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Taseko Mines

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FY2017 Annual Report · Taseko Mines
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Annual Report 2017

Gibraltar Mine

British

Columbia

ALEY

CANADA

MACKENZIE

PRINCE GEORGE

GIBRALTAR

NEW PROSPERITY

WILLIAMS LAKE

VANCOUVER

DIVERSIFIED ASSET BASE

British
Columbia

ALEY

CANADA

UNITED STATES

MACKENZIE

PRINCE GEORGE

GIBRALTAR

NEW PROSPERITY

WILLIAMS LAKE

VANCOUVER

Arizona

PHOENIX

FLORENCE

PRINCIPAL ASSET

DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

Gibraltar

Florence Copper

Aley

New Prosperity

British Columbia, Canada

Arizona, USA

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia, Canada

Copper - Molybdenum

Second largest open pit 
copper mine in Canada 

Copper
UNITED STATES
Low cost in-situ copper 
recovery project 

Arizona

Niobium

Copper - Gold

Third largest niobium 
deposit in the world 

10th largest copper-gold 
development project 
globally

Ownership: 75%  
(unincorporated JV)

667 million tons  
P&P reserves at a grade 
of 0.28% Cu Eq as of 
December 31, 2017,  
with additional resources 
expected to convert to 
reserves

Expected avg. annual 
production (LOM):  
140 million lbs Cu &  
2.5 million lbs Mo

Mine life: 21 years

Ownership: 100% 

PHOENIX

Ownership: 100% 

Ownership: 100% 

FLORENCE
345 million ton probable 
reserves at a grade of 
0.36% Cu 

84 million tonne P&P 
reserves at 0.50% Nb2O5 
(286 million tonne M&I 
resource at 0.37% Nb2O5) 

831 million tonnes P&P 
reserves at a grade of 
0.23% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au

1.0 billion tonne ore body 
(P&P reserves plus  
M&I resources) 

Projected annual capacity: 
85 million lbs Cu 

Projected avg. annual 
production (LOM):  
Option for 5 mm kgs Nb  
or 9 mmm kgs Nb

5.3 billion lbs of contained 
Cu and 13.3 million ounces 
of contained gold 

Estimated production life: 
21 years

Estimated mine life:  
24+ years

Estimated mine life:  
20+ years

 
 
 
 
 
 
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

January  2017

Taseko announces record quarterly copper and molybdenum production at 
Gibraltar, with 40.7 million pounds of copper produced and 0.8 million pounds of 
molybdenum and total 2016 production of 133.2 million pounds of copper and 
0.9 million pounds of molybdenum (100%). 

March 2017

Taseko closes US$33 million streaming agreement with Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd 
for Taseko’s 75% share of payable silver production from the Gibraltar Mine.

April 2017

Gibraltar signs a new, long-term agreement with unionized employees

June 2017

Taseko completes debt refinancing, reducing overall debt and extending 
maturities to 2022. The US$250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% 
Senior Secured Notes are due 2022. The Company used the net proceeds of the 
offering, and a portion of its existing cash balance, to fund the redemption of 
its Senior Notes due 2019 and to repay its senior secured credit facility and the 
related copper call option.

September 2017

Taseko announces that the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) of the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order denying any further 
review of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permit granted in 2016 for 
Taseko’s Florence Copper Project. 

September 2017

Taseko’s Board of Directors gives management approval to move forward with 
the construction of the Florence Copper Production Test Facility (PTF). Estimated 
remaining costs to construct the PTF are US$25 million.

October 2017 

Anu Dhir joins Taseko’s Board of Directors as an independent, non-executive 
director.

December 2017

In 2017, Gibraltar produces 141 million pounds of copper and 2.6 million  
pounds of molybdenum, resulting in C$211 million of cash flow from operations 
and C$164 million of EBITDA.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

Dear Shareholders;

A year ago as I was writing the annual message to 
shareholders, our stock price and the price of copper 
were both up roughly 200% and 25%, respectively, 
from the previous six months. The long period of 
depressed copper prices and its impact on our equity 
appeared to be in the past. The copper price in a few 
short months had moved from US$2.20 per pound 
to US$2.70, however, many industry pundits were 
calling for the copper price to retreat. The feeling was that copper had 
moved too far, too fast and it was due for a significant correction. Not 
many predicted the price to climb up to US$3.30 per pound where it 
closed the year. With the tailwind from the increase in the copper price 
and Gibraltar’s strong copper production, our stock was one of the best 
performers on the TSX in 2017. 

In 2017, we produced 141 million pounds of copper and 2.6 million 
pounds of molybdenum. Gibraltar has only produced in excess of 140 
million pounds once prior and for molybdenum, 2017 was a record 
year. The mine benefited both from higher grades and a focused effort 
on efficiencies which resulted in higher throughput and the increase in 
metal production.

2017, however, wasn’t without its challenges. The most significant being 
the major wildfires which impacted the entire Cariboo region of British 
Columbia. These fires forced the evacuation of more than 35,000 
residents, including the two major communities in the region where 
most of our Gibraltar employees live. Residents were on evacuation 
alert for seven weeks in the summer. During this time, our Gibraltar 
management team maintained production with a greatly reduced 
workforce. It was an extremely challenging task given the magnitude of 
Gibraltar operations and the manpower required to operate the mine.

The lengthy duration in which the wildfires impacted our employees 
came at a financial cost for the Company. Mine operations were 
preparing to transition into a new zone of our main ore pit when the 
fires struck. Based on our original mine plan, pre-stripping was to be 
completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Waste stripping, however, was 
delayed and access to ore from the new zone was limited, so we had to 
supplement ore feed from the pit with ore from our low grade stockpiles. 
The use of stockpiled ore has continued through the early months of 
2018 as we catch up on waste stripping and begin to once again access 
better grade ore from the pit. Stripping activities are now close to being 
caught up and we are seeing copper grades increase.

While the impact from the wildfires was a short-term event, considering 
the mine has 21 years of life remaining, some shareholders have a 
shorter-term view and this resulted in our share price declining over the 
first few months of 2018. We believe with the lower than usual grade 
ore behind us and with metal production forecast to be increasing in the 
months ahead, operating cash flow will return to expectations.

Taseko Share Price vs LME Copper Price 

$3.50
Taseko Share Price vs LME Copper Price 
$3.00

$2.50
$3.50

$2.00
$3.00

$1.50
$2.50

$1.00
$2.00

$0.50
$1.50

Oct-16

$1.00

$0.50

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Taseko Share Price (C$)

Copper Price (US$)

Oct-16

Jan-17

Apr-17

Jul-17

Oct-17

Taseko Share Price (C$)

Copper Price (US$)

Gibraltar Copper Production 

160

Gibraltar Copper Production 

140

s
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P

i
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i

f
o
s
d
s
n
n
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o
o
P
M
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o
s
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o

i
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l
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M

120
160

100
140

80
120

60
100

40
80

20
60

0
40

20

0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Taseko vs Indices (Relative Performance)

Taseko

S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index

S&P/TSX Global Mining Index

S&P/TSX Small Cap Index

S&P/TSX Composite Index

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
PROJECTS

I am very excited to update everyone on our Florence Copper Project; construction continues to advance on-time and 
on budget. A strong focus on spending and timelines is imperative for Taseko. Our track record for large capital projects 
is evidence of this, with the most recent example being our $325 million Gibraltar expansion which was delivered on-
time and on budget. 

The wellfield development drilling was completed in April and aquifer characterization testing continues. We broke 
ground on the SX/EW plant construction in January and its completion timing coincides with the deposit pre-
leaching in the third quarter. We continue to work with state and federal regulators to ensure a smooth transition from 
commissioning activities to cathode production, currently anticipated before the end of the year. 

Successful operation of the Florence Copper wellfield and processing plant will be a major milestone in advancing this 
important project. We have no doubt that the technical aspects of the project will be proven, as well as the integrity of 
the project from an environmental standpoint. 

In the 2017 Florence Copper technical report, the economics of the project were robust, with an after-tax net present 
value of US$680 million. An important item that shouldn’t be overlooked is the impact of the new US corporate tax 
rate. We believe the lower tax rate will add approximately US$80 million to the after-tax net present value of Florence 
Copper, increasing it to US$760 million. And as a reminder, these economics were run using a long-term copper price 
of US$3.00 per pound.

For our Aley Niobium Project, we have completed three years of additional engineering work and are in the final stages 
of completing an updated technical report. This report will demonstrate improved economics at a lower long-term 
niobium price. The additional engineering work also provides us with confidence in the scalability of the project. If 
necessary to enter the market with a lower production profile, our engineering indicates that we can scale the project 
back in size and that the economics will remain strong. The market for specialty steels has rebounded in the past few 
years and there has been renewed interest in our Aley Project. We will continue to pursue a strategic off-take partner, 
which is the area that can create the greatest value for this project.

Gibraltar Mine

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Our employees, the environment and communities 
in which we operate are very important aspects of our 
business.

Health and safety have always been a high-level 
commitment for Taseko, Gibraltar and Florence 
management. With the credo that: “Nothing is more 
important to the Company than the safety, health 
and well-being of our workers and their families”. 
Taseko is committed to operational practices that 
result in improved efficiencies, safety performance and 
occupational health.

Through a tremendous amount of effort and persistence 
by all of our workforce, a true culture of working safely 
has been established and maintained. Health and safety 
performance is an ongoing commitment. Our teams 
continually review their training and awareness programs 
in order to ensure that they are fresh and relevant. 
Gibraltar’s 2017 loss time frequency was 0.6 per 200,000 
hours worked, well below the British Columbia mining 
industry average of 1.1. How Gibraltar performs on a 
health and safety basis compared to our peers is a very 
important aspect of our business and one we monitor 
very closely.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Two of our board members will not be standing for re-
election in at our upcoming AGM. Both Bill Armstrong 
and Linda Thorstad will be stepping down after multiple 
years of serving on our Board. 

I would like to make special mention of Bill Armstrong, 
who has been one of our longstanding board members. 
Since joining our Board in 2006, Bill has contributed 
significantly in helping us grow Taseko into what it is a 
today. His technical knowledge proved invaluable and 
was instrumental in developing many health and safety 
policies, as the Chair of the Board’s Environment, Health 
and Safety Committee. I would like to thank him for his 
many years of service on the Taseko Board.

As well, Linda being our first female Board member has 
done an excellent job overseeing our governance protocols 
as the Board continues to advance ever changing 
governance regiments. Linda also lead the Independent 
Committee during our proxy fight in 2016 and I would 
like to thank her on behalf of management for all that 
she did to see that through to a successful resolution.

Finally, I would like to thank all of our shareholders for 
their continued support. 2017 was a great year and we 
believe that higher copper prices, strong production and 
project advancement will only create stronger equity 
returns for our holders in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Russell E. Hallbauer
President and Chief Executive Officer

Florence Copper Project

TWO-YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(CDN$ IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and equivalents

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Inventories

Prepaids

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Goodwill

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

As at December 31,

2017

2016

$ 

80,231

$ 

21,618

2,774

39,639

1,474

89,030

12,905

1,574

60,550

1,268

$ 

145,736

$ 

165,327

797,265

40,537

5,172

730,208

48,368

5,536

$ 

988,710 

$ 

949,439 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

$ 

47,382 

$ 

Current income tax payable

Current portion of long-term debt

Current portion of deferred revenue

Interest payable on senior notes

Long-term debt

Provision for environmental rehabilitation

Deferred and other tax liabilities

Deferred revenue

Other financial liabilities

EQUITY

Share capital

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”)

Deficit

302

11,270

1,312

1,143

61,409

317,948

107,874

89,045

39,640

5,714

33,416 

889

16,157

–

4,336

54,798

373,133

98,454

62,202

–

21,913

$ 

621,630 

$ 

610,500 

422,091

47,478

389

(102,878)

367,080

417,975

45,747

12,357

(137,140)

338,939

$ 

988,710 

$ 

949,439 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(CDN$ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

REVENUES

Cost of sales

Production Costs

Depletion and amortization

Earnings from mining operations

General and administration

Share-based compensation

Exploration and evaluation

Loss on derivatives

Other income (expenses)

Income (loss) before financing costs and income taxes

Finance expense

Finance income

Foreign exchange gains

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax (expense) recovery

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale financial assets, before tax

Tax recovery

Foreign currency translation reserve

Other comprehensive loss for the year

As at December 31,
2017

2016

$ 

378,299

$ 

263,865

(200,583)

(47,722)

129,994

(12,775)

(6,983)

(1,730)

(10,082)

(6,341)

92,083 

(209,150)

(52,939)

1,776

(11,299)

(3,619)

(2,087)

(6,360)

(4,072)

(25,661)

(46,430)

(30,007)

935 

16,852 

63,440 

(29,178)

34,262 

(4,248)

–

(7,720)

(11,968)

1,084 

8,475 

(46,109)

14,713 

(31,396)

(32)

516 

(3,709)

(3,225)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

22,294 

(34,621)

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding (thousands)

Basic

Diluted

0.15

0.15

(0.14)

(0.14)

225,682 

232,039 

221,828 

221,828

 
 
MINERAL RESERVES & RESOURCES

(AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017)

GIBRALTAR

Category (at 0.15% Cu cut-off)

Size (M Tons)

Grade

Recoverable Metal

Contained Metal

Cu (%)

Mo (%)

Cu  (B lbs)

Cu  (B lbs)

Proven 

Probable

Total P&P Reserves

Measured

Indicated

Total M&I Resources

527

140

667

755

256

1,011

0.26

0.23

0.255

0.26

0.24

0.25

0.008

0.008

0.008

0.008

0.007

0.008

2.4

0.6

3.0

–

–

–

2.7

0.7

3.4

3.9

1.2

5.2

The resource and reserve estimation was completed by Gibraltar mine staff under the supervision of Scott Jones, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering of Taseko and a Qualified Person 
under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Jones has verified the methods used to determine grade and tonnage in the geological model, reviewed the long range mine plan, and directed the 
updated economic evaluation. The estimates used long term metal prices of US$2.75/lb for copper and US$11.00/lb for molybdenum and 0.85 C$/US$ foreign exchange. Reserves and 
Resources were updated and are stated as of Dec 31/17. Mineral reserves are contained within the measured and indicated mineral resources. 

FLORENCE

Category (at 0.05% TCu cut-off)

Size (M Tons)

Probable Reserves

Measured

Indicated

M + I Resources

Inferred

345

296

134

429

63

Grade

 (%TCu)

0.36

0.35

0.28

0.33

0.24

Recoverable Metal

Contained Metal

Cu (B lbs)

Cu (B lbs)

1.7

–

–

–

–

2.5

2.1

0.7

2.8

0.3

The resource and reserve estimation (effective date Jan 16 2017) was completed by Dan Johnson PE, Vice-President/General Manager for Florence Copper, Inc., and a Qualified Person under 
National Instrument 43-101. The updated Mineral Reserves are based on engineering performed by SRK Consulting incorporating the measured and indicated resources established in 2010, 
metallurgical work completed by SGS Inc. and T. McNulty and Associates, process facility designs by M3 Engineering as well as well field designs by Haley and Aldrich Inc. The study was done 
using a long term metal price of US$3.00/lb for copper. Mineral reserves are contained within the measured and indicated mineral resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do 
not have demonstrated economic viability (Under US standards no reserve declaration is possible until a full feasibility study is completed and financing and permits are acquired.)

ALEY

Category

Proven

Probable

Total P&P Reserves (at 0.30% Nb2O5 cut-off)

Measured

Indicated

Total M&I Resources (at 0.20 Nb2O5 cut-off)

Size 
(M Tonnes)

Grade

Recoverable Metal

Contained Metal

Nb205 (%)

Nb (M kg)

Nb (M kg)

44

40

84

113

173

286

0.52

0.48

0.50

0.41

0.35

0.37

102

86

188

–

–

–

160

134

294

323

423

746

The reserve estimation (effective date Sept 15 2014) was reviewed by Scott Jones, P.Eng., Vice-President Engineering for Taseko and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. 
Mr Jones has verified the methods used to determine grade and tonnage in the geological model, reviewed the long range mine plan, and directed the updated economic evaluation. The 
study was done using long term metal prices of US$45.00/kg for niobium and an exchange rate of US$0.90/C$1.00. The NI 43-101 compliant reserve estimate takes into consideration 
all geologic, mining, milling, and economic factors, and is stated according to Canadian standards. (Under US standards no reserve declaration is possible until a full feasibility study is 
completed and financing and permits are acquired.). Mineral reserves are contained within the measured and indicated mineral resources. 

NEW PROSPERITY

Category

Proven

Probable

Total P&P Reserves  
(at C$5.50 NSR/t cut-off.)

Measured

Indicated

Total M&I Resources 
(at 0.14% Cu cut-off)

Size (M 
Tonnes)

481

350

831

547

463

1,010

Grade

Recoverable Metal

Contained  Metal

Au (g/t)

Cu (%)

Au (M oz) Cu (B lb)

Au (M oz) Cu (B lb)

0.46

0.35

0.41

0.46

0.34

0.41

0.26

0.18

0.23

0.27

0.21

0.24

5.0

2.7

7.7

–

–

–

2.4

1.2

3.6

–

–

–

7.1

3.9

11.0

8.1

5.2

13.3

2.8

1.4

4.2

3.2

2.1

5.3

The mineral resource and reserve estimations (effective date Nov. 2 2009) were completed by Taseko staff under the supervision of Scott Jones, P.Eng., Vice-President, Engineering of Taseko 
and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Mr Jones has verified the methods used to determine grade and tonnage in the geological model, reviewed the long range mine plan, 
and directed the updated economic evaluation. The basis for the reserves used long term metal prices of US$1.65/lb for copper and US$650/oz for gold and a foreign exchange of C$0.82 per 
US dollar. The NI 43-101 compliant reserve estimate takes into consideration all geologic, mining, milling, and economic factors, and is stated according to Canadian standards. (Under US 
standards no reserve declaration is possible until a full feasibility study is completed and financing and permits are acquired.) Mineral reserves are contained within the measured and indicated 
mineral resources. 

Gibraltar Mine employees

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Senior Officers
Russell Hallbauer

President & CEO and Director 
Ron Thiessen
Chairman 
John McManus

Chief Operating Officer 
Stuart McDonald

Chief Financial Officer 
Brian Battison

Vice President, Corporate Affairs 
Scott Jones

Vice President, Engineering 
Rob Rotzinger

Vice President, Capital Projects
Brian Bergot

Vice President, Investor Relations

Head Office
15th Floor - 1040 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia  Canada V6E 4H1

Toll Free: (877) 441-4533
Main Phone: (778) 373-4533

Website
tasekomines.com

Email
investor@tasekomines.com

Transfer Agent
Computershare Investor Services Inc.
3rd Floor, 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia  Canada V6C 3B9  
(800) 564-6253

Annual General Meeting
June 7th, 2018 at 2:00 pm
McMillan LLP 
1055 W Georgia St 
Royal Centre, Suite 1500  
Vancouver BC Canada

Shares Listed
TSX – TKO       NYSEAMERICAN – TGB