CG || DPM Metals Inc.
Longer legs at Chelopech: mine life extended to 2036
Event: Yesterday evening, February 5, DPM released an updated reserve and resource (R&R) estimate and a new life-of-mine (LOM) plan for its Chelopech mine in Bulgaria. Our take: Positive. Total AuEq reserves (AuEq calculated using our long-term commodity price assumptions) increased 4% versus the prior update in November 2023, despite two years of depletion, albeit at a 21% lower grade.
Total AuEq resources (all categories, including reserves) increased 7%. Based on the updated R&R, Chelopech’s mine life has been extended from 2032 to 2036, notably with modestly higher planned throughput levels.
We have updated our model to reflect the revised LOM plan. We have also increased unit operating costs, in line with recent operating performance, and increased capital assumptions, incorporating sustaining capital of approximately $200/oz Au sold over the LOM to support the extended operating life (broadly consistent with comparable underground operations). As a result, our NAV5% for Chelopech increases 32% to $2.8B, representing 28% of total operating NAV.
Our equally weighted target price components — NAV/sh and NTM EBITDA/sh — increase 7.0% and 0.3%, respectively. We leave our target multiples unchanged (1.0x NAV; 10.0x NTM EBITDA), raise our target price to C$62.00/sh (from C$60.00/sh), and maintain our BUY rating.
Target Price C$62.00 from C$60.00
P&L and NAV summary
Revenue split by commodity
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