(All amounts in US$ unless otherwise specified)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Capstone Mining Corp. (“Capstone” or the “Company”) (TSX:CS) announces an updated Technical Report for its
Cozamin Mine in Zacatecas, Mexico and extends mine life to 2031. Mineral Reserves increased by 39% to 14.1
million tonnes grading 1.77% copper and 44 grams per tonne (g/t) silver and Measured and Indicated Mineral
Resources increased by 10% to 29.7 million tonnes grading 1.52% copper and 44 g/t silver. The new reserve mine
plan is projected to produce 512 million pounds of copper and 16.0 million ounces of silver over the next 10
years.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210127005944/en/
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Updated life of mine plan (“LOMP”) released. Average annual copper production of 51.2 million pounds
of copper and 1.6 million ounces of silver production over 10 years at average C1 costs, including the 50%
silver stream, of $1.02 per payable pound of copper. From 2021 to 2027, average annual production is 58.8
million pounds of copper and 1.7 million ounces of silver. Average projected C1 costs over this period are
$0.96 per payable pound of copper.
-
Ramp-up to 3,780 tonnes per day (“tpd”), or 1.38 million tonnes per annum (“tpa”), by the end of Q1 2021
is on track. A new section of ramp to open the one-way traffic circuit to debottleneck the mine was
completed in early December 2020, ahead of schedule.
-
Estimated Reserves increased by 39% to 14.1 million tonnes, relative to April 30, 2020; contained
copper and silver increased by 37% and 49%, respectively. Approximately half of this increase is due to
recovery of high-grade pillars using paste backfill.
-
Tailings management transformation activities are progressing on schedule, including feasibility
level design and studies in support of permitting a filtered (dry stack) tailings storage facility. This
conversion from a slurry tailings impoundment aligns with industry leading socio-environmental best practice
for tailings management.
-
A pre-feasibility study (“PFS”) for an underground paste backfill system was completed in December 2020.
The study indicates a paste backfill system will allow ore extraction containing over 100 million pounds
of copper and 3.1 million ounces of silver between 2023 and 2031, that would have otherwise been left as
unmined pillars. The PFS design has a capital cost estimate ranging from $41 million to $45 million and an
increase in operating costs of approximately $7.50 per tonne of ore mined. Capstone management has approved
the paste backfill project and work has commenced on procurement of long lead items.
-
Initiating “Impact23” Growth Project: exploration excellence, innovative mining techniques and enhanced
pillar recovery are areas identified to have growth potential for Cozamin. By 2023, the goal is to
further extend mine life, increase environmental and safety standards, and improve operational efficiencies
at Cozamin, utilizing mineral resources already discovered in addition to testing new targets.
Brad Mercer, Capstone’s SVP and Chief Operating Officer said, “The LOMP announced today maximizes extraction of
the orebody’s high grade core by deferring stoping in this area until the paste backfill plant is in operation
in 2023. Projected production averages nearly 60 million pounds of copper per year for seven years at first
quartile costs. The Impact23 Growth Project that we are kickstarting today is aiming to demonstrate in a 2023
technical report how Cozamin can sustain these levels of performance well into the 2030s.”
Darren Pylot, Capstone’s President and CEO said, “After 14 years in operation, the best years of Cozamin are
ahead. The mine is world-class with sustainable low costs and leading safety and environmental performance
entrenched throughout the organization. The growth initiatives are supported by an entrepreneurial fabric at
Capstone, as we embrace innovation and technology to create high impact value for our shareholders.”
MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE
Table 1 presents Cozamin’s Mineral Reserve estimate for all zones as of October 31, 2020, including the Mala
Noche Footwall Zone (“MNFWZ”) and the Mala Noche Vein (“MNV”).
|
Table 1 – Mineral Reserve Estimate as of October 31, 2020
|
|
Category
|
Tonnes
(kt)
|
Copper
(%)
|
Silver
(g/t)
|
Zinc
(%)
|
Lead
(%)
|
Copper Metal
(kt)
|
Silver Metal
(koz)
|
Zinc Metal
(kt)
|
Lead Metal
(kt)
|
|
Proven
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Probable
|
14,127
|
1.77
|
44
|
0.54
|
0.21
|
250
|
20,179
|
77
|
29
|
|
Proven + Probable
|
14,127
|
1.77
|
44
|
0.54
|
0.21
|
250
|
20,179
|
77
|
29
|
|
Compared to
April 30, 2020
|
+39%
|
-1%
|
+7%
|
+53%
|
+314%
|
+37%
|
+49%
|
+112%
|
+474%
|
|
NOTES: Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Superintendent Mine Operations at Capstone Mining Corp., is the
Qualified Person for this Cozamin Mineral Reserve update. Disclosure of the Cozamin Mineral
Reserves as of October 31, 2020 was completed using fully diluted mineable stope shapes
generated by the Maptek Vulcan Mine Stope Optimizer software and estimated using the 2020 MNFWZ
resource block model created by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC and the 2017 MNV resource block model
created by J. Vincent, P.Geo., formerly of Capstone Mining Corp. Mineral Reserves are reported
at or above a US$48.04/t net smelter return (“NSR”) cut-off in conventionally backfilled zones
for 2020-2022, a US$51.12/t NSR cut-off in conventionally backfilled zones for 2023+, a
US$56.51/t NSR cut-off in paste backfilled zones of Vein 10, and a US$56.12/t NSR cut-off in
paste backfilled zones of Vein 20 using three formulae based on zone mineralization.
Copper-silver dominant zones use the NSR formula: (Cu*50.476 + Ag*0.406)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). MNFWZ
zinc-silver zones use the NSR formula: (Ag*0.259 + Zn*15.081 + Pb*15.418)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). MNV
zinc-silver dominant zones use the NSR formula: (Ag*0.203 + Zn*13.163 +
Pb*13.233)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). Metal price assumptions (in US$) of Cu = $2.75/lb, Ag = $17.00/oz,
Pb = $0.90/lb, Zn = $1.00/lb and metal recoveries of 96% Cu, 84% Ag, 0% Pb and 0% Zn in
copper-silver dominant zones, 0% Cu, 60% Ag, 92% Pb and 86% Zn in MNFWZ zinc-silver dominant
zones, and 0% Cu, 53% Ag, 79% Pb and 75% Zn in MNV zinc-silver dominant zones. Mineral reserve
calculations consider mining by long-hole stoping and mineral processing by flotation. Tonnage
and grade estimates include dilution and mining losses. The NSR royalty rate applied varies
between 1% and 3% depending on the mining concession, and royalties are treated as costs in
mineral reserve estimation. An exchange rate of MX$20 per US$1 is assumed. All metals are
reported as contained. Figures may not sum exactly due to rounding.
|
LIFE OF MINE PLAN AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2020
Cozamin’s LOMP has been updated based on the Mineral Reserves presented in Table 1. Compared to previous mine
plans since 2018, the 2021 LOMP as shown in Figure 1 shows a longer mine life of 10 years with higher average
production and a grade at 1.77%, similar to the 1.79% grade in the 2020 mine plan. This LOMP includes throughput
rates of approximately 1.38 million tonnes per annum from 2021 through 2029, followed by declining rates through
2031, before potential additions from Impact23. See Table 2 for a detailed year-by-year mine plan. In its
highest grade years, projected copper and silver production from 2021 through 2027 average 58.8 million pounds
and 1.70 million ounces, respectively, representing increases of 61% and 53%, respectively, relative to
estimated 2020 production as presented in the Cozamin Technical Report dated October 23, 2020.
Figure 1 – 10+ Year Mine Life, Higher Mining Rates at 1.77% Copper
Figure 1. 10+ Year Mine Life, Higher Mining Rates at 1.77% Copper. The 2021 LOMP shows
a longer mine life with higher average production and grades similar to the 2020 mine plan. (Graphic:
Business Wire)
|
Table 2 – Updated Life of Mine Plan 2021 to 2031
|
|
LOMP – 2021 to 20311
|
2020E2
|
2021E
|
2022E
|
2023E
|
2024E
|
2025E
|
2026E
|
2027E
|
2028E
|
2029E
|
2030E
|
2031E
|
|
Cu Production (M lbs)
|
36.5
|
51.2
|
56.5
|
65.2
|
65.9
|
57.8
|
57.4
|
57.3
|
42.2
|
35.2
|
23.3
|
4.1
|
|
Ag Production
(M troy ozs)
|
1.125
|
1.52
|
1.65
|
1.76
|
1.84
|
1.72
|
1.75
|
1.67
|
1.48
|
1.38
|
1.20
|
0.34
|
|
Pb Production (M lbs)
|
0.9
|
0.1
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
0.6
|
6.1
|
5.6
|
4.2
|
6.7
|
10.9
|
9.8
|
5.9
|
|
Zn Production (M lbs)
|
11.8
|
0.71
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
1.1
|
9.8
|
7.7
|
6.6
|
12.0
|
16.7
|
20.1
|
8.4
|
|
Tonnes milled
(M tonnes)
|
1.07
|
1.36
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.38
|
1.23
|
0.31
|
|
Cu Grade (%)
|
1.62
|
1.79
|
1.94
|
2.22
|
2.25
|
1.99
|
1.97
|
1.97
|
1.46
|
1.26
|
0.97
|
0.68
|
|
Cu Recovery (%)
|
95.6
|
95.6
|
96.0
|
96.2
|
96.2
|
95.5
|
95.7
|
95.7
|
94.6
|
91.5
|
88.9
|
87.3
|
|
Ag Grade (g/t)
|
41.4
|
41.8
|
43.8
|
45.8
|
48.1
|
46.2
|
46.8
|
44.6
|
41.3
|
40.7
|
43.5
|
51.6
|
|
Ag Recovery (%)
|
79.1
|
83.8
|
85.0
|
86.3
|
86.3
|
83.8
|
84.4
|
84.6
|
80.4
|
76.5
|
69.9
|
67.0
|
|
Mining Cost ($/t milled)
|
26.40
|
22.90
|
24.70
|
29.01
|
28.25
|
28.42
|
28.11
|
27.26
|
28.15
|
27.23
|
26.30
|
22.90
|
|
Milling Cost ($/t milled)
|
9.82
|
10.14
|
9.24
|
11.73
|
11.73
|
11.73
|
11.73
|
11.73
|
11.73
|
12.66
|
12.64
|
12.64
|
|
G&A Cost ($/t milled)
|
7.10
|
6.54
|
6.84
|
6.86
|
6.86
|
6.88
|
6.88
|
6.88
|
6.86
|
6.87
|
7.63
|
6.54
|
|
C1 Cost3
($/lb payable Cu)
|
0.96
|
0.96
|
0.95
|
1.03
|
0.96
|
0.88
|
0.95
|
0.98
|
1.20
|
1.27
|
1.50
|
0.57
|
|
Sustaining CAPEX (M$)
|
21.9
|
24.5
|
22.3
|
17.1
|
15.9
|
18.2
|
9.9
|
9.3
|
9.5
|
1.7
|
1.4
|
0.3
|
|
Expansion CAPEX (M$)
|
-
|
13.0
|
32.1
|
1.0
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
| NOTES: |
|
|
1.
|
|
Cozamin’s LOMP has been updated based on the Mineral
Reserves as of October 31, 2020. Operating and capital costs assume an exchange rate of MXN$20 per
USD$1. |
|
2.
|
|
2020E figures are for 12 months and are a combination of
actual results and estimates, as reported in the October 23, 2020 Technical Report, and may not
accurately represent actual 2020 figures. |
|
3.
|
|
C1 Costs assume by-product pricing of Ag = $25.00/oz from 2021 to 2025 and $22.00/oz thereafter,
Pb = $0.90/lb and Zn = $1.10/lb from 2021 to 2025 and $1.00/lb thereafter. C1 Costs are net of
by-products and includes the 50% silver stream, which provides 10% of silver price to Capstone
for 50% of silver produced, and is an alternative performance measure. Please see "Alternative
Performance Measures" at the end of this release.
|
UNDERGROUND PASTE BACKFILL
As part of the technical study described in the Technical Report, Cozamin recently completed a PFS to assess the
use of underground paste backfill to decrease the number of pillars needed for geotechnical stability, thereby
increasing the mineral extraction ratio. The Mineral Reserve estimate presented in Table 1 includes recovery of
approximately 2.2 million tonnes grading 2.09% copper and 44.3 g/t silver that would have been left as unmined
pillars without the use of paste backfill.
The proposed paste backfill system includes a tailings filter plant, a paste mixing plant, twin boreholes to
deliver paste underground and an underground distribution system (“UDS”). The filter plant, paste plant and
conveyor to transport filtered tailings to the tailings storage facility (“TSF”), in relation to the mill and
other nearby surface infrastructure, are shown in Figure 2. The system is expected to be commissioned starting
in Q4 2022, with ramp-up completed in Q1 2023. PFS design of these facilities was completed by Paterson &
Cooke in December 2020, and a Feasibility Study (“FS”) is underway with completion expected in April 2021. Mine
planning was completed by Cozamin, with design support provided by a geotechnical consultant, and paste backfill
operational guidance provided by AMC Consultants. Preparation of documents to support permit applications for
the paste backfill system is underway.
Based on the PFS, capital cost for the tailings filtration and paste backfill system is estimated to range from
$40.8 million to $45.0 million, depending on the filtration technology selected, including 25% contingency. The
tailings filter plant is required for the conversion to filtered tailings storage, but a portion of the combined
capital cost estimate, approximately $17 million, is required for paste production, transport and deposition
underground. Average operating costs for tailings filtration and the production, transport and deposition of
paste are estimated at approximately $7.50 per tonne of ore mined, partially offset by lower mine development
costs.
Figure 2 – Future Location of Tailings Filtration and Paste Plant
TAILINGS MANAGEMENT
Cozamin intends to convert from the current slurry tailings facility that has been safely operated for over 15
years to a filtered (dry stack) tailings facility. Feasibility-level design of the filtered tailings facility is
expected to be completed in Q1 2021, and preparations are being made to submit the required permit applications.
It is expected that this conversion to filtered tailings will significantly decrease the mine’s
socio-environmental, geotechnical and water supply risks, while decreasing water consumption and make-up water
costs. The planned paste backfill system will use tailings for paste production, greatly decreasing the volume
of tailings requiring an above ground storage impoundment.
OPPORTUNITIES – IMPACT23 GROWTH PROJECT
Capstone is advancing several initiatives with potential to further extend mine life, increase environmental and
safety standards, and improve operational efficiencies at Cozamin. The following opportunities are not included
in this updated LOMP and do not impact the Mineral Reserve estimate as of October 31, 2020. Capstone’s goal with
this project is to target a positive NAV impact, to be underpinned by an updated technical report in 2023,
through exploration on drill targets open on each end of the deposit, selective mining techniques to decrease
dilution and lower mining costs, and enhanced pillar recovery to leverage the benefits of the planned paste
backfill plant.
Exploration Excellence Remains Top Priority
Exploration expansion potential at the MNFWZ remains open in both the West and the East. The 2021 exploration
budget of $5 million for 40,000 meters of surface drilling will primarily target expansion drilling in the newly
recognized West target area, see Figures 3 and 4. Additional infill drilling to upgrade resources in the
down-dip southeast area of Vein 20, and initial testing of new brownfield targets on adjacent vein systems, many
with historical production, all within the Cozamin claim block will also be completed.
The MNFWZ West target is an extension of Vein 20 recently identified by an extensive review of historical
drilling data and confirmed by initial drill testing of the concept in 2020. The West target is supported by a
reinterpretation of the geology in this area and has easy access from both the MNV and MNFWZ infrastructure.
Development capacity in 2021 is limited to driving one non-production drift and therefore the East exploration
drift has been delayed to 2022. Development of the new West exploration crosscuts will commence in Q1 2021, in
tandem with the surface drilling program, with an estimated cost of $1.8 million additional to the drilling
program. Once completed, future drilling will shift to underground starting in 2022.
Figure 3 – MNFWZ 2021 Drilling Program
Figure 4 – MNFWZ West Drilling Targets
A detailed Company exploration update including Cozamin and other greenfield targets is scheduled for release in
March 2021.
Innovative Mining Techniques for Resource to Reserve Conversion
A study will be initiated in 2021 to assess alternative mining techniques with the objective of lowering costs
and dilution to convert resources to reserves from the Indicated Resource shown in Table 3. The current mining
methods are Longitudinal Longhole Open Stoping and AVOCA and possible alternatives that will be studied include
Cut-and-Fill, Drift-and-Fill and Longhole Open Stoping with ore sorting technology.
Table 3 – Mineral Resources Exclusive of Mineral Reserves and Pillars as of October 31, 2020, Potential Resource
to Reserve Conversion Targeted
|
MNFWZ
Indicated (I)
|
Tonnes
(kt)
|
Copper
(%)
|
Silver
(g/t)
|
Zinc
(%)
|
Lead
(%)
|
Copper Metal
(kt)
|
Silver Metal
(koz)
|
Zinc
Metal
(kt)
|
Lead
Metal
(kt)
|
|
Copper-Silver Zones
|
9,472
|
1.56
|
35
|
0.51
|
0.05
|
148
|
10,796
|
48
|
4
|
|
Zinc-Lead-Silver Zones
|
4,138
|
0.38
|
28
|
2.22
|
0.98
|
16
|
3,786
|
92
|
41
|
|
NOTES: Please refer to Table 4 for full details of the Mineral Resource estimate.
|
Enhanced Pillar Recovery
A study aimed at enhancing pillar recoveries will commence shortly with short-term and long-term opportunities
identified. With the paste backfill plant expected in operation by 2023, pillars in the MNFWZ and throughout
historic mining areas at Cozamin are an opportunity for recovery. The following are the main studies within the
Enhanced Pillar Recovery Project:
-
Cemented Rockfill (CRF). Cozamin is assessing the opportunity to rapidly implement a CRF system to
allow the safe and economic recovery of additional pillars. This includes areas mined prior to the planned
start of paste backfilling in Q1 2023, and/or where it is not economic to deliver paste. Preliminary results
indicate that CRF could be implemented with low capital cost well in advance of Q1 2023, and additional
study is underway.
-
Used Filtration Equipment. The updated LOMP assumes the start of paste backfilling in Q1 2023 in part
because of long lead times for the procurement of tailings filters. Cozamin is assessing a package of used
tailings filters that could potentially allow more rapid filter plant construction and paste backfilling
starting significantly earlier than Q1 2023.
-
Paste Backfill System Optimization. The paste backfill PFS makes a number of conservative estimates
for equipment and materials costs, geotechnical stability and other factors. The FS currently underway
includes additional laboratory testing and more detailed system design. It is expected that this FS may
identify opportunities for capital and operating cost savings, and for increased pillar recovery through
optimization of the mine plan.
-
Historic Pillar Recovery. Cozamin has left unmined pillars needed for geotechnical stability
throughout its mine life, and will continue to do so until paste backfill is available. Typically,
conventional backfilled areas have been designed to leave approximately 26% of the total mineralization
behind in pillars. Cozamin intends to assess the potential to return to previously mined areas to safely use
paste backfill to economically recover pillars left prior to the start of paste backfilling.
Stope Dilution
Stope dilution in the deeper areas of the northwest end of the MNFWZ have been high compared to other longhole
open stope mines, driven by narrow veins and local geotechnical conditions. As mining progresses away from this
area, an initiative is underway to reduce dilution site-wide through improved engineering, planning, long-hole
drill control and optimized explosives design guided by a team of consultants and site experts.
Truckless Headings
An initiative is underway to redesign the upper areas of Cozamin Reserves to ore pass use, increasing safety and
efficiency, while increasing air quality, thereby decreasing ventilation requirements in these areas.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
Table 4 presents the Mineral Resource estimate for all zones as of October 31, 2020. Mineral Resource estimates
do not account for mining loss and dilution.
Estimated Measured and Indicated Resources have increased by 10% relative to April 30, 2020, with 29.7 million
tonnes grading 1.52% copper, 44 g/t silver, 1.10% zinc and 0.32% lead. This change is the result of step-out
drilling and infill drilling at MNFWZ that upgraded 1.5 million tonnes of Inferred Resource to Indicated
classification, and updated net smelter return (“NSR”) formulae adopted for the cut-off applied, that includes
predicted long-term metals prices in line with current industry norms, updated recovery curves, royalties and
other operational considerations for MNFWZ and MNV.
|
Table 4 – Mineral Resource Estimate as of October 31, 2020 at a US$50/t NSR Cut-Off
|
|
Classification
|
Tonnes
(kt)
|
Copper
(%)
|
Silver
(g/t)
|
Zinc
(%)
|
Lead
(%)
|
Copper Metal
(kt)
|
Silver Metal
(koz)
|
Zinc Metal
(kt)
|
Lead Metal
(kt)
|
|
Measured (M)
|
407
|
1.24
|
53
|
1.23
|
0.40
|
5
|
698
|
5
|
2
|
|
Indicated (I)
|
29,265
|
1.53
|
43
|
1.10
|
0.32
|
446
|
40,799
|
322
|
94
|
|
Total M + I
|
29,672
|
1.52
|
44
|
1.10
|
0.32
|
451
|
41,497
|
327
|
95
|
|
Inferred
|
13,869
|
0.54
|
39
|
2.23
|
0.74
|
75
|
17,383
|
309
|
103
|
|
NOTES: Mineral Resources are classified according to CIM (2014) definitions, estimated following
CIM (2019) guidelines and have an effective date of October 31, 2020. Mineral Resources are
reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not
have demonstrated economic viability. The Independent Qualified Person for the estimates is Mr.
Garth D. Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. Mineral Resources are reported using
four formulae for NSR based on mineralization. Copper-silver dominant zones use the NSR formula:
(Cu*60.779 + Ag*0.485)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). Copper-zinc zones use the NSR formula: (Cu*58.430 +
Ag*0.416 + Zn*15.368 + Pb*7.837)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). MNFWZ zinc-silver dominant zones use the NSR
formula: (Ag*0.304 + Zn*18.323 + Pb*17.339)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). MNV zinc-silver dominant zones use
the NSR formula: (Ag*0.256 + Zn*16.401 + Pb*14.977)*(1-NSRRoyalty%). Metal price assumptions (in
US$) used to calculate the NSR for all deposits are: Cu = $3.25/lb, Ag = $20.00/oz, Zn =
$1.20/lb and Pb = $1.00/lb. Recoveries used in the four NSR formulae are based on
mineralization. Copper-silver dominant zones use the following recoveries: 96% Cu and 85% Ag.
Copper-zinc zones use the following recoveries: 92% Cu, 79% Ag, 72% Zn and 42% Pb. MNFWZ
zinc-silver dominant zones use the following recoveries: 60% Ag, 86% Zn and 92% Pb. MNV
zinc-silver dominant zones use the following recoveries: 55% Ag, 77% Zn and 80% Pb. The NSR
formulae include confidential current smelter contract terms, transportation costs and royalty
agreements from 1 to 3%, as applicable. An exchange rate of MX$20 per US$1 is assumed. Totals
may not sum exactly due to rounding. The NSR cut-off of US$50/tonne is based on historical
mining and milling costs plus general and administrative costs. The Mineral Resource Estimate
encompasses both the MNFWZ and the MNV. Drilling campaigns from 2018 have focused on the MNFWZ
and no drilling has been performed on the MNV since 2017. The Mineral Resource considers
underground mining by longhole stoping and mineral processing by flotation. No dilution is
incorporated in the Mineral Resource. All metals are reported as contained. Mineral Resource
estimates do not account for mining loss and dilution. These Mineral Resource estimates include
Inferred Mineral Resources considered too speculative geologically to apply economic
considerations for categorization as Mineral Reserves. However, it is reasonably expected that
the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Resources.
|
NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101
A National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report will be prepared to summarize the Mineral Resource
and Mineral Reserve estimates by the Qualified Persons and will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news
release.
Readers are cautioned that the conclusions, projections and estimates set out in this news release are subject
to important qualifications, assumptions and exclusions, all of which will be detailed in the 2021 Technical
Report. To fully understand the summary information set out above, the 2021 Technical Report that will be filed
on SEDAR at www.sedar.com should be read in its entirety.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
The following Qualified Persons, as defined by NI 43-101, are independent from Capstone (except as noted below)
and have reviewed and approved the content of this news release that is based on content from their respective
portions of the 2021 Technical Report:
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Gregg Bush, P.Eng. (Non-independent)
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Leslie Correia, Pr.Eng., Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc.
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Jenna Hardy, P.Geo., FGC, Nimbus Management Ltd.
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Tucker Jensen, P.Eng., Capstone Mining Corp. (Non-independent)
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Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.
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Chris Martin, CEng MIMMM, Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.
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Vivienne McLennan, P.Geo., Capstone Mining Corp. (Non-independent)
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Josh Moncrieff, P.Geo., Capstone Mining Corp. (Non-independent)
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Humberto Preciado, PhD, P.E., Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE METHODOLOGY
The Mineral Resource estimate reported herein was prepared by Garth Kirkham of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. of
Burnaby, BC, Canada, an Independent Qualified Person under Canadian Securities Administrators’ National
Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resources presented herein have been estimated in conformity with generally
accepted CIM best practice guidelines and are reported in accordance with NI 43-101. The estimate was completed
using MineSightTM software using a three-dimensional block model (12 metre by 5 metre by 10 metre
block size with 4 metre by 0.5 metre by 2 metre sub-blocks). The MNFWZ model is comprised of eight interpreted
three-dimensional wireframes which were the primary estimation domains and hard boundaries were used to
constrain the interpolation of grades into the block model. Interpolation parameters have been derived based on
geostatistical analysis conducted on 1 metre composited drill holes. Block grades have been estimated using
Ordinary Kriging (OK) methodology and the mineral resources have been classified based on proximity to sample
data and the continuity of mineralization in accordance with the categories in CIM Definition Standards (May 10,
2014) along with CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (November 29,
2019). The MNFWZ resource has been estimated using a total of 1,128 diamond drill holes with 4,371 sample
composites.
ABOUT CAPSTONE MINING CORP.
Capstone Mining Corp. is a Canadian base metals mining company, focused on copper. Our two producing mines are
the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, US and the Cozamin copper-silver mine in Zacatecas State,
Mexico. In addition, Capstone owns 70% of Santo Domingo, a large scale, fully-permitted, copper-iron-gold
project in Region III, Chile, in partnership with Korea Resources Corporation, as well as a portfolio of
exploration properties. Capstone's strategy is to focus on the optimization of operations and assets in
politically stable, mining-friendly regions, centred in the Americas. We are committed to the responsible
development of our assets and the environments in which we operate. Our headquarters are in Vancouver, Canada
and we are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Further information is available at www.capstonemining.com.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, contains “forward-looking information”
within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”).
These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and Capstone Mining Corp. (“Capstone”
or the “Company”) does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking
statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to
future events or future performance and reflect our expectations or beliefs regarding future events.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the continuing success of
mineral exploration, Capstone’s ability to fund future exploration activities, the estimation of mineral
resources and mineral reserves, the expected success of the underground paste backfill system study, the
realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of
production and capital expenditures, the success of our mining operations, the estimations for potential
quantities and grade of inferred resources and exploration targets, environmental risks, unanticipated
reclamation expenses and title disputes. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the
use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “aiming”, “approximately”, “guidance”, “scheduled”, “target”,
“estimates”, “forecasts”, “extends”, “convert”, “potential”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations
of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”,
“would”, “will”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these terms or
comparable terminology. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to inherent hazards associated with mining
operations and closure of mining, projects, the inherent uncertainty of mineral exploration and estimations of
exploration targets, potential delays in exploration due to COVID-19 or governmental action, increase to
operating costs directly or indirectly related to due to COVID-19 including but not limited to supply chain
issues, future prices of copper and other metals, compliance with financial covenants, surety bonding, our
ability to raise capital or fund explorations, Capstone’s ability to acquire properties for growth, counterparty
risks associated with sales of our metals, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in general
economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, operating in foreign
jurisdictions with risk of changes to governmental regulation, compliance with governmental regulations,
compliance with environmental laws and regulations, reliance on approvals, licences and permits from
governmental authorities, impact of climatic conditions on our operations, title or royalty claims and rights to
mineral tenure, increased taxes on mining activities, interruption of production due indirectly or directly to
criminal activity land reclamation and mine closure obligations, uncertainties and risks related to the
potential development of the Cozamin project, increased operating and capital costs, challenges to title to our
mineral properties, maintaining ongoing social license to operate, dependence on key management personnel,
potential conflicts of interest involving our directors and officers, corruption and bribery, limitations
inherent in our insurance coverage, labour relations, increasing energy prices, competition in the mining
industry, risks associated with joint venture partners, our ability to integrate new acquisitions into our
operations, cybersecurity threats, legal proceedings, and other risks of the mining industry as well as those
factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s interim and annual financial statements and MD&A of
those statements, all of which are filed and available for review under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could
cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in our
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause our results, performance or achievements not
to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that our forward-looking statements will
prove to be accurate, as our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking
statements.
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Alternative performance measures are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance
measures are included in this News Release because these statistics are key performance measures that management
uses to monitor performance, to assess how the Company is performing, and to plan and assess the overall
effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standard meaning
within International Financial Reporting Standings (“IFRS”) and, therefore, amounts presented may not be
comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be
considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.
C1 Cash Costs Per Payable Pound of Copper Produced
C1 cash costs per payable pound of copper produced is a key performance measure that management uses to monitor
performance. Management uses this measure to assess how well the Company’s producing mines are performing and to
assess overall efficiency and effectiveness of the mining operations.
NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101 COMPLIANCE
Unless otherwise indicated, Capstone has prepared the technical information in this news release (“Technical
Information”) based on information contained in the technical reports, news releases and MD&A’s
(collectively the “Disclosure Documents”) available under Capstone Mining Corp.’s company profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Each Disclosure Document was prepared by, or under the supervision of, a
qualified person (a “Qualified Person”) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 43-101”). Readers are encouraged to
review the full text of the Disclosure Documents which qualifies the Technical Information. Readers are advised
that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Disclosure
Documents are each intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of
context. The Technical Information is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the Disclosure
Documents.
The Technical Information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with definitions and best
practices referenced in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Brad Mercer, P. Geol., Capstone's Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer, a Qualified Person and the person who oversees exploration activities on
the Cozamin Mine property.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210127005944/en/
Jerrold Annett, VP, Strategy and Capital Markets
647-273-7351
jannett@capstonemining.com
Virginia Morgan, Manager, IR and Communications
604-674-2268
vmorgan@capstonemining.com
Source: Capstone Mining Corp.