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ECHO BAY MINES LTD. INDEX



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


FORM 10-Q


ý

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                              to                             

Commission File Number 1-8542


ECHO BAY MINES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Incorporated under the laws of Canada
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  None
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Suite 1210, 10180-101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


T5J 3S4

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (780) 496-9002

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý No o

Title of Class
Common Shares without nominal or par value
  Shares Outstanding as of April 23, 2002
502,168,375



ECHO BAY MINES LTD.

INDEX

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
ITEM 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
 
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of the Securities Holders
 
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

SIGNATURE


CAUTIONARY "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE UNITED STATES PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

        With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from targeted or projected results. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding:

        Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others:

        Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to predict or control. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.


ECHO BAY MINES LTD.

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
thousands of U.S. dollars

  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

 
ASSETS  
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 9,795   $ 12,351  
  Short-term investments     1,913     1,910  
  Interest and accounts receivable     4,007     3,645  
  Inventories (note 2)     35,160     29,506  
  Prepaid expenses and other assets     5,603     3,725  
   
 
 
      56,478     51,137  

Plant and equipment (note 3)

 

 

114,445

 

 

120,969

 
Mining properties (note 3)     32,139     32,903  
Long-term investments and other assets (note 4)     54,341     55,795  
   
 
 
    $ 257,403   $ 260,804  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 26,196   $ 24,284  
  Income and mining taxes payable     2,430     3,570  
  Debt and other financings (note 5)     17,000     17,000  
  Deferred income (note 6)     851     876  
  Reclamation and mine closure liabilities     1,748     3,841  
   
 
 
      48,225     49,571  
Debt and other financings (note 5)     6,697     6,714  
Deferred income (note 6)     37,895     47,042  
Reclamation and mine closure liabilities     51,198     49,726  
Deferred income taxes     934     925  

Commitments and contingencies (notes 11 and 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common shares, no par value, unlimited number authorized; 140,607,145 shares issued and outstanding     713,343     713,343  
  Capital securities (note 7)     162,251     157,453  
  Deficit     (733,772 )   (734,665 )
  Foreign currency translation     (29,368 )   (29,305 )
   
 
 
      112,454     106,826  
   
 
 
    $ 257,403   $ 260,804  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

ECHO BAY MINES LTD.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
thousands of U.S. dollars,
except for per share data

 
  2002
  2001
 
Revenue   $ 55,176   $ 64,461  
   
 
 
Expenses:              
  Operating costs     35,096     44,623  
  Royalties     1,624     1,303  
  Production taxes     (211 )   113  
  Depreciation and amortization     9,840     10,898  
  Reclamation and mine closure     1,256     1,643  
  General and administrative     1,313     1,603  
  Exploration and development     562     851  
  Interest and other (note 8)     222     290  
   
 
 
      49,702     61,324  
   
 
 
Earnings before income taxes     5,474     3,137  
   
 
 
Income tax expense (recovery):              
  Current         184  
  Deferred         (840 )
   
 
 
          (656 )
   
 
 
Net earnings   $ 5,474   $ 3,793  
   
 
 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (note 7)   $ 893   $ (537 )
   
 
 
Earnings per share—basic and fully diluted   $ 0.01   $  
   
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands)
—basic and fully diluted
    140,607     140,607  
   
 
 
 
  Three months ended
March 31

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF DEFICIT
thousands of U.S. dollars


 
  2002
  2001
 
Balance, beginning of period   $ (734,665 ) $ (711,680 )
Net earnings     5,474     3,793  
Interest on capital securities, net of nil tax effect (note 7)     (4,581 )   (4,330 )
   
 
 
Balance, end of period   $ (733,772 ) $ (712,217 )
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

ECHO BAY MINES LTD.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
thousands of U.S. dollars

 
  2002
  2001
 
CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED IN):              

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net cash flows provided from (used in) operating activities   $ (237 ) $ 14,107  
   
 
 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Mining properties, plant and equipment     (2,320 )   (10,357 )
  Long-term investments and other assets     (28 )   10  
  Proceeds on the sale of plant and equipment     176     216  
  Other     (147 )   74  
   
 
 
      (2,319 )   (10,057 )
   
 
 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Debt repayments         (3,750 )
   
 
 
          (3,750 )
   
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,556 )   300  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     12,351     14,269  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 9,795   $ 14,569  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

ECHO BAY MINES LTD.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        March 31, 2002

Tabular dollar amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars, except amounts
per share and per ounce or unless otherwise noted

1. GENERAL

        In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations, consolidated statement of deficit, and consolidated statement of cash flow contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Echo Bay Mines Ltd. (the "Company") as of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. For further information, refer to the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. Except as otherwise noted in this report, the accounting policies described in the annual report have been applied in the preparation of these financial statements.

        On February 13, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation providing for the sale to Newmont of the entire McCoy/Cove Complex. This agreement calls for a payment to the Company of $6.0 million and the assumption by Newmont of all reclamation and closure obligations at McCoy/Cove. A gain is expected on the sale of McCoy/Cove. The agreement is expressly subject to the completion of due diligence by Newmont by July 31, 2002 and there is no assurance that the transaction will be completed. Pending completion of the transaction, the Company will continue to operate McCoy/Cove for its own account.

Certain of the comparative figures have been restated to conform to the current year's presentation.

2. INVENTORIES

 
  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

Precious metals bullion   $ 14,021   $ 12,215
In-process     4,840     5,720
Materials and supplies     16,299     11,571
   
 
    $ 35,160   $ 29,506
   
 

3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and equipment

  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

Cost   $ 651,776   $ 655,179
Less accumulated depreciation     537,331     534,210
   
 
    $ 114,445   $ 120,969
   
 


Mining properties


 

March 31
2002


 

December 31
2001

Producing mines' acquisition and development costs   $ 281,870   $ 280,545
Less accumulated amortization     262,470     260,365
   
 
      19,400     20,180
Development properties' acquisition and development costs     12,739     12,723
   
 
    $ 32,139   $ 32,903
   
 

4. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

 
  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

Deferred losses on modification of hedging contracts   $ 28,075   $ 29,305
Deferred mining costs     15,516     15,648
Reclamation and other deposits     10,518     10,485
Premiums paid on gold and silver option contracts     1,389     1,871
Other     232     357
   
 
      55,730     57,666
Less current portion included in prepaid expenses and other assets     1,389     1,871
   
 
    $ 54,341   $ 55,795
   
 

5. DEBT AND OTHER FINANCINGS

 
  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

Currency loans   $ 17,000   $ 17,000
Capital securities (note 7)     6,697     6,714
   
 
      23,697     23,714
Less current portion     17,000     17,000
   
 
    $ 6,697   $ 6,714
   
 

6. DEFERRED INCOME

 
  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

Deferred gains on modification of hedging contracts   $ 37,895   $ 47,042
Premiums received on gold and silver option contracts     851     876
   
 
      38,746     47,918
Less current portion     851     876
   
 
    $ 37,895   $ 47,042
   
 

7. CAPITAL SECURITIES

        In 1997, the Company issued $100.0 million of 11% capital securities due in April 2027. The effective interest rate on the capital securities is 11%, or 12% compounded semi-annually during a period of interest deferral. Since April 1998, the Company has exercised its right to defer interest payments to holders of the capital securities. Interest accrued and deferred amounted to $68.9 million at March 31, 2002. The present value of the capital securities' principal amount, $6.7 million, has been classified as debt (note 5). The present value of the future interest payments of $93.3 million plus deferred accrued interest has been classified within a separate component of shareholders' equity. Interest on the debt portion of the capital securities has been classified as interest expense on the consolidated statement of earnings, and interest on the equity portion of the capital securities has been charged directly to deficit on the consolidated balance sheet. For purposes of per share calculations, interest on the equity portion decreases the earnings attributable to common shareholders. See note 9 for a discussion of differences in treatment of the capital securities under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

        On April 3, 2002 the Company issued 361,561,230 common shares in exchange for the capital securities debt obligation of $100 million in principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (see note 13).

8. INTEREST AND OTHER

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
 
  2002
  2001
 
Interest income   $ (160 ) $ (358 )
Interest expense     406     795  
Other     (24 )   (147 )
   
 
 
    $ 222   $ 290  
   
 
 

9. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP)

U.S. GAAP financial statements

        The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. These differ in some respects from those in the United States, as described below and in the footnotes to the financial statements included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

The effects of the GAAP differences on the consolidated statement of operations would have been as follows.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
 
  2002
  2001
 
Net earnings under Canadian GAAP   $ 5,474   $ 3,793  
Additional interest expense on capital securities     (4,581 )   (4,330 )
Amortization of deferred financing on capital securities     (158 )   (158 )
Change in market value of foreign exchange contracts     (43 )   (1,479 )
Change in market value of option contracts     (300 )   (1,008 )
Modification of derivative contracts realized in net earnings     344      
Transition adjustment on adoption of FAS 133         (3,090 )
Kettle River exploration expense         (506 )
Kettle River amortization expense         514  
   
 
 
Net earnings (loss) under U.S. GAAP   $ 736   $ (6,264 )
   
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share under U.S. GAAP   $ 0.01   $ (0.04 )
   
 
 

The effects of the GAAP differences on the consolidated balance sheet would have been as follows.

March 31, 2002

  Canadian
GAAP

  Capital
Securities

  Derivative
Contracts

  Other
  U.S.
GAAP

 
Short-term investments   $ 1,913   $   $   $ 6,362   $ 8,275  
Long-term investments and other assets     54,341         (28,075 )   98     26,364  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     26,196         966         27,162  
Debt and other financings     23,697     93,303             117,000  
Deferred income     38,746         (38,746 )        
Accrued interest on capital securities         68,948             68,948  
Common shares     713,343             36,428     749,771  
Capital securities     162,251     (162,251 )            
Deficit     (733,772 )       (3,519 )   (36,152 )   (773,443 )
Foreign currency translation     (29,368 )           29,368      
Accumulated other comprehensive loss             13,224     (23,184 )   (9,960 )
Shareholders' equity     112,454     (162,251 )   9,705     6,460     (33,632 )

The following statement of comprehensive income (loss) would be disclosed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
 
  2002
  2001
 
Net earnings (loss) under U.S. GAAP   $ 736   $ (6,264 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), after a nil income tax effect:              
  Unrealized gain on share investments arising during period     3,726     289  
  Foreign currency translation adjustments     (63 )   (3,417 )
  Transition adjustment on implementation of FAS 133         39,234  
  Modification of derivative contracts realized in net earnings (loss)     (8,261 )   (2,297 )
   
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)     (4,598 )   33,809  
   
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (3,862 ) $ 27,545  
   
 
 

        Additionally, under U.S. GAAP, the equity section of the balance sheet would present a subtotal for accumulated other comprehensive loss, as follows.

 
  March 31
2002

  December 31
2001

 
Unrealized gain on share investments   $ 6,184   $ 2,458  
Modification of derivative contracts     13,224     21,485  
Foreign currency translation     (29,368 )   (29,305 )
   
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   $ (9,960 ) $ (5,362 )
   
 
 

Recent accounting pronouncements

        In 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Statement requires obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived assets and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. The Company will adopt Statement 143 on January 1, 2003. Due to the number of operating facilities that the Company maintains, the expected impact of adoption of Statement 143 on the Company's financial position or results of operations has not yet been determined.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company's management regularly evaluates the performance of the Company by reviewing operating results on a minesite by minesite basis. As such, the Company considers each producing minesite to be an operating segment. In the first quarter of 2002, the Company had four operating mines: Round Mountain in Nevada, USA; McCoy/Cove in Nevada, USA; Kettle River in Washington, USA; and Lupin in the Nunavut Territory of Canada. All of the Company's mines are 100% owned except for Round Mountain, which is 50% owned.

        The Company's management generally monitors revenue on a consolidated basis. Information regarding the Company's consolidated revenue is provided below.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
  2002
  2001
Total gold and silver revenue   $ 55,176   $ 64,461
Average gold price realized per ounce   $ 345   $ 310
Average silver price realized per ounce   $ 4.34   $ 5.28
   
 

        In making operating decisions and allocating resources, the Company's management specifically focuses on the production levels and cash operating costs generated by each operating segment, as summarized in the following tables.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

Production (ounces)

  2002
  2001
Gold:        
Round Mountain (50%)   93,571   100,368
Lupin   28,717   37,954
McCoy/Cove   16,501   22,303
Kettle River   10,487   12,845
   
 
Total gold   149,276   173,470
   
 
Silver—all from McCoy/Cove   1,470,094   1,558,529
   
 

 


 

Three months ended
March 31

Operating costs

  2002
  2001
Round Mountain (50%)   $ 15,390   $ 18,235
Lupin     7,879     7,819
McCoy/Cove     9,821     15,018
Kettle River     2,006     3,551
   
 
Total operating costs per financial statements   $ 35,096   $ 44,623
   
 

 


 

Three months ended
March 31

Royalties

  2002
  2001
Round Mountain (50%)   $ 1,532   $ 1,081
McCoy/Cove     35     52
Kettle River     57     170
   
 
Total royalties per financial statements   $ 1,624   $ 1,303
   
 

 


 

Three months ended
March 31

Depreciation and amortization

  2002
  2001
Round Mountain (50%)   $ 4,937   $ 5,038
Lupin     1,129     1,277
McCoy/Cove     2,231     3,821
Kettle River     1,162     174
Depreciation of non-minesite assets     381     588
   
 
Total depreciation and amortization per financial statements   $ 9,840   $ 10,898
   
 

11. HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND COMMITMENTS

Gold commitments

        At March 31, 2002, the Company had commitments to deliver 45,000 ounces of gold in 2002 at a minimum price of $293 per ounce. The Company's option position at March 31, 2002 included 105,000 ounces of gold call options sold in 2002 at an average strike price of $297 per ounce.

Currency position

        At March 31, 2002, the Company had an obligation under foreign currency exchange contracts to purchase C$53.8 million in the remainder of 2002 at an exchange rate of C$1.60 to U.S.$1.00.

        Shown below are the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's hedging instruments at March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.

 
  March 31, 2002
  December 31, 2001
 
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Carrying
Amount

  Estimated
Fair Value

 
Gold forward sales   $   $ (100 ) $   $ 2,000  
Gold options—calls sold     (610 )   (1,600 )   (630 )   (700 )
Foreign currency contracts         100         100  
         
       
 
          $ (1,600 )       $ 1,400  
         
       
 

        Fair values are estimated based upon market quotations of various input variables. These variables were used in valuation models that estimate the fair market value.

12. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Summa

        In September 1992, Summa Corporation commenced a lawsuit against two indirect subsidiaries of the Company, Echo Bay Exploration Inc. and Echo Bay Management Corporation (together the "Subsidiaries") alleging improper deductions in the calculation of royalties payable over several years of production at McCoy/Cove and another mine, which is no longer in operation. The matter was tried in the Nevada State Court in April 1997, with Summa claiming more than U.S. $13 million in damages, and, in September 1997, judgment was rendered for the Subsidiaries. The decision was appealed by Summa to the Supreme Court of Nevada, which in April 2000 reversed the decision of the trial court and remanded the case back to the trial court for "a calculation of the appropriate [royalties] in a manner not inconsistent with this order." The case was decided by a panel comprised of three of the seven Justices of the Supreme Court of Nevada and the Subsidiaries petitioned that panel for a rehearing. The petition was denied by the three member panel on May 15, 2000 and remanded to the lower court for consideration of other defences and arguments put forth by the Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries filed a petition for a hearing before the full Supreme Court and on December 22, 2000, the Court recalled its previous decision. Both the Subsidiaries and their counsel believe that grounds exist to modify or reverse the decision. The Company has $1.5 million accrued related to this litigation. If the appellate reversal of the trial decision is maintained and the trial court, on remand, were to dismiss all of the Subsidiaries' defences, the royalty calculation at McCoy/Cove would change and additional royalties would be payable. Neither the Company, nor counsel to the Subsidiaries believe it is possible to quantify the precise amount of liability pursuant to a revised royalty calculation.

Handy & Harman

        On March 29, 2000 Handy & Harman Refining Group, Inc., which operated a facility used by the Company for the refinement of doré bars, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company has a claim for gold and silver accounts at this refining facility with an estimated market value of approximately $2.4 million. Further, in March 2002 the liquidating trustee for Handy & Harman commenced a series of adversary proceedings against numerous creditors, including two Company subsidiaries, alleging that creditors received preferential payments in metal or otherwise. The Company intends to oppose these proceedings vigorously. The success or failure of the liquidating trustee in prosecuting the claims may have an impact on the ultimate distribution of funds to creditors. The outcome of these proceedings is uncertain at this time.

Security for reclamation

        Certain of the Company's subsidiaries have provided corporate guarantees and other forms of security to regulatory authorities in connection with future reclamation activities. Early in 2001, regulators in Nevada called upon two of the Company's subsidiaries to provide other security to replace corporate guarantees that had been given in respect of the Round Mountain and McCoy/Cove operations totaling approximately $33 million. The Company disagrees with the regulators' position and believes that the subsidiaries qualify under the criteria set out for corporate guarantees and will oppose the regulatory decision. Although the outcome cannot be predicted, the Company and its counsel believe that the Company will prevail.

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

        On April 3, 2002 the Company issued 361,561,230 common shares in exchange for the entire capital securities debt obligation of $100 million in principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The new principal holders of common shares and their respective ownership positions in the Company are Newmont Mining Corporation of Canada Limited (48.8%) and Kinross Gold Corporation (11.4%). As a result of eliminating the capital securities, the Company will record in the second quarter an increase to common shares of $303.7 million, based on the market value of common shares at the date of issue. The market value of the common shares issued exceeded the book value of the capital securities (note 7) by $134.8 million. This difference along with share issue costs of $3.0 million will be recorded proportionately between interest expense ($5.5 million) and deficit ($132.3 million) in the second quarter of 2002 based on the debt and equity classifications of the capital securities. Under U.S. GAAP, the entire loss of $137.8 million would be recorded as an extraordinary item.

ECHO BAY MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL CONDITION

March 31, 2002
(U.S. dollars)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

        The Company's profitability is determined in large part by gold and silver prices. Market prices of gold and silver are determined by factors beyond the Company's control. The Company's operations continue to be materially affected by the price of gold, which averaged $271 per ounce in 2001 and $290 per ounce during the first quarter of 2002.

        The Company reduces the risk of future gold price declines by hedging a portion of its production. The principal hedging tools used are forward sales contracts and options. Forward sales contracts obligate the Company to sell gold at a specific price on a future date. Call options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy gold on a specific future date at a specific price. These tools reduce the risk associated with gold price declines, but also could limit the Company's participation in increases of gold prices. The Company continually monitors its hedging policy in light of forecasted production, operating and capital expenditures, exploration and development requirements and factors affecting volatility of gold prices such as actual and prospective interest and gold lease rate performance. The Company engages in forward currency exchange contracts to reduce the impact on the Lupin mine's operating costs caused by fluctuations in the exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars.

        The Company's hedge position as of March 31, 2002 is shown in note 11 to the interim consolidated financial statements. For the remainder of 2002, this position includes forward sales of approximately 45,000 ounces at a minimum forward price of $293 per ounce. The Company has sold call options for 105,000 ounces of gold in 2002 at an average strike price of $297 per ounce. These forward sales contracts and call options represent approximately 4% of current reserves. In addition, the Company has obligations to purchase C$53.8 million for the remainder of 2002 at an exchange rate of C$1.60 to US$1.00.

        On April 3, 2002 the Company issued 361,561,230 common shares in exchange for the entire capital securities debt obligation of $100 million in principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The new principal holders of common shares and their respective ownership positions in the Company are Newmont Mining Corporation of Canada Limited (48.8%) and Kinross Gold Corporation (11.4%). As a result of eliminating the capital securities, the Company will record an increase to common shares of $303.7 million, based on their market value at the date of issue. The market value of the common shares issued exceeded the book value of the capital securities by $134.8 million. This difference, along with share issue costs of $3.0 million, will be recorded proportionately between interest expense ($5.5 million) and deficit ($132.3 million) in the second quarter of 2002 based on the debt and equity classifications of the capital securities. Under U.S. GAAP, the entire loss of $137.8 million would be recorded as an extraordinary item.

        On February 13, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation providing for the sale to Newmont of the entire McCoy/Cove Complex. This agreement calls for a payment to the Company of $6.0 million and the assumption by Newmont of all reclamation and closure obligations at McCoy/Cove. A gain is expected on the sale of McCoy/Cove. The agreement is expressly subject to the completion of due diligence by Newmont by July 31, 2002 and there is no assurance that the transaction will be completed. Pending completion of the transaction, the Company will continue to operate McCoy/Cove for its own account.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Net cash flow used in operating activities was $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2002 compared to net cash flow provided from operating activities of $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2001. The decrease in 2002 cash flow reflects the decrease in production.

        Net cash used in investing activities was $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2002, primarily related to investments in mining properties, plant and equipment. No cash was used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2002.

        At March 31, 2002, the Company had $9.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.9 million in short-term investments recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of the short-term investments at March 31, 2002 was $8.3 million.

        At March 31, 2002, the Company's current debt was $17.0 million. Long-term debt was $6.7 million, representing the present value of the $100 million capital securities principal, which was retired on April 3, 2002.

        The Company's existing revolving credit facility is scheduled to expire in September 2002 and the Company currently has $17.0 million outstanding under this facility. The Company believes it is currently in compliance with the credit facility covenants. The Company plans to establish a new credit facility in advance of the expiration date, although the amount of the required facility and the terms thereof are unknown. At present, and absent new credit requirements, the Company's need to draw down on a bank facility beyond September 30, 2002 is not expected to be significant.

        At March 31, 2002, the estimated fair value of the Company's hedge portfolio was a loss of $1.6 million. A change in the gold price of $10 per ounce would result in a change in fair value of the hedge position by approximately $1.0 million assuming no changes in dollar interest rates, gold lease rates or other volatility factors underlying the Company's hedge position. There are no margin requirements related to these hedge contracts.

        The Company expects to incur $11.0 million for capital expenditures in 2002 funded by its operating cash flow, of which $2.3 million in expenditures have been incurred in the first quarter of 2002. The Company will rely on its operating cash flow to fund the remainder of its planned 2002 capital expenditures. The Company monitors its discretionary spending in view of the cost structure of its operating mines and the availability of additional credit, and will modify or reduce its discretionary spending where necessary.

        Early in 2000, the American Stock Exchange advised the Company that its listing eligibility was under review. The review was undertaken because the Company had fallen below two of the Exchange's continued listing guidelines. The Company had sustained net losses in its five most recent fiscal years (1995 to 1999) and in the Exchange's view, the Company's shareholders' equity under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States is inadequate. The Company is addressing the Exchange's concerns through periodic progress reviews and believes significant progress has been made in respect of the shareholder equity issue, with the completion of the capital securities exchange.

See note 12 to the interim consolidated financial statements, "Other Commitments and Contingencies".

ECHO BAY MINES LTD.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
(U.S. dollars)

FINANCIAL REVIEW

        The Company reported first quarter net earnings of $5.5 million compared with net earnings of $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2001. On a per share basis, the Company had net earnings of $0.01 for the quarter compared to break-even net earnings in 2001. The 2002 results, compared to 2001, reflect lower operating costs at Round Mountain and McCoy/Cove, lower amortization costs at McCoy/Cove and higher deferred revenue recognized. These factors were partially offset by 18% lower gold sales volume and 31% lower silver sales volume.

        Gold production decreased 14% to 149,276 ounces in the first quarter of 2002 compared to 173,470 ounces in the first quarter of 2001. The decrease in production resulted from lower grades milled at Round Mountain and Lupin, the winding down of operations at McCoy/Cove and lower mill throughput at Kettle River. Silver production from McCoy/Cove was 1.5 million ounces, 6% less than the 1.6 million ounces produced in 2001. Milling was completed at McCoy/Cove in March 2002.

        Cash operating costs were $216 per ounce of gold in the first quarter of 2002, versus $212 in the first quarter of 2001. The increase was primarily a result of lower production. Total production costs were $287 per ounce in the first quarter of 2002, versus $278 per ounce in the first quarter of 2001.

        The Company reports per ounce production cost data in accordance with The Gold Institute Production Cost Standard (the "Standard"). The Gold Institute is an association of suppliers of gold and gold products and includes leading North American gold producers. Adoption of the Standard is voluntary, and the data presented may not be comparable to data presented by other gold producers. Production costs per ounce are derived from amounts included in the unaudited Statements of Operations and include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, administration, transportation, royalties, production taxes, depreciation, amortization and reclamation costs, but exclude financing, capital, development and exploration costs. These costs are then divided by gold ounces produced to arrive at the total production costs per ounce. The measures are furnished to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Throughout this report, all references to per ounce production cost data, or cash operating costs, will be in accordance with the Standard.

The term ounce as used in this Form 10-Q means "troy ounce".

Revenue

Statistics for gold and silver ounces sold and other revenue data are set out below.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

Revenue Data

  2002
  2001
Gold            
  Ounces sold     141,429     172,086
  Average price realized/ounce—revenue basis   $ 345   $ 310
  Average price realized/ounce—cash basis(1)   $ 293   $ 290
  Average market price/ounce   $ 290   $ 264
  Revenue (millions of U.S. $)   $ 48.9   $ 53.4
  Percentage of total revenue     89%     83%
Silver            
  Ounces sold     1,454,876     2,093,815
  Average price realized/ounce—revenue basis   $ 4.34   $ 5.28
  Average price realized/ounce—cash basis(1)   $ 4.34   $ 6.02
  Average market price/ounce   $ 4.51   $ 4.56
  Revenue (millions of U.S. $)   $ 6.3   $ 11.1
  Percentage of total revenue     11%     17%
   
 
Total revenue (millions of U.S. dollars)   $ 55.2   $ 64.5
   
 

(1)
Excludes non-cash items affecting gold and silver revenues, such as the recognition of deferred income or deferral of revenue to future periods for hedge accounting purposes.

The effects of changes in sales prices and volume were as follows.

Revenue Variance Analysis
2002 vs. 2001
(millions of U.S. dollars)

  Three months ended
March 31

 
Higher gold prices   $ 5.0  
Lower silver prices     (1.0 )
Change in volume     (13.3 )
   
 
Decrease in revenue   $ (9.3 )
   
 

Production Costs

Production cost data per ounce of gold is set out below.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
Production Costs per ounce of Gold Produced

 
  2002
  2001
 
Direct mining expense   $ 211   $ 206  
  Deferred stripping and mine development costs     2     11  
  Inventory movements and other     3     (5 )
   
 
 
Cash operating costs     216     212  
  Royalties     9     6  
  Production taxes     (1 )   1  
   
 
 
Total cash costs     224     219  
  Depreciation     44     38  
  Amortization     12     13  
  Reclamation and mine closure     7     8  
   
 
 
Total production costs   $ 287   $ 278  
   
 
 

Expenses

        Operating costs per ounce vary with the quantity of gold and silver sold and with the cost of operations. Cash operating costs were $216 per ounce of gold in the first quarter of 2002 and $212 in the first quarter of 2001. See "Operations Review."

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
Reconciliation of Cash Operating
Costs per Ounce to Financial Statements
thousands of U.S. dollars, except per ounce amounts

 
  2002
  2001
 
Operating costs per financial statements   $ 35,096   $ 44,623  
Change in finished goods inventory and other     3,175     (896 )
Co-product cost of silver produced     (6,027 )   (6,951 )
   
 
 
Cash operating costs   $ 32,244   $ 36,776  
   
 
 
Gold ounces produced     149,276     173,470  
   
 
 
Cash operating costs per ounce   $ 216   $ 212  
   
 
 

Reserve estimates

        Mineral reserves at December 31, 2001 were estimated based on a price of $300 per ounce of gold and $4.25 per ounce of silver. The market price for gold has for more than four years traded, on average, below the level used in estimating reserves at December 31, 2001. If the market price for gold were to continue at such levels and the Company determined that its reserves should be estimated at a significantly lower gold price than that used at December 31, 2001, there would be a reduction in the amount of gold reserves. The Company estimates that if reserves at December 31, 2001 were based on $275 per ounce of gold, reserves would decrease by approximately 13% at Round Mountain, 5% at Kettle River and 2% at the Aquarius development property. There would be no impact on reserves at Lupin and McCoy/Cove. The estimates are based on the extrapolation of information developed in the reserve calculation, but without the same degree of analysis required for reserve estimation. Should any significant reductions in reserves occur, material write-downs of the Company's investment in mining properties and/or increased amortization, reclamation and closure charges may be required.

OPERATIONS REVIEW

Operating data by mine is set out below.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

Operating Data by Mine

  2002
  2001
Gold production (ounces)        
  (a) Round Mountain (50%)   93,571   100,368
  (b) Lupin   28,717   37,954
  (c) McCoy/Cove   16,501   22,303
  (d) Kettle River   10,487   12,845
   
 
Total gold   149,276   173,470
   
 
Silver production (ounces)        
  (b) McCoy/Cove   1,470,094   1,558,529
   
 
Total silver   1,470,094   1,558,529
   
 

        Gold production decreased 14% to 149,276 ounces in the first quarter of 2002 compared to 173,470 ounces in the first quarter of 2001. The decrease in production resulted from lower grades milled at Round Mountain and Lupin, the winding down of operations at McCoy/Cove and lower mill throughput at Kettle River. Silver production from McCoy/Cove was 1.5 million ounces, 6% less than the 1.6 million ounces produced in 2001. Milling was completed at McCoy/Cove in March 2002. For the full year 2002, the Company's production targets are 540,000 gold ounces and 1.5 million silver ounces.

 
  Three months ended
March 31

Operating Data by Mine

  2002
  2001
Cash operating costs (per ounce of gold)            
  (a) Round Mountain   $ 187   $ 185
  (b) Lupin     283     217
  (c) McCoy/Cove     225     257
  (d) Kettle River     260     242
   
 
Company average   $ 216   $ 212
   
 

        Cash operating costs were $216 per ounce of gold in the first quarter of 2002, versus $212 in the first quarter of 2001. The increase was primarily a result of lower production. The Company has targeted consolidated cash operating costs of $225 per ounce of gold produced for the full year 2002.

(a)
Round Mountain, Nevada (50% owned)

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
OPERATING DATA

 
  2002
  2001
 
Gold produced (ounces) (the Company's 50% share):              
  Heap leached—reusable pad     38,012     27,250  
  Heap leached—dedicated pad     38,936     40,687  
  Milled     16,623     32,431  
   
 
 
  Total     93,571     100,368  
Mining cost/ton of ore and waste   $ 0.78   $ 0.85  
Heap leaching cost/ton of ore   $ 0.76   $ 0.70  
Milling cost/ton of ore   $ 2.99   $ 3.00  
Production cost per ounce of gold produced:              
  Direct mining expense   $ 172   $ 166  
  Deferred stripping costs     13     21  
  Inventory movements and other     2     (2 )
   
 
 
    Cash operating costs     187     185  
Royalties     16     11  
Production taxes     3     1  
   
 
 
    Total cash costs     206     197  
Depreciation     44     36  
Amortization     15     15  
Reclamation and mine closure     9     9  
   
 
 
    Total production costs   $ 274   $ 257  
   
 
 
Heap leached—reusable pad:              
  Ore processed (tons/day)     31,433     27,762  
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     2,860     2,526  
  Grade (ounce/ton)     0.045     0.038  
  Recovery rate (%)     66.0     79.8  
Heap leached—dedicated pad:              
  Ore processed (tons/day)     139,780     147,407  
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     12,720     13,414  
  Grade (ounce/ton)     0.011     0.011  
  Recovery rate(1)              
Milled:              
  Ore processed (tons/day)     9,782     9,880  
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     890     899  
  Grade (ounce/ton)     0.045     0.089  
  Recovery rate (%)     82.9     85.5  

(1)
Recovery rates on dedicated pads can only be estimated, as actual recoveries will not be known until leaching is complete. At the Round Mountain mine, the gold recovery rate on the dedicated heap leach pad is estimated at 50%.

        The Company has a 50% ownership interest in, and is the operator of, the Round Mountain mine in Nevada. The Company's share of mine production was 93,571 ounces for the quarter compared with 100,368 ounces in 2001. The lower production results primarily from lower grades milled. Cash operating costs for the quarter were $187 per ounce, compared to $185 per ounce in the previous year reflecting the lower production.

        During the quarter, work continued on the Gold Hill property located four miles north of the current mining and processing facilities. The joint venture partners have committed to a minimum of $2.0 million for 2002 in an exploration program to delineate the potential of Gold Hill and other targets at the Round Mountain site.

(b)
Lupin, Nunavut, Canada (100% owned)

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
OPERATING DATA

 
  2002
  2001
 
Gold produced (ounces)     28,717     37,954  
Mining cost/ton of ore   C$ 51.49   C$ 44.82  
Milling cost/ton of ore   C$ 14.32   C$ 14.40  
Production cost per ounce of gold produced:              
  Canadian dollars:              
    Direct mining expense   C$ 512   C$ 379  
    Deferred mine development costs   C$ (58 ) C$ (12 )
    Inventory movements and other   C$   C$  
   
 
 
      Cash operating costs   C$ 454   C$ 367  
  U.S. dollars              
    Cash operating costs   US$ 283   US$ 217  
    Royalties          
    Production taxes          
   
 
 
      Total cash costs     283     217  
  Depreciation     34     28  
  Amortization     6     7  
  Reclamation and mine closure     14     14  
   
 
 
      Total production costs   US$ 337   US$ 266  
   
 
 
Milled:              
  Ore processed (tons/day)     1,657     1,849  
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     151     168  
  Grade (ounce/ton)     0.205     0.241  
  Recovery rate (%)     92.7     93.4  

        Gold production for the quarter was 28,717 ounces compared with 37,954 ounces in 2001 reflecting lower grades as anticipated as well as 10% less tons milled. Development of production drifts in the lower portions of the mine, conducted in the quarter, is intended to improve production for the remaining part of the year. Cash operating costs were $283 per ounce compared to $217 per ounce in the first quarter of 2001 reflecting the lower production and the difference in the exchange rate (US$0.625:C$1.00 versus US$0.591:C$1.00 in 2001). In 2001, a $0.9 million ($24 per ounce) benefit was realized from a deferred gain on closing out certain Canadian dollar contracts for Lupin expenditures in 1997.

(c)
McCoy/Cove, Nevada (100% owned)

 
  Three months ended
March 31

 
OPERATING DATA

 
  2002
  2001
 
Gold produced (ounces):              
  Milled     9,906     17,978  
  Heap leached     6,595     4,325  
   
 
 
  Total gold     16,501     22,303  
Silver produced (ounces):              
  Milled     1,410,594     1,495,309  
  Heap leached     59,500     63,220  
   
 
 
  Total silver     1,470,094     1,558,529  
Milling cost/ton of ore   $ 10.49   $ 6.42  
Production cost per ounce of gold produced:              
  Direct mining expense   $ 216   $ 255  
  Deferred stripping costs         7  
  Inventory movements and other     9     (5 )
   
 
 
    Cash operating costs     225     257  
  Royalties     1     1  
  Production taxes     (12 )    
   
 
 
    Total cash costs     214     258  
  Depreciation     51     50  
  Amortization         8  
  Reclamation and mine closure          
   
 
 
    Total production costs   $ 265   $ 316  
   
 
 
Average gold-to-silver price ratio(1)     64.6:1     57.7:1  
Milled:              
  Ore processed (tons/day)     6,451     11,838  
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     587     1,077  
  Gold grade (ounce/ton)     0.034     0.043  
  Silver grade (ounce/ton)     3.46     2.57  
  Gold recovery rate (%)     43.3     44.6  
  Silver recovery rate (%)     64.0     64.9  

(1)
To convert costs per ounce of gold into comparable costs per ounce of co-product silver, divide the production cost per ounce of gold by the period's average gold-to-silver price ratio.

        At McCoy/Cove in Nevada, gold production was 16,501 ounces for the quarter compared with 22,303 ounces in 2001 and silver production amounted to 1.5 million ounces compared with 1.6 million ounces in the prior year. Milling was completed in March 2002. Cash operating costs per ounce were $225 compared with $257 in 2001, reflecting no mining costs as well as the reduction of infrastructure costs during the quarter.

        The property is now in full reclamation mode. Re-contouring waste dumps and seeding are expected to continue for another two years.

        On February 13, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation providing for the sale to Newmont of the entire McCoy/Cove Complex. This agreement calls for a payment to the Company of $6.0 million and the assumption by Newmont of all reclamation and closure obligations at McCoy/Cove. A gain is expected on the sale of McCoy/Cove. The agreement is expressly subject to the completion of due diligence by Newmont by July 31, 2002 and there is no assurance that the transaction will be completed. Pending completion of the transaction, the Company will continue to operate McCoy/Cove for its own account.

(d)
Kettle River, Washington (100% owned)

 
  Three months ended
March 31

OPERATING DATA

  2002
  2001
Gold produced (ounces)     10,487     12,845
Mining cost/ton of ore   $ 21.93   $ 23.89
Milling cost/ton of ore   $ 11.10   $ 12.01
Production cost per ounce of gold produced:            
  Direct mining expense   $ 248   $ 211
  Deferred mine development costs        
  Inventory movements and other     12     31
   
 
    Cash operating costs     260     242
  Royalties     5     13
  Production taxes     1     1
   
 
    Total cash costs     266     256
  Depreciation         8
  Amortization     50     40
  Reclamation and mine closure         15
   
 
    Total production costs   $ 316   $ 319
   
 
Milled:            
  Ore processed (tons/day)     739     900
  Total ore processed (000 tons)     67     82
  Grade (ounce/ton)     0.185     0.190
  Recovery rate (%)     84.5     82.7

        Gold production for the quarter was 10,487 ounces, down from 12,845 ounces in 2001, reflecting the lower grades encountered at the K-2 mine and stockpiled ore. With the lower production, cash operating costs per ounce were $260 per ounce compared with $242 per ounce in 2001. The higher costs per ounce result only from the lower production, as actual spending was 12% less than in 2001.

        Results from exploration of the north east extension to the K-2 mine as well as diamond drilling at the Emanuel Creek property during the first quarter are encouraging and drilling will continue through the second quarter to determine the extent of the mineralization.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

McCoy/Cove

        On February 13, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Newmont Mining Corporation providing for the sale to Newmont of the entire McCoy/Cove Complex. This agreement calls for a payment to the Company of $6.0 million and the assumption by Newmont of all reclamation and closure obligations at McCoy/Cove. The agreement is expressly subject to the completion of due diligence by Newmont by July 31, 2002 and there is no assurance that the transaction will be completed. Pending completion of the transaction, the Company will continue to operate McCoy/Cove for its own account.

Capital securities

        On April 3, 2002 the Company issued 361,561,230 common shares in exchange for the entire capital securities debt obligation of $100 million in principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The new principal holders of common shares and their respective ownership positions in the Company are Newmont Mining Corporation of Canada Limited (48.8%) and Kinross Gold Corporation (11.4%). As a result of eliminating the capital securities, the Company will record an increase to common shares of $303.7 million, based on their market value at the date of issue. The market value of the common shares issued exceeded the book value of the capital securities by $134.8 million. This difference, along with share issue costs of $3.0 million, will be recorded proportionately between interest expense ($5.5 million) and deficit ($132.3 million) in the second quarter of 2002 based on the debt and equity classifications of the capital securities. Under U.S. GAAP, the entire loss of $137.8 million would be recorded as an extraordinary item.

Exploration and development programs

        The Company is continuing its focused approach to exploration and development activities primarily within close proximity to the existing mine sites as well as in the Western United States and in the Timmins area of Ontario. For the first quarter of 2002, the Company spent $0.6 million on exploration activities. Exploration costs are expensed as incurred.

        The Company continues to defer a construction decision on the 100% owned Aquarius gold development project in Ontario, Canada. Development holding costs are expensed as incurred and $0.1 million such costs were expensed during the first quarter of 2002.

Other

See note 12 to the interim consolidated financial statements.


ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The estimated fair values of the Company's gold commitments decreased by approximately $3.0 million from December 31, 2001 to March 31, 2002, primarily due to the increase in the gold price from $277 to $301 per ounce. Information about market risks are discussed under Item 7A of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2001.


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Summa

See note 12 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

Handy & Harman

See note 12 to the interim consolidated financial statements.

Other

        In November, 2001, two former employees of the Company brought a claim against the Company pursuant to the "Class Proceedings Act" (British Columbia) as a result of the temporary suspension of operations at the Company's Lupin mine early in 1998 and the layoff of employees at that time. The Company does not know at this time the amount being claimed by the former employees nor whether the claim is appropriate for certification as a class action. Additional information is required in order for the Company's legal counsel to complete its analysis and assessment of this claim.

The Company is also engaged in routine litigation incidental to its business.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF THE SECURITY HOLDERS

        On March 28, 2002 the Company's common shareholders authorized the issuance of 361,561,230 common shares in exchange for the entire capital securities debt obligation of $100 million in principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The exchange was completed on April 3, 2002.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


(a)

 

Reports on Form 8-K

 

Filed on February 20, 2002, related to the sale of the McCoy/Cove mining complex to Newmont Mining Corporation.


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.

    ECHO BAY MINES LTD.
(Registrant)

April 25, 2002

Date

 

 

 

 

/s/ David A. Ottewell

DAVID A. OTTEWELL
Controller and Principal Accounting Officer