News

Lundin Mining Releases 2010 Third Quarter Results

October 27, 2010
TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire - Oct. 27, 2010) - Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN)(OMX:LUMI) (“Lundin” or the “Company”) today reported an unaudited net income of $59.0 million ($0.10 per share) for the third quarter of 2010, up from $3.7 million ($0.01 per share) in the third quarter of 2009.

Mr. Phil Wright, President and CEO commented, “Net income this quarter is well up on last year, reflecting improved metal prices and a much greater contribution from our equity investment in Tenke.

“Copper and nickel production this quarter was below our expectations owing to unexpected delays affecting two high-grade stopes at Neves-Corvo and industrial action, and geotechnical issues in the pit, affecting Aguablanca. Production lost during the quarter cannot be made up in the fourth quarter and consequently we are revising down our full year guidance on copper by 3,000 tonnes and nickel by 1,000 tonnes.

“On the exploration front, we are very pleased to report the discovery of a new high-grade massive sulphide deposit at Neves-Corvo. The new deposit, named Semblana, is located approximately one kilometre northeast of the Zambujal orebody in an area which has not previously been drilled.

“Initial results are outlining a large deposit with a strong sulphide system containing high-grade copper mineralization indicating this has the potential to be a significant new orebody.

“The deposit is the first such copper discovery at Neves-Corvo in 20 years and it reaffirms our belief that Neves-Corvo remains under-explored.

“Needless to say, we are very pleased to see the Tenke contract review reaching a conclusion, allowing renewed consideration of development options for this world-class asset,” Mr. Wright said.

Summary financial results for the quarter are as follows:
 


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Three Months Ended    Nine months ended
US $ millions (except                           Sept 30              Sept 30
per share amounts)                    2010         2009    2010         2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                215.1        171.1   540.0        489.3
Operating earnings                   120.2         91.8   265.6        221.0
Net income from continuing
 operations                           59.0          3.7   172.5         33.0
Net income                            59.0          3.7   172.5         38.6
Basic & diluted income per share:
 From continuing operations           0.10         0.01    0.30         0.06
 From discontinued operations            -            -       -         0.01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total:                                0.10         0.01    0.30         0.07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operations           47.3         40.0   208.4         40.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------



Third Quarter Highlights


--  Copper and nickel production for the quarter was below expectations
    owing to: unexpected delays at Neves-Corvo affecting two high-grade
    stopes (+7% copper grade) limiting ore production and resulting in
    replacement material coming from lower-grade sources; and Aguablanca ore
    production was significantly reduced owing to the decision, as reported
    last quarter, to bring forward a push-back in the pit that was
    originally planned for next year. In addition, 10 days of production
    were lost to industrial action at Aguablanca.


--  At Tenke Fungurume, copper and cobalt production during the quarter
    exceeded nameplate capacity. Milling throughput is now performing
    consistently above design capacity. With the procurement of more mine
    equipment and changes to the mine plan, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
    Inc. ("FCX" or "Freeport"), the mine's operator, is expecting copper
    cathode production to increase from 115,000 tonnes per annum in 2010 to
    approximately 130,000 tonnes per annum in 2011.


--  Total production was as follows:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wholly-owned
 operations     YTD     Q3     Q2     Q1      FY     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1
 (tonnes)      2010   2010   2010   2010    2009   2009   2009   2009   2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copper       55,127 20,509 21,774 12,844  93,451 23,868 21,351 23,992 24,240
Zinc         66,647 22,571 24,458 19,618 101,401 20,011 15,151 31,962 34,277
Lead         30,098 10,902 10,953  8,243  43,852 10,393  8,111 12,478 12,870
Nickel        5,234  1,363  1,715  2,156   8,029  2,324  1,784  1,960  1,961
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tenke attributable (24.75%)
Copper       21,859  7,701  7,038  7,120  17,325  7,227  6,019  4,079      -
Cobalt        1,560    599    409    552     638    477    159      2      -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


--  Operating earnings(1) increased by $28.4 million from $91.8 million in
    the third quarter of 2009 to $120.2 million in 2010. Favourable price
    and price adjustments ($51.4 million effect) and more favourable
    exchange rates ($6.8 million effect) were partially offset by lower
    sales volumes ($6.0 million effect) and higher unit costs ($17.4 million
    effect, excluding a 2008 royalty charge).


(1) Operating earnings is a Non-GAAP measure defined as sales, less
    operating costs, accretion of ARO and other provisions, selling, general
    and administration costs and stock-based compensation.


--  Net income of $59.0 million (Q3-2009: $3.7 million) or $0.10 per diluted
    share (Q3-2009: $0.01) includes:
    --  a pre-tax loss on foreign exchange of $19.1 million, an increase of
        $21.9 million from the prior corresponding quarter;
    --  a royalty charge for Neves-Corvo of $8.1 million related to 2008.
        The base used for the purpose of calculating the royalty was re-
        assessed by the Portuguese government to exclude certain costs
        deducted during 2008 related to the funding of the development of
        the Aljustrel Mine. The after-tax impact of this charge is $5.8
        million;
    --  gains on the disposal of non-core assets in Spain of $5.4 million
        ($3.8 million after tax).


The effects of the non-recurring items are shown below:


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Q3 2010   Q3 2009   Q2 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reported Net Income                              59.0       3.7      75.6


 Derivative losses (gains)                        0.5      24.9     (11.2)
 (Gain) loss on sale of non-core assets and
  investments                                    (5.4)     18.7     (32.4)
 Royalty charge related to 2008                   8.1         -         -
 Legacy property closure accrual                  2.8         -         -
 Tax on above items                              (0.9)     (6.6)      7.7
 Other non-recurring tax adjustments                -         -      13.6(i)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted Net Income                              64.1      40.7      53.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted income per share              $0.11     $0.07     $0.09
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) increase in future tax liability related to the 2.5% tax rate increase
    in Portugal


--  Sales for the quarter were $215.1 million compared to sales of $171.1
    million in the third quarter of 2009. Metal price improvements and price
    adjustments ($50.0 million) were partially offset by the effect of lower
    volume ($9.2 million). Copper inventory levels were slightly higher than
    normal due to a shipment in transit at quarter end.


    Average metal prices in the third quarter of 2010 were 15% to 25% higher
    than the same quarter in 2009 except for lead which increased only 6%.


--  Cash inflow from operations was $47.3 million for the quarter, compared
    to $40.0 million for the corresponding period in 2009. Excluding changes
    in non-cash working capital items, cash inflow this quarter was $90.6
    million compared to $53.0 million for the prior corresponding period.


    Net cash(1) as at September 30, 2010 of $125.7 million represents an
    increase of $17.9 million compared to the previous quarter, and an
    increase of $175.0 million against net debt(1) of $49.3 million at
    December 31, 2009.


(1) Net cash/debt is a Non-GAAP measure defined as available unrestricted
    cash less financial debt, including capital leases and other debt-
    related obligations.


--  During the quarter, the Company's revolving credit facility agreement
    was amended, increasing the facility to $300 million from $225 million,
    and extending the term to September 2013. The amended facility provides
    additional flexibility for future growth projects and reduced carrying
    costs.


    The $300 million revolving credit facility was undrawn at quarter-end.



Tenke Fungurume


--  On October 22, 2010, the Government of the DRC and Freeport announced
    the successful conclusion of the review of Tenke Fungurume Mining's
    ("TFM") contracts. The announcement outlined several additional
    commitments agreed by TFM, including: an increase in Gecamines ownership
    interest in TFM from 17.5% to 20%; an additional royalty of $1.2 million
    for each 100,000 metric tonnes of proven and probable copper reserves
    above 2.5 million metric tonnes; additional payments totaling $30.0
    million to be paid in six installments upon reaching certain production
    milestones; conversion of $50.0 million in intercompany loans to equity;
    and a payment of $5.0 million for surface area fees. Included in the
    announcement was the agreement to increase the annual interest rate on
    advances (to TFM by FCX and Lundin Mining) from the current rate of
    LIBOR +2% to LIBOR +6%.


    The Company notes that the shareholding change benefiting Gecamines will
    be shared proportionately by Lundin Mining and Freeport. As a result
    Lundin Mining's equity interest in TFM will reduce from 24.75% to 24%.


--  The Tenke Fungurume mine is now running consistently above design
    capacity and, with the procurement of more mine equipment and changes to
    the mine plan, Freeport is expecting annual copper production to
    increase from 115,000 tpa in 2010 to approximately 130,000 tpa in 2011.


    For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Tenke Fungurume mine
    produced 31,115 tonnes of copper, and 33,044 tonnes were sold at an
    average realized price of $3.36 per pound.


    The amount outstanding at September 30, 2010 on the Excess Over-run
    Costs facility ("EOC facility"), related to the Company's proportionate
    share of the Phase I development at Tenke, was $148.9 million, a
    reduction of $40.0 million during the quarter.



New Copper Discovery at Neves-Corvo


--  Surface exploration drilling focussing on a prospective area close to
    the Neves-Corvo mine has discovered a new copper-rich massive sulphide
    deposit only one kilometre to the northeast of the Zambujal copper-zinc
    orebody. The new "Semblana" deposit is the first potential new orebody
    to be found since the discovery of Lombador in 1988. Testing a borehole
    electromagnetic ("BHEM") anomaly, Hole SO48 intercepted a narrow bed of
    massive pyrite and stockwork type sulphides, after which four drill rigs
    were mobilised and directed to drilling wide step-out holes targeting
    the BHEM anomaly. Three of the step-out holes to date have intercepted
    high-grade copper sulphide mineralization. Highlighted assay results are
    as noted in the table below:


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 From         To  Thickness   Copper    Zinc    Lead    Tin
Hole No.      (metres)   (metres)   (metres)      (%)     (%)     (%)    (%)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSK50-1         931.0      952.0       21.0     4.16    0.27    0.05   0.15
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSL48A-1        923.0      927.0        4.0     4.58    0.82    0.18   0.27
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSL48           900.0      936.5       36.5     1.44    0.73    0.27   0.12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
including       902.0      909.0        7.0     2.32    0.20    0.05   0.13
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
and             929.5      935.5        6.0     3.39    2.64    1.15   0.28
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


 


Importantly, in addition to these high copper grades, each of these drill holes has intercepted concentrated values of tin - Hole PSL50-1 contains a 3.0 metre interval averaging 1.22% tin - suggesting that the Semblana deposit is geologically similar to the very high-grade Corvo orebody located approximately 1 km to the west. Drilling with four rigs continues with assays pending on three additional completed holes. Exploration drilling has now outlined an area of at least 600 metres by 250 metres of massive sulphide + stockwork mineralization in 7 drill holes. This new deposit remains open in almost all directions and appears to be almost flat-lying. Drill intersections shown above are interpreted to be true widths.

Financial Position and Financing
 


--  The increase in liquidity during the quarter was primarily attributable
    to cash flow from operations of $47.3, after allowing for investment in
    mineral properties, plant and equipment of $31.8 million and a
    contribution of $8.5 million to Tenke to cover 2010 exploration,
    expansion studies and sustaining capital investment.


--  Cash on hand at September 30, 2010 was $172.8 million, an increase of
    $23.2 million over the prior quarter-end, despite an increase of $43.3
    million in working capital related to higher receivables and
    inventories.


 


CEO Succession

The CEO has advised the Board that he plans to retire sometime during the first half of 2011 and the Board has appointed a committee to address the timing and manner of succession to ensure an orderly and effective transition.

Outlook

Production lost during the quarter cannot be made up in the fourth quarter and as a consequence:
 


--  Neves-Corvo: copper production guidance is reduced by 2,000 tonnes to
    75,000 reflecting delays affecting two large, high-grade stopes during
    the third quarter;
--  Zinkgruvan: unchanged;
--  Aguablanca: outlook reduced owing to: the need to bring forward into
    2010 a push-back that was originally scheduled for 2011 as a result of
    geotechnical issues related to hydraulic pressure and faulting in the
    pit; and 10 days of production lost to industrial action;
--  Galmoy: minor change to reflect latest plans for delivery of ore to
    adjacent mines.


The revised guidance for 2010 is as follows:


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Revised 2010 Guidance    Previous Guidance
                                               C1 Cost              C1 Cost
(contained tonnes)                    Tonnes    (1),(2)    Tonnes    (1),(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neves-Corvo                    Cu     75,000 $    1.30     77,000 $    1.25
                               Zn      6,000                6,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zinkgruvan                     Zn     75,000 $    0.30     75,000 $    0.30
                               Pb     36,000               36,000
                               Cu      1,000                1,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aguablanca                     Ni      6,500 $    6.25      7,500 $    6.25
                               Cu      5,500                6,500
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galmoy                         Zn     12,000               14,000
(in ore)                       Pb      4,000                4,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: Wholly-owned operations Cu     81,500               84,500
                               Zn     93,000               95,000
                               Pb     40,000               40,000
                               Ni      6,500                7,500
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tenke: 24.75% attributable
 share                         Cu     28,500               28,500
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1) Cash costs are dependent upon exchange rates, assumed as follows:
    EUR/US$: 1.40.


(2) Cash cost per pound is a non-GAAP measure reflecting the sum of direct
    costs and inventory changes less by-product credits.


 


Tenke’s attributable share will be reduced to 24.0% from 24.75% upon completion of the agreement announced on October 22, 2010, as noted in the Tenke Fungurume highlights discussion above, dealing with the resolution of the Tenke contract review.

Preliminary plans for 2011 indicate: copper production for 2011, including our attributable share of Tenke, of 115,000 tonnes; zinc production, including Galmoy, of 125,000 tonnes; and lead production, including Galmoy, of 40,000 tonnes. For individual mines:
 


--  Neves-Corvo: copper production, similar levels to 2010; zinc increasing
    to around 30,000 tonnes taking into account the commissioning of the
    expanded zinc capacity in June 2011;
--  Zinkgruvan: zinc and lead, similar to 2010; with copper ramping up to
    around 3,000 tonnes;
--  Aguablanca: the mine plan is undergoing comprehensive review; however,
    production is not likely to be less than present guidance for 2010
--  Tenke: Freeport is forecasting copper production of around 130,000
    tonnes in 2011 (Lundin 24.75% current share - moving to 24.0% upon
    completion of the agreement announced on October 22, 2010 as noted in
    the Tenke Fungurume highlights section above)


This guidance will be updated in December 2010 once plans for 2011 are 
finalized.


--  Lombador feasibility study remains on-track for completion in Q1 2011
    and a start-up date of 2013 is still being targeted.
--  Studies are underway at Zinkgruvan to allow the recently completed
    copper plant to treat zinc ores in addition to copper, thereby
    significantly increasing the flexibility of the Zinkgruvan operation.
--  Capital expenditure outlook for the year continues to be in the $190
    million range. This includes:
    --  Sustaining capital in European operations of $90 million.
    --  New investment in European operations of $60 million.
    --  Investment in Tenke of a maximum of $40 million under current work
        programs.



Selected Quarterly Financial Information


                              Three months ended          Nine months ended
                                    September 30               September 30
(USD millions, except  ----------------------------------------------------
per share amounts)             2010         2009         2010          2009
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Sales                         215.1        171.1        540.0         489.3
Operating earnings(1)         120.2         91.8        265.6         221.0
Depletion, depreciation
 & amortization               (30.9)       (46.5)       (99.7)       (128.6)
General exploration and
 project investigation         (6.3)        (6.5)       (16.6)        (16.0)
Other income and
 expenses                     (24.6)         0.7         (5.0)          1.5
Gain (loss) on
 derivative contracts          (0.5)       (24.9)        10.2         (34.1)
Gain (loss) on sale of
 investments and other
 assets                           -        (18.7)        33.0         (18.7)
Gain (loss) on sale of
 non-core assets                5.4            -          5.0             -
Income (loss) from
 equity investment in
 Tenke                         17.5         (1.0)        43.0          (5.3)
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Income from continuing
 operations before
 income taxes                  80.8         (5.1)       235.5          19.8
Income tax (expense)
 recovery                     (21.8)         8.8        (63.0)         13.2
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Income from continuing
 operations                    59.0          3.7        172.5          33.0
Gain from discontinued
 operations                       -            -            -           5.6
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net income                     59.0          3.7        172.5          38.6
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
                       ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Shareholders' Equity        3,039.0      2,913.1      3,039.0       2,913.1
Cash flow from
 operations                    47.3         40.0        208.4          40.4
Capital expenditures
 (incl. Tenke)                 40.2         54.7        117.4         146.1
Total assets                3,696.3      3,744.4      3,696.3       3,744.4
Net cash (debt)(2)            125.7       (132.2)       125.7        (132.2)


Key Financial Data:
Shareholders' equity
 per share(3)                  5.24         5.03         5.24          5.03
Basic and diluted
 income per share              0.10         0.01         0.30          0.07
Basic and diluted
 income per share from
 continuing operations         0.10         0.01         0.30          0.06
Dividends                         -            -            -             -
Equity ratio(4)                  82%          78%          82%           78%


Shares outstanding:
  Basic weighted
   average              579,889,803  579,510,141  579,814,786   540,030,936
  Diluted weighted
   average              580,262,754  579,645,695  580,222,350   540,057,884
  End of period         579,924,803  579,574,131  579,924,803   579,574,131



----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ millions,
 except per
 share
 data)      Q3-10 Q2-10 Q1-10 Q4-09   Q3-09   Q2-09   Q1-09   Q4-08   Q3-08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales       215.1 183.1 141.7 256.7   171.1   194.8   123.4    43.5   191.9
Operating
 earnings   120.2  80.8  64.6 152.2    91.8    91.0    38.2   (65.8)   68.9
Impairment
 charges
 (after
 tax)(5)        -     -     - (37.1)      -       -       -  (651.5) (201.1)
Income
 (loss)
 from
 continuing
 operations  59.0  75.6  38.0  35.1     3.7    43.5   (14.1) (707.7) (190.2)
Net income
 (loss)      59.0  75.6  38.0  35.1     3.7    43.5    (8.6) (728.5) (199.0)
Income
 (loss) per
 share from
 continuing
 operations,
 basic and
 diluted     0.10  0.13  0.07  0.06    0.01    0.08   (0.03)  (1.72)  (0.49)
Income
 (loss) per
 share,
 basic(6)
 and
 diluted(6)  0.10  0.13  0.07  0.06    0.01    0.08   (0.02)  (1.77)  (0.51)
Cash flow
 from
 (used in)
 operations  47.3  78.8  84.9  97.0    40.0    63.7   (63.3)   46.5    46.8
Capital
 expenditure
 (incl.
 Tenke)      40.2  39.1  38.1  39.0    54.7    57.8    33.6   105.7   146.8
Net cash
 (debt)(2)  125.7 107.8  10.2 (49.3) (132.2) (110.7) (259.5) (145.5) (194.8)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1) Operating earnings is a Non-GAAP measure defined as sales, less
    operating costs, accretion of asset retirement obligation ("ARO") and
    other provisions, selling, general and administration costs and stock-
    based compensation.


(2) Net cash (debt) is a Non-GAAP measure defined as available unrestricted
    cash less financial debt, including capital leases and other debt-
    related obligations.


(3) Shareholders' equity per share is a Non-GAAP measure defined as
    shareholders' equity divided by total number of shares outstanding at
    end of period.


(4) Equity ratio is a Non-GAAP measure defined as shareholders' equity
    divided by total assets at the end of period.


(5) Includes impairment from discontinued operations.


(6) Income (loss) per share is determined for each quarter. As a result
    of using different weighted average number of shares outstanding, the
    sum of the quarterly amounts may differ from the year-to-date amount.


 


The 2010 third quarter consolidated interim financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or the Company’s website (www.lundinmining.com).

About Lundin Mining

Lundin Mining Corporation is a diversified base metals mining company with operations in Portugal, Sweden, Spain and Ireland, producing copper, zinc, lead and nickel. In addition, Lundin Mining holds a development project pipeline which includes expansion projects at its Zinkgruvan and Neves-Corvo mines along with its equity stake in the world class Tenke Fungurume copper/cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On Behalf of the Board,

Phil Wright, President and CEO

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the Ontario Securities Act. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to foreign currency fluctuations; risks inherent in mining including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations, ground control problems and flooding; risks associated with the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; the potential for and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; uncertain political and economic environments; changes in laws or policies, foreign taxation, delays or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described under Risk Factors Relating to the Company’s Business in the Company’s Annual Information Form and in each management discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is in addition based on various assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long term price of copper, nickel, lead and zinc; that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour and that the political environment where the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Sampling and Analytical Protocol

NQ sized drill core was logged, cut in half with a diamond saw and sampled by Company personnel at its facilities at the Neves-Corvo mine. Mineralized intervals are analyzed for a suite of elements including Zn, Cu, Pb and Sn at the Neves-Corvo laboratory using XRF methods.

Qualified Person

Bob Carmichael, P.Eng., General Manager, Resource Exploration, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. 



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Lundin Mining Corporation
Sophia Shane
Investor Relations North America
+1-604-689-7842

or

Lundin Mining Corporation
John Miniotis
Senior Business Analyst
+1-416-342-5565

or

Lundin Mining Corporation
Robert Eriksson
Investor Relations Sweden
+46 8 545 015 50
www.lundinmining.com