Risk Factors Dashboard

Once a year, publicly traded companies issue a comprehensive report of their business, called a 10-K. A component mandated in the 10-K is the ‘Risk Factors’ section, where companies disclose any major potential risks that they may face. This dashboard highlights all major changes and additions in new 10K reports, allowing investors to quickly identify new potential risks and opportunities.

Risk Factors - GATO

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Item 1A. Risk Factors" - Risks Related to Our Operations-Mineral reserve and mineral resource calculations at the Cerro Los Gatos Mine ("CLG") and at other deposits in the Los Gatos District ("LGD") are only estimates and actual production results and future estimates may vary significantly from the current estimates.

The estimation of measured and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves reported pursuant to S-K 1300. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and, therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.”The estimation of measured and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves reported pursuant to S-K 1300. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and, therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically. Definitions of technical terms are included below for reference.

Technical Report Summaries and Qualified Persons

The technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by Anthony (Tony) Scott P. Geo, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Technical Services. The technical information herein that relates to the Mineral Resource set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision of Ronald Turner, MAusIMM(CP), an employee of Golder Associates S. The technical information herein that relates to the CLG and Esther 2022 Mineral Resource set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report was prepared by or under the supervision of Ronald Turner, MAusIMM(CP), an employee of Golder Associates S. A. The technical information herein that relates to the Mineral Reserve, the life of mine ("LOM") plan and other economic analyses set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report was based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of Stephan Blaho, an employee of WSP Canada Inc. The technical information that relates to the 2022 Mineral Reserve, the 2022 LOM plan and other economic analyses was based upon information set out in the Los Gatos Technical Report and was based upon information prepared by or under the supervision of Paul Gauthier, P. (formerly Golder Associates Ltd.). Each of Mr. Scott, Mr. Turner and Mr. Blaho is a “qualified person” under S-K 1300 and have reviewed the contents of this Form 10-K relevant to their areas. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Los Gatos Technical Report which is included as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

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Glossary of Technical Terms

Certain terms and abbreviations used in this Report are defined below:

“Ag” means the chemical symbol for the element silver.

“AISC” means all-in sustaining cost.

“Au” means the chemical symbol for the element gold.

“By-Product” is a secondary metal or mineral product recovered in the milling process. For the CLG operation, silver is the primary metal product by value and zinc, lead and gold are by-products.

“Concentrate” is the product of physical concentration processes, such as flotation or gravity concentration, which involves separating ore minerals from unwanted waste rock. Concentrates require subsequent processing (such as smelting or leaching) to break down or dissolve the ore minerals and obtain the desired elements, usually metals.

“Dilution” is an estimate of the amount of waste or low-grade mineralized rock which will be mined with the ore as part of normal mining practices in extracting an orebody.

“Feasibility Study” is a comprehensive study of a mineral deposit in which all geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a mining company and/or a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production.

“Grade” means the concentration of each ore metal in a rock sample, usually given as weight percent. Where extremely low concentrations are involved, the concentration may be given in grams per tonne (g/t), the grade of an ore deposit is calculated, often using sophisticated statistical procedures, as an average of the grades of a very large number of samples collected from the deposit.

“g/t” means grams per tonne.

“Hectare” is a metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters (2.471 acres).

“indicated mineral resources” or “indicated resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of adequate geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.

“inferred mineral resources” or “inferred resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability. Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the application of the modifying factors in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.

“LOM” means life of mine.

“Los Gatos Technical Report” means the Technical Report Summary titled “Mineral Resource and Reserve Update, Los Gatos Joint Venture, Chihuahua, Mexico,” prepared by WSP Canada Inc, dated October 20, 2023 with an effective date of July 1, 2023, which was prepared in accordance with the requirements of S-K 1300 and filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. A corresponding technical report was prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and filed with the relevant Canadian securities authority .

“masl” is meters above sea level.

“mineral reserves” or “reserves” are the estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically
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mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. Mineral reserves quantified herein are on a 100% basis unless otherwise stated.

“mineral resources” or “resources” are a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled. Mineral resources quantified herein are on a 100% basis and stated exclusive of mineral reserves, unless otherwise stated.

“measured mineral resources” is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of conclusive geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this section, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a probable mineral reserve.

“M&I” means measured mineral resources and indicated mineral resources.

“NI 43-101” means National Instrument 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

“NSR” means net smelter return: the proceeds returned from the smelter and/or refinery to the mine owner less certain costs.

“oz” means a troy ounce.

“Pb” means the chemical symbol for the element lead.

“probable mineral reserve” means the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource.

“proven mineral reserve” means the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource.

“S-K 1300” means 17.C.F.R § 229.1300 through § 229.1305.

“tailings” is the material that remains after all economically and technically recovered metals have been removed from the ore during processing.

“tonne,” means a metric tonne, equivalent to 1,000 kg or 2,204.6 pounds. “tonne” is referenced under the “Grade” definition.

“Zn” means the chemical symbol for the element zinc.

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Cautionary Information about Forward-Looking Statements

This Report contains statements that constitute “forward looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “may,” “might,” “could,” “would,” “achieve,” “budget,” “scheduled,” “forecasts,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, the following:

estimates of future mineral production and sales;

estimates of future production costs, other expenses and taxes for specific operations and on a consolidated basis;

estimates of future cash flows and the sensitivity of cash flows to gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc and other metal prices;

estimates of future capital expenditures, construction, production or closure activities and other cash needs, for specific operations and on a consolidated basis, and expectations as to the funding or timing thereof;

estimates as to the projected development of certain ore deposits, including the timing of such development, the costs of such development and other capital costs, financing plans for these deposits and expected production commencement dates;

estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources statements regarding future exploration results and mineral reserve and mineral resource replacement and the sensitivity of mineral reserves to metal price changes;

statements regarding the availability of, and terms and costs related to, future borrowing or financing and expectations regarding future debt repayments;

statements regarding future dividends and returns to shareholders;

estimates regarding future exploration expenditures, programs and discoveries;

statements regarding fluctuations in financial and currency markets;

estimates regarding potential cost savings, productivity, operating performance and ownership and cost structures;

expectations regarding statements regarding future transactions, including, without limitation, statements related to future acquisitions and projected benefits, synergies and costs associated with acquisitions and related matters;

expectations of future equity and enterprise value;

expectations regarding the start-up time, design, mine life, production and costs applicable to sales and exploration potential of our projects;

statements regarding future hedge and derivative positions or modifications thereto;

statements regarding local, community, political, economic or governmental conditions and environments;

statements regarding the outcome of any legal, regulatory or judicial proceeding;

statements regarding the impacts of changes in the legal and regulatory environment in which we operate, including, without limitation, relating to state, regional, national, domestic and foreign laws;

statements regarding climate strategy and expectations regarding greenhouse gas emission targets and related operating costs and capital expenditures;

statements regarding expected changes in the tax regimes in which we operate, including, without limitation, estimates of future tax rates and estimates of the impacts to income tax expense, valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and other financial impacts;

estimates of income taxes and expectations relating to tax contingencies or tax audits;

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estimates of future costs, accruals for reclamation costs and other liabilities for certain environmental matters, including without limitation, in connection with water treatment and tailings management;

statements relating to potential impairments, revisions or write-offs, including without limitation, the result of fluctuation in metal prices, unexpected production or capital costs, or unrealized mineral reserve potential;

estimates of pension and other post-retirement costs;

statements regarding estimates of timing of adoption of recent accounting pronouncements and expectations regarding future impacts to the financial statements resulting from accounting pronouncements;
estimates of future cost reductions, synergies, savings and efficiencies in connection with full potential programs and initiatives; and

expectations regarding future exploration and the development, growth and potential of operations, projects and investments, including in respect of the CLG and the LGD.

Where we express an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, our forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by those forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning future events that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future events or results may differ materially from these statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks set forth under “Risk Factors Summary” below, which are discussed in further detail in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Such factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included in this Report and those described from time to time in our filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks of which we are not aware or which we currently do not believe to be material, may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to make any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this filing or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, qualifications and procedures which are set out only in the Los Gatos Technical Report. For a complete description of assumptions, qualifications and procedures associated with such information, reference should be made to the full text of the Los Gatos Technical Report.

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Risk Factors Summary

We are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including risks related to our business and industry; risks related to government regulations and international operations; risks related to the ownership of our common stock; and certain general risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following principal risks:

we are currently dependent on the CLG and the LGD for our future operations and may not be successful in identifying additional proven or probable mineral reserves; we may not be able to extend the current CLG life of mine by adding proven or probable mineral reserves;

we may not sustain profitability;

mineral reserve and mineral resource calculations at the CLG and other deposits in the LGD are only estimates and actual production results or future estimates may vary significantly from the current estimates;

our and the Los Gatos Joint Venture’s (the “LGJV”) mineral exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may be unsuccessful;

the ability to mine and process ore at the CLG or other future operations may be adversely impacted in certain circumstances, some of which may be unexpected and not in our control;

actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations;

land reclamation and mine closure may be burdensome and costly and such costs may exceed our estimates;

our operations involve significant risks and hazards inherent to the mining industry;

we may be materially and adversely affected by challenges relating to slope and stability of underground openings;

the title to some of the mineral properties may be uncertain or defective and we may be unable to obtain necessary surface and other rights to explore and exploit some mineral properties, thus risking our investment in such properties;

the prices of silver, zinc and lead are subject to change and a substantial or extended decline in the prices of silver, zinc or lead could materially and adversely affect our revenues of the LGJV and the value of our mineral properties;

we are subject to the risk of labor disputes, which could adversely affect our business, and which risk may be increased due to the unionization in the LGJV workforce;

our success depends on developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholders;

we are currently and in the future may be subject to litigation, government investigations and regulatory legal proceedings;

the Mexican federal government, as well as state and local governments, extensively regulate mining operations, which impose significant actual and potential costs on us, and future regulation could increase those costs, delay receipt of regulatory refunds or limit our ability to produce silver and other metals;

the Mexican federal government recently promulgated significant amendments to laws affecting the mining industry; while it is difficult to ascertain if and when the amendments will be fully implemented, and there is some lack of clarity in their drafting including their intended retroactive effect, the amendments could have a material adverse effect on the mining industry, and the LGJV’s and our Mexican businesses, particularly in respect of any new concessions, new mining permits and new operations;

our operations are subject to additional political, economic and other uncertainties not generally associated with U.S. operations;

we are required to obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits, which is often a costly and time-consuming process and may ultimately not be possible;

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Electrum and its affiliates and MERS have a substantial degree of influence over us, which could delay or prevent a change of corporate control or result in the entrenchment of our management and/or Board of Directors;

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to remediate these deficiencies (or fail to identify and/or remediate other possible material weaknesses), we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.

For a more complete discussion of the material risk factors applicable to us, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

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PART I
Item 1. Business

Our Company

We are a Canadian-headquartered, Delaware-incorporated precious metals exploration, development and production company with the objective of becoming a leading silver producer. We were formed on February 2, 2011, when our predecessor Precious Metals Opportunities LLC, which was formed in December 2009, converted to a Delaware corporation. On March 1, 2011, Los Gatos Ltd. merged with and into us to form Sunshine Silver Mines Corporation. In 2014, we changed our name to Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining Corporation.

We completed our initial public offering in October 2020, as part of which we distributed our equity interest in Silver Opportunity Partners LLC, which held our interest in the Sunshine Complex in Idaho, to our stockholders and changed our name to Gatos Silver, Inc.

Our primary efforts are focused on the operation of the LGJV in Chihuahua, Mexico. The LGJV was formed on January 1, 2015, when we entered into the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement with Dowa Metals and Mining Co., Ltd. (“Dowa”) to further explore, and potentially develop and operate mining properties within the LGD. The entities comprising the LGJV are Minera Plata Real S. de R.L. de C.V. (‘‘MPR’’) and Operaciones San Jose de Plata S. de R.L. de C.V (“OSJ”) (collectively, the ‘‘LGJV Entities’’). The LGJV Entities own mineral rights, certain land and certain surface rights associated with the LGD. The LGJV Entities own mineral rights and certain surface associated with the LGD. The LGJV ownership is currently 70% Gatos Silver and 30% Dowa. On September 1, 2019, the LGJV commenced commercial production at CLG, which produces silver-containing lead concentrate and zinc concentrate. The LGJV’s lead and zinc concentrates are sold to third-party customers. Pursuant to the Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement, Dowa has the right to purchase 100% of the zinc concentrate produced from the CLG, at rates negotiated in good faith based on industry pricing benchmarks, and agreed between Dowa and the LGJV. The Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement requires unanimous partner approval of major decisions (such as annual budgets, the creation of security interests on property, and certain major expenditures), therefore, despite our 70% ownership of the LGJV, we do not exercise full control of the LGJV. The Unanimous Omnibus Partner Agreement requires unanimous partner approval of all major operating decisions (such as annual budgets, the creation of security interests on property, and certain major expenditures); therefore, despite our 70% ownership of the LGJV, we do not exercise control of the LGJV.

In addition to our 70% interest in the LGD, we have 100% ownership of the Santa Valeria property, located in Chihuahua, Mexico, which comprises 1,543 hectares and could provide additional opportunities for resource growth.

Our Principal Projects

We are currently focused on production and continued development of the CLG and the further exploration and development of the LGD.The CLG, located within the LGD, is described in detail in "
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