VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 13, 2008) - Silvercorp Metals Inc. (the "Silvercorp" of "Company") (TSX:SVM) is pleased to announced the unaudited financial and operating results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2008. The financial results in the following text are expressed in US dollars (US$) unless stated otherwise.
FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Record sales revenue of US$30.9 million, an increase of 39% from the prior year period
- Record cash flow from operation of US$25.1 million, an increase of 33% from the prior year period
- Record silver production of 1.1 million ounces, an increase of 27% from the prior year period
- Industry leading low total production costs per ounce of silver are continuing to be achieved with a cash cost for silver production at negative $6.79 per ounce after adjustment for by-product credits
- Achieved limited production and profit at the TLP and LM Mines within only three months after their acquisition
The Company has noted an improved outlook for its power supply problems outlined in the August 8, 2008 news release. There has been no power rationing for the last five days. The local County Utility Bureau has assured the Company minimum power rationing as power supply to the local county has also improved when a new hydro power generating project in the County was brought into operation last week. Management is working closely with the local Utility Bureau to minimize future power interruptions, including investing almost $1 million since last May to build a new power line to the Ying Mine. The new power line is expected to be complete by the end of this August. The Company is also expanding diesel power generating capacity at the Ying mine to cope with potential power rationing. Further guidance on the power situation will be provided as the situation evolves.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company achieved record sales of $30.9 million, compared to $22.3 million for the same period one year ago. This represents an increase of 39% in sales revenue. Gross profit from operations amounted to $21.4 million (2007 - $17.4 million), an increase of 23% and representing a gross margin of 69% (2007 - 78%). Earnings before other income and expenses increased 13% to $17.1 million (2007 - $15.1 million). The net income was $11.6 million (2007 - $14.5 million) with a net profit margin of 38% (2007 - 65%). Net earnings of $0.08 per basic share represent $0.02 less compared to $0.10 per basic share for the same period last year.
After adjusting the prior year's net income for an income tax benefit of $1.5 million, and mineral property option income of $1.9 million, net income for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 in fact increased by 4% to $11.6 million as compared to adjusted net income for the prior year's quarter of $11.2 million. The basic earnings per share of $0.08 for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 is comparable to the adjusted basic earnings per share of $0.08 for the same period one year ago.
Cash provided by operating activities rose 33% to a record of $25.1 million ($0.17 per share) for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008, a 33% increase compared to $18.9 million ($0.13 per share) over the same period one year ago.
Net profit and the net earnings per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 did not increase in line with increased sales compared to the same period one year ago mainly due to the following reasons: (i) the Company mined low grade areas at the Ying Mine as outlined in the 2007 Resources Upgrade report by Mr. C. Broili and Dr. M. Klohn contributing to the $3.7 million increase in cash cost of goods sold; (ii) $1.2 million increase in amortization, depreciation, and depletion cost; (iii) $0.2 million increase in general exploration expenses; (iv) $1.8 million increase in administrative and professional fees; and (v) income tax expense of $2.1 million as the Company started to pay income tax in China and a tax provision of $2.0 million was recorded.
Capital expenditures during the period amounted to $35.3 million (2007 - $4.3 million) representing the purchase of mineral rights and properties of $31.5 million (2007 - $2.8 million) and the purchase of property, plant, and equipment of $3.8 million (2007 - $1.5 million). The Company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents and short term investments of $75.1 million (2007 - $72.6 million).
During the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company, through the facilities of the TSX Exchange, acquired 764,300 shares under the Normal Course Issuer Bid at a total cost of $4.7 million of which 470,000 shares were cancelled. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, the Company acquired 325,400 common shares under the Normal Course Issuer Bid at a cost of $1.6 million and the remaining 619,700 common shares were cancelled.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the quarter, the Company reached limited test production at the LM Mine and TLP Mine. This has enabled the Company to achieve record silver production of 1,106,282 ounces during the quarter, representing an increase of 27% compared to the prior year.
Total sales and realized prices net of value added tax and smelter charges for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007, are comprised of the following:
- 1,106,282 (2007 - 870,608) ounces of silver sold for $15.4 million (2007 - $9.4 million) at an average selling price of $13.93 (2007 - $10.86) per ounce;
- 525 (2007 - 323) ounces of gold sold for $0.3 million (2007 - $0.1 million) at an average selling price of $661.24 (2007 - $452.05) per ounce;
- 14,427,862 (2007 - 11,269,546) pounds of lead sold for $12.8 million (2007 - $8.3 million) at an average selling price of $0.89 (2007 - $0.74) per pound; and,
- 4,165,194 (2007 - 3,849,273) pounds of zinc sold for $2.3 million (2007 - $4.3 million) at an average selling price of $0.55 (2007 - $1.13) per pound.
For the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008, a total of 135,944 (2007 - 70,816) tonnes of ores were mined, representing a 92% increase compared to the same period of 2007, from which 3,388 (2007 - 2,658) tonnes of direct smelting ores were hand sorted for direct shipment to smelters, and 132,556 (2007 - 68,158) tonnes of ores were shipped to mills for treatment to recover silver-lead and zinc concentrates.
The total mining cost per tonne of ore mined increased by 60% compared to the same period of 2007 to $73.45 per tonne ($/t) (2007 - $46.00/t), primarily caused by: an increase in amortization and depletion of $10.40/t; an increase in raw materials supply cost of $5.84/t; and, an increase in exploration cost of $10.73/t.
The total milling cost per tonne of ore milled has increased by 22% to $13.39 per tonne of ore ($/t) (2007 - $11.00), mainly due to: an increase in depreciation of $1.00/t (2007 - nil); an increase in administration and transportation costs of $1.84/t; salary increase of $0.33/t; resource tax increase of $0.88/t; and, offset by raw materials decrease of $0.99/t, and utility cost decrease of $0.50/t.
The Company continues to achieve industry leading low total production costs per ounce of silver. The total production cost increased by 41% to negative $5.37 per ounce of silver after adjusting for by-product credits for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008, compared to negative $9.12 per ounce in the same period a year ago. The cash production cost for silver adjusted for by-product credits increased by 31% to negative $6.79 (2007 - negative $9.79) per ounce.
Ying Mine
The head grades of run of mine ores of 77,762 and 66,798 tonnes from the Ying Mine for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 respectively, were:
- 396.0 and 444.0 g/t for silver, a decrease of 11%;
- 6.7% and 7.3% for lead, a decrease of 8%; and,
- 3.3% and 3.5% for zinc, a decrease of 7%.
The following table lists the grade changes over the last six quarters at the Ying Mine:
Ying Silver Property
For the Quarters Ended
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q1 2009 Q4 2008 Q3 2008 Q2 2008 Q1 2008 Q4 2007
30-Jun-08 31-Mar-08 31-Dec-07 30-Sep-07 30-Jun-07 31-Mar-07
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Run of Mine
Ores (tonne)
Direct Smelting
Ores (tonne) 3,071 2,673 3,210 2,903 2,224 2,018
Ores Milled
(tonne) 74,691 51,996 64,635 64,282 64,574 43,047
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77,762 54,669 67,845 67,185 66,798 45,065
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Head Grades of
Run of Mine Ores
Silver
(gram/tonne) 396.0 488.9 461.7 446.8 444.0 502.1
Lead (%) 6.7 8.1 7.5 7.0 7.3 8.8
Zinc (%) 3.3 3.8 3.6 3.9 3.5 3.4
As the mining process at the Ying Mine is going through certain lower grade pockets of ore zones, it is expected that the head grades of run of mine ores from the Ying Mine will be the similar to this quarter for at least one quarter, until those higher grade pockets of ore zones are developed.
HPG Mine
The head grades of run of mine ores of 13,356 and 8,812 tonnes from the HPG Mine for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, were:
- 248.3 and 185.6 g/t for silver, an increase of 34%;
- 9.7% and 7.9% for lead, an increase of 23%; and,
- 0.6% and 1.7% for zinc, a decrease of 62%, respectively.
The following table lists the grade changes over the last five quarters at the HPG Mine:
HPG Project
For the Quarters Ended
-------------------------------------------------
Q1 2009 Q4 2008 Q3 2008 Q2 2008 Q1 2008
30-Jun-08 31-Mar-08 31-Dec-07 30-Sep-07 30-Jun-07
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Run of Mine Ores (tonne)
Direct Smelting Ores
(tonne) 193 496 481 508 434
Ores Milled (tonne) 13,163 12,645 16,434 9,155 8,378
-------------------------------------------------
13,356 13,141 16,915 9,663 8,812
-------------------------------------------------
Head Grades of Run of
Mine Ores
Silver (gram/tonne) 248.3 198.9 217.3 259.3 185.6
Lead (%) 9.7 7.9 6.5 7.7 7.9
Zinc (%) 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.3 1.7
LM Mine
The LM Mine, in its first quarter of test production, achieved head grades of run of mine ores of 11,587 tonnes for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 of:
- 305.4 g/t for silver; and,
- 2.0% for lead.
LM Project For the Quarter Ended
---------------------
Q1 2009
30-Jun-08
-----------------------------------------------------
Run of Mine Ores (tonne)
Direct Smelting Ores (tonne) 71
Ores Milled (tonne) 11,516
---------------------
11,587
---------------------
Head Grades of Run of Mine Ores
Silver (gram/tonne) 305.4
Lead (%) 2.0
Zinc (%) -
TLP Mine
The TLP Mine, in its first quarter of test production, achieved head grades of run of mine ores of 23,457 tonnes for the 1st quarter ended June 30, 2008 of:
- 183.0 g/t for silver; and,
- 2.7% for lead.
TLP Project For the Quarter Ended
---------------------
Q1 2009
30-Jun-08
-----------------------------------------------------
Run of Mine Ores (tonne)
Direct Smelting Ores (tonne) 53
Ores Milled (tonne) 23,404
---------------------
23,457
---------------------
Head Grades of Run of Mine Ores
Silver (gram/tonne) 183.0
Lead (%) 2.7
Zinc (%) -
OUTLOOK
Currently, the Company is operating and developing four Silver-Lead-Zinc mines at the Ying Mining Camp, Henan Province, owned through its 77.5% and 70% Chinese subsidiary companies. For the Ying Mine, as the mining process is working through certain low grade areas at the Ying Mine as outlined in 2007 resources upgrade by Mr. C. Broili and Dr. M. Klohn, it is expected that the head grade of run of mine ores from the Ying Mine will be similar to this quarter for at least one quarter, until those higher grade pockets of ore zones are developed. This may result in the Company's bottom line not increasing during this period, as the Ying Mine represented 80% of the Company's total revenue for the last quarter.
For the TLP Mine, mining preparation and development are ramping up to reach capacity of 900 tonnes of ore per day (or 300,000 tonnes per year) in about two to three quarters. This may improve the Company's sales and profit. The Company is still in the process of transferring the mining permits from the previous owner to the Company's subsidiary Henan Found which remain subject to receipt of all necessary approvals from the Governmental departments of the Henan Province.
In Guangdong Province, the Company is applying for a mining permit for the newly acquired GC/SMT property, owned through a 95% Chinese subsidiary. Silvercorp is also exploring the Na-Bao Polymetallic Project in Qinghai Province, China owned through its 82% Chinese subsidiary.
The Company's Audited Annual and Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available for review on our website at www.silvercorp.ca and through SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Selected unaudited interim consolidated results for the three months ended June 30, 2008 (Canadian GAAP) are attached to this news release.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION
A conference call and live audio webcast to discuss the results have been scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, August 14th, 2008
Time: 9:00 am PST (12:00 pm EST)
Dial-In Number: 1-651-291-5254
Live audio webcast: www.silvercorp.ca
Playback webcast can be accessed at: www.silvercorp.ca
About Silvercorp Metals Inc.
Silvercorp Metals Inc., China's largest primary silver producer, is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of silver related mineral properties focusing in the People's Republic of China ("China"). Silvercorp Metals Inc. is operating and developing four highly profitable Silver-Lead-Zinc mines at the Ying Mining Camp, Henan Province, China. Silvercorp is also applying for a mining permit for the newly acquired 95% owned GC/SMT property to profitably mine and produce silver, lead and zinc metals in Guangdong Province, China. In addition, Silvercorp is also exploring the 82% owned Na-Bao Polymetallic Project in Qinghai Province, China.
The Company's common shares are included as a component of the S&P/TSX Composite, the S&P/TSX Global Gold, and the S&P/TSX Global Mining Indexes.
CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER -- FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this press release other than purely historical factual information, including statements relating to mineral resources and reserves, or the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in mineral exploration, development, and mining. Production and revenue projections are based not on mineral reserves but on mineral resources which do not have demonstrated economic viability. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. We seek safe harbour.
SILVERCORP METALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited - expressed in US Dollars)
Notes June 30, 2008 March 31, 2008
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ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,592,496 47,092,890
Short term investments 32,471,317 37,145,656
Accounts receivable and prepaids 11,035,520 5,259,699
Inventories 3 4,612,606 2,389,175
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90,711,939 91,887,420
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Long term prepaids 2,277,554 5,194,431
Long term investments 4 17,853,691 17,873,887
Property, plant and equipment 5 17,952,478 14,349,572
Mineral rights and properties 6 148,017,344 60,904,275
Reclamation deposits 9,817 9,729
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$ 276,822,823 190,219,314
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LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 6 $ 22,353,854 7,026,628
Deposits received from customers 2,350,775 2,573,202
Income tax payable 362,935 719,557
Amounts due to related parties 10 12,178,668 12,070,732
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37,246,232 22,390,119
Future income tax liabilities 25,800,631 6,345,898
Asset retirement obligation 7 1,991,780 1,225,829
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65,038,643 29,961,846
Non-controlling interests 15,699,725 11,265,197
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 8 114,236,035 78,334,543
Contributed surplus - 1,722,036
Reserves 9 11,059,771 2,077,628
Accumulated other comprehensive
income 17,536,691 14,121,627
Retained earnings 53,251,958 52,736,437
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196,084,455 148,992,271
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$ 276,822,823 190,219,314
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Commitments and Contingencies 15
Approved on behalf of the Board:
(Signed) Greg Hall
--------------------------------
Director
(Signed) Rui Feng
--------------------------------
Director
SILVERCORP METALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Unaudited - Expressed in US Dollars except for share figures)
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Three months ended June 30,
----------------------------
Notes 2008 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 30,859,277 $ 22,253,286
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Cost of sales 7,938,756 4,278,189
Amortization and depletion 1,568,442 586,053
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9,507,198 4,864,242
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Gross profit 21,352,079 17,389,044
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Expenses
Accretion of asset retirement
obligations 7 18,533 15,156
Amortization 292,681 90,381
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 120,416 410,903
General exploration and property
investigation expenses 479,251 230,739
Investor relations 94,703 57,667
Mineral properties written off - -
Office, administration and
miscellaneous 8(d) 2,948,467 1,378,606
Professional fees 289,618 95,343
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4,243,669 2,278,795
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Earnings before other income and
expenses 17,108,410 15,110,249
Other income and expenses
Equity loss in investment 4 (204,731) (120,018)
Loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 5 (9,504) (48,130)
Mineral property option income - 1,913,073
Interest income 776,949 470,912
Other income 28,546 533
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591,260 2,216,370
Income before income taxes and
non-controlling interests 17,699,670 17,326,619
Income tax expense
Current 2,039,512 (1,466,991)
Future (152,870) 15,501
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1,886,642 (1,451,490)
Income before non-controlling
interests 15,813,028 18,778,109
Non-controlling interests (4,211,587) (4,251,086)
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Net income 11,601,441 14,527,023
Retained earnings, beginning of
period 52,736,437 1,767,831
Appropriation to reserves (8,982,143) (2,077,628)
Value charged to retained earnings
upon shares acquired under
Normal course issuer bid (2,103,777) -
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Retained earnings, end of period $ 53,251,958 $ 14,217,226
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Basic earnings per share $ 0.08 $ 0.10
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Diluted earnings per share $ 0.08 $ 0.10
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Weighted Average Number of Shares
Outstanding - Basic 151,655,320 146,441,295
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Weighted Average Number of Shares
Outstanding - Diluted 153,178,476 150,235,032
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited - expressed in US Dollars)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended June 30,
------------------------------
2008 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income for the period $ 11,601,441 $ 14,527,023
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Transition adjustment to opening balance
upon adoption of new standards - 8,674
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for
sale securities (68,722) 72,853
Unrealized exchange gain (loss) on
translation of self-sustaining foreign
operations 1,825,999 (1,001,667)
Unrealized exchange gain on translation
of functional currency to reporting
currency 1,657,787 5,484,221
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Other comprehensive income 3,415,064 4,564,081
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Comprehensive income $ 15,016,505 $ 19,091,104
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SILVERCORP METALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited - expressed in US Dollars)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended June 30,
------------------------------
2008 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for)
Operating activities
Net income for the year $ 11,601,441 $ 14,527,023
Add (deduct) items not affecting cash:
Accretion of asset retirement
obligations 18,533 15,156
Amortization 1,568,442 676,434
Equity Investment loss 204,731 120,018
Future income tax (152,870) 15,501
Loss on disposal of property, plant,
and equipment 9,504 48,130
Mineral property option income - (1,913,073)
Non-controlling interests 4,211,587 4,251,086
Stock-based compensation 567,035 596,906
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18,028,403 18,337,181
Net change in non-cash working capital
Accounts receivable and prepaids (5,656,109) (473,670)
Inventory (2,025,204) 487,679
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 15,323,914 1,254,098
Asset retirement obligation discharged
upon payment - (95,415)
Income tax payable (359,139) (1,528,500)
Deposits received from customers (241,499) 900,655
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Cash provided by operating activities 25,070,366 18,882,028
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Investing activities
Acquisition of mineral rights and
properties (31,477,543) (2,824,185)
Acquisition of property, plant, and
equipment (3,829,869) (1,438,164)
Purchase of long term investments - (130,316)
Decrease (increase) of short term
investments 5,063,484 (16,036,826)
Decrease (increase) in long term
prepaids 2,956,825 (1,511,033)
Disposal of property, plant, and
equipment 156,975 157,352
Distribution to non-controlling
interest shareholder - (3,371,257)
Advances to joint venture parties - (365,469)
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Cash used in investing activities (27,130,128) (25,519,898)
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Financing activities
Repayment from (advance to) related
parties 107,936 (365,469)
Share subscriptions for cash, net of
commission and expenses 21,092 908,209
Shares returned to treasury for
cancellation (4,655,149) -
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Cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (4,526,121) 542,740
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 2,085,489 3,011,733
Decrease in cash (4,500,394) (3,083,397)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period 47,092,890 53,330,468
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period $ 42,592,496 $ 50,247,071
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Supplemental information:
Income tax paid $ 2,039,512 $ -
Non-cash investing activities:
Common shares of New Pacific Metals
Corp. received as partial
consideration for the Option
Agreement in relation to the Kang
Dian Project $ - $ 1,913,073
Share issued for mineral rights and
properties $ 36,484,591 $ -
Construction in process transferred to
mineral rights and properties $ - $ 1,313,791
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Silvercorp Metals Inc.
Rui Feng
Chairman & CEO
(604) 669-9397
Silvercorp Metals Inc.
Lorne Waldman
Corporate Secretary
(604) 669-9397
(604) 669-9387 (FAX)
Email: info@silvercorp.ca
Website: www.silvercorp.ca
