TIDMCRA
RNS Number : 8675S
Cradle Arc PLC
28 June 2018
Cradle Arc Plc / EPIC: CRA.L / Market: AIM / Sector: Mining
28 June 2018
Cradle Arc plc
("Cradle Arc" or the "Company")
Full year results for the year ended 31 December 2017
Cradle Arc (AIM: CRA), the African focused base and precious
metals exploration and production company, announces its final
results for the year ended 31 December 2017.
The annual financial statements will be posted to shareholders
today and will also available on the Company's website at
www.cradlearc.com.
Highlights:
-- Much of financial year spent preparing the necessary
documentation and completing the various work steps to conclude the
transaction to buy Mowana;
-- Completed successful acquisition of 60% in the Mowana copper
mine in Botswana in November 2017;
-- Enlarged group admitted to trading on AIM on 24 January 2018;
-- Post financial year-end, independent JORC (2012) Mineral
Resource estimate for Mowana published, comprising a Measured and
Indicated resource of 55.0Mt at 1.17% Cu for 640,000 tonnes of
contained copper;
-- Within this Mineral Resource, a 31.8Mt Proven and Probable
reserve was estimated at 1.17% copper of 370,800 tonnes of
contained copper;
-- An opportunity was identified to advance Mowana towards a
point of steady state production and sustained positive cash flows
more rapidly through an Accelerated Development Plan; and
-- Recovery levels continue to improve from just 35% experienced
in the oxide ores, to average of 56% on a steady state blending
basis and up to 76% on the supergene material encountered at the
current base of pit level at 940RL;
For further information on the Company, please visit
www.cradlearc.com or contact:
Cradle Arc plc Tel: +44 (0)20 7637 5216
Kevin van Wouw
Mark Jones
Strand Hanson Limited Tel: +44 (0)20 7409 3494
Angela Hallett
Matthew Chandler
James Dance
Tamesis Partners LLP Tel: +44 (0)20 3882 2868
Richard Greenfield
Tavistock Tel: +44 (0)20 7920 3150
Charles Vivian
Gareth Tredway
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 596/2014.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Following a protracted, circa year-long, acquisition process,
Cradle Arc plc ("Cradle Arc" or the "Company") transformed from a
West Africa focused gold explorer to a copper producer following
the successful acquisition of 60% of the Mowana mine ("Mowana") in
Botswana.
Having announced the opportunity to acquire a 60% interest in
the Mowana mine in December 2016, we spent 2017 preparing the
necessary documentation and completing the various work steps to
conclude the transaction, which was treated as a business
combination in the financial statements. Following a protracted
period to navigate and address the regulatory requirements for the
transaction and a regrettable cancellation of the Company's shares
from admission to trading on AIM in July 2017, completion of the
acquisition of Mowana's holding company was achieved in November
2017, with the enlarged group admitted to trading on AIM on 24
January 2018.
Prior to our acquisition of Mowana, over US$170 million of
capital had historically been invested by third parties in the
mine, which was operational between 2008 and 2015. The Company and
PenMin devised a new operating plan, which addressed some of the
key operating issues suffered by the previous owners and restarted
production on a campaign basis in March 2017, thereby enhancing our
understanding of the asset and our development mine plan, which is
focused on applying new mining models and techniques to achieve
stable production from proven mining assets.
We are of the opinion that, anyone who had visited site and seen
the condition of the mine workings first-hand when the Company took
control of Mowana, compared to today and therefore what management
has already achieved in such a short space of time, would be
pleasantly surprised. As opposed to the selective mining approach
applied previously, Cradle Arc, via owner operated mining, has
invested funds to develop a large scale, flexible open pit
operation on the North Deposit, with similar plans for the other
resources on the mine site. This reflects our intention to build a
long-term, sustainable mining project, of which all stakeholders
can be proud.
We essentially inherited a working plant that, following an
improvement in our understanding of the orebody, has now started to
deliver the recoveries and concentrate quality that we expect. Over
the coming months, we will also aim to progress our plans to add a
Dense Media Separation ("DMS") pre-processing unit, as well as
making other improvements, which should serve to further improve
and enhance the extraction process.
Accordingly, we are now the operator of a sizeable producing
copper mine located in an established and low-risk mining
jurisdiction, with clear and improving value fundamentals. As set
out in the Competent Person's Report in January 2018, the net
present value ("NPV") (leveraged) of the Mowana project was
approximately US$87.5 million at the time of admission (utilising
the base case, pre-DMS, mine plan scenario), which had risen to
approximately US$272.8 million (quoted in real terms using an 8%
discount rate and a copper price of US$3.00/lb Cu) further to the
publication, in late May 2018, of the Ore Reserve estimate and on
the basis of the planned DMS upgrades being installed in due
course, subject to financing.
Our focus has been on building volumes to achieve initial
nameplate production capacity of 12,000 tonnes of copper in
concentrate per annum at a throughput rate of 1.2 million tonnes at
1.16% Cu, which will sustain a 14-year life of mine (LOM).
As part of the work in preparing a maiden JORC (2012) Ore
Reserve estimate for Mowana, in May 2018, we reported an
independent update on Mowana's JORC (2012) Mineral Resource
estimate, comprising a Measured and Indicated resource of 55.0Mt at
1.17% Cu for 640,000 tonnes of contained copper, representing an
increase of 37% from the original maiden JORC (2012) Mineral
Resource estimate published in April 2018, and an Inferred resource
estimate of 20.0Mt at 1.08% for 220,000 tonnes of contained
copper.
In light of this resource upgrade, and based on the results of
metallurgical test work, we identified an opportunity to advance
Mowana towards a point of steady state production and sustained
positive cash flows more rapidly through an accelerated development
plan (the "Accelerated Development Plan") as announced on 3 April
2018, which is currently being implemented.
This Accelerated Development Plan will enable us to fast-track
access to the deeper supergene and sulphide ores, which have
demonstrated better recoveries and grades, and in turn improve the
overall economics of the project. Since commencement of the
Accelerated Development Plan, we have had two mining units working
full time in the Mowana Open Pit and seen recoveries improve as we
have developed into the mixed and supergene ores. A third mining
unit is scheduled to be brought on-line before the end of June
2018, following which the Company will focus on developing
sufficient space in the mining pits to enable the fourth mining
unit to commence operations towards the end of Q3 2018. From
recovery levels of just 35% experienced in the oxide ores, we are
now averaging recoveries of 56% on a steady state blending basis
and up to 76% on the supergene material encountered at the current
base of pit level at 940RL.
Further to the updated Mineral Resource estimate and assessment
of the metallurgical test work data, in May 2018 the Company
released an independent JORC (2012) Ore Reserve estimate
(summarised in Table 1 below) for Mowana, comprising 12.4Mt @ 1.27%
Cu for 157,700 tonnes contained copper metal classified as Proved
reserves and 19.4Mt @ 1.10% Cu for 213,100 tonnes contained copper
metal classified as Probable reserves.
Table 1: Mowana Copper Mine - Maiden Ore Reserve Estimate
Mowana Ore Reserve Estimate (9)
Prepared in accordance with the Guidelines of the JORC Code
(2012)
Category Ore (kt) Copper Grade Contained Copper
(% Cu) Metal
(kt Cu)
---------------- -------------- ------------------- -------------------------
Ore Reserves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proved 12,435 1.27 157.7
---------------- -------------- ------------------- -------------------------
Probable 19,374 1.10 213.1
---------------- -------------- ------------------- -------------------------
Total 31,809 1.17 370.8
---------------- -------------- ------------------- -------------------------
Mineral Resources not forming part of the Ore Reserve
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inferred 3,692 0.93 34.5
---------------- -------------- ------------------- -------------------------
Notes:
1. The Ore Reserve Estimate was compiled under the supervision
of Mr. Mark Mounde, C. Eng., who is a Technical Director at
Wardell Armstrong International Ltd. ("WAI") and is a Member
of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Mr. Mounde
has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration to qualify
as a Competent Person as defined under the Guidelines of the
JORC Code (2012).
2. Tonnages (t) are metric tonnes.
3. Ore Reserves are reported with mining modifying factors
of mining dilution at 10% and mining recovery of 95%.
4. A copper price of US$6,063/t (US$2.75/lb) was used in the
estimation.
5. Ore Reserves have been estimated under the 2012 Edition
of the JORC Code.
6. The Life of Mine Schedule includes 3.69Mt of Inferred Mineral
Resources at a grade of 0.93% Cu which has not been classified
as an Ore Reserve and is included as waste in the mining schedule.
7. As of the date of WAI's report preparation, no environmental,
permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing
or any other relevant issues were known that could affect the
Ore Reserve Estimation.
8. Based on the most current topographic survey as at 26 February
2018.
9. Numbers presented in the table may not cast due to rounding.
In mid-April 2018, in accordance with the Accelerated
Development Plan, operations at Mowana switched from campaign runs,
whereby the mine processed and tested different ore types from the
Mowana open pit, historical stockpiles and tailings, to constant
running of the expected ore types with production volumes steadily
increasing. We continue to progress towards current nameplate
production of processing 1.2 million tonnes of ore per annum in
order, to achieve output of approximately 12,000 tonnes Cu per
annum.
Once we have achieved our base case nameplate production, and
subject to appropriate financing being secured, we can then seek to
increase processing to 2.6 million tonnes per annum, producing over
21,000 tonnes Cu per annum, with an expected average LOM cash cost
(C1) of US$4,099 per tonne Cu (US$1.86 per pound) and all-in
sustaining costs of US$5,038 per tonne Cu (US$2.29 per pound) via
planned Dense Media Separation (DMS) upgrades, which constitutes a
low CAPEX expansion option through which we can process low oxide
ores.
For all copper concentrate produced we have a strategic offtake
agreement in place with Fujax Minerals and Energy Limited ("Fujax
Minerals"), a minerals and energy trading company based in South
Africa. Furthermore, Cradle Arc benefits from a top line management
fee payable to the Company equating to 1.5% of gross mine
revenues.
Given the strong value fundamentals and growth prospects for
Mowana, building production and revenues at this mine is our core
focus. Accordingly, post the reporting period-end, we signed an
option agreement with Singa Holdings Zambia Private Limited, to
grant it an option to establish a joint venture (JV) and
potentially acquire the Company's Matala and Dunrobin gold assets
in Zambia, for consideration of US$2.5 million in cash and a US$2.5
million NPV royalty if the mine is taken into production. We
continue to believe in the future value and upside potential of
these assets and believe that this agreement is the best manner in
which to realise such value whilst ensuring our resources are
focused on Mowana.
We also continue to retain exposure to a number of prospective
gold assets in Mali. This includes the Kossanto East Gold Project
("Kossanto East") in western Mali, where having previously been
progressed via a JV agreement with Ashanti Gold Corp. ("Ashanti"),
we agreed to sell the project to Ashanti in August 2017 for
consideration of CAD$1 million whilst retaining a 1.5% Net Smelter
Return ("NSR"). Ashanti has the right to purchase this NSR in whole
or in part, by paying US$100,000 for each 0.1% (up to a maximum of
US$1.5 million).
Proximal to Kossanto East is the Kossanto West Gold Project
which, until May 2018, was the subject of a JV agreement with
Randgold Resources (Mali) Sarl ("Randgold"). Randgold successfully
developed this grassroots project for two years which has enabled
us to greatly improve our understanding of the project. We are now
focussed on securing a new JV partner to continue development work
and are confident that we will be able to achieve this in the near
term based on the prospective results received to date, Ashanti's
ownership in the neighbouring Kossanto East property, and the
expressions of interest that we have received from third
parties.
Financial
The main focus of the group's financial activities during the
year under review was the acquisition of a majority interest in
Mowana held by Leboam Holdings (Pty) Ltd ("Leboam") via the
Company's purchase of Cradle Arc Investments (Pty) Ltd ("CAI"),
which holds 60% of Leboam, and funding of the re-commissioning of
the mine, both pre and post completion of the acquisition on 13
November 2017, in order to progress the mine to sustained and
commercial production during the Company's 2018 financial year.
The Company acquired 100% of CAI's share capital for an
aggregate consideration of GBP12.5 million. The consideration
comprised GBP1.0 million of deferred cash consideration, the issue
of 40,517,689 new ordinary shares in the Company and a further
75,000,000 additional consideration shares (the "Additional
Consideration Shares") to maintain the vendor's 60% shareholding in
the Company following an equity raising of, in aggregate, up to
GBP5 million on or prior to the admission of the Company's ordinary
share capital to trading on AIM ("Admission").
The fair value of CAI's net assets acquired at the acquisition
date was determined to be GBP20.9 million comprising assets of
GBP76.2 million and liabilities of GBP55.3 million. A
non-controlling interest (40%) of GBP8.4 million was recorded as
CAI holds 60% of the issued share capital of Leboam.
Further details of the acquisition are provided in notes 4 and
29 to the financial statements.
Statement of financial position
The increase in the group's total assets by GBP68.1 million,
from approximately GBP18.1 million to GBP86.2 million, is
principally summarised as follows:
-- GBP45.3 million of property, plant and equipment recognised
on the acquisition of Mowana following a fair value exercise on
acquisition comprising the mine development costs, infrastructure
(mining properties), processing plant and mining equipment.
-- GBP3.5 million of additions to property, plant and equipment
since the acquisition including capitalisation of costs related to
mine commissioning and the acquisition of additional mining
equipment.
-- Net increase in intangible assets of GBP15.9 million,
comprising GBP28.4 million of mineral property recognised on
acquisition of Mowana, less impairment of the group's gold
exploration assets of GBP12.5 million. The assets include a fair
value adjustment of GBP18.2 million to mineral properties
representing the premium of the fair value of the consideration for
the purchase of CAI over the fair value of the attributable net
assets acquired, reflecting the underlying copper resource being
acquired. The impairment of the gold exploration assets included a
partial impairment of the Company's Zambian gold project to GBP1.8
million (US$2.5 million equivalent) and full impairment of its
Burkina Faso licences previously held at GBP0.6 million.
-- GBP2.0 million of working capital increases principally
related to increased VAT receivables, inventories acquired with
Mowana and cash.
The group's total liabilities increased from GBP5.3 million in
2016, to GBP69.9 million in 2017. Trade and other payables
increased by GBP6.3 million and included GBP1 million of deferred
cash consideration in respect of the CAI acquisition (50% current,
50% non-current) and GBP6.0 million of trade payables and accruals
reflecting cash flow constraints at the year end prior to
completion of a placing in January 2018.
The group's loans and borrowings of GBP44.9 million (GBP14.2
million current and GBP30.7 million non-current) include GBP30.4
million originating from the purchase of the mine payable to the
liquidator and former shareholder of the mine and GBP5.2 million of
finance leases for mining equipment. In addition, the group owed
GBP3 million to Fujax Minerals in respect of funding it provided
for commissioning as a pre-payment for copper concentrate. During
the year, the Company issued three convertible loan notes to secure
working capital and fund mine commissioning both pre and post
acquisition. The proceeds from the January 2017, June 2017 and
October 2017 convertible loan notes totalled GBP5 million gross.
The convertible loan notes issued in October 2017 automatically
converted into new ordinary shares on Admission in January 2018.
GBP525,000 of the remaining loan notes were converted in to equity
after the year end and the outstanding loan notes relate to the
January 2017 and June 2017 loan note issues, which mature in
December 2018, at which time they are repayable or can be converted
at the option of the holders. The loan note instruments are
designated at fair value through profit and loss and were carried
at a fair value of GBP5.6 million at the year end. Details of the
terms of the loans and borrowings are provided in note 15 to the
financial statements.
The Additional Consideration Shares represented the vendor's
rights to receive additional shares in order to ensure that it
maintained a 60% shareholding in CAI following the Company
completing an equity raising of, in aggregate, GBP5 million on or
before Admission. Under IFRS, the estimated fair value of this
element of the consideration is required to be classified as a
liability rather than equity as the vendor would receive a variable
number of shares, rather than a fixed number of shares. On
Admission on 24 January 2018, the vendor received 75,000,000 shares
at a price of 10 pence per share with no impact on cashflow from
the issue of the Additional Consideration Shares.
The remaining principal liabilities include GBP5.1 million of
mine rehabilitation provisions based on a life of mine of 14 to 16
years and other mine related provisions. Deferred income tax
liability movements include an increase of GBP3.3 million related
to the difference between the fair value of mineral property
recorded on acquisition and the underlying tax base, movements in
deferred tax and retranslation post acquisition less GBP3.6 million
of deferred tax liabilities released following the partial
impairment of the group's Zambian assets to which the brought
forward balance related.
The Company has issued, in aggregate, 51,105,098 shares during
the year in settlement of certain historical deferred consideration
and convertible loan notes, shares issued in lieu of fees and
salaries and shares issued as consideration for financing fees and
charges. No shares were issued for cash in the year.
Income statement
The group generated revenues of GBP0.57 million (2016: Nil)
comprising test production revenues from Mowana and fees from
strategic partners. The group recorded a nil margin on the Mowana
test production as mining and processing related costs post
acquisition are capitalised as the mine is considered to remain in
a pre-commercial production phase, with an adjustment recorded to
increase cost of sales and reduce property, plant and equipment to
eliminate the margin on such test revenue reflecting its
contribution towards capitalised commissioning costs. Accordingly,
the gross margin of GBP369 615 related to the fees charged to
strategic partners.
Loss before income tax of GBP13.8 million consists mainly of the
impairment of GBP12.5 million in the value of the Zambian
exploration assets, other administrative costs of GBP2.7 million,
foreign exchange gains on financing of GBP2.5 million and finance
costs of GBP1.6 million. The increase in administrative expenses
from GBP0.8 million in 2016 to GBP2.7 million in 2017 reflects the
increased cost base associated with the enlarged group together
with legal and professional costs associated with the acquisition
of CAI and the AIM Admission process. Finance costs includes GBP1.5
million associated with the shares issued in settlement of fees and
interest due on the convertible loan notes, GBP0.6 million
associated with fair value changes on loan notes designated as fair
value through profit and loss and GBP0.3 million of warrants issued
in respect of convertible loan notes.
Cash flows
The consolidated cash inflows of the group primarily related to
funds raised from its financing activities. At the Company level,
this took the form of issuing convertible loan notes in the amount
of GBP5.0 million gross, of which GBP4.2 million was then advanced
to CAI to fund activities at Mowana prior to acquisition. At the
project level, GBP3 million of loans were received by Leboam (CAI's
subsidiary) from Fujax Minerals prior to and post-acquisition which
was used to purchase mining equipment and fund capitalised
commissioning costs. The net cash outflow from operating activities
of GBP0.7 million principally related to the administrative costs
of the group.
Post Balance Sheet Funding
As announced on 3 April 2018, the committed Fujax Minerals
funding of US$7.6 million at admission was ultimately not utilised
due to a number of commercial factors and was instead replaced by
funds raised via the issue of Loan Notes of US$10 million (gross),
which was secured on 2 April 2018. The Loan Notes mature in April
2019 and accrue interest at 18%, payable quarterly in arrears, with
30 June 2018 being the first date for an interest payment. In
addition, GBP1.3 million remains outstanding under the January 2017
and June 2017 convertible loan notes which mature in December 2018.
Unfortunately, this change in source of working capital for the
mine, the temporary shutdown of the plant to facilitate the
completion of a mill re-line, along with other essential
maintenance activities and to formulate the Accelerated Development
Plan, slowed the base case production build up at Mowana.
In conjunction with the issue of the Loan Notes, the Company
agreed, subject to shareholder approval, to grant to the investors
in the Loan Notes, in aggregate, 71,336,852 warrants to subscribe
for new ordinary shares in the Company. Such warrants were
exercisable at a price of 5 pence per share during the exercise
period of 12 months from 2 April 2018.
On 5 June 2018, the Company announced that, as the Company had
insufficient share capital authorities to issue all of the
abovementioned 71,336,852 warrants by the original deadline of 30
May 2018, on 28 May 2018, the Company issued an initial tranche of
35,668,432 warrants (being approximately 50 per cent. of the
warrants) to the Loan Note investors, utilising the Company's
existing share capital authorities. The Company agreed that, as
announced on 5 June 2018 and 18 June 2018, the remaining 35,668,420
warrants would be issued pursuant to the terms and conditions of a
new warrant instrument, subject to the receipt of shareholder
approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, and that the
exercise period shall be extended by a further six months, to 2
February 2020, with all other rights and restrictions remaining the
same.
Further details of funding and liquidity risk are set out in
note 2.3.
Corporate
As part of our corporate re-structuring process that saw us
transition from exploration focussed Alecto Minerals, to production
focussed Cradle Arc, a number of changes were made to the Board.
Firstly, Kevin van Wouw was appointed as Chief Executive Officer
("CEO"). Kevin has extensive mining experience, having been
involved in the industry for over 25 years, and has an excellent
knowledge of the Mowana mine, having been one of the leading
parties that first identified the Mowana acquisition
opportunity.
Kevin, along with Mark Jones (formerly Alecto Minerals' CEO and
now Executive Director - Business Development), were joined by
Roger Williams as a Non-Executive Director, who joined the Board in
2017, and myself, continuing in my role as Non-Executive Chairman.
Together, Roger and I bring experience in the fields of corporate
finance and accountancy, ensuring that the Board benefits from a
diverse skill-set. Post the period-end, in April 2018, Oscar
Kirkovits also joined the Board as a further Non-Executive
Director. We believe his experience in investment management and
investor contacts in the resource space will be beneficial to the
long-term growth of the Company.
Outlook
Cradle Arc's vision is to become a diversified metals producer
in Africa. We intend to achieve this by applying new mining models
and techniques in order to achieve cash positive production from
proven mining assets, as is being undertaken at Mowana, while
securing strategic JV partnerships / farm-outs for our exploration
assets to maximise value. It is thanks to this dynamic portfolio
approach that I believe we are now firmly positioned for
growth.
The Mowana mine has a project NPV of US$272.8 million (quoted in
real terms using an 8% discount rate and a copper price of
US$3.00/lb Cu) following planned DMS plant upgrades and a clear
path for future development. Our focus remains firmly on building
production and revenues. In support of this, the long-term pricing
fundamentals for copper remain strong and our current ramp-up to
pre-DMS nameplate capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum continues to
advance in accordance with our Accelerated Development Plan.
We look forward to providing updates in due course and offer our
thanks to our investors for their continued long-term support,
particularly during what I know was a protracted acquisition
process.
Thanks must also go to our team. It is thanks to their undoubted
skills, knowledge, experience, and hard work that we are now the
operator of a large-scale copper mine with additional upside
available via our strategic portfolio of JV / exploration assets.
We look forward to enhancing and progressing Mowana into a
world-class copper mining asset.
Toby Howell
Non-Executive Chairman
27 June 2018
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT
During the year it took to acquire the mine and subsequently
achieve admission of the enlarged group to trading on AIM, we were
incredibly active re-starting and ramping-up operations at the
mine, despite our cash resources being extremely tight.
Firstly, an assessment of all the existing infrastructure and
equipment on site was completed; crucially, power, water and
communication links were all re-established. The processing plant
itself was found to be in excellent condition and, after initial
commissioning work, test production commenced in March 2017,
producing saleable concentrate of up to 28% copper (Cu), which
comprised part of the initial batch of product later delivered to
Fujax Minerals, under the terms of our five-year copper offtake
contract. Prior to this test production, the conventional crushing
and screening circuit had been successfully operating for two
weeks, thereby stockpiling crushed ore.
In March 2017, Capital Drilling Limited were also awarded a
contract for Drill and Blast services, with the first blast
completed on 29 April 2017. By May 2017, operations were continuing
on a full-time basis to enable campaign phase production and ore
testwork, with, in aggregate, over 1,900 tonnes of copper
concentrate having been produced and sold to Fujax Minerals to date
since the re-commencement of operations.
A drilling campaign conducted in 2017 comprising a total of 51
reverse circulation (RC) holes for 2,546 metres was augmented by
the inclusion of data from other historical drill holes. This
facilitated the commissioning of a maiden independent JORC (2012)
mineral resource estimate for Mowana, which we reported in April
2018.
Our Accelerated Development Plan at Mowana involves accelerating
access to the sulphide and supergene ores at the 950 level and
below where grades are higher and recoveries have been shown to be
strong. Test work completed by our onsite metallurgists, which was
subsequently independently verified in South Africa, confirmed that
these higher-grade ores should provide excellent metallurgical
recoveries, with the average plant recovery ultimately expected to
be in excess of 85%.
In order, to implement the Accelerated Development Plan, in
April 2018, additional mining equipment comprising 20 x 40-tonne
articulated dump trucks (ADTs), 3 x CAT D8 dozers, 2 x CAT374
excavators, a grader and a water truck, along with the accompanying
support equipment and spares, were delivered to site. The
Accelerated Development Plan envisages having four mining units in
service in the Mowana open pit, with a mining unit consisting of a
75-tonne excavator and five 40 tonne ADTs. With the ability to
operate each mining unit independently in the open pit, the
Accelerated Development Plan enables the Group to mine additional
faces in the ore body simultaneously and thereby increase the
volume of ore and waste mined.
As well as accelerating access to the deeper, higher grade ores,
the Accelerated Development Plan should increase the tonnes of ore
delivered to the run of mine (ROM) pad. This increase in ROM
tonnage will enable improved blending and the establishment of
stockpiles of ore ahead of planned further upgrades.
In January 2018, results from an independent test report
produced by SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd ("SGS") confirmed the
applicability of DMS for Mowana as a low capex expansion option.
The test work demonstrated that DMS pre-concentration can be
deployed on all low oxide ores (those that contain less than 25%
acid soluble copper). Furthermore, the results confirmed that a
mass yield of 30-40%, and an expected copper recovery in excess of
85% can be expected; mill feed grades in excess of 2% can also be
anticipated, nearly double the current ROM; an optimal crushing top
size of 10-12mm should be designed for with respect to the upgrade
project; and, good rejection of gangue minerals is achievable,
including carbon and silicon (with more than 75% being
rejected).
Based on the positive outcome of the test work, we began initial
DMS preparatory work for the upgrades to the Mowana processing
plant. Once the initial nameplate capacity of approximately 12,000
tonnes of copper per annum has been achieved from the Accelerated
Development Plan, we will look to further advance our DMS plans and
thereby build production to over 21,000 tonnes per annum, subject
to securing the requisite additional funding or financing from
retained cash flows.
Alongside revenue generation from the sale of copper
concentrate, it is important to note that Cradle Arc has a 10-year
management contract (valid from December 2016) which provides for
it to receive management fees equating to 1.5% of gross revenue
from the mine.
Accordingly, the Company has made good progress over this review
period in both successfully acquiring the Mowana mine and then
subsequently by improving efficiencies at the mine. This would not
have been possible without the dedicated support and hard work from
our stakeholders - our employees, contractors, shareholders, the
local community and the Botswana government. I would like to
acknowledge our thanks to all of them.
I am most excited about what Cradle Arc can achieve over the
next few years and beyond, and look forward to pursuing continued
growth and making further progress.
Kevin van Wouw
Chief Executive Officer
27 June 2018
CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2017
Group Company
----------------------------- ------------------------------
Note 2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Non-Current Assets
Property, plant and equipment 6 50,303,915 59,570 2,031 1,322
Intangible assets 7 33,199,593 17,293,044 - -
Investment in subsidiaries 8 - - 18,443,544 8,065,329
Available-for-sale financial
assets 9 - 32,500 - 32,500
83,503,508 17,385,114 18,445,575 8,099,151
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Current Assets
Trade and other receivables 10 870,433 424,992 5,219,636 411,758
Cash and cash equivalents 11 80,334 277,132 71,543 202,086
Inventories 12 1,755,527 - - -
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
2,706,294 702,124 5,291,179 613,844
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL
POSITION
As at 31 December 2017
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Total Assets 86,209,802 18,087,238 23,736,754 8,712,995
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Equity attributable to
the Owners of Parent Company
Share capital 17 4,666,699 4,624,021 4,666,699 4,624,021
Share premium 17 16,545,545 14,752,068 16,545,545 14,752,068
Other reserve 17 4,355,131 - 4,355,131 -
Share option reserve 18 63,166 88,829 63,166 88,829
Available-for-sale financial
asset reserve - (17,500) - (17,500)
Translation reserve 1,511,818 1,831,203 - -
Retained losses (19,753,634) (8,452,065) (17,447,468) (11,536,377)
Non-controlling interest 30 8,937,641 - - -
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Total Equity 16,326,366 12,826,556 8,183,073 7,911,041
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 6,529,005 429,790 1,609,697 312,679
Borrowings and finance
leases 15 14,221,544 - 5,943,984 -
Contingent share consideration
on acquisition - to be
settled in variable number
of shares 29 7,500,000 - 7,500,000 -
28,250,549 429,790 15,053,681 312,679
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Non-current liabilities
Other payables (deferred
consideration) 14 500,000 307,500 500,000 307,500
Borrowings and finance
leases 15 30,712,298 181,775 - 181,775
Deferred income tax liabilities 16 4,256,943 4,341,617 - -
Restoration provision 13 6,163,646 - - -
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
41,632,887 4,830,892 500,000 489,275
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Total Liabilities 69,883,436 5,260,682 15,553,681 801,954
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
Total Equity and Liabilities 86,209,802 18,087,238 23,736,754 8,712,995
---------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------- ---- -------------- --------------
The Company has elected to take the exemption under Section 408
of the Companies Act 2006 from presenting the Parent Company Income
Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company loss
for the year was GBP5,973,151 (2016: GBP2,271,501).
The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue
by the Board on 27 June 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:
Kevin Van Wouw
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2017
Group
-----------------------------
Note 2017 2016
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Revenue 5 570,579 -
Cost of sales (200,964) -
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Gross profit 369,615 -
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Other administration expenses 19 (2,705,078) (822,350)
Foreign exchange gains/(losses) 24,688 (132)
Impairments 7 (12,553,949) (3,563,132)
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Total administrative expenses (15,234,339) (4,385,614)
Other net gains/(losses) 22 50,417 42,263
Operating (loss)/profit (14,814,307) (4,343,351)
Finance income 23 343 500
Foreign exchange gains on borrowings 2,534,732 -
Finance costs 23 (1,561,376) -
Loss before income tax (13,840,608) (4,342,851)
Income tax 24 3,046,774 -
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Loss after income tax (10,793,834) (4,342,851)
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Attributable to owners of the Parent (11,363,629) (4,342,851)
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Attributable to non-controlling interest 30 569,795 -
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
(10,793,834) (4,342,851)
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Earnings per share attributable to owners
of the Parent during the year
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence)
From continuing operations (0.43p) (0.18p)*
From (loss)/profit for the year 25 (0.43p) (0.18p)*
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence)
From continuing operations (0.43p) (0.18p)*
From (loss)/profit for the year 25 (0.43p) (0.18p)*
-------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
*Comparative loss per share is presented adjusted for the effect
of the share consolidation in the current year.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2017
Group
------------------------------------------
Note 2017 2016
GBP GBP
------------------------------------------------ ------ -------------------------- --------------
Loss for the year (10,793,834) (4,342,851)
Other Comprehensive Income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss
Currency translation differences (319,384) 2,280,495
Change in fair value available for sale
investment - 24,850
Recycling of accumulated fair value movements
on disposal of available-for-sale financial
assets 9 17,500 -
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year (11,095,718) (2, 037,506)
------------------------------------------------ ------ -------------------------- --------------
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
Attributable to non-controlling interest, 569,795
net of tax -
------------------------------------------------ ------ -------------------------- --------------
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
Attributable to Owners of the Parent, net
of tax (10,525,923) (2,037,506)
------------------------------------------------ ------ -------------------------- --------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2017
Attributable to owners of the Parent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available
for
Share sale
Share Share Other option asset Translation Retained Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve reserve reserve losses interest equity
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------- ----------------- --------------
Balance as
at 1 January
2016 4,412,421 13,446,703 - 106,080 (42,350) (449,292) (4,161,153) - 13,312,409
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Loss for the
period - - - - - - (4,342,851) - (4,342,851)
Other comprehensive
income
Currency
translation
difference - - - - - 2,280,495 - - 2,280,495
Change in value
of
available-for-sale
financial assets - - - - 24,850 - - - 24,850
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Total comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - 24,850 2,280,495 (4,342,851) - (2,037,506)
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Issue of shares 164,375 1,110,625 - - - - - - 1,275,000
Loan note
conversion 43,350 303,451 - - - - - - 346,801
Issue cost - (135,836) - - - - - - (135,836)
Exercise of
options & warrants 3,875 27,125 - (4,922) - - 4,922 - 31,000
Grant of options
& warrants - - - 34,688 - - - - 34,688
Expiry of options
& warrants - - - (47,017) - - 47,017 - -
Total transactions
with owners,
recognised
directly in
equity 211,600 1,305,365 - (17,251) - - 51,939 - 1,551,653
Balance as
at 31 December
2016 4,624,021 14,752,068 - 88,829 (17,500) 1,831,203 (8,452,065) - 12,826,556
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Balance as
at 1 January
2017 4,624,021 14,752,068 - 88,829 (17,500) 1,831,203 (8,452,065) - 12,826,556
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Profit/Loss
for the year - - - - - - (11,363,629) 569,795 (10,793,834)
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Other comprehensive
income
Currency
translation
differences - - - - - (319,385) - - (319,385)
Recycling of
available-for-sale
financial asset
reserve - - - - 17,500 - - - 17,500
Total comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - 17,500 (319,385) (11,363,629) 569,795 (11,095,719)
Issue of shares 38,423 1,557,445 - - - - - - 1,595,868
Loan note
conversion 118 236,032 - - - - - - 236,150
Shares issued
upon acquisition
(CAI and Matala) 4,137 - 4,355,131 - - - - - 4,359,268
Grant of options
& warrants - - - 36,397 - - - - 36,397
Expiry of options
& warrants - - - (62,060) - - 62,060 - -
Non-Controlling
interest arising
from business
combination - - - - - - - 8,367,846 8,367,846
Transactions
with owners,
recognised
directly in
equity 42,678 1,793,477 4,355,131 (25,663) - - 62,060 8,367,846 14,595,529
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Balance as
at 31 December
2017 4,666,699 16,545,545 4,355,131 63,166 - 1,511,818 (19,753,634) 8,937,641 16,326,366
--------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
Attributable to equity shareholders
COMPANY STATEMENT
OF CHANGES IN Available-for-sale
EQUITY Share financial
For the year ended Share Share option asset Retained Total
31 December 2017 capital premium reserve reserve losses equity
---------
GBP GBP Other GBP GBP GBP GBP
reserve
GBP
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
As at 1 January
2016 4,412,421 13,446,703 - 106,080 (42,350) (9,316,815) 8,606,039
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
Loss for the year - - - - - (2,271,501) (2,271,501)
Other comprehensive
income
Change in value
of
available-for-sale
financial assets - - - - 24,850 - 24,850
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - 24,850 (2,271,501) (2,246,651)
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
Issue of shares 164,375 1,110,625 - - - - 1,275,000
Loan note
conversion 43,350 303,451 - - - - 346,801
Issue costs - (135,836) - - - - (135,836)
Exercise of options
& warrants 3,875 27,125 - (4,922) - 4,922 31,000
Grant of options
& warrants - - - 34,688 - - 34,688
Expiry of options
& warrants - - - (47,017) - 47,017 -
Transaction with
owners, recognised
directly in equity 211,600 1,305,365 (17,251) - 51,939 1,551,653
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
As at 31 December
2016 4,624,021 14,752,068 - 88,829 (17,500) (11,536,377) 7,911,041
--------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------------------- -------------- -------------
As at 1 January
2017 4,624,021 14,752,068 - 88,829 (17,500) (11,536,377) 7,911,041
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -------------
Loss for the year - - - - - (5,973,151) (5,973,151)
Other comprehensive
income
Recycling of
available-for-sale
financial asset
reserve - - - - 17,500 - 17,500
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - 17,500 (5,973,151) (5,955,651)
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -------------
Issue of shares 38,423 1,557,445 - - - - 1,595,868
Issue costs - - - - - - -
Loan note conversion 118 236,032 - - - - 236,150
Shares issued
upon acquisition
(CAI and Matala) 4,137 - 4,355,131 - - - 4,359,268
Grant of options
& warrants - - - 36,397 - - 36,397
Expiry of options
& warrants - - - (62,060) - 62,060 -
Transaction with
owners, recognised
directly in equity 42,678 1,793,477 4,355,131 (25,663) - 62,060 6,227,683
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -------------
As at 31 December
2017 4,666,699 16,545,545 4,355,131 63,166 - (17,447,468) 8,183,073
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------- -------------
Group
-----------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 2017 2016
For the year ended 31 December 2017 Note GBP GBP
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit after taxation (10,793,834) (4,342,851)
Adjustments for:
Taxation credit 24 (3,046,774) -
Finance income 23 - (500)
Finance costs 23 1,561,376 -
Depreciation 6 40,801 66,260
Profit on sale of property, plant and
equipment - (40,301)
Non-cash consulting fees 115,000 -
Share options expense 36,397 25,352
Impairment of cash deposits - 21,307
Impairment charges 7 12,553,949 3,563,132
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables (59,511) (78,485)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other
payables 1,467,078 102,295
Unrealised gain on foreign exchange (2,539,160) (16,260)
Net cash used in operating activities (664,678) (700,051)
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received - 500
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash
acquired) 29 705,703 -
Proceeds from disposal of exploration
assets 7 627,005 -
Other loans granted - (60,048)
Purchase of intangible assets - exploration 7 (371,095) (698,938)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant
and equipment - 45,725
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,869,675) (2,122)
Repayable loan funding advanced to Cradle
Arc Investments prior to acquisition (4,174,640) -
Proceeds from disposal of available for 50,000
sale investments -
Net cash used in investing activities (5,032,702) (714,883)
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital - 1,306,000
Issue costs - (126,500)
Proceeds on Convertible Loan Note borrowings 5,052,325 -
Finance lease payments (223,889) -
Repayment of other borrowings (74,122) -
Proceeds from other borrowings 746,268 -
Net cash generated from financing activities 5,500,582 1,179,500
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (196,798) (235,434)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 277,132 530,003
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents - (17,437)
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 11 80,334 277,132
----------------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December 2017 Company
----------------------------
2017 2016
Note GBP GBP
----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before taxation (5,973,151) (2,271,501)
Adjustments for:
Finance income - (176)
Finance costs 1,973,745 -
Depreciation 6 2,206 360
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries - -
Management fees (439,676) (317,427)
Share options expense 36,397 25,352
Non-cash consulting fees 115,000 -
Impairment charges 8 1,896,029 1,719,720
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (18,643) (82,270)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 987,974 100,310
Foreign exchange 15,326 -
Net cash used in operating activities (1,404,793) (825,632)
----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received - 176
Proceeds from disposal of exploration assets 627,005 -
Loans granted to subsidiary undertakings (277,525) (600,513)
Repayable loan funding advanced to Cradle
Arc Investments prior to acquisition (4,174,640)
Other loans granted - (60,048)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (2,915) (1,682)
Proceeds from disposal of available for 50,000
sale investments -
Net cash used in investing activities (3,778,075) (662,067)
----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital - 1,306,000
Issue costs - (126,500)
Proceeds on Convertible Loan Note borrowings 5,052,325 -
Net cash generated from financing activities 5,052,325 1,179,500
----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (130,543) (308,199)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 202,086 510,285
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 11 71,543 202,086
----------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------- -------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 December 2017
1. General information
The principal activity of Cradle Arc plc ("Cradle Arc" or the
'Company') and its subsidiaries (together the 'Group') is the
mining of, and exploration for, minerals. The Company's shares are
quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc. The
Company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its
registered office is 27-28 Eastcastle Street, London, United
Kingdom, W1W 8DH.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of
these financial statements are set out below. These policies have
been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless
otherwise stated.
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of Cradle Arc have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and IFRIC Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) as
adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2006 applicable
to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial
statements have also been prepared under the historical cost
convention, as modified by the accounting treatment of certain
financial instruments as set out below.
The financial statements are presented in UK Pounds Sterling
rounded to the nearest pound.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of
applying the Group's Accounting Policies. The areas involving a
higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where
assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial
statements are disclosed in Note 4.
The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2017
and 31 December 2016 set out in this announcement does not
constitute the Company's statutory annual report and financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 but is extracted
from the audited financial statements for those years. The 31
December 2016 accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The statutory annual report and financial statements for
2017 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due
course.
The auditors have reported on the financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2017; their report contained a paragraph
drawing attention to disclosures in the financial statements
regarding the existence of a material uncertainty related to the
ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Their
opinion on the financial statements was not modified in respect of
this matter. The report did not contain statements under section
498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006
2.2. Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements consolidate the financial
statements of the Company and the results of all of its subsidiary
undertakings made up to 31 December 2017.
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The
Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has
rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity
and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over
the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on
which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated
from the date that control ceases.
The Group applies the acquisition method of accounting to
account for business combinations. The consideration transferred
for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the
assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners
of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. The
consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or
liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement.
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent
liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured
initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Non-controlling interests existing in the acquired entity at
acquisition are recorded at either fair value or at the
non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the fair value of
identifiable assets and liabilities, elected on a transaction by
transaction basis.
Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated
subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group's equity.
Non-controlling interests consist of the non-controlling
shareholder's share of changes in equity. The non-controlling
interests' share of losses, where applicable, are attributed to the
non-controlling interests irrespective of whether the
non-controlling shareholders have a binding obligation and are able
to make an additional investment to cover the losses. On
acquisition of a non-controlling interest the relevant
non-controlling interest share of equity is extinguished and the
difference between the fair value of consideration paid and the
relevant carrying value of the non-controlling interest is recorded
in retained earnings.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is
recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is
deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance with
IAS 39 in profit or loss. Contingent consideration that is
classified as equity is not re-measured, and its subsequent
settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration
settled in a variable number of shares is classified as a fair
value liability and transferred to equity on settlement of
shares.
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less
impairment. Advances to subsidiaries are initially recorded at fair
value based on a market rate of interest and subsequently at
amortised cost. The difference between funds advanced and fair
value is recorded in investments.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial
statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used
into line with those used by other members of the Group. All
intercompany transactions and balances between Group enterprises
are eliminated on consolidation.
Disposal of subsidiaries
When the Group ceases to have control any retained interest in
the entity is remeasured to its fair value at the date when control
is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or
loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the
purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an
associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any
amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in
respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had
directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may
mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive
income are reclassified to profit or loss.
2.3. Going Concern
As part of the process for achieving admission of the Company's
ordinary shares to trading on AIM in January 2018, a facility in an
amount of US$7.6 million was agreed by Fujax to be made available
to the group as part of the Offtake Funding Agreement in place with
Leboam Holdings (Pty) Ltd. This committed facility (the "Fujax
Financing Agreement") formed an integral part of the group's
working capital requirements to complete the re-commissioning of
the Mowana Mine to full commercial production.
Subsequent to admission, no funds were actually received
pursuant to the Fujax Financing Agreement owing to a number of
commercial factors, which prompted the Company to replace this
facility with alternative funding by way of the issue of US$10
million of loan notes which are scheduled to mature in April 2019.
Furthermore, at the end of February 2018, the plant was shut down
temporarily to facilitate the completion of a mill re-line, along
with other essential maintenance activities, in readiness for the
pursuit of steady state operations. As a consequence of the
requirement to replace the abovementioned funding that was to be
provided by Fujax Minerals, such maintenance activities and the
formulation of the Company's Accelerated Development Plan, there
was no material change to the quantity of copper concentrate
produced from that reported in the Company's general meeting
circular published on 26 February 2018 prior to the commencement of
the Accelerated Development Plan.
The delay in commencement of commercial production caused the
Group's cash flow to be significantly lower than anticipated as
standing and infrastructure costs had to be absorbed during this
period from February to mid-April 2018 in preparation of the Mowana
Mine commencing commercial production.
The Board has reviewed cash flow forecasts for a period of at
least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial
statements. The base case cash flow forecasts indicate that the
Group maintains cash headroom throughout the period without
additional working capital facilities. In preparing the forecasts,
significant judgment was required in respect of key assumptions
such as copper prices which have been forecast at US$3.0/lb,
production tonnages, grade and plant recovery rates as well as
future costs and the timing of supplier payments. In particular,
the forecasts assume significant growth in production volumes
(tonnages, grade and recovery) in the short term associated with
build up in mine production under the budgeted mine plan. In
forming the production growth estimates management have considered
information including drill and blast schedules, the grades in
areas planned for mining based on geological data and metallurgical
data on expected recovery rates.
However, the Board recognises that there is inherent risk
associated with the short-term production, particularly during the
transition to sustained commercial production levels. Sensitivity
scenarios have been assessed in respect of copper prices, grade,
plant recovery and tonnages. Under those sensitivity scenarios, in
the event that production growth is significantly lower than
anticipated in the next three months, the forecasts indicate that
the Group would need additional working capital.
In addition, the group holds GBP1.3m of convertible loan notes
which mature in December 2018 and a $10m loan note which matures in
April 2019. The ability to meet these repayments is dependent upon
a) securing sufficient short term working capital as detailed above
if short term production is significantly below forecast; and b)
the mine performing sufficiently in line with the budgeted mine
plan and associated feasibility study over the remainder of the
period.
Whilst the Board considers the mine plan will deliver
significant long term value and considers the forecasts for the
next 12 months to be achievable, there can be no guarantee that the
production growth will be delivered in line with plan and therefore
that the group can meet its working capital requirements without
additional funding. The Board are in discussions to secure an
additional working capital facility and remain confident that the
group will secure the necessary funding, if required. However, at
present there is no binding commitment in place for such
funding.
These circumstances and considerations indicate the existence of
a material uncertainty which may cast doubt on the group's ability
to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that would result if the group was unable
to continue as a going concern.
2.4. New and Amended Standards
(a) New and amended standards mandatory for the first time for
the financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017
There are no IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that were effective
for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2017
that had a material impact on the Group or Company.
(b) New standards, amendments and Interpretations in issue but
not yet effective or not yet endorsed and not early adopted
Standards, amendments and interpretations that are not yet
effective and have not been early adopted are as follows:
Standard Impact on initial application Effective date
---------------------- --------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January 2018
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 1 January 2018
Customers
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRS 16 Leases 1 January 2019
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRS 2 (Amendments) Share-based payments - classification 1 January 2018
and measurement
--------------------------------------- ----------------
Annual Improvements 2014-2016 Cycle 1 January 2018
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRIC Interpretation Foreign currency transactions 1 January 2018
22 and advanced
consideration
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income tax *1 January
treatments 2019
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IFRS 9 (Amendments) Prepayment features with negative *1 January
compensation 2019
--------------------------------------- ----------------
IAS 28 (Amendments) Long term interests in associates *1 January
and joint ventures 2019
--------------------------------------- ----------------
(*) Subject to EU endorsement
The Group is evaluating the impact of the new and amended
standards above.
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
IFRS 15 is intended to introduce a single framework for revenue
recognition and clarify principles of revenue recognition. This
standard modifies the determination of when to recognise revenue
and how much revenue to recognise. The new standard becomes
mandatory for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2018.
The new standard will be relevant to the Group through its copper
sales, which are undertaken through an offtake agreement. The Group
is currently in the process of assessing the impact of IFRS 15 to
the contract following the acquisition of Cradle Arc Investments
(Pty) Limited and will complete the assessment ahead of the release
of its H1 2018 results.
IFRS 9 Financial instruments
The complete standard was issued in July 2014 including the
requirements previously issued and additional amendments. The new
standard replaces IAS 39 and includes a new expected loss
impairment model, changes to the classification and measurement
requirements of financial assets as well as to hedge accounting.
The new standard becomes effective for financial years beginning on
or after 1 January 2018. The Group is currently assessing the
impact of this standard however based on current operations does
not expect this standard to have a material impact on the
consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 16 Leases
The new standard was issued in January 2016 replacing the
previous leases standard, IAS 17 Leases, and related
Interpretations. IFRS 16 establishes the principles for the
recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for
the customer ('lessee') and the supplier ('lessor'). IFRS 16
eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or
finance as is required by IAS 17 and, instead, introduces a single
lessee accounting model requiring a lessee to recognise assets and
liabilities for all leases unless the underlying asset has a low
value or the lease term is twelve months or less. This new standard
applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January
2019. The Group has a number of finance leases acquired as part of
its acquisition of Cradle Arc Investments (Pty) Limited, together
with service agreements which need to be assessed to determine the
extent to which they contact lease arrangements. The Group is
currently in the process of assessing the impact of IFRS 16.
2.5. Segment Reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker.
The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating
segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors that makes
strategic decisions.
2.6. Foreign Currencies
(a) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the Financial Statements of the Group's
entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates (the 'functional
currency'). The functional currency of the UK parent entity is
Pounds Sterling and the functional currency of the BVI subsidiary
is US Dollars. The currency of Botswana is the Botswanan Pula and
is considered to be the functional currency of the Botswanan
subsidiaries following an assessment of factors including the
subsidiary sales contract, cost base, funding, capital and the
economic environment in which it operates. The currency of Mali is
the Central African Franc, which is therefore considered to be the
functional currency of the Malian subsidiary. The currency of
Burkina Faso is the Central African Franc, which is therefore
considered to be the functional currency of the Burkina Faso
subsidiary. The currency of Zambia is the Zambian kwacha; however
all material contracts and activity with the Zambian subsidiaries
are denominated in US Dollars which is, therefore considered to be,
its functional currency. The Financial Statements are presented in
Pounds Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound, which is the
Company's functional and Group's presentation currency.
(b) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the
transactions or valuation where such items are re-measured. Foreign
exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such
transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are recognised in the Income Statement. Foreign exchange gains and
losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are
presented in the income statement within 'finance income or costs'.
All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the
income statement within 'Other (losses)/gains - net'.
Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets
measured at fair value, such as equities classified as available
for sale, are included in other comprehensive income.
(c) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities
(none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy)
that have a functional currency different from the presentation
currency are translated into the presentation currency as
follows:
-- assets and liabilities for each Statement of Financial
Position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date
of that Statement of Financial Position sheet;
-- income and expenses for each Income Statement are translated
at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on
the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are
translated at the dates of the transactions); and
-- translation differences on assets and liabilities arising on
acquisitions, including fair value uplifts and goodwill, which are
related to the foreign entity.
-- all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the
translation of the net investment in foreign entities are taken to
other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold, such
exchange differences are recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income as part of the gain or loss on sale.
2.7. Intangible assets
(a) Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and
represents the excess of the consideration transferred and the
acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the
acquiree over the fair value of the net identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. If the
total of consideration transferred, non-controlling interest
recognised and previously held interest measured at fair value is
less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary
acquired, in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is
recognised directly in the Income Statement.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a
business combination is allocated to each of the cash-generating
units, or groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to
benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group
of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest
level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for
internal management purposes. Goodwill is monitored at the
operating segment level.
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a
potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to
the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the
fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised
immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. Where
goodwill is recorded in respect of the acquisition of businesses
involved solely in exploration for mineral resources the carrying
value is assessed for impairment with the relevant exploration
assets.
(b) Exploration and evaluation
The Group recognises expenditure as exploration and evaluation
assets when it determines that those assets will be successful in
finding specific mineral resources. Expenditure included in the
initial measurement of exploration and evaluation assets and which
are classified as intangible assets, relate to the acquisition of
rights to explore, topographical, geological, geochemical and
geophysical studies, exploratory drilling, trenching, sampling and
activities to evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial
viability of extracting a mineral resource..
Exploration and evaluation assets are recorded and held at
cost.
Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed annually for
impairment. The assessment is carried out by allocating exploration
and evaluation assets to cash generating units, which are based on
specific projects or geographical areas.
Whenever the exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources
in cash generating units does not lead to the discovery of
commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and the Group
has decided to discontinue such activities of that unit, the
associated expenditures are written off to the Income
Statement.
(c) Mineral properties
Mineral properties relate to the fair value attributed to
mineral resources arising on acquisition. Additions to mineral
properties are recorded at cost.
Mineral properties commence depreciation on a unit of production
basis once the relevant mine commences commercial production and
depreciation is charged on a pattern which reflects the consumption
of the associated mineral reserves and resources.
Mineral properties are tested for impairment as part of the cash
generating unit to which they relate, which is typically determined
to be the relevant mine.
2.8. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent
costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as
a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that
future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the
Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The
carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. All other
repairs and maintenance are charged to the Income Statement during
the financial period in which they are incurred.
Costs incurred which are directly attributable to enhancing the
economic value of the mine are capitalised during commissioning of
the mine as 'mine set up cost' and include costs such as
consumables utilised in the commissioning phase, power and salaries
and wages for personnel involved in commissioning the asset. During
the commissioning phase, revenue generated is considered to be test
production and an adjustment is recorded to increase cost of sales
and reduce mine set up costs equal to the margin attributable to
such revenues.
Property, plant and equipment is depreciated over the shorter of
the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line
method, or the life of mine using the unit of production method and
life of mine tonnes.:
Mining properties - units of production
Plant and mining equipment - units of production
Field equipment - 20% straight line
Motor vehicles - 20% straight line
Computer equipment - 20-50% straight line
Property, plant and equipment related to mining activity starts
to be depreciated once the mine is available for use and able to
operate in the manner intended by management. This is considered to
be the point at which commercially viable steady state levels of
production are achieved, with reference to the life of mine
plan.
The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and
adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its
recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than
its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposal are determined by comparing the
proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within 'Other
(losses)/gains' in the Income Statement.
2.9. Impairment of non-financial assets
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is
recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the
higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in
use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped
at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable
cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets that
suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the
impairment at each reporting date.
2.10. Financial Assets
Classification
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following
categories: loans and receivables; and available-for-sale. The
classification depends on the purpose for which the financial
assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of
its financial assets at initial recognition.
(i) Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities
greater than 12 months after the Statement of Financial Position
date. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group's loans
and receivables comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash
equivalents in the Statement of Financial Position.
(ii) Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are
either designated in this category or not classified in any of the
other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless
the investment matures or management intends to dispose of the
investment within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.
Recognition and measurement
Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised
on the trade date - the date on which the Group commits to
purchasing or selling the asset. Financial assets are de-recognised
when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired
or have been transferred, and the Group has transferred
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership.
Available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently carried at
fair value unless the Group is precluded from doing so as, in the
case of unlisted equity securities, the range of reasonable fair
value estimates is significant and the probabilities of the various
estimates cannot be reasonably assessed. In such circumstances
available-for-sale financial assets are held at cost and reviewed
annually for impairment.
Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortised cost
using the effective interest method.
Changes in the fair value of monetary and non-monetary
securities classified as available-for-sale are recognised in other
comprehensive income. When securities classified as
available-for-sale are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value
adjustments recognised in equity are included in the Income
Statement as "gains and losses from investment securities."
Interest on available-for-sale securities calculated using the
effective interest method is recognised in the Income Statement as
part of other income. Dividends on available-for-sale equity
instruments are recognised in the Income Statement as part of other
income when the Group's right to receive payments is
established.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether
there is objective evidence that a financial asset, or a group of
financial assets, is impaired. A financial asset, or a group of
financial assets, is impaired, and impairment losses are incurred,
only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of
one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of
the asset (a "loss event"), and that loss event (or events) has an
impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset,
or group of financial assets, that can be reliably estimated.
2.11. Trade Receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from third parties in the
ordinary course of business. If collection is expected in one year
or less they are classified as current assets. If not they are
presented as non-current assets.
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value, and
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method, less provision for impairment.
2.12. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, and
are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
2.13. Share Capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs
directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
2.14. Share Based Payments
The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based
schemes, under which the entity receives services from employees or
third party suppliers as consideration for equity instruments
(options and warrants) of the Group. The fair value of the third
party suppliers' services received in exchange for the grant of the
options is recognised as an expense in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income or charged to equity depending on the nature
of the service provided. The value of the employee services
received is expensed in the Income Statement and its value is
determined by reference to the fair value of the options
granted:
-- including any market performance conditions;
-- excluding the impact of any service and non-market
performance vesting conditions (for example, profitability or sales
growth targets, or remaining an employee of the entity over a
specified time period); and
-- including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for
example, the requirement for employees to save).
Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about
the number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense
or charge is recognised over the vesting period, which is the
period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be
satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the entity revises
its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest
based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the
impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the Income
Statement or equity as appropriate, with a corresponding adjustment
to a separate reserve in equity.
When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares.
The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction
costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share
premium when the options are exercised.
2.15. Reserves
Share Premium Reserve - the share premium reserve includes any
premiums received on issue of share capital. Any transaction costs
associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the share
premium.
Other reserve - refers to the premium above nominal value of
shares issued as consideration under the acquisition of 100% of the
shares of Luiri Gold Mines Limited and Cradle Arc Investments (Pty)
Limited which qualified for merger relief under Companies Act
2006.
Share Option Reserve - the share option reserve represents the
total fair value of share based options and warrants of the Group
measured at grant date and spread over the period over which the
options or warrants vest.
Available-For-Sale Financial Asset Reserve - the
available-for-sale financial asset reserve represent the changes in
fair value of monetary and non-monetary securities classified as
available-for-sale financial assets.
Translation Reserve - the translation reserve represents the
cumulative differences arising due to foreign exchange on
consolidation of all the Company's subsidiaries.
Retained Losses - the retained losses reserve includes all
current and prior periods retained profit and losses.
Non-controlling interest - the non-controlling interest refers
to the 40% minority shareholding in Leboam Holdings Limited.
2.16. Trade Payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that
have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from
suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities
if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are
presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value, and
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method.
2.17. Taxation
There has been no tax credit or expense for the period relating
to current or deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income
Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised
in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case,
the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or
directly in equity, respectively.
Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability
method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the
financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the
computation of taxable profit. However, deferred tax liabilities
are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of
goodwill; deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from
initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other
than a business combination that at the time of the transaction
affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all
taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are
recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits
will be available against which deductible temporary differences
can be utilised.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where
the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will
not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a
legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against
current tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and
liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same taxation authority
on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities
where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net
basis.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to
apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is
settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not
discounted.
2.18. Leases
Determining whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is
based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an
assessment of whether fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on
the use of a specific asset or assets and whether the arrangement
conveys a right to use the asset. Leases of plant and equipment
where the group assumes a significant portion of risks and rewards
of ownership are classified as a finance lease. Finance leases are
capitalised at the estimated present value of the underlying lease
payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and
the finance charges to achieve a constant rate on the finance
balance outstanding. The interest portion of the finance payment is
charged to the statement of comprehensive income over the lease
period. The plant and equipment acquired under the finance lease
are depreciated over the useful lives of the assets, or over the
lease term if shorter.
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards
of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating
leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the
statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the
period of the lease.
2.19. Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration
received or receivable, and represents amounts receivable for goods
or services supplied in course of ordinary business, stated net of
discounts, returns and value added taxes. The Group recognises
revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured; when
it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the
entity; and when specific criteria have been met for the Group's
activities described below.
The Group generates revenue from the sale of copper under an
offtake agreement. Revenue is recorded when risks and rewards have
substantially passed under the contract and the sale proceeds can
be reliably measured, which is considered to be the point at which
the offtake provider takes title and possession and is responsible
for the insurance risk on the concentrate. As sales from gold
contracts are subject to customer survey adjustment and copper
prices subsequent to the date of shipment, sales are initially
recorded on a provisional basis using the group's best estimate of
the contained metal and market forward copper prices. Subsequent
adjustments are recorded in revenue to take into account from final
copper content and pricing.
Revenue is recognised in respect of amounts recharged to project
strategic partners in accordance to their contractual terms.
2.20. Finance income
Interest income is recognised using the effective interest
method.
2.21. Borrowings
Compound financial instruments not designated at fair value
through profit and loss
Compound financial instruments issued by the Group as a form of
consideration for business combinations comprise convertible notes
that can be converted to share capital at the option of the holder
and include a host liability together with a derivative.
The derivative portion is initially recorded at fair value and
the liability component is recognised initially at the difference
between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a
whole and the fair value of the derivative component.
Subsequent to their initial recognition, the liability component
of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method. The derivative component of a
compound financial instrument is held at fair value where material,
determined using a Black Scholes model.
Convertible financial instruments designated at fair value
through profit and loss
When a convertible instrument meets the qualifying criteria
under IFRS and is designated as a fair value through profit and
loss instrument at inception it is initially recorded at fair value
based on the transaction proceeds and subsequently held at fair
value with changes in fair value recorded in the income
statement.
2.22. Deferred consideration
Deferred consideration issued as part of a business combination
to be settled in cash but with an option for either party to settle
in shares in a form which significantly modifies the cash flows
that would otherwise be required under the agreement is initially
recorded at fair value and designated as fair value through profit
and loss. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the deferred
consideration are recorded in the income statement.
2.23. Joint operations
The group is a party to joint arrangements when there is a
contractual arrangement that confers joint control over the
relevant activities of the arrangement to the group and at least
one other party. The group classifies its interests in joint
arrangements as a joint operation where it has both the rights to
assets and obligations of the joint arrangement.
The Group accounts for its interests in joint operations by
recognizing its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
in accordance with its contractually conferred rights and
obligations. Where the Group enters into an 'earn in' arrangement
by which the partner funds the costs of exploration and receives a
percentage interest in the asset in return for the works performed
and milestones achieved, the costs incurred by the partner are not
recorded by Group.
2.24. Restoration provisions
An obligation to incur restoration, rehabilitation and
environmental costs arises when environmental disturbance is caused
by the development or ongoing production of a mining property. Such
costs arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site
preparation work, discounted to their net present values, are
provided for in full as soon as the obligation to incur such costs
arises and can be quantified. On recognition of a full provision,
an addition is made to property, plant and equipment of the same
amount; this addition is then charged against profits on a unit of
production basis over the life of the mine. Closure provisions are
updated annually for changes in cost estimates as well as for
changes to life of mine, with the resulting adjustments made to
both the provision balance and the net book value of the associated
non-current asset.
2.25. Inventories
Inventories include ore stockpiles, concentrates, stores and
materials, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable
value. The cost of ore stockpiles and copper concentrate produced
is determined principally by the weighted average cost method using
related production costs.
Cost of ore stockpiles include costs incurred up to the point of
stockpiling, such as mining and grade control costs, but exclude
future costs of production. Ore extracted is allocated to
stockpiles based on estimated grade, with grades below defined
cut-off levels treated as waste and expensed.
The net realisable value of ore stockpiles is determined with
reference to estimated contained copper and market copper prices
applicable less applicable deductions under offtake agreements.
Costs of copper concentrate inventories include all costs
incurred up until production of metal such as milling costs, mining
costs and directly attributable mine general and administration
costs but exclude transport costs, refining costs and royalties.
Net realisable value is determined with reference to estimated
contained copper and market copper prices less applicable
deductions under offtake agreements.
Stores and materials consist of consumable stores and are valued
at weighted average cost after appropriate impairment of
redundant and slow moving items. Consumable stock for which the
group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are
brought onto the statement of financial position as current
assets.
2.26. Interest/borrowing costs
Interest is recognised on a time proportion basis, taking into
account the principal outstanding and the effective rate over the
period to maturity. Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred except
to the extent that it relates directly to the construction of
property, plant and equipment during the time that is required to
complete and prepare the asset for its intended use, when it is
capitalised as part of property, plant and equipment. Borrowing
costs are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset where it is
probable that the asset will result in economic benefit and where
the borrowing cost can be measured reliably.
3. Financial Risk Management
3.1. Financial Risk Factors
The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial
risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk), credit risk
and liquidity risk. The Group's overall risk management programme
focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to
minimise potential adverse effects on the Group's financial
performance.
Risk management is carried out by management under policies
approved by the Board of Directors.
Market Risk (including foreign currency risk)
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign
exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily
with respect to the Euro, Botswana Pula, Central African Franc,
Zambian kwacha, Mauritanian Ouguiya and the Pound Sterling.
Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial
transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net investments
in foreign operations. The Group negotiates all material contracts
for exploration activities in relation to its subsidiaries in
either Pounds Sterling or Euros which in the Directors' opinion are
more stable than the respective local currencies. The Group's
Botswanan operation holds certain funding instruments in US Dollars
which creates foreign exchange risk but the majority of its trading
contracts are denominated on Botswanan Pula to reduce currency
risk. The Group also holds minimal liquid assets in Central African
Franc, Zambian kwacha and Mauritanian Ouguiya. The Group does not
hedge against the risks of fluctuations in exchange rates. The
volume of transactions is not deemed sufficient to enter into
forward contracts. The Directors will continue to assess the effect
of movements in exchange rates on the Group's financial operations
and initiate suitable risk management measures where necessary.
Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents as well as
outstanding receivables. Management does not expect any losses from
non-performance of these receivables. The maximum credit risk is
represented by the carrying value of the assets.
The amount of exposure to any individual counter party is
subject to a limit, which is assessed by the Board.
The Group considers the credit ratings of banks in which it
holds funds in order to reduce exposure to credit risk. Further
disclosures regarding trade and other receivables, which are
neither past due nor impaired, are provided in note 11 and 26.
Liquidity Risk
In keeping with similar sized mineral exploration and production
groups, the Group's continued future operations depend on the
ability to generate sufficient working capital through its mine
production, ability to raise debt funding and the issue of equity
share capital.
Fair value hierarchy
The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and
non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable
inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair
value measurements are categorised into different levels based on
how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised
are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):
- Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items
(unadjusted)
- Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level
1 inputs
- Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market
data).
3.2. Capital Risk Management
The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard
the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, in order to
enable the Group to continue its exploration, evaluation and
production activities, and to maintain an optimal capital structure
to reduce the cost of capital.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group
may adjust the issue of shares or sell assets to reduce debts.
At 31 December 2017 the Group had convertible loan note
liabilities of GBP5,652,325 (2016: GBP181,775), finance lease
liabilities of GBP5,238,699 and borrowings of GBP33,751,165 and
defines capital based on the total equity of the Company.
4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with
IFRSs requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the
year. Actual results may vary from the estimates used to produce
these Financial Statements.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based
on historical experience and other factors, including expectations
of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions
include, but are not limited to:
Accounting for the acquisition of Cradle Arc Investments (Pty)
Limited (Mowana)
As detailed in Note 29, the Group acquired 100% of the share
capital of Cradle Arc Investments (Pty) Limited ("CAI") on 13
November 2017 with consideration comprised of deferred cash
consideration, Consideration Shares and Additional Consideration
Shares to provide the vendors with a 60% shareholding in the
Company following a GBP5 million fundraise on or before admission
of the Company's ordinary shares to trading on the AIM market of
the London Stock Exchange ("Admission").
Judgment was required in determining whether the transaction
represented a business combination under IFRS 3 in which the
Company acquired control of CAI or a reverse acquisition for
accounting purposes in which CAI acquired control of the Company.
In concluding that the transaction represented a business
combination in which the Company acquired control of CAI various
factors and indicators were considered including the impact of the
Relationship Agreement entered by the vendors which restricts their
ability to make changes to the Board whilst their shareholding is
above 20%, the composition of the Board and senior management, the
relative size of the respective businesses and the terms of the
acquisition as well as the background to the transaction.
Judgment and estimation was required in assessing the fair value
of assets and liabilities acquired at acquisition as shown in Note
29.
Judgment was also required in determining the fair value of
consideration. Under the terms of the transaction, the vendors
received an initial 40,517,689 of Consideration shares on 13
November 2017 together with a right to a further tranche of
Additional Consideration Shares upon the Company's Admission due to
be completed shortly thereafter. The Additional Consideration
Shares were intended to maintain the vendors' 60% shareholding
after allowing for the otherwise dilutionary impact of the GBP2.4m
share placing at 10p per share and conversion of loan notes and
other instruments as part of Admission (up to a maximum value of
GBP5 million). Following assessment of alternative approaches, the
fair value of the overall share consideration was determined with
reference to the placing price in January 2018 as the best market
evidence of fair value. The fair value has been allocated between
the Consideration Shares issued at acquisition and the Additional
Consideration Shares to be issued upon Admission (classified as a
liability due to the variability in the number of shares to be
issued), which together formed part of the consideration for the
acquisition. In assessing the fair value of the elements of share
consideration judgment was also required in determining the
probability of Admission and whether material changes in the fair
value of the shares existed between acquisition and Admission.
Carrying value of mineral properties and mining related
assets
The Group holds mineral property of GBP29,922,459 and mining
related assets of GBP50,079,058 related to the Mowana mine as
detailed in Note 6 and 7. Judgment and estimation was required in
performing an impairment indicator review under IFRS. In concluding
that no impairment was applicable the Group considered the Life of
Mine Plan which indicates substantial net present value in excess
of the carrying value of the assets, the Competent Person's Report
and Reserves and Resources Statement and the recent acquisition
fair value.
Restoration provision
The Group's restoration provision totals GBP5,096,290 and is
shown in Note 13. The provision required estimates regarding the
extent and cost of decommissioning and rehabilitation works, the
timing of such works and the appropriate inflation and discount
rates. The restoration requirements and cost was supported by an
external environment report and inflation of 3.2% and discount rate
of 4.98%.
Ore stockpiles
The Group holds an ore stockpile of GBP486,782 as detailed in
Note 12 held at net realisable value and the assessment of carrying
value requires significant judgment and estimation. The net
realisable value has been determined based on assessment of
prevailing copper prices less adjustments for discounts under the
offtake agreements, estimates of the cost to process allowing for
the nature of the stockpile and estimates of copper content.
Commercial production and cost capitalisation
Judgment is required in determining the point at which the Group
reaches commercial production and is available for use as intended
and its assets should begin to be depreciated. In concluding that
the Mowana mine has yet to reach commercial production at year end
the Group considered mining volumes and the nature of ores mined,
plant throughout and recovery rates against the Life of Mine plan
and other factors. Judgment has been required in determining which
costs are eligible for capitalisation during the period prior to
commercial production being achieved.
Impairment of exploration and evaluation costs
Exploration and evaluation costs have a carrying value at 31
December 2017 of GBP3,163,710 (2016: GBP17,179,620). Management
tests for impairment indicators under IFRS 6 annually to assess
whether exploration projects have future economic value in
accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2.7 to the
Financial Statements. Each exploration project is subject to an
annual review by either a consultant or senior company geologist to
determine if the exploration results returned during the year
warrant further exploration expenditure and have the potential to
result in an economic discovery. This review takes into
consideration long term metal prices, anticipated resource volumes
and supply and demand outlook and strategic priorities. In the
event that a project does not represent an economic exploration
target and results indicate there is no additional upside a
decision will be made to discontinue exploration and the asset
impaired. Similarly, if the licence is due to expire and the Group
do not believe the licence will be renewable the asset is impaired.
The Directors also consider the values indicated by transactions
subsequent to the year end where applicable. The Directors have
reviewed the estimated value of each project prepared by management
and have concluded that an impairment charge of GBP12,553,949 is
appropriate as detailed in note 7.
Value Added Taxation
The Company has VAT receivable of GBP546,406 (2016: GBP344,203)
and there is an ongoing inquiry by HMRC regarding the Company's VAT
registration. The Directors' are confident that the VAT
registration in place for the Company is fully compliant and will
result in a repayment of VAT to the Company but have exercised
judgment in forming this assessment given the inquiry. Refer to
note 26.
Contingent consideration
As part of the acquisition of Gazelle Resources Inc, the Group
has entered into a contractual arrangement with Swala Resources Inc
('Swala'), in which, under certain milestones being reached, would
result in the Group paying further consideration of US$1.5m. For
full details on the arrangement, please see Note 27.
The Directors have reviewed the progress of the project and
consider reaching the milestones unlikely. Given this, the
Directors have assessed the fair value of the contingent
consideration to be nil and consider that it is unlikely that the
Company will have any additional liability arising.
5. Segment Information
Management has determined the operating segments based on
reports reviewed by the Board of Directors that are used to make
strategic decisions. During the prior year the Group had interests
in six geographical segments; the United Kingdom, Botswana,
Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali and Zambia. Activities in the UK are
mainly administrative in nature whilst the activities in Botswana,
Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali and Zambia relate to exploration and
evaluation work. During 2017, the Group acquired the Mowana mine in
Botswana.
Segment assets exclude tax assets and assets used primarily for
corporate purposes. Segment liabilities exclude tax liabilities.
Loans and borrowings are allocated to the segments based on
relevant factors (e.g. funding requirements). Details are provided
in the reconciliation from segment assets and liabilities to the
group position.
.
Burkina Intra-segment
Faso Mauritania Mali UK Zambia balances Total
2016 GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ----------- ------------ --------------- -------------
Revenue - - - - - - -
Administrative
expenses (41,237) (1,828) (90,240) (574,508) (114,669) - (822,482)
Impairments - (961,523) (2,601,609) - - - (3,563,132)
Other net
gains/(losses) 47,140 (20,743) - 15,780 86 - 42,263
Profit/(loss)
from
operations per
reportable
segment 5,903 (984,094) (2,691,849) (558,728) (114,583) - (4,343,351)
Capital
expenditure 76,378 9,932 50,886 - 561,742 - 698,938
Reportable
segment
assets 5,559,806 - 3,610,515 8,712,995 10,482,122 (10,278,200) 18,087,238
Reportable
segment
liabilities 5,633,347 1,719,720 3,919,571 801,953 10,602,005 (17,415,914) 5,260,682
----------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ----------- ------------ --------------- -------------
Botswana Burkina Intra-segment
Faso Mauritania Mali UK Zambia balances Total
2017 GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Revenue 199,306 - - 280,800 90,473 - - 570,579
Cost of sales (200,964) - - - - - - (200,964)
Administrative
expenses (131,347) (26,963) - (127,084) (2,154,305) (265,379) - (2,705,078)
Foreign
exchange - - - - 24,688 - - 24,688
Impairments - (579,637) - - - (11,974,312) - (12,553,949)
Other net
gains/(losses) - - - - 50,417 - - 50,417
Profit/(loss)
from
operations
per reportable
segment (133,005) (606,600) - 153,716 (1,988,727) (12,239,691) - (14,814,307)
Capital
expenditure
(including
exploration) (1,866,760) (72,951) - (9,958) (2,915) (288,186) - (2,240,770)
Reportable
segment assets 62,960,640 5,065,461 - 3,450,771 23,736,754 9,549,431 (18,553,255) 86,209,802
Reportable
segment
liabilities 53,764,103 5,947,117 1,725,433 3,472,413 15,553,681 10,082,753 (20,662,064) 69,883,436
----------------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
A reconciliation of adjusted loss from operations per reportable
segment to profit/(loss) before tax is provided as follows:
2017 2016
GBP GBP
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Profit/(loss) from operations per reportable
segment (14,814,307) (4,343,351)
Finance income 343 500
Finance costs (1,561,376) -
Foreign exchange 2,534,732 -
Income tax 3,046,774 -
Profit/(loss) for the year after taxation (10,793,834) (4,342,851)
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Revenue for the year comprised GBP200,964 (2016: Nil) of copper
sales for the period since the acquisition of Mowana Copper mine
and GBP369,615 (2016: GBPnil) of management fees to strategic
partners.
6. Property, Plant and Equipment
Group
Mining properties,
plant and Office Software
equipment Vehicles equipment GBP Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Cost
As at 1 January 2016 266,504 184,500 39,583 1,495 492,082
Acquired through acquisition
of subsidiary - - 2,122 1,683 3,805
Disposals (62,990) (42,878) (1,687) - (107,555)
Foreign exchange differences 44,084 35,160 7,163 - 86,407
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
As at 31 December 2016 247,598 176,782 47,181 3,178 474,739
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Acquired through acquisition
of subsidiary 45,339,946 - - - 45,339,946
Additions 3,328,113 133,838 66,150 - 3,528,101
Disposals - - - - -
Foreign exchange differences 1,414,805 8,110 3,234 - 1,426,149
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
As at 31 December 2017 50,330,462 318,730 116,565 3,178 50,768,935
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2016 182,828 165,030 29,824 1,495 379,177
Charge for the year 54,197 8,990 2,712 361 66,260
Disposals (57,566) (42,878) (1,687) - (102,131)
Foreign exchange differences 34,033 32,707 5,123 - 71,863
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
As at 31 December 2016 213,492 163,849 35,972 1,856 415,169
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Charge for the year 29,278 8,208 2,475 840 40,801
Disposals - - - - -
Foreign exchange differences 8,634 (225) 641 - 9,050
As at 31 December 2017 251,404 171,832 39,088 2,696 465,020
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Net book value
As at 31 December 2016 34,106 12,933 11,209 1,322 59,570
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
As at 31 December 2017 50,079,058 146,898 77,477 482 50,303,915
------------------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
No depreciation has been charged on mining properties and plant
and equipment associated with the Mowana Copper mine in the period
as the mine is yet to enter commercial production. Refer to note 15
for details of finance leases secured over equipment. Additions are
stated net of test production adjustments whereby cost of sales are
increased and PP&E reduced to eliminate the margin on revenues
during the pre-commercial production period.
Company
Computer
Software equipment Total
GBP GBP GBP
------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Cost
As at 1 January 2016 - 10,941 10,941
Acquired 1,682 - 1,682
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
As at 31 December 2016 1,682 10,941 12,623
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Acquired - 2,915 2,915
As at 31 December 2017 1,682 13,856 15,538
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2016 - 10,941 10,941
Charge for the year 360 - 360
As at 31 December 2016 360 10,941 11,301
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Charge for the year 840 1,366 2,206
As at 31 December 2017 1,200 12,307 13,507
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Net book value
As at 31 December 2016 1,322 - 1,322
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
As at 31 December 2017 482 1,549 2,031
-------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------
7. Intangible Assets
Group
-----------------------------
Exploration & Evaluation Assets - Cost and 2017 2016
Net Book Value GBP
--------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
At 1 January 17,179,620 16,677,503
Additions 371,095 698,938
Disposals (627,005) -
Impairment (12,553,949) (3,272,343)
Foreign exchange differences (1,206,051) 3,075,522
At 31 December 3,163,710 17,179,620
--------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Group
-------------------------
2017 2016
Mineral properties - Cost and Net Book Value GBP GBP
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
At 1 January - -
Acquired through acquisition of subsidiary 28,353,159 -
(note 29)
Foreign exchange differences 612,597 -
Additions 956,703
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
At 31 December 29,922,459 -
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
Group
-------------------------
2017 2016
Goodwill - Cost and Net Book Value GBP GBP
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
At 1 January 113,424 404,213
Disposals - -
Impairment - (290,789)
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
At 31 December 113,424 113,424
----------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
The Mowana mine was acquired during the year in Botswana as
detailed in note 29.
Exploration projects in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Zambia and
Mali are at an early stage of development. The Kossanto Project has
a JORC Code compliant inferred resource estimate of 247,000 oz Au
as at 31 December 2017 and the Zambian exploration asset had a gold
JORC compliant resource estimate of 760,000 ounces in the measured,
indicated and inferred categories at an average grade of 2.3 grams
per ton. The remaining projects had no JORC or non-JORC compliant
resource estimates available to enable value in use calculations to
be prepared. The Directors undertook an assessment of the following
areas and circumstances that could indicate the existence of
impairment:
-- The Group's right to explore in an area has expired, or will
expire in the near future without renewal;
-- No further exploration or evaluation is planned or budgeted for;
-- A decision has been taken by the Board to discontinue
exploration and evaluation in an area due to the absence of a
commercial level of reserves; and
-- Sufficient data exists to indicate that the book value will
not be fully recovered from future development and production.
An impairment review of exploration and evaluation assets is
carried on out an annual basis in order to ensure that it is valued
at the lower of cost and recoverable amount. Following their
assessment, the Directors concluded that an impairment charge of
GBP11,974,312 was necessary at the year end to reflect the fair
value for Zambian licenses equivalent to GBP1,853,054 ($2,500,000)
based on the terms of the option agreement entered into for the
asset post year end. No value was attributed to future royalties
given the project remains in a pre-development phase.. The
Directors also concluded given the current security situation with
the assets held in Burkina Faso that a full impairment to nil value
was necessary and an impairment charge of GBP579,637 has been
booked. Refer to note 4.
In 2016, following their assessment, the Directors concluded
that an impairment charge of GBP961,523 was necessary to provide
for Mauritanian licences that are not intended to be renewed and a
charge of GBP2,310,820 was applied to the Kossanto East licenses
held in Mali to reflect market value at year end based on the
subsequent sale value achieved on the disposal of the licence to
Ashanti in 2017. The Kossanto East licences were sold for cash
consideration of GBP627,005 and the impairment in 2016 reduced the
carrying value to the fair value of consideration.
The goodwill relates to the exploration cash generating unit
having arisen on the acquisition of a company holding the
exploration asset in prior years. Given the nature of the
underlying business the cash generating unit and associated
goodwill is tested for impairment indicators under IFRS 6. The
impairment in 2016 refers to goodwill associated with Kossanto
East.
8. Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings
Company
----------------------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Shares in Group Undertakings
At 1 January 8,065,329 8,871,224
Additions 12,551,769 -
Disposals - -
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
At 31 December 20,617,098 8,871,224
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Advances to / (from) Group undertakings (277,525) 913,825
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Impairment of investments and advances (1,896,029) (1,719,720)
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
At 31 December 18,443,544 8,065,329
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Advances to Group undertakings representing loans are discounted
at a market rate of interest and recorded in trade and other
receivables. The difference between the fair value and funds
advanced is recorded as part of investments. Impairment in the year
relates to investments and advances to Luiri Gold Mines Limited and
Societe Miniere de Kerboulé SARL related to the Zambian and Bukina
Faso projects detailed in note 7.
Details of Subsidiary Undertakings
Country of Proportion
incorporation of share
Name of Registered and place Registered capital Nature
subsidiary Address of business Parent company capital held of business
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Alecto Trident British Virgin Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Holdings Chambers, Islands plc shares
International PO Box 146, US$1
Limited Road Town,
Tortola,
British
Virgin
Islands
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Alecto Guinea Trident British Virgin Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Holdings Chambers, Islands plc shares
Limited PO Box 146, US$1
Road Town,
Tortola,
British
Virgin
Islands
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Alecto Studio Pour Mauritania Alecto Ordinary 100% Exploration
Mauritania Bureaux a Holdings shares
Limited L'Immeuble International MOU 1,000,000
Mouna avenue Limited
palais de
Congre
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
AME West 27-28 United Kingdom Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Africa Eastcastle plc shares
Limited Street, GBP100
London,
United
Kingdom
W1W 8DH
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Caracal Gold Porte 967 Mali AME West Ordinary 100% Exploration
Mali SARL Rue 120, Africa Limited shares
Badalabougou XOF
Est, Bamako, 1,526,649,300
Mali
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
NewMines Henville Nevis Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Holdings Buildings, plc shares
Limited Prince EUR923,373
Charles
Street,
Charlestown,
Nevis.
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Tobon Tondo No.2, Lot Mali NewMines Ordinary 100% Exploration
SARL 7 1082 Rue Holdings shares
732 Baco- Limited XOF 1,000,000
Djicoroni,
Bamako, Mali.
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Gazelle Palm Grove British Virgin Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Resources House, P.O Islands plc shares
Inc Box 438, Road US$1
Town,
Tortola,
British
Virgin
Islands.
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Societe Zone du Bois, Burkina Faso Gazelle Ordinary 100% Exploration
Miniere Rue Bizaana, Resources shares
de Porte 479, Inc XOF 1,000,000
Kerboulé 09 BP 1546,
SARL Ouagadougou,
Burkina Faso.
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Luiri Limited 2nd Floor, Mauritius Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Dormant
Block B, plc shares
Medine US$6,000
Mews,
Chaussee
Street, Port
Louis,
Mauritius.
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
LG Holdings 2nd Floor, Mauritius Luiri Limited Ordinary 100% Dormant
Limited Block B, shares
Medine US$500
Mews,
Chaussee
Street, Port
Louis,
Mauritius
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
ZIO Holdings 2nd Floor, Mauritius Luiri Limited Ordinary 100% Dormant
Limited Block B, shares
Medine CAD$1
Mews,
Chaussee
Street, Port
Louis,
Mauritius
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Luiri Gold Plot 1266 Zambia LG Holdings Ordinary 100% Exploration
Mines Limited Fulwe Close, Limited shares
Rhodes Park, / ZIO Holdings ZMW 50,000
Lusaka Zambia Limited
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Cradle Arc Plot 17149 Botswana Cradle Arc Ordinary 100% Holding
Investments Bogoma Road, plc shares
Pty Ltd Gaborone West of BWP
Phase 1, 1
Gabarone
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
Leboam Plot 17149 Botswana Cradle Arc Ordinary 60% indirect Mining
Holdings Bogoma Road, Investments shares
Pty Ltd Gaborone West Pty Ltd of BWP
Phase 1, 1
Gabarone
--------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
9. Available-for-Sale Financial Assets
Group Company
---------------------- ----------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 1 January 32,500 7,650 32,500 7,650
Revaluation - 24,850 - 24,850
Disposal (32,500) - (32,500)
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 31 December - 32,500 - 32,500
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less: non-current portion - (32,500) - (32,500)
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Current portion - - - -
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
All available-for-sale financial assets are UK listed equity
securities denominated in Pounds Sterling.
10. Trade and Other Receivables
Group Company
-------------------- ----------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Prepayments 26,853 15,835 26,853 15,835
VAT receivable 831,028 344,203 546,406 335,640
Other receivables 12,552 64,954 7,861 60,283
Loans to subsidiaries - - 4,638,059 -
At 31 December 870,433 424,992 5,219,179 411,758
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Less: non-current portion - - - -
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Current portion 870,433 424,992 5,219,179 411,758
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Trade and other receivables are all due within one year except
as stated. The fair value of all receivables is the same as their
carrying values stated above.
The carrying amounts of the Group and Company's trade and other
receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
Group Company
-------------------- ------------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ---------
UK Pounds 581,120 411,758 5,219,179 411,758
Central African Franc 12,389 11,904 - -
Zambian Kwacha 660 1,330 - -
Botswana Pula 276,264 - - -
------------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Total: 870,433 424,992 5,219,179 411,758
------------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ---------
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the
carrying value of each class of receivable mentioned above. The
Group does not hold any collateral as security. At 31 December 2017
all trade and other receivables were considered recoverable.
11. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Group Company
------------------- -------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Cash at bank and in hand 80,334 277,132 71,543 202,086
--------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
All of the Company's cash at bank is held with institutions with
an AA credit rating.
12. Inventories
Group Company
--------------------------- ------------------------------
As at 31 As at As at As at
December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Stockpile 486,782 - - -
Consumables 1,268,745 - - -
------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
1,755,527 - - -
------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
13. Provisions
Group Company
--------------------------- ------------------------------
As at 31 As at As at As at
December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Acquired through acquisition 5,819,739 - - -
of subsidiary
Foreign exchange 343,907 - - -
------------------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
6,163,646 - - -
------------------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- --------------
The provision which arose upon acquisition relates to the Mowana
mine rehabilitation (GBP5,096,290) and a provision for local
community infrastructure (GBP723,449). The nature of the mine
rehabilitation provision is related to mine closure cost at the end
of the life of the mine currently estimated to be 14 to 16 years.
The provision is to rehabilitate the mining environmental areas and
demolition of infrastructure at the Mowana Copper Mine in Botswana.
The cost of closure calculates the cost of demolishing, removing
and rehabilitating all components of the mining area infrastructure
and was assessed by an independent external expert. The provision
is based on current disturbed areas at the mines i.e. unscheduled
mine closure. The provision for local community infrastructure is
part of the conditions of the mining licences and is payable when
requested by the Government of Botswana.
14. Trade and Other Payables
Group Company
---------------------- ----------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Trade payables 4,702,485 132,309 516,972 122,166
Payroll expenses 217,508 21,392 12,750 3,413
Other payables 138,568 - 115,000 -
Accrued expenses 970,444 276,089 464,975 187,100
Deferred consideration payable
- current 500,000 - 500,000 -
Total - current 6,529,005 429,790 1,609,697 312,679
Deferred consideration payable
- non-current 500,000 307,500 500,000 307,500
Total 7,029,005 737,290 2,109,697 320,179
--------------------------------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
The deferred consideration at 31 December 2017 relates to the
Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd acquisition and is to be settled in
GBP1,000,000 cash. Refer to Note 29.
The deferred consideration as at 31 December 2016 relates to the
Luiri Gold Limited acquisition and was to be settled in cash no
later than three years following completion, although the company
and vendor each held the right to require settlement on demand
through issuance of a variable number of shares. The deferred
consideration was settled through the issue of shares in 2017 as
detailed in Note 17.
The carrying amounts of the Group and Company's trade and other
payables are denominated in the following currencies:
Group Company
---------------------- ------------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
UK Pounds 2,109,697 620,179 2,109,697 620,179
Central African Franc - 10,800 - -
Zambian Kwacha 129,176 106,311 - -
Botswana Pula 4,790,132 - - -
------------------------ ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Total: 7,029,005 737,290 2,109,697 620,179
------------------------ ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
15. Borrowings
Group Company
----------------------- ----------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Convertible loan note - current 5,652,326 181,775 5,652,326 181,775
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Warrants to be issued - current 291,657 - 291,657 -
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Finance lease liabilities - current 3,049,718 - - -
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Other borrowings - current 5,227,843 - - -
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Finance lease liabilities - non 2,188,977 - - -
current
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Other borrowings - non-current 28,523,321 - - -
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Total 44,933,842 181,775 5,943,983 181,775
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Current portion 14,221,544 - 5,943,983 -
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Non-current portion 30,712,298 181,775 - 181,775
-------------------------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ---------
Other borrowings comprise the following:
-- GBP15.6m ($21.0m) payable to ZCI Limited by Leboam Holdings
(Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, as part of the
acquisition of the Mowana Copper Mine. As at 31 December 2017 the
loan bears interest at LIBOR. The loan is subordinated and is
repayable out of free cash flow after deduction of outstanding
liabilities and cash flow requirements. The loan is secured and has
a maximum term of ten years.
-- GBP7.4m ($10.0m) payable to the Liquidators of Messina Copper
(Botswana) (Pty) Limited by Leboam Holdings (Pty) Limited, a
subsidiary of the Group, as part of the acquisition of the Mowana
Copper Mine. The term loan which represents consideration for the
purchase of Mowana Copper mine is unsecured and bears interest at
13.5% and is repayable in instalments over 24 months.
GBP7.4m ($10.0m) payable to ZCI Limited by Leboam Holdings (Pty)
Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, as part of the acquisition of
the Mowana Copper Mine. The term loan which represents
consideration for the purchase of Mowana Copper mine is secured and
bears interest at 13.5% and is repayable in instalments over 34
months.
-- GBP3.0m ($4.1m) payable to Fujax Minerals and Energy Limited.
The above loan bears interest at 13.5 per cent. per annum and as at
31 December 2017 was repayable in copper concentrate equal to the
value of the loan granted and accumulated interest in equal amounts
over the first 3 months during which 12,000 Mt of commodities is
produced by the Mowana Mine, provided this occurs within 13 months
of first draw down (February 2018) after which it is payable on
demand. Refer to note 32 for post year end amendments. Fujax
Minerals and Energy Limited is also the Group's offtake partner for
Mowana Copper Mine. Under the terms of the agreement proceeds of
copper concentrate are deducted against the amounts payable.
Convertible loan notes and warrants:
-- On 23 November 2015, the Company issued 800,000 interest free
convertible loan notes at a par value of US$1 per loan note as part
of the consideration for the acquisition of Luiri Gold Mines Ltd.
The loan notes were convertible by the Company or holder at the
higher of 80% of the Company's mid-market closing share price and
0.08 pence at the time of exercise if the share price exceeds 0.08
pence or the market price if below 0.08 pence. On 8 April 2016
495,365 loan notes were converted into 433,501,250 shares in the
Company for US$495,365. The loan note represented deferred
consideration comprising the right for the holder to receive
deferred cash payments equal to the par value or the right to
receive a variable number of shares. The nature of the conversion
rights is such that the fair value of the instrument ranges from
par value to 125% of the par value. The value of the instrument was
considered to be GBP181,775 at 31 December 2016 given analysis of
the share price, volatility and expected remaining term. During
2017, the loan note was converted into shares as detailed in Note
17.
-- On 17 January 2017, the Company raised GBP1,000,000 through
the issue of unsecured convertible loan notes. The loan note had an
initial maturity date of 30 June 2017 and a coupon equal to 20% of
the loan amount settled in shares. The terms of conversion were
such that, if converted, the holder would receive shares with a
fair value equivalent to 133% of the loan note. The loan note was
subsequently modified to extend its maturity to 31 December 2018.
The instrument was designated as fair value through profit and loss
and has a fair value of GBP1,333,333 with the fair value movement
of GBP333,333 recognised in finance cost. Interest and fees were
settled through share issues resulting in a finance cost of
GBP200,000.
-- On 7 June 2017, the Company raised GBP800,000 through the
issue of unsecured convertible loan notes. The loan note had an
initial maturity date of 30 June 2017 and a coupon equal to 20% of
the loan amount settled in shares. The terms of conversion were
such that, if converted, the holder would receive shares with a
fair value equivalent to 133% of the loan note. The loan note was
subsequently modified to extend its maturity to 31 December 2018.
The instrument was designated as fair value through profit and loss
and has a fair value of GBP1,066,667 with the fair value movement
of GBP266,667 recognised in finance cost Interest and fees were
settled through share issues resulting in a finance cost of
GBP160,000.
-- On 25 October 2017, the Company raised GBP3,252,325 through
the issue of unsecured convertible loan notes. The loan notes have
a maturity date of 31 December 2018 and carry a zero coupon. The
loan note was automatically convertible on Re-Admission at the
Admission price. The instrument was designated as fair value
through profit and loss and has a fair value of GBP3,541,000 at 31
December 2017 inclusive of the warrants below.
The holders were entitled to a fee at inception at the rate of
25% of the aggregate amount of the loan notes to be satisfied in
shares. In addition the Company agreed to issue two warrants to
purchase one Ordinary Share each for every three Ordinary Shares
issuable upon conversion of the loan notes at an exercise price of
a 30% premium to the variable conversion price exercisable from the
date of conversion to the earlier of the second anniversary of the
issue of the loan notes and the first anniversary of Re-admission.
The fair value of the warrant instrument was determined to be
GBP291,657.
The fee and warrant were considered to represent a transaction
cost of the instrument. GBP905,000 has been capitalised as the
funds were advanced to the Mowana Copper mine and used to fund
assets under development.
Proceeds from borrowings comprised GBP5,052,325 in respect of
the 3 convertible loan notes issued and GBP746,268 in respect of
post-acquisition draw downs of Fujax Minerals and Energy by Cradle
Arc Investments (Pty) Limited. Repayments totalled GBP74,122.
Finance costs were non cash in nature. Refer to note 32 for details
of post balance sheet conversions.
Finance Lease Liabilities
Finance leases relate to mining equipment.
Group
------------------------------
As at As at
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Finance lease liabilities - minimum lease payments
3,049,718 -
* no later than one year
2,235,251 -
* later than one year and no later than five years
- -
* later than five years
5,284,969
Future finance charges on finance lease liabilities (46,274) -
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Present value of finance lease liabilities 5,238,695 -
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
The present value of finance lease liabilities is as
follows:
Group
---------------------------
As at 31 As at
December 31 December
2017 2016
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------------
No later than one year 3,049,718 -
Later than one year and no later than five years 2,188,977 -
Later than five years - -
Present value of finance lease liabilities 5,238,695 -
-------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------------
16. Deferred tax
An analysis of deferred tax liabilities is set out below.
Group Company
------------------------ --------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities
- Deferred tax liability after
more than 12 months 4,256,943 4,341,617 - -
Deferred tax liabilities 4,256,943 4,341,617 - -
--------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------ ------
The movement in the deferred tax account is as follows:
Group Company
-------------------------- --------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------
At 1 January 4,341,617 3,564,063 - -
Acquisition of subsidiary 3,329,161 - - -
Foreign exchange (370,785) 777,554 - -
Utilisation of tax losses in Botswana
post acquisition 549,248
Released on impairment of Zambian (3,592,298)
assets - - -
As at 31 December 4,256,943 4,341,617 - -
---------------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------
The deferred tax liability arises as a result of fair value
adjustments on the Luiri Gold and Cradle Arc Investments business
combination. GBP3,592,298 has been released associated with the
impairment of Liuri Gold mines in 2017. The deferred tax liability
resulting from the fair value adjustments on Cradle Arc Investments
pty Ltd comprise GBP3,329,161 in respect of fair value uplifts on
mineral properties reduced deferred tax assets for trading
purposes.
The Group has additional capital losses of approximately
GBP440,000 (2016: GBP440,000) and other losses of approximately
GBP8,139,973 (2016: GBP5,283,629) available to carry forward
against future taxable profits. No deferred tax asset has been
recognised in respect of these tax losses because of uncertainty
over the timing of future taxable profits against which the losses
may be offset.
17. Share Capital and Share Premium
Group and Company
Other
reserve
Share (note
Number of capital Share premium 2.15) Total
shares GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issued and fully paid
As at 1 January 2016 3,156,313,600 4,412,421 13,446,703 - 17,859,124
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Conversion of loan to shares
- 8 April 2016 433,501,250 43,350 303,451 - 346,801
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Exercise of warrants -
13 April 2016 38,750,000 3,875 27,125 - 31,000
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 16
May 2016 831,250,000 83,125 509,516 - 592,641
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 6
June 2016 12,500,000 1,250 8,750 - 10,000
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 30
September 2016 800,000,000 80,000 456,523 - 536,523
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
As at 31 December 2016 5,272,314,850 4,624,021 14,752,068 - 19,376,089
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 17
January 2017 376,933,696 37,693 212,307 - 250,000
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Share consolidation - 31 (5,630,417,717) - - - -
July 2017
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 23
August 2017 1,389,936 139 276,111 - 276,250
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Conversion of loan to shares
- 23 August 2017 1,188,181 118 236,032 - 236,150
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 23
August 2017 854,166 86 - 307,414 307,500
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 23
August 2017 510,080 51 107,066 - 107,117
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 20
October 2017 176,101 18 34,982 - 35,000
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 9
November 2017 4,062,500 406 812,094 - 812,500
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Acquisition of subsidiary
- 13 November 2017 40,517,689 4,052 - 4,047,717 4,051,769
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
Issue of new shares - 30
November 2017 1,150,000 115 114,885 - 115,000
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
As at 31 December 2017 68,679,482 4,666,699 16,545,545 4,355,131 25,567,375
------------------------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------
On 17 January 2017 the Company issued 376,933,696 new Ordinary
Shares at a price of 0.06625 pence per share as consideration for
financing fees and interest.
On 31 July 2017 the Company consolidated its share capital on
the basis of 300 shares being consolidated to 1 share.
On 23 August 2017 the Company issued 1,389,936 new Ordinary
Shares at a price of 19.87 pence per share as consideration for
financing fees and interest.
On 23 August 2017 a loan note was converted into 1,188,181 new
Ordinary Shares in the Company at a price of 19.87 pence per
share.
On 23 August 2017 the Company issued 854,166 new Ordinary Shares
in settlement of the Matala deferred consideration.
On 23 August 2017 the Company issued 510,080 new Ordinary Shares
at a price of 20.99 pence per share as consideration for directors
salaries in lieu of cash payments.
On 20 October 2017 the Company issued 176,101 new Ordinary
Shares at a price of 19.87 pence per share as consideration for
financing fees.
On 9 November 2017 the Company issued 4,062,500 new Ordinary
Shares at a price of 19.99 pence per share as consideration for
financing fees.
On 13 November 2017 the Company issued 40,517,689 new Ordinary
Shares as consideration for the acquisition of Cradle Arc
Investments Pty Ltd. Refer to Note 29 for details.
On 30 November 2017 the Company issued 1,150,000 new Ordinary
Shares at a price of 10 pence per share as consideration in lieu of
fees related to consulting costs.
18. Share Based Payments
Share options and warrants outstanding and exercisable at the
end of the year have the following expiry dates and exercise
prices:
Shares
Exercise price
Vesting date Expiry date in GBP per share 2017 2016 (1)
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
23 January 2014 23 January 2017 4.740 - 23,333
23 January 2014 22 January 2017 4.500 - 16,667
24 February 2014 23 February 2019 5.775 25,767 25,767
27 November 2015 27 November 2020 0.240 20,833 20,833
9 September 2021
9 February 2016 (2) 0.240 42,968 296,359
9 September 2022
9 February 2017 (3) 0.240 13,150 131,513
9 September 2024
9 February 2019 (4) 0.240 13,150 131,513
1 June 2016 1 June 2021 0.24 138,541 138,541
14 October 2016 14 October 2021 0.225 133,333 133,333
13 November 2018 12 November 2027 0.10 13,252,948 -
13,640,690 917,859
--------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
(1) Share options were consolidated during the year on the basis of 300:1.
(2) 253,389 share options were cancelled during the period. The
accelerated charge was immaterial.
(3) 118,361 share options were cancelled during the period. The
accelerated charge was immaterial.
(4) 118,361 share options were cancelled during the period. The
accelerated charge was immaterial.
The Company and Group have no legal or constructive obligation
to settle or repurchase the options in cash.
The fair value of the share options and warrants was determined
using the Black Scholes valuation model. The parameters used are
detailed below:
2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2014
Options Warrants Warrants Options Options Options Warrants Warrants
------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Granted on: 13/11/2017 29/9/2016 15/6/2016 9/2/2016 9/2/2016 9/2/2016 23/11/2015 24/02/2014
Life (years) 10 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years
Share price
(pence
per share) 0.10p 0.225p 0.225p 0.24p 0.24p 0.24p 0.24p 4.7p
Risk free rate 1.48 0.58% 0.58% 0.58% 0.58% 0.58% 2.25% 2.25%
Expected
volatility 65% 14.87% 23.66% 25.53% 25.53% 25.53% 17% 24%
Expected - - - - - - - -
dividend
yield
Marketability
discount 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20%
Total fair
value
(GBP000) 830 3 6 6 6 13 6 14
The expected volatility is based on assessment of historical
volatility until 2017. Given the Group was unlisted at the time
awards were made in 2017 volatility has been based on market
comparables. The risk free rate of return is based on zero yield
government bonds for a term consistent with the option life.
A reconciliation of options and warrants granted is shown
below:
2017 2016
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Weighted Weighted
average average
exercise exercise
Number price (GBP) Number price (GBP)
-------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Outstanding as at 1 January 917,859 0.57 283,431 3.93
Expired (530,114) 0.57 (67,666) 3.93
Exercised - - (129,166) 0.24
Granted 13,252,945 0.10 831,260 0.24
-------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Outstanding as at 31 December 13,640,690 0.11 917,859 0.57
-------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Not yet vested (13,266,096) 0.11 - -
-------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Exercisable at 31 December 374,594 0.11 917,859 0.57
-------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------
2017 2016
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
Range Weighted average average Weighted average average
of average remaining remaining average remaining remaining
exercise exercise life life exercise life life
prices price Number expected contracted price Number expected contracted
(GBP) (GBP) of shares (years) (years) (GBP) of shares (years) (years)
----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
0 - 0.5 0.10 13,614,923 9.70 9.70 0.45 892,094 4.66 4.66
0.5 - - - - - - - - -
1
1 - 10 5.7 25,767 1.15 1.15 5.7 25,768 2.15 2.15
----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
19. Expenses by Nature
Group - Continuing operations 2017 2016
GBP GBP
------------------------------------ ----------- ---------
Directors' remuneration (Note 20) 345,405 113,753
Employee salaries (Note 21) 468,814 45,391
Audit & accountancy 282,886 52,035
Consultancy and professional fees 974,854 212,500
Other establishment expenses 21,396 14,835
AIM related fees 217,595 171,514
Depreciation 40,801 66,260
Travel & subsistence 111,037 48,262
Share option expenses 36,397 25,352
Other expenses 205,893 72,448
------------------------------------ ----------- ---------
Total administrative expenses 2,705,078 822,350
------------------------------------ ----------- ---------
During the year the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries)
obtained the following services from the Company's auditors and its
associates:
Group
-------------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its
associates for the audit of the Parent Company
and Consolidated Financial Statements 76,500 35,000
Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its 159,087 -
associates for non-audit services as Reporting
Accountants
-------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
20. Directors' Remuneration
Total emoluments Options Issued
-------------------- -----------------------
2017 2016 2017 2016
GBP GBP Number Number
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------
Executive Directors
Mark Jones (6) 147,479 41,274 6,626,474 289,328
Dominic Doherty (1) 103,045 96,500 5,301,179 184,118
Kevin Van Wouw (2) 33,455 - -
Non-executive Directors
Gerald Chapman (3) 20,124 36,099 - -
Toby Howell 40,080 34,196 1,325,295 16,666
Roger Williams (4) 21,323 - - -
Tom Swithenbank (5) 1,108 - - -
366,614 208,069 13,252,948 490,112
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------
(1) Dominic Doherty resigned 13 November 2017
(2) Kevin Van Wouw appointed 26 September 2017
(3) Gerald Chapman resigned 11 July 2017
(4) Roger Williams appointed 9 June 2017
(5) Tom Swithenbank appointed 14 December 2017, resigned 15 January 2018.
(6) Includes GBP95,400 to J Cubed Ventures, a company which Mark Jones is a director.
All options issued to Directors in 2016 were subsequently
cancelled in 2017. The Directors of the Company are considered to
be key management personnel.
A 1% pension benefit is provided to Toby Howell and Mark Jones.
Share based payments related to key management personnel totalled
nil (2016: GBP10,000). Social security contributions totalled
GBP14,672 (2016: GBP6,712).
Of the above Directors' remuneration costs, GBP21,209 (2016:
GBP106,430) has been capitalised in accordance with IFRS 6 as
exploration related costs and are shown as an intangible addition
in the year.
There was no Directors' Remuneration relating to termination
benefits.
Key management personnel are considered to be the Directors and
remuneration equals the emoluments total above.
21. Employees
Group
--------------------
2017 2016
Staff costs (excluding Directors) GBP GBP
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Salaries and wages 447,520 170,427
Social security costs 21,294 12,113
468,814 182,540
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 119
(2016: 26).
Of the above staff costs, GBP8,115 (2016: GBP125,037) has been
capitalised in accordance with IFRS 6 as exploration related costs
and are shown as an intangible addition in the year. GBPNil (2016:
GBPNil) has been capitalised in accordance with IAS 16 as mining
properties, plant and equipment during the commissioning phase of
the Mowana Copper Mine post acquisition.
22. Other Net Gains/(Losses)
Group
------------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment - 40,301
Other gains/(losses) 50,417 1,962
50,417 42,263
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
23. Finance Income and costs
Group
--------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
------------------------------ ------ ------
Interest received from Bank 343 500
------------------------------ ------ ------
Finance income 343 500
------------------------------ ------ ------
Group
-------------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Transaction cost fees on convertible loan 1,546,250 -
notes held at fair value
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Fair value movement on convertible loan notes 891,657 -
and warrants
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Interest cost 28,469
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Capitalised finance costs (905,000) -
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Finance costs 1,561,376 -
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------
Refer to note 15 and 17 for details of the finance costs.
24. Income Tax
No income tax charge to the Income Statement arises due to the
losses incurred. No deferred tax asset has been recognised on
accumulated tax losses, as the recoverability of any assets is not
likely in the foreseeable future.
Group
-------------------
Income tax expense 2017 2016
GBP GBP
-------------------- ----------- ------
Deferred tax 3,046,774 -
-------------------- ----------- ------
The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the
theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax
rate applicable to the profits of the consolidated entities as
follows:
Group
-----------------------------
2017 2016
GBP GBP
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
(Loss)/profit before tax (13,840,603) (4,342,851)
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Tax at the applicable rate of 25.80% (2016:
24.12% ) (3,570,185) (1,047,495)
Effects of:
Expenditure not deductible for tax (38,652) 1,225,226
Variation in Local tax rates 503,535 -
Non-taxable income (13,133) (281,796)
Net tax effect of losses carried forward 71,662 147,389
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses - (43,323)
--------------
Tax charge (3,046,774) -
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
The tax charge relating to components of other comprehensive
income is as follows:
2017 2016
---------------------------------
Before After Before After
tax Tax charge tax tax Tax charge tax
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Available-for-sale
financial assets 17,500 - 17,500 32,500 - 32,500
---------------------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Other comprehensive
income 17,500 - 17,500 32,500 - 32,500
---------------------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- ------------ ---------
Current tax - - - - - -
Deferred tax - - - - - -
---------------------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- ------------ ---------
25. Earnings per Share
The calculation of basic loss per share of 0.43 pence loss
(2016: 0.18 pence earnings per share) is calculated by dividing the
loss attributable to shareholders of GBP11,363,629 (2016: loss of
GBP4,342,851) by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of
26,222,337 (2016: 8,031,725) in issue during the period. The
diluted loss per share of 0.43 pence is the same as the basic loss
per share as the effect of additional potential shares is
antidilutive.
Details of share options that could potentially dilute earnings
per share in future periods are set out in Note 18. Details of
shares to be issued set out in note 29. Details of conversion
rights under convertible loan notes set out in note 15.
The Company is committed to the issuance of ordinary shares to a
consultant should certain conditions be met in future periods. The
issuance of these Ordinary Shares could potentially dilute earnings
per share. Further details of this arrangement are set out in Note
28.
26. Financial Instruments by Category
Group - 31 December 2016
Assets per Statement of Financial Loans and Available-
Position receivables for-sale Total
------------------------------------------ --------------- -------------- ---------
Available-for-sale financial assets - 32,500 32,500
Trade and other receivables (excluding
prepayments) 409,155 - 409,155
Cash and cash equivalents 277,132 - 277,132
------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------
Total 686,287 32,500 718,787
------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------
Group - 31 December 2016 At fair
Liabilities per Statement of Financial Value profit At amortised
Position and loss cost Total
------------------------------------------ --------------- -------------- ---------
Trade and other payables (excluding
non-financial liabilities) - 429,790 429,790
Borrowings - 181,775 181,775
Deferred consideration 307,500 - 307,500
------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------
Total 307,500 611,565 919,065
------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------
Group - 31 December 2017
Assets per Statement of Financial Loans and Available-
Position receivables for-sale Total
------------------------------------------ --------------- -------------- ------------
Available-for-sale financial assets - - -
Trade and other receivables (excluding
prepayments) 843,580 - 843,580
Cash and cash equivalents 80,334 - 80,334
Total 923,914 - 923,914
--------------- --------------
Group - 31 December 2017 At fair
Liabilities per Statement of Financial value profit At amortised
Position and loss cost Total
------------------------------------------ --------------- -------------- ------------
Trade and other payables (excluding
non-financial liabilities) - 6,029,005 6,029,005
Borrowings 5,943,983 38,989,859 44,933,842
Deferred consideration - 1,000,000 1,000,000
Total 5,943,983 46,018,864 51,962,847
--------------- --------------
Company - 31 December 2016
Assets per Statement of Financial Loans and Available-
Position receivables for-sale Total
----------------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ---------
Available-for-sale financial assets - 32,500 32,500
Trade and other receivables (excluding
prepayments) 395,922 - 395,922
Cash and cash equivalents 202,086 - 202,086
Total 598,008 32,500 630,508
Company - 31 December 2016
Liabilities per Statement of Financial At fair At amortised
Position Value cost Total
------------------------------------------ --------- -------------- ---------
Trade and other payables (excluding
non-financial liabilities) - 312,678 312,678
Borrowings - 181,775 181,775
Deferred consideration 307,500 - 307,500
Total 307,500 494,453 801,953
--------------
Company - 31 December 2017
Assets per Statement of Financial Loans and Available-
Position receivables for-sale Total
----------------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -----------
Available-for-sale financial assets - - -
Trade and other receivables (excluding
prepayments) 5,192,326 - 5,192,326
Cash and cash equivalents 71,543 - 71,543
Total 5,263,869 - 5,263,869
-------------- ------------
Company - 31 December 2017
Liabilities per Statement of Financial At fair At amortised
Position value cost Total
------------------------------------------ ----------- -------------- -----------
Trade and other payables (excluding
non-financial liabilities) - 1,109,697 1,109,697
Borrowings 5,943,983 - 5,943,983
Deferred consideration - 1,000,000 1,000,000
Total 5,943,983 2,109,697 8,053,680
----------- --------------
Available for sale investments are measured at level 1 fair
value: quoted prices in active markets for identical items
(unadjusted).
Fair value determinations
Refer to note 14 and 15 for details of the fair value of the
liabilities held at fair value through profit and loss. The
contractual amounts payable are equal to the loan note principal
unless converted.
The fair value at year end of the January 2017 and June 2017
loan notes reflects the terms of conversion and probability of
conversion, whereby the holder can convert at a 25% discount to
market price, such that the fair value of the instrument ranges
between the loan principal and 133% of the loan principal.
The fair value at year end of the October 2017 loan note
comprised the fair value of the conversion right and warrants. The
fair value of the conversion right optionality is equal to the loan
principal as conversion is based on market price and the short
maturity. The fair value of the warrant instrument has been
determined using a Black-Scholes valuation as detailed in Note
16.
27. Contingencies
Electrum Limited
The Group entered into a contractual arrangement with Electrum
Limited ('Electrum') historically relation to the acquisition of
Caracal Gold Mali SARL. Upon the Group establishing a proven and
probable JORC compliant reserve greater than 500,000 ounces of gold
in respect of the acquired gold exploration licences in south-west
Mali, which includes Kossanto East and Kossanto West, the Group is
obligated to pay Electrum GBP1.25 million to be satisfied by the
allotment of new Ordinary Shares in the Company. The condition is
yet to be satisfied and is not considered probable at this
time.
Swala Resources Inc
The Group has entered into a contractual arrangement with Swala
Resources Inc ('Swala') historically in relation to the acquisition
of Gazelle Resources Inc., which includes Kerboulé. Upon the Group
establishing any of the following:
a) 250,000 ounce gold JORC proven reserve or equivalent resource
estimate at a minimum cut-off of 0.5 grams per tonne of gold;
b) 1 million ounce gold JORC inferred resource or equivalent
resource estimate at a minimum cut-off of 0.5 grams per tonne of
gold; or
c) commercial production of 75,000 ounces of gold.
The Group will be obligated to pay Swala US$1.5 million to be
satisfied, solely at the discretion of the Company, either in cash
or by the allotment of new ordinary shares in the Company. The
conditions are yet to be satisfied.
VAT Registration
The Company is in discussions with HM Revenue & Customs
('HMRC') in connection with the status of its VAT registration.
HMRC is investigating whether the Company was entitled to have
reclaimed input VAT and in March 2014 issued a notice of assessment
to the Company. At 31 December 2017, VAT receivable amounted to
GBP546,406 (2016: GBP344,203). The Directors' are confident having
taken professional advice that they will be able to satisfactorily
respond to all matters raised by HMRC on the basis that they
believe the registration in place to be fully justified. In the
opinion of the Directors, the outcome of the discussions is
unlikely to result in the Company having to refund any VAT
previously reclaimed, although the investigation remains
ongoing.
Mowana Copper contractor dispute
Leboam Holdings (Pty) Limited is subject to a legal claim from
its former mining contractor in Botswana with arbitration due to
commence shortly. In the event the Group is unsuccessful additional
liabilities of approximately GBP400,000 would arise. In addition,
Leboam Holdings (Pty) Limited has filed a claim against Giant
Transport related to contract performance.
28. Commitments
(a) Licence agreements
On 23 November 2010, the Group acquired three gold exploration
licences and, on 13 December 2010, two uranium exploration licences
in Mauritania. These licences were for a period of three years from
the date of grant and included commitments to pay annual land
royalty fees in the second and third year and adhere to minimum
spend requirements. The two uranium exploration licences were not
renewed during the prior year and one gold exploration licence was
not renewed in 2014, hence these licences have been fully impaired.
On 11 August 2014 the remaining two gold exploration licences were
renewed for a further three year period. At the end of the licence
period, the Group has the right to renew the licence or, if a
defined resource has been established, apply for a mining licence
for the target area. Upon grant of any mining licence the
Mauritanian Government will receive a 10% shareholding of the
rights and benefits of the licence area. The Mauritanian Government
also has the option to purchase an additional 10% of the rights and
benefits at the market rate upon granting of the mining licence. No
mining licence has been granted and the Group does not intend to
renew its licences
On 4 October 2013, the Group acquired AME West Africa Limited
which, via its wholly owned subsidiary, Caracal Gold Mali SARL,
owns gold and related minerals exploration licences in Mali. With
the exception of one licence area which is in the process of being
renewed, these licences have been recently renewed and include
commitments to pay annual land royalty fees.
On 28 March 2014, the Group acquired NewMines Holdings Limited
which, via its wholly owned subsidiary, Tobon Tondo SARL, owns a
gold and related mineral exploration licence in Mali. This licence
includes commitments to pay annual land royalty fees.
On 27 November 2014, the Group acquired Gazelle Resources Inc
which, via its wholly owned subsidiary, Societe Miniere de Kerboulé
SARL, owns gold and related mineral exploration licences in Burkina
Faso. These licences include commitments to pay annual land royalty
fees.
On 23 November 2015, the Group acquired Luiri Limited which, via
its wholly owned subsidiary, Luiri Gold Mines Limited, owns gold
mining licences in Zambia. These licences include commitments to
pay annual land royalty fees.
During the 2017 and 2018 the Group entered into Joint Venture
agreements for the licenses held by Tobon Tondo, Societe Miniere de
Kerboule SARL, Luiri Gold Mines Limited and Caracal Gold Mali SARL.
As part of these agreements the Joint Venture partners are
responsible for all minimum spend requirements and fees. Therefore
there are no commitments for the assets held by these companies as
at 31 December 2017.
During 2017 the Group acquired Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd
which via its 60% holding in its subsidiary, Leboam Holdings Pty
Ltd, holds licenses for the a copper mine in Botswana. As part of
the license there is commitments for license fees and 3% of gross
revenue is to be payable as a royalty each year.
At 31 December 2017 the future aggregate minimum royalty fee
payments and minimum spend requirements are as follows:
2017 2016
Group Land Minimum Land Minimum
royalty spend royalty spend
fees requirement Total fees requirement Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------
Not later than
one year 4,700 - 4,700 48,555 - 48,555
Later than one
year and no
later
than five
years - - - 69,631 - 69,631
----------------
Total 4,700 - 4,700 118,186 - 118,186
(b) Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the end of the reporting
period but not yet incurred is as follows:
Group 2017 2016
GBP GBP
------- ---------
Intangible assets - 260,000
---------
The Group entered into a contractual arrangement with O'Connor
International Limited ('OCI') for consultancy work in the normal
course of trade in respect of the Mauritanian licence areas
acquired during the prior years. An amount of GBP130,000 for each
gold licence, GBP260,000 in aggregate, remains committed under this
contract. The payment of this fee is contingent on the issuance of
a feasibility study by the Company indicating the economic
feasibility for the relevant licence area. These amounts are to be
satisfied via the issuance of new Ordinary Shares in the Company to
the value of the fee and will become payable on the date the
relevant conditions are met unless the agreement is terminated
prior to the conditions being met.
(d) Royalty agreements
As part of the contractual arrangement with OCI noted above, the
Group has agreed to pay OCI a royalty on revenue for each gold
licence acquired based on the total ounces of gold sold equal to
US$1 for every US$250 of the sale price per ounce. These royalties
will become payable when the licence areas move into production and
resources are sold from any of these areas.
As part of the acquisition of Caracal Gold Mali SARL
('Caracal'), the Group has assumed contractual commitments to
provide a 1% net revenue royalty on the first 300,000 ounces of
gold generated from its gold exploration licences in Mali held by
Caracal.
As part of the acquisition of Gazelle Resources Inc in 2014 the
Group has assumed contractual commitments to provide a 3% net
smelter return ('NSR') royalty on its gold exploration licences in
Burkina Faso. Half of the NSR, which equates to 1.5% may be bought
back at any time at the discretion of the Group in increments of
0.5% for the sum of US$500,000 per increment.
29. Business Combinations
Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd
On 13 November 2017 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital
of Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd ('Cradle') for consideration fair
valued at GBP12,551,769. Cradle is registered in Botswana and via
its 60% owned subsidiary Leboam Holdings Pty Ltd, holds the Mowana
copper mine located in north-eastern Botswana. Consideration for
the acquisition comprised GBP1,000,000 of cash with 50% payable on
Admission in 2018 and 50% within 24 months and 40,517,689
Consideration Shares providing the vendors with 60% of Ordinary
Shares of Cradle Arc plc. Additionally, under the terms of the
acquisition agreement, the vendors were entitled to receive
Additional Consideration Shares upon the Company's Admission to AIM
in January 2018 and associated dilutive share placing, conversion
of certain debt instruments and other shares issued. The purpose of
the Additional Consideration Shares was to maintain the vendors'
percentage ownership of the Company given the integral nature of
the acquisition to the Re-Admission process at the time. The fair
value of the cash consideration, the Consideration Shares (issued
in November 2017) and rights to Additional Consideration Shares was
GBP12,551,769 (refer Note 4) and has been allocated based on the
number of shares issued at acquisition and estimated to be issued
upon Admission.
Under IFRS, as at acquisition the Additional Share Consideration
represented rights to a variable number of shares it has been
recorded as a liability at fair value based on the estimated fair
value per share, number of shares to be issued and probability of
the dilutive events with reference to the status and form of the
proposed placing and Admission at that time.
The following table summarises the consideration paid for Cradle
and the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at
the acquisition date.
Consideration at 13 November 2017 GBP
Consideration Shares (40,517,689 ordinary shares at
0.1 pence per share) 4,051,768
Additional Consideration Shares (75,000,000 estimated
number of ordinary shares at 0.1 pence per share) 7,500,000
Deferred cash consideration 1,000,000
Total consideration 12,551,769
NBV GBP Fair value
Recognised amounts of identifiable adjustment Fair value
assets acquired and liabilities assumed GBP GBP
Cash and cash equivalents 705,703 - 705,703
Trade and other receivables 135,156 - 135,156
Inventory 1,661,278 - 1,661,278
Property, plant & equipment 45,339,946 - 45,339,946
Mineral properties (included within
Intangible Assets) (Note 7) 10,114,630 18,238,529 28,353,159
Borrowings (33,701,756) - (33,701,756)
Finance lease liabilities (4,566,260) - (4,566,260)
Provisions (5,819,739) - (5,819,739)
Trade and other payables (3,684,071) - (3,684,071)
Repayable loan funding advanced by
Cradle Arc Plc prior to acquisition (4,174,640) - (4,174,640)
Deferred tax 683,315 (4,012,476) (3,329,161)
Total identifiable net assets - fair
value 20,919,615
Less non-controlling interest (8,367,846)
Total consideration - fair value 12,551,769
The principal fair value adjustment related to the fair value of
the mineral properties of GBP18,238,529. The mineral property fair
value reflects the consideration attributable to future extraction
of the mine's copper reserves and resources.
A deferred tax liability fair value adjustment of GBP4,012,476
was recognised on acquisition on the estimated tax effect of the
temporary difference between the fair value of the mineral property
asset and its tax base.
The deferred tax liability was estimated at a rate of 22% of the
temporary difference, representing the local Botswana tax rates
that are expected to apply to the period when the temporary
differences reverse. The deferred tax liability recognised has not
been discounted.
Since acquisition Cradle Arc has made a profit of GBP1,424,488
principally due to favourable foreign exchange movements. Had
Cradle Arc been consolidated from 1 January 2017, the loss shown in
the Consolidated Income Statement attributable to Cradle would have
been GBP1,139,591.
30. Non-controlling interest
On 13 November the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of
Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd which in turn hold a 60%
shareholding in Leboam Holdings (Pty) Limited. The 40%
non-controlling interest is held by the former major creditor of
the Mowana Copper mine, acquired out of liquidation by Leboam.
The carrying value of the non-controlling interest is determined
as follows:
GBP
Non-controlling interest at acquisition 8,367,846
Profit for the period 569,795
Total non-controlling interest 8,937,641
The profit post acquisition principally related to exchange
gains.
31. Related Party Transactions
Loans to Group undertakings
Amounts receivable as a result of loans granted to subsidiary
undertakings are as follows:
2017 2016
GBP GBP
----------- -----------
Alecto Holdings International Limited - 2,951
Alecto Mauritania Limited - -
Caracal Gold Mali SARL 1,246,670 1,793,594
NewMines Holdings Limited 2,285 1,712
Tobon Tondo SARL 39,764 27,558
Gazelle Resources Limited - 1,028
Societe Miniere de Kerboulé SARL - 199,353
Luiri Limited 681,474 641,399
LG Holdings 7,485 4,024
ZIO Holdings 6,577 2,895
Luiri Gold Mines Limited 363,200 222,234
Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd - -
Leboam Holdings Pty Ltd 4,638,516 60,048
6,985,971 2,956,796
-----------
Transactions with subsidiary undertakings and provisions against
loans during the year comprised the following:
Cash received
on behalf Beneficial Consulting
Impairments of subsidiary Cash advances payments services Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Alecto Holdings
International
Limited (2,951) - - - - (2,951)
Alecto Mauritania - - - - - -
Limited
Caracal Gold Mali
SARL - (627,005) 47,781 500 12,206 (566,518)
NewMines Holdings
Limited - - - 573 - 573
Tobon Tondo SARL - - - - 12,206 12,206
Gazelle Resources
Limited (2,122) - - 1,094 - (1,028)
Societe Miniere de
Kerboulé SARL (269,646) - 58,087 - 12,206 (199,353)
Luiri Limited - - - 12,890 27,185 40,075
LG Holdings - - - 3,461 - 3,461
ZIO Holdings - - - 3,682 - 3,682
Luiri Gold Mines
Limited - - 140,966 - - 140,966
Cradle Arc - - - - - -
Investments
Pty Ltd
Leboam Holdings Pty
Ltd - - 4,174,640 51,701 375,873 4,602,214466
Total (274,719) (627,005) 4,421,474 73,901 439,674 4,033,327
These amounts are interest free and repayable in Sterling when
sufficient cash resources are available in the subsidiaries. Refer
to note 8 for investments in subsidiaries and the remaining
impairments.
All intra Group transactions are eliminated on
consolidation.
Other transactions
J Cubed Ventures Limited, a company of which Mark Jones is a
director and beneficial owner, was paid a fee of GBP95,400 (2016:
GBP111,900) for consulting services provided to the Company. No
balance was outstanding at the year-end (2016: 26,076).
The Group incurred GBP7 020 of fees in respect of an
environmental cost assessment by Digby Wells Associates which
formed the basis for the environmental rehabilitation provision. Mr
Roger Williams is a non-executive director of both the Company and
Digby Wells Associates. Mr R Williams did not have any involvement
in the work performed by Digby Wells Associates.
As part of the acquisition of Cradle Arc Investments Pty Ltd,
Consideration shares were received by C3W Limited ("C3W") which is
a company incorporated in Mauritius owned and controlled by Gerald
Chapman, a director of Cradle during the year. Gerald Chapman
received 854,166 new Ordinary Shares in lieu of the Deferred Matala
Consideration. Consideration shares were also received by PenMin
Botswana (Pty) Ltd, which is owned and controlled by Kevin Van
Wouw, a director of Cradle during the year. Kevin Van Wouw received
40,517,689 ordinary shares at 0.1 pence per shares.
Post-acquisition management fees of GBP115,403 were paid to PenMin
Botswana (Pty) Limited, and the balance outstanding at year-end was
GBP485,985.
32. Ultimate Controlling Party
There is no ultimate controlling party. Penmin Botswana (Pty)
Limited held 40,517,689 shares and are considered to be a connected
party but are subject to a Relationship Agreement which limits them
to appoint one director and prohibits changes to the board
otherwise.
33. Events after the Reporting Date
On 24 January 2018, the Company completed its Admission to AIM.
As part of the Admission process, the Company raised GBP2,400,000
via the issue and allotment of 24,000,000 new ordinary share of
GBP0.0001 each fully paid at a price of 10 pence per share. The
Company also issued 75,000,000 new ordinary share of GBP0.0001 at a
price of 10 pence per share as Additional Share consideration for
the acquisition of Cradle Arc Investments (Pty) Ltd. In addition,
the Company issued 1,150,000 new ordinary share of GBP0.0001 at a
price of 10 pence per share in lieu of fees for consultants.
On 24 January 2018, the Company issued 22,146,667 warrants
exercisable at a price of 13 pence per share and expiring in
January 2019.
On 24 January 2018, the Company received a notice from a note
holder to convert GBP3,250,000 of the convertible loan note dated
October 2017 to 32,500,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.0001 each fully
paid at a price of 10 pence per share.
On 26 January 2018, the Company received a notice from a note
holder to convert GBP300,000 of the convertible loan note dated 2
June 2017 to 3,260,869 ordinary shares of GBP0.0001 each fully paid
at a price of 9.20 pence per share.
On 6 February 2018, the Company received a notice from a note
holder to convert GBP100,000 of the convertible loan note dated 2
June 2017 to 1,275,510 ordinary shares of GBP0.0001 each fully paid
at a price of 7.84 pence per share.
On 15 February 2018, the Company received a notice from a note
holder to convert GBP75,000 of the convertible loan note dated 16
January 2017 to 1,403,509 ordinary shares of GBP0.0001 each fully
paid at a price of 5.34375 pence per share.
On 1 March 2018, the Company received a notice from a note
holder to convert GBP50,000 of the convertible loan note dated 16
January 2017 to 1,088,436 ordinary shares of GBP0.0001 each fully
paid at a price of 4.59375 pence per share.
On 3 April 2018 the Company secured $10,000,000 USD of Debt
Funding, redeemable 12 months from the date of the loan note
instrument and with an interest rate of 18% per annum. In
conjunction with the Debt Funding the Company issued 71,336,852
warrants to subscribe for new ordinary shares of the Company,
exercisable at a price of 5 pence per share expiring in March
2019.
On 16 April 2018 the Company entered into an option agreement
with Singa Holdings Zambia Private Limited to establish a joint
venture and/or an option to acquire the entire issued share capital
of Luiri Gold Mines Limited for the total cash consideration of
$2,500,000 USD.
On 25 April 2018 the Company appointed Oscar Ernst Kirkovits to
the Board of the Company as a Non-Executive Director.
On 9 May 2018 the Company received notice from Randgold
Resources (Mali) Sarl ("Randgold") to terminate the joint venture
agreement entered into between the Company and Randgold in February
2016 with regards the development of exploration licenses for the
Kossanto West Gold Project.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR SEASIAFASEDM
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