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6-K 1 silvercorp6kafs.htm REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2023 Filed by e3 Filing, Computershare 1-800-973-3274 - SILVERCORP METALS INC. - Form 6-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of: May, 2023

Commission File No. 0001-34184

SILVERCORP METALS INC.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Suite 1750 - 1066 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3X1 CANADA
(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F

Form 20-F [   ] Form 40-F [ X ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) [   ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is “submitting” the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T “Rule” 101(b)(7) [   ]





SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: May 26, 2023 SILVERCORP METALS INC.


 

/s/ Derek Liu

 

Derek Liu

 

Chief Financial Officer








EX-99.1 2 exhibit99-1.htm FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 Exhibit 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Silvercorp Metals Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Silvercorp Metals Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2023, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 25, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 


 

Critical Audit Matter

 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

Impairment – Assessment of Whether Indicators of Impairment or Impairment Reversal Exist in Non-financial Assets — Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements

 

Critical Audit Matter Description

 

The Company’s determination of whether or not an indication of impairment or impairment reversal exists at the cash generating unit level requires significant management judgment. Changes in metal price forecasts, estimated future costs of production, estimated future capital costs, the amount of recoverable mineral reserves and resources and/or adverse or favorable current economics can result in a write-down or write-up of the carrying amounts of the Company’s mining interests.

 

While there are several factors that are required to determine whether or not an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal exists, the judgements with the highest degree of subjectivity are future commodity prices (for both silver and lead), projected production output (for both silver and lead), and changes in market conditions. Auditing these estimates and market conditions required a high degree of subjectivity in applying audit procedures and in evaluating the results of those procedures. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of fair value specialists.

 

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

 

Our audit procedures related to the future commodity prices (for both silver and lead), forecast production output (for both silver and lead), and the changes in market conditions in assessing indicators of impairment or impairment reversal included the following, among others: 

 

Evaluated the effectiveness of controls over management’s assessment of whether there are indicators of impairment or impairment reversal.

 

Evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future production output by:

 

o  Assessing the methodology used in management’s determination of the future production, and;

 

o Comparing management’s future production to historical data o Evaluating the future commodity prices by comparing management forecasts to third party pricing sources;

 

Page 2


 

With the assistance of fair value specialists, assessed if changes in market conditions could likely affect the mining interests’ recoverable amounts materially by:

 

 

o  Evaluating if there were any significant changes in the market interest rates; and

 

o  Assessing implied in-situ multiples in comparable market transactions.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

May 25, 2023

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

 

Page 3


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Silvercorp Metals Inc.

 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Silvercorp Metals Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated May 25, 2023, expressed  an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 


 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

May 25, 2023

 

Page 2


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amount and number of shares)

 

        Year Ended March 31,  
    Notes   2023     2022  
Revenue   3(a)(c)   $ 208,129     $ 217,923  
Cost of mine operations                    
Production costs         91,769       88,537  
Depreciation and amortization         27,607       25,082  
Mineral resource taxes         5,095       5,952  
Government fees and other taxes   4     2,388       2,643  
General and administrative   5     10,487       11,408  
          137,346       133,622  
Income from mine operations         70,783       84,301  
Corporate general and administrative   5     13,249       14,181  
Property evaluation and business development         438       921  
Foreign exchange gain         (4,842 )     (267 )
Loss on equity investments designed as FVTPL   10     2,318       3,485  
Share of loss in associates   11     2,901       2,188  
Dilution loss on investment in associate   11     107       -  
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment   12     444       210  
Impairment of mineral rights and properties   13     20,211       -
Other expenses         2,210       1,018  
Income from operations         33,747       62,565  
Finance income   6     4,654       5,217  
Finance costs   6     (3,258 )     (10,710 )
Income before income taxes         35,143       57,072  
Income tax expense   7     14,043       13,788  
Net income       $ 21,100     $ 43,284  
Attributable to:                    
Equity holders of the Company       $ 20,608     $ 30,634  
Non-controlling interests   18     492       12,650  
        $ 21,100     $ 43,284  
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company                    
Basic earnings per share       $ 0.12     $ 0.17  
Diluted earnings per share       $ 0.12     $ 0.17  
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic         176,862,877       176,534,501  
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Diluted         178,989,549       178,323,968  

 

Approved on behalf of the Board:

 

(Signed) David Kong  
Director  
   
(Signed) Rui Feng  
Director  

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

1


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

        Year Ended March 31,  
    Notes   2023     2022  
Net income       $ 21,100     $ 43,284  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:                    
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to net income or loss:                    
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $nil         (45,644 )     13,649  
Share of other comprehensive (loss) income in associate   11     (886 )     95  
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to net income or loss:                    
Change in fair value on equity investments designated as FVTOCI, net of tax of $nil   10     (1,312 )     (1,526 )
Income tax effect         -       389  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes       $ (47,842 )   $ 12,607  
Attributable to:                    
Equity holders of the Company       $ (41,290 )   $ 10,597  
Non-controlling interests   18     (6,552 )     2,010  
        $ (47,842 )   $ 12,607  
Total comprehensive (loss) income       $ (26,742 )   $ 55,891  
Attributable to:                    
Equity holders of the Company       $ (20,682 )   $ 41,231  
Non-controlling interests         (6,060 )     14,660  
        $ (26,742 )   $ 55,891  

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

2


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

          As at March 31,     As at March 31,  
    Notes     2023     2022  
ASSETS                  
Current Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents   22     $ 145,692     $ 113,302  
Short-term investments   8       57,631       99,623  
Trade and other receivables           1,806       3,615  
Current portion of lease receivable   14       -       182  
Inventories   9       8,343       9,124  
Due from related parties   19       88       66  
Income tax receivable           582       928  
Prepaids and deposits           4,906       5,468  
            219,048       232,308  
Non-current Assets                      
Long-term prepaids and deposits           871       974  
Reclamation deposits           6,981       8,876  
Other investments   10       15,540       17,768  
Investment in associates   11       50,695       56,841  
Plant and equipment   12       80,059       79,418  
Mineral rights and properties   13       303,426       326,448  
Deferred income tax assets   7       179       905  
TOTAL ASSETS         $ 676,799     $ 723,538  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                      
Current Liabilities                      
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         $ 36,737     $ 39,667  
Current portion of lease obligation   14       269       649  
Deposits received           4,090       5,445  
Income tax payable           144       277  
            41,240       46,038  
Non-current Liabilities                      
Long-term portion of lease obligation   14       314       614  
Deferred income tax liabilities   7       48,096       48,033  
Environmental rehabilitation   15       7,318       8,739  
Total Liabilities           96,968       103,424  
Equity                      
Share capital           255,684       255,444  
Equity reserves           3,484       43,250  
Retained earnings           229,885       213,702  
Total equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company           489,053       512,396  
Non-controlling interests   18       90,778       107,718  
Total Equity           579,831       620,114  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY         $ 676,799     $ 723,538  

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     
    Year Ended March 31,  
  Notes   2023   2022  
Cash provided by            
Operating activities            
Net income   $ 21,100 $ 43,284  
Add (deduct) items not affecting cash:            
Finance costs 6   3,258   10,710  
Income tax expense 7   14,043   13,788  
Depreciation, amortization and depletion    29,370   27,028  
Loss on equity investments designed as FVTPL 10   2,318   3,485  
Share of loss in associates 11   2,901   2,188  
Dilution loss on investment in associate 11   107   -  
Impairment of mineral rights and properties 13   20,211   -  
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 12   444   210  
Share-based compensation 16(b)   3,842   6,096  
Reclamation expenditures     (361 (251 )
Income taxes paid     (9,537 (5,512 )
Interest paid 14   (43 (72 )
Changes in non-cash operating working capital 22   (2,010 ) 6,424  
Net cash provided by operating activities     85,643   107,378  
Investing activities            
Plant and equipment            
Additions     (13,293 (10,729 )
Proceeds on disposals 12   215    74  
Mineral rights and properties            
Capital expenditures     (41,664 (43,341 )
Acquisition 8   -   (13,135 )
Reclamation deposits            
Paid     (317 (293 )
Refund     1,152   -  
Other investments            
Acquisition 10   (3,702 (8,235 )
Proceeds on disposals 10   1,035   1,362  
Investment in associates 11   (2,055 (5,313 )
Short-term investment            
Purchase     (182,299 ) (171,215 )
Redemption     214,232   143,982  
Principal received on lease receivable 14   172   217  
Net cash used in investing activities     (26,524 (106,626 )
Financing activities            
Principal payments on lease obligation 14   (597 ) (637 )
Cash dividends distributed 16(c)   (4,425 ) (4,413 )
Non-controlling interests        
Distribution 18   (10,880 (5,096 )
Related parties            
Repayments received 19   -   812  
Proceeds from issuance of common shares     -    1,908  
Common shares repurchased as part of normal course issuer bid     (2,078 ) -  
Net cash used in financing activities     (17,980 (7,426 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (8,749 1,241  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     32,390    (5,433 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     113,302   118,735  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period   $ 145,692 $ 113,302  
Supplementary cash flow information 22          

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

4


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share figures)

 

          Share capital     Equity reserves                          
    Notes     Number of shares     Amount     Share option reserve     Reserves     Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
    Retained earnings     Total equity attributable
to the equity holders of
the Company
    Non-controlling
interests
    Total equity  
Balance, April 1, 2021           175,742,544     $ 250,199     $ 16,610     $ 25,409     $ (12,550 )   $ 187,906     $ 467,574     $ 98,154     $ 565,728  
Options exercised           797,083       2,528       (620 )     -       -       -       1,908       -       1,908  
Restricted share units vested           566,172       2,717       (2,717 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Share-based compensation           -       -       6,096       -       -       -       6,096       -       6,096  
Dividends declared           -       -       -       -       -       (4,413 )     (4,413 )     -       (4,413 )
Distribution to non-controlling interests           -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (5,096 )     (5,096 )
Contribution to reserves           -       -       -       425       -       (425 )     -       -     -
Comprehensive income           -       -       -       -       10,597       30,634       41,231       14,660       55,891  
Balance, March 31, 2022           177,105,799     $ 255,444     $ 19,369     $ 25,834     $ (1,953 )   $ 213,702     $ 512,396     $ 107,718     $ 620,114  
Restricted share units vested           503,703       2,318       (2,318 )     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Share-based compensation   16(b)       -       -       3,842       -       -       -       3,842       -       3,842  
Dividends declared   16(c)       -       -       -       -       -       (4,425 )     (4,425 )     -       (4,425 )
Common shares repurchased as part of normal
course issuer bid
  16(d)       (838,237 )   (2,708 )     -       -       -       -       (2,078 )     -       (2,078 )
Distribution to non-controlling interests   18       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (10,880 )     (10,880 )
Comprehensive income (loss)           -       -       -       -       (41,290 )     20,608       (20,682 )     (6,060 )     (26,742 )
Balance, March 31, 2023           176,771,265     $ 255,684     $ 20,893     $ 25,834     $ (43,243 )   $ 229,885     $ 489,053     $ 90,778     $ 579,831  

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

5


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

Silvercorp Metals Inc., along with its subsidiary companies (collectively the “Company”), is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties. The Company’s producing mines are located in China, and current exploration and development projects are located in China and Mexico.

 

The Company is a publicly listed company incorporated in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, with limited liability under the legislation of the Province of British Columbia. The Company’s shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American.

 

The head office, registered address and records office of the Company are located at 1066 West Hastings Street, Suite 1750, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 3X1.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a) Statement of Compliance

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The policies applied in these consolidated financial statements are based on IFRS in effect as of April 1, 2022.

 

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors dated May 24, 2023.

 

(b) Basis of Consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly or partially owned subsidiaries.

 

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Company obtains control up to the date of the disposition of control. Control is achieved when the Company has power over the subsidiary, is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

 

For non-wholly owned subsidiaries over which the Company has control, the net assets attributable to outside equity shareholders are presented as “non-controlling interests” in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Net income for the period that is attributable to the non-controlling interests is calculated based on the ownership of the non-controlling interest shareholders in the subsidiary. Adjustments to recognize the non-controlling interests’ share of changes to the subsidiary’s equity are made even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. Changes in the Company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are recorded as equity transactions. The carrying amount of non-controlling interests is adjusted to reflect the change in the non-controlling interests’ relative interests in the subsidiary and the difference between the adjustment to the carrying amount of non-controlling interest and the Company’s share of proceeds received and/or consideration paid is recognized directly in equity and attributed to equity holders of the Company.

 

Balances, transactions, revenues and expenses between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.

 

6


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Details of the Company’s significant subsidiaries which are consolidated are as follows:

 

      Proportion of ownership interest held  
Name of subsidiaries Principal activity Country of
incorporation
March 31,
2023
March 31,
2022
Mineral properties
Silvercorp Metals China Inc. Holding company Canada 100% 100%  
Silvercorp Metals (China) Inc. Holding company China 100% 100%  
0875786 B.C. LTD. Holding company Canada 100% 100%  
Fortune Mining Limited Holding company BVI (i) 100% 100%  
Fortune Copper Limited Holding company BVI 100% 100%  
Fortune Gold Mining Limited Holding company BVI 100% 100%  
Victor Resources Ltd. Holding company BVI 100% 100%  
Yangtze Mining Ltd. Holding company BVI 100% 100%  
Victor Mining Ltd. Holding company BVI 100% 100%  
Yangtze Mining (H.K.) Ltd. Holding company Hong Kong 100% 100%  
Fortune Gold Mining (H.K.) Limited Holding company Hong Kong 100% 100%  
Wonder Success Limited Holding company Hong Kong 100% 100%  
New Infini Silver Inc. (“New Infini”) Holding company Canada 46.1% 46.1%  
Infini Metals Inc. Holding company BVI 46.1% 46.1%  
Infini Resources (Asia) Co. Ltd. Holding company Hong Kong 46.1% 46.1%  
Golden Land (Asia) Ltd. Holding company Hong Kong 46.1% 46.1%  
Henan Huawei Mining Co. Ltd. (“Henan Huawei”) Mining China 80% 80% Ying Mining District
Henan Found Mining Co. Ltd. (“Henan Found”) Mining China 77.5% 77.5%  
Xinshao Yunxiang Mining Co., Ltd. (“Yunxiang”) Mining China 70% 70% BYP
Guangdong Found Mining Co. Ltd. (“Guangdong Found”) Mining China 99% 99% GC
Infini Resources S.A. de C.V. Mining Mexico 46.1% 46.1% La Yesca
Shanxi Xinbaoyuan Mining Co., Ltd. (“Xinbaoyuan”) Mining China 77.5% 77.5% Kuanping

(i) British Virgin Islands (“BVI”)

 

(c) Investments in Associates

 

An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence but not control and is not a subsidiary or joint venture. Significant influence is presumed to exist where the Company has between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, but can also arise when the Company has power to be actively involved and influential in financial and operating policy decisions of the entity even though the Company has less than 20% of voting rights.

 

The Company accounts for its investments in associates using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company’s investment in an associate is initially recognized at cost and subsequently increased or decreased to recognize the Company’s share of profit and loss of the associate and for impairment losses after the initial recognition date. The Company’s share of an associate’s loss that are in excess of its investment are recognized only to the extent that the Company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. The Company’s share of comprehensive income or losses attributable to shareholders of associates are recognized in comprehensive income during the period. The carrying amount of the Company’s investments in associates also include any long-term debt interests which in substance form part of the Company’s net investment. Distributions received from an associate are accounted for as a reduction in the carrying amount of the Company’s investment.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

At the end of each reporting period, the Company assesses whether there is any objective evidence that an investment in an associate is impaired. Objective evidence includes observable data indicating there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows of the associate’s operations. When there is objective evidence that an investment in an associate is impaired, the carrying amount is compared to its recoverable amount, being the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and value in use. An impairment loss is recognized if the recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. When an impairment loss reverses in a subsequent period, the carrying amount of the investment is increased to the revised estimate of recoverable amount to the extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had an impairment loss not been previously recognized. Impairment losses and reversal of impairment losses, if any, are recognized in net income in the period in which the relevant circumstances are identified.

 

Details of the Company’s associates are as follows:

 

      Proportion of ownership interest held
Name of associate Principal activity Country of
incorporation
March 31,
2023
March 31,
2022
New Pacific Metals Corp. (“NUAG”) Mining Canada 28.2% 28.2%
Whitehorse Gold Corp. (“WHG”) Mining Canada 29.3% 29.3%

 

(d) Business Combinations or asset acquisition

 

Optional concentration test

 

The Company applies an optional concentration test, on a transaction-by-transaction basis, that permits a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. The concentration test is met if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. The gross assets under assessment exclude cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets, and goodwill resulting from the effects of deferred tax liabilities. If the concentration test is met, the set of activities and assets is determined not to be a business and no further assessment is needed.

 

Asset acquisitions

 

When the Company acquires a group of assets and liabilities that do not constitute a business, the Company identifies and recognizes the individual identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed by allocating the purchase price including the associated acquisition-related transaction costs first to financial assets/financial liabilities at the respective fair values, the remaining balance of the purchase price is then allocated to the other identifiable assets and liabilities on the basis of their relative fair values at the date of purchase. Such a transaction does not give rise to goodwill or bargain purchase gain.

 

Business Combinations

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Company elects whether it measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.

 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through profit or loss.

 

(e) Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency for each subsidiary of the Company is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. Other than New Infini and its subsidiaries, the functional currency of the head office, Canadian subsidiaries and all intermediate holding companies is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”). The functional currency of all Chinese subsidiaries is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of New Infini and its subsidiaries is USD.

 

Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date. Foreign currency non-monetary assets are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of net income.

 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars (“USD”). The financial position and results of the Company’s entities are translated from functional currencies to USD as follows:

 

- assets and liabilities are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date;
- income and expenses are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the period; and
- all resulting exchange gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income.

 

The Company treats inter-company loan balances, which are not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future, as part of its net investment. When a foreign entity is sold, the historical exchange differences plus the foreign exchange impact that arises on the transaction are recognized in the statement of income as part of the gain or loss on sale.

 

(f) Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of the asset sold is transferred to customers and the Company satisfies its performance obligation. Revenue is allocated to each performance obligation. The Company considers the terms of the contract in determining the transfer price. The transaction price is based upon the amount the Company expects to receive in exchange for the transferring of the assets. In determining whether the Company has satisfied a performance obligation, it considers the indicators of the transfer of control, which include, but are not limited to, whether: the Company has a present right to payment; the customer has legal title to the asset; the Company has transferred physical possession of the asset to the customer; and the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset. This generally occurs when the assets are loaded on the trucks arranged by the customer at the Company’s milling facilities. In cases where the Company is responsible for the costs of shipping and certain other services after the date on which the control of the assets transferred to the customer, these other services are considered separate performance obligations and thus a portion of revenue earned under the contract is allocated and recognized as these performance obligations are satisfied.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Revenue from concentrate sales is typically recorded based on the Company’s assay results for the quantity and quality of concentrate sold and the applicable commodity prices, such as silver, gold, lead and zinc, set on a specific quotation period, typical ranging from ten to fifteen days around shipment date, by reference to active and freely traded commodity market. Adjustments, if any, related to the final assay results for the quantity and quality of concentrate sold are not significant and do not constrain the recognition of revenue.

 

Smelter charges, including refining and treatment charges, are netted against revenue from metal concentrate sales.

 

(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and held at banks and short-term money market investments that are readily convertible to cash with original terms of three months or less and exclude any restricted cash that is not available for use by the Company.

 

(h) Short-term Investments

 

Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit and money market instruments, including cashable guaranteed investment certificates, bearer deposit notes and other financial assets with original terms of over three months but less than one year. Bonds traded on open markets are also included in short-term investments.

 

(i) Inventories

 

Inventories include concentrate inventories, direct smelting ore, stockpile ore and operating materials and supplies. The classification of inventory is determined by the stage at which the ore is in the production process. Material that does not contain a minimum quantity of metal to cover estimated processing expenses to recover the contained metal is not classified as inventory and is assigned no value.

 

Direct smelting ore and stockpiled ore are sampled for metal content and are valued at the lower of mining cost and net realizable value. Mining cost includes the cost of raw material, mining contractor cost, direct labour costs, depletion and depreciation, and applicable production overheads, based on normal operating capacity. Concentrate inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of concentrate inventories includes the mining cost for stockpiled ore milled, freight charges for shipping stockpile ore from mine sites to mill sites and milling cost. Milling cost includes cost of materials and supplies, direct labour costs, and applicable production overheads cost, based on normal operating capacity. Material and supplies are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a weighted average cost basis, and net realizable value.

 

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sales.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

  (j) Plant and Equipment

 

Plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost, including all directly attributable costs to bring the assets to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis based on the nature and useful lives of the assets. The significant classes of plant and equipment and their estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Buildings 20 years
Office equipment 5 years
Machinery 5-10 years
Motor vehicles 5 years
Land use rights 50 years
Leasehold improvements 5 years

 

Subsequent costs that meet the asset recognition criteria are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not extend the economic useful life of an asset are considered repairs and maintenance, which are accounted for as an expense recognized during the period.

 

Assets under construction are capitalized as construction-in-progress. The cost of construction-in-progress comprises of the asset’s purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing it into working condition for its intended use. Construction-in-progress assets are transferred to other respective asset classes and are depreciated when they are completed and available for use.

 

Upon disposal or abandonment, the carrying amounts of plant and equipment are derecognized and any associated gain or loss is recognized in net income.

 

(k) Mineral Rights and Properties

 

Mineral rights and properties include the following capitalized payments and expenditures:

 

- Acquisition costs which consist of payments for property rights and leases, including payments to acquire or renew an exploration or mining permit, and the estimated fair value of properties acquired as part of business combination or the acquisition of a group of assets.

 

- Exploration and evaluation costs incurred on a specific property after an acquisition of a beneficial interest or option in the property. Exploration and evaluation expenditures on properties for which the Company does not have title or rights to are expensed when incurred. Exploration and evaluation activities involve the search for mineral resources, the determination of technical feasibility and the assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource.

 

- Development costs incurred to construct a mine and bring it into commercial production. Proceeds from sales generate during this development and pre-production stage, if any, are deducted from the costs of the asset.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

- Expenditures incurred on producing properties that are expected to have future economic benefit, including to extend the life of the mine and to increase production by providing access to additional reserves, such as exploration tunneling that can increase or upgrade the mineral resources, and development tunneling, including to build shafts, drifts, ramps, and access corridors that enable to access ore underground.

 

- Borrowing costs incurred that are directly attributed to the acquisition, construction and development of a qualifying mineral property.

 

- Estimated of environmental rehabilitation and restoration costs.

 

Before commencement of commercial production, mineral rights and properties are carried at costs, less any accumulated impairment charges.

 

Upon commencement of commercial production, mineral rights and properties are carried at costs, less accumulated depletion and any accumulated impairment charges. Mineral rights and properties, other than the payments to renew mining permits (the “mine right fee”) are depleted over the mine’s estimated life using the units of production method calculated based on proven and probable reserves. Estimation of proven and probable reserves for each property is updated when relative information is available; the result will be prospectively applied to calculate depletion amounts for future periods. If commercial production commences prior to the determination of proven and probable reserves, depletion is calculated based on the mineable portion of measured and indicated resources. The mine right fee is depleted using the units of production method based on the mineral resources which were used to determine the mine right fee payable.

 

(l) Impairment and Impairment Reversal

 

At each reporting period, the Company reviews and evaluates its assets for impairment, or reversal of a previously recognized impairment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable or when there is an indication that impairment may have reversed.

 

When impairment indicators exist, an estimate of the recoverable amount is undertaken, being the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost of disposal (“FVLCTD”) and value in use (“VIU”). If the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of income during the period.

 

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The cash flows are based on best estimates of expected future cash flows from the continued use of the asset and its eventual disposal.

 

FVLCTD is best evidence if obtained from an active market or binding sale agreement. Where neither exists, the fair value is based the best estimates available to reflect the amount that could be received from an arm’s length transaction. Fair value of asset is generally determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continued use of the asset, including any expansion prospects.

 

Impairment is normally assessed at the level of cash-generating units (“CGU”), a CGU is identified as the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows which are independent of the cash inflows generated from other assets.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

When there is an indication that an impairment loss recognized previously may no longer exist or has decreased, the recoverable amount is calculated. If the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount, the carrying value of the asset is increased to the recoverable amount. The increased carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the period it is determined.

 

(m) Environmental Rehabilitation Provision

 

The mining, extraction and processing activities of the Company normally give rise to obligations for site closure or rehabilitation. Closure and decommissioning works can include facility decommissioning and dismantling; removal or treatment of waste materials; site and land rehabilitation. The extent of work required and the associated costs are dependent on the requirements of relevant authorities and the Company’s environmental policies. Provisions for the cost of each closure and rehabilitation program are recognized at the time when environmental disturbance occurs. When the extent of disturbance increases over the life of an operation, the provision is increased accordingly. Costs included in the provision encompass all closure and decommissioning activity expected to occur progressively over the life of the operation and at the time of closure in connection with disturbances at the reporting date. Routine operating costs that may impact the ultimate closure and decommissioning activities, such as waste material handling conducted as an integral part of a mining or production process, are not included in the provision.

 

Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances, such as the contamination caused by unplanned discharges, are recognized as an expense and liability when the event gives rise to an obligation which is probable and capable of reliable estimation. The timing of the actual closure and decommissioning expenditure is dependent upon a number of factors such as the life and nature of the asset, the operating license conditions, and the environment in which the mine operates. Expenditure may occur before and after closure and can continue for an extended period of time dependent on closure and decommissioning requirements.

 

Closure and decommissioning provisions are measured at the expected amount of future cash flows, discounted to their present value for each operation. Discount rates used are specific to the underlying obligation. Significant judgments and estimates are involved in forming expectations of future activities and the amount and timing of the associated cash flows. Those expectations are formed based on existing environmental and regulatory requirements which give rise to a constructive or legal obligation.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

When provisions for closure and decommissioning are initially recognized, the corresponding cost is capitalized as an asset, representing part of the cost of acquiring the future economic benefits of the operation. The capitalized cost of closure and decommissioning activities is recognized in Mineral Rights and Properties and depleted accordingly. The value of the provision is progressively increased over time as the effect of discounting unwinds, creating an expense recognized in finance costs. Closure and decommissioning provisions are also adjusted for changes in estimates. Those adjustments are accounted for as a change in the corresponding capitalized cost, except where a reduction in the provision is greater than the undepreciated capitalized cost of the related assets, in which case the capitalized cost is reduced to nil and the remaining adjustment is recognized in the income statement. In the case of closed sites, changes to estimated costs are recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of income. Changes to the capitalized cost result in an adjustment to future depreciation and finance charges.

 

Adjustments to the estimated amount and timing of future closure and decommissioning cash flows are a normal occurrence in light of the significant judgments and estimates involved. The provision is reviewed at the end of each reporting period for changes to obligations, legislation or discount rates that impact estimated costs or lives of operations and adjusted to reflect current best estimate.

 

The cost of the related asset is adjusted for changes in the provision resulting from changes in the estimated cash flows or discount rate and the adjusted cost of the asset is depreciated prospectively.

 

(n) Leases

 

Lease Definition

 

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. An identified asset may be implicitly or explicitly specified in a contract, but must be physically distinct, and must not have the ability for substitution by a lessor. A lessee has the right to control an identified asset if it obtains substantially all of its economic benefits and either pre-determines or directs how and for what purposes the asset is used.

 

Measurement of Right of Use (“ROU”) Assets and Lease Obligations

 

At the commencement of a lease, the Company, if acting in capacity as a lessee, recognizes an ROU asset and a lease obligation. The ROU asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease obligation adjusted for any lease payments made at, or before, the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease incentives received.

 

The ROU asset is subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease, or the useful life of the asset determined on the same basis as the Company’s plant and equipment. The ROU asset is periodically adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease obligation, and reduced by impairment losses, if any. If an ROU asset is subsequently leased to a third party (a “sublease”) and the sublease is classified as a finance lease, the carrying value of the ROU asset to the extent of the sublease is derecognized. Any difference between the ROU asset and the lease receivable arising from the sublease is recognized in profit or loss.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

The lease obligation is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments remaining at the lease commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease cannot be determined. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease obligation, when applicable, may comprise of fixed payments, variable payments that depend on an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee and the exercise price under a purchase, extension or termination option that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise.

 

The lease obligation is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Company’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Company changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease obligation is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the ROU asset.

 

Measurement of Lease Receivable

 

At the commencement of a lease, the Company, if acting in capacity as a lessor, will classify the lease as finance lease and recognize a lease receivable at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset or if the lease is a sublease, by reference to the ROU asset arising from the original lease (the “head lease”). A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset or the lease is a short-term lease. Cash received from an operating lease is included in other income in the Company’s consolidated statement of income on a straight-line basis over the period the lease.

 

The lease receivable is initially measure at the present value of the lease payments remaining at the lease commencement date, discounted at the interest rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate if the sublease is a finance lease. The lease receivable is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, and reduced by the amount received and impairment losses, if any.

 

Recognition Exemptions

 

The Company has elected not to recognize the ROU asset and lease obligations for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less or for leases of low-value assets. Payments associated with these leases are recognized as general and administrative expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term on the consolidated statement of income.

 

(o) Borrowing Costs

 

Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale, are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. No borrowing costs were capitalized in the periods presented.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(p) Share-based Payments

 

The Company makes share-based awards, including restricted share units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), and stock options, to employees, officers, directors, and consultants.

 

For equity-settled awards, the fair value is charged to the consolidated statements of income and credited to equity, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, after adjusting for the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. The fair value of RSUs and PSUs is determined based on quoted market price of our common shares at the date of grant. The fair value of the stock options granted to employees, officers, and directors is determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with market related input. The fair value of stock options granted to consultants is measured at the fair value of the services delivered unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, which then is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock options with graded vesting schedules are accounted for as separate grants with different vesting periods and fair values.

 

At each reporting date prior to vesting, the cumulative expense representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest is computed (after adjusting for non-market performance conditions). The movement in cumulative expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of income with a corresponding entry within equity. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition, which are treated as vested irrespective of whether or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are satisfied.

 

(q) Income Taxes

 

Current tax for each taxable entity is based on the local taxable income at the local statutory tax rate enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date and includes adjustments to tax payable or recoverable in respect to previous periods.

 

Current tax assets and current tax liabilities are only offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off the amounts, and the Company intends to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

Deferred tax is recognized using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, can be utilized, except:

 

- where the deferred income tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
     
- in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures, deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will be available to allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred income tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

 

(r) Earnings per Share

 

Earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if additional common shares are assumed to be issued under securities that entitle their holders to obtain common shares in the future. For stock options and warrants, the number of additional shares for inclusion in diluted earnings per share calculations is determined by the options and warrants, whose exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s common shares, are assumed to be exercised and the proceeds are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The incremental number of common shares issued under stock options, and repurchased from proceeds, is included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

(s) Financial Instruments

 

Initial recognition:

 

On initial recognition, all financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value adjusted for directly attributable transaction costs except for financial assets and liabilities classified as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), in which case transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets:

 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on the classification of such assets.

 

I. Non-equity instruments:

 

IFRS 9 includes a single model that has only two classification categories for financial instruments other than equity instruments: amortized cost and fair value. To qualify for amortized cost accounting, the instrument must meet two criteria:

i. The objective of the business model is to hold the financial asset for the collection of the contractual cash flows; and
ii. All contractual cash flows represent only principal and interest on that principal.

 

All other instruments are mandatorily measured at fair value.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

II. Equity instruments:

At initial recognition, for equity instruments other than held for trading, the Company may make an irrevocable election to designate them, on instrument by instrument basis, as either FVTPL or fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”).

 

Financial assets classified as amortized cost are measured at the amount of initial recognition minus principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted for any impairment loss allowance. Amortization or interest income from the effective interest method is included in finance income.

 

Financial assets classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with changes in fair values recognized in profit or loss. Equity investments designated as FVTOCI are measured at fair value with changes in fair values recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Dividends from that investment are recorded in profit or loss when the Company’s right to receive payment of the dividend is established unless they represent a recovery of part of the cost of the investment.

 

Impairment of financial assets carried at amortized cost:

 

The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on its financial assets carried at amortized cost. The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each reporting period to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the respective financial instruments.

 

Subsequent measurement of financial liabilities:

 

Financial liabilities classified as amortized cost are measured at the amount of initial recognition minus principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount. Amortization or interest expense using the effective interest method is included in finance costs.

 

Financial liabilities classified as FVTPL are measured at fair value with gains and losses recognized in profit or loss.

 

The Company classifies its financial instruments as follows:

 

- Financial assets classified as FVTPL: cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments – money market instruments, and other investments - equity investments designated as FVTPL and warrants;
   
- Financial assets classified as FVTOCI: other investments - equity investments designated as FVTOCI;
   
- Financial assets classified as amortized cost: short-term investments - bonds, trade and other receivables and due from related parties;
   
- Financial liabilities classified as amortized cost: accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable, bank loan, customer deposits and due to related parties.

 

Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities:

 

A financial asset is derecognized when:

 

- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
     
- The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Gains and losses on derecognition of financial assets and liabilities classified as amortized cost are recognized in profit or loss when the instrument is derecognized or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.

 

Gains and losses on derecognition of equity investments designated as FVTOCI (including any related foreign exchange component) are recognized in OCI. Amounts presented in OCI are not subsequently transferred to profit or loss.

 

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another liability from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability. In this case, a new liability is recognized, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the statement of income.

 

Offsetting of financial instruments:

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if and only if, there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle liabilities simultaneously.

 

Fair value of financial instruments:

 

The fair value of financial instruments that are traded in active markets at each reporting date is determined by reference to quoted market prices, without deduction for transaction costs. For financial instruments that are not traded in active markets, the fair value is determined using appropriate valuation techniques, such as using a recent arm’s length market transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties, discounted cash flow analysis, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same, or other valuation models.

 

(t) Government Assistance

 

Refundable mining exploration tax credits received from eligible mining exploration expenditures and other government grants received for project construction and development reduce the carrying amount of the related mineral rights and properties or plant and equipment assets. The depletion or depreciation of the related mineral rights and properties or plant and equipment assets is calculated based on the net amount.

 

Government subsidies as compensation for expenses already incurred are recognized in profit and loss during the period in which it becomes receivable.

 

(u) Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these judgments and estimates are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s experience and best knowledge of relevant facts and circumstances, actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Areas where critical accounting judgments have the most significant effect on the consolidated financial statements include:

 

Capitalization of expenditures included in mineral rights and properties – management has determined that those capitalized expenditures, including exploration and evaluation expenditures and development costs incurred at producing properties, have potential future economic benefits and are potentially economically recoverable, subject to impairment analysis. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefit, including geologic and metallurgic information, history of conversion of mineral deposits to proven and probable reserves, scoping and feasibility studies, accessible facilities, existing permits, whether to extend of the mine life, increase future production, or to provide access to a component of an ore body that will be mined in a future period.

 

Indicators of impairment and impairment reversal - Management applies significant judgement in assessing whether indicators of impairment or reserve impairment exist for an asset or group of assets which would necessitate impairment testing. Internal and external factors such as significant changes in the use of the asset, commodity prices, and interest rates are used in determining whether there are indicators.

 

Income taxes - Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on difference between the financial statements carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax based and loss carried forward. Withholding tax are determined based on the earnings of foreign subsidiary distributed to the Company.

 

The recognition of deferred tax assets and the determination of the ability of the Company to utilize tax loss carry-forwards to offset deferred tax liabilities requires management to exercise judgement and make certain assumptions about the future performance of the Company. Management is required to access whether it is “probable” that the Company will benefit from these prior losses and other deferred tax assets. Changes in economic conditions, metal prices, and other factors could result in revision to the estimates of the benefits to be realized or the timing of utilization of the losses.

 

Functional currency - The determination of an entity’s functional currency often requires significant judgement where the primary economic environment in which the entity operates may not be clear. This can have a significant impact on the consolidated results based the foreign currency translation method of the Company.

 

Contingencies - Contingencies can be either possible assets or liabilities arising from past events which, by their nature, will only be resolved when one or more future events not wholly within our control occur or fail to occur. The assessment of such contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal, tax or regulatory proceedings that are pending against us or unasserted claims, that may result in such proceedings or regulatory or government actions that may negatively impact our business or operations, we evaluate with our legal counsel the perceived merits of any legal, tax or regulatory proceedings, unasserted claims or actions. Also evaluated are the perceived merits of the nature and amount of relief sought or expected to be sought, when determining the amount, if any, to recognize as a contingent liability or assessing the impact on the carrying value of assets. Contingent assets or liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Consolidation of entities in which the Company holds less than a majority of voting rights – As at March 31, 2023, the Company owned 46.1% interest in New Infini and has evaluated and concluded that the Company has control over New Infini due to New Infini’s share structure, board composition and other related facts. Accordingly it consolidates New Infini’s results from the date of acquisition.

 

Areas where critical accounting estimates have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements include:

 

Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates - Mineral reserves and mineral resources are estimated by qualified persons in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, “Standards of Disclosure form Mineral Projects”, issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, including many factors beyond the Company’s control. Such estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any mineral reserve or mineral resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of the assumptions made and judgements used in engineering and geological interpretation. Changes in assumptions, including metal prices, production costs, recovery rate, and market conditions could result in mineral reserve and mineral resource estimate revision. Such change could impact depreciation and amortization rates, asset carrying value and the environmental and rehabilitation provision.

 

Impairment and reserve impairment of assets - Where an indicator of impairment and reserves impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made, which is determined as the higher of FVLCTD and VIU.

 

The determination of FVLCTD and VIU requires management to make estimates and assumptions about expected production based on current estimates of recoverable metal, commodity prices, operating costs, taxes and export duties, inflation and foreign exchange, salvage value, future capital expenditures and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty; hence, there is the possibility that changes in circumstances will alter these projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of the assets. In such circumstances, some or all of the carrying value of the assets may be further impaired or the impairment charge reversed with the impact recorded in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Valuation of inventory - Stockpiled ore, direct smelting ore, and concentrate inventories are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and forecast metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert the inventory into saleable form and associated selling costs. The determination of forecast sales price, recovery rates, grade, assumed contained metal in stockpiles and production and selling costs requires significant assumptions that may impact the stated value of our inventory and lead to changes in NRV. In determining the value of material and supplies inventory, we make estimates of the amounts to be used and realizable value through disposals or sales. Changes in these estimates can result in a change in carrying amounts of inventory, as well as cost of sales.

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Environmental rehabilitation provision and the timing of expenditures - Environmental rehabilitation costs are a consequence of exploration activities and mining. The cost estimates are updated annually during the life of a mine to reflect known developments, (e.g. revisions to cost estimates and to the estimated lives of operations), and are subject to review at regular intervals. Decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities are estimated bases on the Company’s interpretation of current regulatory requirements, constructive obligations and are measured at the best estimates of expenditures required to settle the present obligation of decommissioning, restoration or similar liabilities that may occur over the life of the mine. The carrying amount is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash expenditures for the settlement of decommissioning, restoration or similar liabilities that may occur over the life of the mine. Such estimates are subject to change based on change in laws and regulations and negotiations with regulatory authorities.

 

3. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

The Company’s reportable operating segments are components of the Company where separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The operating segments are determined based on the Company’s management and internal reporting structure. Operating segments are summarized as follows:

 

Operating Segments   Subsidiaries Included in the Segment   Properties Included in the Segment
Mining        
Henan Luoning   Henan Found and Henan Huawei   Ying Mining District
Guangdong   Guangdong Found   GC
Other   Yunxiang, Infini Resources S.A. de C.V. and Xinbaoyuan   BYP, La Yesca, Kuanping
Administrative        
Vancouver   Silvercorp Metals Inc. and holding companies    
Beijing   Silvercorp Metals (China) Inc.    

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(a) Segmented information for operating results is as follows:

 

Year ended March 31, 2023  
    Mining      Administrative       
    Henan                                
Statement of income:   Luoning     Guangdong     Other     Beijing     Vancouver     Total   
Revenue   $ 174,868     $ 33,261     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 208,129  
Costs of mine operations     (112,092 )     (24,831 )     (423 )       -       -       (137,346 )
Income from mine operations     62,776       8,430       (423 )     -       -       70,783  
                                                 
Operating expenses     (2,540 )     (223 )     (77 )     (1,832 )     (12,153 )     (16,825 )
Impairment of mineral rights and properties     -       -       (20,211 )     -       -       (20,211 )
Finance items, net     2,526       423       (29 )     271       (1,795 )     1,396  
Income tax expenses     (9,699 )     (617 )     62       -       (3,789)       (14,043 )
Net income (loss)   $ 53,063     $ 8,013     $ (20,678 )   $ (1,561 )   $ (17,737 )   $ 21,100  
Attributable to:                                                
                                                 

Equity holders of the Company

    41,600       7,935       (9,948 )     (1,561 )     (17,418 )     20,608  
Non-controlling interests     11,463       78       (10,730 )     (319 )             492  
Net income (loss)   $ 53,063     $ 8,013     $ (20,678 )   $ (1,561 )   $ (17,737 )   $ 21,100  

 

Year ended March 31, 2022  
    Mining     Administrative        
    Henan                              
Statement of income:   Luoning     Guangdong      Other     Beijing     Vancouver     Total  
Revenue   $ 176,751     $ 41,172     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 217,923  
Costs of mine operations     (106,706 )     (26,345 )     (571 )     -       -       (133,622 )
Income from mine operations     70,045       14,827       (571 )     -       -       84,301  
                                                 
Operating expenses     (1,367 )     59       3       (2,109 )     (18,322 )     (21,736 )
Finance items, net     2,862       374       (34 )     255       (8,950 )     (5,493 )
Income tax expenses     (12,612 )     364       (112 )     -       (1,428 )     (13,788 )
Net income (loss)   $ 58,928     $ 15,624     $ (714 )   $ (1,854 )   $ (28,700 )   $ 43,284  
                                                 
Attributable to:                                                
Equity holders of the Company     46,099       15,470       (423 )     (1,854 )     (28,658 )     30,634  
Non-controlling interests     12,829       154       (291 )     -       (42 )     12,650  
Net income (loss)   $ 58,928     $ 15,624     $ (714 )   $ (1,854 )   $ (28,700 )   $ 43,284  

 

23


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(b) Segmented information for assets and liabilities is as follows:

 

March 31, 2023  
    Mining     Administrative        
    Henan                              
Statement of financial position items:   Luoning     Guangdong     Other       Beijing     Vancouver     Total  
Current assets   $ 112,936     $ 20,605     $ 1,149     $ 7,608     $ 76,750     $ 219,048  
Plant and equipment     59,854       15,289       3,314       644       958       80,059  
Mineral rights and properties     251,150       32,070       20,206       -       -       303,426  
Investment in associates     -       -       -       -       50,695       50,695  
Other investments     65       -       -       -       15,475       15,540  
Reclamation deposits     3,626       3,348       -       -       7       6,981  
Long-term prepaids and deposits     686       89       96       -       -       871  
Deferred income tax assets     -       179       -       -       -       179  
Total assets   $ 428,317     $ 71,580     $ 24,765     $ 8,252     $ 143,885     $ 676,799  
                                                 
Current liabilities   $ 33,102     $ 5,509     $ 433     $ 226     $ 1,970     $ 41,240  
Long-term portion of lease obligation     -       -     $ -       -       314       314  
Deferred income tax liabilities     47,065       -     $ 1,031       -       -       48,096  
Environmental rehabilitation     4,883       1,477     $ 958       -       -       7,318  
Total liabilities   $ 85,050     $ 6,986     $ 2,422     $ 226     $ 2,284     $ 96,968  

 

March 31, 2023  
    Mining     Administrative        
    Henan                              
Statement of financial position items:   Luoning     Guangdong     Other     Beijing     Vancouver     Total  
Current assets   $ 141,376     $ 14,919     $ 2,436     $ 8,570     $ 65,007     $ 232,308  
Plant and equipment     58,189       15,282       3,871       864       1,212       79,418  
Mineral rights and properties     254,071       32,091       40,286       -       -       326,448  
Investment in associates     -       -       -       -       56,841       56,841  
Other investments     72       -       -       -       17,696       17,768  
Reclamation deposits     3,996       4,872       -       -       8       8,876  
Long-term prepaids and deposits     588       282       104       -       -       974  
Deferred income tax assets     -       905       -       -       -       905  
Total assets   $ 458,292     $ 68,351     $ 46,697     $ 9,434     $ 140,764     $ 723,538
                                                 
Current liabilities   $ 37,161     $ 5,155     $ 547     $ 295     $ 2,880     $ 46,038  
Long-term portion of lease obligation     -       -       -       -       614       614  
Deferred income tax liabilities     46,849       -       1,184       -       -       48,033  
Environmental rehabilitation     6,053       1,642       1,044       -       -       8,739  
Total liabilities   $ 90,063     $ 6,797     $ 2,275     $ 295     $ 3,494     $ 103,424  

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(c) Sales by metal

 

The sales generated for the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were all earned in China and were comprised of:

 

    Year ended March 31, 2023  
    Henan Luoning     Guangdong    

Total

 

Silver (Ag)

  $ 105,776     $ 7,816     $ 113,592  

Gold (Au)

    6,647       -       6,647  

Lead (Pb)

    50,477       6,366       56,843  

Zinc (Zn)

    7,881       16,942       24,823  
Other     4,087       2,137       6,224  
    $ 174,868     $ 33,261     $ 208,129  

 

    Year ended March 31, 2022  
    Henan Luoning     Guangdong     Total  
Silver (Ag)   $ 111,835     $ 9,438     $ 121,273  
Gold (Au)     5,083       -       5,083  
Lead (Pb)     48,504       8,586       57,090  
Zinc (Zn)     7,489       21,353       28,842  
Other     3,840       1,795       5,635  
    $ 176,751     $ 41,172   $ 217,923  

 

(d) Major customers

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, four major customers (year ended March 31, 2022 - four major customers) each accounted for 20%, 19%, 17% and 16% (year ended March 31, 2022 – 13%, 18%, 19%, and 19% ), and collectively 72% (year ended March 31, 2022 – 69%) of the total sales of the Company.

 

4. GOVERNMENT FEES AND OTHER TAXES

 

Government fees and other taxes consist of:

 

    Year ended March 31,  
    2023     2022  
Government fees   $ 69     $ 69  
Other taxes     2,319       2,574  
    $ 2,388     $ 2,643  

 

Government fees include environmental protection fees paid to the state and local Chinese government. Other taxes were composed of surtax on value-added tax, land usage levy, stamp duty and other miscellaneous levies, duties and taxes imposed by the state and local Chinese government.

 

25


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

5. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

 

General and administrative expenses consist of:

 

    Year ended March 31, 2023   Year ended March 31, 2022  
    Corporate     Mines     Total     Corporate     Mines     Total  
Amortization and depreciation   $ 573     $ 1,189     $ 1,762     $ 593     $ 1,354     $ 1,947  
Office and administrative expenses     1,834       2,608       4,442       1,598       3,149       4,747  
Professional fees     669       432       1,101       771       428       1,199  
Salaries and benefits     6,331       6,258       12,589       5,392       6,477       11,869  
Share-based compensation     3,842       -       3,842       5,827       -       5,827  
    $ 13,249     $ 10,487     $ 23,736     $ 14,181     $ 11,408     $ 25,589  

 

6. FINANCE ITEMS

 

Finance items consist of:

 

    Year ended March 31,  

Finance income

  2023     2022  
Interest income   $ 4,578     $ 5,019  
Dividend income     76       198  
    $ 4,654     $ 5,217  

 

    Year ended March 31,  

Finance costs

  2023     2022  
Interest on lease obligation   $ 43     $ 72  
Impairment charges for expected credit loss against bond investments (Note 8)     2,883       10,560  
Loss on disposal of bonds
    93       (191 )
Unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitation provision (Note 15)     239       269  
    $ 3,258     $ 10,710  

 

7. INCOME TAX

 

(a) Income tax expense

 

The significant components of income tax expense are as follows:

 

    Year ended March 31,  
Income tax expense   2023     2022  
Current   $ 9,358     $ 8,760  
Deferred     4,685       5,028  
    $ 14,043     $ 13,788  

 

26


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

The reconciliation of the Canadian statutory income tax rates to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

    Years ended March, 31  
    2023     2022  
Canadian statutory tax rate     27.00 %     27.00 %
Income before income taxes   $ 35,143     $ 57,072  
Income tax expense computed at Canadian statutory rates     9,489       15,409  
Foreign tax rates different from statutory rate     (4,976 )     (3,398 )
Permanent items     (1,048 )     635  
Withholding taxes     3,789       1,428  
Change in unrecognized deferred tax assets     6,789       (286 )
Income tax expense   $ 14,043     $ 13,788  

 

(b) Deferred income tax

 

The continuity of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) is summarized as follows:

 

    Years ended March, 31  
    2023     2022  
Net deferred income tax liabilities, beginning of the year   $ (47,128 )   $ (40,792 )
Deferred income tax expense recognized in net income for the year     (4,685 )     (5,028 )
Deferred income tax expense recognized in other comprehensive income for the year     240       122  
Foreign exchange impact     3,656       (1,430 )
Net deferred income tax liabilities, end of the year   $ (47,917 )   $ (47,128 )

 

The significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax are as follows:

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Deferred income tax assets            
Plant and equipment   $ 2,054     $ 2,230  
Non-capital loss carry forwards     747       -  
Environmental rehabilitation     1,765       2,021  
Unrealized loss on investments     363       122  
Other deductible temporary difference     41       133  
Total deferred income tax assets     4,970       4,506  
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities                
Plant and equipment     (1,905 )     (2,024 )
Mineral rights and properties     (50,821 )     (49,386 )
Other taxable temporary difference     (161 )     (224 )
Total deferred income tax liabilities     (52,887 )     (51,634 )
                 
Net deferred income tax liabilities     (47,917 )     (47,128 )
                 
Of which                
-Deferred tax assets     179       905  
-Deferred tax liabilities   $ (48,096 )   $ (48,033 )

 

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SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable. The ability to realize the tax benefits is dependent upon numerous factors, including the future profitability of operations in the jurisdictions in which the tax benefits arose. Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized are attributable to the following:

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Non-capital loss carry forward   $ 65,200     $ 69,341  
Plant and equipment     2,553       2,331  
Mineral rights and properties     3,562       2,006  
Other deductible temporary difference     20,354       21,088  
    $ 91,669     $ 94,766  

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company has the following net operating losses, expiring in various years to 2043 and available to offset future taxable income in Canada and China, respectively.

 

    Canada     China     Total  
2024           1,220       1,220  
2025             833       833  
2026             246       246  
2027             1,207       1,207  
2028             1,772       1,772  
2029     1,085               1,085  
2030     6,296               6,296  
2031     9,134               9,134  
2032     9,401               9,401  
2033     7,388               7,388  
2034     6,709               6,709  
2035     113               113  
2036     541               541  
2037     2,359               2,359  
2038     2,666               2,666  
2039     1,990               1,990  
2040     3,926               3,926  
2041     84               84  
2042     5,552               5,552  
2043     2,678               2,678  
    $ 59,922     $ 5,278     $ 65,200  

 

As at March 31, 2023, temporary differences of $188.6 million (March 31, 2022 - $184.6 million) associated with the investments in subsidiaries have not been recognized as the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of these differences which are not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

28


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

8. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

As at March 31, 2023, short-term investments consist of the following:

 

  Amount Interest rates Maturity
Bonds $ 3,802 5.50% - 13.00% January 25, 2023 - January 16, 2025
Money market instruments   53,829    
  $ 57,631    

 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.9 million against bond investments issued by some Chinese real estate developing companies and one Swiss financial institution as the Company noted financial difficulty of the bond issuers. The impairment charge was included in finance costs on the consolidated statements of income.

 

As at March 31, 2023, the carrying value and face value of the bond investments that were impaired was $2.3 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

 

As at March 31, 2022, short-term investments consist of the following:

 

  Amount Interest rates Maturity
Bonds $ 9,168 5.50% - 13.00% April 9, 2022 - January 16, 2025
Money market instruments   90,455    
  $ 99,623    

 

As at March 31, 2022, the carrying value and face value of the bond investments that were impaired was $1.8 million and $11.2 million, respectively.

 

9. INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Concentrate inventory   $ 2,556     $ 3,199  
Stockpile     1,234       1,715  
Material and supplies     4,553       4,210  
    $ 8,343     $ 9,124  

 

The amount of inventories recognized as expense during the year ended March 31, 2023 was $119.4 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $113.6 million).

 

29


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

10. OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Equity investments designated as FVTOCI            
Public companies   $ 918     $ 2,383  
Private companies     65       71  
      983       2,454  
Equity investments designated as FVTPL                
Public companies     11,396       11,533  
Private companies     3,161       3,781  
      14,557       15,314  
Total   $ 15,540     $ 17,768  

 

Investments in publicly traded companies represent equity interests of other publicly-trading mining companies that the Company has acquired through the open market or through private placements. Investments in equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other investments in equity instruments, the Company can make an irrevocable election, on an instrument-by-instrument basis, to designate them as FVTOCI.

 

The continuity of such investments is as follows:

 

          Accumulated fair     Accumulated fair  
          value change     value change  
    Fair Value     included in OCI     included in P&L  
April 1, 2021   $ 15,733     $ (22,810 )   $ 7,188  
Loss on equity investments designated as FVTOCI     (1,526 )     (1,526 )     -  
Loss equity investments designated as FVTPL     (3,485 )     -       (3,485 )
Acquisition     8,235       -          
Disposal     (1,362 )     -          
Impact of foreign currency translation     173       -          
March 31, 2022   $ 17,768     $ (24,336 )   $ 3,703  
Loss on equity investments designated as FVTOCI     (1,312 )     (1,312 )     -  
Loss equity investments designated as FVTPL     (2,318 )     -       (2,318 )
Acquisition     3,702       -       -  
Disposal     (1,035 )     -       -  
Impact of foreign currency translation     (1,265 )     -       -  
March 31, 2023   $ 15,540     $ (25,648 )   $ 1,385  

 

30


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

11. INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATES

 

(a) Investment in New Pacific Metals Corp.

 

New Pacific Metals Corp. (“NUAG”) is a Canadian public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: NUAG) and NYSE American (symbol: NEWP). NUAG is a related party of the Company by way of one common director and one common officer, and the Company accounts for its investment in NUAG using the equity method as it is able to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of NUAG.

 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company acquired 309,400 common shares of NUAG from the public market (year ended March, 2022 – 125,000) for a total cost of $0.9 million (year ended March 31, 2023 –$0.4 million).

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company owned 44,351,616 common shares of NUAG (March 31, 2022 – 44,042,216), representing an ownership interest of 28.2% (March 31, 2022 – 28.2%).

 

The summary of the investment in NUAG common shares and its market value as at the respective reporting dates are as follows:

 

    Number of
shares
    Amount     Value of NUAG’s
common shares per
quoted market price
 
Balance, April 1, 2021     43,917,216     $ 50,399     $ 181,257  
Purchase from open market     125,000       352          
Share of net loss             (1,715 )        
Share of other comprehensive income             95          
Foreign exchange impact             306          
Balance, March 31, 2022     44,042,216     $ 49,437     $ 140,275  
Purchase from open market     309,400       874          
Share of net loss             (2,411 )        
Share of other comprehensive loss             (894 )        
Foreign exchange impact             (3,753 )        
Balance, March 31, 2023     44,351,616     $ 43,253     $ 119,621  

 

31


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s investment in NUAG on a 100% basis is as follows:

 

    Years ended March 31,  
    2023(1)     2022(1)  
Net loss attributable to NUAG’s shareholders as reported by NUAG   $ (8,569 )   $ (6,055 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NUAG’s shareholders as reported by NUAG   (3,161   334
Comprehensive loss of NUAG qualified for pick-up   $ (11,730 )   $ (5,721 )
Company’s share of net loss     (2,411 )     (1,715 )
Company’s share of other comprehensive income (loss)     (894 )     95  
Company’s share of comprehensive loss   $ (3,305 )   $ (1,620 )

(1) NUAG’s fiscal year-end is on June 30. NUAG’s quarterly financial results were used to compile the financial information that matched with the Company’s year-end on March 31.

 

As at   March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Current assets   $ 12,020     $ 37,075  
Non-current assets     107,788       88,171  
Total assets   $ 119,808     $ 125,246  
Current liabilities     3,493       2,353  
Total liabilities     3,493       2,353  
                 
Net assets   $ 116,315     $ 122,893  
Non-controlling interests     (88 )     (24 )
Total equity attributable to equity holders of NUAG   $ 116,403     $ 122,917  
Company’s share of net assets of associate   $ 32,794     $ 34,670  

 

(b) Investment in Tincorp Metals Inc.

 

Tincorp Metals Inc. (“TIN”), formerly Whitehorse Gold Corp., is a Canadian public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol: TIN). TIN is a related party of the Company by way of one common director, and the Company accounts for its investment in WHG using the equity method as it is able to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of TIN.

 

On December 15, 2022, the Company participated in a non-brokered private placement of TIN and purchased 4,000,000 units at a cost of $1.2 million. Each unit was comprised of one TIN common share and one-half common share purchase warrant at exercise price of CAD$0.65 per share. The common share purchase warrant expires on December 15, 2024.

 

On May 14, 2021, the Company participated in a brokered private placement of TIN and purchased 4,000,000 units at a cost of $5.0 million. Each unit was comprised of one TIN common share and one common share purchase warrant at exercise price of CAD$2 per share. The common share purchase warrant expires on May 14, 2026.

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company owned 19,514,285 common shares of TIN (March 31, 2022 – 15,514,285), representing an ownership interest of 29.3% (March 31, 2022 – 29.3%).

 

32


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

The summary of the investment in TIN common shares and its market value as at the respective reporting dates are as follows:

 

                Value of TIN’s  
    Number of           common shares per  
    shares     Amount     quoted market price  
Balance, April 1, 2021     11,514,285     $ 3,058     $ 15,108  
Participation in private placement     4,000,000       4,960          
Share of net loss             (473 )        
Foreign exchange impact             (141 )        
Balance, March 31, 2022     15,514,285     $ 7,404     $ 6,208  
Participation in private placement     4,000,000       1,181          
Dilution loss             (107 )        
Share of net loss             (490 )        
Share of other comprehensive income             8          
Foreign exchange impact             (554 )        
Balance, March 31, 2023     19,514,285     $ 7,442     $ 6,777  

 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s investment in TIN on a 100% basis is as follows:

 

    Year ended March 31,  
    2023(1)     2022(1)  
Net loss attributable to TIN’s shareholders as reported by TIN   $ (1,666 )   $ (1,607 )
                 
Other comprehensive income attributable to TIN’s shareholders as reported by TIN     30       -  
Comprehensive loss of TIN qualified for pick-up     (1,636 )     (1,607 )
Company’s share of net loss     (490 )     (473 )
Company’s share of other comprehensive income     8       -  
Company’s share of comprehensive loss   $ (482 )   $ (473 )

(1) WHG’s fiscal year-end is on December 31. WHG’s quarterly financial results were used to compile the financial information that matched with the Company’s year-end on March 31.

 

 

As at   March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Current assets   $ 2,640     $ 3,068  
Non-current assets     20,701       19,159  
Total assets   $ 23,341     $ 22,227  
Current liabilities     746       575  
Long-term liabilities     -       5  
Total liabilities     746       580  
                 
Net assets   $ 22,595     $ 21,647  
Company’s share of net assets of associate   $ 6,625     $ 6,341  

 

33


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

12. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Plant and equipment consist of:

 

    Land use
rights
    Office           Motor     Construction        
Cost   and building     equipment     Machinery     vehicles     in progress     Total  
Balance as at April 1, 2021   $ 110,151     $ 9,660     $ 31,074     $ 7,537     $ 1,342     $ 159,764  
Additions     1,613       967       2,575       763       3,647       9,565  
Disposals     (293 )     (68 )     (539 )     (245 )     -       (1,145 )
Reclassification of asset groups     2,100       154       191       -       (2,445 )     -  
Impact of foreign currency translation     3,676       296       1,078       258       59       5,367  
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ 117,247     $ 11,009     $ 34,379     $ 8,313     $ 2,603     $ 173,551  
Additions     499       1,169       3,097       879       9,925       15,569  
Disposals     (985 )     (511 )     (1,085 )     (494 )     -       (3,075 )
Reclassification of asset groups     4,400       33       655       -       (5,088 )     -  
Impact of foreign currency translation     (9,040 )     (821 )     (2,672 )     (636 )     (212 )     (13,381 )

Ending balance as at March 31, 2023

  $ 112,121     $ 10,879     $ 34,374     $ 8,062     $ 7,228     $ 172,664  

 

Impairment, accumulated depreciation and amortization                          
Balance as at April 1, 2021   $ (51,570 )   $ (6,246 )   $ (21,171 )   $ (5,048 )   $ -     $ (84,035 )
Disposals     158       64       419       220       -       861  
Depreciation and amortization     (4,422 )     (867 )     (2,172 )     (649 )     -       (8,110 )
Impact of foreign currency translation     (1,750 )     (183 )     (741 )     (175 )     -       (2,849 )
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ (57,584 )   $ (7,232 )   $ (23,665 )   $ (5,652 )   $ -     $ (94,133 )
Disposals     733       500       767       407       -       2,407  
Depreciation and amortization     (4,373 )     (940 )     (2,162 )     (660 )     -       (8,135 )
Impact of foreign currency translation     4,443       530       1,847       436       -       7,256  
Ending balance as at March 31, 2023   $ (56,781 )   $ (7,142 )   $ (23,213 )   $ (5,469 )   $ -     $ (92,605 )
                                                 
Carrying amounts                                                
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ 59,663     $ 3,777     $ 10,714     $ 2,661     $ 2,603     $ 79,418  
Ending balance as at March 31, 2023   $ 55,340     $ 3,737     $ 11,161     $ 2,593     $ 7,228     $ 80,059  

 

Carrying amounts as at March 31, 2023   Ying Mining District     BYP     GC     Other     Total  
Land use rights and building   $ 41,155     $ 2,491     $ 10,403     $ 1,291     $ 55,340  
Office equipment     2,991       37       440       269       3,737  
Machinery     7,433       104       3,568       56       11,161  
Motor vehicles     2,067       18       367       141       2,593  
Construction in progress     6,208       509       511       -       7,228  
Total   $ 59,854     $ 3,159     $ 15,289     $ 1,757     $ 80,059  

 

Carrying amounts as at March 31, 2022     Ying Mining District       BYP       GC       Other       Total  
Land use rights and building   $ 42,953     $ 2,965     $ 12,027     $ 1,718     $ 59,663  
Office equipment     2,973       16       516       272       3,777  
Machinery     8,225       155       2,276       58       10,714  
Motor vehicles     2,127       20       323       191       2,661  
Construction in progress     1,911       552       140       -       2,603  
Total   $ 58,189     $ 3,708     $ 15,282     $ 2,239     $ 79,418  

 

34


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

13. MINERAL RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES

 

Mineral rights and properties consist of:

 

    Producing and development properties     Exploration and evaluation properties        
Cost   Ying Mining
District
    BYP     GC     RZY     Kuanping     La Yesca     Total  
Balance as at April 1, 2021   $ 348,000     $ 64,609     $ 115,610     $ 185     $ -     $ 16,747     $ 545,151  
Capitalized expenditures     37,307       -       4,507       -       24       2,588       44,426  
Acquisition     -       -       -       -       13,135       -       13,135  
Environmental rehabilitation     (68 )     (18 )     898       -       -       -       812  
Derecognition     -       -       -       (185 )     -       -       (185 )
Foreign currency translation impact     12,096       501       3,891       -       221       -       16,709  
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ 397,335     $ 65,092     $ 124,906     $ -     $ 13,380     $ 19,335     $ 620,048  
Capitalized expenditures     35,632       -       4,839       -       907       876       42,254  
Environmental rehabilitation     (224 )     (36 )     12       -               -       (248 )
Foreign currency translation impact     (30,731 )     (1,192 )     (9,639 )     -       (1,034 )     -       (42,596 )
Balance as at March 31, 2023   $ 402,012     $ 63,864     $ 120,118     $ -     $ 13,253     $ 20,211     $ 619,458  
                                                         
Impairment and accumulated depletion                                                        
Balance as at April 1, 2021   $ (122,977 )   $ (57,264 )   $ (87,296 )   $ (185 )   $ -     $ -     $ (267,722 )
Depletion     (15,974 )     -       (2,595 )     -       -       -       (18,569 )
Derecognition     -       -       -       185       -       -       185  
Foreign currency translation impact     (4,313 )     (257 )     (2,924 )     -       -       -       (7,494 )
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ (143,264 )   $ (57,521 )   $ (92,815 )   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (293,600 )
Impairment     -       -       -       -               (20,211 )     (20,211 )
Depletion     (18,689 )     -       (2,398 )     -       -       -       (21,087 )
Foreign currency translation impact     11,091       610       7,165       -       -       -       18,866  
Balance as at March 31, 2023   $ (150,862 )   $ (56,911 )   $ (88,048 )   $ -     $ -     $ (20,211 )   $ (316,032 )
                                                         
Carrying amounts                                                        
Balance as at March 31, 2022   $ 254,071     $ 7,571     $ 32,091     $ -     $ 13,380     $ 19,335     $ 326,448  
Balance as at March 31, 2023   $ 251,150     $ 6,953     $ 32,070     $ -     $ 13,253     $ -     $ 303,426  

 

During year ended March 31, 2023, the Company completed the review and evaluation on the results of the drilling program completed in Fiscal 2022. The Company does not plan to undertake further significant work at the La Yesca Project in the near future. As a result, the decision was taken to impair fully the value of the La Yesca Project and recognized an impairment charge of $20.2 million in the consolidated statements of income.

 

In October 2021, the Company, through a 100% owned subsidiary of Henan Found, won an online open auction to acquire a 100% interest in the Kuanping silver-lead-zinc-gold project (the “Kuanping Project”). The transaction was successfully completed in November 2021 for a total consideration of $13.1 million, comprised of approximately $11.4 million in cash (RMB ¥73.5 million) plus the assumption of approximately $2.0 million (RMB ¥13.3 million) of debt, and net of $0.3 million cash received. The acquisition was through the acquisition of a 100% interest in the shares of Shanxian Xinbaoyuan Mining Co. Ltd. (“Xinbaoyuan”), an affiliate of a Henan Provincial government-controlled company located in Sanmenxia City, Henan Province. The material asset held by Xinbaoyuan is the Kuanping Project.

 

The Kuanping Project is located in Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, China, approximately 33 km north of the Ying Mining District.

 

The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of assets as the purchase price was concentrated on a single asset. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis with $13.1 million allocated to mineral property interest.

 

35


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

14. LEASES

 

The following table summarizes changes in the Company’s lease receivable and lease obligation related to the Company’s office lease and sublease.

 

    Lease Receivable     Lease Obligation  
Balance, April 1, 2021   $ 396     $ 1,741  
Addition     -       149  
Interest accrual     15       72  
Interest received or paid     (15 )     (72 )
Principal repayment     (217 )     (637 )
Foreign exchange impact     3       10  
Balance, March 31, 2022   $ 182     $ 1,263  
Interest accrual     4       43  
Interest received or paid     (4 )     (43 )
Principal repayment     (172 )     (597 )
Foreign exchange impact     (10 )     (83 )
Balance, March 31, 2023   $ -     $ 583  
Less: current portion     -       (269 )
Non-current portion   $ -     $ 314  

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s undiscounted cash flows to their present value for its lease obligation as at March 31, 2023:

 

    Lease 
Obligation
 
Within 1 year   $ 283  
Between 2 to 5 years     332  
Total undiscounted amount     615  
Less future interest     (32 )
Total discounted amount   $ 583  
Less: current portion     (269 )
Non-current portion   $ 314  

 

The lease obligation were discounted using an estimated incremental borrowing rate of 5%.

 

36


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

15. ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION OBLIGATION

 

The following table presents the reconciliation of the beginning and ending obligations associated with the retirement of the properties:

 

Balance, April 1, 2021   $ 7,863  
Reclamation expenditures     (467 )
Unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitation     269  
Revision of provision     812  
Foreign exchange impact     262  
Balance, March 31, 2022   $ 8,739  
Reclamation expenditures     (740 )
Unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitation     239  
Revision of provision     (248 )
Foreign exchange impact     (672 )
Balance, March 31, 2023   $ 7,318  

 

As at March 31, 2023, the total undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows required to settle the Company’s environmental rehabilitation provision was $10.2 million (March 31, 2022 - $12.3 million) over the next twenty years, which has been discounted using an average discount rate of 2.83% (March 31, 2022 – 3.01%).

 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company incurred actual reclamation expenditures of $0.7 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.5 million), paid reclamation deposit of $0.3 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.5 million) and received $1.2 million reclamation deposit refund (year ended March 31, 2022 - nil).

 

Estimated future reclamation costs are based on the extent of work required and the associated costs are dependent on the requirements of relevant authorities and the Company’s environmental policies. In view of uncertainties concerning environmental rehabilitation obligations, the ultimate costs could be materially different from the amounts estimated.

 

16. SHARE CAPITAL

 

(a) Authorized

 

Unlimited number of common shares without par value. All shares issued as at March 31,2023 were fully paid.

 

(b) Share-based compensation

 

The Company has a share-based compensation plan (the “Plan”) which consists of stock options, restricted share units (the “RSUs”) and performance share units (the “PSUs”). The Plan allows for the maximum number of common shares to be reserved for issuance on any share-based compensation to be a rolling 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares from time to time. Furthermore, no more than 3% of the reserve may be granted in the form of RSUs and PSUs.

 

37


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, a total of $3.8 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $6.1 million) in share-based compensation expense was recognized and included in the corporate general and administrative expenses and property evaluation and business development expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(i) Stock options

 

The following is a summary of option transactions:

 

    Number of shares     Weighted average
exercise price per
share CAD$
 
Balance, April 1, 2021     1,862,418     $ 5.45  
Options exercised     (797,083 )     2.98  
Options cancelled/forfeited     (70,000 )     7.46  
Balance, March 31, 2022     995,335     $ 7.28  
Option granted     595,000       3.95  
Options cancelled/forfeited     (158,667 )     6.29  
Balance, March 31, 2023     1,431,668     $ 6.01  

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as at March 31, 2023:

 

            Weighted average                    
      Number of options     remaining     Weighted average     Number of options     Weighted average  
Exercise price in      outstanding at     contractual life     exercise price in     exercisable at     exercise price in  
CAD$     March 31, 2023     (Years)     CAD$     March 31, 2023     CAD$  
          $3.93       478,000       4.07             $3.93       79,666                 $3.93  
  $4.08       60,000       4.90       $4.08       -       $-  
  $5.46       493,668       2.15       $5.46       410,832       $5.46  
  $9.45       400,000       2.62       $9.45       268,335       $9.45  
   $3.93 to $9.45       1,431,668       3.04       $6.01       758,833       $6.71  

 

The fair value of stock options granted during the year ended March 31, 2023 were calculated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

Year ended March 31,
  2023
Risk free interest rate 2.64%
Expected life of option in years 2.75 years
Expected volatility 62.00%
Expected dividend yield 0.81%
Estimated forfeiture rate 9.81%
Weighted average share price at date of grant $3.95 CAD

 

38


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(ii) RSUs

 

The following is a summary of RSUs transactions:

 

    Number of shares     Weighted average
grant date closing
price per share $CAD
 
Balance, April 1, 2021     1,249,336     $ 6.28  
Granted     1,000,000       6.40  
Forfeited     (46,999 )     6.63  
Distributed     (566,172 )     5.90  
Balance, March 31, 2022     1,636,165     $ 6.47  
Granted     1,154,000       3.96  
Forfeited     (159,792 )     5.44  
Distributed     (503,703 )     6.04  
Balance, March 31, 2023     2,126,670     $ 5.29  

 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, a total of 1,154,000 RSUs were granted to directors, officers, and employees of the Company at grant date closing prices of CAD$3.93 to CAD$4.08 per share subject to a vesting schedule over a three-year term with 1/6 of the RSUs vesting every six months from the date of grant.

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2023, a total of 1,056,000 RSUs were granted to directors, officers, and employees of the Company at grant date closing price of CAD$5.28 per share subject to a vesting schedule over a three-year term with 1/6 of the RSUs vesting every six months from the date of grant.

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2023, a total of 174,423 RSUs with grant date closing prices of CAD$3.93 to CAD6.40 were distributed.

 

(c) Cash dividends declared

 

During the year ended March 31, 2023, dividends of $4.4 million, or $0.025 per share, (year ended March 31, 2022 - $4.4 million or $0.025 per share) were declared and paid.

 

(d) Normal course issuer bid

 

On August 25, 2021, the Company announced a normal course issuer bid (the “2021 NCIB”) which allows it to repurchase and cancel up to 7,054,000 of its own common shares until August 26, 2022. A total of 739,960 common shares were repurchased under 2021 NCIB at a weighted average price of CAD$3.25.

 

On August 24, 2022, the Company announced a normal course issuer bid (the “2022 NCIB”, together with the 2021 NCIB, the “NCIB Programs”) which allows it to repurchase and cancel up to 7,079,407 of its own common shares until August 28, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased a total of 98,277 common shares under the 2022 NCIB at a weighted average price of CAD$2.85.

 

The total repurchasing cost of the above mentioned NCIB Programs was $2.1 million. All shares bought were subsequently cancelled.

 

39


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(e) Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

 

    For the years ended March 31,  
    2023     2022  
    Income     Shares     Per-Share     Income     Shares     Per-Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount     (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company   $ 20,608                     $ 30,634                  
Basic earnings per share     20,608       176,862,877     $ 0.12       30,634       176,534,501     $ 0.17  
Effect of dilutive securities:                                                
Stock options and RSUs             2,126,672                       1,789,467          
Diluted earnings per share   $ 20,608       178,989,549     $ 0.12     $ 30,634       178,323,968     $ 0.17  

 

Anti-dilutive options that are not included in the diluted EPS calculation were 1,431,668 for the year ended March 31, 2023 (year ended March 31, 2022 – 995,335).

 

17. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Change in fair value on equity investments designated as FVTOCI   $ 24,355     $ 23,043  
Share of other comprehensive loss in associate     1,380       494  
Currency translation adjustment     17,508       (21,584 )
Balance, end of the period   $ 43,243     $ 1,953  

 

The change in fair value on equity investments designated as FVTOCI, share of other comprehensive loss in associates, and currency translation adjustment are net of tax of $nil for all periods presented.

 

18. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

The continuity of non-controlling interests is summarized as follows:

 

    Henan     Henan           Guangdong              
    Found     Huawei     Yunxiang     Found     New Infini     Total  
Balance, April 1, 2021   $ 78,564     $ 5,182     $ 3,032     $ (351 )   $ 11,727     $ 98,154  
Share of net income (loss)     12,639       182       (185 )     154       (140 )     12,650  
Share of other comprehensive income     1,732       194       68       16       -       2,010  
Distributions     (3,266 )     (630 )     -       -       (1,200 )     (5,096 )
Balance, March 31, 2022   $ 89,669     $ 4,928     $ 2,915     $ (181 )   $ 10,387     $ 107,718  
Share of net income (loss)     11,584       (121 )     (157 )     78       (10,892 )     492  
Share of other comprehensive loss     (6,037 )     (351 )     (118 )     (46 )     -       (6,552 )
Distributions     (9,934 )     (946 )     -       -       -       (10,880 )
Balance, March 31, 2023   $ 85,282     $ 3,510     $ 2,640     $ (149 )   $ (505 )   $ 90,778  

 

As at March 31, 2023, non-controlling interests in Henan Found, Henan Huawei, Yunxiang, Guangdong Found and New Infini were 22.5%, 20%, 30%, 1%, and 53.9%, respectively (March 31, 2022 – 22.5%, 20%, 30%, 1%, and 53.9%, respectively).

 

Henan Non-ferrous Geology Minerals Ltd. (“Henan Non-ferrous”) is the 17.5% equity interest holder of Henan Found. During the year ended March 31, 2023, Henan Found declared and paid dividends of $7.7 million (year ended March 31, 2022 – declared and paid dividends of $2.5 million) to Henan Non-ferrous.

 

40


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

Henan Xinxiangrong Mining Ltd. (“Henan Xinxiangrong”) is the 5% equity interest holder of Henan Found. During the year ended March 31, 2023, Henan Found declared and paid dividends of $2.2 million (year ended March 31, 2022 – declared and paid dividends of $0.8 million) to Henan Xinxiangrong.

 

Henan Xinhui Mining Co., Ltd. (“Henan Xinhui”) is a 20% equity interest holder of Henan Huawei. For the year ended March 31, 2023, Henan Huawei declared and paid dividends of $0.9 million (year ended March 31, 2022 – $0.6 million) to Henan Xinhui.

 

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Related party transactions are made on terms agreed upon by the related parties. The balances with related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and due on demand. Related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

(a) Due from related parties

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
NUAG (i)   $ 51     $ 43  
TIN (ii)     37       23  
    $ 88     $ 66  

 

i. The Company recovers costs for services rendered to NUAG and expenses incurred on behalf of NUAG pursuant to a services and administrative costs reallocation agreement. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recovered $1.0 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.7 million) from NUAG for services rendered and expenses incurred on behalf of NUAG. The costs recovered from NUAG were recorded as a direct reduction of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

ii. The Company recovers costs for services rendered to TIN and expenses incurred on behalf of TIN pursuant to a services and administrative costs reallocation agreement. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recovered $0.2 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.2 million) from TIN for services rendered and expenses incurred on behalf of TIN. The costs recovered from TIN were recorded as a direct reduction of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(b) Compensation of key management personnel

 

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management personnel, who are those having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

 

    Years Ended March 31,  
    2023     2022  
Cash compensation     3,057       3,246  
Share-based compensation     3,764       3,179  
    $ 6,821     $ 6,425  

 

41


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

20. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES

 

The Company’s objectives of capital management are intended to safeguard the entity’s ability to support the Company’s normal operating requirement on an ongoing basis, continue the development and exploration of its mineral properties, and support any expansionary plans.

 

The capital of the Company consists of the items included in equity less cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Risk and capital management are primarily the responsibility of the Company’s corporate finance function and is monitored by the Board of Directors. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments depending on economic conditions.  Funds have been primarily secured through profitable operations and issuances of equity capital. The Company invests all capital that is surplus to its immediate needs in short-term, liquid and highly rated financial instruments, such as cash and other short-term deposits, all held with major financial institutions. Significant risks are monitored and actions are taken, when necessary, according to the Company’s approved policies.

 

21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company manages its exposure to financial risks, including liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and equity price risk in accordance with its risk management framework. The Company’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework and reviews the Company’s policies on an ongoing basis.

 

(a) Fair value

 

The Company classifies its fair value measurements within a fair value hierarchy, which reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements as defined in IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”).

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value level on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as at March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 that are not otherwise disclosed. As required by IFRS 13, the assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

42


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

    Fair value as at March 31, 2023  
Recurring measurements   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Financial assets                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 145,692     $ -     $ -     $ 145,692  
Short-term investments - money market instruments     53,829       -       -       53,829  
Investments in public companies     12,314       -       -       12,314  
Investments in private companies     -       -       3,226       3,226  

 

    Fair value as at March 31, 2022  
Recurring measurements   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Financial assets                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 113,302     $ -     $ -     $ 113,302  
Short-term investments - money market instruments     90,455       -       -       90,455  
Investments in public companies     13,916       -       -       13,916  
Investments in private companies     -       -       3,852       3,852  

 

Financial assets classified within Level 3 are equity investments in private companies owned by the Company. Significant unobservable inputs are used to determine the fair value of the financial assets, which includes recent arm’s length transactions of the investee, the investee’s financial performance as well as any changes in planned milestones of the investees.

 

Fair value of the other financial instruments excluded from the table above approximates their carrying amount as at March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(b) Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities. Cash flow forecasting is performed regularly to ensure that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after considering cash flows from operations and our holdings of cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities and operating commitments on an undiscounted basis.

 

    March 31, 2023  
    Within a year     2-5 years     Total  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 36,737     $ -     $ 36,737  
Lease obligation     283       332       615  
Deposits received     4,090       -       4,090  
Total Contractual Obligation   $ 41,110     $ 332     $ 41,442  

 

43


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

(c) Foreign exchange risk

 

The Company reports its financial statements in US dollars. The functional currency of the head office, Canadian subsidiaries and all intermediate holding companies is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”) and the functional currency of all Chinese subsidiaries is the Chinese yuan (“RMB”). The functional currency of New Infini and its subsidiaries is the US dollar (“USD”). The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when the Company undertakes transactions and holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than its functional currencies.

 

The Company currently does not engage in foreign exchange currency hedging. The sensitivity of the Company’s net income due to the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar as at March 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:

 

                      Accounts payable     Net financial     Effect of +/- 10%  
    Cash and cash     Short-term     Other     and accrued     assets     change in  
    equivelents     investments     investments     liabilities     explosure     currency  
US dollar   $ 70,461     $ 3,802     $ 2,527     $           (68 )   $ 76,790     $     7,679  
Australian dollar     249       -       2,996       -       3,245       325  
    $ 70,710     $ 3,802     $ 5,523     $ (68 )   $ 80,035     $ 8,004  

 

(d) Interest rate risk

 

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash equivalents and short-term investments. As at March 31, 2023, all of its interest-bearing cash equivalents and short-term investments earn interest at market rates that are fixed to maturity or at variable interest rates with terms of less than one year. The Company monitors its exposure to changes in interest rates on cash equivalents and short-term investments. Due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the Company’s net income.  

 

(e) Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company is exposed to credit risk primarily associated to accounts receivable, due from related parties, cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The carrying amount of assets included on the balance sheet represents the maximum credit exposure.

 

The Company undertakes credit evaluations on counterparties as necessary, requests deposits from customers prior to delivery, and has monitoring processes intended to mitigate credit risks. There were no material amounts in trade or other receivables which were past due on March 31, 2023 (at March 31, 2022 - $nil).

 

(f) Equity price risk

 

The Company holds certain marketable securities that will fluctuate in value as a result of trading on financial markets. As the Company’s marketable securities holdings are mainly in mining companies, the value will also fluctuate based on commodity prices. Based upon the Company’s portfolio as at March 31, 2023, a 10% increase (decrease) in the market price of the securities held, ignoring any foreign currency effects, would have resulted in an increase (decrease) to the net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) of $1.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

44


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

22. SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

    Year Ended March 31,  
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:   2023     2022  
Trade and other receivables   $ 936     $ (2,101 )
Inventories     79       753  
Prepaids and deposits     (50 )     (650 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (2,009 )     8,014  
Deposits received     (938 )     422  
Due from a related party     (28 )     (14 )
    $ (2,010 )   $ 6,424  

 

    Year Ended March 31,  
Non-cash capital transactions:   2023     2022  
Environmental rehablitation expenditure paid from reclamation deposit   $ 379     $ 216  
Additions of plant and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     2,276       (1,164 )
Capital expenditures of mineral rights and properties included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 590     $ 5,201  

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
Cash on hand and at bank   $ 50,871     $ 72,782  
Bank term deposits and short-term money market investments     94,821       40,520  
Total cash and cash equivalents   $ 145,692     $ 113,302  

 

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On May 15, 2023, the Company announced that it has signed a non-binding term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with Celsius Resources Limited (“Celsius”), a company publicly listed on Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) under the symbol of “CLA”, regarding a proposed transaction (the “Proposed Transaction”) pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Celsius. Celsius owns the advanced-stage Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog copper-gold project (“MCB Project”) in the Philippines, which is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, approximately 320 km north of Manila. The major terms of the Proposed Transaction are:

 

The Company has offered to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Celsius from the shareholders of Celsius, at a fixed price of AUD$0.030 per share, in exchange for consideration comprising 90% the Company’s shares and 10% in cash. The Company’s share price will be determined based on the volume weighted average trading price (“VWAP”) on the NYSE for the 20 business days ending on the scheme record date.

 

The consideration of AUD$0.030 per share represents a 76% premium to the 20-day VWAP of Celsius as of the close of trading on the ASX on May 11, 2023. The total consideration is approximately AUD$56 million.

 

Celsius and the Company have also executed a private placement subscription agreement at AUD$0.015 per Celsius share for a total of AUD$5 million. This will provide interim funding for

 

45


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts are in thousands of U.S. dollars, except numbers for share and per share figures or otherwise stated)

 

further development of Celsius’ MCB Project. The private placement was closed on May 16, 2023. Upon closing of the private placement, the Company owns 15.1% of the outstanding shares of Celsius.

 

In addition to the consideration, Celsius shareholders will receive shares in a new exploration company (“Spinco”) which will hold all of Celsius’ rights and interests with respect to the Sagay (Philippines) and Opuwo (Namibia) projects. The Spinco shares will be distributed on a 10 Celsius shares for 1 Spinco share basis. Spinco will seek a listing on the ASX or AIM via a demerger and concurrent initial public offering. Silvercorp has agreed to invest AUD$4 million in Spinco, valued at a post-financed market capitalization of AUD$30 million.

 

The Proposed Transaction will be implemented by way of a Scheme of Arrangement (“Arrangement”) or other appropriate form of transaction under Australian laws, under a definitive agreement (“Definitive Agreement”) to be negotiated and entered into by the Company and Celsius within one month of the Term Sheet. The final structure of the Proposed Transaction will be governed by the terms of the Definitive Agreement. The Term Sheet does not create a binding agreement with Celsius for the Proposed Transaction, and there is no assurance that Silvercorp and Celsius will reach agreement on the terms of the Definitive Agreement as set out in the Term Sheet, or at all. If the Proposed Transaction is not completed, the Company will have the right to maintain its percentage interest in Celsius pursuant to the placement agreement. In addition to entering into the Definitive Agreement, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to, among other conditions, satisfactory completion of due diligence, voting support of key Celsius shareholders, Celsius shareholder approval, and regulatory approvals.

 

 

46

 

EX-99.2 3 exhibit99-2.htm MD&A FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 Exhibit 99.2

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

1. Core Business and Strategy 2
2. Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights 2
3. Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights 3
4. Operating Performance 4
5. Fiscal 2024 Operating Outlook 13
6. Investment in Associates 15
7. Overview of Financial Results 16
8. Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Contractual Obligations 23
9. Environmental Rehabilitation Provision 25
10. Risks and Uncertainties 25
11. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 32
12. Transactions with Related Parties 33
13. Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures 33
14. Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments, and Estimates 37
15. New Accounting Standards 38
16. Other MD&A Requirements 39
17. Outstanding Share Data 39
18. Corporate Governances, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility 39
19. Disclosure Controls and Procedures 41
20. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 41
21. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 42
22. Subsequent Event 42
23. Directors and Officers 43
Technical Information 43
Forward Looking Statements 43

 

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the significant factors that have affected Silvercorp Metals Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (“Silvercorp” or the “Company”) performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 and the related notes contains therein. The Company reports its financial position, financial performance and cash flow in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Silvercorp’s significant accounting policies are set out in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. This MD&A refers to various alternative performance (non-IFRS) measures, such as adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share, working capital, silver equivalent, cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, all-in & all-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, production cost per tonne, all-in sustaining production costs per tonne, and all-in production costs per tonne. Non-IFRS measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. Accordingly, non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. To facilitate a better understanding of these measures as calculated by the Company, additional information has been provided in this MD&A. Please refer to section 13, “Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures” of this MD&A for detailed descriptions and reconciliations. Figures may not add due to rounding.

 

This MD&A is prepared as of May 24, 2023 and expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, unit cost data, and production data, or unless otherwise stated.

 

1. Core Business and Strategy

 

Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, zinc, and other metals with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company’s strategy is to create shareholder value by focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and long-term commitment to responsible mining and sound Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) practices. Silvercorp operates several silver-lead-zinc mines at the Ying Mining District in Henan Province, China and the GC silver-lead-zinc mine in Guangdong Province, China. The Company’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American under the symbol “SVM”.

 

2. Fiscal 2023 Highlights

 

Mined 1,068,983 tonnes of ore, milled 1,072,654 tonnes of ore, and produced approximately 6.6 million ounces of silver, 4,400 ounces of gold, or approximately 7.0 million ounces of silver equivalent1 plus 68.1 million pounds of lead, and 23.5 million pounds of zinc;

 

Sold approximately 6.6 million ounces of silver, 4,400 ounces of gold, 65.7 million pounds of lead, and 23.4 million pounds of zinc, for revenue of $208.1 million;

 

Reported net income attributable to equity shareholders of $20.6 million, or $0.12 per share;

 

Realized adjusted earnings1 attributable to equity shareholders of $37.0 million, or $0.21 per share. The adjustments were made to remove impacts from non-recurring items, share-based compensation, foreign exchange gain/loss, impairment adjustments and reversals, gain/loss on equity investments, dilution gain/loss, and the share of associates’ operating results;

 

Generated cash flow from operating activities of $85.6 million;

 

Cash cost per ounce of silver1, net of by-product credits, of negative $0.42;

 

All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver1, net of by-product credits, of $9.73;

 

 

1 Non-IFRS measures, please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 2

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Paid $4.4 million of dividends to the Company’s shareholders;

 

Spent $2.1 million to buy back 838,237 common shares of the Company under its Normal Course Issuer Bid;

 

Spent and capitalized $8.3 million on exploration drilling, $34.0 million on underground development and exploration tunneling, and $15.6 million on equipment and facilities, including $4.8 million on construction of the new mill and tailings storage facility; and

 

Strong balance sheet with $203.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company holds further equity investment portfolio in associates and other companies with a total market value of $141.9 million as at March 31, 2023.

 

3. Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights

 

Mined 181,848 tonnes of ore, milled 179,393 tonnes of ore, and produced approximately 1.1 million ounces of silver, 1,000 ounces of gold, or approximately 1.2 million ounces of silver equivalent plus 10.9 million pounds of lead, and 3.6 million pounds of zinc;

 

Sold approximately 1.1 million ounces of silver, 1,000 ounces of gold, 10.0 million pounds of lead, and 3.5 million pounds of zinc, for revenue of $34.1 million;

 

Realized adjusted earnings attributable to equity holders1 of $5.0 million, or $0.03 per share;

 

Reported net income attributable to equity holders of $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share;

 

Cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits1, of $0.92;

 

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits1, of $13.85;

 

Generated cash flow from operating activities of $5.7 million; and

 

Spent and capitalized $1.0 on exploration drilling, $5.9 million on underground development and exploration tunneling, and $2.5 million on equipment and facilities.

 

 

1 Non-IFRS measures, please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 3

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

4. Operating Performance

 

(a) Consolidated operating performance

 

The following table summarizes consolidated operational information for the three months and the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

Consolidated   Three months ended March 31,       Year ended March 31,  
    2023     2022     Changes     2023     2022     Changes  
                                     
Production Data                                    
  Ore Mined (tonne)     181,848       180,505       1 %     1,068,983       996,280       7 %
  Ore Milled (tonne)     179,393       182,670       -2 %     1,072,654       1,002,335       7 %
                                                   
  Average Head Grades                                                
    Silver (grams/tonne)     210       213       -1 %     209       209       0 %
    Lead (%)     3.0       3.2       -7 %     3.1       3.2       -2 %
    Zinc (%)     1.1       1.4       -19 %     1.3       1.5       -16 %
                                                   
  Average Recovery Rates                                                
    Silver (%)     93.3       94.2       -1 %     94.2       93.8       0 %
    Lead (%)     94.7       95.2       -1 %     94.4       94.6       0 %
    Zinc (%)     81.0       75.8       7 %     79.5       79.3       0 %
                                                   
  Metal Production                                                
    Silver (in thousands of ounces)     1,106       1,146       -3 %     6,617       6,149       8 %
    Gold (in thousands of ounces)     1.0       0.5       100 %     4.4       3.4       29 %
    Lead (in thousands of pounds)     10,938       11,962       -9 %     68,068       64,431       6 %
    Zinc (in thousands of pounds)     3,577       4,101       -13 %     23,463       26,812       -12 %
                                                   
  Cost Data*                                                
    Mining costs ($/tonne)     73.57       73.52       0 %     68.17       68.90       -1 %
    Shipping costs ($/tonne)     2.51       2.81       -11 %     2.66       2.52       6 %
    Milling costs ($/tonne)     16.77       16.45       2 %     13.20       13.43       -2 %
    Production costs ($/tonne)     92.85       92.78       0 %     84.03       84.85       -1 %
    All-in sustaining production costs ($/tonne)     165.68       171.56       -3 %     142.08       141.54       0 %
                                                   
    Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     0.92       (0.54 )     270 %     (0.42 )     (1.29 )     67 %
    All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     13.85       12.60       10 %     9.73       8.77       11 %

 

*Alternative performance (non-IFRS) measure. Please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

 

(i) Mine and Mill Production

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”), the Company mined 1,068,983 tonnes of ore and milled 1,072,654 tonnes of ore, both up 7% compared to 996,280 tonnes of ore mined and 1,002,335 tonnes of ore milled in the year ended March 31, 2022 (“Fiscal 2022”).

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“Q4 Fiscal 2023”), the Company mined 181,848 tonnes of ore, up 1% compared to 180,505 tonnes in the three months ended March 31, 2022 (“Q4 Fiscal 2022”). Ore milled in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was 179,393 tonnes, down 2% compared to 182,670 tonnes in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

(ii) Metal Production

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company produced approximately 6.6 million ounces of silver, 4,400 ounces of gold, 68.1 million pounds of lead, and 23.5 million pounds of zinc, representing increases of 8%, 29% and 6%, respectively, in silver, gold and lead production, and a decrease of 12% in zinc production over Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the Company produced approximately 1.1 million ounces of silver, 1,000 ounces of gold, 10.9 million pounds of lead, and 3.6 million pounds of zinc, representing an increase of 100% in gold production, and decreases of 3%, 9% and 13%, respectively, in silver, lead and zinc production over Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 4

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(iii) Per Tonne Costs1

 

In Fiscal 2023, the consolidated mining costs were $68.17 per tonne, down 1% compared to $68.90 in Fiscal 2022. The consolidated milling costs were $13.20 per tonne, down 2% compared to $13.43 in Fiscal 2022.

 

Correspondingly, the consolidated production costs were $84.03 per tonne, down 1% compared to $84.85 in Fiscal 2022, while the all-in sustaining production costs per tonne of ore processed were $142.08, a slight increase compared to $141.54 in Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the consolidated mining costs were $73.57 per tonne, relatively the same compared to $73.52 per tonne in Q4 Fiscal 2022, while the consolidated milling costs were $16.77 per tonne, up 2% compared to $16.45 per tonne in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Correspondingly, the consolidated production costs were $92.85 per tonne, relatively the same compared to $92.78 per tonne in Q4 Fiscal 2022, and the all-in sustaining production costs per tonne of ore processed were $165.68, down 3% compared to $171.56 in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

The per tonne costs in Fiscal 2023 was mainly impacted by inflation factors partially offset by the depreciation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar.

 

(iv) Costs per Ounce of Silver, Net of By-Product Credits1

 

In Fiscal 2023, the consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were negative $0.42, compared to negative $1.29 in the prior year quarter. The increase was mainly due to a decrease of $2.1 million in by-product credits and an increase of $3.2 million in expensed production costs.

 

The consolidated all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $9.73 compared to $8.77 in Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to i) the increase in the consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver as discussed above, ii) an increase of $7.7 million in sustaining capital expenditures offset by a decrease of $2.7 million in administrative expenses and mineral resources tax.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $0.92, compared to negative $0.54 in the prior year quarter. The increase was mainly due to a decrease of $4.2 million in by-product credits offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in expensed production costs. The consolidated all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $13.85 compared to $12.60 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to the increase in the consolidated cash costs per ounce of silver in the current quarter as discussed above.

 

 

1 Non-IFRS measures, please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 5

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(v) Exploration and Development

 

The development work and capital expenditures in Fiscal 2023 are summarized as follows:

 

    Capitalized Development and Expenditures     Expensed  
    Ramp
Development
   

Exploration and Development
Tunnels

    Drilling     Equipment & Mill and TSF     Total     Mining Preparation Tunnels     Drilling  
    (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     ($ Thousand)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     (Metres)  
Fiscal 2023                                                            
Ying Mining District     6,944     $ 5,173       62,105     $ 24,782       124,533     $ 5,677     $ 12,478     $ 48,110       32,870       124,874  
GC Mine     -       -       12,722       4,023       22,024       816       2,816       7,655       7,071       43,375  
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       8,485       1,783       275       2,058       -       -  
Consolidated     6,944     $ 5,173       74,827     $ 28,805       155,042     $ 8,276     $ 15,569     $ 57,823       39,941       168,249  
                                                                                 
Fiscal 2022                                                                                
Ying Mining District     7,279     $ 4,858       53,032     $ 21,851       135,390     $ 10,598     $ 8,609     $ 45,916       25,134       216,068  
GC Mine     1,012       1,218       12,739       3,049       6,317       240       504       5,011       6,167       60,382  
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       7,971       2,612       452       3,064       -       -  
Consolidated     8,291     $ 6,076       65,771     $ 24,900       149,678     $ 13,450     $ 9,565     $ 53,991       31,301       276,450  
                                                                                 
Changes (%)                                                                                
Ying Mining District     -5 %     6 %     17 %     13 %     -8 %     -46 %     45 %     5 %     31 %     -42 %
GC Mine     -100 %     -100 %     (0.00 )     32 %     249 %     240 %     459 %     53 %     15 %     -28 %
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       6 %     -32 %     -39 %     -33 %     -       -  
Consolidated     -16 %     -15 %     14 %     16 %     4 %     -38 %     63 %     7 %     28 %     -39 %

 

In Fiscal 2023, on a consolidated basis, a total of 323,291 metres or $13.0 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Fiscal 2022 – 426,128 metres or $20.7 million), of which approximately 168,249 metres or $4.7 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022– 276,450 metres or $7.2 million) and approximately 155,042 metres or $8.3 million worth of diamond drilling were capitalized (Fiscal 2022– 149,678 metres or $13.5 million). In addition, approximately 39,941 metres or $14.6 million worth of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022 – 31,301 metres or $11.6 million), and approximately 81,771 metres or $34.0 million worth of tunnels, raises, ramps and declines were completed and capitalized (Fiscal 2022 – 74,062 metres or $31.0 million).

 

The following table summarizes the development work and capital expenditures in Q4 Fiscal 2023.

 

    Capitalized Development and Expenditures     Expensed  
    Ramp Development    

Exploration and Development Tunnels

    Drilling     Equipment & Mill and TSF     Total     Mining Preparation Tunnels     Drilling  
    (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     ($ Thousand)     ($ Thousand)     ($ Thousand)     (Metres)     (Metres)  
Q4 Fiscal 2023                                          
Ying Mining District     1,475     $ 1,046       10,987     $ 4,146       16,510     $ 744     2,200     $ 8,136       6,708       14,425  
GC Mine     -       -       2,219       748       6,972       261       97       1,106       1,492       3,720  
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       -       39       176       215       -       -  
Consolidated     1,475     $ 1,046       13,206     $ 4,894       23,482     $ 1,044     $ 2,473     $ 9,457       8,200       18,145  
                                                                                 
Q4 Fiscal 2022                                                                                
Ying Mining District     1,166     $ 917       10,437     $ 4,412       13,423     $ 1,439       2,270     $ 9,038     4,355       42,050  
GC Mine     40       166       1,697       546       2,332       94       346       1,152       1,333       8,334  
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       -       (244 )     14       (230 )     -       -  
Consolidated     1,206     $ 1,083       12,134     $ 4,958       15,755     $ 1,289     $ 2,630     $ 9,960       5,688       50,384  
                                                                                 
Variances (%)                                                                                
Ying Mining District     27 %     14 %     5 %     -6 %     23 %     -48 %     -3 %     -10 %     54 %     -66 %
GC Mine     -100 %     -100 %     31 %     37 %     199 %     178 %     -72 %     -4 %     12 %     -55 %
Corporate and other     -       -       -       -       -       -116 %     1157 %     -193 %     -       -  
Consolidated     22 %     -3 %     9 %     -1 %     49 %     -19 %     -6 %     -5 %     44 %     -64 %

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, on a consolidated basis, a total of 41,627 metres or $1.5 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 66,139 metres or $2.4 million), of which approximately 18,145 metres or $0.5 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 50,384 metres or $1.2 million) and approximately 23,482 metres or $1.0 million worth of diamond drilling were capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 15,755 metres or $1.3 million). In addition, approximately 8,200 metres or $2.7 million worth of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 5,688 metres or $2.1 million), and approximately 14,681 metres or $5.9 million worth of tunnels, raises, ramps and declines were completed and capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 13,340 metres or $5.9 million).

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 6

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(b) Individual Mine Performance

 

(i) Ying Mining District

 

The following table summarizes the operational information at the Ying Mining District for the three months and the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. The Ying Mining District is the Company’s primary source of production, and consists of four mining licenses, including the SGX, HPG, TLP-LME-LMW, and DCG mines.

 

Ying Mining District   Three months ended March 31,     Year ended March 31,  
    2023     2022     Changes     2023     2022     Changes  
                                     
Production Data                                    
  Ore Mined (tonne)     132,205       130,612       1 %     769,024       681,398       13 %
  Ore Milled (tonne)     130,910       131,731       -1 %     773,057       684,293       13 %
                                                 
  Average Head Grades                                                
    Silver (grams/tonne)     255       271       -6 %     261       272       -4 %
    Lead (%)     3.6       3.9       -7 %     3.8       3.9       -2 %
    Zinc (%)     0.6       0.8       -25 %     0.7       0.8       -15 %
                                                 
  Average Recovery Rates                                                
    Silver (%) **     95.2       95.2       -0 %     95..6       95.1       0 %
    Lead (%)     95.3       96.1       -1 %     95.0       95.6       -1 %
    Zinc (%)     68.3       57.4       19 %     63.2       59.7       6 %
                                                 
  Metal Production                                                
    Silver (in thousands of ounces)     997       1,062       -6 %     6,024       5,509       9 %
    Gold (in thousands of ounces)     1.0       0.5       100 %     4.4       3.4       29 %
    Lead (in thousands of pounds)     9,688       10,542       -8 %     60,254       54,883       10 %
    Zinc (in thousands of pounds)     1,164       1,317       -12 %     7,150       6,767       6 %
                                                 
Cost Data*                                                
  Mining costs ($/tonne)     83.76       84.19       -1 %     78.63       81.98       -4 %
  Shipping costs ($/tonne)     3.43       3.90       -12 %     3.68       3.68       0 %
  Milling costs ($/tonne)     15.23       14.40       6 %     11.76       12.10       -3 %
  Production costs ($/tonne)     102.42       102.49       0 %     94.07       97.76       -4 %
  All-in sustaining production costs ($/tonne)     170.69       172.63       -1 %     146.59       147.52       -1 %
                                                 
  Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     1.37     1.21       13 %     0.88       0.96     -8 %
  All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     11.33       10.76       5 %     8.29       7.93       5 %

 

*Alternative performance (non-IFRS) measure. Please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

 

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022

 

In Fiscal 2023, a total of 769,024 tonnes of ore were mined and 773,057 tonnes of ore were milled at the Ying Mining District, both up 13% compared to 681,398 tonnes mined and 684,293 tonnes milled in Fiscal 2022.

 

Average head grades of ore processed were 261 g/t for silver, 3.8% for lead, and 0.7% for zinc compared to 272 g/t for silver, 3.9% for lead, and 0.8% for zinc in Fiscal 2022.

 

Metals produced at the Ying Mining District were approximately 6.0 million ounces of silver, 4,400 ounces of gold, 60.3 million pounds of lead, and 7.2 million pounds of zinc, up 9%, 29%, 10%, and 6%, respectively, compared to 5.5 million ounces of silver, 3,400 ounces of gold, 54.9 million pounds of lead, and 6.8 million pounds of zinc in Fiscal 2022.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the mining costs at the Ying Mining District were $78.63 per tonne, down 4% compared to $81.98 in the Fiscal 2022, while the milling costs were $11.76 per tonne, down 3% compared to $12.10 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the depreciation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar partially offset by the inflation factors.

 

Correspondingly, the production costs per tonne of ore processed were $94.07, down 4% compared to $97.76 in Fiscal 2022, while the all-in sustaining costs per tonne of ore processed was $146.59, down 1% compared to $147.52 in Fiscal 2022.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 7

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

The cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the Ying Mining District were $0.88, down 8% compared to $0.96 in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in per tonne production costs and the increase in silver production, resulting in lower costs per ounce of silver. The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits were $8.29, up 5% compared to $7.93 in Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to an increase of $7.3 million in sustaining capital expenditures.

 

In Fiscal 2023, a total of 249,407 metres or $9.1 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Fiscal 2022– 351,458 metres or $15.6 million), of which approximately 124,874 metres or $3.4 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022– 216,068 metres or $5.0 million) and approximately 124,533 metres or $5.7 million worth of diamond drilling were capitalized (Fiscal 2022– 135,390 metres or $10.6 million). In addition, approximately 32,870 metres or $12.5 million worth of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022– 25,134 metres or $9.9 million), and approximately 69,049 metres or $30.0 million worth of horizontal tunnels, raises, ramps, and declines were completed and capitalized (Fiscal 2022– 60,311 metres or $26.7 million).

 

Q4 Fiscal 2023 vs. Q4 Fiscal 2022

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, a total of 132,205 tonnes of ore were mined at the Ying Mining District, up 1% compared to 130,612 tonnes mined in Q4 Fiscal 2022, while 130,910 tonnes of ore were milled, down 1% compared to 131,731 tonnes milled in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Average head grades of ore processed were 255 g/t for silver, 3.6% for lead, and 0.6% for zinc compared to 271 g/t for silver, 3.9% for lead, and 0.8% for zinc in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Metals produced at the Ying Mining District were approximately 1.0 million ounces of silver, 1,000 ounces of gold, 9.7 million pounds of lead, and 1.2 million pounds of zinc, down 6%, 8%, and 12%, respectively, compared to 1.1 million ounces of silver, 10.5 million pounds of lead, 1.3 million pounds of zinc in Q4 Fiscal 2022, and an increase of 100% compared to 500 ounces of gold in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the mining costs at the Ying Mining District were $83.76 per tonne, down 1% compared to $84.19 in Q4 Fiscal 2022, while the milling costs were $15.23 per tonne, up 6% compared to $14.40 in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

The production costs per tonne of ore processed were $102.42, relatively the same compared to $102.49 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The all-in sustaining costs per tonne of ore processed were $170.69, down 1% compared to $172.63 in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the Ying Mining District were $1.37, up 13% compared to $1.21 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to the decrease in silver production, resulting in higher costs per ounce of silver. The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits were $11.33, up 5% compared to $10.76 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to the increase in the cash costs per ounce of silver.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, a total of 30,935 metres or $1.2 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 55,473 metres or $2.2 million), of which approximately 14,425 metres or $0.4 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 42,050 metres or $0.8 million) and approximately 16,510 metres or $0.7 million worth of diamond drilling were capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 13,423 metres or $1.4 million). In addition, approximately 6,708 metres or $2.2 million worth of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 4,355 metres or $1.7 million), and approximately 12,462 metres or $5.2 million worth of horizontal tunnels, raises, ramps, and declines were completed and capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 11,603 metres or $5.2 million).

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 8

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(ii) GC Mine

 

The following table summarizes the operational information at the GC Mine for the three months and the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

    Three months ended March 31,     Year ended March 31,  
  2023     2022     Changes     2023     2022     Changes  
                                     
Production Data                                    
  Ore Mined (tonne)     49,643       49,893       -1 %     299,959       314,882       -5 %
  Ore Milled (tonne)     48,483       50,939       -5 %     299,597       318,042       -6 %
                                                 
  Average Head Grades                                                
    Silver (grams/tonne)     88       62       42 %     75       75       0 %
    Lead (%)     1.3       1.4       -8 %     1.3       1.5       -12 %
    Zinc (%)     2.5       2.8       -10 %     2.8       3.2       -14 %
                                                 
  Average Recovery Rates                                                
    Silver (%) **     78.9       82.4       -4 %     81.9       83.8       -2 %
    Lead (%)     90.9       88.7       2 %     89.8       89.2       1 %
    Zinc (%)     89.3       89.8       -1 %     89.9       89.6       0 %
                                                 
  Metal Production                                                
    Silver (in thousands of ounces)     109       84       30 %     593       640       -7 %
    Lead (in thousands of pounds)     1,250       1,420       -12 %     7,814       9,548       -18 %
    Zinc (in thousands of pounds)     2,413       2,784       -13 %     16,313       20,045       -19 %
                                                 
Cost Data*                                                
  Mining costs ($/tonne)     46.43       45.58       2 %     41.36       40.59       2 %
  Milling costs ($/tonne)     20.91       21.75       -4 %     16.93       16.31       4 %
  Production costs ($/tonne)     67.34       67.33       0 %     58.29       56.90       2 %
  All-in sustaining production costs ($/tonne)     84.79       100.13       -15 %     83.33       79.56       5 %
                                                 
  Cash cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     (3.10 )     (16.59 )     81 %     (13.72 )     (20.91 )     34 %
  All-in sustaining cost per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits ($)     5.93       (0.39 )     1621 %     0.50       (8.07 )     106 %

 

*Alternative performance (non-IFRS) measure. Please refer to section 13 for reconciliation.

**Silver recovery includes silver recovered in lead concentrate and silver recovered in zinc concentrate.

 

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022

 

In Fiscal 2023, a total of 299,959 tonnes of ore were mined and 299,597 tonnes were milled at the GC Mine, down 5% and 6%, respectively, compared to 314,882 tonnes mined and 318,042 tonnes milled in Fiscal 2022. The decrease can be attributed mainly to the upgrades made to the ventilation and electric power facilities at the GC Mine to comply with newly implemented safety production regulations. These improvements impacted operations during the second quarter but were completed in the third quarter.

 

Average head grades of ore milled were 75 g/t for silver, 1.3% for lead, and 2.8% for zinc compared to 75 g/t for silver, 1.5% for lead, and 3.2% for zinc in Fiscal 2022.

 

Metals produced at the GC Mine were approximately 593 thousand ounces of silver, 7.8 million pounds of lead, and 16.3 million pounds of zinc, down 7%, 18%, and 19%, respectively, compared to 640 thousand ounces of silver, 9.5 million pounds of lead, and 20.0 million pounds of zinc in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in ore production and lower lead and zinc head grades achieved.

 

The mining costs at the GC Mine were $41.36 per tonne, up 2% compared to $40.59 in Fiscal 2022, and the milling costs were $16.93 per tonne, up 4% compared to $16.31 in Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to higher per tonne fixed overhead costs allocation resulting from the decrease in ore production.

 

Correspondingly, the production costs per tonne of ore processed were $58.29, up 2% compared to $56.90 in Fiscal 2022. The all-in sustaining production costs per tonne of ore processed were $83.33, up 5% compared to $79.56 in Fiscal 2022.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 9

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

In Fiscal 2023, the cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the GC Mine, were negative $13.72, up 34% compared to negative $20.91 in Fiscal 2022. The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $0.50, compared to negative $8.07 in Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to a decrease of $6.3 million in by-product credits and the decrease in silver production, resulting in higher per-ounce costs.

 

In Fiscal 2023, approximately 65,399 metres or $2.2 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Fiscal 2022– 66,699 metres or $2.5 million), of which approximately 43,375 metres or $1.3 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022– 60,382 metres or $2.2 million) and approximately 22,024 metres or $0.8 million of drilling were capitalized (Fiscal 2022– 6,317 metres or $0.2 million). In addition, approximately 7,071 metres or $2.1 million of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Fiscal 2022– 6,167 metres or $1.7 million), and approximately 12,722 metres or $4.0 million of horizontal tunnels, raises, and declines were completed and capitalized (Fiscal 2022– 13,751 metres or $4.3 million).

 

Q4 Fiscal 2023 vs. Q4 Fiscal 2022

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, a total of 49,643 tonnes of ore were mined and 48,483 tonnes were milled at the GC Mine, down 1% and 5%, respectively, compared to 49,893 tonnes mined and 50,939 tonnes milled in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Average head grades of ore milled were 88 g/t for silver, 1.3% for lead, and 2.5% for zinc compared to 62 g/t for silver, 1.4% for lead, and 2.8% for zinc in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Metals produced at the GC Mine were approximately 109 thousand ounces of silver, 1.3 million pounds of lead, and 2.4 million pounds of zinc, an increase of 30% in silver production compared to 84 thousand ounces of silver in Q4 Fiscal 2022, and decreases of 12% and 13%, respectively, compared to 1.4 million pounds of lead, and 2.8 million pounds of zinc in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The decrease in lead and zinc production was mainly due the decrease in lead and zinc head grades achieved.

 

The mining costs at the GC Mine were $46.43 per tonne, up 2% compared to $45.58 in Q4 Fiscal 2022, while the milling costs were $20.91 per tonne, down 4% compared to $21.75 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Correspondingly, the production costs per tonne or ore processed were $67.34, effectively the same compared to $67.33 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The all-in sustaining production costs per tonne of ore processed were $84.79, down 15%, compared to $100.13 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly a decrease of $0.8 million in sustaining capital expenditures.

 

The cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, at the GC Mine, in Q4 Fiscal 2023, were negative $3.10, compared to negative $16.59 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to a decrease of $2.3 million in by-product credits. The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, were $5.93, compared to negative $0.39 in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to the increase in the cash costs per ounce of silver partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in sustaining capital expenditures.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, approximately 10,692 metres or $0.4 million worth of diamond drilling were completed (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 10,666 metres or $0.4 million), of which approximately 3,720 metres or $0.1 million worth of diamond drilling were expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 8,334 metres or $0.3 million) and approximately 6,972 metres or $0.3 million of diamond drilling were capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 2,332 metres or $0.1 million). In addition, approximately 1,492 metres or $0.4 million of mining preparation tunnels were completed and expensed as part of mining costs (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 1,333 metres or $0.4 million), and approximately 2,219 metres or $0.7 million of horizontal tunnels, raises, and declines were completed and capitalized (Q4 Fiscal 2022 – 1,737 metres or $0.7 million).

 

(iii) Kuanping Project

 

In October 2021, the Company, through a 100% owned subsidiary of Henan Found, won an online open auction to acquire a 100% interest in the Kuanping silver-lead-zinc-gold project (the “Kuanping Project”). The transaction was successfully completed in November 2021 for a total consideration of $13.1 million, comprised of approximately $11.4 million in cash (RMB ¥73.5 million) plus the assumption of approximately $2.0 million (RMB

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 10

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

¥13.3 million) of debt, and net of $0.3 million cash received. The acquisition was through the acquisition of a 100% interest in the shares of Shanxian Xinbaoyuan Mining Co. Ltd. (“Xinbaoyuan”), an affiliate of a Henan Provincial government-controlled company located in Sanmenxia City, Henan Province. The material asset held by Xinbaoyuan is the Kuanping Project.

 

The Kuanping Project is located in Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, China, approximately 33 km north of the Ying Mining District.

 

In December 2022, the Kuanping Project received a mining license (the “Kuanping Mining License”) from the Department of Natural Resources, Henan Province, China. The Kuanping Mining License covers 6.97 square kilometres and is valid until March 13, 2029.

 

In Fiscal 2023, a total of 8,485 metres or $0.9 million worth of drilling were completed and capitalized at the Kuanping Project.

 

(iv) BYP Mine

 

The BYP Mine was placed on care and maintenance in August 2014 due to required capital upgrades to sustain its ongoing production and the market environment. The Company is conducting activities to apply for a new mining license, but the process has taken longer than expected. No guarantee can be given that the new mining license for the BYP Mine will be issued, or if it is issued, that it will be issued under reasonable operational and/or financial terms, or in a timely manner, or that the Company will be in a position to comply with all conditions that are imposed thereon.

 

(v) La Yesca Project

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company completed the review and evaluation on the results of the drilling program completed in Fiscal 2022. The Company does not plan to undertake further significant work at the La Yesca Project in the near future. As a result, the decision was taken to impair fully the value of the La Yesca Project and recognized an impairment charge of $20.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

 

(c) Comparison of Fiscal 2023 Results and Fiscal 2023 Guidance

 

Unless otherwise stated, all references to Fiscal 2023 Guidance in this MD&A refer to the “Fiscal 2023 Operating Outlook” section in the Company’s Fiscal 2022 Annual MD&A dated May 25, 2022 (“Fiscal 2023 Guidance”) filed under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

 

(i) Production and Production Costs

 

The following table summarizes the production and production costs achieved in Fiscal 2023 compared to the respective Fiscal 2023 Guidance:

 

      Head grades   Metal production   Production costs
  Ore processed   Gold   Silver   Lead   Zinc   Gold   Silver   Lead   Zinc*   Cash cost   AISC
  (tonnes)   (g/t)   (g/t)   (%)   (%)   (Koz)   (Koz)   (Klbs)   (Klbs)   ($/t)   ($/t)
Fiscal 2023 Actual Results                                        
Ying Mining District 773,057   0.1   261   3.8   0.7   4.4   6,024   60,254   7,150   94.07   146.59
GC Mine 299,597   -   75   1.3   2.8   -   593   7,814   16,313   58.29   83.33
Consolidated 1,072,654   0.1   209   3.1   1.3   4.4   6,617   68,068   23,463   84.03   142.08
                                         
Fiscal 2023 Guidance                                          
Ying Mining District 740,000 - 774,000   0.3   276   3.8   0.9   6.3 - 7.9   6,300 - 6,500   58,900 - 60,900   8,200 - 8,500   92.3 - 93.7   143.5 - 145.7
GC Mine 300,000 - 330,000   -   93   1.6   3.7   -   700 - 800   9,500 - 10,400   21,800 - 24,000   54.9 - 57.5   86.1 - 92.0
Consolidated 1,040,000 - 1,140,000   0.2   224   3.2   1.7   6.3 - 7.9   7,000 - 7,300   68,400 - 71,300   30,000 - 32,500   83.3 - 85.9   141.6 - 143.5

 

*The consolidated zinc production was revised to reflect the sum of zinc production from the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company processed a total of 1,072,654 tonnes of ore and produced approximately 4,400 ounces of gold, 6.6 million ounces of silver, 68.1 million pounds of lead, and 23.5 million pounds of zinc. Ore production was within the guidance while metal production was below the guidance due to lower head grades achieved. Ore production at the Ying Mining District reached the high end of the guidance, and lead production was within the guidance. Ore and metal production at the GC Mine was below the guidance, and the shortfall

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 11

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

can be attributed to the lower head grades achieved and the production interruption arising from the upgrades made to the ventilation and electric power facilities in the second quarter of Fiscal 2023.

 

The consolidated cash production costs and all-in sustaining production costs per tonne was within the guidance.

 

(ii) Development and Capital Expenditures

 

The following table summarizes the development work and capitalized expenditures in Fiscal 2023 compared to the respective Fiscal 2023 Guidance.

 

  Capitalized Development and Expenditures   Expensed  
  Ramp
Development
 

Exploration and
Development 
Tunnels

 

Drilling

  Equipment & Mill and TSF   Total  

Mining Preparation Tunnels

  Drilling  
  (Metres)   ($
Thousand)
  (Metres)   ($
Thousand)
  (Metres)   ($
Thousand)
  ($
Thousand)
  ($
Thousand)
  (Metres)   (Metres)  
Fiscal 2023 Actual Results                              
Ying Mining District 6,944   $ 5,173   62,105   $ 24,782   124,533   $ 5,677   12,478   $ 48,110   32,870   124,874  
GC Mine -     -   12,722     4,023   22,024     816     2,816     7,655   7,071   43,375  
Corporate and other -     -   -     -   8,485     1,783     275     2,058   -   -  
Consolidated 6,944   $ 5,173   74,827   $ 28,805   155,042   $ 8,276   $ 15,569   $ 57,823   39,941   168,249  
                                                   
Fiscal 2023 Guidance                                                
Ying Mining District 4,600   $ 3,200   61,300   $ 26,300   110,700   $ 6,800   $ 44,600   $ 80,900   29,000   135,300  
GC Mine -     -   13,200     4,200   14,800     400     1,900     6,500   7,600   46,600  
Corporate and other -     -   -     -   10,500     700     500     1,200   -   -  
Consolidated 4,600   $ 3,200   74,500   $ 30,500   136,000   $ 7,900   $ 47,000   $ 88,600   36,600   181,900  

 

* Capitalized drilling includes surface diamond drilling and some underground drilling which was believed to be for the purpose of defining additional mineral reserves.

 

Total capital expenditures incurred in Fiscal 2023 was $57.8 million, $30.8 million or 35% below the guidance. The decrease was mainly due to less expenditures incurred at the Ying Mining District on equipment replacement, the construction of the new 3,000 tonnes per day flotation mill (the “New Mill”) and the new tailing storage facility (the “TSF”), and other surface facilities.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company spent $4.8 million on the construction of the TSF and the New Mill, $35.1 million below the budgeted amount of $39.9 million. As of March 31, 2023, a total of 3,233 metres, or 64% of the designed drainage tunnels were completed and the site preparation for the New Mill was also completed. The Company has received all governmental approvals to construct the TSF and the New Mill. The Company still plans to complete the TSF in 2024 and is currently delaying the construction of the New Mill by one year.

 

In addition, the Company spent approximately $2.0 million to upgrade most roads to concrete and upgrade certain environmental protection facilities at the Ying Mining District as part of our continued commitment to building green mines. The Company also spent approximately $1.0 million to construct an X-Ray Transmission Ore Sorting System (“XRT Ore Sorting System”) to optimize the mine plan and improve processing head grades at the GC Mine. The XRT Ore Sorting System is currently in trial run.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 12

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

5. Fiscal 2024 Operating Outlook

 

The Company reiterates its production, cash costs, and capital expenditures guidance for the year ended March 31, 2024 (“Fiscal 2024”) previously announced in the Company’s news release dated February 9, 2023.

 

In Fiscal 2024, the Company expects to mine and process 1,100,000 to 1,170,000 tonnes of ore, yielding approximately 6.8 to 7.2 million ounces of silver, 4,400 to 5,500 ounces of gold, 70.5 to 73.8 million pounds of lead, and 27.7 to 29.7 million pounds of zinc. Fiscal 2024 production guidance represents production increases of approximately 3% to 8% in ores, 0% to 25% in gold, 4% to 8% in lead, and 18% to 26% in zinc compared to the production results in Fiscal 2023.

 

      Head grades   Metal production   Production costs
  Ore processed
(tonnes)
 

Gold

(g/t)

 

Silver

(g/t)

 

Lead

(%)

 

Zinc

(%)

 

Gold

(koz)

 

Silver

(Koz)

 

Lead

(Klbs)

 

Zinc

(Klbs)

 

Cash cost

($/t)

 

AISC

($/t)

Fiscal 2024 Guidance
Gold ore 30,000 - 40,000   3.6   43   0.8   0.5   3.2 - 4.2   40 - 50   450 - 600   90 - 120   -   -
Silver ore 740,000 - 770,000   0.1   279   4.1   0.9   1.2 - 1.3   6,140 - 6,450   62,500 - 65,030   9,030 - 9,400   -   -
Ying Mining District 770,000 - 810,000   0.2   267   3.9   0.8   4.4 - 5.5   6,180 - 6,500   62,950 - 65,630   9,120 - 9,520   90.4 - 92.6   143.8 - 148.8
GC Mine 330,000 - 360,000   -   75   1.2   2.9   0-0   620 - 670   7,530 - 8,180   18,530 - 20,140   50.3 - 52.3   79.6 - 84.2
Consolidated 1,100,000 - 1,170,000   0.1   208   3.1   1.4   4.4 - 5.5   6,800 - 7,170   70,480 - 73,810   27,650 - 29,660   78.2 - 80.5   136.4 - 142.4

 

The table below summarizes the work plan and estimated capital expenditures in Fiscal 2024.

 

  Capitalized Development Work and Expenditures   Expensed  
  Ramp
Development
  Exploration and
Development
Tunnels
  Diamond
Drilling
  Equipment, Mill and
TSF
  Total  

Mining Preparation

Tunnnels

 

 

Diamond

Driling

 
  (Metres)   ($
Million)
  (Metres)   ($
Million)
  (Metres)   ($
Million)
  ($
Million)
  ($
Million)
  (Metres)   (Metres)  
Fiscal 2024 Capitalized Work Plan and Capita Expenditure Estimates
Ying Mining District 8,800   6.3   57,200   23.9   146,400   4.2   21.8   56.2   25,800   71,400  
GC Mine -   -   14,700   6.4   30,200   0.8   0.7   7.9   5,300   24,800  
Corporate and others -   -   -   -   -   -   0.6   0.6   -   -  
Consolidated 8,800   6.3   71,900   30.3   176,600   5.0   23.1   64.7   31,100   96,200  

 

In Fiscal 2024, the Company plans to: i) complete 8,800 metres of tunnels as major access and transportation ramps at estimated capitalized expenditures of $6.3 million, representing a 27% increase in meterage and a 21% increase in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; ii) complete 71,900 metres of exploration and mining development tunnels at estimated capitalized expenditures of $30.3 million, representing a decrease of 4% in meterage and an increase of 5% in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; iii) complete and capitalize 176,600 metres of diamond drilling to upgrade and explore mineral resources for future production at an estimated cost of $5.0 million, representing an increase of 14% in meterage and a decrease of 40% in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; and iv) spend $23.1 million on equipment, the XRT Ore Sorting System, a paste backfill plant, the New Mill and TSF.

 

In addition to the capitalized tunneling and drilling work, the Company also plans to complete and expense 31,100 metres of mining preparation tunnels and 96,200 metres of diamond drilling.

 

(a) Ying Mining District

 

In Fiscal 2024, the Company plans to mine and process 770,000 to 810,000 tonnes of ore at the Ying Mining District, including 30,000 – 40,000 tonnes of gold ore with an expected head grade of 3.6 g/t gold, to produce approximately 4,400 to 5,500 ounces of gold, 6.2 to 6.5 million ounces of silver, 62.9 to 65.6 million pounds of lead, and 9.1 to 9.5 million pounds of zinc. Fiscal 2024 production guidance at the Ying Mining District represents production increases of approximately 0% to 5% in ore, 0% to 25% in gold, 3% to 8% in silver, 4% to 9% in lead, and 28% to 33% in zinc compared to the production results in Fiscal 2023.

 

The cash production cost is expected to be $90.4 to $92.6 per tonne of ore, and the all-in sustaining production cost is estimated at $143.8 to $148.8 per tonne of ore processed, representing a 2% to 4% decrease in cash production cost and a range of a 2% decrease to a 2% increase in all-in sustaining production cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 13

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

In Fiscal 2024, the Ying Mining District plans to: i) complete 8,800 metres of tunnels as major access and transportation ramps at estimated capitalized expenditures of $6.3 million, representing an increase of 27% in meterage and an increase of 21% in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; ii) complete 57,200 metres of exploration and mining development tunnels at estimated capitalized expenditures of $23.9 million, representing a decrease of 8% in meterage and a decrease of 4% in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; iii) complete and capitalize 146,400 metres of diamond drilling to upgrade and explore mineral resources for future production at an estimated cost of $4.2 million, representing an increase of 18% in meterage and a decrease of 26% in cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; and iv) spend $21.8 million on equipment and facilities, including $12.9 million on the construction of the TSF, $3.0 million to build a paste backfill plant and a XRT Ore Sorting system to optimize the mine plan and improve ore processing head grades, and $1.2 million to improve certain power facilities and to replace some electrical cables. The Company still plans to complete the TSF in 2024 and is currently delaying the construction of the new 3,000 TPD mill by one year.

 

In addition to the capitalized tunneling and drilling work, the Company also plans to complete and expense 25,800 metres of mining preparation tunnels and 71,400 metres of diamond drilling at the Ying Mining District, representing decreases of 22% and 43%, respectively, compared to the results in Fiscal 2023.

 

(b) GC Mine

 

In Fiscal 2024, the Company plans to mine and process 330,000 to 360,000 tonnes of ore at the GC Mine to produce 620 to 670 thousand ounces of silver, 7.5 to 8.2 million pounds of lead, and 18.5 to 20.1 million pounds of zinc. Fiscal 2024 production guidance at the GC Mine represents production increases of approximately 10% to 20% in ore, 5% to 13% in silver, -4% to 5% in lead, and 14% to 23% in zinc production compared to the production results in Fiscal 2023.

 

The cash production cost is expected to be $50.3 to $52.3 per tonne of ore, and the all-in sustaining production cost is estimated at $79.6 to $84.2 per tonne of ore processed, representing a 11% to 14% decrease in cash production cost and a range of a 4% decrease to an 1% increase in all-in sustaining production cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023.

 

In Fiscal 2024, the GC Mine plans to: i) complete and capitalize 14,700 metres of exploration and development tunnels at estimated capital expenditures of $6.4 million, an increase of 16% in meterage and an increase of 60% in cost mainly due to increased tunnel dimension to allow small scale mechanized equipment access, compared to the expected results in Fiscal 2023; ii) complete and capitalize 30,200 metres of diamond drilling to upgrade and explore mineral resources for future production at an estimated cost of $0.8 million, representing a 37% increase in meterage and a relatively the same cost compared to the results in Fiscal 2023; and iii) spend $0.7 million on equipment and facilities. The total capital expenditures at the GC Mine are budgeted at $7.9 million in Fiscal 2024, down 38% compared to $12.7 million in Fiscal 2023.

 

In addition to the capitalized tunneling and drilling work, the Company also plans to complete and expense 5,300 metres of tunnels and 24,800 metres of underground drilling at the GC Mine, representing decreases of 25% and 43%, respectively, compared to the expected results in Fiscal 2023.

 

(c) Kuanping Project

 

The Company plans to carry out studies to complete the environmental assessment report, water and soil protection assessment report, and preliminary safety facilities and mine design report as required for the Kuanping Project in Fiscal 2024. Further updates on the mine construction plan and cost estimates will be provided upon completion of these reports.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 14

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

6. Investment in Associates

 

(a) New Pacific Metals Corp.

 

New Pacific Metals Corp. (“NUAG”) is a Canadian public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: NUAG) and NYSE American (symbol: NEWP). NUAG is a related party of the Company by way of one common director and one common officer, and the Company accounts for its investment in NUAG using the equity method as it is able to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of NUAG.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company acquired 309,400 common shares of NUAG from the public market (Fiscal 2022 – 125,000) for a total cost of $0.9 million (Fiscal 2022 – $0.4 million).

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company owned 44,351,616 common shares of NUAG (March 31, 2022 – 44,042,216), representing an ownership interest of 28.2% (March 31, 2022 – 28.2%).

 

The summary of the investment in NUAG common shares and its market value as at the respective reporting dates are as follows:

 

     Number of
shares
    Amount     Value of NUAG’s
common shares per
quoted market price
 
Balance, April 1, 2021     43,917,216     $ 50,399     $ 181,257  
Purchase from open market     125,000       352          
Share of net loss             (1,715 )        
Share of other comprehensive income             95          
Foreign exchange impact             306          
Balance, March 31, 2022     44,042,216     $ 49,437     $ 140,275  
Purchase from open market     309,400       874          
Share of net loss             (2,411 )        
Share of other comprehensive loss             (894 )        
Foreign exchange impact             (3,753 )        
Balance, March 31, 2023     44,351,616     $ 43,253     $ 119,621  

 

(b) Investment in Tincorp Metals Inc.

 

Tincorp Metals Inc. (“TIN”), formerly Whitehorse Gold Corp., is a Canadian public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol: TIN). TIN is a related party of the Company by way of one common director, and the Company accounts for its investment in TIN using the equity method as it is able to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of TIN.

 

On December 15, 2022, the Company participated in a non-brokered private placement of TIN and purchased 4,000,000 units at a cost of $1.2 million. Each unit was comprised of one TIN common share and one-half common share purchase warrant at exercise price of CAD$0.65 per share. The common share purchase warrant expires on December 15, 2024.

 

On May 14, 2021, the Company participated in a brokered private placement of TIN and purchased 4,000,000 units at a cost of $5.0 million. Each unit was comprised of one TIN common share and one common share purchase warrant at exercise price of CAD$2 per share. The common share purchase warrant expires on May 14, 2026.

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company owned 19,514,285 common shares of TIN (March 31, 2022 – 15,514,285), representing an ownership interest of 29.3% (March 31, 2022 – 29.3%).

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 15

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

The summary of the investment in TIN common shares and its market value as at the respective reporting dates are as follows:

 

    Number of
shares
    Amount    

Value of TIN’s
common shares per
quoted market price

 
Balance, April 1, 2021     11,514,285     $ 3,058     $ 15,108  
Participation in private placement     4,000,000       4,960          
Share of net loss             (473 )        
Foreign exchange impact             (141 )        
Balance, March 31, 2022     15,514,285     $ 7,404     $ 6,208  
Participation in private placement     4,000,000       1,181          
Dilution loss             (107 )        
Share of net loss             (490 )        
Share of other comprehensive income             8          
Foreign exchange impact             (554 )        
Balance, March 31, 2023     19,514,285     $ 7,442     $ 6,777  

 

7. Overview of Financial Results

 

(a) Selected Annual and Quarterly Information

 

The following tables set out selected quarterly results for the past twelve quarters as well as selected annual results for the past three years. The dominant factors affecting results presented below are the volatility of the realized selling metal prices and the timing of sales. The results for the quarters ended March 31 are normally affected by the extended Chinese New Year holiday.

 

Fiscal 2023   Quarter Ended     Year Ended  
(In thousands of USD, other than per share amounts)   Jun 30, 2022     Sep 30, 2022     Dec 31, 2022     Mar 31, 2023     Mar 31, 2023  
Revenue   $ 63,592     $ 51,739     $ 58,651     $ 34,147     $ 208,129  
Cost of mine operations     38,690       37,378       36,907       24,371       137,346  
Income from mine operations     24,902       14,361       21,744       9,776       70,783  
Corporate general and administrative expenses     3,557       3,476       3,171       3,045       13,249  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)     (1,656 )     (4,340 )     850       304       (4,842 )
Share of loss in associates     728       771       677       725       2,901  
Dilution gain on investment in associate                             107       107  
Loss (gain) on equity investments     2,671       1,596       (3,010 )     1,061       2,318  
Impairment charges against mineral rights and properties     -       20,211       -       -       20,211  
Other items     231       61       2,791       9       3,092  
Income from operations     19,371       (7,414 )     17,265       4,525       33,747  
Finance items     (800 )     (1,023 )     69       358       (1,396 )
Income tax expenses     6,087       3,811       2,259       1,886       14,043  
Net income     14,084       (10,202 )     14,937       2,281       21,100  
Net income (loss) attributable to equity holders of the                                        
Company     10,169       (1,712 )     11,916       235       20,608  
Basic earnings (loss) per share     0.06       (0.01 )     0.07       0.00       0.12  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share     0.06       (0.01 )     0.07       0.00       0.12  
Cash dividend declared     2,216       -       2,209       -       4,425  
Cash dividend declared per share     0.0125       -       0.0125       -       0.025  
Other financial information                                        
Total assets                                     676,799  
Total liabilities                                     96,968  
Total attributable shareholders’ equity                                     489,053  

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 16

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Fiscal 2022   Quarter Ended     Year Ended  
(In thousands of USD, other than per share amounts)   Jun 30, 2021     Sep 30, 2021     Dec 31, 2021     Mar 31, 2022     Mar 31, 2022  
Revenue   $ 58,819     $ 58,435     $ 59,079     $ 41,590     $ 217,923  
Cost of mine operations     33,315       34,823       37,603       27,881       133,622  
Income from mine operations     25,504       23,612       21,476       13,709       84,301  
Corporate general and administrative expenses     3,838       3,749       3,310       3,284       14,181  
Foreign exchange loss (gain)     450       (2,063 )     (1,813 )     3,159       (267 )
Share of loss in associates     396       469       403       920       2,188  
Loss (gain) on equity investments     722       3,365       (1,101 )     499       3,485  
Other items     314       460       1,481       (106 )     2,149  
Income from operations     19,784       17,632       19,196       5,953       62,565  
Finance items     (1,265 )     (481 )     8,171       (932 )     5,493  
Income tax expenses (recovery)     4,817       5,355       3,093       523       13,788  
Net income     16,232       12,758       7,932       6,362       43,284  
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company     12,212       9,393       5,063       3,966       30,634  
Basic earnings per share     0.07       0.05       0.03       0.02       0.17  
Diluted earnings per share     0.07       0.05       0.03       0.02       0.17  
Cash dividend declared     2,202       -       2,211               4,413  
Cash dividend declared per share     0.0125       -       0.0125               0.025  
Other financial information                                        
Total assets                                     723,538  
Total liabilities                                     103,424  
Total attributable shareholders’ equity                                     512,396  

 

Fiscal 2021   Quarter Ended     Year Ended  
(In thousands of USD, other than per share amounts)   Jun 30, 2020     Sep 30, 2020     Dec 31, 2020     Mar 31, 2021     Mar 31, 2021  
Revenue   $ 46,705     $ 56,372     $ 53,296     $ 35,732     $ 192,105  
Cost of mine operations   $ 27,420     $ 29,700     $ 28,495       22,328       107,943  
Income from mine operations     19,285       26,672       24,801       13,404       84,162  
Corporate general and administrative expenses     2,687       2,784       3,525       3,369       12,365  
Foreign exchange loss     2,670       1,349       2,954       773       7,746  
Share of loss in associates     161       319       550       816       1,846  
Loss (gain) on equity investments     (5,466 )     (2,771 )     (600 )     1,105       (7,732 )
Other items     (3,841 )     214       (258 )     2,098       (1,787 )
Income from operations     23,074       24,777       18,630       5,243       71,724  
Finance items     (800 )     (657 )     295       (617 )     (1,779 )
Income tax expenses (recovery)     5,382       5,877       6,046       (4,311 )     12,994  
Net income     18,492       19,557       12,289       10,171       60,509  
Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company     15,491       15,472       8,392       7,021       46,376  
Basic earnings per share     0.09       0.09       0.05       0.04       0.27  
Diluted earnings per share     0.09       0.09       0.05       0.04       0.26  
Cash dividend declared     2,178       -       2,190       -       4,368  
Cash dividend declared per share     0.0125       -       0.0125       -       0.025  
Other financial information                                        
Total assets                                     652,642  
Total liabilities                                     86,914  
Total attributable shareholders’ equity                                     467,574  

 

(b) Overview of the Financial Results in Fiscal 2023

 

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company in Fiscal 2023 was $20.6 million or $0.12 per share, compared to net income attributable to equity holders of $30.6 million or $0.17 per share in Fiscal 2022.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company’s consolidated financial results were mainly impacted by i) increases of 6%, 29% and 3%, respectively, in silver, gold, and lead sold, and a decrease of 13% in zinc sold; ii) decreases of 12%, 3% and 2%, respectively, in the realized selling prices for silver, lead and zinc, and increases of 1%, in the realized selling prices for gold; iii) a foreign exchange gain of $4.8 million mainly arising from the appreciation of the US dollar

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 17

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

against the Canadian dollar; iv) a loss of $2.3 million on equity investments; v) an impairment charge of $20.2 million against the Las Yesca Project; and vi) an impairment charge of $2.9 million against a short-term investment in certain bonds.

 

Revenue in Fiscal 2023 was $208.1 million, down 4% compared to $217.9 million in Fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly due to i) a decrease of $16.6 million arising from the decrease in the net realized selling prices for silver, lead, and zinc; ii) a decrease of $3.6 million arising from the decrease in zinc sold, offset by iii) an increase of $9.7 million arising from the increase in silver, gold and lead sold. The following table summarizes the metals sold, net realized selling price and revenue achieved for each metal.

 

    Year ended March 31, 2023   Year ended March 31, 2022  
    Ying 
Mining
District
  GC   Consolidated   Ying
Mining
District
  GC   Consolidated  
Metal Sales                          
  Silver (in thousands of ounces)     6,049     588     6,637     5,619     646   6,265  
  Gold (in thousands of ounces)     4.4     -     4.4     3.4     -   3.4  
  Lead (in thousands of pounds)     58,240     7,447     65,687     53,892     9,671   63,563  
  Zinc (in thousands of pounds)     7,175     16,263     23,438     6,609     20,200   26,809  
Revenue                                    
  Silver (in thousands of $)     105,776     7,816     113,592     111,835     9,438   121,273  
  Gold (in thousands of $)     6,647     -     6,647     5,083     -   5,083  
  Lead (in thousands of $)     50,477     6,366     56,843     48,504     8,586   57,090  
  Zinc (in thousands of $)     7,881     16,942     24,823     7,489     21,353   28,842  
  Other (in thousands of $)     4,087     2,137     6,224     3,840     1,795   5,635  
      174,868     33,261     208,129     176,751     41,172   217,923  
                                     
Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges                  
  Silver ($ per ounce)     17.49     13.29     17.11     19.90     14.61   19.36  
  Gold ($ per ounce)     1,511     -     1,511     1,495     -   1,495  
  Lead ($ per pound)     0.87     0.85     0.87     0.90     0.89   0.90  
  Zinc ($ per pound)     1.10     1.04     1.06     1.13     1.06   1.08  

 

The net realized selling price is calculated using the Shanghai Metal Exchange (“SME”) price, less smelter charges, recovery, and value added tax (“VAT”). The metal prices quoted on SME, excluding gold, include VAT. The following table is a comparison among the Company’s net realized selling prices achieved, prices quoted on SME, and prices quoted on London Metal Exchange (“LME”):

 

    Silver (in US$/ounce)     Gold (in US$/ounce)     Lead (in US$/pound)     Zinc (in US$/pound)  
    F2023     F2022     F2023     F2022     F2023     F2022     F2023     F2022  
Net realized selling prices   $ 17.11     $ 19.36     $ 1,511     $ 1,495     $ 0.87     $ 0.90     $ 1.06     $ 1.08  
SME   $ 21.48     $ 24.58     $ 1,818     $ 1,826     $ 1.00     $ 1.08     $ 1.63     $ 1.65  
LME   $ 21.35     $ 24.58     $ 1,804     $ 1,819     $ 0.95     $ 1.03     $ 1.49     $ 1.47  

 

Costs of mine operations in Fiscal 2023 were $137.3 million, up 3% compared to $133.6 million in Fiscal 2022. Items included in costs of mine operations are as follows:

 

    Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022     Change  
Production costs   $ 91,769     $ 88,537       4 %
Depreciation and amortization     27,607       25,082       10 %
Mineral resource taxes     5,095       5,952       -14 %
Government fees and other taxes     2,388       2,643       -10 %
General and administrative     10,487       11,408       -8 %
    $ 137,346       133,622       3 %

 

Production costs expensed in Fiscal 2023 were $91.8 million, up 4% compared to $88.5 million in Fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly due to more metals sold partially offset by a decrease of 1% in per tonne production costs. The production costs expensed represent approximately 1,092,000 tonnes of ore processed and expensed at $84.03 per tonne, compared to approximately 1,043,500 tonnes of ore processed and expensed at $84.85 per tonne in Fiscal 2022.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 18

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

The decrease in the mineral resource taxes and government fees and other taxes were mainly due to lower revenue achieved in Fiscal 2023. Government fees and other taxes are comprised of environmental protection fees, surtaxes on VAT, land usage levies, stamp duties and other miscellaneous levies, duties and taxes imposed by the state and local Chinese governments.

 

Mine general and administrative expenses for the mine operations in Fiscal 2023 were $10.5 million, down 8% compared to $11.4 million in Fiscal 2022. Items included in general and administrative expenses for the mine operations are as follows:

 

    Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022     Change  
Amortization and depreciation   $ 1,189     $ 1,354       -12 %
Office and administrative expenses     2,608       3,149       -17 %
Professional Fees     432       428       1 %
Salaries and benefits     6,258       6,477       -3 %
    $ 10,487     $ 11,408       -8 %

 

Income from mine operations in Fiscal 2023 was $70.8 million, down 16% compared to $84.3 million in Fiscal 2022. Income from mine operations at the Ying Mining District was $62.8 million, compared to $70.0 million in Fiscal 2022. Income from mine operations at the GC Mine was $8.4 million, compared to $14.8 million in Fiscal 2022.

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses in Fiscal 2023 were $13.2 million, down 7% compared to $14.2 million in Fiscal 2022. Items included in corporate general and administrative expenses are as follows:

 

    Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022     Change  
Amortization and depreciation   $ 573     $ 593       -3 %
Office and administrative expenses     1,834       1,598       15 %
Professional Fees     669       771       -13 %
Salaries and benefits     6,331       5,392       17 %
Share-based compensation     3,842       5,827       -34 %
    $ 13,249     $ 14,181       -7 %

 

Foreign exchange gain in Fiscal 2023 was $4.8 million compared to $0.3 million in Fiscal 2022. The foreign exchange gain is mainly driven by the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar and the Australian dollar.

 

Loss on equity investments in Fiscal 2023 was $2.3 million, compared to $3.5 million in Fiscal 2022. The loss was mainly due to the changes in value of mark-to-market equity investments.

 

Share of loss in associates in Fiscal 2023 was $2.9 million, compared to $2.2 million in Fiscal 2022. Share of loss in associates represents the Company’s equity pickup in NUAG and TIN.

 

Impairment of mineral rights of and properties in Fiscal 2023 was $20.2 million compared to $nil in Fiscal 2022. After the review and evaluation on the results of the drilling program completed in the prior year, the Company decided not to plan further significant work at the La Yesca Project in the near future. As a result, the decision was taken to impair fully the value of the La Yesca Project and recognized an impairment charge of $20.2 million.

 

Finance income in Fiscal 2023 was $4.7 million compared to $5.2 million in Fiscal 2022. The Company invests in short-term investments which include term deposits, money market instruments, and bonds.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 19

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Finance costs in Fiscal 2023 was $3.3 million compared to $10.7 million in Fiscal 2022. The finance costs primarily comprised of the following:

 

    Fiscal 2023   Fiscal 2022   Changes
Interest on lease obligation   $ 43   $ 72     -40%
Unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitation provision     239     269     -11%
Impairment charges against debt investment     2,883     10,560     -73%
Loss (gain) on disposal of bonds     93     (191 )   100%
    $ 3,258   $ 10,710     -70%

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.9 million against bond investments issued by some Chinese real estate developing companies and one Swiss financial institution as the Company noted financial difficulty of the bond issuers. In Fiscal 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $10.6 million against bond investments issued by some Chinese real estate developing companies. As at March 31, 2023, the carrying value and face value of the bond investments that were impaired was $2.3 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

 

Income tax expenses in Fiscal 2023 were $14.0 million, up 2% compared to $13.8 million in Fiscal 2022. The income tax expense recorded in Fiscal 2023 included a current income tax expense of $9.3 million (Fiscal 2022- $8.8 million) and a deferred income tax expense of $4.7 million (Fiscal 2022- $5.0 million). The current income tax expenses in Fiscal 2023 included withholding tax expenses of $3.8 million (same prior year period- $1.4 million), which was paid at a rate of 10% on dividends distributed out of China.

 

(c) Overview of Q4 Fiscal 2023 Financial Results

 

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $0.2 million or $0.00 per share, compared to net income of $4.0 million or $0.02 per share in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the Company’s consolidated financial results were mainly impacted by i) decreases of 9%, 18% and 20%, respectively, in silver, lead and zinc sold, and an increase of 100% in gold sold; ii) decreases of 6%, 6% and 27%, respectively, in the net realized selling prices for silver, lead and zinc, and an increase of 10% in the net realized selling price for gold; iii) a loss of $1.1 million on equity investments; and iv) an impairment charge of $1.9 million against a short-term investment in certain bonds.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 20

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Revenue in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $34.1 million, down 18% compared to $41.6 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The decrease is mainly due to a decrease of $3.6 million arising from the decrease in the net realized selling prices for silver, lead and zinc, and a decrease of $4.6 million arising from the decrease in silver, lead and zinc sold. The following table summarizes the metals sold, net realized selling price and revenue achieved for each metal.

 

    Three months ended March 31, 2023     Three months ended March 31, 2022  
    Ying Mining
District
    GC     Consolidated     Ying Mining
District
    GC     Consolidated  
Metal Sales                                    
  Silver (in thousands of ounces)     966       107       1,073       1,058       115       1,173  
  Gold (in thousands of ounces)     1.0       -       1.0       0.5             0.5  
  Lead (in thousands of pounds)     8,924       1,097       10,021       10,278       2,001       12,279  
  Zinc (in thousands of pounds)     1,115       2,336       3,451       1,524       2,816       4,340  
Revenue                                                
  Silver (in thousands of $)     17,983       1,528       19,511       20,990       1,745       22,735  
  Gold (in thousands of $)     1,620       -       1,620       885             885  
  Lead (in thousands of $)     7,747       936       8,683       9,618       1,848       11,466  
  Zinc (in thousands of $)     1,032       2,050       3,082       1,908       3,387       5,295  
  Other (in thousands of $)     757       494       1,251       664       545       1,209  
      29,139       5,008       34,147       34,065       7,525       41,590  
                                                 
Average Selling Price, Net of Value Added Tax and Smelter Charges  
  Silver ($ per ounce)     18.62       14.28       18.18       19.84       15.17       19.38  
  Gold ($ per ounce)     1,620       -       1,620       1,475       -       1,475  
  Lead ($ per pound)     0.87       0.85       0.87       0.94       0.92       0.93  
  Zinc ($ per pound)     0.93       0.88       0.89       1.25       1.20       1.22  

 

The following table is a comparison among the net realized selling prices achieved, average prices quoted on SME, and average prices quoted on LME.

 

  Silver (in US$/ounce) Gold (in US$/ounce) Lead (in US$/pound) Zinc (in US$/pound)  
  Q4 F2023 Q4 F2022 Q4 F2023 Q4 F2022 Q4 F2023 Q4 F2022 Q4 F2023 Q4 F2022  
Net realized selling prices $ 18.18 $ 19.38 $ 1,620 $ 1,475 $ 0.87 $ 0.93 $ 0.89 $ 1.22  
SME $ 22.87 $ 23.97 $ 1,908 $ 1,885 $ 1.01 $ 1.09 $ 1.54 $ 1.80  
LME $ 22.55 $ 24.01 $ 1,890 $ 1,877 $ 0.97 $ 1.05 $ 1.41 $ 1.69  

 

Costs of mine operations in Q4 Fiscal 2023 were $24.4 million, down 13% compared to $27.9 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Items included in costs of mine operations are as follows:

 

    Q4 Fiscal 2023     Q4 Fiscal 2022     Change  
Production costs   $ 15,624     $ 18,226       -14 %
Depreciation and amortization     5,096       5,168       -1 %
Mineral resource taxes     809       1,012       -20 %
Government fees and other taxes     415       446       -7 %
General and administrative     2,427       3,029       -20 %
    $ 24,371       27,881       -13 %

 

Production costs expensed in Q4 Fiscal 2023 were $15.6 million, down 14% compared to $18.2 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in metals sold. The production costs expensed represent approximately 168,200 tonnes of ore processed and expensed at $92.85 per tonne, compared to approximately 196,400 tonnes of ore processed and expensed at $92.78 per tonne in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

  

The decrease in the mineral resource taxes and government fees and other taxes was mainly due to lower revenue achieved in Q4 Fiscal 2023.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 21

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Mine general and administrative expenses for the mine operations in Q4 Fiscal 2023 were $2.4 million, comparable to $3.0 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Items included in general and administrative expenses for the mine operations are as follows:

 

    Q4 Fiscal 2023     Q4 Fiscal 2022     Change  
Amortization and depreciation   $ 286     $ 340       -16 %
Office and administrative expenses     570       729       -22 %
Professional Fees     102       102       0 %
Salaries and benefits     1,469       1,858       -21 %
    $ 2,427     $ 3,029       -20 %

 

Income from mine operations in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $9.8 million, down 29% compared to $13.7 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Income from mine operations at the Ying Mining District was $9.5 million, compared to $11.9 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Income from mine operations at the GC Mine was $0.4 million, compared to $2.0 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses in Q4 Fiscal 2023 were $3.0 million, down 7% compared to $3.3 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Items included in corporate general and administrative expenses are as follows:

 

    Q4 Fiscal 2023     Q4 Fiscal 2022     Change  
Amortization and depreciation   $ 143     $ 158       -9 %
Office and administrative expenses     508       370       37 %
Professional Fees     67       248       -73 %
Salaries and benefits     1,618       1,556       4 %
Share-based compensation     709       952       -26 %
    $ 3,045     $ 3,284       -7 %

 

Foreign exchange loss in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $0.3 million compared to $3.2 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The foreign exchange gain or loss is mainly driven by the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar and the Australian dollar.

 

Loss on equity investments in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $1.1 million, compared to $0.5 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The loss was mainly due to the changes in value of mark-to-market equity investments.

 

Share of loss in associates in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $0.7 million, compared to $0.9 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Share of loss in associates represents the Company’s equity pickup in NUAG and TIN.

 

Finance income in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $1.6 million compared to $1.0 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The Company invests in short-term investments which include term deposits, money market instruments, and bonds.

 

Finance costs in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $2.0 million compared to $82 thousand in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The finance costs primarily comprised of the following:

 

    Q4 Fiscal 2023     Q4 Fiscal 2022     Changes  
Interest on lease obligation   $ 8     $ 16       -50 %
Unwinding of discount of environmental rehabilitation provision     57       66       -14 %
Impairment charges against debt investment     1,937       -       100 %
    $ 2,002     $ 82       2341 %

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.9 million against bond investments issued by some Chinese real estate developing companies and one Swiss financial institution as the Company noted financial difficulty of the bond issuers. In Q4 Fiscal 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.2 million against bond investments issued by a Chinese real estate developing company.

 

Income tax expenses in Q4 Fiscal 2023 were $1.9 million, up $1.4 million compared to $0.5 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. The income tax expense recorded in Q4 Fiscal 2023 included a current income tax expense of $1.7 million (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $0.4 million) and a deferred income tax expense of $0.2 million (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $0.1 million).

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 22

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

The current income tax expenses in Q4 Fiscal 2023 included withholding tax expenses of $1.2 million (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $nil), which was paid at a rate of 10% on dividends distributed out of China.

 

8. Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Contractual Obligations

 

Liquidity

 

The following tables summarize the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and working capital position as well as the cash flow activities during the period.

 

As at   March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022     Changes  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 145,692     $ 113,302     $ 32,390
Short-term investments     57,631       99,623       (41,992 )
    $ 203,323   $ 212,925     $ (9,602 )
Working capital   $ 177,808     $ 186,270   $ (8,462 )

 

    Three months ended March 31,     Year ended March 31,  
    2023     2022     Changes     2023     2022     Changes  
Cash flow                                    
  Cash provided by operating activities   $ 5,742     $ 11,406     $ (5,664 )   $ 85,643     $ 107,378     $ (21,735 )
  Cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (28,326 )     (50,997 )     22,671       (26,524 )     (106,626 )     80,102  
  Cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (3,720 )     645       (4,365 )     (17,980 )     (7,426 )     (10,554 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (26,304 )     (38,946 )     12,642       41,139       (6,674 )     47,813  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     1,155       221       934       (8,749 )     1,241       (9,990 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     170,841       152,027       18,814       113,302       118,735       (5,433 )
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period   $ 145,692     $ 113,302     $ 32,390     $ 145,692     $ 113,302     $ 32,390  

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as at March 31, 2023 were $203.3 million, down 5% or $9.6 million compared to $212.9 million as at March 31, 2022. The decrease is mainly due to a negative translation impact of $8.7 million on cash and cash equivalents arising from the appreciation of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar and Chinese yuan.

 

Working capital as at March 31, 2023 was $177.8 million, down 5% compared to $186.3 million as at March 31, 2022.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities in Fiscal 2023 was $85.6 million, down $21.7 million, compared to $107.4 million in Fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to:

 

$87.7 million cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash operating working capital, down $13.3 million, compared to $101.0 million in Fiscal 2022; and

 

$2.0 million cash used in the changes in non-cash working capital, compared to $6.4 million provided by the changes in non-cash working capital in Fiscal 2022.

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, cash flow provided by operating activities was $5.7 million, down $5.7 million compared to $11.4 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022. Before changes in non-cash operating working capital, cash flow from operating activities was $11.6 million, down $2.4 million compared to $14.0 million in Q4 Fiscal 2022.

 

Cash flow used in investing activities in Fiscal 2023 was $26.5 million, compared to $106.6 million cash used in Fiscal 2022, and comprised mostly of:

 

$214.3 million proceeds from the redemptions of short-term investments (Fiscal 2022- $144.0 million);

 

$1.0 million proceeds from the disposal of other investment (Fiscal 2022- $1.3 million); offset by

 

$182.3 million spent on investment in short-term investments (Fiscal 2022- $171.2 million);

 

$41.7 million spent on mineral exploration and development expenditures (Fiscal 2022- $43.3 million);

 

$nil spent on the acquisition of mineral rights and properties (Fiscal 2022- $13.1 million)

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 23

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

$13.3 million spent to acquire plant and equipment (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $10.7 million);

 

$2.1 million spent on investment in associate (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $5.3 million); and,

 

$3.7 million spent on the acquisition of other investments (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $8.2 million).

 

In Q4 Fiscal 2023, cash flow used in investing activities was $28.3 million, compared to $51.0 million cash used in Q4 Fiscal 2022, and comprised mostly of:

 

$70.0 million spent on investment in short-term investments (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $71.9 million);

 

$7.4 million spent on mineral exploration and development expenditures (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $7.8 million);

 

$2.4 million spent to acquire plant and equipment (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $3.6 million);

 

$117 thousand spent on investment in associate (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $1 thousand); and,

 

$nil million spent on the acquisition of other investments (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $0.8 million); offset by

 

$49.7 million proceeds from the redemptions of short-term investments (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $32.7 million).

 

Cash flow used in financing activities in Fiscal 2023 was $18.0 million, compared to $7.4 million cash used in financing activities in Fiscal 2022, and comprised mostly of:

 

$0.6 million lease payment (Fiscal 2022- $0.6 million);

 

$10.9 million in distributions to non-controlling shareholders (Fiscal 2022- $5.1 million);

 

$4.4 million cash dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (Fiscal 2022- $4.4 million);

 

$2.1 million spent to buy back 838,237 common shares of the Company under Normal Course Issuer Bid (Fiscal 2022- $nil); offset by

 

$nil cash received arising from exercise of stock options (Fiscal 2022- $1.9 million); and

 

$nil cash repayments received from related parties (Fiscal 2022 - $0.8 million).

 

Cash flow used in financing activities in Q4 Fiscal 2023 was $3.7 million, compared to $0.7 million provided by financing activities in Q4 Fiscal 2022, and comprised mostly of:

 

$0.1 million lease payment (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $0.2 million);

 

$3.6 million cash dividends distribution to non-controlling shareholders (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $nil million); offset by

 

$nil million in repayment from related parties (Q4 Fiscal 2022 - $0.8 million).

 

Capital Resources

 

The Company’s objective when managing capital is to maintain financial flexibility to continue as a going concern while optimizing growth and maximizing returns of investments for shareholders.

 

The Company monitors its capital structure based on changes in operations and economic conditions, and may adjust the structure by repurchasing shares, issuing new shares, or issuing debt. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, the percentage ownership of current shareholders will be reduced, and such equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of the Company’s common shares. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, can be obtained on terms favourable to the Company and its shareholders. If adequate funds are not available, the Company may be required to delay, limit or eliminate some or all of its proposed operations. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 24

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Contractual Obligation and Commitments

 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum payments. The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturities of the Company’s financial and non-financial liabilities, shown in contractual undiscounted cash flow as at March 31, 2023.

 

    Within a year     2-5 years     Total  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 36,737     $ -     $ 36,737  
Deposit received     4,090       -       4,090
Lease obligation     283       332       615  
Income tax payable     144       -       144  
    $ 41,254     $ 332     $ 41,586  

 

The Company’s customers are required to make full amount of payment as deposits prior to the shipment of its concentrate inventories, and the customers also have rights to demand repayment of any unused deposits paid.

 

As at March 31, 2023, the Company has working capital of $177.8 million (March 31, 2022 - $186.3 million). The Company believes it has sufficient capital to meet its cash needs for the next 12 months, including the cost of compliance with continuous reporting requirements.

 

9. Environmental Rehabilitation Provision

 

The estimated future environmental rehabilitation costs are based principally on the requirements of relevant authorities and the Company’s environmental policies. The provision is measured using management’s assumptions and estimates for future cash outflows. In view of uncertainties concerning environmental rehabilitation obligations, the ultimate costs could be materially different from the amounts estimated. The Company accrues these costs, which are determined by discounting costs using rates specific to the underlying obligation. Upon recognition of a liability for the environmental rehabilitation costs, the Company capitalizes these costs to the related mine and amortizes such amounts over the life of each mine on a unit-of-production basis. The accretion of the discount due to the passage of time is recognized as an increase in the liability and a finance expense.

 

As at March 31, 2023, the total inflated and undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows required to settle the Company’s environmental rehabilitation provision was $10.2 million (March 31, 2022 - $12.3 million) over the next twenty years, which has been discounted using an average discount rate of 2.83% (March 31, 2022 - 3.01%).

 

The accretion of the discounted charge in Fiscal 2023 was $0.2 million (Fiscal 2022 - $0.3 million), and reclamation expenditures incurred in Fiscal 2023 was $0.7 million (Fiscal 2022 - $0.5 million).

 

10. Risks and Uncertainties

 

The Company is exposed to a number of risks in conducting its business, including but not limited to: metal price risk as the Company derives its revenue from the sale of silver, lead, zinc, and gold; credit risk in the normal course of dealing with other companies and financial institutions; foreign exchange risk as the Company reports its financial statements in USD whereas the Company operates in jurisdictions that utilize other currencies; equity price risk and interest rate risk as the Company has investments in marketable securities that are traded in the open market or earn interest at market rates that are fixed to maturity or at variable interest rates; inherent risk of uncertainties in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources; political risks; economic and social risks related to conducting business in foreign jurisdictions such as China and Mexico; environmental risks; risks related to its relations with employees and local communities where the Company operates, and emerging risks relating to the spread of COVID-19, which has to date resulted in profound health and economic impacts globally and which presents future risks and uncertainties that are largely unknown at this time.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 25

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Management and the Board continuously assess risks that the Company is exposed to and attempt to mitigate these risks where practical through a range of risk management strategies.

 

These and other risks are described in the Company’s Annual Information Form, NI 43-101 technical reports, Form 40-F, and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are encouraged to refer to these documents for a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties inherent to Silvercorp’s business.

 

(a) Financial Instruments Risk Exposure

 

The Company is exposed to financial risks, including metal price risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, and liquidity risk. The Company’s exposures and management of each of those risks is described in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023 under Note 21 “Financial Instruments”, along with the financial statement classification, the significant assumptions made in determining the fair value, and amounts of income, expenses, gains and losses associated with financial instruments. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. The following provides a description of the risks related to financial instruments and how management manages these risks:

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities. Cash flow forecasting is performed regularly to ensure that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after considering cash flows from operations and our holdings of cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

The Company reports its financial statements in US dollars. The functional currency of the head office, Canadian subsidiaries and all intermediate holding companies is CAD and the functional currency of all Chinese subsidiaries is RMB. The functional currency of New Infini and its subsidiaries is USD. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when the Company undertakes transactions and holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than its functional currencies.

 

The Company currently does not engage in foreign exchange currency hedging. The sensitivity of the Company’s net income due to the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar as at March 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:

 

                      Accounts payable     Net financial     Effect of +/- 10%  
    Cash and cash     Short-term     Other     and accrued     assets     change in  
    equivelents     investments     investments     liabilities     explosure     currency  
US dollar   $ 70,461     $ 3,802     $ 2,527     $ (68 )   $ 76,790     $ 7,679  
Australian dollar     249       -       2,996       -       3,245       325  
    $ 70,710     $ 3,802     $ 5,523     $ (68 )   $ 80,035     $ 8,004  

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash equivalents and short-term investments. As at March31, 2023, all of its interest-bearing cash equivalents and short-term investments earn interest at market rates that are fixed to maturity or at variable interest rates with terms of less than one year. The Company monitors its exposure to changes in interest rates on cash equivalents and short-term investments. Due to the short-term

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 26

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the Company’s net income.

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company is exposed to credit risk primarily associated to accounts receivable, due from related parties, cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The carrying amount of assets included on the balance sheet represents the maximum credit exposure.

 

The Company undertakes credit evaluations on counterparties as necessary, requests deposits from customers prior to delivery, and has monitoring processes intended to mitigate credit risks. There were no material amounts in trade or other receivables which were past due on March 31, 2023 (at March 31, 2022 - $nil).

 

Equity price risk

 

The Company holds certain marketable securities that will fluctuate in value as a result of trading on financial markets. As the Company’s marketable securities holdings are mainly in mining companies, the value will also fluctuate based on commodity prices. Based upon the Company’s portfolio as at March 31, 2023, a 10% increase (decrease) in the market price of the securities held, ignoring any foreign currency effects, would have resulted in an increase (decrease) to the net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) of $1.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

(b) Metal Price Risk

 

The majority of our revenue is derived from the sale of silver, gold, lead, and zinc, and therefore fluctuations in the price of these metals significantly affect our operations and profitability. Our sales are directly dependent on metal prices, and metal prices have historically shown significant volatility and are beyond our control. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its commodity price risk.

 

(c) Uncertainty in the Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, and Metal Recovery

 

The estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (as defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining’s Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines and included by reference in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101) is subject to a level of uncertainty and should be considered as estimates until the minerals are actually extracted and processed. Various factors such as metal prices, exchange rates, geological variability, mining methods, and operating cost escalation can affect the quantity and grade of reserves and resources. Any significant change in these factors can impact the economic viability of the Company’s mineral properties and have a material adverse effect on its financial condition. The estimation of Mineral Reserves is based on economic factors at the time of calculation, which may change over time. Additionally, there is no guarantee that metal recoveries observed in small-scale laboratory tests will be replicated in larger-scale tests or during production.

 

(d) COVID-19 and Other Pandemics

 

The Company’s business, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by the outbreak of pandemics or other health crises, such as the outbreak of COVID-19 that was designated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) on March 11, 2020. The international response to the spread of COVID-19 has led to significant restrictions on travel, temporary business closures, quarantines, global stock market volatility, and a general reduction in consumer activity. Such public health crises can result in operating, supply chain and project development delays and disruptions, global stock market and financial market volatility, declining trade and market sentiment, reduced movement of people and labour shortages, and travel and shipping disruption and shutdowns, including as a result of government regulation and prevention

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 27

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

measures, or a fear of any of the foregoing, all of which could affect commodity prices, interest rates, credit risk and inflation. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and any future emergence and spread of similar pathogens could have an adverse impact on global economic conditions which may adversely impact the Company’s operations, and the operations of suppliers, contractors and service providers. In December 2022, the Chinese government issued new guideline easing its zero-COVID policies and travel restrictions were lifted.

 

The Company’s business could be materially adversely affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 5, 2023, WHO announced that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, and as at the date of this MD&A, the global spread of COVID-19 appears to have stabilized. The Company has modified its measures to monitor, combat and manage the impact of COVID-19 at its operations. Due to the potential for new variants of COVID-19, future disruptions to business internationally and related financial impact on the Company and the economy in general cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty at this time.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company modified its preventative control measures. These measures include continuing education and, where appropriate, voluntary vaccination campaigns to avoid illnesses related to COVID-19, COVID-19 variants, and the seasonal flu. Monitoring of worker wellness or fitness for duty, as recommended by the Canadian and Chinese Governments health agencies, continues.

 

There is no guarantee that the Company will not experience disruptions to some of its active mining operations due to COVID-19 restrictions in the future. Any resurgence of COVID-19 or the spread of other public health crises could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business, including without limitation, employee health, workforce availability and productivity, limitations on travel, supply chain disruptions, increased insurance premiums, increased costs and reduced efficiencies, the availability of industry experts and personnel, restrictions on the Company’s exploration and drilling programs and/or the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing and the slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company’s properties, resulting in reduced production volumes. Although the Company has the capacity to continue certain administrative functions remotely, many other functions, including mining operations, cannot be conducted remotely. Any such disruptions could have an adverse effect on the Company’s production, revenue, net income and business.

 

(e) Permits, licenses and national security clearance

 

All mineral resources and mineral reserves of the Company’s subsidiaries are owned by their respective governments, and mineral exploration and mining activities may only be conducted by entities that have obtained or renewed exploration or mining permits and licenses in accordance with the relevant mining laws and regulations. No guarantee can be given that the necessary exploration and mining permits and licenses will be issued to the Company or, if they are issued, that they will be renewed, or if renewed under reasonable operational and/or financial terms, or in a timely manner, or that the Company will be in a position to comply with all conditions that are imposed. No guarantee can be given that the national security clearance for Zhonghe Silver Project will be issued, or if it is issued, that it will be issued under reasonable operational and/or financial terms, or in a timely manner, or that the Company will be in a position to comply with all conditions that are imposed.

 

Nearly all mining projects require government approval. There can be no certainty that approvals necessary to develop and operate mines on the Company’s properties will be granted or renewed in a timely and/or economical manner, or at all.

 

In addition, China has further strengthened its national security review of foreign investment. The Measures will continue to create an additional layer of uncertainty with respect to foreign investment. Investment plans, timetables, terms and conditions for closing for investment must consider the timing and contingency of obtaining approval from the national security review process.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 28

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(f) Title to properties

 

The validity of mining or exploration titles or claims or rights, which constitute most of our property holdings, can be uncertain and may be contested. Our properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements or transfers, indigenous land claims, or undetected title defects. In some cases, we do not own or hold rights to the mineral concessions we mine. We have not conducted surveys of all the claims in which we hold direct or indirect interests and therefore, the precise area and location of such claims may be in doubt. No assurance can be given that applicable governments will not revoke or significantly alter the conditions of the applicable exploration and mining titles or claims, or that such exploration and mining titles or claims will not be challenged or impugned by third parties.

 

We may be unable to operate our properties as expected, or to enforce our rights to our properties. Any defects in title to our properties, or the revocation of our rights to mine, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

We operate in countries with developing mining laws, and changes in such laws could materially impact our rights or interests to our properties. We are also subject to expropriation risk, including the risk of expropriation or extinguishment of property rights based on a perceived lack of development or advancement. Expropriation, extinguishment of rights and any other such similar governmental actions would likely have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability.

 

In the jurisdictions in which we operate, legal rights applicable to mining concessions are different and separate from legal rights applicable to surface lands. Accordingly, title holders of mining concessions in many jurisdictions must agree with surface land owners on compensation in respect of mining activities conducted on such land. We do not hold title to all of the surface lands at many of our operations and rely on contracts or other similar rights to conduct surface activities.

 

Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties in China and the Company’s ability to ensure that it has obtained secure claims to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Accordingly, the Company may have little or no recourse as a result of any successful challenge to title to any of its properties. The Company’s properties may be subject to prior unregistered liens, agreements or transfers, land claims or undetected title defects which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to develop or exploit the properties.

 

(g) Operations and political conditions

 

All the Company’s material operations are located in China. These operations are subject to the risks normally associated with conducting business in China, which has different regulatory and legal standards than North America. Some of these risks are more prevalent in countries which are less developed or have emerging economies, including uncertain political and economic environments, as well as risks of civil disturbances or other risks which may limit or disrupt a project, restrict the movement of funds or result in the deprivation of contractual rights or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation, risk of adverse changes in laws or policies, increases in foreign taxation or royalty obligations, license fees, permit fees, delays in obtaining or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits, limitations on ownership and repatriation of earnings, and foreign exchange controls and currency devaluations.

 

In addition, the Company may face import and export regulations, including export restrictions, disadvantages of competing against companies from countries that are not subject to similar laws, restrictions on the ability to pay dividends offshore, and risk of loss due to disease and other potential endemic health issues. Although the Company is not currently experiencing any significant or extraordinary problems in China arising from such risks, there can be no assurance that such problems will not arise in the future. The Company currently does not carry political risk insurance coverage.

 

The Company’s interests in its mineral properties are held through joint venture companies established under

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 29

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

and governed by the laws of China. The Company’s joint venture partners in China include state-sector entities and, like other state-sector entities, their actions and priorities may be dictated by government policies instead of purely commercial considerations. Additionally, companies with a foreign ownership component operating in China may be required to work within a framework which is different from that imposed on domestic Chinese companies. The Chinese government currently allows foreign investment in certain mining projects under central government guidelines. There can be no assurance that these guidelines will not change in the future.

 

(h) Regulatory environment in China

 

The Company’s principal mining operations are in China. The laws of China differ significantly from those of Canada and all such laws are subject to change. Mining is subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and disposal of waste products occurring as a result of mineral exploration and production.

 

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in enforcement actions and may also include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws and regulations. China’s legislation is undergoing a relatively fast transformation with some old laws superseded by newly enacted laws. New laws and regulations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, administrative interpretation of existing laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations could create risks or uncertainty for investors in mineral projects or have a material adverse impact on future cash flow, results of operations and the financial condition of the Company.

 

In addition, China has further strengthened its national security review of foreign investment. The measures will continue to create an additional layer of uncertainty with respect to foreign investment. Investment plans, timetables, terms and conditions for closing for investment must take into account the timing and contingency of obtaining approval from the national security review process.

 

(i) Environmental and safety risks

 

The Company’s activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing environmental protection and employee health and safety, including environmental laws and regulations in China. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species, and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. The Company’s Chinese subsidiaries are required to have been issued environmental permits and safety production permits with various expiration dates. These permits are also subject to periodic inspection by government authorities. Failure to pass the inspections may result in penalties. No guarantee can be given that the necessary permits will be issued to the Company or, if they are issued, that they will be renewed, or if renewed under reasonable operational and/or financial terms, or in a timely manner, or that the Company will be in a position to comply with all conditions that are imposed.

 

Nearly all mining projects require government approval and permits relating to environmental, social, land and water usage, community matters, and other matters.

 

There are also laws and regulations prescribing reclamation activities on some mining properties. Environmental legislation in many countries, including China, is evolving and the trend has been toward stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and increasing responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays on behalf of the Company and may cause material changes or delays in the Company’s intended activities. There can be no assurance that the Company has been or will be at all times in complete compliance with current and future environmental, and health and safety laws, and the status of permits will not materially adversely affect the

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 30

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on some portion of the Company’s business, causing the Company to re-evaluate those activities at that time. The Company’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations entail uncertain costs.

 

(j) Risks and hazards of mining operations

 

Mining is inherently dangerous and the Company’s operations are subject to a number of risks and hazards including, without limitation:

 

(i) environmental hazards;
(ii) discharge of pollutants or hazardous chemicals;
(iii) industrial accidents;
(iv) failure of processing and mining equipment;
(v) labour disputes;
(vi) supply problems and delays;
(vii) encountering unusual or unexpected geologic formations or other geological or grade problems;
(viii) encountering unanticipated ground or water conditions;
(ix) cave-ins, pit wall failures, flooding, rock bursts and fire;
(x) periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions;
(xi) equipment breakdown;
(xii) other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in development, construction or production;
(xiii) other acts of God or unfavourable operating conditions; and
(xiv) Health, safety, and operational risks associated with spread of COVID-19 pandemic, and any future emergence and spread of similar pathogens, including the potential for area lock-down affecting operations.

 

Such risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or processing facilities, personal injury or death, loss of key employees, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Satisfying such liabilities may be very costly and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

 

(k) Cybersecurity Risks

 

The Company is subject to cybersecurity risks including unauthorized access to privileged information, or unauthorized access that could destroy data or disable, degrade, or sabotage our systems, including through the introduction of computer viruses. Although we take steps to secure our configurations and manage our information system, including our computer systems, internet sites, emails and other telecommunications, and financial/geological data, there can be no assurance that measures we take to ensure the integrity of our systems will provide protection, especially because cyberattack techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until successful. The Company has not experienced any material cybersecurity incident in the past, but there can be no assurance that the Company would not experience in the future. If our systems are compromised, do not operate properly or are disable, we could suffer financial loss, disruption of business, loss of geology data which could affect our ability to conduct effective mine planning and accurate mineral resources estimates, and loss of financial data which could affect our ability to provide accurate and timely financial reporting.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 31

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

(l) Climate Change

 

There is significant evidence of the effects of climate change on our planet and an intensifying focus on addressing these issues. The Company recognizes that climate change is a global challenge that may have both favorable and adverse effects on our business in a range of possible ways. Mining and processing operations are energy intensive and result in a carbon footprint either directly or through the purchase of fossil-fuel based electricity. As such, the Company is impacted by current and emerging policy and regulation relating to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency, and reporting of climate-change related risks. While some of the costs associated with reducing emissions may be offset by increased energy efficiency, technological innovation, or the increased demand for our metals as part of technological innovations, the current regulatory trend may result in additional transition costs at some of our operations. Governments are introducing climate change legislation and treaties at the international, national, and local levels, and regulations relating to emission levels and energy efficiency are evolving and becoming more rigorous. Current laws and regulatory requirements are not consistent across the jurisdictions in which we operate, and regulatory uncertainty is likely to result in additional complexity and cost in our compliance efforts. Public perception of mining is, in some respects, negative and there is increasing pressure to curtail mining in many jurisdictions as a result, in part, of perceived adverse effects of mining on the environment.

 

Concerns around climate change may also affect the market price of our shares as institutional investors and others may divest interests in industries that are thought to have more environmental impacts. While we are committed to operating responsibly and reducing the negative effects of our operations on the environment, our ability to reduce emissions, energy and water usage by increasing efficiency and by adopting new innovation is constrained by technological advancement, operational factors and economics. Adoption of new technologies, the use of renewable energy, and infrastructure and operational changes necessary to reduce water usage may also increase our costs significantly. Concerns over climate change, and our ability to respond to regulatory requirements and societal pressures, may have significant impacts on our operations and on our reputation, and may even result in reduced demand for our products.

 

The physical risks of climate change could also adversely impact our operations. These risks include, among other things, extreme weather events, resource shortages, changes in rainfall and in storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and extreme temperatures. Climate-related events such as mudslides, floods, droughts and fires can have significant impacts, directly and indirectly, on our operations and could result in damage to our facilities, disruptions in accessing our sites with labour and essential materials or in shipping products from our mines, risks to the safety and security of our personnel and to communities, shortages of required supplies such as fuel and chemicals, inability to source enough water to supply our operations, and the temporary or permanent cessation of one or more of our operations. There is no assurance that we will be able to anticipate, respond to, or manage the risks associated with physical climate change events and impacts, and this may result in material adverse consequences to our business and to our financial results.

 

(m) Claims and Legal Proceeding Risks

 

The Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties and it is possible that some of these other matters may be resolved in a manner that is unfavourable to the Company which may result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial performance, cash flow or results of operations. The Company carries liability insurance coverage and establishes provisions for matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated, however there can be no guarantee that the amount of such coverage is sufficient to protect against all potential liabilities. In addition, the Company may in the future be subjected to regulatory investigations or other proceedings and may be involved in disputes with other parties in the future which may result in a significant impact on our financial condition, cash flow and results of operations.

 

11. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 32

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

12. Transactions with Related Parties

 

Related party transactions are made on terms agreed upon by the related parties. The balances with related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and due on demand. Related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A are as follows:

 

(a) Due from related parties

 

Related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A are as follows:

 

    March 31, 2023     March 31, 2022  
NUAG (i)   $ 51     $ 43  
TIN (ii)     37       23  
    $ 88     $ 66  

 

(i) The Company recovers costs for services rendered to NUAG and expenses incurred on behalf of NUAG pursuant to a services and administrative costs reallocation agreement. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recovered $1.0 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.7 million) from NUAG for services rendered and expenses incurred on behalf of NUAG. The costs recovered from NUAG were recorded as a direct reduction of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(ii) The Company recovers costs for services rendered to TIN and expenses incurred on behalf of TIN pursuant to a services and administrative costs reallocation agreement. During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company recovered $0.2 million (year ended March 31, 2022 - $0.2 million) from TIN for services rendered and expenses incurred on behalf of TIN. The costs recovered from TIN were recorded as a direct reduction of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(b) Compensation of key management personnel

 

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management personnel, who are those having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

 

    Years Ended March 31,  
    2023     2022  
Cash compensation     3,057       3,246  
Share-based compensation     3,764       3,179  
    $ 6,821     $ 6,425  

 

13. Alternative Performance (Non-IFRS) Measures

 

The Company uses the following alternative performance measures to manage and evaluate operating performance of the Company’s mines and are widely reported in the silver mining industry as benchmarks for performance but are alternative performance (non-IFRS) measures that do not have standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, it is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. To facilitate a better understanding of these measures, the tables in this section provide the reconciliation of these measures to the financial statements for the three months and the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

(a) Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings per Share

 

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share are non-IFRS measures and supplemental information to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that, in addition to the conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, the Company and certain investors and analysts use this information

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 33

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

to evaluate the Company’s underlying core operating performance. The presentation of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share is not meant to be a substitute of net income and net income per share presented in accordance with IFRS, but rather should be evaluated in conjunction with such IFRS measure.

 

The Company defines the adjusted earnings as net income adjusted to exclude certain non-cash and unusual items, and items that in the Company’s judgment are subject to volatility as a result of factors which are unrelated to the Company’s operation in the period, and/or relate to items that will settle in future period, including impairment adjustments and reversal, foreign exchange gain or loss, dilution gain or loss, share-based compensation, share of gain or loss of associates, gain or loss on investments, and other non-recurring items. Certain items that become applicable in a period may be adjusted for, with the Company retroactively presenting comparable periods with an adjustment for such items and, conversely, items no longer applicable may be removed from the calculation. The following table provides a detailed reconciliation of net income as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements to adjusted earnings and adjusted earning per share.

 

    Three months ended March 31,   Year ended March 31,
    2023   2022   2023   2022  
Net income (loss) as reported for the period   $ 2,281     $ 6,362     $ 21,100     $ 43,284  
Adjustments, net of tax                                
  Share-based compensation included in general and administrative     709       952     $ 3,842     $ 5,827  
  Foreign exchange loss (gain)     304       3,159       (4,842 )     (267 )
  Share of loss in associates     725       920       2,901       2,188  
  (Gain) loss on equity investments     1,061       499       2,318       3,485  
  Impairment charges to mineral rights and properties     -       -       20,211       -  
  Impairment loss on bonds investments included in finance costs     1,937       -       2,883       10,560  
Adjusted earnings for the period   $ 7,017     $ 11,892     $ 48,413     $ 65,077  
Non-controlling interest as reported     2,046       2,396       492       12,650  
  Adjustments to non-controlling interest     -       -       10,894       -  
Adjusted non-controlling interest     2,046       2,396       11,386       12,650  
Adjusted earnings attributable to equity holders   $ 4,971     $ 9,496   $ 37,027     $ 52,427  
Adjusted earnings per share attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company                                
Basic adjusted earning per share   $ 0.03     $ 0.05     $ 0.21     $ 0.30  
Diluted adjusted earning per share   $ 0.03     $ 0.05     $ 0.21     $ 0.29  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     176,771,265       177,105,799       176,862,877       176,534,501  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     179,111,856       178,741,964       178,989,549       178,323,968  

 

(b) Working Capital

 

Working capital is an alternative performance (non-IFRS) measure calculated as current asset less current liabilities. Working capital does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company and certain investors use this information to evaluate whether the Company is able to meet its current obligations using its current assets.

 

(c) Silver Equivalent

 

(d) Silver equivalent is an alternative performance (non-IFRS) measure calculated by converting the gold metal quantity to its silver equivalent using the ratio between the net realized selling prices of gold and silver and adding the converted amount expressed in silver ounces to the ounces of silver. Costs per Ounce of Silver

 

Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, are non-IFRS measures. The Company produces by-product metals incidentally to its silver mining activities. The Company has adopted the practice of calculating a performance measure with the net costs of producing an ounce of silver, its primary payable metal, after deducting revenues gained from incidental by-product production. This performance measure has been commonly used in the mining industry for many years and was developed as a relatively simple way of comparing the net production costs of the primary metal for a specific period against the prevailing market price of such metal.

 

Cash costs is calculated by deducting revenue from the sales of all metals other than silver and is calculated per ounce of silver sold.

 

AISC is an extension of the “cash costs” metric and provides a comprehensive measure of the Company’s

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 34

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 

operating performance and ability to generate cash flows. AISC has been calculated based on World Gold Council (“WGC”) guidance released in 2013 and updated in 2018. The WGC is not a regulatory organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements.

 

AISC is based on the Company’s cash costs, net of by-product sales, and further includes general and administrative expense, mineral resources tax, government fees and other taxes, reclamation cost accretion, lease liability payments, and sustaining capital expenditures. Sustaining capital expenditures are those costs incurred to sustain and maintain existing assets at current productive capacity and constant planned levels of production output. Excluded are non-sustaining capital expenditures, which result in a material increase in the life of assets, materially increase resources or reserves, productive capacity, or future earning potential, or significant improvement in recovery or grade, or which do not relate to the current production activities. The Company believes that this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver from current operations and provides additional information about the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash costs and AISC per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits:

 

    Year ended March 31, 2023     Year ended March 31, 2022  
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ounce and per ounce amount)   Ying
Mining
District
    GC   Other     Corporate     Consolidated     Ying
Mining
District
    GC     Other     Corporate     Consolidated  
Production costs expensed as reported   A   $ 74,390     $ 17,379     $ -     $ -     $ 91,769     $ 70,309     $ 18,228     $ -     $ -     $ 88,537  
By-product sales                                                                                    
Gold         (6,647 )     -       -       -       (6,647 )     (5,083 )     -       -       -       (5,083 )
Lead         (50,477 )     (6,366 )     -       -       (56,843 )     (48,504 )     (8,586 )     -       -       (57,090 )
Zinc         (7,881 )     (16,942 )     -       -       (24,823 )     (7,489 )     (21,353 )     -       -       (28,842 )
Other         (4,087 )     (2,137 )     -       -       (6,224 )     (3,840 )     (1,795 )     -       -       (5,635 )
Total by-product sales   B     (69,092 )     (25,445 )     -       -       (94,537 )     (64,916 )     (31,734 )     -       -       (96,650 )
Total cash costs, net of by-product credits   C=A+B     5,298       (8,066 )     -       -       (2,768 )     5,393       (13,506 )     -       -       (8,113 )
Add: Mineral resources tax          4,238       857       -       -       5,095       4,865       1,087       -       -       5,952  
General and administrative         7,394       2,678       415       13,249       23,736       8,228       2,651       529       14,181       25,589  
Amortization included in general and administrative         (549 )     (352 )     (288 )     (573 )     (1,762 )     (562 )     (398 )     (395 )     (593 )     (1,948 )
Property evaluation and business development*         -       -       -       438       438       -       -       122       799       921  
Government fees and other taxes         1,856       524       8       -       2,388       1,960       669       14       -       2,643  
Reclamation accretion         165       45       29       -       239       209       25       35       -       269  
Lease payment         -       -       -       597       597       -       -       -       637       637  
Sustaining capital expenditures         31,737       4,607       30       257       36,631       24,472       4,259       106       128       28,965  
All-in sustaining costs, net of by-product credits   F     50,139       293       194       13,968       64,594       44,565       (5,213 )     411       15,152       54,915  
Add: Non-sustaining capital expenditures         15,619       1,565       1,142       -       18,326       21,470       959       2,676       -       25,105  
All-in costs, net of by-product credits   G     65,758       1,858       1,336       13,968       82,920       66,035       (4,254 )     3,087       15,152       80,020  
Silver ounces sold (’000s)   H     6,049       588       -       -       6,637       5,619       646       -       -       6,265  
Cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits   (A+B)/H   $ 0.88     $ (13.72 )   $ -     $ -     $ (0.42 )   $ 0.96     $ (20.91 )   $ -     $ -     $ (1.29 )
All-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by- product credits   F/H   $ 8.29     $ 0.50     $ -     $ -     $ 9.73     $ 7.93     $ (8.07 )   $ -     $ -     $ 8.77  
All-in costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits   G/H   $ 10.87     $ 3.16     $ -     $ -     $ 12.49     $ 11.75     $ (6.59 )   $ -     $ -     $ 12.77  
                                                                                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                                                                                    
Gold         (1.10 )     -       -       -       (1.00 )     (0.90 )     -       -       -       (0.81 )
Lead         (8.34 )     (10.83 )     -       -       (8.56 )     (8.63 )     (13.29 )     -       -       (9.11 )
Zinc         (1.30 )     (28.81 )     -       -       (3.74 )     (1.33 )     (33.05 )     -       -       (4.60 )
Other         (0.68 )     (3.63 )     -       -       (0.94 )     (0.68 )     (2.78 )     -       -       (0.90 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver       $ (11.42 )   $ (43.27 )   $ -     $ -     $ (14.24 )   $ (11.54 )   $ (49.12 )   $ -     $ -     $ (15.42 )

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 35

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 

    Three months ended March 31, 2023       Three months ended March 31, 2022  
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ounce and per ounce amount)   Ying 
Mining
District
      GC       Other       Corporate       Consolidated       Ying
Mining
District
      GC       Other       Corporate       Consolidated  
Production costs expensed as reported   A   $ 12,476     $ 3,148     $ -     $ -     $ 15,624     $ 14,354     $ 3,872     $ -     $ -     $ 18,226  
By-product sales                                                                                    
Gold         (1,620 )     -       -       -       (1,620 )     (885 )     -       -       -       (885 )
Lead         (7,747 )     (936 )     -       -       (8,683 )     (9,618 )     (1,848 )     -       -       (11,466 )
Zinc         (1,032 )     (2,050 )     -       -       (3,082 )     (1,908 )     (3,387 )     -       -       (5,295 )
Other         (757 )     (494 )     -       -       (1,251 )     (664 )     (545 )     -       -       (1,209 )
Total by-product sales   B     (11,156 )     (3,480 )     -       -       (14,636 )     (13,075 )     (5,780 )     -       -       (18,855 )
Total cash costs, net of by-product credits    C=A+B     1,320       (332 )     -       -       988       1,279       (1,908 )     -       -       (629 )
Add: Mineral resources tax           689       120       -       -       809       820       192       -       -       1,012  
General and administrative           1,711       634       82       3,045       5,472       2,243       657       129       3,284       6,313  
Amortization included in general and administrative          (137 )     (90 )     (59 )     (143 )     (429 )     (142 )     (101 )     (97 )     (158 )     (498 )
Property evaluation and business development*          -       -       -       62       62       -       -       12       71       83  
Government fees and other taxes         355       56       4       -       415       345       96       5       -       446  
Reclamation accretion          39       11       7       -       57       52       6       9       -       67  
Lease payment         -       -       -       96       96       -       -       -       167       167  
Sustaining capital expenditures          6,969       235       30       158       7,392       6,790       1,013       5       5       7,813  
All-in sustaining costs, net of by-product credits    F     10,946       634       64       3,218       14,862       11,387       (45 )     63       3,369       14,774  
Add: Non-sustaining capital expenditures          2,101       249       42       -       2,392       3,253       146       187       -       3,586  
All-in costs, net of by-product credits    G     13,047       883       106       3,218       17,254       14,640       101       250       3,369       18,360  
Silver ounces sold (’000s)    H     966       107       -       -       1,073       1,058       115       -       -       1,173  
Cash costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits   (A+B)/H   $ 1.37     $ (3.10 )   $ -     $ -     $ 0.92     $ 1.21     $ (16.59 )   $ -     $ -     $ (0.54 )
All-in sustaining costs per ounce of silver, net of by- product credits   F/H   $ 11.33     $ 5.93     $ -     $ -     $ 13.85     $ 10.76     $ (0.39 )   $ -     $ -     $ 12.60  
All-in costs per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits   G/H   $ 13.51     $ 8.25     $ -     $ -     $ 16.08     $ 13.84     $ 0.88     $ -     $ -     $ 15.65  
                                                                                     
By-product credits per ounce of silver                                                                                    
Gold         (1.68 )     -       -       -       (1.51 )     (0.84 )     -       -       -       (0.75 )
Lead         (8.02 )     (8.75 )     -       -       (8.09 )     (9.09 )     (16.07 )     -       -       (9.77 )
Zinc         (1.07 )     (19.16 )     -       -       (2.87 )     (1.80 )     (29.45 )     -       -       (4.51 )
Other         (0.78 )     (4.62 )     -       -       (1.17 )     (0.63 )     (4.74 )     -       -       (1.03 )
Total by-product credits per ounce of silver       $ (11.55 )   $ (32.53 )   $ -     $ -     $ (13.64 )   $ (12.36 )   $ (50.26 )   $ -     $ -     $ (16.06 )

 

(e) Costs per Tonne of Ore Processed

 

The Company uses costs per tonne of ore processed to manage and evaluate operating performance at each of its mines. Costs per tonne of ore processed is calculated based on total production costs on a sales basis, adjusted for changes in inventory, to arrive at total production costs that relate to ore production during the period. These total production costs are then further divided into mining costs, shipping costs, and milling costs. Mining costs include costs of material and supplies, labour costs, applicable mine overhead costs, and mining contractor costs for mining ore; shipping costs includes freight charges for shipping stockpile ore from mine sites and mill sites, and milling costs include costs of materials and supplies, labour costs, and applicable mill overhead costs related to ore processing. Mining costs per tonne is the mining costs divided by the tonnage of ore mined, shipping cost per tonne is the shipping costs divided by the tonnage of ore shipped from mine sites to mill sites; and milling costs per tonne is the milling costs divided by the tonnage of ore processed at the mill. Costs per tonne of ore processed are the total of per tonne mining costs, per tonne shipping costs, and per tonne milling costs.

 

All-in sustaining production costs per tonne is an extension of the production costs per tonne and provides a comprehensive measure of the Company’s operating performance and ability to generate cash flows. All-in sustaining production costs per tonne is based on the Company’s production costs, and further includes general and administrative expenses, government fees and other taxes, reclamation cost accretion, lease liability payments, and sustaining capital expenditures. The Company believes that this measure represents the total sustainable costs of processing ore from current operations and provides additional information about the Company’s operational performance and ability to generate cash flows.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 36

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of production costs and all-in sustaining production costs per tonne of ore processed:

 

          Year ended March 31, 2023       Year ended March 31, 2022  
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ounce and per ounce amount)         Ying 
Mining
District
      GC       Other       Corporate       Consolidated       Ying
 Mining
District
      GC       Other       Corporate       Consolidated  
Production costs expensed as reported       $ 74,390     $ 17,379     $ -     $ -     $ 91,769     $ 70,309     $ 18,228     $ -     $ -     $ 88,537  
Adjustment for aggregate plant operations*         (1,360 )     -       -       -       (1,360 )     (2,129 )     -       -       -       (2,129 )
Changes in stockpile and concentrate inventory                                                                                    
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning         (4,740 )     (139 )     (35 )     -       (4,914 )     (5,996 )     (442 )     (34 )     -       (6,472 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending         3,657       246       32       -       3,935       4,684       137       35       -       4,856  
Net change of depreciation and amortization charged to inventory         (190 )     17       -       -       (173 )     (89     53       -       -       36
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement         667       (25 )     3       -       645       (120 )     (9     (1 )     -       (130
          (606 )     99       -       -       (507 )     (1,521 )     (261 )     -       -       (1,782 )
Adjusted production cost       $ 72,424     $ 17,478     $ -     $ -     $ 89,902     $ 66,659     $ 17,967     $ -     $ -     $ 84,626  
Mining costs   A     60,472       12,405       -       -       72,877       55,859       12,780       -       -       68,639  
Shipping costs   B     2,861       -       -       -       2,861       2,523       -       -       -       2,523  
Milling Costs   C     9,091       5,073       -       -       14,164       8,277       5,187       -       -       13,464  
Total cash production cost       $ 72,424     $ 17,478     $ -     $ -     $ 89,902     $ 66,659     $ 17,967     $ -     $ -     $ 84,626  
General and administrative         7,394       2,678       415       13,249       23,736       8,228       2,651       529       14,181       25,589  
Amortization included in general and administrative         (549 )     (352 )     (288 )     (573 )     (1,762 )     (562 )     (398 )     (395 )     (593 )     (1,948 )
Property evaluation and business development         -       -       -       438       438       -       -       122       799       921  
Government fees and other taxes         1,856       524       8       -       2,388       1,960       669       14       -       2,643  
Reclamation accretion         165       45       29       -       239       209       25       35       -       269  
Lease payment         -       -       -       597       597       -       -       -       637       637  
Adjustment for aggregate plant operations         -       -       -       -       -       (257 )     -       -       -       (257 )
Sustaining capital expenditures         31,737       4,607       30       257       36,631       24,472       4,259       106       128       28,965  
All-in sustaining production cost   D   $ 113,027     $ 24,980     $ 194     $ 13,968     $ 152,169     $ 100,709     $ 25,173     $ 411     $ 15,152     $ 141,445  
Non-sustaining capital expenditures         15,619       1,565       1,142       -       18,326       21,470       959       2,676       -     $ 25,105  
All in production cost   E   $ 128,646     $ 26,545     $ 1,336     $ 13,968     $ 170,495     $ 122,179     $ 26,132     $ 3,087     $ 15,152     $ 166,550  
Ore mined (’000s)   F     769.024       299.959       -       -       1,068.983       681.398       314.882       -       -       996.280  
Ore shipped (’000s)   G     777.228       299.959       -       -       1,077.187       684.959       314.882       -       -       999.841  
Ore milled (’000s)   H     773.057       299.597       -       -       1,072.654       684.293       318.042       -       -       1,002.335  
Per tonne Production cost                                                                                    
Cash mining cost ($/tonne)   I=A/F     78.63       41.36       -       -       68.17       81.98       40.59       -       -       68.90  
Shipping costs ($/tonne)   J=B/G     3.68       -       -       -       2.66       3.68       -       -       -       2.52  
Cash milling costs ($/tonne)   K=C/H     11.76       16.93       -       -       13.20       12.10       16.31       -       -       13.43  
Cash production costs ($/tonne)   L=I+J+K   $ 94.07     $ 58.29     $ -     $ -     $ 84.03     $ 97.76     $ 56.90     $ -     $ -     $ 84.85  
All-in sustaining production costs ($/tonne)   M=(D-A-B-C)/H+L   $ 146.59     $ 83.33     $ -     $ -     $ 142.08     $ 147.52     $ 79.56     $ -     $ -     $ 141.54  
All in costs ($/tonne)   N=M+(E-D)/H   $ 166.80     $ 88.55     $ -     $ -     $ 159.16     $ 178.89     $ 82.57     $ -     $ -     $ 166.58  

 

        Three months ended March 31, 2023     Three months ended March 31, 2022  
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except ounce and per ounce amount)       Ying Mining
District
  GC     Other     Corporate     Consolidated     Ying Mining
District
  GC     Other     Corporate     Consolidated  
Production costs expensed as reported       $ 12,476     $ 3,148     $ -     $ -     $ 15,624     $ 14,354     $ 3,872     $ -     $ -     $ 18,226  
Adjustment for aggregate plant operations         ( 79 )     -       -       -       (79 )     (470 )     -       -       -       (470 )
Changes in stockpile and concentrate inventory                                                                                    
Less: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Beginning         (2,254 )     (42 )     (32 )     -       (2,328 )     (5,062 )     (725 )     (35 )     -       (5,822 )
Add: stockpile and concentrate inventory - Ending         3,657       246       32       -       3,935       4,684       137       35       -       4,856  
Net change of depreciation and amortization charged to inventory         83       12       -       -       95       (84     101       -       -       17  
Adjustment for foreign exchange movement         (352 )     (45 )     -       -       (397 )     (25 )     (3 )     -       -       (28 )
          1,134       171       -       -       1,305       (487 )     (490 )     -       -       (977 )
Adjusted production cost       $ 13,531     $ 3,319     $ -     $ -     $ 16,850     $ 13,397     $ 3,382     $ -     $ -     $ 16,779  
Mining costs   A     11,074       2,305       -       -       13,379       10,996       2,274       -       -       13,270  
Shipping costs   B     463       -       -       -       463       504       -       -       -       504  
Milling Costs   C     1,994       1,014       -       -       3,008       1,897       1,108       -       -       3,005  
Total cash production cost       $ 13,531     $ 3,319     $ -     $ -     $ 16,850     $ 13,397     $ 3,382     $ -     $ -     $ 16,779  
General and administrative         1,711       634       82       3,045       5,472       2,243       657       129       3,284       6,313  
Amortization included in general and administrative         (137 )     (90 )     (59 )     (143 )     (429 )     (142 )     (101 )     (97 )     (158 )     (498 )
Property evaluation and business development         -       -       -       62       62       -       -       12       71       83  
Government fees and other taxes         355       56       4       -       415       345       96       5       -       446  
Reclamation accretion         39       11       7       -       57       52       6       9       -       67  
Lease payment         -       -       -       96       96       -       -       -       167       167  
Adjustment for aggregate plant operations         -       -       -       -       -       (48 )     -       -       -       (48 )
Sustaining capital expenditures         6,969       235       30       158       7,392       6,790       1,013       5       5       7,813  
All-in sustaining production cost   D   $ 22,468     $ 4,165     $ 64     $ 3,218     $ 29,915     $ 22,637     $ 5,053     $ 63     $ 3,369     $ 31,170  
Non-sustaining capital expenditures         2,101       249       42       -       2,392       3,253       146       187       -       3,586  
All in production cost   E   $ 24,569     $ 4,414     $ 106     $ 3,218     $ 32,307     $ 25,890     $ 5,199     $ 250     $ 3,369     $ 34,846  
Ore mined (’000s)   F     132.205       49.643       -       -       181.848       130.612       49.893       -       -       180.505  
Ore shipped (’000s)   G     135.081       49.643       -       -       184.724       129.256       49.893       -       -       179.149  
Ore milled (’000s)   H     130.910       48.483       -       -       179.393       131.731       50.939       -       -       182.670  
Per tonne Production cost                                                                                    
Cash mining cost ($/tonne)   I=A/F     83.76       46.43       -       -       73.57       84.19       45.58       -       -       73.52  
Shipping costs ($/tonne)   J=B/G     3.43       -       -       -       2.51       3.90       -       -       -       2.81  
Cash milling costs ($/tonne)   K=C/H     15.23       20.91       -       -       16.77       14.40       21.75       -       -       16.45  
Cash production costs ($/tonne)   L=I+J+K   $ 102.42     $ 67.34     $ -     $ -     $ 92.85     $ 102.49     $ 67.33     $ -     $ -     $ 92.78  
All-in sustaining production costs ($/tonne)   M=(D-A-B-C)/H+L   $ 170.69     $ 84.79     $ -     $ -     $ 165.68     $ 172.63     $ 100.13     $ -     $ -     $ 171.56  
All in costs ($/tonne)   N=M+(E-D)/H   $ 186.74     $ 89.93     $ -     $ -     $ 179.01     $ 197.33     $ 103.00     $ -     $ -     $ 191.69  

* The operation of the aggregate plant is considered an integrated part of the operations at the Ying Mining District, and its revenue is treated as credits to offset its production costs.

 

14. Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments, and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting estimates represent management estimates and judgements that are uncertain and any changes in these estimates could materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Management continuously

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 37

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 

reviews its estimates and assumptions using the most current information available. The Company’s critical accounting policies, judgements and estimates are described in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

15. New Accounting Standards

 

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the current period and have not been early adopted.

 

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1)

 

The amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether, in the statement of financial position, debt and other liabilities with an uncertain settlement date should be classified as current (due or potentially due to be settled within one year) or non-current.

 

The amendments are applied on or after the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with early application permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgments - Disclosure of Accounting Policies

 

The amendments change the requirements in IAS 1 with regard to disclosure of accounting policies. The amendments replace all instances of the term “significant accounting policies” with “material accounting policy information”. Accounting policy information is material if, when considered together with other information included in an entity’s financial statements, it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general-purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements.

 

The supporting paragraphs in IAS 1 are also amended to clarify that accounting policy information that relates to immaterial transactions, other events or conditions is immaterial and need not be disclosed. Accounting policy information may be material because of the nature of the related transactions, other events or conditions, even if the amounts are immaterial. However, not all accounting policy information relating to material transactions, other events or conditions is itself material. The Board has also developed guidance and examples to explain and demonstrate the application of the ‘four-step materiality process’ described in IFRS Practice Statement 2.

 

The amendments to IAS 1 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with earlier application permitted and are applied prospectively. The amendments to IFRS Practice Statement 2 do not contain an effective date or transition requirements. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors—Definition of Accounting Estimates

 

The amendments replace the definition of a change in accounting estimates with a definition of accounting estimates. Under the new definition, accounting estimates are “monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertainty”.

 

The definition of a change in accounting estimates was deleted. However, the Board retained the concept of changes in accounting estimates in the Standard with the following clarifications:

 

A change in accounting estimate that results from new information or new developments is not the correction of an error.

 

The effects of a change in an input or a measurement technique used to develop an accounting estimate are changes in accounting estimates if they do not result from the correction of prior period errors.

 

The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 to changes in accounting policies and changes in accounting estimates that occur on or after the beginning of that period, with earlier

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 38

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

 

application permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)

 

In May 2021, the International Accounting Standards Board issued targeted amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, although earlier application is permitted. With a view to reducing diversity in reporting, the amendments will clarify that companies are required to recognize deferred taxes on transactions where both assets and liabilities are recognized, such as with leases and decommissioning liabilities. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

16. Other MD&A Requirements

 

Additional information relating to the Company:

 

(a) may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com;

 

(b) may be found on EDGAR at www.sec.gov;

 

(c) may be found at the Company’s website www.silvercorp.ca;

 

(d) may be found in the Company’s Annual Information Form; and

 

(e) is also provided in the Company’s annual audited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2023.

 

17. Outstanding Share Data

 

As at the date of this MD&A, the following securities were outstanding:

 

(a) Share Capital

 

Authorized - unlimited number of common shares without par value

 

Issued and outstanding – 176,945,688 common shares with a recorded value of $256.3 million

 

Shares subject to escrow or pooling agreements - $nil.

 

(b) Options

 

As at the date of this MD&A, the outstanding options comprise the following:

 

Number of Options   Exercise Price (CAD$) Expiry Date
478,000 $3.93 4/26/2027
478,000 $4.08 2/23/2028
478,000   $5.46 5/26/2025
400,000     $9.45   11/11/2025  
1,431,668        

 

(c) Restricted Share Units (RSUs)

 

Outstanding – 3,008,247 RSUs with an average grant date closing price of CAD$5.30 per share.

 

18. Corporate Governances, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility

 

The Company’s core objectives are to be safe, efficient, and sustainable, and operate responsibly with the environment and cooperatively with the local communities. The Company strive to build a strong cooperate culture centered around our key values of respect, equality, and responsibility, and aim to deliver social benefits while creating shareholder value.

 

As a responsible miner, the Company is committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) factors into our business strategies and generating impactful changes in the communities in which the Company

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 39

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

work and live. Through the integration of ESG factors into our strategic planning, operations, and management, the Company are able to bring about sustainable economic, social, and environmental value to all stakeholders. Details of our ESG performance will be provided in the Company’s Fiscal 2023 Sustainability Report, which is expected to be available in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024.

 

(a) Corporate Governance

 

The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of the Company reviews the Company’s policies on an annual basis, including Anti-Corruption Policy, Code of Ethical Conduct, Clawback Policy, Corporate Disclosure Policy, and Whistleblower Policy, which are then approved by the Board of the Company. All of the Company’s directors and officers were re-certified with all the policies, confirming they are familiar with and acknowledge the contents of the Company’s policies, and committing to fulfill them and to report any violation. The Company also regularly trains its critical employees in anti-corruption practices.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Sustainability Committee of the Board of the Company adopted a Community Relations Policy, a Human Rights Protection Policy, an Environmental Protection Policy, and an Occupational Health and Safety Policy, which are then approved by the Board of the Company.

 

For more information on the Company’s Corporate Governance practices, please review the Company’s Annual Information Form and Management Information Circular available on the Company’s website at www.silvercorp.ca.

 

(b) Health, Safety, and Environment

 

The Company prioritizes environmental protection, as well as ensuring a safe workplace for all employees and contractors at all of our sites. In an effort to further illustrate the Company’s commitment to strengthening our management team, both the Ying Mining District and GC Mine have successfully passed the annual review for the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) certification in Fiscal 2023.

 

Safety is top priority at Silvercorp. In Fiscal 2023, the Company arranged more than 1,700 safety training sessions, which covered 100% of workers at the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine.

 

In response to occupational health risks associated, the Company further improved its risk identification and management process, both the Ying Mining District and GC Mine have successfully passed the annual review for the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001) certification in Fiscal 2023.

 

In addition to the “Green Mine” certification at SGX-HZG, TLP-LM, and HPG mines at the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine, the DCG mine at the Ying Mining District is also in the process to apply for the certification of the “Green Mine”. In Fiscal 2023, the Company processed approximately 480,000 tonnes of waste rock from the Ying Mining District. The Company also developed an automation chemical precipitation system to treat water from underground mines, and then through an automated control system to supply the treated water to the mill for ore processing and to local farmer for irrigation.

 

In Fiscal 2023, the Company spent approximately $2.0 million in the efforts to reduce its energy and water consumption, to minimize the negative impact on of greenhouse gas emissions and water quality, and to comply with the requirements of the “Green Mine” certification.

 

(c) Social Responsibility and Economic Value

 

The Company is committed to creating sustainable value in the communities where our people work and live. Guided by research conducted by our local offices, the Company participates in, and contributes to numerous community programs that typically centre on education and health, nutrition, environmental awareness, local infrastructure and fostering additional economic activity. In addition to the taxes and fees paid to various levels of government in China, in Fiscal 2023, the Company also contributed approximately $3.3 million to social programs, including:

 

$2.8 million contributions to the local county to help improve local infrastructure, environmental

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 40

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

protection and help the local community withr a clean water access project;

 

$0.2 million donation to the charity association and local communities to promoted community health and poverty reduction in the local communities, with an emphasis on children and seniors, with periodic visits and subsidies; and

 

$0.3 million donations to institutions in scholarship or education assistance programs to support children’s education at the local and national levels.

 

19. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (a) under Canadian law, are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate to allow for timely decision about public disclosure, and (b) under U.S. law, are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “U.S. Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the U.S. Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management of the Company, including the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with requirements of National Instrument 52-109 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 52-109”) and U.S. Exchange Act.

 

As of March 31, 2023, based on the evaluation, management concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in annual filings, interim filings, and other reports the Company filed or submitted under United States and Canadian securities legislation was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules.

 

20. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control, including internal controls over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by and/or under the supervision of the CEO and CFO and effected by the Board, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

pertain to maintaining records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and

 

provide reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 41

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. In addition, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

The Company’s management evaluates the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based upon the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission. Based on the evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023 was effective and provides a reasonable assurance of the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and preparation of the financial statements.

 

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2023 has been audited by Deloitte LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, who has also issued a report on the internal controls over financial reporting included within our annual consolidated financial statements.

 

21. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

22. Subsequent Event

 

On May 15, 2023, the Company announced that it has signed a non-binding term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with Celsius Resources Limited (“Celsius”), a company publicly listed on Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) under the symbol of “CLA”, regarding a proposed transaction (the “Proposed Transaction”) pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Celsius. Celsius owns the advanced-stage Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog copper-gold project (“MCB Project”) in the Philippines, which is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, approximately 320 km north of Manila. The major terms of the Proposed Transaction are:

 

The Company has offered to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Celsius from the shareholders of Celsius, at a fixed price of AUD$0.030 per share, in exchange for consideration comprising 90% the Company’s shares and 10% in cash. The Company’s share price will be determined based on the volume weighted average trading price (“VWAP”) on the NYSE for the 20 business days ending on the scheme record date.

 

The consideration of AUD$0.030 per share represents a 76% premium to the 20-day VWAP of Celsius as of the close of trading on the ASX on May 11, 2023. The total consideration is approximately AUD$56 million.

 

Celsius and the Company have also executed a private placement subscription agreement at AUD$0.015 per Celsius share for a total of AUD$5 million. This will provide interim funding for further development of Celsius’ MCB Project. The private placement was closed on May 16, 2023. Upon closing of the private placement, the Company owns 15.1% of the outstanding shares of Celsius.

 

In addition to the consideration, Celsius shareholders will receive shares in a new exploration company (“Spinco”) which will hold all of Celsius’ rights and interests with respect to the Sagay (Philippines) and Opuwo (Namibia) projects. The Spinco shares will be distributed on a 10 Celsius shares for 1 Spinco share basis. Spinco will seek a listing on the ASX or AIM via a demerger and

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 42

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

concurrent initial public offering. Silvercorp has agreed to invest AUD$4 million in Spinco, valued at a post-financed market capitalization of AUD$30 million.

 

The Proposed Transaction will be implemented by way of a Scheme of Arrangement (“Arrangement”) or other appropriate form of transaction under Australian laws, under a definitive agreement (“Definitive Agreement”) to be negotiated and entered into by the Company and Celsius within one month of the Term Sheet. The final structure of the Proposed Transaction will be governed by the terms of the Definitive Agreement. The Term Sheet does not create a binding agreement with Celsius for the Proposed Transaction, and there is no assurance that Silvercorp and Celsius will reach agreement on the terms of the Definitive Agreement as set out in the Term Sheet, or at all. If the Proposed Transaction is not completed, the Company will have the right to maintain its percentage interest in Celsius pursuant to the placement agreement. In addition to entering into the Definitive Agreement, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to, among other conditions, satisfactory completion of due diligence, voting support of key Celsius shareholders, Celsius shareholder approval, and regulatory approvals.

 

23. Directors and Officers

 

As at the date of this MD&A, the Company’s directors and officers are as follows:

 

Directors Officers
Dr. Rui Feng, Director, Chairman Rui Feng, Chief Executive Officer
Yikang Liu, Director Derek Liu, Chief Financial Officer
Paul Simpson, Director Lon Shaver, Vice President
David Kong, Director  
Marina A. Katusa, Director  
Ken Robertson, Director  

 

Technical Information

 

Scientific and technical information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Guoliang Ma, P.Geo., Manager of Exploration and Resources of the Company and a Qualified Person as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Certain of the statements and information in this MD&A constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategies”, “targets”, “goals”, “forecasts”, “objectives”, “budgets”, “schedules”, “potential” or variations thereof or stating 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 and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things:

 

the price of silver and other metals;

 

estimates of the Company’s revenues and capital expenditures;

 

estimated ore production and grades from the Company’s mines in the Ying Mining District and the GC Mine;

 

projected cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs, and budgets, on a consolidated and mine-by-mine basis;

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 43

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, and other activities or achievements of the Company;

 

plans, projections and estimates included in the Fiscal 2024 Guidance

 

timing of receipt of permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals.

 

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, risks relating to,

 

COVID–19;

 

fluctuating commodity prices;

 

fluctuating currency exchange rates;

 

increasing labour cost;

 

exploration and development programs;

 

feasibility and engineering reports;

 

permits and licenses;

 

title to our properties;

 

operations and political conditions;

 

regulatory environment in China, Mexico and Canada;

 

environmental risks;

 

mining operations;

 

cybersecurity;

 

climate changes;

 

general economic conditions; and

 

matters referred to in this MD&A under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” and other public filings of the Company.

 

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements or information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

 

The Company’s forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based on a number of estimates, assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this MD&A that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates, assumptions, beliefs, expectations and options include, but are not limited to, those related to the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including: the duration and effects of COVID-19 on our operations and workforce; development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals, licenses or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

 

Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management’s assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 44

 


 

SILVERCORP METALS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the Year Ended March 31, 2023

(Tabular amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, per share, cost data, and production data, or otherwise stated)

 

results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, guidance cannot be guaranteed. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

 

 

 

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis Page 45

 

 

 

 

EX-99.3 4 exhibit99-3.htm FORM 52-109F1 CERTIFICATE OF INTERIM FILINGS - FULL CERTIFICATE - CEO Exhibit 99.4

Exhibit 99.4

Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate

I, Rui Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Silvercorp Metals Inc. certify the following:

1.     

Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (the “issuer”) for the financial year ended March 31, 2023.

 

 

2.     

No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings.

 

 
3.     

Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings.

 

 
4.     

Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

 
5.     

Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end

 

 
   (a)     

designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

 
  (i)     

material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and

   

 
  (ii)     

information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

   

 
  (b)     

designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

   

 
5.1     

Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

 
5.2     

ICFR – material weakness relating to design: N/A

 

 
5.3     

Limitation on scope of design: N/A





6.     

Evaluation: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have

 

 
  (a)     

evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and

   

 
  (b)     

evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A

   

 
  (i)     

our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and

   

 
  (ii)     

N/A.

   

 
7.     

Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ended on March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

 

 
8.     

Reporting to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: May 25, 2023

“Rui Feng”

Rui Feng
Chief Executive Officer

2



EX-99.4 5 exhibit99-4.htm FORM 52-109F1 CERTIFICATE OF INTERIM FILINGS - FULL CERTIFICATE - CFO Exhibit 99.5

Exhibit 99.5

Form 52-109F1
Certification of Annual Filings
Full Certificate

I, Derek Liu, Chief Financial Officer of Silvercorp Metals Inc. certify the following:

1.     

Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the “annual filings”) of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (the “issuer”) for the financial year ended March 31, 2023.

 

 

2.     

No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings.

 

 
3.     

Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings.

 

 
4.     

Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

 
5.     

Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end

 

 
   (a)     

designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

 
  (i)     

material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and

   

 
  (ii)     

information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

   

 
  (b)     

designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

   

 
5.1     

Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

 
5.2     

ICFR – material weakness relating to design: N/A

 

 
5.3     

Limitation on scope of design: N/A





6.     

Evaluation: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have

 

 
  (a)     

evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and

   

 
  (b)     

evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer’s ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A

   

 
  (i)     

our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and

   

 
  (ii)     

N/A.

   

 
7.     

Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ended on March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

 

 
8.     

Reporting to the issuer’s auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer’s auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: May 25, 2023

“Derek Liu”

Derek Liu
Chief Financial Officer

2