MAC Copper Limited Announces March 2025 Quarterly Report
Refinance Delivers Balance Sheet Strength and Flexibility
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Figure 1 - CSA Copper Mine Recordable Injuries by Quarter
HIGHLIGHTS
Quarterly production of 8,644 tonnes at a 4.1% Cu grade
- Continued improvement in TRIFR to 9.9 in Q1 2025 from a TRIFR of 14.2 recorded for 2024
- 8,644 tonnes of copper produced for Q1 2025 at a 4.1% Cu grade with quarterly production variability driven by timing of when a small number of large tonnage, high-grade stopes are mined in a year
-
C1 of
US$1.91 /lb1 increased by ~14.7% (US$1.66 /lb for Q4 2024), mainly due to decrease in production volume partly offset by a circa 70% reduction in 2025 TC/RC benchmarks -
Q1 2025 Total Cash Costs of
US$2.47 /lb increased by ~7% (US$2.31 /lb for Q4 2024) -
Outlook for 2025 C1 positively impacted by:
-
a circa 70% reduction in TC/RC benchmarks (
~US$0.16 /lb2 reduction compared to 2024) -
AUD operational costs benefit from a lower AUD:USD exchange rate (
1 US$ cent =~US$0.03 /lb)
-
a circa 70% reduction in TC/RC benchmarks (
-
March 2025 C1 ofUS$1.49 /lb with ~4,000 tonnes of copper produced at a grade of 4.7% Cu
Targeting copper production of >50ktpa by 2026
- Growing copper production by circa 23% by 20263 with key major projects delivering the step change
-
Merrin Mine – development commenced in Q4 2024, ore mining expected to commence from Q4 2025 - Ventilation project – progressing in line with plan, advancing with completion targeted by Q3 2026
-
Sustaining capex of
~US$7.2 million for Q1 2025 positively impacted by accelerated spend in Q4 2024
Refinance completed with increased liquidity, flexibility and balance sheet strength
-
Cash and cash equivalents of
~US$75 million (~A$119 million ) after completion of refinance -
Very strong liquidity of
US$153.3 million (~A$243.4 million ) includes~US$8.0 million of outstanding QP receipts,~US$8.2 million of unsold concentrate and Polymetals investment ofUS$2.9 million -
New facilities (
US$159 million term loan andUS$125 million revolving facility) in place from13 March 2025 with a repayment holiday to30 September 2025 -
New repayment profile provides for
~US$123 million in reduced repayments over period toDecember 2026 - Reducing the average weighted cost of debt by ~30%4 to approximately 6.85% (variable rate)
-
Interest cash savings of approximately
US$14 million per annum5 with repayment of the Mezzanine Facility of~US$160 million including capitalised interest toJune 2025 and 4% premium
ESG UPDATE
Safety
Achieved a Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 9.9 in Q1 2025, a material improvement from an average TRIFR of 10.9 in Q4 2024 and a TRIFR of 14.2 for 2024.
The positive momentum that was achieved at the end of CY2024 was maintained, with both the total number of incidents recorded and the severity of these incidents reducing significantly during the quarter.
Figure 1 - CSA Copper Mine Recordable Injuries by Quarter6
Sustainability Report
MAC recognizes the importance of our environmental, social and governance responsibilities and that sustainability strategies more broadly is integral to the way we operate and essential to the accomplishment of our goals.
As a result, in 2024 MAC completed a materiality assessment and stakeholder analysis to identify the key environmental, social and governance issues material to the business and important to our stakeholders.
To this end we published our inaugural annual sustainability report on
Regulatory
The CSA Annual Rehabilitation Report was submitted in
Construction activities on the Stage 10 embankment raise have been ongoing with works on the foundation and development of the key trench within the West Mound targeted for completion in Q2 2025, before progressing to the East Mound construction. The Stage 10 TSF embankment provides TSF capacity out to 2030 and is one of the 3 main capital projects being undertaken in 2025.
PRODUCTION AND COST SUMMARY
Table 1 – Production and cost summary (unaudited)
Units |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Q3 2024 |
Q4 2024 |
Q1 2025 |
QoQ Change (%) |
|
Copper Production |
Tonnes |
8,786 |
10,864 |
10,159 |
11,320 |
8,644 |
(23.6%) |
Sustaining capital |
US$ million |
|
|
|
|
|
(42.0%) |
Cash cost (C1)7 |
US$/lb |
|
|
|
|
|
14.7% |
Total cash cost9 |
US$/lb |
|
|
|
|
|
7.2% |
Group Net Debt10 |
US$ million |
|
|
|
|
|
13.4% |
MAC Copper Limited’s CEO,
“Our team continued to build on the positive momentum achieved at the end of 2024 with a further reduction in not only the total incidents recorded but also the severity of these incidents during the quarter with TRIFR reducing further to 9.9, materially down from the 2024 TRIFR of 14.2. The heightened awareness and focus of our people continued benefiting from the extensive training and coaching with increased field safety leadership interactions. As always there is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our people, and the communities we are proud to be a part of.
The
Copper production is driven by small number of large tonnage, high grade stopes and the timing of when these are sequenced in the year. As a result Q1 2025 copper production decreased by 24% to 8,644 tonnes at 4.1% Cu with a higher grade stope only accessed in the latter part of March.
Although our C1 for the
We are also making progress on delivering on our growth strategy by targeting a further increase of ~23% to over 50,000 tonnes of copper equivalent production per annum by 2026 compared to 2024 supported by our two key growth projects which include the expansion of the mine to include the new
Significantly, at the end of the quarter, we successfully amended our debt facilities and further simplified our balance sheet through the early repayment of the Sprott mezzanine facility and refinancing not only the term debt but also upsized the revolving facility by
MAC is positioned for growth and well supported by a strong and flexible balance sheet with operational improvements to drive costs down from what is already a highly competitive cost position. We have some exciting growth opportunities with the new
OPERATIONAL AND COST UPDATE
Table 2 - Quarterly Operational Performance of the
CSA Copper Mine Metrics (unaudited) |
Units |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2024 |
Q3 2024 |
Q4 2024 |
Q1 2025 |
QoQ % variance |
U/g development – Capital (ex |
Metres |
466 |
449 |
735 |
464 |
468 |
1% |
U/g development – Operating |
Metres |
703 |
611 |
359 |
449 |
404 |
(10%) |
Rehab |
Metres |
246 |
113 |
145 |
246 |
412 |
67% |
Total development |
Metres |
1,415 |
1,173 |
1,239 |
1,159 |
1,283 |
11% |
Ore Mined |
Tonnes |
256,031 |
271,469 |
238,937 |
285,613 |
214,443 |
(25%) |
Tonnes Milled |
Tonnes |
260,297 |
266,936 |
260,953 |
284,490 |
214,678 |
(25%) |
Copper grade processed |
% |
3.5% |
4.2% |
4.0% |
4.1% |
4.1% |
1% |
Copper Recovery |
% |
97.6% |
97.9% |
97.2% |
97.9% |
98.2% |
0% |
Copper Produced |
Tonnes |
8,786 |
10,864 |
10,159 |
11,320 |
8,644 |
(24%) |
Silver Produced |
Ounces |
102,182 |
134,072 |
112,299 |
114,019 |
111,383 |
(2%) |
Copper Sold |
Tonnes |
8,112 |
12,984 |
10,244 |
8,987 |
7,400 |
(18%) |
Achieved Copper price11 |
US$/lb |
3.87 |
4.41 |
4.18 |
4.18 |
4.27 |
2% |
Achieved Copper price (including hedging) |
US$/lb |
3.81 |
4.24 |
4.04 |
4.02 |
4.04 |
0% |
|
US$/t Mined |
|
|
|
|
|
23% |
Processing Cost |
US$/t Milled |
|
|
|
|
|
46% |
G+A Cost |
US$/t Milled |
|
|
|
|
|
42% |
Total Operating Cost |
US$/t milled |
|
|
|
|
|
31% |
Development Cost |
US$/metre |
|
|
|
|
|
(13%) |
Sustaining Capital Expenditure12 |
US$ million |
|
|
|
|
|
(42%) |
Tonnes Milled per employee |
t/employee |
184 |
186 |
174 |
191 |
148 |
(22%) |
Mining |
US$/lb prod |
1.27 |
1.04 |
0.92 |
0.86 |
1.04 |
21% |
Processing |
US$/lb prod |
0.35 |
0.36 |
0.31 |
0.29 |
0.42 |
44% |
General and Admin |
US$/lb prod |
0.44 |
0.28 |
0.32 |
0.28 |
0.40 |
40% |
Treatment and refining |
US$/lb prod |
0.17 |
0.26 |
0.23 |
0.19 |
0.06 |
(71%) |
Work in Progress inventory |
US$/lb prod |
(0.14) |
0.03 |
0.02 |
0.00 |
0.01 |
438% |
Freight and other costs |
US$/lb prod |
0.17 |
0.21 |
0.24 |
0.15 |
0.12 |
(19%) |
Silver Credits |
US$/lb prod |
(0.10) |
(0.16) |
(0.14) |
(0.11) |
(0.14) |
26% |
C1 Cash Cost |
US$/lb prod |
2.15 |
2.0213 |
1.90 |
1.66 |
1.91 |
15% |
Leases |
US$/lb prod |
0.08 |
0.07 |
0.07 |
0.06 |
0.08 |
27% |
Inventory WIP |
US$/lb prod |
0.14 |
(0.03) |
(0.02) |
0.00 |
(0.01) |
(438%) |
Royalties |
US$/lb prod |
0.13 |
0.13 |
0.20 |
0.08 |
0.12 |
53% |
Sustaining capital |
US$/lb prod |
0.67 |
0.53 |
0.56 |
0.50 |
0.38 |
(24%) |
Total Cash Cost |
US$/lb prod |
3.17 |
2.72 |
2.71 |
2.31 |
2.47 |
7% |
Total Revenue |
US$ millions |
66.0 |
120.0 |
87.5 |
74.9 |
70.3 |
(6%) |
Unless stated otherwise all references to dollar or $ are in USD.
Although a decrease in production from prior quarters, Q1 2025 demonstrated consistent mining processes setting up the remainder of 2025 with production guidance maintained. Production further benefited from a grade of 4.1% for Q1 2025 with copper grade for the month of
Figure 2 - CSA Copper Mine Quarterly Copper Production (tonnes)
The average received copper price after hedge settlements was slightly higher compared with the prior quarter with Q1 2025 at
C1 cash costs increased by ~15% quarter on quarter from
Figure 3 -
MAC management continues to implement additional productivity measures to further reduce C1 costs as is evident in the declining C1 that has been achieved over the course of 2024 as noted in Figure 3.
Q1 2025 reflects a 15% decrease in C1 as compared to the corresponding March quarter in 2024 of
Figure 4 provides an illustration of tonnes milled per employee which decreased ~22% quarter on quarter in line with decreased ore milled of 25%.
Figure 4 - CSA Mine Tonnes Milled per Employee
Figure 5 - CSA Mine Mining Unit Rate US$/t
Apart from copper production, the largest driver of C1 costs is the mining unit rate as mining accounts for approximately 60% of total site operating costs.
Mining unit rates trending down with better cost control initiatives implemented combined with additional tonnes mined in 2024. There was a 25% reduction in ore mined in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter which is the main driver of the mining unit rate per tonne increasing by around 23%.
Figure 6 - CSA Copper Mining Development Costs US$M
Figure 7 -
The ~13% decrease in cost per development metre related to the ~47% increase in Capital Vent metres completed in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024 while the overall development metres remained steady which reduced the overall gross development costs incurred.
Underground capital development of 468 metres (up 1% quarter on quarter), includes 340 metres for Capital Vent project completed during Q1 2025 and excludes 227 metres of capital development in the
Processing costs per tonne milled increased in
G&A unit rates increased in the current quarter predominately driven by the decrease in ore processed.
Figure 8 - CSA Copper Mine Processing Unit Rate US$/t
Figure 9 - CSA Copper Mine Site G+A Unit Rate US$/t
As seen in Figure 10, capital spend (including capitalized development) decreased over the quarter. Capital costs during the quarter included diamond drilling and stage 10 TSF works. Decrease quarter on quarter predominately relates to timing of capital spend and larger spend in the
Figure 10 - CSA Copper Mine Site Capital US$M
PROJECTS AND EXPLORATION UPDATE
Pathway to >50,000 tonne per annum of copper equivalent production
The CSA mine is already benefiting from productivity improvements initiated under MAC ownership such as double stope lifts and operational efficiencies aimed at reducing waste and ensuring efficient delivery of ore.
To further progress towards becoming a 50ktpa+ copper equivalent producer in 2026 and beyond there are two key projects that are essential to achieve this being the Ventilation project which is due for completion Q3 2026 and the opening up of the new
The delivery of both these are essential to achieve our strategic goal of uplifting production to over 50,000 tonnes of copper equivalent production by 2026 and start unlocking the full potential of the CSA copper mine.
Projects updates
The new
Total spend in Q1 2025 was
Development rates are materially faster (and cheaper) in the
As drilling and mining of this area progresses, the Company has discovered additional mineralisation not previously considered in the mine plan. This includes an up-dip extension to the QTS S Upper deposit that has extended that ore body by approximately 70 metres towards surface and additional massive sulphide lenses of both Cu and Zn in the drive towards QTSS U.
The up-dip extensions of QTSS U have extended that deposit by approximately 20% and are typical intersections for that deposit that range from 3-4 metres wide at grades of 10-20% Cu and form an attractive mining target.
Figure 11 –
Figure 12 –
Figure 13 –
Planning is also underway to carry out close spaced drilling of the first areas to be mined for zinc. Polymetals Resources Ltd (“POL”) is making good progress on their restart of the Endeavour mine and MAC has high grade zinc mineralisation available for mining very close to existing development when the Endeavour mill is ready to process it.
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, MAC invested a further
Ventilation project update
Total spend in Q1 2025 was
The project is progressing well, with development successfully integrated into existing operations. Early works in high-activity mining areas have supported a structured ramp-up, ensuring alignment with operational priorities. The slowest development rates are in the early stages of the project as development interacts with existing mining, and as development moves out away from the operations development rates are picking up as planned.
The project is expected to be completed by Q3 2026.
TREASURY UPDATE
Cash position, liquidity and debt facilities
The Company’s unaudited cash holding at the end of Q1 2025 was
There were
As of
Debt Refinance Complete
On
As outlined in previous announcements, MAC utilised the proceeds from it’s
MAC also refinanced its debt facilities with the key changes outlined below.
-
Old MAC facilities comprised of a
US$159 million term loan facility, an undrawnUS$25 million revolving credit facility, aUS$145 million mezzanine facility15 and aA$45 million environmental bond (“Old Facilities”). -
New MAC facilities comprise of a
US$159 million term loan facility, an upsizedUS$125 million revolving credit facility extended to14 March 2028 and aA$45 million environmental bond now provided by three Australian Banks (“New Facilities”).
The key highlights of the New Facilities are:
- Simplification of MAC’s balance sheet through the early repayment of the Sprott mezzanine facility.
- A syndicate of six banks (including three Australian banks for the first time) providing the New Facilities.
-
New Facilities have a longer dated maturity of
14 March 2028 , including repayment holiday to30 September 2025 . -
Updated repayment profile defers
~US$123 million of previously scheduled principal repayments into 2027. -
Revolving credit facility upsized by
US$100 million toUS$125 million , providing additional liquidity. - New Facilities reduce MAC’s average weighted cost of debt by ~30%16 to approximately 6.85%17.
-
Interest cash savings of approximately
US$14 million per annum18.
The full form documentation also continues to recognise that the contingents are not payable, even if triggered, before
Figure 14: Debt Maturity Profile (US$M):
Figure 15 – Q1 2025 Cash flow waterfall (US$M)
TC/RC renegotiated pricing
Benchmark Treatment Charge and Refining Charge (“TC/RC”) pricing has been renegotiated and a new benchmark set for 2025, as such, from
Using 2024 results as a base, the impact of this reduction amounts to
FX Impact on OPEX
Given MAC is dual listed in
As an estimate, utilising 2024 results as a baseline, the impact of a
Hedging
As part of the initial Debt Facility Agreement to purchase the CSA copper mine, MAC Copper had to implement a hedging program covering the period to
Table 3 – Hedge position
|
Copper |
||
|
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
Future Sales (t) |
9,315 |
5,175 |
14,490 |
Future Sales ($/t) |
3.72 |
3.72 |
3.72 |
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s first quarter 2025 results on
Details for the conference call and webcast are included below.
Webcast
Participants can access the webcast at the following link https://ccmediaframe.com/?id=moVh1ReO
Conference Call
Participants can register for the call at https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046155-8xzq0a.html
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the conference call and webcast.
Replay
A replay of the webcast will be available via the webcast link above or by visiting the Events section of the Company’s website.
This report is authorised for release by
ABOUT MAC COPPER LIMITED
Estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and Production Target
This release contains estimates of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources as well as a Production Target. The Ore Reserves, Mineral Resources and Production Target are reported in MAC’s ASX Announcement dated
Forward Looking Statements
This release includes “forward-looking statements.” The forward-looking information is based on the Company’s expectations, estimates, projections and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of copper, continuing commercial production at the CSA Copper Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate.
MAC’s actual results may differ from expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, MAC’s expectations with respect to future performance of the CSA Copper Mine. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside MAC’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the supply and demand for copper; the future price of copper; the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures and requirements for additional capital; cash flow provided by operating activities; unanticipated reclamation expenses; claims and limitations on insurance coverage; the uncertainty in Mineral Resource estimates; the uncertainty in geological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in MAC’s other filings with the
More information on potential factors that could affect MAC’s or CSA Copper Mine’s financial results is included from time to time in MAC’s public reports filed with the
Non-IFRS financial information
MAC’s results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), noting the results in this report have not been audited or reviewed. This release may also include certain non-IFRS measures including C1, Total Cash costs and Free Cash Flow. These C1, Total Cash cost and Free Cash Flow measures are used internally by management to assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been subject to audit or review and should not be considered as an indication of or alternative to an IFRS measure of financial performance.
C1 Cash Cost
C1 costs are defined as the costs incurred to produce copper at an operational level. This includes costs incurred in mining, processing and general and administration as well freight and realisation and selling costs. By-product revenue is credited against these costs to calculate a dollar per pound metric. This metric is used as a measure operational efficiency to illustrate the cost of production per pound of copper produced.
Total Cash Cost
Total cash costs include C1 cash costs plus royalties and sustaining capital less inventory WIP movements. This metric is used as a measure operational efficiency to further illustrate the cost of production per pound of copper produced whilst incurring government-based royalties and capital to sustain operations.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less additions to property, plant, equipment and mineral interests. This measure, which is used internally to evaluate our underlying cash generation performance and the ability to repay creditors and return cash to shareholders, provides investors with the ability to evaluate our underlying performance.
_____________________________ | ||
1 |
|
See “Non-IFRS financial information” and refer to table 2 for reconciliation of C1 Cash Cost and Total cash cost. |
2 |
|
Calculated based on mid-point of 2025 production guidance. |
3 |
|
Comparing 2024 actuals and mid-point of 2026 production guidance range. |
4 |
|
Comparing the current weighted average interest cost of ~9.72% to an all-in interest rate of ~6.85%. The new interest rate is linked to SOFR and a leverage margin grid. |
5 |
|
Full year of interest savings based on current interest rate differential. |
6 |
|
Industry TRIFR source: Mine Safety performance report 2023-2024, Resource regulator |
7 |
|
See “Non-IFRS Information” and refer to table 2 for reconciliation of C1 Cash Cost. |
8 |
|
Q2 2024 adjusted post finalisation of half year accounts with additional freight and TCRCs included accrued for recognition of June pre-sales. |
9 |
|
Excludes corporate costs from parent entity. See “Non-IFRS financial information” and refer to table 2 for reconciliation of Total Cash Cost. |
10 |
|
Senior Debt + Mezzanine Facility – Cash and cash equivalents (excluding streams). |
11 |
|
Realised provisional sales price excluding hedging impact. |
12 |
|
Sustaining capex only. |
13 |
|
Q2 2024 adjusted post finalisation of half year accounts with additional freight and TCRCs included accrued for recognition of June pre-sales. |
14 |
|
See “Non-IFRS Information” and refer to table 2 for reconciliation of C1 Cash Cost. |
15 |
|
Refer to MAC’s ASX announcement titled ‘ |
16 |
|
Comparing the current weighted average interest cost of ~9.72% to an all-in interest rate of ~6.85%. The new interest rate is linked to SOFR and a leverage margin grid. |
17 |
|
Based on SOFR at time of announcement plus a margin based on a leveraged margin grid. |
18 |
|
Full year of interest savings based on current interest rate differential. |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250429768600/en/
Chief Executive Officer
investors@metalsacqcorp.com
Chief Financial Officer
Source: