) 2,756 3,904 1,464 (41,965) 316 6,552 (30,737) 2019 $ 850 920 970 1,098 151 (589) 1,982 (266) 5,116 2019 $ (816) (1,178) 3,726 5,002 1,615 (42,554) 2,298 6,286 (25,621) Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following temporary differences: Non-capital and capital losses Property, plant and equipment Mineral properties Other Balance December 31, 2020 $ (475) (4,070) 3,532 6,634 1,718 (42,397) 1,298 5,614 (28,146) 2020 $ 341 (2,892) (194) 1,632 103 157 (1,000) (672) (2,525) 2020 $ 62,250 83 2,280 (37) 64,576 2019 $ 46,364 49 2,236 (56) 48,593 23 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 9 Current and deferred income tax liability (continued) (d) Tax losses In Canada, the Company has aggregate tax losses not recognized of $37,771 (December 31, 2019 – $30,517) expiring in periods from 2027 to 2040. Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these losses because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Company can utilise the benefits there from. Also, the Company has $1,403 of capital losses in Canada that are without expiry as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $1,403). (e) Unrecognized deferred tax liabilities As at December 31, 2020, the Company has taxable temporary difference of $77,582 (2019 - $77,703) relating to investments in subsidiaries that has not been recognized because the Company controls whether the liability will be incurred and it is satisfied that it will not be incurred in the foreseeable future. 10 Loans payable and notes payable Senior Secured Corporate Credit Facility with Banco de Credito del Peru Current Portion Long term Portion Senior Secured Corporate Credit Facility with BCP December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 2020 $ 18,480 80,903 99,383 - 99,814 99,814 On March 11, 2019, the Company entered into a six-year senior secured corporate credit facility (“Corporate Facility”) with BCP that provides funding of up to $100 million effective March 8, 2019. The Corporate Facility provides the Company with additional liquidity and will provide the financial flexibility to fund future capital projects in Mexico as well as corporate working capital requirements. The Company also used the proceeds of the new facility to repay existing debt balances. The most significant terms of the agreement were: · · · · Term: 6-year term maturing March 2025 Principal Repayment Grace Period: 2 years Principal Repayment Period: 4 years Interest Rate: 3.15% + LIBOR 3M The Corporate Facility is subject to customary covenants, including consolidated net leverage and interest coverage ratios and customary events of default. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as at December 31, 2020. The Company drew down $21.4 million on March 11, 2019, $48.6 million on May 8, 2019 and the balance $30.0 million on June 29, 2019. The Company repaid the amount owed on the Corona Acquisition Loan on May 11, 2019 using funds drawn from the new facility. Interest is payable quarterly and interest payments began on the drawn and undrawn portions of the facility starting in June 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, DBP made interest payments of $4,066 (2019 - $2,910). 23 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 10 Loans payable and notes payable (continued) On February 17, 2020, BCP entered into a syndication agreement with Banco Santander S.A for $30.0 million of this credit facility. BCP continues to remain as the principal lender and there were no changes to the terms and conditions of the original agreement. Principal payments on the amount drawn from the facility will begin in June 2021. The loan is recorded at amortized cost and is being accreted to face value over 6 years using an effective interest rate of 4.45%. 11 Decommissioning liability Balance, beginning of year Liabilities settled during the year Interest cost Revisions and new estimated cash flows Balance, end of year Current portion Long-term portion December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 13,304 2020 $ 16,894 (405) 551 5,427 (914) 647 3,857 22,467 16,894 1,260 21,207 865 16,029 The Company’s decommissioning liability represents the present value of estimated costs for required future decommissioning and other site restoration activities. The majority of the decommissioning and site restoration expenditures occur at the end of each operation’s life. During 2020 and 2019, the decommissioning liability was calculated based on the following key assumptions: Estimated undiscounted cash flows ($) Discount rate (%) Settlement period (years) Inflation (%) 12 Other liabilities Current Profit-sharing and other employee related obligations (a) Current portion of lease liabilities Non-current Other employee related obligations Lease Liabiilities 2020 2019 Mexico Peru Mexico Peru 1,182 5.6 4 4.0 24,297 4.1 3-14 2.0 949 7.0 4 4.0 20,249 5.0 4-15 2.0 December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 2020 $ 7,267 295 7,562 1,426 781 2,207 7,248 - 7,248 1,297 257 1,554 24 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 12 Other liabilities (continued) (a) Profit sharing and other employee related obligations As at December 31, 2020, there is a provision amounting to $2,244 for employee profit sharing in Peru and $4,929 for wages, salaries and other employee benefits outstanding (December 31, 2019 - $4,118 and $3,130, respectively). 13 Share capital and share-based payments (a) Authorized capital The Company has an unlimited amount of authorized common shares with no par value. (b) Restricted share units (“RSUs”) The changes in RSU’s issued during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Outstanding, beginning of period Granted Exercised Forfeited Outstanding, end of period 2020 December 31, December 31, 2019 1,380,085 1,356,418 (700,698) (405,382) 1,630,423 1,630,423 898,857 (695,174) (425,048) 1,409,058 On June 29, 2012, the Company’s shareholders approved the RSU plan, whereby RSUs may be granted to directors, officers, consultants or employees at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The RSU plan provides for the issuance of common shares from treasury upon the exercise of vested RSUs at no additional consideration. There is no cash settlement related to the vesting of RSU’s as they are all settled with equity. The current maximum number of common shares authorized for issue under the RSU plan is 8,000,000. The RSUs have vesting conditions determined by the Board of Directors, and the vesting conditions are non-market conditions and are not performance based. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company granted RSU’s totalling 898,857 which had a fair value of C$1.11 based on the closing share price at grant date. RSUs exercised during the year ended December 31, 2020 had a weighted average fair value of C$2.60 (2019 – C$2.62) and the RSUs forfeited had a weighted average fair value of C$1.88 (2019 – C$2.68). As at December 31, 2020, the weighted average fair value of the RSUs outstanding is C$1.57 (2019 – C$2.34). The total RSU expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $668 with a corresponding credit to other reserves (2019 - $1,174). (c) Share re-purchase There were no share purchases during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company purchased 2,012,654 shares under a normal course issuer bid for total consideration of $2,844 and a book value of $2,481. 25 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 14 Non-controlling interest Set out below is the summarized financial information of our subsidiary Corona which has a material non-controlling interest (note 2(b)). The information below is before intercompany eliminations and after fair value adjustments on acquisition of the entity. Current Assets Liabilities Total current net assets Non-current Assets Liabilities Total non-current net assets Net assets Revenue Income before income tax Income tax expense Total income Total income attributable to non-controlling interests Summarized cash flows Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operating activities Net changes in non cash working capital items Decomissioning liabilities settled Income taxes paid Net cash generated from operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash from (used in) financing activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 2020 $ 118,045 (26,890) 91,155 170,277 (45,145) 125,132 216,287 90,438 (27,863) 62,575 171,884 (39,915) 131,969 194,544 For the year ended December 31, 2020 $ 146,941 39,809 (17,934) 21,875 3,972 2019 $ 155,983 41,796 (14,338) 27,458 4,986 For the year ended December 31, 2020 $ 2019 $ 64,797 (2,992) (405) (12,824) 48,576 (19,205) 705 (53) 30,023 35,004 65,027 63,887 (2,895) (915) (21,885) 38,192 (25,882) 4,775 21 17,106 17,898 35,004 26 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 15 Expenses by nature Mining costs include mine production costs, milling and transport costs, royalty expenses, site administration costs but not the primary mine development costs which are capitalized and depreciated over the specific useful life or reserves related to that development and ore included in depreciation and amortization. The mining costs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 relate to the Yauricocha, Bolivar and Cusi Mines. (a) Mining costs Employee compensation and benefits Third party and contractors costs Depreciation Consumables Changes in inventory and other costs (b) General and administrative expenses Salaries and benefits Consulting and professional fees Office expenses Marketing and communication expenses Share-based compensation expense Listing and filing fees Director expenses Travelling expense Other 16 Other income (expenses) Loss on sale of supplies and fixed assets Exploration expenditure written off Allowance for inventory obsolescence Miscellaneous income (expense) 17 Interest expense and other finance costs Interest expense on loans Interest cost on decommissioning liability Interest income Year ended December 31, 2020 $ 26,472 52,616 41,654 30,850 13,711 165,303 2020 $ 10,835 2,922 2,182 815 668 257 1,307 237 1,047 20,270 2020 $ (124) (1,829) (176) 1,464 (665) 2020 $ 4,046 547 (300) 4,293 2019 $ 28,986 60,905 36,084 39,515 5,786 171,276 2019 $ 9,763 2,705 1,539 807 1,174 318 1,282 596 1,331 19,515 2019 $ (162) - (238) (310) (710) 2019 $ 4,431 647 (203) 4,875 27 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 18 Derivative instruments The Company had no outstanding derivative instruments at December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received $904 ($nil for the year ended December 31, 2019), in settlement of the derivative instruments that matured in the period. 19 Segment reporting The Company primarily manages its business on the basis of the geographical location of its operating mines. The Company’s operating segments are based on the reports reviewed by the senior management group that are used to make strategic decisions. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of the Company’s business units. The corporate division only earns income that is considered to be incidental to the activities of the Company and thus it does not meet the definition of an operating segment; as such it has been included within “other reconciling items.” The reporting segments identified are the following: · · Peru – Yauricocha Mine Mexico – Bolivar and Cusi Mines The following is a summary of the reported amounts of net income (loss) and the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities by operating segment: Year ended December 31, 2020 Revenue (1) Peru Yauricocha Mine $ Mexico Bolivar Mine Mexico Cusi Mine Canada Corporate $ $ 146,941 81,762 18,185 Production cost of sales Depletion of mineral property Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Cost of sales (70,660) (8,503) (13,455) (92,618) (37,319) (3,873) (10,320) (51,512) (15,670) (2,063) (3,440) (21,173) Gross profit from mining operations 54,323 30,250 (2,988) $ - - - - - - Income (loss) from operations Derivative instrument gains Interest expense and other finance costs Other income (expense) Foreign currency exchange gain Income (loss) before income tax 40,179 - (2,965) (2,476) 329 35,067 19,953 - 18 1,573 1,575 23,119 (4,725) 904 (105) 238 345 (3,343) (4,287) - (1,241) - 662 (4,866) Total $ 246,888 (123,649) (14,439) (27,215) (165,303) 81,585 51,120 904 (4,293) (665) 2,911 49,977 Income tax expense (17,934) (3,797) (855) - (22,586) Net income (loss) from operations 17,133 19,322 (4,198) (4,866) 27,391 December 31, 2020 Total assets Non-current assets Total liabilities Peru $ 269,179 170,681 141,548 Mexico 167,866 132,822 26,952 $ Canada $ 2,547 40 30,884 Total $ 439,592 303,543 199,384 (1) Includes provisional pricing adjustments of: $2,899 for Yauricocha, ($889) for Bolivar, $1,180 for Cusi For the year ended December 31, 2020, 60% of the revenues ($146,941) were from six customers based in Peru and the remaining 40% of the revenues ($99,947) were from two customers based in Mexico. In Peru, two major customers accounted for 37% and 33% of the revenues. In Mexico, the two customers accounted for 77% and 23% of the revenues. 28 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 19 Segment reporting (continued) As at December 31, 2020, the trade receivable balance of $28,750 includes amounts outstanding of $10,957 and $17,793 from the customers in Mexico and Peru, respectively. Year ended December 31, 2019 Revenue (1) Production cost of sales Depletion of mineral property Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment Cost of sales Peru Yauricocha Mine $ Mexico Bolivar Mine Mexico Cusi Mine Canada Corporate $ $ 155,983 60,402 12,653 (79,339) (10,631) (10,346) (100,316) (45,491) (2,177) (8,147) (55,815) (10,362) (2,314) (2,469) (15,145) Gross profit from mining operations 55,667 4,587 (2,492) $ - - - - - - Income (loss) from operations Interest expense and other finance costs Other income (expense) Foreign currency exchange loss Income (loss) before income tax 39,879 (4,422) (839) (170) 34,448 (4,918) (34) 105 (21) (4,868) (1,079) (8) 25 (5) (1,067) (5,376) (412) (780) (6,568) Total $ 229,038 (135,192) (15,122) (20,962) (171,276) 57,762 28,506 (4,875) (710) (976) 21,945 Income tax (expense) recovery (14,297) 1,450 319 - (12,528) Net income (loss) from operations 20,151 (3,418) (748) (6,568) 9,417 December 31, 2019 Total assets Non-current assets Total liabilities Peru $ 241,839 175,246 137,146 Mexico 162,657 131,810 31,130 $ Canada $ 6,951 91 31,152 Total $ 411,447 307,147 199,428 (1) Includes provisional pricing adjustments of: $216 for Bolivar For the year ended December 31, 2019, 68% of the revenues ($155,983) were from two customers based in Peru and the remaining 32% of the revenues ($73,055) were from two customers based in Mexico. In Peru, the two customers accounted for 53% and 47% of the revenues. In Mexico, the two customers accounted for 82% and 18% of the revenues. 20 Financial instruments and financial risk management The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, financial assets, accounts payable and loans payable. (a) Financial assets and liabilities by category At December 31, 2020 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables (1) Total Financial assets Financial liabilities Accounts payable Loans payable Total Financial liabilities Amortized Cost $ 71,473 - 71,473 30,317 99,383 129,700 FVTPL $ - 28,750 28,750 - - - Total $ 71,473 28,750 100,223 30,317 99,383 129,700 29 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 20 Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) At December 31, 2019 Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables (1) Total Financial assets Financial liabilities Accounts payable Loans payable Total Financial liabilities Amortized Cost $ 42,980 - 42,980 44,910 99,814 144,724 FVTPL $ - 20,549 20,549 Total $ 42,980 20,549 63,529 - - - 44,910 99,814 144,724 (1)Trade receivables exclude sales and income tax receivables. (b) Fair value of financial instruments As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of the financial instruments approximates their carrying value. (c) Fair value hierarchy Financial instruments carried at fair value are categorized based on a three-level valuation hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs used in making the fair value measurements as follows: Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices) The Company’s metal concentrate sales are subject to provisional pricing with the selling prices adjusted at the end of the quotational period. The Company’s trade receivables are marked-to-market at each reporting period based on quoted forward prices for which there exists an active commodity market. Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are categorized as follows: Recurring measurements Trade receivables (1) Level 1 $ - - Level 2 $ 28,750 28,750 Level 3 $ - - Total $ 28,750 28,750 Level 1 $ - - Level 2 $ 20,549 20,549 Level 3 $ - - Total $ 20,549 20,549 (1) Trade receivables exclude sales and income tax receivables. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 30 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 20 Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) (d) Financial risk management The Company is exposed to financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk. The aim of the Company’s overall risk management strategy is to reduce the potential adverse effect that these risks may have on the Company’s financial position and results. The Company’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility and oversight of management’s risk management practices. Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Company may from time to time, use foreign exchange contracts and commodity price future and forward contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and metals prices. The Company does not ordinarily enter into hedging arrangements to cover long term commodity price risk unless it has the obligation to so under a credit facility, which would be approved of the Board of Directors. i) Market Risk (1) Currency risk Currency risk is the risk that the fair values or future cash flows of the Company’s financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company and its subsidiaries’ financial instruments are exposed to currency risk where those instruments are denominated in currencies that are not the same as their functional currency; exchange gains and losses in these situations impact net income or loss. The Company’s sales of silver, copper, lead and zinc are denominated in United States dollars and the Company’s costs are incurred in Canadian dollars, United States dollars, Mexican pesos and Peruvian Nuevo Soles. The United States dollar is the functional currency of the Peruvian and Mexican entities. The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of all other entities. The Company also holds cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable and other liabilities that are subject to currency risk. The following are the most significant areas of exposure to currency risk: Cash and cash equivalents Income tax and other receivables CAN dollar December 31, 2020 Mexican Peso Peruvian Nuevo Soles Total $ 179 39 218 1,706 13,371 15,077 1,625 723 2,348 3,510 14,133 17,643 Accounts payable and other liabilities (885) (27,009) (16,438) (44,332) Total (667) (11,932) (14,090) (26,689) Cash and cash equivalents Income tax and other receivables CAN dollar December 31, 2019 Mexican Peso Peruvian Nuevo Soles Total $ 113 45 158 73 13,262 13,335 2,473 1,683 4,156 2,659 14,990 17,649 Accounts payable and other liabilities (724) (30,208) (15,357) (46,289) Total (566) (16,873) (11,201) (28,640) 31 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 20 Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) The Company manages and monitors this risk with the objective of mitigating the potential adverse effect that fluctuations in currencies against the Canadian dollar and US dollar could have on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and Consolidated Statement of income (loss). As at December 31, 2020, the Company has not entered into any derivative contracts to mitigate this risk. A 10% appreciation in the US dollar exchange rate against the Peruvian Nuevo Soles and the Mexican Peso based on the financial assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2020, with all the other variables held constant, would have resulted in an increase to the Company’s net income of $1,965 (increase in income in 2019 of $2,053). A 10% appreciation in the Canadian dollar exchange rate against the US dollar based on the financial assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2020 and 2019, with all the other variables held constant, would have resulted in a negligible impact to the Company’s net income (loss). (2) Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair values or future cash flows of the Company will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its loans payable (note 10). The Company monitors its exposure to interest rates closely and has not entered into any derivative contracts to manage its risk. The weighted average interest rate paid by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2020 on its loans and notes payable in Peru was 4.07% (2019 – 5.58%). With all other variables unchanged a 1% increase in the interest rate would have increased the Company’s net loss by $708 (2019 - $690). (3) Commodity price risk Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting all similar financial instruments in the market. As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had certain amounts related to the sales of concentrates that have only been provisionally priced. Commodity price risk exists solely in Mexico as the Company fixes metal prices with the purchaser of its concentrates for specific sales for which concentrates have been delivered. The Company’s exposure to commodity price risk is as follows: Commodity 10% decrease in silver prices 10% decrease in copper prices 10% decrease in zinc prices 10% decrease in lead prices 10% decrease in gold prices As at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any forward contracts outstanding. 2020 $ (471) (743) (354) (105) (928) 2019 $ (97) - - - (323) 32 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 20 Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) ii) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligation as they fall due. The Company has in place planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its expansion and development plans. The Company tries to ensure that it has sufficient committed credit facilities to meet its short-term operating needs, note 10. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities and undiscounted cash flows as at December 31, 2020 of the Company’s financial liabilities and operating and capital commitments: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Loans payable Interest on loans payable Asset retirement obligations Other liabilities Total Commitments Within 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years After 5 years $ 30,317 18,750 3,334 1,284 7,562 61,247 $ - 25,000 2,513 4,816 2,207 34,536 $ - 56,250 2,464 4,819 - 63,533 $ - - - 14,321 - 14,321 As at December 31, 2020 $ 30,317 100,000 8,311 25,240 9,769 173,637 In the opinion of management, the working capital at December 31, 2020, together with future cash flows from operations and available loan facilities, is sufficient to support the Company’s commitments through 2021. iii) Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument might fail to discharge its obligations under the terms of a financial contract. Credit risk is primarily associated with trade receivables; however, it also arises on cash and cash equivalents. The Company sells its concentrate to large international organizations. The Company is exposed to significant concentration of credit risk given that all of its revenues from Peru and Mexico were from two customers at each of the locations. There are no significant provisions recorded for expected credit losses as at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company’s policy is to keep its cash and cash equivalents only with highly rated financial institutions and to only invest in government securities. The Company considers the risk of loss associated with cash and cash equivalents to be low. The counterparty to the financial asset is a large international financial institution with strong credit ratings and thus the credit risk is considered to be low. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is as follows: Cash and cash equivalents Trade receivables 2020 $ December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 42,980 20,549 63,529 71,473 28,750 100,223 33 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 21 Capital management The Company’s objectives of capital management are to safeguard its ability to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis; continue the development and exploration of its mining properties and pursue strategic growth initiatives, while minimizing the cost of such capital; and to provide an adequate return to its shareholders. The capital of the Company consists of items included in equity attributable to owners of the Company and debt, net of cash and cash equivalents as follows: Equity attributable to owners of the Company Loans payable Less: Cash and cash equivalents 2020 $ December 31, December 31, 2019 $ 176,783 99,814 276,597 (42,980) 233,617 201,000 99,383 300,383 (71,473) 228,910 In order to facilitate the management of capital requirements, annual budgets are prepared and updated as necessary based on various factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In assessing liquidity, the Company takes into account its expected cash flows from operations, including capital asset expenditures, and its cash and cash equivalents. The Board of Directors reviews the annual and updated budgets. The Company ensures that there are sufficient committed credit facilities to meet its short-term requirements. At December 31, 2020, the Company expects its current capital resources to be sufficient to support its normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and planned development and explorations programs. At December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the external capital requirements. 22 Related party transactions (a) Related party transactions During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded consulting fees of $200 (2019 - $200) to companies related by common directors or officers. Related party transactions occurred in the normal course of business. (b) Compensation of directors and key management personnel The remuneration of the Company’s directors, officers and other key management personnel during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows: Salaries and other short term employment benefits Share-based payments Total compensation (1) calculated at fair value on day of the grant 2020 $ 2,289 496 2,785 2019 $ 3,304 1,581 4,885 34 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 23 Changes in working capital Trade and other receivables Financial and other assets Income tax receivable Inventories Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other liabilities 24 Revenues from mining operations Year ended December 31, 2020 $ (6,802) (63) - 670 (12,600) 556 (18,239) 2019 $ (5,885) (563) (282) (3,849) 6,752 147 (3,680) The Company has recognized the following amounts related to revenue in the consolidated statements of income: Revenues from contracts with customers Provisional pricing adjustments on concentrate sales Total revenues The following table sets out the disaggregation of revenue by metals and form of sale: Revenues from contracts with customers: Silver Copper Lead Zinc Gold Total revenues from contracts with customers 25 Contingencies Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 243,698 3,190 246,888 December 30, 2019 $ 228,822 216 229,038 Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 54,641 96,159 22,068 49,102 21,728 243,698 December 30, 2019 $ 42,450 88,128 28,073 58,163 12,008 228,822 The Company and its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in certain actions incurred in the normal course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of Management, these matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. 35 | Page Sierra Metals Inc. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts and unless otherwise stated) 25 Contingencies (continued) These matters include a personal action filed in Mexico against Dia Bras Mexicana S.A de C.V (“DBM”) by an individual, Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, in 2009, as administrator of the intestate succession of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes y Jesus Jose Bencomo Muñoz, claiming the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. In June 2011, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua, Mexico, ruled that the claim was unfounded and dismissed the case, the plaintiff appealed to the State Court. On November 3, 2014, the Sixth Civil Court of Chihuahua ruled against the plaintiff, noting that the legal route by which the plaintiff presented his claim was not admissible. On February 17, 2017 the State Court issued a ruling dismissing the arguments of the plaintiff. Carlos Emilio Seijas Bencomo, a relative of Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes and Ambrosio Bencomo Muñoz, following the steps of the Ambrosio lawsuit, filed a similar personal action to claim annulment and revocation of the purchase of the two mining concessions. In May 31, 2019, the Second Federal Civil Court issued a resolution ordering: a) the annulment and revocation of the purchase agreement of the two mining concessions, Bolívar III and IV between Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V. and Ambrosio Bencomo Casavantes, and with this, the nullity of purchase agreement between DBM and Minera Senda de Plata S.A. de C.V., and b) the payment of a sum of money pending to be defined by concept of restitution of the benefits of those two mining concessions. In June 2019, a Federal Court in Chihuahua granted Sierra Metals a suspension of this adverse resolution. On January 14, 2021, the Third Federal Collegiate Court of Civil and Labor Matters of the Seventeenth Circuit in Chihuahua issued a resolution on the appeal (writ of amparo) presented by the Company, declaring the adverse ruling as void and ordered the lower court to issue a new resolution. On March 12, 2021, the first Civil Court of Chihuahua complied with the order of the Collegiate Court absolving DBM of all claims raised by the plaintiff. While the plaintiff has fifteen days to appeal against this judgement, the Company believes that this new development has reduced the possibilities of reversal of the March 12, 2021 ruling. 36 | Page
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