DPM Metals Announces Updated Feasibility Study Results And Provides Permitting Update For The Loma Larga Project
Key operating and financial assumptions and metrics | ||
Macroeconomi c parameters | ||
Gold price | $/oz. | $1,900 |
Silver price | $/oz. | $27.50 |
Copper price | $/lb. | $4.00 |
Corporate tax rate | % | 20% |
Royalty | % | 5% NSR1 |
Production (life of mine averages, unless otherwise noted) | ||
Mineral Reserve | Mt | 12.6 |
Annual throughput | Mtpa | 1.2 |
Average gold grade processed | g/t | 4.7 |
Average gold recovery | % | 89.7 |
Total gold recovered | Moz. Au | 1.7 |
Total gold equivalent recovered | Moz. Au eq.2 | 2.0 |
Total gold payable production | Moz. Au | 1.6 |
Total gold equivalent payable production | Moz. Au eq.2 | 1.9 |
Average annual gold equivalent payable production | Koz. Au eq.2 | 173 |
Capital estimates 3 | ||
Initial capital | $ million | $593 |
Sustaining capital (life of mine) | $ million /year avg | $7 |
Closure costs4 | $ million | $28 |
Project economics | ||
Cash flow (after-tax) | $ million | $895 |
NPV (after-tax, 5% discount) | $ million | $488 |
IRR (after-tax) | % | 18.1 |
Payback period | years | 3.4 |
1. Feasibility study assumption. The royalty rate will be subject to an exploitation agreement between the Government of Ecuador and the Company. 2. Gold equivalent calculations are based on the metal prices selected for the project: gold price of $1,900/oz, silver price of $27.50/oz, and copper price of $4.00/lb. 3. Initial capital and sustaining capital include import duties. 4. Closure costs do not include non-refundable VAT of $4.2 million. |
Operating and all-in sustaining cost (life of mine averages) | |||
$ millions | $/t of ore processed | $/oz. payable gold | |
Mining | $385 | $30.6 | – |
Processing & filtered tailings storage facility | $320 | $25.4 | – |
General & administrative | $135 | $10.7 | – |
Royalty and production taxes | $407 | $32.4 | – |
Total cash cost 1 | $ 1,247 | $ 99.1 | |
Offsite cost | – | – | $349 |
By-product credits | – | – | $300 |
Cash cost per ounce | – | – | $ 809 |
All-in sustaining cost per ounce | – | – | $ 873 |
1. Cash cost; cash cost per tonne of ore processed; cash cost per ounce of gold sold; and all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold are non-GAAP measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. Refer to the“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this news release for more information, including a detailed description of these measures. |
Mining and processing
The FS is based on underground mining of the Loma Larga deposit via long-hole stoping with a combination of transverse and longitudinal accesses. Ore will be processed using a crushing, grinding and flotation circuit to process approximately 1.2 million tonnes of ore per annum (“Mtpa”), producing copper and pyrite concentrates. The limited portion of tailings not placed underground as backfill, will be filtered and stored in a 4.3-million tonne filtered tailings storage facility (“FTSF”). DPM has optimized the layout of the process plant and FTSF to minimize land use and ensure responsible management of surface and ground water.
The production schedule as outlined in the FS is presented in the following table:
Metric | Unit | Total / average | Pre production | Y-1 | Y-2 | Y-3 | Y-4 | Y-5 | Y-6 | Y-7 | Y-8 | Y-9 | Y-10 | Y-11 |
Ore mined | Kt | 12,585 | 160 | 963 | 1,229 | 1,230 | 1,241 | 1,232 | 1,239 | 1,228 | 1,238 | 1,240 | 1,107 | 477 |
Gold grade | g/t | 4.7 | 7.4 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 5.6 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
Silver grade | g/t | 28.6 | 24.9 | 30.2 | 37.4 | 35.5 | 37.2 | 35.1 | 28.3 | 19.9 | 20.0 | 19.7 | 24.8 | 23.7 |
Copper grade | % | 0.29 | 0.45 | 0.42 | 0.48 | 0.38 | 0.36 | 0.33 | 0.23 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.17 | 0.19 | 0.15 |
Ore processed | Kt | 12,585 | – | 988 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,241 | 1,095 | 575 |
Gold grade | g/t | 4.7 | – | 6.2 | 6.8 | 5.7 | 4.6 | 5.1 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
Silver grade | g/t | 28.6 | – | 28.9 | 36.8 | 35.7 | 37.1 | 35.3 | 28.8 | 20.5 | 20.0 | 19.7 | 24.5 | 23.9 |
Copper grade | % | 0.29 | – | 0.41 | 0.48 | 0.40 | 0.36 | 0.33 | 0.24 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.15 |
Recoveries | ||||||||||||||
Gold | % | 89.7 | – | 85.8 | 91.9 | 91.0 | 89.9 | 90.3 | 89.7 | 89.1 | 89.4 | 89.1 | 89.1 | 89.1 |
Silver | % | 94.8 | – | 91.9 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 | 95.0 |
Copper | % | 95.1 | – | 91.2 | 97.4 | 96.6 | 96.2 | 95.9 | 95.0 | 94.5 | 94.5 | 94.4 | 94.5 | 94.2 |
Production | ||||||||||||||
Gold | Koz. | 1,705 | – | 170 | 248 | 209 | 163 | 182 | 155 | 130 | 145 | 131 | 114 | 60 |
Silver | Koz. | 10,953 | – | 842 | 1,396 | 1,354 | 1,406 | 1,338 | 1,093 | 778 | 760 | 747 | 819 | 419 |
Copper | Mlbs. | 76.1 | – | 8.2 | 12.8 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 8.7 | 6.2 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 1.8 |
Gold equivalent 2 | Koz. | 2,024 | – | 199 | 295 | 250 | 204 | 220 | 184 | 151 | 166 | 151 | 135 | 70 |
All-in sustaining cost1 | $/oz. | 8.73 | – | 909 | 691 | 742 | 791 | 743 | 883 | 1,018 | 947 | 1,054 | 1,088 | 1,173 |
1. All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold is a non-GAAP ratio. Refer to the“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this news release for more information, including a detailed description of these measures. 2. Gold equivalent calculations are based on the metal prices selected for the project: gold price of $1,900/oz, silver price of $27.50/oz, and copper price of $4.00/lb. |
Capital estimates
DPM's design for Loma Larga reflects an optimized project layout in order to minimize the environmental impact of surface area and includes certain changes reflecting the Company's responsible practices in mine development, mining and processing.
The FS initial capital costs are estimated to be $593 million, including development of the underground mine, construction of a 1.2 Mtpa processing plant, including a paste backfill plant, FTSF, water treatment plant, diesel power plant and electrical infrastructure upgrades, and additional infrastructure. The capital cost estimate reflects inflationary cost pressures on materials and labour, as well as an additional power plant to supplement Ecuador's power grid.
The following table breaks down the initial capital cost estimate:
$ millions | |
Initial capital estimates 1 | |
Mine general (surface facilities, explosives) | $9.4 |
Underground mine (including mine development and mobile equipment) | $110.7 |
Ore handling | $15.7 |
Processing plant | $94.3 |
Filtered tailings and water treatment facilities | $61.2 |
On-site infrastructure | $48.9 |
Off-site infrastructure | $63.1 |
Total direct costs | $ 403.4 |
Owners cost (including EPCM) | $55.9 |
Operational readiness | $19.9 |
Taxes, duties and freight | $31.3 |
General indirect costs | $34.7 |
Total indirect costs | $ 141.9 |
Contingency | $47.7 |
Total initial capital expenditures | $ 592.9 |
Sustaining and closure | |
Sustaining capital expenditures (life of mine)1 | $75.0 |
Closure costs2 | $27.7 |
1. Initial capital and sustaining capital estimates include import duties. 2. Closure costs do not include non-refundable VAT of $4.2 million. 3. Rounding of figures may result in totals not adding precisely. |
Responsible water management
Responsible management of water and the sensitive environmental ecosystem near Loma Larga were key considerations in the project's design. DPM's approach to water management focuses on minimizing the use of freshwater and maximizing recycling of process water.
The project includes development of wastewater treatment and storage facilities, as well as fully lined tailings and contact water storage ponds. Contact water will be collected and recycled within the mine's processing facilities and treated at the water treatment plant, in-line with International Finance Corporation and Ecuadorian standards. Non-contact water will be diverted away from the project area with lined diversion channels.
Social benefits
According to Ecuadorian law, 50% of the benefits of the project remain in-country, through taxes, royalties and duties. The Company's intention is to develop Loma Larga in accordance with Ecuadorian and international best standards, with a focus on maximizing benefits for local communities and stakeholders while delivering the best value for shareholders.
DPM intends to utilize local suppliers to the extent possible, and, as it does in all of its operations globally, maximize the proportion of local workforce employed at the operation.
Gold Price Sensitivity Estimates
The table below shows the gold price sensitivity on project economics for Loma Larga, including at $3,500 per ounce gold to provide investors with a view of the project's economics across varying gold prices.
Sensitivity of project economics to gold price | ||||||
Average gold price ($/oz.) | $1,500 | $1,700 | $1,900 | $2,300 | $2,500 | $3,500 |
NPV (after-tax, 5% discount) | $210 | $349 | $488 | $767 | $906 | 1,603 |
IRR (after-tax) | 11.2% | 14.8% | 18.1% | 24.1% | 26.9% | 39.1% |
Payback (years) | 4.6 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
Project Optimization Opportunities
The Company will continue to optimize the capital cost estimate for the project, including incorporating results from drilling, once the drilling campaign is recommenced, as well as optimization of mining fleet and power supply options.
DPM will continue to take a disciplined approach with respect to future investments in the Loma Larga project, based on key permitting and project evaluation milestones, overall operating environment in-country, and other capital allocation priorities.
Prospective Exploration Targets
Numerous opportunities have been identified to find additional Mineral Resources at Loma Larga, including:
- Confirmatory infill drilling and optimization of existing Mineral Resources , with numerous areas identified as targets for infill drilling to potentially upgrade Mineral Resources from the Inferred to Indicated category, for inclusion in the mine plan and Mineral Reserves. Adding additional resources in the near-mine area as interpretation of previous resource drilling results indicates that sub-horizontal stratabound mineralization remains open for extension in numerous locations within the deposit. Evaluating camp exploration potential , where DPM has identified multiple high sulphidation and low sulphidation epithermal and porphyry targets within the Loma Larga concession area.
The Company envisages a 23,000-metre drilling program at Loma Larga, which would prioritize geotechnical and surface and groundwater monitoring holes, as well as metallurgical and resource infill and extensional drilling.
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve (“MRMR”) Estimate
The Company updated the Loma Larga MRMR estimate in 2023 to update the feasibility study completed in 2020 by the previous owner. The Mineral Reserve Estimate for Loma Larga is shown below and is effective as of September 29, 2023.
Loma Larga Mineral Reserve Estimate (As of September 29, 2023) | |||||||
Classification | Tonnes | Grades | Metal Content | ||||
(Mt) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Au (Moz.) | Ag (Moz.) | Cu (Mlbs.) | |
Proven | 2.72 | 6.83 | 33.23 | 0.43 | 0.60 | 2.91 | 25.58 |
Probable | 9.86 | 4.12 | 27.35 | 0.25 | 1.31 | 8.67 | 54.39 |
Total | 12.59 | 4.70 | 28.56 | 0.29 | 1.90 | 11.58 | 79.96 |
1. Mineral Reserve is estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (Nov 29th, 2019) and CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves, May 19th, 2014. 2. Mineral Reserves include long hole stopes and development in ore. 3. Mineral Reserves are reported at an NSR cut-off value of $75/t for long hole stopes and $55/t for development in ore. 4. Mineral Reserves are estimated using average gold price of $1,500 per ounce, silver price of $17.00 per ounce, and copper price of $3.25 per pound. 5. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. 6. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 7. Metallurgical recoveries are not included in the contained values calculation. 8. The Mineral Reserve Estimation was completed under the supervision of Dr. Lewis Meyer, ACSM, MCSM, CEng, QMR, FIMMM Associate Principal Engineer at Global Mine Design Ltd., who is an independent Qualified Person (“QP”) QP as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). |
The Mineral Resource Estimate, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, is shown below and is effective as of September 29, 2023.
Loma Larga Mineral Resource Estimate (As of September 29, 2023) | |||||||
Classification | Tonnes | Grades | Metal Content | ||||
(Mt) | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Cu (%) | Au (Moz.) | Ag (Moz.) | Cu (Mlbs.) | |
Measured | 0.3 | 4.80 | 20.8 | 0.23 | 0.05 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
Indicated | 5.7 | 2.79 | 21.9 | 0.16 | 0.51 | 4.0 | 19.8 |
Total | 6.0 | 2.90 | 21.8 | 0.16 | 0.56 | 4.2 | 21.5 |
Inferred | 2.2 | 2.54 | 37.0 | 0.19 | 0.18 | 2.7 | 9.3 |
1. CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. 2. The Mineral Resources have been reported within underground reporting shapes generated with Deswik Stope Optimizer (DSO) using a net smelter return (NSR) cut-off value of $65/t. 3. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of $1,700 per ounce, silver price of $20 per ounce, and copper price of $3.75 per pound. 4. Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves. 5. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 6. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. 7. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 8. Mineral Resources have been estimated by Katharine Masun, M.Sc., MSA, P. Geo., of SLR, an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 |
About DPM Metals Inc.
DPM Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based international gold mining company with operations and projects located in Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Ecuador. Our strategic objective is to become a mid-tier precious metals company, which is based on sustainable, responsible and efficient gold production from our portfolio, the development of quality assets, and maintaining a strong financial position to support growth in mineral reserves and production through disciplined strategic transactions. This strategy creates a platform for robust growth to deliver above-average returns for our shareholders. DPM trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: DPM) and the Australian Securities Exchange (symbol; DPM).
For further information please contact:
Jennifer Cameron
Director, Investor Relations
Tel: (416) 219-6177
...
Technical Information and Technical Report Filing
The 2025 FS and other scientific and technical information contained in this news release were prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101, and have been reviewed and approved by:
- Ryan Telford, Senior Project Manager, DRA Americas Inc. (“DRA”), for Project Infrastructure and Site Costing. Dave Frost, VP Process Engineering, DRA, for Metallurgical Test Work and Recovery Methods. Daniel Gagnon, SVP East Canada and Mining, DRA, for Market Studies and Economic Analysis. Leslie Correia, Senior Technical Specialist, Paterson & Cooke Consulting Engineers, for Paste Plant Carl Burkhalter, Partner at NewFields, Mining and Technical Services, for the Filtered Tailings Storage Facility and Water Management. Luis Vasquez, Principal Hydrotechnical Engineer, SLR Consulting Canada Ltd. (“SLR”), for Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social Impact. Katharine Masun, Principal Resource Geologist, SLR, for Mineral Resource Estimate. Phil Earl, Technical Director – Global Mine Design Ltd (“GMD”), for Geotechnical and Mine Design. Dr Lewis Meyer, Associate Principal Engineer – GMD, for Mineral Reserve Estimate and Mining Methods. Sean McCarthy, Senior Mining Advisor – GMD, for Underground Mining Costs.
All are independent QPs, as defined under NI 43-101.
Ross Overall, Director, Corporate Technical Services, of the Company, who is a QP as defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.
A technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 for the Loma Larga project is intended to be filed on a voluntary basis under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. Readers are encouraged to read the technical report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions, exclusions and risks that relate to the MRMR estimates and the Study.
The MRMR estimates discussed in this news release are classified in accordance with the disclosure requirement of the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014), incorporated by reference into NI 43-101. The MRMR and related information in this news release 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.
Non-GAAP Measures
Certain financial measures referred to in this news release are not measures recognized under IFRS and are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The definitions established and calculations performed by DPM are based on management's reasonable judgement and are consistently applied. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The non-GAAP financial measures used in this news release and common to the gold mining industry are defined below:
- Cash cost and cash cost per tonne of ore processed: Cash cost consists of all production related expenses including mining, processing, services, filtered tailings and paste fill, royalties and general and administrative. Cash cost per tonne of ore processed is calculated as cash cost divided by the tonnes of ore processed. Cash cost of sales and cash cost per ounce of gold sold: Cash cost of sales consists of cash cost, plus treatment charges, penalties, transportation and other selling costs, net of by-product credits. Cash cost per ounce of gold sold is calculated as cash cost of sales divided by payable gold ounces. All-in sustaining cost and all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold: All-in sustaining cost consists of cash cost of sales, plus cash outlays for sustaining capital expenditures and leases, and rehabilitation-related accretion and amortization expenses. All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold is calculated as all-in sustaining cost divided by payable gold ounces.
Cash cost per tonne of ore processed, cash cost per ounce of gold sold, and all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold sold capture the important components of the Company's production and related costs and are used by the Company and investors to monitor cost performance at the Company's operations.
As the Project is not in production, the QPs do not have historical non-GAAP financial measures nor historical comparable measures under IFRS, and therefore the foregoing prospective non-GAAP financial measures or ratios presented may not be reconciled to the nearest comparable measure under IFRS.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains“forward looking statements” or“forward looking information” (collectively,“Forward Looking Statements”) that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward Looking Statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as“plans”,“targets”,“expects”,“is expected”,“budget”,“scheduled”,“estimates”,“forecasts”,“outlook”,“intends”,“anticipates”,“believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or that state 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 or similar expressions. The Forward Looking Statements in this news release relate to, among other things; the estimation of MRMR and the realization of such mineral estimates; the statements under“FS Highlights” and the other results of the FS discussed in this news release, including, without limitation, project economics, anticipated returns for investors, financial and operational parameters such as expected throughput, production, mining and processing methods, tailings management, cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, other costs, capital expenditures, cash flow, NPV, IRR, payback period and life of mine; the completion of FS and the anticipated timing thereof; planned drilling activities and anticipated timing thereof; upside potential, opportunities for growth and optimization, and expected next steps in the development of the project, including any decisions with respect to the commencement of construction; expected life of mine at Loma Larga; engagement with stakeholders, including the commencement of training programs for local communities; anticipated benefits of the project for stakeholders and local communities; environmental and water management practices; timing of permitting activities and other governmental approvals; potential gold recoveries; and the price of gold, copper, silver, and other commodities. Forward Looking Statements are based on certain key assumptions and the opinions and estimates of management and the QPs, as of the date such statements are made, and they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any other future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward Looking Statements. In addition to factors already discussed in this news release, such factors include, among others, risks relating to the Company's business, including possible variations in mineralized grade and recovery rates; uncertainties inherent to the conclusions of economic evaluations and economic studies; changes in project parameters, including schedule and budget, as plans continue to be refined; uncertainties with respect to actual results of current exploration activities; uncertainties inherent to the estimation of MRMR, which may not be fully realized; uncertainties inherent with conducting business in foreign jurisdictions where corruption, civil unrest, political instability and uncertainties with the rule of law may impact the Company's activities; the impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, including resulting changes to the Company's supply chain and costs of supplies; product shortages; delivery and shipping issues; additional delays in the advancement of the project, including with respect to the commencement of drilling activities; closures and/or failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour force shortages; fluctuations in metal and acid prices and foreign exchange rates; limitation on insurance coverage; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the ability of the Company, stakeholders and local communities to realize the anticipated benefits of the project; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; opposition by social and non-government organizations to mining projects; unanticipated title disputes; claims or litigation; cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks; changes to tax regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in any other documents (including without limitation the Company's most recent Annual Information Form) filed from time to time with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada and available on SEDAR+ at . The reader has been cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors which may have been used. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward Looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward Looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company's Forward Looking Statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date hereof. Unless required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update Forward Looking Statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements.


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