EX-99.4 5 exhibit99-4.htm EXHIBIT 99.4 Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. : Exhibit 99.4 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

 

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

GENERAL

This management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (the "Company" or "Metalla") is intended to help the reader understand the significant factors that have affected Metalla and its subsidiaries performance and such factors that may affect its future performance. This MD&A, which has been prepared as of August 12, 2021, should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and the related notes contained therewith. The Company reports its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

Effective September 1, 2020, The Company elected to change its presentation currency from the Canadian dollar ("C$" or "CAD") to the United States dollar ("$" or "USD"). The Company applied the change to the United States dollar presentation currency retrospectively, with prior period comparative information translated to the United States dollar at the foreign exchange rate of 1.3042 Canadian dollars per United States dollar.  The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries was reassessed as a result of a change in underlying transactions, events, and conditions. As a result of this reassessment the functional currency of the Canadian parent company and certain subsidiaries changed from the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar, commencing on September 1, 2020. All dollar amounts included in the following MD&A are in United States dollars except as otherwise indicated.

Additional information relevant to the Company are available for viewing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR section of the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

INDEX

Company Overview 3
Company Highlights 3
Portfolio of Royalties and Streams 5
Change in Year-end 13
Outlook 14
Summary of Quarterly Results 14
Results of Operations 15
Liquidity and Capital Resources 16
Transactions with Related Parties 19
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 20
Proposed Transactions 20
Commitments 20
Financial Instruments 21
Non-IFRS Financial Measures 22
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments 25
Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting 25
Risk Factors 26
Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates 26
Qualified Persons 26
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements 27

 

 


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. ("Metalla" or the "Company") is a precious metals royalty and streaming company that is focused on acquiring gold and silver metal purchase agreements, Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalties, Gross Value Return (“GVR”) royalties, Net Profit Interests ("NPIs"), Gross Proceeds Royalties ("GPRs"), Gross Overriding Return (“GOR”) royalties, Price Participation Royalties ("PPRs"), and non-operating interests in mining projects that provide the right to the holder of a percentage of the gross revenue from metals produced from the project or a percentage of the gross revenue from metals produced from the project after deducting specified costs, if any, respectively. The Company's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the symbol "MTA" and on the NYSE American ("NYSE") under the symbol "MTA". The head office and principal address is 501 - 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The Company completed a consolidation of its common shares on the basis of one new share for four old shares (1:4) effective December 17, 2019 and the listing of its common shares on the NYSE effective January 8, 2020. All figures have been adjusted to reflect the one for four share consolidation. In order to better align the Company's reporting cycle with its peers and its royalty and stream partners, the Company changed its year-end to December 31, beginning with December 31, 2020. 

Since March 2020, several measures have been implemented in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, the United States, and in other jurisdictions where we hold royalties and streams in response to the increased impact from the coronavirus ("COVID-19"). These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods, social distancing, and in some cases mine closures or suspensions, have caused material disruption to business globally. Global financial markets have experienced significant volatility. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions. There are significant uncertainties with respect to future developments and impact to the Company related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak and the measures taken by governments and businesses to contain the pandemic. While the impact of COVID-19 is expected to be temporary, the current circumstances are dynamic and the impact of COVID-19 on our business operations cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, such as the duration and impact on future production for our partner operators at their respective mining operations. However, the current situation has slowly been improving and is expected to have less of an adverse impact on the Company's business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows going forward.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, and subsequent period the Company:

  • Closed six new royalty and stream acquisitions to bring the total held to 69 precious metal assets through the following notable transactions:
    • an existing 1.35% NSR royalty on a portion of the Côté Gold Project and all of the Gosselin Zone (located ~1.5km to the northeast of the Côté deposit) (together referred to as "Cote-Gosselin") owned by IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") and Sumitomo Metals Mining Co., Ltd., from arm's length sellers for total consideration of C$7.5 million in cash;
    • an existing 2.5% NSR royalty on Minera Alamos Ltd.'s La Fortuna project, from Argonaut Gold Ltd. for aggregate consideration of $2.25 million in cash, of which $1.25 million was paid upon closing and the remaining $1.0 million is payable six months after closing. The 2.5% NSR, which is capped at $4.5 million, will be in addition to Metalla's uncapped 1.0% NSR royalty to increase the total royalty exposure to 3.5% on the La Fortuna project;
    • an existing 0.5% NSR royalty on Barrick Gold Corp.'s Del Carmen project, which is part of the 9 Moz Au Alturas-Del Carmen project in the El Indio belt in the San Juan province of Argentina, from Coin Hodl Inc. for a total consideration of C$1.6 million in cash;
    • an existing 0.75% GVR royalty on Eldorado Gold Corp.'s 2 Moz Au Tocantinzinho project located in the Tapajos district in the State of Para in northern Brazil, from Sailfish Royalty Corp. for a total consideration of $9.0 million in cash;

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

  • an existing 1.0%-2.0% NSR royalty on OZ Minerals ("OZ") 1.7 Moz Au CentroGold project ("CentroGold") located in the State of Maranhão in northern Brazil, from Jaguar Mining Inc. for total consideration of $7.0 million in cash and with additional contingent payments of up to $11.0 million comprised of shares and cash subject to the successful completion of certain milestones in respect of the CentroGold project; and
  • an existing 0.45% NSR royalty on Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.'s ("Agnico") Amalgamated Kirkland property in its Kirkland Lake project, and an existing 0.45% NSR royalty on Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.'s ("Kirkland Lake Gold") North Amalgamated Kirkland property ("North AK Property") at its Macassa mine, from private third parties for total consideration of C$0.7 million in cash.
  • on May 14, 2021, announced the termination of the 2020 ATM Program (as defined below).  During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company distributed 1,526,600 common shares under the 2020 ATM Program at an average price of $9.45 per share for gross proceeds of $14.4 million.  From inception in September 2020 to termination in May 2021, the Company distributed a total of 1,809,300 common shares under the 2020 ATM Program at an average price of $9.63 per share for gross proceeds of $17.4 million;
  • on May 14, 2021, announced the 2021 ATM Program (as defined below).  From inception to June 30, 2021, the Company distributed 515,532 common shares under the 2021 ATM Program at an average price of $10.02 per share for gross proceeds of $5.2 million.  As at the date of this MD&A, the Company had distributed a total of 863,732 common shares under the 2021 ATM program for gross proceeds of $8.2 million;
  • for the three months ended June 30, 2021, received or accrued payments on 646 (three months ended May 31, 2020 - 44) attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEOs") at an average realized price of $1,778 (three months ended May 31, 2020 - $1,755) and an average cash cost of $8 (three months ended May 31, 2020 - $782) per attributable GEO (see non-IFRS Financial Measures).  For the six months ended June 30, 2021, received or accrued payments on 1,377 (six months ended May 31, 2020 - 742) attributable GEOs at an average realized price of $1,764 (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $1,612) and an average cash cost of $10 (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $560) per attributable GEO (see non-IFRS Financial Measures);
  • for the three months ended June 30, 2021, generated operating cash margin of $1,770 (three months ended May 31, 2020 - $973) per attributable GEO, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, generated operating cash margin of $1,754 (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $1,052) per attributable GEO, from the Wharf, Joaquin, and COSE royalties, the New Luika Gold Mine ("NLGM") stream held by Silverback Ltd. ("Silverback"), the Higginsville derivative royalty asset, and other royalty interests (see non-IFRS Financial Measures);
  • for the three months ended June 30, 2021 recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of $0.7 million (three months ended May 31, 2020 - less than $0.1 million), net loss of $2.7 million (three months ended May 31, 2020 - $1.7 million), and adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.5 million (three months ended May 31, 2020 - negative $1.3 million) (see non-IFRS Financial Measures). For the six months ended June 30, 2021 recognized revenue from royalty and stream interests, including fixed royalty payments, of $1.4 million (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $1.0 million), net loss of $5.1 million (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $3.3 million), and adjusted EBITDA of negative $1.0 million (six months ended May 31, 2020 - negative $1.3 million) (see non-IFRS Financial Measures);
  • for the three months ended June 30, 2021, recognized payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $0.5 million (three months ended May 31, 2020 - $Nil), and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, recognized payments due or received (not included in revenue) from the Higginsville derivative royalty asset of $1.0 million (six months ended May 31, 2020 - $Nil) (see non-IFRS Financial Measures); and
  • converted C$5.0 million outstanding on the Beedie Capital ("Beedie") amended loan facility at C$9.90 per share for a total of 505,050 common shares and the Company drew down an additional C$5.0 million from the amended loan facility with a conversion price of C$14.30 per share, in accordance with the terms of the amended loan facility. As at the date of this MD&A, the Company has a total of C$5.0 million outstanding and C$15.0 million available on standby under the amended loan facility. 

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

PORTFOLIO OF ROYALTIES AND STREAMS

As at June 30, 2021, and as at the date of this MD&A, the Company owned 69 royalties, streams, and other interests. Six of the royalties and streams are in the production stage (five currently producing and one on care and maintenance), twenty-three of the royalties are in the development stage, and the remainder are in the exploration stage.

Notes:

(1) Au: gold; Ag: silver; Cu: copper; Zn: zinc; and Pb: lead.

(2) Kt: kilotonnes; Mt: million tonnes; g/t: grams per tonne; oz: ounces; Koz: kilo ounces; Moz: million ounces; Ktpa: kilotonnes per annum; Mtpa: million tonnes per annum; and tpd: tonnes per day.

(3) P&P: Proven and Probable; M&I: Measured & Indicated.

(4) See the Company's website at https://www.metallaroyalty.com/ for the complete list and further details.

Producing Assets

As at June 30, 2021, the Company owned an interest in the following properties that are in the production stage:

Property

 

Operator

 

Location

 

Metal

 

Terms

Wharf

 

Coeur Mining

 

South Dakota, USA

 

Au

 

1.0% GVR

Higginsville (2)

 

Karora Resources

 

Higginsville, Australia

 

Au

 

27.5% PPR

Joaquin

 

Pan American

 

Santa Cruz, Argentina

 

Au, Ag

 

2.0% NSR

New Luika

 

Shanta Gold

 

Tanzania

 

Au, Ag

 

15% Ag Stream

Endeavor (1)

 

Sandfire Resources (1)

 

NSW, Australia

 

Zn, Pb, Ag

 

100% Ag Stream

(1)The Endeavor mine is currently on care and maintenance, in October 2020 Sandfire Resources Ltd. (“Sandfire”) announced a farm-in agreement with CBH Resources Ltd giving Sandfire the right to earn a 51% interest in the mine by spending $10 million on exploration. Sandfire can increase its interest to 75% by spending an additional $10 million on exploration, or can acquire 100% for a payment of $30 million.  The mine is undergoing an exploration program by  Sandfire which is evaluating options for a potential restart.

(2)The Higginsville PPR royalty is designated as a derivate royalty asset on the Company's statement of financial position. 

Below are updates during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and subsequent period to certain production stage assets and is based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:

Wharf Royalty

On July 28, 2021, Coeur Mining Inc. ("Coeur") reported in a Form 8-K news release, that Wharf produced 24,126 ounces of gold at 0.99 g/t during the second quarter of 2021, in line with the production guidance range of 85-95 Koz for 2021. Activities during the quarter included exploration and infill drilling at the Portland Ridge target in the southern edge of the operation where 11,600 meters of RC drilling was completed. Upon completion of infill drilling at Portland Ridge, Coeur plans to shift its focus to the Flossie area, west of Portland Ridge, Sunshine area and the Juno area, located on the north side of Wharf for exploration and infill drilling.

Metalla holds a 1.0% GVR royalty on the Wharf mine.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Higginsville Royalty

On August 9, 2021, Karora Resources Inc. ("Karora") announced second quarter production from its Higginsville Gold Operations (“Higginsville”) and Beta Hunt mines of 29,831 ounces of gold, in line with 2021 production guidance of 105-115 Koz for 2021. Higginsville mill feed was processed from the Hidden Secret deposit, meanwhile grade control work continued at Mousehollow deposit which is expected to provide operation flexibility once mining of the pit commences. Alongside open pit mining, Karora continued to complete pre-production activities at the Aquarius underground mine with the commencement of decline development expected in the third quarter of 2021. Karora expects to intersect development ore in the fourth quarter of 2021 with stope production commencing shortly thereafter. At the Two Boys underground deposit, rehabilitation works continued with development to access remnant and new ore blocks. Drilling activities are ongoing at both the Aquarius and Two Boys deposits to infill and expand the ore bodies. Karora also outlined that the plans to expand the Higginsville processing plant to 2.5 Mtpa by 2024 were on schedule.

Metalla holds a 27.5% PPR royalty interest on the difference between the London PM fix gold price and A$1,340/oz on the first 2.5 Koz per quarter until a cumulative total of 34.0 Koz of gold at the Higginsville operation have been delivered. As at June 30, 2021, 9.1 Koz of gold had been delivered.

New Luika Silver Stream

On July 19, 2021, Shanta Gold (“Shanta”) announced a new mine plan for NLGM where average annual production is expected to be 73.6 Koz gold with the potential to extend mine life beyond 2026 through conversion of significant known resources and the expanded 2,450 tpd mill throughput. Shanta expects total gold production from NLGM for the 5-year plan to total 368 Koz from both open pit and underground mine sources from the mining license. Shanta outlined that the resources presently sitting outside of the mine plan amount to 552 Koz at 2.37 g/t at NLGM.

The current Probable Reserves at NLGM stand at 423 Koz at 2.99 g/t gold and the Measured Resource are 2.45 Koz at 2.40 g/t gold, Indicated Resources are 312 Koz at 2.54 g/t gold and Inferred Resources stand at 237 Koz at 2.17 g/t gold.

Metalla holds a 15% interest in Silverback Ltd., whose sole business is receipt and distribution of a silver stream on NLGM at an ongoing cost of 10% of the spot silver price.

Endeavor Silver Stream

On July 29, 2021 Sandfire Resources Limited ("Sandfire") reported that drilling at Endeavor continued with drilling to the south of the Endeavor orebody to a total depth of 1,200 meters as platform for downhole EM surveys. On April 28, 2021, Sandfire reported that exploration work included prospect generation and review and the acquisition of drillhole electromagnetic ("DHEM") data south of the Endeavor mine. Sandfire interpreted and modelled additional historic DHEM data to generate additional areas requiring investigation in close proximity to the Endeavor orebody.

Metalla has the right to buy 100% of the silver production up to 20 Moz (12.6 Moz remaining under the contract for delivery) from the Endeavor Mine for an operating cost contribution of $1.00/oz of payable silver, indexed annually for inflation, plus a further increment of 50% of the silver price in excess of $7.00/oz.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Development Stage Assets

As at June 30, 2021, the Company owned an interest in the following properties that are in the development stage:

Property

 

Operator

 

Location

 

Metal

 

Terms

Akasaba West

 

Agnico Eagle

 

Val d'Or, Quebec

 

Au, Cu

 

2.0% NSR(1)

Amalgamated Kirkland

 

Agnico Eagle

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

0.45% NSR

Aureus East

 

Aurelius Minerals

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Beaufor

 

Monarch Mining

 

Val d'Or, Quebec

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR(1)

Big Springs

 

Anova Metals

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR(2)

CentroGold

 

Oz Minerals

 

Maranhao, Brazil

 

Au

 

1.0%-2.0% NSR(3)

Cote and Gosselin

 

IAMGOLD/Sumitomo

 

Gogama, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.35% NSR

Del Carmen

 

Barrick Gold

 

San Juan, Argentina

 

Au, Ag

 

0.5% NSR

El Realito

 

Agnico Eagle

 

Sonora, Mexico

 

Au, Ag

 

2.0% NSR(1)

Fifteen Mile Stream ("FMS")

 

St. Barbara

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

FMS (Plenty Deposit)

 

St. Barbara

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Au

 

3.0% NSR(1)

Fosterville

 

Kirkland Lake Gold

 

Victoria, Australia

 

Au

 

2.5% GVR

Garrison

 

Moneta Porcupine

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Hoyle Pond Extension

 

Newmont

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR(1)

La Fortuna

 

Minera Alamos

 

Durango, Mexico

 

Au, Ag, Cu

 

3.5% NSR(4)

North AK

 

Kirkland Lake Gold

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

0.45% NSR

NuevaUnión

 

Newmont and Teck

 

Chile

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

San Luis

 

SSR Mining

 

Peru

 

Au, Ag

 

1.0% NSR

Santa Gertrudis

 

Agnico Eagle

 

Sonora, Mexico

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR(1)

Tocantinzinho

 

Eldorado Gold

 

Para, Brazil

 

Au

 

0.75% GVR

Wasamac

 

Yamana Gold

 

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR(1)

Timmins West Extension

 

Pan American

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR(1)

Zaruma

 

Pelorus Minerals

 

Ecuador

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR

(1) Subject to partial buy-back and/or exemption

(2) Subject to fixed royalty payments

(3) 1.0% NSR on the first 500 Koz, 2.0% NSR on next 1Moz, and 1.0% NSR thereafter in perpetuity

(4) 2.5% NSR capped at $4.5 million, 1.0% NSR uncapped

Below are updates during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and subsequent period to certain development stage assets and is based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:

Santa Gertrudis

On July 2, 2021, Agnico announced drilling in the first half of 2021 totaled 63 holes (27,693 meters) focused on advancing Amelia, Espiritu Santo, Santa Teresa, El Toro and other zones. At Amelia, drilling focused on delineating and expanding the deposit with significant intercepts of 2.7 g/t gold and 11 g/t silver over 33.9 meters, 6.6 g/t gold over 8 meters and 4.7 g/t gold and 25 g/t silver over 4 meters. Delineation drilling to infill the mineral resource at Amelia will continue for the remainder of the year. At the El Toro deposit, deep drilling has intersected high grade feeder mineralization with significant intercepts of 4 g/t gold over 9.5 meters and 3.3 g/t gold over 8.3 meters. At the Santa Teresa zone, shallow drilling has intersected oxide mineralization with significant intercepts of 1.4 g/t gold and 9 g/t silver over 13 meters and 1.3 g/t gold and 5 g/t silver over 5.5 meters. Exploration at Santa Teresa has extended mineralization 500 meters along strike and 150 meters below surface, Agnico expects to complete an initial resource estimate for this zone at year-end.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

During the remainder of 2021, Agnico plans additional drilling and metallurgical testing to continue expanding the mineral resources, to generate and test new targets including the new La Leona target near Amelia and to advance the oxide heap-leach project concept with drilling at the Central and Centauro targets.

An updated mineral reserve and resource estimate and an updated preliminary economic assessment are expected in 2021.

Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on Santa Gertrudis subject to Agnico's right to buy back 1.0% for $7.5 million.

Wasamac

On July 19, 2021, Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") announced a positive development decision on the Wasamac property based on positive results on several studies. Yamana reported an updated mineral reserve estimate of 1.91 Moz at 2.56 g/t gold for an initial 10-year mine life. Initial production proposes a rapid ramp up of production to 200 Koz per annum for the first four years with an average life of mine production of 169 Koz per year utilizing a 7,000 tpd mill with infrastructure designed to increase throughput to 7,500 tpd for additional upside. Wasamac provides robust economics including an after-tax net present value at a 5% discount rate of $470 million and an internal rate of return of 24% at a $1,850/oz gold price. Yamana expects to complete an infill and exploration program at Wasamac to generate additional mineral reserves to sustain the 200 Koz level of yearly production for more than 15 years. Plans include 120,000 meters of drilling in 2021 and 2022 with a budget of $15 million to delineate earlier mining areas, convert remaining mineral resources and additional drilling at depth testing between mineralized zones. Further opportunities for optimization will be pursued with additional metallurgical drilling to increase gold recoveries, accelerate the project execution plan, infill drilling and the inclusion of silver to improve project economics.

Metalla holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Wasamac project subject to a buy back of 0.5% for C$7.5 million.

Tocantinzinho

On August 9, 2021, G Mining Ventures Corp (“G Mining”) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to ‎acquire the Tocantinzinho project (“TZ”) from Eldorado Gold Corp. for upfront consideration of $50 million and deferred consideration of $60 million upon the first anniversary of commercial production. TZ is a permitted, high-grade gold project with a 10-year reserve life with an estimated 187 Koz per year production profile for the first 8 years with a forecasted cash cost of $588/oz. G Mining expects to complete an updated feasibility study within 180 days with a target for commercial production of the second half of 2024. Project optimization on TZ, with early works planning, detailed engineering, and long lead item orders, are expected to begin immediately upon close of the transaction. A 10,000 meter drill program will supplement the optimization to de-risk early years of production and explore for expansion below the current pit. TZ is open at depth and down plunge where exploration below the pit included significant intercepts of 1.26 g/t gold over 39.5 meters and 2.45 g/t gold over 60 meters.

G Mining is a precious metals development company with a leadership team which has built four mines in South America, including the Merian mine for Newmont Corporation and Fruta Del Norte for Lundin Gold. 

Metalla holds a 0.75% GVR royalty on the Tocantinzinho project.

El Realito

On July 29, 2021, Agnico reported that road construction began at El Realito in Q2 2021 and it is expected to begin pre-stripping activities at the end of Q3 2021. In the first half of 2021, Agnico drilled 153 holes, totaling 17,175 meters into shallow, open-pit targets at the La India Complex, comprised of 54 holes (8,913 meters) at Chipriona (on strike and adjacent to the Company’s royalty), 57 holes (4,995 meters) at the El Realito deposit and 42 holes (3,267 meters) at the Main Zone deposit.

Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the El Realito deposit which is subject to a 1.0% buyback right for $4.0 million.

Del Carmen

On August 9, 2021, Barrick Gold reported that 4,800 meters of drilling were completed out of the 8,000-meter program to test high-grade mineralization controls at Del Carmen. Drilling at Rojo Grande validated the geological model with significant intercepts of 1.23 g/t gold over 96.5 meters, 0.95 g/t gold over 28 meters. At the high-grade Chibolitas target drilling returned 1.97 g/t over 10 meters. Drilling at Del Carmen will resume in the South American spring.

Metalla holds a 0.5% NSR royalty on the Del Carmen project which is the Argentine portion of the Alturas-Del Carmen project in the prolific El Indio belt.

Beaufor Mine

On July 28, 2021, Monarch Mining Corporation ("Monarch") announced an updated resource estimate at the Beaufor Mine. Beaufor now contains an estimated Measured & Indicated Resource of 219 Koz at 5.3 g/t gold. Total Inferred Resources are estimated at 123 Koz at 4.7 g/t gold. Approximately 24,700 meters of the 42,500 meter drill program are dedicated to areas outside of the current resource estimate.

On August 3, 2021, Monarch announced it had entered into a C$13.5 million term loan agreement with Investissement Québec to finance the restart of the Beaufor mine. As a result, Monarch announced it had over C$43.0 million in cash and cash equivalents that it can dedicate toward restarting the Beaufor Mine and Beacon Mill by June 2022.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Beaufor mine once Monarch has produced 100 Koz of gold. To date, approximately 27.3 Koz of gold have been produced from the property.

Côté & Gosselin

On August 4, 2021, IAMGOLD reported that construction continues to progress well at the Côté Gold Project. Earthworks are continuing with overburden stripping and the commencement of other infrastructure items including the tailings management facility. The project is on schedule for commercial production in the second half of 2023 and was 27% complete as of June 30, 2021.

At the Gosselin zone, IAMGOLD completed 10,200 meters of the 13,000 to 16,000-meter drill program. IAMGOLD expects to release an initial resource estimate for the Gosselin zone in the fourth quarter of 2021 and has outlined the potential for the Gosselin zone to provide future supplemental feed to the Côté mill.

Metalla holds a 1.35% NSR royalty on a portion of the Côté deposit and all of the Gosselin zone.

Fosterville

On July 28, 2021, Kirkland Lake Gold reported a total of 84,248 meters of drilling had been completed year to date where underground drilling in the first half of 2021 continued to target the Harrier zone, as well as extensions of the Lower Phoenix system with the completion of several exploration drill drives.  Surface drilling also commenced in the Southern end of the Fosterville Mining license targeting the Harrier south, Daley's Hill and Russell Reef lines of mineralization.

Metalla holds a 2.5% GVR royalty on the Northern and Southern extensions of the Fosterville mining license.

CentroGold

On July 27, 2021, OZ announced that work resumed on the relocation plan study to be submitted to INCRA for approval in order to lift the injunction on the property. Work has continued on environmental reports, updating the pre-feasibility study, which is on track to be delivered in Q3 2021.

Metalla holds a 1.0-2.0% NSR royalty on the CentroGold project.

Fifteen Mile Stream

On July 28, 2021, St Barbara Limited ("St. Barbara") reported that the Environmental Impact Statement was submitted in February 2021, with the first round of information requested received in late June 2021. Responses to the requests have commenced with permitting support continuing. Exploration activities at Fifteen Mile Stream included nine drill holes for 1,077 meters at the Seloam Brook east target, testing for extensions to mineralization west of the Hudson deposit.

Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Fifteen Mile Stream deposit and a 3.0% NSR royalty on the Plenty and Seloam Brook deposits.

Aureus East

On June 24, 2021, Aurelius Minerals Inc. ("Aurelius") reported assay results from surface drilling at Aureus East of 5.3 g/t gold over 4.7 meters, 16.5 g/t gold over 1.6 meters and 67.7 g/t gold over 0.6 meters. These drill holes specifically targeted the limb structures and confirmed the presence of high-grade gold in the steeply dipping limbs and the previous drilled hinge zones. Over the remainder of 2021, Aurelius expects to continue to drill its 10,000 meter drill program at the Aureus East project and complete a maiden resource estimate in Q1 2022.

Metalla holds a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Aureus East project.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

North AK Property

On July 28, 2021, Kirkland Lake Gold reported that near surface zones along the Amalgamated Break will be mined in late 2021. In addition, Kirkland Lake Gold completed 2,558 meters of drilling from the surface targeting shallow targets near the near surface resource areas. This drilling was in addition to the 1,914 metres of drilling focused on targeting potential near surface resource from the Near Surface Ramp.

Metalla holds a 0.45% NSR royalty on the North AK property which is adjacent to the Macassa near surface resource.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Exploration Stage Assets

As at June 30, 2021, the Company owned a large portfolio of exploration stage assets including:

Property

 

Operator

 

Location

 

Metal

 

Terms

Anglo/Zeke

 

Nevada Gold Mines

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

0.5% GOR

Beaudoin

 

Explor Resources

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au, Ag

 

0.4% NSR

Big Island

 

Voyageur Mineral Expl.

 

Flin Flon, Manitoba

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Bint Property

 

Glencore

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Biricu

 

Minaurum Gold

 

Guerrero, Mexico

 

Au, Ag

 

2.0% NSR

Boulevard

 

Independence Gold

 

Dawson Range, Yukon

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Caldera

 

Discovery Harbour Res.

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR (4)

Camflo Mine

 

Yamana Gold/Agnico Eagle

 

Val d'Or, Quebec

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Capricho

 

Solaris Resources

 

Peru

 

Au, Ag

 

1.0% NSR

Colbert/Anglo

 

Newmont

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Carlin East

 

Ridgeline Minerals

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

0.5% NSR (4)

DeSantis Mine

 

Canadian Gold Miner

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR

Detour DNA

 

Kirkland Lake Gold

 

Cochrane, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Edwards Mine

 

Alamos Gold

 

Wawa, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.25% NSR

Fortuity 89

 

Newcrest Mining

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Golden Brew

 

Highway 50 Gold

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

0.5% NSR

Golden Dome

 

Anova Metals

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR (4)

Goodfish Kirana

 

Warrior Gold

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Green Springs

 

Contact Gold

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Guadalupe/Pararin

 

Pucara Resources

 

Peru

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Hot Pot/Kelly Creek

 

Nevada Exp./Austin Gold

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR (2)(4)

Island Mountain

 

Tuvera Exploration

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR (4)

Jersey Valley

 

Abacus Mining

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR (4)

Kings Canyon

 

Pine Cliff Energy

 

Utah, USA

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Kirkland-Hudson

 

Kirkland Lake Gold

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

Los Patos

 

Private

 

Venezuela

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR

Los Tambo

 

IAMGOLD

 

Peru

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Lourdes

 

Pucara Resources

 

Peru

 

Au, Ag

 

1.0% NSR

Mirado Mine

 

Orefinders/Kirkland Lake JV

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR(1)

Montclerg

 

IEP

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Orion

 

Minera Frisco

 

Nayarit, Mexico

 

Au, Ag

 

2.75% NSR(3)

Pelangio Poirier

 

Pelangio Exploration

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Pine Valley

 

Nevada Gold Mines

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

3.0% NSR (2)(4)

Pucarana

 

Buenaventura

 

Peru

 

Au

 

1.8% NSR(1)

Puchildiza

 

Metalla

 

Chile

 

Au

 

1.5% NSR(5)

Red Hill

 

NuLegacy Gold Corp.

 

Nevada, USA

 

Au

 

1.5% GOR

Sirola Grenfell

 

Pelangio Exploration

 

Kirkland Lake, Ontario

 

Au

 

0.25% NSR

Solomon's Pillar

 

Private

 

Greenstone, Ontario

 

Au

 

1.0% NSR

Tower Stock

 

White Metal Res.

 

Thunder Bay, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

TVZ Zone

 

Newmont

 

Timmins, Ontario

 

Au

 

2.0% NSR

(1) Option to acquire the underlying and/or additional royalty

(2) Subject to partial buy-back and/or exemption

(3) Subject to closing conditions

(4) Subject to fixed royalty payments

(5) Option available


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Below are updates during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and subsequent period to certain exploration assets and is based on information publicly filed by the applicable project owner:

Green Springs

On May 18, 2021, Contact Gold Corp. ("Contact") announced that it has received the first results from its 2021 drill program at Green Springs, with notable intercepts of 1.46 g/t gold over 47.24 meters which extended mineralization along a key east-west cross structure and 0.89 g/t gold over 12.19 meters. On June 15, 2021 Contact announced a new gold discovery at Green Springs at the Tango target which is 500 meters to the north of the Alpha zone mineralization, with highlights of 0.55 g/t over 54.9 meters, 1.01 g/t gold over 13.7 meters and 0.87 g/t gold over 13.7 meters. On June 28, 2021, Contact announced an additional discovery at the X-Ray target, bridging the gap between the Mine Trend and the Alpha zone with highlights of 1.28 g/t gold over 39.6meters and 0.82 g/t gold over 24.4 meters. In 2021, Contact's exploration program is focused on rapidly expanding the footprint of oxidized gold mineralisation at Green Springs, by stepping out on high grade zones along the mine trend and new targets under Contact's exploration model.

Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on Green Springs.

Fortuity 89

On July 16, 2021, Newcrest Mining Ltd. ("Newcrest") provided the results of the planned geophysical, resistivity and geochemical program at the Fortuity 89 property. A number of potential targets have been identified which Newcrest plans to drill test this year.

Metalla holds a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Fortuity 89 project.

Anglo/Zeke & Pine Valley

On May 25, 2021, Nevada Gold Mines ("NGM"), a Joint Venture between Barrick Gold Corp. and Newmont Corporation, announced the completion of the Twin Exploration Declines at Goldrush. NGM employees have begun development and exploration from underground declines with the priority to explore the Goldrush Extensions.

Metalla holds a 0.5% GOR royalty on Anglo/Zeke and a 3.0% NSR royalty on Pine Valley which are both located adjacent to the Goldrush ore body.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Production and Sales from Royalties and Streams

The following table summarizes the attributable GEOs sold by the Company's royalty partners, including any amounts related to derivative royalty assets, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and May 31, 2020:

    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     May 31,     June 30,     May 31,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Attributable GEOs(1) during the period from:                        
Wharf   200     -     447     -  
NLGM(2)   28     21     75     90  
Higginsville(3)   289     -     580     -  
COSE   103     -     191     32  
Joaquin   26     12     84     14  
Endeavor Silver Stream   -     11     -     606  
Total attributable GEOs(1)   646     44     1,377     742  

(1) For the methodology used to calculate attributable GEOs see Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(2) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.

(3) The Higginsville PPR is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss.  However, operationally the Company is paid for the ounces sold similar to the Company's other royalty interests, therefore the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 in the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

CHANGE IN YEAR-END

In order to better align the Company's reporting cycle with its peers and its royalty and stream partners, the Company changed its year-end to December 31, beginning with December 31, 2020.  The length and ending date of the periods, including the comparative periods, of the interim and annual financial statements to be filed for the transition year and new financial year are:

Transition Year

Comparative
Annual Financial
Statements to
Transition Year

New Financial
Year

Comparative
Annual Financial
Statements to
New Financial
Year

Interim Periods
for Transition
Year

Comparative
Interim Periods
to Interim
Periods in
Transition Year

Interim Periods
for New
Financial Year

Comparative
Interim Periods
to Interim
Periods in New
Financial Year

7 months ended
December 31, 2020

12 months ended
May 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

7 months ended
December 31, 2020
and
12 months ended
May 31, 2020

3 months ended
August 31, 2020

3 months ended
August 31, 2019

3 months ended
March 31, 2021
6 months ended
June 30, 2021
9 months ended
September 30,
2021

3 months ended
February 29, 2020
6 months ended
May 31, 2020
9 months ended
August 31, 2020

For additional information please see the Notice filed by the Company on October 9, 2020 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

OUTLOOK

Primary sources of cash flows from royalties and streams for 2021 are expected to be Wharf, Higginsville, Joaquin, COSE, and NLGM. In 2021, the Company expects 2,200 to 3,200 attributable GEOs(1). Similar to 2020, the Company expects attributable GEOs to be weighted towards the second half of the year.

(1) For the methodology used to calculated attributable GEOs see Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

The following table provides selected financial information for the eight most recently completed financial quarters up to June 30, 2021:

                Four months     Three months  
    Three months ended     ended     ended  
    June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     August 31,  
    2021     2021     2020     2020  
Revenue from royalty and stream interests $ 696,605   $ 674,585   $ 962,783   $ 346,869  
Net loss   2,729,981     2,377,724     3,289,068     1,456,741  
Dividends declared and paid   -     -     -     -  
Loss per share - basic and diluted   0.06     0.06     0.08     0.04  
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic   42,281,245     40,709,081     38,975,824     36,214,370  

 

    Three months ended  
    May 31,     February 29,     November 30,     August 31,  
    2020     2020     2019     2019  
Revenue from royalty and stream interests $ 37,607   $ 969,311   $ 1,638,997   $ 122,909  
Net loss   1,662,446     1,595,792     808,572     355,717  
Dividends declared and paid   316,730     312,393     309,727     306,007  
Loss per share - basic and diluted   0.05     0.05     0.02     0.01  
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic   34,496,399     34,033,219     33,699,105     33,322,502  

Changes in revenues, net income (loss), and cash flows on a quarter-by-quarter basis are affected primarily by changes in production levels and the related commodity prices at producing mines, acquisitions of royalties and streams, as well as the commencement or cessation of mining operations at mines the Company has under royalty and stream agreements.

A summary of material changes impacting the Company's quarterly results are discussed below:

  • For the three months ended June 30, 2021, revenue was roughly consistent compared to the previous quarter as the primary sources or revenue remained unchanged being the Wharf, COSE and Joaquin royalties.
  • For the three months ended March 31, 2021, revenue decreased compared to the previous quarter primarily due to the period being a three-month period compared to the comparative to four months in the previous quarter.
  • For the four months ended December 31, 2020, and the three months ended August 31, 2020, revenue increased compared to the previous quarters primarily as a result of acquiring the producing Wharf royalty.
  • For the three months ended May 31, 2020, revenue decreased compared to the previous quarter due to the Endeavor Mine being put on care and maintenance leading to a significant decrease in attributable gold oz. production and significantly lower production from Joaquin and COSE due to mandated government shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • For the three months ended February 29, 2020, revenue decreased compared to the previous quarter, due to a decrease in attributable silver oz. delivered and sold at the Endeavor Mine. The decrease from the Endeavor mine was offset partially in the period as the Company received its first NSR payments from COSE and Joaquin NSR interests.

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

  • For the three months ended November 30, 2019, revenue increased significantly compared to the three months ended August 31, 2019 and the three months ended May 31, 2019 as delivery delays encountered at the smelter at the Endeavour Mine in the three months ended August 31, 2019 and May 31, 2019, respectively, were resolved and a significant amount of attributable silver oz. was delivered and sold at the Endeavor Mine. The delays at the Endeavour Mine contributed directly to the decrease in revenue in the periods ended August 31, 2019 and May 31, 2019, respectively, compared to prior periods.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

The Company's net loss totaled $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with a net loss of $1.7 million for the three months ended May 31, 2020.

Significant items impacting the change in net loss included the following:

  • an increase in revenue from royalties and streams from less than $0.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2020 to $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, driven by the increased revenue from the Wharf, COSE and Joaquin royalties in the current period;
  • an increase in share-based payments from $0.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2020 to $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, driven primarily by an increase in the calculated values for share-based payments tied to an increase in the Company's share price; and 
  • an increase in mark-to-market losses on derivative royalty assets from $Nil for the three months ended May 31, 2020 to $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, driven primarily by changes in the estimates of future gold price and foreign exchange rates used in the Company's derivative valuation model, the Company did not have any derivative royalty assets in the comparative period.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

The Company's net loss totaled $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with a net loss of $3.3 million for the six months ended May 31, 2020.

Significant items impacting the change in net loss included the following:

  • an increase in revenue from royalties and streams from $1.0 million for the six months ended May 31, 2020 to $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, driven by the increased revenue from the Wharf, COSE, and Joaquin royalties in the current period offsetting the suspension of operations at the Endeavor mine which was the primary source of revenue in the comparative period;
  • an increase in share-based payments from $0.9 million for the six months ended May 31, 2020 to $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, driven primarily by an increase in the calculated values for share-based payments tied to an increase in the Company's share price; and
  • an increase in mark-to-market losses on derivative royalty assets from $Nil for the six months ended May 31, 2020 to $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, driven primarily by changes in the estimates of future gold price and foreign exchange rates used in the Company's derivative valuation model, the Company did not have any derivative royalty assets in the comparative period.

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company considers items included in shareholders' equity as capital. The Company's objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

The Company's cash balance as at June 30, 2021 was $3.5 million (December 31, 2020 - $5.3 million) and its working capital was $5.1 million (December 31, 2020 - $8.5 million). The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.

The Company believes it has access to sufficient resources to undertake its current business plan for the foreseeable future. In order to meet is capital requirements the Company's primary sources of cash flows are expected to be from the Wharf, Higginsville, Joaquin, COSE, and NLGM royalties and streams.  For any capital requirement not covered by the cash flows from royalties and streams, the Company may: issue new shares through the 2021 ATM Program (as defined below) or other public and/or private placements, draw down additional funds under the Amended Loan Facility (as defined below), enter into new debt agreements, or sell assets.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, cash decreased by $1.8 million. The decrease was due to net cash used in investing activities of $24.9 million, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities of $0.4 million and by financing activities of $22.6 million. Exchange rate changes had a minimal impact on cash of less than $0.1 million.

Debt

In March 2019, the Company entered into a convertible loan facility (the "Loan Facility") of C$12.0 million with Beedie to fund acquisitions of new royalties and streams. The Loan Facility consisted of an initial advance of C$7.0 million, with the remaining C$5.0 million available for subsequent advances in minimum tranches of C$1.25 million. The Loan Facility carried an interest rate of 8.0% on amount advanced and 2.5% on standby funds available, with the principal payment due April 21, 2023. At the option of Beedie, principal outstanding can be converted into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share.  In August 2019, the Company drew down the initial advance of $5.4 million (C$7.0 million) (the "First Drawdown") of which $3.2 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $2.1 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.6 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 23.5% per annum, with an expected life of four years.

On August 6, 2020, the Company completed an amendment with Beedie on its Loan Facility (the "Loan Amendment").  As part of the Loan Amendment: (i) Beedie converted C$6.0 million of the First Drawdown; (ii) the Company drew down the remaining undrawn C$5.0 million available from the Loan Facility and the conversion price of C$9.90 per share; (iii) the Loan Facility was increased by an aggregate C$20.0 million.  All future advances will have a minimum amount of C$2.5 million and each advance will have its own conversion price based on a 20% premium to the 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's shares on the date of such advance; (iv) if for a period of 30 consecutive trading days the 30-day VWAP is at a 50% premium above any or all of the conversion prices, the Company may elect to convert the principal amount outstanding under the Loan Facility at the respective conversion prices; and (v) the standby fee on all undrawn funds available under the Loan Facility will bear an interest rate of 1.5%. 

In August 2020, the Company drew down $3.8 million (C$5.0 million) (the "Second Drawdown") from the Amended Loan Facility of which $2.9 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $1.0 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.3 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately three years.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

In August 2020, as per the terms of the Loan Amendment, Beedie converted C$6.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 1,079,136 common shares of the Company.  Upon conversion the Company derecognized $3.1 million from the liability, and $1.8 million from equity reserves and transferred $4.9 million to share capital.  The Company also recorded a deferred income tax expense of $0.4 million with an offset to equity reserves to unwind a portion of the deferred taxes that were recognized in August 2019 upon the First Drawdown.

Following this conversion and draw down, under the Loan Facility and the Loan Amendment (together the "Amended Loan Facility") the Company had C$1.0 million outstanding from the First Drawdown with a conversion price of C$5.56 per share, C$5.0 million outstanding from the Second Drawdown with a conversion price of C$9.90 per share, and had C$20.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances.

In October 2020, Beedie converted the remaining C$1.0 million of the First Drawdown at a conversion price of C$5.56 per share for a total of 179,856 common shares of the Company.  Upon conversion the Company derecognized $0.5 million from the liability, and $0.3 million from equity reserves and transferred $0.8 million to share capital.  The Company also recorded a deferred income tax expense of $0.2 million with an offset to equity reserves to unwind a portion of the deferred taxes that were recognized in August 2019 upon the First Drawdown.

In March 2021, the Company drew down $4.0 million (C$5.0 million) (the "Third Drawdown"), at a conversion price of C$14.30 per share, from the Amended Loan Facility of which $3.2 million was allocated to the liability portion and the residual value of $0.8 million was allocated to the conversion feature as equity reserves. A deferred tax liability of $0.2 million related to the taxable temporary difference arising from the equity portion of the convertible loan was recognized as an offset in equity reserves. The effective interest rate on the liability portion was 20.0% per annum, with an expected life of approximately two years.

In March 2021, as per the terms of the Loan Amendment, Beedie converted the entire C$5.0 million from the Second Drawdown at a conversion price of C$9.90 per share for a total of 505,050 common shares of the Company.  Upon conversion the Company derecognized $3.2 million from the liability, and $1.0 million from equity reserves and transferred $4.1 million to share capital.  The Company also recorded a deferred income tax expense of $0.3 million with an offset to equity reserves to unwind the deferred taxes that were recognized in August 2020 upon the Second Drawdown.

As at June 30, 2021, the Company had C$5.0 million outstanding with a conversion price of C$14.30 per share from the Third Drawdown, and had C$15.0 million available under the Amended Loan Facility with the conversion price to be determined on the date of any future advances.

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recognized finance charges of less than $0.1 million (three months ended May 31, 2020 - less than $0.1 million), and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recognized finance charges of $0.1 million (six months ended May 31, 2020 - less than $0.1 million), related to costs associated with the Amended Loan Facility, including standby fees on the undrawn portion of the Amended Loan Facility, as well as set up and other associated costs.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, cash provided by operating activities was $0.4 million and was primarily the result of a net loss of $5.1 million, partially offset by $4.4 million for items not affecting cash, and by a $1.1 million increase in non-cash working capital items.  During the six months ended May 31, 2020, net cash used in operating activities was $0.8 million and was primarily as a result of a net loss of $3.3 million, offset by $1.8 million for items not affecting cash, and by a $0.6 million increase in non-cash working capital items.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, cash used in the Company's investing activities was $24.9 million and was primarily related to the acquisition of royalties and streams. During the six months ended May 31, 2020, cash used in the Company's investing activities was $2.9 million and was primarily related to the acquisition of royalties and streams.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, cash provided by the Company's financing activities was $22.6 million, which was primarily comprised of the drawdown of $4.0 million from the Amended Loan Facility, $0.2 million from the exercise of stock options, $18.6 million in net proceeds from the 2020 ATM Program and the 2021 ATM program, partially offset by $0.3 million of finance charges and interest payments. During the six months ended May 31, 2020, cash provided by the Company's financing activities was $1.6 million, which was primarily comprised of $2.5 million from the exercise of share purchase warrants and stock options, partially offset by $0.6 million of dividend payments, and $0.3 million of finance charges and interest payments.

At-The-Market Equity Programs

2020 ATM Program

In September 2020, the Company announced that it had entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "2020 Distribution Agreement") with a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "2020 Agents") to establish an At-The-Market equity program (the "2020 ATM Program").  Under the 2020 ATM Program, the Company could have distributed up to $20.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company (the "2020 Offered Shares").  The 2020 Offered Shares were sold by the Company, through the 2020 Agents, to the public from time to time, at the Company's discretion, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.  The net proceeds from the 2020 ATM Program were used to finance the purchase of royalties and streams and for general working capital purposes. 

The 2020 ATM Program and 2020 Distribution Agreement were terminated on May 14, 2021.  From inception in September 2020 to termination on May 14, 2021, the Company distributed a total of 1,809,300 common shares under the 2020 ATM Program at an average price of $9.63 per share for gross proceeds of $17.4 million, with aggregate commissions paid to the 2020 Agents and other share issue costs of $0.9 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $16.5 million. The remaining $2.6 million of common shares not sold under the 2020 ATM Program are no longer available for sale and will not be issued. 

2021 ATM Program

On May 14, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into a new equity distribution agreement (the "2021 Distribution Agreement") with a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents") to establish an At-The-Market equity program (the "2021 ATM Program").  Under the 2021 ATM Program, the Company may distribute up to $35.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars) in common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares"). The Offered Shares will be sold by the Company, through the Agents, to the public from time to time, at the Company's discretion, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.  The net proceeds from the 2021 ATM Program will be used to finance the future purchase of royalties and streams and for general working capital purposes.  The 2021 Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Company or the Agents and if not so terminated will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the date that the aggregate gross sales proceeds of the Offered Shares sold under the 2021 ATM Program reaches the aggregate amount of $35.0 million (or the equivalent in Canadian Dollars); or (b) June 1, 2022.  For additional details about the 2021 ATM Program please see the press release by the Company dated May 14, 2021 and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

From inception to June 30, 2021, the Company had distributed 515,532 common shares under the 2021 ATM Program at an average price of $10.02 per share for gross proceeds of $5.2 million, with aggregate commissions paid or payable to the Agents and other share issue costs of $0.2 million, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $5.0 million.  As at the date of this MD&A, the Company had distributed a total of 863,732 common shares under the ATM program for gross proceeds of $8.2 million. 


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Outstanding Share Data

As at the date of this MD&A the Company had the following:

  • 43,195,470 common shares issued and outstanding;
  • 2,875,104 stock options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of C$6.73; and
  • 478,000 unvested restricted share units.

Dividends

The Company's long-term goal is to pay out dividends with a target rate of up to 50% of the annualized operating cash flow of the Company. While the Company paid monthly dividends to holders of its common shares for each quarter during the financial year ended May 31, 2020, the Company has not declared or paid dividends subsequent to May 31, 2020. Going forward, the board of directors of the Company will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the Company's ability to pay dividends in respect of a particular quarter during its financial year.

Requirement for additional financing

Management believes that the Company's current operational requirements and capital investments can be funded from existing cash, cash generated from operations, funds available under the Amended Loan Facility, and funds raised in the ATM Program. If future circumstances dictate an increased cash requirement and we elect not to delay, limit, or eliminate some of our plans, we may raise additional funds through debt financing, the issuance of hybrid debt-equity securities, or additional equity securities. The Company has relied on equity financings and loans for its acquisitions, capital expansions, and operations. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. The Company's growth and success may be dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms.

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances relating to key management personnel were as follows:

Key management compensation for the Company consists of remuneration paid to management (which includes the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) for services rendered and compensation for members of the Board of Directors in their capacity as directors of the Company. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company's key management compensation was as follows:

    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     May 31,     June 30,     May 31,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Salaries and fees $ 227,903   $ 555,686   $ 447,450   $ 685,581  
Share-based payments   1,091,333     84,397     1,856,730     674,604  
  $ 1,319,236   $ 640,083   $ 2,304,180   $ 1,360,185  

 


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

As at June 30, 2021, the Company had $Nil (December 31, 2020 - $0.5 million) due to directors and management related to remuneration and expense reimbursements, which have been included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  As at June 30, 2021, the Company had $Nil (December 31, 2020 - less than $0.1 million) due from directors and management related to the payment of withholding amounts. As at June 30, 2021, the Company had $Nil (December 31, 2020 - less than $0.1 million) due to Nova Royalty Corp., which is related to the Company by virtue of having two common directors on the respective boards of directors.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of the date of this MD&A, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.

PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS

While the Company continues to pursue further transactions, there are no binding transactions of a material nature that have not already been disclosed publicly.

COMMITMENTS

Contractual Commitments

As at June 30, 2021, the Company had the following contractual commitments:

    Less than     1 to     Over        
    1 year     3 years     4 years     Total  
Trade and other payables $ 775,308   $ -   $ -   $ 775,308  
Loans payable principal and interest payments   504,275     4,441,775     -     4,946,050  
Payments related to acquisition of royalties and streams   1,000,000     -     -     1,000,000  
Total commitments $ 2,279,583   $ 4,441,775   $ -   $ 6,721,358  

Contingent Commitments

In addition to the contractual commitments above, the Company could in the future have additional commitments payable in cash and/or shares related to the acquisition of royalty and stream interests.  However, these payments are subject to certain triggers or milestone conditions that had not been met as of June 30, 2021.

As at June 30, 2021, the Company had the following contingent commitments:

  • the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the CentroGold project of $7.0 million payable in common shares upon receipt of all project licenses, the lifting or extinguishment of the injunction imposed on the CentroGold project with no pending appeals and, if necessary, the completion of any and all community relocations, and $4.0 million in cash upon the achievement of commercial production at the project;
  • the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the NuevaUnión copper-gold project of $0.5 million in cash and $0.5 million in common shares upon achievement of commercial production at the La Fortuna deposit in Chile; and
  • the Company is obligated to make additional potential payments in connection with its acquisition of its royalty on the Hoyle Pond Extension property, the Timmins West Extension property, and the DeSantis Mine property totalling C$5.0 million in cash and common shares upon achievement of various production milestones.

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Classification

The Company classified its financial instruments as follows:

 

    As at  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Financial assets            
Amortized cost:            
   Cash $ 3,450,164   $ 5,299,904  
   Royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables   888,698     1,547,895  
   Other receivables   25,686     265,680  
Fair value through profit or loss:            
   Derivative royalty asset   4,785,880     6,432,610  
   Marketable securities   45,183     43,984  
Total financial assets $ 9,195,611   $ 13,590,073  
             
Financial liabilities            
Amortized cost:            
   Trade and other payables $ 1,775,308   $ 1,772,304  
   Loans payable   3,304,643     3,062,706  
Total financial liabilities $ 5,079,951   $ 4,835,010  

Fair value

Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the statement of financial position are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

  • Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
  • Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; and
  • Level 3 - Inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data.

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market inputs whenever such inputs exist. A financial instrument is classified to the lowest level of the hierarchy for which a significant input has been considered in measuring fair value.

The carrying value of cash, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximated their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Marketable securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Royalty, derivative royalty, and stream receivables that are receivable to the Company without further adjustments are classified as amortized cost. The fair value of the Company's loans payable is approximated by its carrying value as its interest rates are comparable to market interest rates. The derivative royalty asset was valued using inputs that are not observable, including a gold forward price curve, US$/A$ foreign exchange rates based on forward curves, and an estimated discount rate. Therefore, the derivate royalty asset is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

The Company's activities expose it to financial risks of varying degrees of significance which could affect its ability to achieve its strategic objectives for growth and shareholder returns. The principal financial risks to which the Company is exposed are credit risk and liquidity risk. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company's risk management framework and reviews the Company's policies on an ongoing basis.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash deposits, as well as credit exposures to counterparties of outstanding receivables and committed transactions. There is no significant concentration of credit risk other than cash deposits. The Company's cash deposits are primarily held with a Canadian chartered bank. Receivables include goods and service tax refunds due from the Canadian federal government. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Company's maximum exposure to credit risk. The Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk and overall, the Company's credit risk has not declined significantly from the prior year.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk by continuing to monitor forecasted and actual cash flows. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company's normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis and its development plans. The Company strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from royalty interests, its holdings of cash, and its committed liabilities. The maturities of the Company's non‐current liability are disclosed in Note 8 in the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. All current liabilities are settled within one year.

Currency risk

The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. The Company primarily operates in Canada, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States and incurs expenditures in currencies other than United States dollars. Thereby, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure. The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations. Based on the above net exposure, as at June 30, 2021, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 1% depreciation or appreciation of the United States dollar against the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Argentinian peso, and Mexican peso would result in an increase/decrease in the Company's pre-tax income or loss of less than $0.1 million.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company has included, in this document, certain performance measures, including (a) attributable GEOs, (b) average cash cost per attributable GEO, (c) average realized price per attributable GEO, (d) operating cash margin per attributable GEO, which is based on the two preceding measures, and (e) adjusted EBITDA. The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs)

Attributable GEOs are composed of gold ounces attributable to the Company, plus an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average London fix price of gold for the relevant period, plus an amount calculated by taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average London fix gold price for the relevant period.  Included in the calculation of attributable GEOs is any cash received from the Higginsville PPR royalty which is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the Company's statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss.  However, operationally as the Company receives payment similar to the Company's other royalty interests, the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 in the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Attributable GEOs are composed of:

  • payable gold ounces attributable to the Company; plus
  • an amount calculated by taking the revenue earned by the Company in the period from payable silver ounces attributable to the Company divided by the average London fix price of gold for the relevant period; plus
  • an amount calculated by taking the cash received or accrued by the Company in the period from the derivative royalty asset divided by the average London fix gold price for the relevant period. 

The Company presents attributable GEOs as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis.

Average cash cost per attributable GEO

Average cash cost per attributable GEO is calculated by dividing the Company's total cash cost of sales, excluding depletion by the number of attributable GEOs.

The Company presents average cash cost per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis.

The Company's average cash cost per attributable GEO for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and May 31, 2020 was:

    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     May 31,     June 30,     May 31,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Cost of sales, excluding Depletion $ -   $ 26,778   $ -   $ 354,759  
Cost of sales for NLGM(1)   5,059     3,549     13,502     14,242  
Adjust for:                        
   Refining charge   -     4,094     -     46,613  
Total cash cost of sales   5,059     34,421     13,502     415,614  
Total attributable GEOs   646     44     1,377     742  
Average cash cost per attributable GEO $ 8   $ 782   $ 10   $ 560  

(1) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.

Average realized price per attributable GEO

Average realized price per attributable GEO is calculated by dividing the Company's revenue, excluding any revenue earned from fixed royalty payments, and including cash received or accrued in the period from derivative royalty assets, by the number of attributable GEOs sold.

The Company presents average realized price per attributable GEO as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming companies in the precious metals mining industry that present results on a similar basis.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

The Company's average realized per attributable GEO for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and May 31, 2020 was:

    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     May 31,     June 30,     May 31,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Royalty revenue $ 571,605   $ 20,006   $ 1,246,190   $ 69,233  
Payments from derivative assets(3)   526,244     -     1,047,552     -  
Revenue from NLGM(1)   50,595     35,493     135,024     142,427  
Sales from stream interests   -     17,617     -     937,701  
Adjust for:                        
   Refining charge   -     4,094     -     46,613  
Sales from stream and royalty interests   1,148,444     77,210     2,428,766     1,195,974  
Total attributable GEOs sold   646     44     1,377     742  
Average realized price per attributable GEO $ 1,778   $ 1,755   $ 1,764   $ 1,612  
                         
Operating cash margin per attributable GEO(2) $ 1,770   $ 973   $ 1,754   $ 1,052  

(1) Adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of NLGM held by Silverback.

(2) Operating cash margin per attributable GEO is calculated by subtracting from the average realized price per attributable GEO, the average cash cost per attributable GEO.

(3) The Higginsville PPR is accounted for as a derivative royalty asset, as such any payments received under this royalty are treated as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset on the statement of financial position and not shown as revenue on the Company's statement of profit and loss.  However, operationally the Company is paid for the ounces sold similar to the Company's other royalty interests, therefore the results have been included here for more accurate comparability and to allow the reader to accurately analyze the operations of the Company. For additional details on the derivative royalty asset see Note 5 in the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other streaming companies in the precious metals mining industry who present results on a similar basis. However, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to, net income (loss) or cash flow provided by operating activities as determined under IFRS.

The Company's adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and May 31, 2020 was:

    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     May 31,     June 30,     May 31,  
    2021     2020     2021     2020  
Net loss $ (2,729,981 ) $ (1,662,445 ) $ (5,107,705 ) $ (3,258,237 )
Adjusted for:                        
Interest expense   164,328     205,238     331,781     402,843  
Finance charges   46,096     24,158     101,231     48,053  
Income tax provision   55,983     (42,223 )   108,335     360,221  
Depletion and amortization   407,380     46,835     881,536     268,403  
Foreign exchange loss   69,277     (58,968 )   201,949     (39,255 )
Share-based payments (1)   1,473,052     201,478     2,466,773     879,609  
Adjusted EBITDA $ (513,865 ) $ (1,285,927 ) $ (1,016,100 ) $ (1,338,363 )

(1) Includes stock options and restricted share units.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformance with IFRS requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. The Company's significant accounting policies and estimates are disclosed in Note 2 of the annual consolidated financial statements for the seven months ended December 31, 2020.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's Disclosure Controls and Procedures ("DCP") are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms and include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company's management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's DCP as defined under the Exchange Act, as at June 30, 2021.  Based upon the results of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as at June 30, 2021, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company, with participation of the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate Internal Control over Financial Reporting ("ICFR"). Management has used the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

The Company's ICFR is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company's financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The Company's ICFR includes:

  • maintaining records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
  • providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB;
  • providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and
  • providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

The Company's ICFR may not prevent or detect all misstatements because of inherent limitations. Additionally, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the Company's policies and procedures.

Changes in ICFR

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the six months ended June 30, 2021, which has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations of Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

RISK FACTORS

The Company's ability to generate revenues and profits from its natural resource properties is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.  For a full discussion on the risk factors affecting the Company, please refer to the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2021, which is available on www.sedar.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the mineral reserves and mineral resources disclosed in this MD&A have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Canadian standards for public disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects differ significantly from the requirements adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, the scientific and technical information contained in this MD&A, including estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

The technical information contained in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, geologist M.Sc., member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and a director of Metalla. Mr. Beaudry is a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101 Standards of disclosure for mineral projects".


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively. "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this MD&A only and the Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update updated forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. For this reason and the reasons set forth below, investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking ‎statements.‎

All statements included herein that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the ‎future are ‎forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

  • future events or future performance of Metalla;
  • the completion of the Company's royalty purchase transactions;
  • the Company's plans and objectives;
  • the Company's future financial and operational performance;
  • expectations regarding steam and royalty interests owned by the Company;
  • the satisfaction of future payment obligations and contingent commitments by Metalla;
  • the future achievement of any milestones in respect of the payment or satisfaction of contingent ‎‎consideration by Metalla;
  • the future sales of common shares under the 2021 ATM Program and the value of the gross proceeds to be raised ‎thereunder;‎
  • the future availability of funds, including drawdowns pursuant to the Amended Loan Facility and sales from the 2021 ATM Program;
  • the effective interest rate of drawdowns under the Amended Loan Facility and the life expectancy thereof;
  • the future conversion of funds drawn down by ‎Metalla under the Amended Loan Facility;
  • the completion by property owners of announced drilling programs and other planned activities in relation to properties on ‎which the Company and its subsidiaries hold a royalty or streaming interest and the expected timing thereof;
  • future disclosure by property owners and the expected timing ‎thereof; ‎
  • the potential restart of the Endeavor mine;
  • the estimated production at Wharf, Higginsville, Beta Hunt and NLGM;
  • the expansion of the Higginsville processing plant to 2.5 Mtpa by 2024‎;
  • ‎the resuming of drilling at Del Carmen in ‎the South American spring; ‎
  • the anticipated levels of production and internal rate of return at Wasamac;
  • the future restart of gold production at the Beaufor Mine;
  • the lifting of the injunction at the CentroGold property; ‎
  • the update of the pre-feasibility study on the CentroGold property and the anticipated timing thereof; ‎
  • the completion of an updated mineral reserve, resource estimate and updated preliminary economic assessment at Santa ‎Gertrudis and the expected timing thereof; ‎‎
  • the completion of the acquisition of TZ by G Mining; 
  • the completion of an ‎updated feasibility study and commercial projection at TZ and the anticipated timing thereof;
  • the achievement of ‎commercial production at the Côté Gold Project and the anticipated timing thereof;
  • the release of an initial resource ‎estimate for the Gosselin zone and the anticipated timing thereof;
  • the availability of cash flows from the Wharf, Higginsville, Joaquin, COSE and NLGM royalties and streams; ‎
  • royalty payments to be paid to Metalla by property owners or operators of mining projects pursuant to ‎each royalty interest; ‎
  • the future outlook of Metalla and the mineral reserves and resource estimates for the properties with respect to which the ‎Metalla has or proposes to acquire an interest;‎
  • future gold and silver prices;‎
  • the impact of COVID-19 on the planned operations and programs on the properties in which Metalla holds, or may acquire, a royalty;‎

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

  • other potential developments relating to, or achievements by, the counterparties for the Company's stream and ‎royalty agreements, and with respect to the mines and other properties in which the Company has, or may ‎acquire, a stream or royalty interest;‎ 
  • estimates of future production;
  • costs and other financial or economic measures;‎
  • prospective transactions;
  • growth and achievements‎;
  • financing and adequacy of capital;
  • ‎future payment of dividends;
  • future sales of Offered Shares under the 2021 ATM Program, or other public and/or private placements of equity, debt or hybrids thereof; and
  • the Company's ability to fund its current operational requirements and capital projects.

Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

  • risks related to epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including COVID-19 global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens, and the ‎potential impact thereof on Metalla's business, operations and financial condition; ‎
  • risks related to commodity price fluctuations;‎
  • the absence of control over mining operations from which Metalla will purchase precious metals ‎pursuant to gold streams, silver streams and other agreements or from which it will receive royalty payments pursuant to net smelter ‎returns, gross overriding royalties, gross value royalties and other royalty agreements or interests and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to ‎international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction ‎and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of ‎economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans are refined;‎
  • risks related to exchange rate fluctuations;‎
  • that payments in respect of streams and royalties may be delayed or may never be made;‎
  • risks related to Metalla's reliance on public disclosure and other information regarding the mines or ‎projects underlying its streams and royalties;‎
  • that some royalties or streams may be subject to confidentiality arrangements that limit or prohibit ‎disclosure regarding those royalties and streams;‎
  • business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Metalla;‎
  • that Metalla's cash flow is dependent on the activities of others;‎
  • that Metalla has had negative cash flow from operating activities;‎
  • risks related to the Santa Gertrudis property;
  • that some royalty and stream interests are subject to rights of other interest-holders;‎
  • ‎risks related to global financial conditions;‎
  • that Metalla is dependent on its key personnel;‎
  • risks related to Metalla's financial controls;‎
  • dividend policy and future payment of dividends;‎
  • competition;‎
  • risks related to the operators of the properties in which Metalla holds, or may acquire, a royalty or ‎stream or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators;‎
  • that Metalla's royalties and streams may have unknown defects;‎
  • that Metalla's royalties and streams may be unenforceable;‎

METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

  • that Metalla may not be able to obtain adequate financing in the future;‎
  • litigation;‎
  • risks related to Metalla's current credit facility and financing agreements;‎
  • title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which Metalla holds, or ‎may acquire, a royalty, stream or other interest;‎
  • interpretation by government entities of tax laws or the implementation of new tax laws;‎
  • credit and liquidity risk;‎
  • risks related to Metalla's information systems and cyber security;‎
  • risks posed by activist shareholders;‎
  • that Metalla may suffer reputational damage in the ordinary course of business;‎
  • risks related to acquiring, investing in or developing resource projects;‎
  • risks applicable to owners and operators of properties in which Metalla holds an interest;‎
  • exploration, development and operating risks;‎
  • risks related to climate change;‎ environmental risks;‎
  • that exploration and development activities related to mine operations are subject to extensive laws ‎and regulations;‎ that the operation of a mine or project is subject to the receipt and maintenance of permits from ‎governmental authorities;‎
  • risks associated with the acquisition and maintenance of mining infrastructure;‎
  • that Metalla's success is dependent on the efforts of operators' employees;‎
  • risks related to mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates;‎
  • that mining depletion may not be replaced by the discovery of new mineral reserves;‎ that operators' mining operations are subject to risks that may not be able to be insured against;‎
  • risks related to land title;‎ risks related to international operations;‎
  • risks related to operating in countries with developing economies;‎ risks associated with the construction, development and expansion of mines and mining projects;‎
  • risks associated with operating in areas that are presently, or were formerly, inhabited or used by ‎indigenous peoples;‎
  • that Metalla is required, in certain jurisdictions, to allow individuals from that jurisdiction to hold ‎nominal interests in Metalla's subsidiaries in that jurisdiction;‎
  • the volatility of the stock market;‎ that existing securityholders may be diluted;‎
  • risks related to Metalla's public disclosure obligations;‎
  • risks associated with future sales or issuances of debt or equity securities;‎
  • risks associated with Metalla's ATM Program;‎
  • that there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Metalla's securities will be sustained;‎
  • risks related to the enforcement of civil judgments against Metalla;
  • risks relating to Metalla potentially being a passive "foreign investment company" within the meaning ‎of U.S. federal tax laws; and
  • other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in this MD&A, and in the Company's Annual Information Form and Form 40-F Annual Report filed with regulators in Canada at www.sedar.com and the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by management as at the date of such information and is subject to unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the ongoing operation of the properties in which the Company holds a royalty, stream, or other production-base interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the Company's ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which the Company holds a royalty, stream, or other production-base interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19 is managed and the duration and extent of the coronavirus pandemic is minimized or not long-term; disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other health and safety issues, or the responses of governments, communities, partner operators, the Company and others to such pandemic or other issues;  integration of acquired assets; actual results of mining and current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; problems inherent to the marketability of precious metals; stock market volatility; competition; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.


METALLA ROYALTY & STREAMING LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

(Expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

Although Metalla has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

This MD&A contains future-orientated information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about the Company's revenues from royalties, streams and other projects which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations and qualifications set forth in the above paragraphs. FOFI contained in this MD&A was made as of the date of this MD&A and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company's anticipated business operations. Metalla disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this MD&A, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. FOFI contained in this MD&A should not be used for the purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.