Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) M&A announcement Transcript

Summary of Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) Acquisition Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - Company: Orezone - Acquisition Target: Hecla Quebec, including Casa Berardi Mine - Industry: Gold Mining Key Points and Arguments Acquisition Highlights - Orezone announces a transformational acquisition of Hecla Quebec, which includes the Casa Berardi Mine and exploration assets, amidst record gold prices [2][3] - The acquisition positions Orezone as a diversified multi-asset gold producer in a tier-one mining jurisdiction in Quebec [2][3] - The transaction is expected to enhance production scale and free cash flow, benefiting existing shareholders [3][4] Financial Details - The total upfront consideration for the acquisition is $272 million, comprising: - $160 million in initial cash ($60 million from Orezone's treasury and $100 million from Franco-Nevada financing) - $112 million through a 9.9% equity issuance - Deferred cash payments of $80 million [4][5] - Contingent consideration includes up to $240 million linked to gold prices and production payments from the Casa Berardi project [5] Production and Reserves - Casa Berardi has a long operating history, producing 3.2 million ounces of gold over 30 years, with proven and probable reserves of 1.3 million ounces [9][10] - Orezone's production guidance for 2026 is projected to be between 83,000-91,000 ounces from Casa Berardi, alongside 170-185 ounces from Bomboré Mine [6][20] - The combined production target for 2026 is between 230,000-250,000 ounces, with a medium-term goal of 350,000 ounces annually [19][20] Exploration Potential - Significant exploration upside exists at Casa Berardi, with plans to ramp up exploration to 80-100,000 meters per year targeting high-grade ore shoots [14][18] - The Casa Berardi land package covers 37 km along the Casa Berardi Fault, with multiple mineralized zones identified [15][16] - Exploration properties included in the acquisition, such as Heva-Hosco, have established resources and potential for future development [19] Operational Insights - Casa Berardi is well-maintained with a strong local workforce and established infrastructure, which supports ongoing operations and exploration [9][17] - The mill has a capacity of almost 400,000 tons per day, with an average recovery rate of 88% [10][18] - Orezone plans to enhance operational efficiency through process automation and equipment upgrades [17][18] Strategic Direction - The acquisition marks a strategic expansion into Canada while maintaining a focus on West Africa for future opportunities [29][30] - Orezone aims to leverage its operational expertise to maximize value from the acquired assets without overstretching resources [29][30] Additional Important Content - The acquisition is expected to create significant value, as evidenced by successful past transactions in the Canadian mining sector [21] - Orezone's financial metrics indicate potential for re-rating in the market, with a current P/NAV of 0.47 and EV/EBITDA of 1.55 [7][20] - The management emphasizes the importance of integrating the Hecla team and ensuring alignment on operational strategies moving forward [26][31]