Empire Metals Limited / LON: EEE / Sector: Natural Resources
11 June
2024
Empire Metals Limited
("Empire" or "the Company")
Final Results for the year ended 31 December
2023
Empire
Metals Limited (LON: EEE), the AIM-quoted resource exploration and
development company, announces its final results for the year ended
31 December 2023.
The
annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 will
be posted to shareholders today and will be available for download
shortly from the Company's website, www.empiremetals.co.uk.
Highlights:
· Confirmed discovery of a giant
mineral system at the Pitfield Project ("Pitfield") which has been
found to host titanium mineralisation of globally significant size
and grade, associated with a 40km by 8km by 5km deep magnetics
anomaly, and hosted within a sedimentary "soft-rock"
basin.
· Total drilling comprises 101 Reverse
Circulation ("RC") holes for a total of 15,010m as well as seven
diamond core holes for a total of 2,025m, all completed in 2023 and
H1 2024 and over a 30km strike length.
· 100% success rate during 2024 RC drilling
campaign with every hole, and every metre of every hole,
intersecting titanium mineralisation from surface, or near surface,
until the end of the hole.
· Consistently positive drill results to support a
JORC Code compliant Exploration Target for the Cosgrove and Thomas
mineral prospects which is expected in Q2 2024.
· Favourable mineralogy and metallurgy
expected to lead to a relatively simple processing flowsheet and
highly concentrated end product.
· Major new titanium dioxide mineral discovery
made in June 2024 which has provided a highly positive new
dimension to the Project and is expected to accelerate timescales
and further enhance the economics of Pitfield.
· Advancing all associated workstreams in order to commence
the design and construction of a demonstration plant in
2025.
· Talented exploration and development
team established in Western Australia and further bolstered post
period end with the addition of five additional highly experienced
professionals to support the rapid development of
Pitfield.
· Successful fundraisings in September
2023 and January 2024 raising a total of £6 million to support
exploration and development work throughout 2024.
Shaun
Bunn, Managing Director, commented: "Empire is on course to deliver a globally
significant titanium project following our initial discovery at
Pitfield just 12 months ago. The pace of work witnessed
throughout 2023 and into 2024 is a testament to the excitement felt
across the technical team and board, who have driven systematic
exploration activities and intensive drilling campaigns to ensure
our ambitious schedule is maintained. Many of the team have echoed
sentiments similar to mine - that Pitfield is a once in a lifetime
discovery. With that in mind, it has been a privilege to
begin to assemble a highly talented project team to support
development and eventual commercial production at
Pitfield.
"Our
discovery at Pitfield comes at a time of rapidly shifting
realignment of the geopolitical trading blocks that are decoupling
the leading titanium mine producers, including China and Russia,
from the leading titanium users, namely the US and Europe.
With titanium on the critical minerals/metals list of all the major
world economies, this has left certain end users vulnerable and
without secure long-term substitutes. This is where Empire hopes to
bridge the gap; due to its strategic location and scale, Pitfield
represents a timely new secure supply entry into the global
titanium industry.
"I look
forward to reporting on what I believe will be seminal year ahead
for Empire, as we begin to reveal the potential of the Pitfield
through an Exploration Target and move closer to the construction
of our demonstration plant on the path to commercialisation.
Our recent discovery of a major new titanium dioxide discovery,
comprising rutile and anatase, at near surface has added an
exciting new element to Pitfield, and has opened the possibility of
a staged development plan whereby we focus initially on the
much higher-grade,
titanium dioxide mineral-rich saprolite deposits whilst continuing to develop a
processing route for the titanite-rich bedrock deposits. The
simple processing characteristics of rutile and anatase may support
an expedited path to our demonstration plant, so our foot remains
on the accelerator as we look to unlock the full potential of
Pitfield over the coming years."
Market
Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain
information contained in this announcement would have been deemed
inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU)
No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this
announcement.
**ENDS**
For further
information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk or
contact:
Empire Metals Ltd
Shaun Bunn / Greg
Kuenzel / Arabella Burwell
|
Tel: 020 4583 1440
|
S.
P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad & Broker)
Ewan Leggat / Adam
Cowl / Kasia Brzozowska
|
Tel: 020 3470 0470
|
Shard Capital Partners LLP
(Joint Broker)
Damon
Heath
|
Tel: 020 7186 9950
|
St Brides
Partners Ltd (Financial
PR)
Susie
Geliher / Charlotte Page
|
Tel: 020 7236 1177
|
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
As we
look back in years to come, 2023 will be remembered as a pivotal
time for your company; defined by the discovery of what is proving
to be a titanium asset of potential unrivalled value. The
Pitfield Project in Western Australia ("Pitfield" or the "Project")
combines scale, grade, amenability to low-cost processing and
strategic location, resulting in profound commercial and
operational desirability.
As
shareholders will be aware, our work at Pitfield began in 2022 and
within weeks of our first airborne magnetic survey, the Empire
exploration team understood that a major mineralised zone had been
identified. This airborne magnetic survey was quickly
followed with an airborne electro-magnetic survey, and an
evaluation of the historical exploration database, which confirmed
the presence of an exceptionally large magnetic anomaly extending
over 40km in length.
Armed
with this information and combined with the results of a
Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarisation survey conducted in late 2022,
Empire launched its maiden drill programme at Pitfield in March
2023, comprising 21 holes for a total of 3,206m. Titanium
rich mineralisation (between 4% and 10% TiO2) was identified in
all-but-one of the holes, starting at or very near surface and with
nearly a quarter of the holes still ending in high TiO2
values of up to 154 metres depth. It was at this point that the
Empire team understood that they had discovered a geological unique
soft-rock titanium deposit.
Subsequent drilling programmes throughout 2023
and into 2024 have brought total drilling to 101 Reverse
Circulation holes for a total of 15,010m as well as seven diamond
core holes for a total of 2,025m, all completed within 13 months
and over a 30km strike length. This speaks to the level of
commitment and enthusiasm we have for advancing our geological
understanding of Pitfield. The consistently exceptional
results delivered from these drilling campaigns have driven us
forward, and the team are yet to encounter any igneous intrusions
or significant cross faults that could disrupt and complicate the
ore geology, providing further evidence of a remarkable continuity
of mineralisation and thus supporting a simple geological
model.
Our work
during 2023 provided us with the unambiguous view that we had
discovered a titanium asset of remarkable size and grade at
Pitfield. Indeed, we have had a 100% success rate in terms of
our recent RC drilling work, with every hole, and every metre of
every hole, intersecting titanium mineralisation from surface, or
near surface, until the end of the hole. Given the potential
scale of the asset, the Empire team determined that immediate work
would be focussed on two high-grade titanium-mineralised zones,
known as the Cosgrove and Thomas prospects, which were selected for
resource evaluation work in areas that show potential to support
shallow open pit mining. We have a strong basis for
delivering a JORC Compliant Exploration Target for Cosgrove and
Thomas, and we are working towards giving this first tangible
insight into the potential scale of the Project. Given the
known mineralisation at Pitfield remains open in all directions,
this initial Exploration Target will be the tip of the
iceberg.
With our
confidence in our geological model established, our work post
period end has narrowed in on demonstrating Pitfield's viability
for economic development through mineralogical studies and
metallurgical test work.
In March
2024, Empire took a significant leap forward towards achieving this
objective through the demonstration of favourable mineralogy and
metallurgy in high-grade titanium samples drilled at Pitfield;
indicating potential for a relatively simple processing flowsheet
and highly concentrated end product. Importantly titanite, a
calcium titanium silicate, was confirmed as the most abundant
titanium-bearing mineral, accounting for approximately 67% of the
total contained TiO2 and approximately 20% of the
potential Pitfield ore by mass.
This
confirmation that the titanium mineralisation is dominated by
titanite, in such quantities as to set Pitfield apart from any
previously reported world class titanium resource, has further
reinforced our belief that we are dealing with an unprecedented
discovery, one that could provide a path for Empire to become a
major supplier of rutile equivalent product' or even a significant
TiO2 pigment producer in our own right.
Titanite
is a non-refractory mineral and is amenable to a simple low
temperature acid leaching process to liberate the titanium, unlike
igneous hard rock ilmenite ores which frequently require on-site
smelting to produce a lower value titanium-rich slag product.
The conceptual processing flowsheet that is being tested consists
of beneficiation stages to generate a titanium-rich heavy mineral
concentrate and to remove acid-consuming gangue minerals, followed
by a simple acid leaching stage. It will therefore not require an
energy intensive, on-site smelting process, which will be highly
beneficial from a commercial perspective. The final product
from the leaching stage is expected to have a very high TiO₂
concentration, approaching the same content as natural rutile
(>95%), which would make it a highly desirable feedstock for a
titanium dioxide pigment producer.
Earlier this month,
we announced a major new titanium dioxide mineral discovery which
has provided a highly positive new dimension to the Project, and
which is expected to accelerate timescales and further enhance the
economics of Pitfield. This newly identified, potentially high-value
titanium dioxide deposit, which features naturally occurring rutile
and anatase, is located within the near-surface, strongly weathered
saprolite zone of bedrock which covers the extent of the giant,
40km long, titanium-rich mineral system at Pitfield.
Rutile and anatase are both highly
valuable titanium dioxide minerals that contain >95%
TiO2 and are both important feedstocks for the titanium
pigment and titanium metal markets.
Our analysis shows
that the strongest weathering, found within the top 10m from
surface, has resulted in the disintegration of the parent bedrock
and has completely altered the titanite (the principal titanium ore
mineral in the unweathered bedrock) to titanium dioxide minerals,
rutile and/or anatase. Simply put, Mother Nature has assisted
us with altering this bedrock, through simple weathering, to form
high-value titanium dioxide minerals which is highly positive
development in isolation, but importantly, provides strong support
for the Company's view that TiO2 products can be derived
from the titanite bedrock ore source.
Preliminary
mineralogical assessment of the strongly weathered mineralised
sandstones indicates an abundance of these natural titanium dioxide
minerals, comprising around half of all titanium minerals present
by mass, and ongoing studies will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
mineral assemblage, including the relative proportions of rutile
and anatase.
This discovery
reinforces the potential for Empire to develop a fully integrated,
single site, mine to high quality TiO2 product project
and it opens up the possibility of a new, staged development plan
whereby the Company can look to develop the much higher-grade,
high-value, more easily accessible titanium dioxide mineral-rich
surface deposits whilst it continues to develop a processing route
for the titanite-rich bedrock deposits.
Corporate
Empire is
clearly gearing up for delivering a commercial project in as short
time as practicable at Pitfield, and to support this, we have
significantly bolstered our technical team.
Post
period end, Empire announced the appointment of Narelle Marriott as
the Company's Process Development Manager and shortly after,
secured the services of two senior titanium industry consultants,
Dr. Trevor Nicholson and Eugene Dardengo, who together have over 72
years of experience in the titanium processing and extraction
industry. The Company also appointed Carrie Pritchard
as Environmental Manager and David Parker as Commercial Manager;
both highly experienced professionals in the mining industry who
will provide invaluable support to Empire as it advances
Pitfield.
The
Company will continue to seek out experienced and talented
professionals to join our small and motivated development team as
we move closer towards commercialisation of Pitfield.
Financial Results
As an
exploration and development group which has no revenue we are
reporting a loss for the 12 months ended 31 December 2023 of
£2,796,461 (31 December 2022: loss of £1,162,720).
The
Group's cash position as at 7 June 2024 was £3.43
million.
Outlook
Empire
has set an impressive pace in its objective to confirm commercial
viability at Pitfield; progressing from initial discovery hole to
mineralogy and metallurgical test work within 12 months. The
Board are dedicated to continuing this momentum and the Company has
committed to working towards commencing the design and construction
of a demonstration plant in 2025. In parallel with this work,
all wider aspects of the Project development plan will continue to
be advanced, which will include a number of key milestones
throughout the remainder of the year.
These
workflows will combine all technical outputs, including definitive
mineralogical characterisation studies, definitive metallurgical
characterisation studies and subsequent finalisation of a process
flowsheet and demonstration plant design that will establish,
confirm and provide valuation metrics for an economic process and
resultant high-value saleable product. Alongside this work, a
maiden Exploration Target and maiden JORC-compliant Mineral
Resource Estimate will be delivered, laying the foundation for a
mining option study and eventual ore reserves.
The
remaining months of 2024, and into 2025, are set to be a period of
rapid development for Empire and we look forward to updating
shareholders regularly on our achievements and plans. I would
like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders and wider
stakeholders once again for their support, as we look to the future
with considerable optimism and excitement for what Empire will
deliver.
Neil
O'Brien
Non-Executive
Chairman
10 June
2024
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2023
|
|
Group
|
Registered number: 1570939
|
Note
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Non-Current Assets
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
8
|
7,377
|
1,328
|
Right of use Asset
|
8
|
21,067
|
-
|
Held for sale asset
|
11
|
1,744,584
|
-
|
Intangible assets
|
9
|
2,869,667
|
3,337,598
|
Total Non-current assets
|
|
4,642,695
|
3,338,926
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
10
|
311,126
|
69,695
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
12
|
2,752,187
|
1,467,769
|
Total current assets
|
|
3,063,313
|
1,537,464
|
Total Assets
|
|
7,706,008
|
4,876,390
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Trade and other
payables
|
13
|
730,292
|
110,304
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
14
|
21,382
|
-
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
751,674
|
110,304
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
751,674
|
110,304
|
Net Assets
|
|
6,954,334
|
4,766,086
|
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
Share premium
|
15
|
49,892,259
|
45,523,695
|
Reverse acquisition
reserve
|
|
(18,845,147)
|
(18,845,147)
|
Other reserves
|
16
|
811,616
|
448,309
|
Accumulated losses
|
|
(24,904,394)
|
(22,360,771)
|
Total equity attributable to owners of the
Parent
|
|
6,954,334
|
4,766,086
|
Total Equity
|
|
6,954,334
|
4,766,086
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
Year ended 31 December 2023
|
|
Group
|
Continuing Operations
|
Note
|
Year ended 31 December
2023
£
|
Year
ended 31 December 2022
£
|
Revenue
|
|
-
|
-
|
Cost of sales
|
|
-
|
-
|
Gross profit
|
|
-
|
-
|
Administration expenses
|
6
|
(2,267,694)
|
(1,046,638)
|
Other losses
|
18
|
(527,245)
|
(114,587)
|
Operating loss before taxation
|
|
(2,794,939)
|
(1,161,225)
|
Income tax
|
7
|
(1,522)
|
(1,495)
|
Loss for the year
|
|
(2,796,461)
|
(1,162,720)
|
|
|
|
|
Loss attributable to:
|
|
|
|
-
owners of the Parent
|
|
(2,796,461)
|
(1,162,720)
|
|
|
(2,796,461)
|
(1,162,720)
|
Other Comprehensive Income:
|
|
|
|
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or
loss
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on
translating foreign operations
|
|
(185,049)
|
58,301
|
Total Comprehensive Income
|
|
(2,981,510)
|
(1,104,419)
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
|
- owners of the Parent
|
|
(2,981,510)
|
(1,104,419)
|
Total Comprehensive Income
|
|
(2,981,510)
|
(1,104,419)
|
-
Total comprehensive income attributable to
discontinued operations
-
Total comprehensive income attributable to
continuing operations
|
|
-
(2,981,510)
|
-
(1,104,419)
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (pence) from continuing operations
attributable to owners of the Parent - Basic &
Diluted
|
21
|
(0.560)
|
(0.292)
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Share
premium
£
|
Reverse acquisition
reserve
£
|
Other
reserves
£
|
Retained
losses
£
|
Total
equity
£
|
As at 1 January 2022
|
43,836,855
|
(18,845,147)
|
520,293
|
(21,386,556)
|
4,125,445
|
Loss for the year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,162,720)
|
(1,162,720)
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on
translating foreign operations
|
-
|
-
|
58,301
|
-
|
58,301
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
-
|
58,301
|
(1,162,720)
|
(1,104,419)
|
Transactions with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of ordinary
shares
|
1,775,760
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,775,760
|
Cost of capital
|
(88,920)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(88,920)
|
Share option charge
|
-
|
-
|
58,220
|
-
|
58,220
|
Expiry of Share Options
|
-
|
-
|
(188,505)
|
188,505
|
-
|
Total transactions with owners
|
1,686,840
|
-
|
(130,285)
|
188,505
|
1,745,060
|
As at 31 December 2022
|
45,523,695
|
(18,845,147)
|
448,309
|
(22,360,771)
|
4,766,086
|
As at 1 January 2023
|
45,523,695
|
(18,845,147)
|
448,309
|
(22,360,771)
|
4,766,086
|
Loss for the year
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,796,461)
|
(2,796,461)
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on
translating foreign operations
|
-
|
-
|
(185,049)
|
-
|
(185,049)
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
-
|
-
|
(185,049)
|
(2,796,461)
|
(2,981,510)
|
Transactions with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of ordinary
shares
|
4,571,468
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,571,468
|
Cost of capital
|
(202,904)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(202,904)
|
Share option charge
|
-
|
-
|
801,194
|
-
|
801,194
|
Exercise and expiry of Share
Options
|
-
|
-
|
(252,838)
|
252,838
|
-
|
Total transactions with owners
|
4,368,564
|
-
|
548,356
|
252,838
|
5,169,758
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
49,892,259
|
(18,845,147)
|
811,616
|
(24,904,394)
|
6,954,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
CONSOLIDATED CASH
FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
|
Group
|
|
|
Note
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
Loss after taxation including
discontinued operations
|
|
(2,796,461)
|
(1,162,720)
|
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
|
Services satisfied by issue of
shares
|
|
-
|
27,500
|
|
Share based payment
|
|
801,194
|
58,220
|
|
Net finance income
|
|
(16,795)
|
(2,795)
|
|
Impairment of intangible
assets
|
|
527,245
|
114,587
|
|
Tax expense
|
|
1,522
|
1,495
|
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
|
23,349
|
300
|
|
(Increase)/ decrease in trade and
other receivables
|
|
(155,398)
|
17,506
|
|
Increase/(Decrease) in trade and
other payables
|
|
616,528
|
(26,490)
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
(998,816)
|
(972,397)
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
(50,528)
|
(1,628)
|
|
Additions to exploration and
evaluation intangible asset
|
|
(1,884,290)
|
(1,339,952)
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(1,934,818)
|
(1,341,580)
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issue of shares,
less shares issued in lieu of fees
|
|
4,382,779
|
1,657,500
|
|
Cost of share issue
|
|
(202,904)
|
(88,920)
|
|
Interest received
|
|
16,795
|
2,795
|
|
Finance lease
liabilities
|
|
42,134
|
-
|
|
Repayment of finance lease
liabilities
|
|
(20,752)
|
-
|
|
Net cash generated from financing
activities
|
|
4,218,052
|
1,571,375
|
|
Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
1,284,418
|
(742,602)
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year
|
|
1,467,769
|
2,210,371
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
12
|
2,752,187
|
1,467,769
|
|
Non-cash investing and
financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of exploration license
- share based payment1
|
9
|
75,760
|
78,227
|
|
Share options and warrants issued
in respect of services2
|
17
|
801,194
|
58,220
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Comprised of 5,611,863 shares at 1.35p in respect of
consideration payable to acquire the Walton Project
License.
2 Share options and warrants over a total of 39,080,208
ordinary shares of no par value were granted to Directors and
management in the period.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31
December 2023
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1. General
Information
The
principal activity of Empire Metals Limited ("the Company") and its
subsidiaries (together "the Group") is to implement its mineral
exploration strategy to advance projects towards defining a
sufficient in-situ mineral resource to support a detailed
feasibility study towards mine development and
production.
The
Company's shares are traded on AIM, a market operated by the London
Stock Exchange. The Company is incorporated in the British Virgin
Islands and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company changed
its name to Empire Metals Limited on 10 February 2020.
The
address of its registered office is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71,
Road Town, Tortola, BVI.
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 Group
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS
Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations as adopted by
the European Union. The Group Financial Statements have been
prepared under the historical cost convention, unless stated
otherwise.
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.
2.2 Changes in accounting policy and
disclosures
(a) New and amended standards mandatory
for the first time for the financial periods beginning on or after
1 January 2023
The
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued various
amendments and revisions to International Financial Reporting
Standards and IFRIC interpretations. The amendments and revisions
were applicable for the period ended 31 December 2023 but did not
result in any material changes to the Financial Statements of the Group.
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
|
IAS 1 (Amendments)
|
Classification of Liabilities as Current or
Non-Current
|
1
January 2024
|
The Group
is evaluating the impact of the new and amended standards
above which are not expected to have a material impact on
future Group Financial Statements.
2.3 Basis of
Consolidation
The Group
Financial Statements consolidate the Financial Statements of Empire
Metals Limited and the Financial Statements of all of its subsidiary undertakings made
up to 31 December 2023.
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. Where an entity does not have returns, the
Group's power over the investee is assessed as to whether control
is held. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which
control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from
the date that control ceases.
Below is
a summary of subsidiaries of the Group:
Name of subsidiary
|
Place of business
|
Parent company
|
Registered capital
|
Share capital held
|
Principal activities
|
Kibe
Investments No.2 Limited
|
British Virgin Islands
|
Empire Metals Ltd
|
Ordinary shares US$12
|
100%
|
Dormant
|
Noricum
Gold AT GmbH
|
Austria
|
Kibe Investments No.2 Limited
|
Ordinary shares €35,000
|
100%
|
Exploration
|
GMC
Investments Limited
|
British Virgin Islands
|
Empire Metals Ltd
|
Ordinary shares US$1
|
100%
|
Dormant
|
European
Mining Services Limited
|
United Kingdom
|
Empire Metals Ltd
|
Ordinary shares
£1
|
100%
|
Mining Services
|
Eclipse
Exploration Pty Ltd
|
Australia
|
Empire Metals Ltd
|
Ordinary Shares
AUD$1
|
100%
|
Exploration
|
Inter-company transactions, balances, income and
expenses on transactions between group companies are eliminated.
Profits and losses resulting from intercompany transactions that
are recognised in assets are also eliminated.
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been
changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies
adopted by the Group.
2.4 Going Concern
The
Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to
affect its future development, performance and position, are set
out in the Chairman's Report from page 3. In addition, Note
3 to the Financial Statements includes
the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its
capital; its financial risk management objectives; and details of
its exposure to credit and liquidity risk.
The
Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Although the Group's assets are not generating steady revenue
streams, an operating loss has been reported and an operating loss
is expected in the 12 months to 31 December 2024, the Directors
believe that the Group will have sufficient funds to meet its
immediate working capital requirements and to meet all committed
exploration costs over the next 12 months from the date of approval
of these Financial Statements. As at the balance sheet date, the
Group has cash and cash equivalents of £2,752,187 and a further £3
million was raised via the issue of new ordinary shares in January
2024. These amounts combined are expected to adequately cover
forecast working capital requirements.
The
Directors have, in the light of all the above circumstances, a
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus,
they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the Group Financial Statements.
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.
Segment
results, include items directly attributable to a segment as well
as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.
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 Company is Sterling, the functional
currency of the BVI subsidiaries is US Dollars, the functional
currency of the Austrian subsidiary is Euros and the functional
currency of the Australian subsidiary is AUD Dollars. The Financial
Statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, rounded to the nearest
pound.
(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.
(c) Group companies
The
results and financial position of all the Group's 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;
· income and expenses for each statement of
comprehensive income presented 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
· all resulting exchange differences are
recognised in other comprehensive income where material.
On
consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of
the net investment in foreign entities, and of monetary items
receivable from foreign subsidiaries for which settlement is
neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future, are
taken to other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is
sold, such exchange differences are recognised in the income
statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.
2.7 Intangible
Assets
Exploration and evaluation
assets
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. Capitalisation of pre-production
expenditure ceases when the mining property is capable of
commercial production.
Exploration and evaluation assets are recorded
and held at cost.
Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed
for impairment annually or when facts and circumstances suggest
that the carrying amount of an asset may exceed its recoverable
amount. The assessment is carried out by allocating exploration and
evaluation assets to cash generating units, which are based on
specific projects or geographical areas. IFRS 6 permits impairments
of exploration and evaluation expenditure to be reversed should the
conditions which led to the impairment improve. The Group
continually monitors the position of the projects capitalised and
impaired.
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.
2.8 Property, Plant and
Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is
provided on all property, plant and equipment to write off the cost
less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected
useful economic life on a straight-line basis at the following
annual rates:
Computer
equipment - 20 to 50% straight line
Field
equipment - 20 to 50% straight line
All
assets are subject to annual impairment reviews.
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.
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 replacement part
is derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to
the Income Statement during the financial period in which they are
incurred.
The
asset's residual value and useful economic lives are reviewed, and
adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting
period.
Gains and
losses on disposal are determined by comparing the proceeds with
the carrying amount and are recognised within 'Other gains /
(losses)' in the income statement.
2.9 Impairment of non-financial
assets
Assets
that have an indefinite useful life, for example, intangible assets
not ready to use, are not subject to amortisation and are tested
annually for impairment. 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
(except goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal of the
impairment at each reporting date.
2.10 Assets classified as held for
sale
Assets
are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be
recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than
through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable.
They are measured at the lower of their carrying value and fair
value less costs to sell. An impairment loss is recognised for any
subsequent write-down of the asset to fair value less costs to
sell.
2.11 Financial Assets
(a) Classification
The Group
classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at
amortised cost including trade receivables and other financial
assets at amortised cost, at fair value through other comprehensive
income and at fair value through profit or loss, 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.
(b) Recognition and
measurement
Amortised cost
Trade and
other receivables are recognised initially at the amount of
consideration that is unconditional, unless they contain
significant financing components, in which case they are recognised
at fair value. The group holds the trade and other receivables with
the objective of collecting the contractual cash flows, and so it
measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective
interest method.
The group
classifies its financial assets as at amortised cost only if both
of the following criteria are met:
·
the asset is held within
a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash
flows; and
·
the contractual terms
give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principle and
interest.
(c) Impairment of financial
assets
The Group
recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all
debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss.
ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows
due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the
Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the
original EIR. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from
the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are
integral to the contractual terms.
ECLs are
recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has
not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial
recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from
default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a
12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been
a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a
loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the
remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the
default (a lifetime ECL).
For trade
receivables (not subject to provisional pricing) and other
receivables due in less than 12 months, the Group applies the
simplified approach in calculating ECLs, as permitted by IFRS 9.
Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but
instead, recognises a loss allowance based on the financial asset's
lifetime ECL at each reporting date.
The Group
considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments
are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also
consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or
external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to
receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking
into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial
asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of
recovering the contractual cash flows and usually occurs when past
due for more than one year and not subject to enforcement
activity.
At each
reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried
at amortised cost are credit impaired. A financial asset is
credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental
impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset
have occurred.
(d)
Derecognition
The Group
derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to
the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership of the asset to another entity.
On
derecognition of a financial asset measured at amortised cost, the
difference between the asset's carrying amount and the sum of the
consideration received and receivable is recognised in profit or
loss. This is the same treatment for a financial asset measured at
FVTPL.
2.12 Financial
Liabilities
Financial
liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and
borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging
instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate. All financial
liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the case
of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable
transaction costs. The Group's financial liabilities include trade
and other payables.
Subsequent measurement
The
measurement of financial liabilities depends on their
classification, as described below:
Trade and other payables
After
initial recognition, trade and other payables are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses
are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income when the liabilities are derecognised, as well
as through the EIR amortisation process.
Amortised
cost is calculated by considering any discount or premium on
acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR.
The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement
of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Derecognition
A
financial liability is derecognised when the associated obligation
is discharged or cancelled or expires.
When an
existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same
lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an
existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or
modification is treated as the derecognition of the original
liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in
the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit or loss and
other comprehensive income.
Fair value
All
assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or
disclosed in the consolidated Financial Statements are categorised within the fair value
hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy prioritises the inputs to
valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Group uses the
following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value
of financial instruments and other assets and liabilities for which
the fair value was used:
-
level 1: quoted prices
in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
-
level 2: inputs other
than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the
asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly
(derived from prices); and
-
level 3: inputs for the
asset or liability that are not based on observable market data
(unobservable inputs).
2.13 Cash and Cash
Equivalents
Cash and
cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand.
2.14 Taxation
Tax for
the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is
recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it
relates to items recognised directly in equity. In this case
the tax is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income
or directly in equity, respectively.
The
current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax
laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting
period in the countries where the Company's subsidiaries and
associates operate and generate taxable income. Management
periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect
to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to
interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate
on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax
authorities.
Deferred
income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary
differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities
and their carrying amounts in the consolidated Financial Statements. However, the
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. Deferred
income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been
enacted, or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting
period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income
tax asset is realised, or the deferred income tax liability is
settled.
Deferred
income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is
probable that future taxable profit will be available against which
the temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred
income tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary
differences arising from investments in subsidiaries, associates
and joint arrangements, except for deferred income tax liability
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is
controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Generally
the group is unable to control the reversal of the temporary
difference for associates. Only where there is an agreement in
place that gives the group the ability to control the reversal of
the temporary difference not recognised.
Deferred
income tax assets are recognised on deductible temporary
differences arising from investments in subsidiaries, associates
and joint arrangements only to the extent that it is probable the
temporary difference will reverse in the future and there is
sufficient taxable profit available against which the temporary
difference can be utilised.
Deferred
income 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 income tax assets
and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation
authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable
entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a
net basis.
2.15 Share Capital, share premium and
other reserves
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 provided
there is sufficient premium available. Should sufficient premium
not be available placing costs are recognised in the Income
Statement.
Other
reserves consist of the share option reserve and the foreign
exchange translation reserve. See Notes 16 and 17 for further
detail.
2.16 Reverse acquisition
reserve
The
reverse acquisition reserve arose on the acquisition of Kibe
Investments No. 2 Limited in 2010. There has been no movement in
the reserve since that date.
2.17 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 (shares, options
and warrants) of the Group. The Group may also issue warrants
to share subscribers as part of a share placing. The fair value of
the equity-settled share based payments is recognised as an expense
in the income
statement or
charged to equity depending on the nature of the service provided
or instrument issued. The total amount to be expensed or
charged in the case of options is determined by reference to the
fair value of the options or warrants 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).
In the
case of shares and warrants the amount charged to the share premium
account is determined by reference to the fair value of the
services received if available. If the fair value of the services
received is not determinable the shares are valued by reference to
the market price and the warrants are valued by reference to the
fair value of the warrants granted as described
previously.
Non-market vesting conditions are included in
assumptions about the number of options or warrants 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 another reserve in equity.
When the
warrants or 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 warrants or options are
exercised.
2.18 Leases
The Group
leases certain property.
The lease
liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease
payments that are not paid. Lease payments generally include fixed
payments less any lease incentives receivable. The lease liability
is discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if
that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group's incremental
borrowing rate. The Group estimates the incremental borrowing rate
based on the lease term, collateral assumptions, and the economic
environment in which the lease is denominated. The lease liability
is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method. The lease liability is remeasured when the
expected lease payments change as a result of new assessments of
contractual options and residual value guarantees.
The
right-of-use asset is recognised at the present value of the
liability at the commencement date of the lease less any incentives
received from the lessor. Added to the right-of-use asset are
initial direct costs, payments made before the commencement date,
and estimated restoration costs. The right-of-use asset is
subsequently depreciated on a straight-line basis from the
commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of
the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The
right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if
any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease
liability.
Each
lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance
charges. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance
charges, are included in lease liabilities, split between current
and non-current depending on when the liabilities are due. The
interest element of the finance cost is charged to the Statement of
Profit and Loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability
for each period. Assets obtained under finance leases are
depreciated over their useful lives. The lease liabilities are
shown in Note 14.
Exemptions are applied for short life leases and
low value assets, with payment made under operating leases charged
to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on a
straight-line basis of the period of the lease.
2.19 Revenue Recognition
Revenue
is recognised in respect of amounts recharged to project strategic
partners in accordance with their contractual terms. Revenue is
also generated from management and consulting services to third
parties.
The Group
derives revenue from the transfer of services overtime and at a
point in time in the service lines detailed below. Revenues from
external customers come from consulting services.
The Group
provides management services to subsidiary undertakings and joint
venture entities for a fixed monthly fee. Revenue from providing
services is recognised in the accounting period in which the
services are rendered. Efforts to satisfy the performance
obligation are expended evenly throughout the performance period
and so the performance obligation is considered to be satisfied
evenly over time.
2.20 Finance Income
Finance
income consists of bank interest on cash and cash equivalents which
is recognised using the effective interest rate method.
2.21 Discontinued
Operations
A
discontinued operation is a component of the Group's business, the
operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished
from the rest of the Group and which:
• represents a
separate major line of business or geographic area of
operations;
• is part of a
single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of
business or geographic area of operations; or
• is a subsidiary
acquired exclusively with a view to resale. Classification as a
discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when
the operation meets the criteria to be classified as
held-for-sale.
When an
operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the
comparative statement of profit or loss and OCI is represented as
if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the
comparative year.
3.
Financial Risk Management
3.1 Financial Risk
Factors
The
Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks being
market risk (including, interest rate risk, currency risk and price
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.
Market Risk
(a) Foreign currency
risks
The Group
operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk
arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to
the USD and Euros against the UK pound. 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 activities in relation to its
subsidiary in USD and Euros. 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.
(b) Price risk
The Group
is not exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its
operations, which are still in the exploration phase. Other than
insignificant consulting revenue, there is no revenue. The
Directors will revisit the appropriateness of this policy should
the Group's operations change in size or nature.
The Group
has no exposure to equity securities price risk, as it has no
listed equity investments.
(c) Interest rate risk
As the
Group has no borrowings, it is not exposed to interest rate risk on
financial liabilities. The Group's interest rate risk arises from
its cash held on short-term deposit, which is not
significant.
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
amount of exposure to any individual counter party is subject to a
limit, which is assessed by the Board. No credit limits were
exceeded during the reporting period, and management does not
expect any losses from non-performance by these
counterparties.
The Group
considers the credit ratings of banks in which it holds funds in
order to reduce exposure to credit risk.
Liquidity Risk
In
keeping with similar sized mineral exploration groups, the Group's
continued future operations depend on the ability to raise
sufficient working capital through the issue of equity share
capital. The Directors are confident that adequate funding will be
forthcoming with which to finance operations. Controls over
expenditure are carefully managed. In January 2024, the Company
raised net proceeds of £3m. See note 2.4 for further details on
going concern and liquidity.
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 provide
returns for shareholders and to enable the Group to continue its
exploration and evaluation activities. The Group has no debt
at 31 December 2023 and defines capital based on the total equity
of the Company being £6.9m. The Group monitors its level of cash
resources available against future planned exploration and
evaluation activities and may issue new shares in order to raise
further funds from time to time.
4. Critical
Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The
preparation of the Group 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:
Impairment of exploration and evaluation
costs
Exploration and evaluation costs have a carrying
value at 31 December 2023 of £2,869,667 (2022: £3,337,598): refer
to Note 9 for more information. The Group has a right to renew
exploration permits and the asset is only depreciated once
extraction of the resource commences. Management tests annually
whether exploration projects have future economic value in
accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note
2.7. 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 the expected costs of
extraction, long term metal prices, anticipated resource volumes
and supply and demand outlook. 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.
On 24
February 2024, the Company announced that management had
undertaken an
assessment of the Company's non-core assets and as a consequence
decided not to extend the Gindalbie Tribute Agreement which was due
to expire on 24
February 2024. As a result, the previously capitalised exploration
costs related to Gindalbie totalling £527,245 have been fully
impaired as at 31 December 2023.
Held for sale assets
The
Company is working on a potential divestment of the Eclipse project
and are actively engaged with a number of Australian companies
operating in the gold mining sector to find a buyer. Management are
committed to the sale of the Eclipse licence and given the recent
increase in the gold price this asset has become significantly more
attractive. The expectation is that this sale will be completed in
the next 6 months.
As
a result, this asset has been reclassified as held for sale. The
carrying value of the Eclipse Project is £1.744 million. This
represents the acquisition cost plus the carried forward
exploration expenditure. An initial assessment study resulted in an
anticipated operating profit from the Eclipse shaft gold target of
A$3.8 million (approx. £2 million). This represents only one target
within the licence area with multiple targets offering further
high-grade gold discovery potential. As a result, management
believe the fair value less costs to sell is in excess of the
carrying value and as a result, continue to value the asset at the
existing carrying value.
Share based payment
transactions
The Group
has made awards of options and warrants over its unissued share
capital to certain Directors and employees as part of their
remuneration package. Certain warrants have also been issued to
shareholders as part of their subscription for shares and to
suppliers for various services received.
The
valuation of these options and warrants involves making a number of
critical estimates relating to price volatility, future dividend
yields, expected life of the options and forfeiture rates.
These assumptions have been described in more detail in Note
17.
5.
Segmental Information
As at 31
December 2023, the Group operates in three geographical areas, the
UK, Austria and Australia. The Company operates in one geographical
area, the UK. Activities in the UK are mainly administrative in
nature whilst activities in Austria and Australia relate to
exploration and evaluation work. The reports used by the chief
operating decision maker are based on these geographical
segments.
The Group
generated no revenue during the year ended 31 December 2023: £nil
(2022: £nil).
2023
|
Australia
£
|
Austria
£
|
UK
£
|
Total
£
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Administrative expenses
|
(298,616)
|
(15,706)
|
(1,953,372)
|
(2,267,694)
|
Other
losses
|
(527,245)
|
-
|
-
|
(527,245)
|
Operating
loss from continued operations per reportable segment
|
(825,861)
|
(15,706)
|
(1,948,372)
|
(2,794,939)
|
Additions
to non-current assets
|
1,998,961
|
3,223
|
8,394
|
2,010,578
|
Reportable segment assets
|
4,975,259
|
72,741
|
2,658,008
|
7,706,008
|
Reportable segment liabilities
|
667,694
|
8,614
|
75,366
|
751,674
|
Segment
assets and liabilities are allocated based on geographical
location.
2022
|
Australia
£
|
Austria
£
|
UK
£
|
Total
£
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Administrative expenses
|
(143,454)
|
(13,151)
|
(890,033)
|
(1,046,638)
|
Other
gains/(losses)
|
(114,587)
|
-
|
-
|
(114,587)
|
Operating
loss from continued operations per reportable segment
|
(258,041)
|
(13,151)
|
(890,033)
|
(1,161,225)
|
Additions
to non-current assets
|
1,410,026
|
6,778
|
1,375
|
1,418,179
|
Reportable segment assets
|
3,416,905
|
76,126
|
1,383,359
|
4,876,390
|
Reportable segment liabilities
|
34,196
|
3,239
|
72,869
|
110,304
|
6.
Expenses by Nature
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
|
|
Directors' fees (note 20)
|
496,333
|
342,095
|
Employee
Expenses
|
150,369
|
40,882
|
Fees
payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Parent
Company and group financial statements
|
50,000
|
39,000
|
Professional, legal and consulting
fees
|
186,588
|
142,507
|
Accounting related services
|
40,153
|
36,226
|
Insurance
|
27,640
|
32,270
|
Office
and administrative expenses
|
66,575
|
71,585
|
Depreciation
|
23,349
|
300
|
Travel
and subsistence
|
140,370
|
84,556
|
AIM
related costs including investor relations
|
222,902
|
188,703
|
Share
option expense
|
801,194
|
58,220
|
Other
expenses
|
62,221
|
10,294
|
Total
administrative expenses
|
2,267,694
|
1,046,638
|
7.
Taxation
The tax
on the Group's loss differs from the theoretical amount that would
arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to the losses
of the consolidated entities as follows:
|
Group
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Loss
before tax from continued operations
|
(2,794,939)
|
(1,162,720)
|
Tax at
the weighted average rate of 24% (2022: 23%)
|
(670,785)
|
(267,082)
|
Expenditure not deductible for tax
purposes
|
330,998
|
45,863
|
Effect of
differing tax rates across jurisdictions
|
(3,400)
|
78,186
|
Net tax
effect of losses carried forward on which no deferred tax asset is
recognised
|
344,709
|
144,528
|
Income
tax expense for the year
|
1,522
|
1,495
|
No charge
to taxation arises due to the losses incurred.
The
weighted average applicable tax rate of 24% (2022: 23%) used is a combination of
the 25% standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2022: 19%), 24%
Austrian corporation tax (2022: 25%) and 25% Australian corporation
tax.
The Group
has accumulated tax losses of approximately £7,440,998
(2022:
£7,110,000) available to
carry forward against future taxable profits. A deferred tax asset
has not been recognised because of uncertainty over future taxable
profits against which the losses may be utilised.
8. Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
Field
equipment
£
|
Computer equipment
£
|
Right of use asset
£
|
Total
£
|
Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2022
|
|
10,229
|
27,173
|
-
|
37,402
|
As at 1
January 2023
|
|
10,229
|
27,173
|
-
|
37,402
|
Additions
|
|
-
|
8,394
|
42,134
|
50,528
|
Exchange
differences
|
|
-
|
(12)
|
-
|
(12)
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
|
10,229
|
35,555
|
42,134
|
87,918
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2022
|
|
10,229
|
25,845
|
-
|
36,074
|
Charge
for the year
|
|
-
|
2,345
|
21,004
|
23,349
|
Exchange
differences
|
|
-
|
(12)
|
63
|
51
|
As at 31 December 2023
|
|
10,229
|
28,178
|
21,067
|
59,474
|
Net book value as at 31 December
2022
|
|
-
|
1,328
|
-
|
1,328
|
Net book value as at 31 December
2023
|
|
-
|
7,377
|
21,067
|
28,444
|
The right
of use asset shown above is an asset in use by the Group's
subsidiary undertaking and represents leasehold premises. Please
refer to Note 14.
9. Intangible
Assets
|
|
Exploration & Evaluation Assets at
Cost and Net Book Value
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Balance
as at 1 January
|
3,337,598
|
1,952,419
|
Additions
|
1,960,050
|
1,418,179
|
Transfer
to asset held for sale
|
(1,744,584)
|
-
|
Impairments
|
(527,245)
|
(114,587)
|
Foreign
exchange differences
|
(156,152)
|
81,587
|
As at 31
December
|
2,869,667
|
3,337,598
|
The
Exploration & Evaluation additions in the current period
primarily relates to work performed at the Company's Pitfield
project. An initial drill programme consisting of 21 RC drill holes
were completed in April of this year, following on from extensive
geophysics and geochemistry programmes., The Company has since
commenced a second phase of diamond drilling at Pitfield with this
to be followed by a third phase of RC drilling later this year. A
total of 20,000 combined diamond and RC drilling has now been
completed as of the date of this report. The Company is now
advancing detailed mineralogical and metallurgical studies with a
view to undertaking resource drilling towards the end of the year
along with pilot plant and process flow sheet design.
Eclipse-Gindalbie
Project
In 2020
the Group acquired an option to purchase 75% of the Eclipse Gold
license. The option was exercised in February 2021 for a
consideration of AUD$1,000,000 (approximately £550,000) in cash and
AUD$500,000 (£277,750) settled via the issue of 7,095,510 new
ordinary shares of no-par value at a price of 3.91p.
In
January 2022, the Group entered into a Tribute Agreement for the
Gindalbie license. The cost to enter into the Tribute Agreement was
AUD$250,000 for an initial 6-month exploration term. An additional
A$250,000 was paid in August 2022 to extend the exploration period
by a further 18 months.
In
February 2022, 1,676m of Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling was
completed, focused mainly on the Homeward Bound, Laurel-Bulletin,
South Gippsland #3, Golden Puzzle and Bud's Find areas. Of the four
RC holes drilled at the Homeward Bound target, three reported very
high-grade intercepts.
Following
from this, a further six Diamond Drill ("DD") holes for a total of
999m were completed at Eclipse during the year to test for
continuity between Eclipse and Jack's Dream and to the north-west
of Jack's Dream. Five of the six DD holes intercepted the
mineralised shear reporting significant gold intercepts.
Following
on from successful drilling campaigns in February 2022 and June
2022, the Company decided to carry out a small RC campaign
consisting of nine RC drill holes for 770m. The Company found
evidence of kaolinite-rich clays within the intensely leached upper
part of the weathering profile.
On 24
February 2024, the Company announced that management had
undertaken an
assessment of the Company's non-core assets and as a consequence
decided not to extend the Gindalbie Tribute Agreement which was due
to expire on 24
February 2024. As a result, the previously capitalised exploration
costs related to Gindalbie totalling £528,838 have been fully
impaired as at 31 December 2023.
The
Eclipse project has also been reclassified as an Asset Held for
Sale as the Company works on a potential divestment of this asset.
Please refer to Note 11.
Pitfield Project
The
Company acquired a 70% interest in the Pitfield project from
Century Minerals Pty Ltd ('Century') on 13 April 2022. The
consideration for the acquisition was satisfied by the issue of
5,611,863, new ordinary shares to Century.
In
accordance with IFRS 6, the Directors undertook an assessment of
the following areas and circumstances which 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.
•
Sufficient data exists to indicate that the book value
may not be fully recovered from future development and
production
Based on
the above assessment, management does not consider there to be any
indicators present over the Pitfield project, in accordance with
the criterion of IFRS 6. As such, the Board do not believe that any
impairment is necessary.
Walton Project
The
Company acquired a 70% interest in the Walton project from Century
on 24 April 2023. The consideration for the acquisition was
satisfied by the issue of 5,611,863, new ordinary shares to
Century.
In
accordance with IFRS 6, the Directors undertook an assessment of
the following areas and circumstances which 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.
•
Sufficient data exists to indicate that the book value
may not be fully recovered from future development and
production.
Based on
the above assessment, management does not consider there to be any
indicators present over the Pitfield project, in accordance with
the criterion of IFRS 6. As such, the Board do not believe that any
impairment is necessary.
10.
Trade and Other Receivables
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
VAT
receivable
|
93,807
|
15,796
|
Prepayments
|
30,144
|
18,230
|
Cash in
transit
|
100,000
|
-
|
Other
receivables
|
87,175
|
35,669
|
|
311,126
|
69,695
|
Other
receivables are all due within one year. The fair value of all
receivables is the same as their carrying values stated above.
These assets, excluding prepayments, are the only form of financial
asset within the Group, together with cash and cash
equivalents.
Cash in
transit relates to funds sent from Empire Metals Limited to Eclipse
Exploration Pty Ltd at the year end.
The
carrying amounts of the Group's other receivables are denominated
in the following currencies:
|
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
|
|
UK
Pounds
|
115,617
|
58,308
|
Euros
|
757
|
626
|
Australian Dollars
|
194,752
|
10,761
|
|
311,126
|
69,695
|
|
|
| |
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. All trade and other receivables are considered fully
recoverable and performing.
11. Held For Sale
Asset
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Balance as at 1 January
|
-
|
-
|
Additions
|
-
|
-
|
Impairment
|
-
|
-
|
Transferred from Exploration and
Evaluation assets
|
1,744,584
|
-
|
As at 31 December
|
1,744,584
|
-
|
The Company is working on a
potential divestment of the Eclipse project and are actively
engaged with a number of Australian companies operating in the gold
mining sector to find a buyer. Management are committed to the sale
of the Eclipse licence and given the recent increase in the gold
price this asset has become significantly more attractive. The
expectation is that this sale will be completed in the next 6
months.
As a result this asset has
been reclassified as held for sale. The carrying value of the
Eclipse Project is £1.744 million. This represents the acquisition
cost plus the carried forward exploration expenditure. An initial
assessment study resulted in an operating profit from the Eclipse
shaft gold target of A$3.8 million (approx. £2 million). This
represents only one target within the licence area with multiple
targets offering further high-grade gold discovery potential. As a
result, management believe the fair value less costs to sell is in
excess of the carrying value and as a result, continue to value the
asset at the existing carrying value.
12.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Cash at bank and in
hand
|
2,752,187
|
1,467,769
|
The Group's cash is held with
facilities with AA and A credit ratings.
The carrying amounts of the Group
and Company's cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the
following currencies:
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
|
|
UK Pounds
|
2,396,719
|
1,200,351
|
Euros
|
6,073
|
11,469
|
US Dollars
|
138,287
|
185,458
|
Australian Dollars
|
211,108
|
70,491
|
Cash at bank and in hand
|
2,752,187
|
1,467,769
|
13. Trade and Other
Payables
|
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
Trade payables
|
319,356
|
67,298
|
|
Other payables
|
22,177
|
6,422
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
388,759
|
36,584
|
|
|
730,292
|
110,304
|
|
The carrying amounts of the
Group's trade and other payables are denominated in the following
currencies:
|
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
|
|
|
UK Pounds
|
75,366
|
72,869
|
Euros
|
8,614
|
3,239
|
Australian Dollars
|
646,312
|
34,196
|
|
730,292
|
110,304
|
|
|
| |
14. Lease
Liabilities
|
Group
|
|
31 December
2023
|
31
December
2022
|
|
|
£
|
£
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
21,382
|
-
|
|
|
21,382
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Lease Liabilities
Lease liabilities are effectively
secured, as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in
the event of default.
Please refer to Note 8 for further
details on the right of use asset.
|
Group
|
|
31 December
2023
|
31
December 2022
|
Right of Use liabilities - minimum lease
payments
|
£
|
£
|
Not later than one year
|
21,382
|
-
|
Later than one year and no later
than five years
|
-
|
-
|
Later than five years
|
-
|
-
|
|
21,382
|
-
|
Future finance charges on right of
use liabilities
|
348
|
-
|
Minimum lease payments
|
21,730
|
-
|
For the year ended 31 December
2023, the total finance charges were £977 (2022: £nil).
The contracted and planned lease
commitments were discounted using a weighted average incremental
borrowing rate of 6%.
The present value of right of use
liabilities is as follows:
|
Group
|
|
|
31 December
2023
|
31
December 2022
|
|
£
|
£
|
Not later than one year
|
22,665
|
-
|
Later than one year and no later
than five years
|
-
|
-
|
Later than five years
|
-
|
-
|
Present value of right of use liabilities
|
22,665
|
-
|
|
|
| |
15. Share Capital and
Share Premium
On 15 December 2010 the
shareholders approved the removal of the Company's authorised share
capital and so there is no limit on the number of shares the
Company is authorised to issue. On that date the shareholders also
approved the removal of the nominal value of the shares, as
permitted under local company legislation. As such all amounts
raised are considered to be share premium.
Issued share capital
Group
|
Number of
shares
|
Share
premium
£
|
Total
£
|
At 1 December 2021
|
336,711,755
|
43,836,855
|
43,836,855
|
Issue of Ordinary Shares - 13
April 2022
Issue of Ordinary Shares - 28
April 2022
Cost of Capital - 28 April
2022
|
5,611,863
85,000,000
-
|
75,760
1,700,000
(88,920)
|
75,760
1,700,000
(88,920)
|
At 31 December 2022
|
427,323,618
|
45,523,695
|
45,523,695
|
Issue of Ordinary Shares - 13
March 2023
Issue of Ordinary Shares - 26
April 2023
Exercise of Warrants - 27 April
2023
|
55,555,554
5,611,863
1,500,000
|
1,250,000
75,760
19,500
|
1,250,000
75,760
19,500
|
Exercise of Warrants - 15 August
2023
|
1,600,000
|
48,000
|
48,000
|
Exercise of Warrants - 15 August
2023
|
773,333
|
26,100
|
26,100
|
Issue of Ordinary Shares - 25
September 2023
|
75,000,000
|
3,000,000
|
3,000,000
|
Exercise of Warrants - 29 November
2023
|
1,876,553
|
24,395
|
24,395
|
Exercise of Options - 8 December
2023
|
500,000
|
20,000
|
20,000
|
Exercise of Options - 8 December
2023
|
500,000
|
27,500
|
27,500
|
Exercise of Warrants - 26 December
2023
|
1,336,875
|
80,213
|
80,213
|
Cost of Capital
|
-
|
(202,904)
|
(202,904)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
571,577,796
|
49,892,259
|
49,892,259
|
On 22 February 2021, the Company
issued and allotted 7,095,510 new Ordinary Shares at a price of 3.9
pence per share as consideration for the purchase of 75% of the
equity of Eclipse Exploration Pty. The Company issued and allotted
a further 7,095,510 new Ordinary Shares at the same price as
payment of a finder's fee in respect of the Eclipse
transaction.
On 20 May 2021, the Company issued
and allotted 1,921,068 new Ordinary Shares at a price of 2.85 pence
per share as consideration for the purchase of 75% of the equity of
Central Menzies. The Company issued and allotted a further
1,921,068 new Ordinary Shares at the same price as payment of a
finder's fee in respect of the Central Menzies
transaction.
On 10 June 2021, pursuant to the
advisory agreement, a fee of US$150,000 settled via the issue of
3,995,238 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 2.65p
were allotted to the Company's Georgian advisor.
On 13 April 2022, following
completion on Pitfield Copper Project, the Company issued 5,611,863
consideration shares to Century Minerals Pty Ltd.
On 28 April 2022, the Company
announced a placing of 85,000,000 new ordinary shares of no par
value, at a price of 2p.
On 13 March 2023 the Company
completed a placing to raise £1.25 million before expenses by way
of a placing of 55,555,554 new ordinary shares of no par value in
the capital at a price of 4p.
On 26 April 2023, following
completion on the Walton Copper-Gold-Lithium Project, the Company
issued 5,611,863 consideration shares.
On 27 April 2023 the Company
received notification from a warrant holder to exercise
warrants over 1,500,000 new ordinary shares of no par value in the
share capital of the Company at a price of 1.3p per
share.
On 15 August 2023, the Company
received notification from a warrant holder to exercise warrants
over 773,333 new ordinary shares of no par value in the share
capital of the Company at a price of 3.375p per share and 1,600,000
new ordinary shares of no par value in the share capital of the
Company at a price of 3p per share. The Company issued new ordinary
shares to the warrant holders for an aggregate cash value of
£74,099.99.
On 25 September 2023, the Company
issued 75,000,000 new ordinary shares at a price of 4p per share
for gross proceeds of £3,000,000.
On 29 November 2023, the Company
received notification from a warrant holder to exercise warrants
over 1,876,553 new ordinary shares of no par value in the share
capital of the Company at a price of 1.3p per share. The Company
issued new ordinary shares to the warrant holders for an aggregate
cash value of £24,395.
On 8 December 2023, the Company
received notification from an option holder to exercise options
over 500,000 new ordinary shares of no par value in the share
capital of the Company at a price of 4p per share and 500,000 new
ordinary shares of no par value in the share capital of the Company
at a price of 5.5p per share. The Company issued new ordinary
shares to the option holders for an aggregate cash value of
£47,500.
On 26 December 2023 the Company
received notification from a warrant holder to exercise
warrants over 1,336,875 new ordinary shares of no par value in the
share capital of the Company at a price of 6p per share.
16. Other
reserves
|
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Foreign currency translation
reserve
|
(365,824)
|
(180,776)
|
Share option reserve
|
1,177,440
|
629,085
|
|
811,616
|
448,309
|
Foreign currency translation
reserve - the foreign currency translation reserve represents the
effect of changes in exchange rates arising from translating
the Financial Statements
of subsidiary undertakings into the Company's
presentation currency.
Share option reserve - the share
option reserve represents the fair value of share options and
warrants in issue. The amounts included are recycled to share
premium on exercise or recycled to retained earnings on expiry.
Note 17 outlines the share based payments made in the
year.
17. Share
Based Payments
Warrants and options outstanding
at 31 December 2023 have the following expiry dates and exercise
prices, and were valued using the Black Scholes model using the
assumptions below:
|
|
|
|
Number
|
Grant date
|
Expiry date
|
Exercise
price in £ per share
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
30 July 2018
|
26 July 2023
|
0.1400
|
|
-
|
1,000,000
|
30 July 2018
|
26 July 2023
|
0.2000
|
|
-
|
1,000,000
|
1 July 2019
|
30 June 2024
|
0.0130
|
|
-
|
3,376,553
|
1 February 2021
|
31 January 2025
|
0.0400
|
|
10,000,000
|
10,500,000
|
1 February 2021
|
31 January 2025
|
0.0550
|
|
10,000,000
|
10,500,000
|
18 February 2021
|
22 February 2023
|
0.0470
|
|
-
|
14,191,020
|
20 April 2022
|
20 April 2026
|
0.0250
|
|
2,500,000
|
2,500,000
|
20 April 2022
|
20 April 2026
|
0.0350
|
|
2,500,000
|
2,500,000
|
20 April 2022
|
20 April 2026
|
0.0500
|
|
2,500,000
|
2,500,000
|
28 July 2022
|
29 July 2024
|
0.0300
|
|
-
|
1,600,000
|
22 March 2023
|
22 March 2028
|
0.0250
|
|
14,250,000
|
-
|
22 March 2023
|
22 March 2028
|
0.0300
|
|
14,250,000
|
-
|
25 September 2023
|
24 September 2025
|
0.0600
|
|
70,000
|
-
|
29 November 2023
|
28 November 2028
|
0.0860
|
|
8,400,000
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
64,470,000
|
49,667,573
|
|
2019
Warrants
|
Granted on:
|
1/7/2019
|
Life (years)
|
5
years
|
Share price on grant
date
|
1.05p
|
Risk free rate
|
0.42%
|
Expected volatility
|
40.97%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
-
|
Exercise price
|
1.3p
|
Marketability discount
|
20%
|
Total fair value (£)
|
8,292
|
|
2021
Options
|
2021
Options
|
2021
Warrants
|
Granted on:
|
01/02/2021
|
01/02/2021
|
18/02/2021
|
Life (years)
|
4
years
|
4
years
|
2
years
|
Share price on grant
date
|
3.45p
|
3.45p
|
3.7p
|
Risk free rate
|
1.75%
|
1.75%
|
1.75%
|
Expected volatility
|
98,49%
|
98,49%
|
92.17%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercise price
|
4p
|
5.5p
|
4.7p
|
Marketability discount
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
Total fair value (£)
|
192,016
|
176,292
|
181,818
|
|
2022
Options
|
2022
Options
|
2022
Options
|
Granted on:
|
20/04/2022
|
20/04/2022
|
20/04/2022
|
Life (years)
|
4
years
|
4
years
|
4
years
|
Share price on grant
date
|
1.7p
|
1.7p
|
1.7p
|
Risk free rate
|
1.75%
|
1.75%
|
1.75%
|
Expected volatility
|
94.08%
|
94.08%
|
94.08%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercise price
|
2.5p
|
3.5p
|
5p
|
Marketability discount
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
Total fair value (£)
|
20,289
|
18,149
|
15,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022
Warrants
|
2023 Warrants
|
2023
Options
|
Granted on:
|
28/07/2022
|
13/03/2023
|
22/03/2023
|
Life (years)
|
2
years
|
2
years
|
5
years
|
Share price on grant
date
|
1.125p
|
2.5p
|
2.1p
|
Risk free rate
|
1.75%
|
3.27%
|
3.37%
|
Expected volatility
|
95.86%
|
100.34%
|
102.16%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercise price
|
3p
|
3.4
|
2.5p
|
Marketability discount
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
Total fair value (£)
|
3,953
|
7,200
|
178,566
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
2023
Options
|
2023
Warrants
|
2023
Options
|
Granted on:
|
|
22/03/2023
|
25/09/2023
|
29/11/2023
|
Life (years)
|
|
5
years
|
2
years
|
5
years
|
Share price on grant
date
|
|
2.1p
|
4.2p
|
8.6p
|
Risk free rate
|
|
3.37%
|
3.27%
|
3.37%
|
Expected volatility
|
|
102.16%
|
106.22%
|
93.06%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Exercise price
|
|
3p
|
6p
|
8.6p
|
Marketability discount
|
|
20%
|
20%
|
20%
|
Total fair value (£)
|
|
172,888
|
22,721
|
419,819
|
The risk free rate of return is
based on zero yield government bonds for a term consistent with the
warrant and option life. Volatility is calculated using an
average of the Company's share price 6 months prior to the granted
date.
The movement of options and
warrants for the year to 31 December 2023 is shown
below:
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Number
|
Weighted average exercise
price (£)
|
|
Number
|
Weighted
average exercise price (£)
|
As at 1 January
|
49,667,573
|
0.05
|
|
55,155,481
|
0.06
|
Granted
|
39,080,208
|
0.04
|
|
9,100,000
|
0.04
|
Exercised
|
(8,086,761)
|
(0.004)
|
|
-
|
-
|
Expired
|
(16,191,020)
|
(0.02)
|
|
(14,587,908)
|
(0.02)
|
Outstanding as at 31
December
|
64,470,000
|
0.04
|
|
49,667,573
|
0.05
|
Exercisable at 31
December
|
64,470,000
|
0.04
|
|
49,667,573
|
0.05
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Range of exercise prices
(£)
|
Weighted average exercise
price (£)
|
Number of
shares
|
Weighted average remaining
life expected (years)
|
Weighted average remaining
life contracted (years)
|
Weighted
average exercise price (£)
|
Number
of shares
|
Weighted
average remaining life expected (years)
|
Weighted
average remaining life contracted (years)
|
0.013 - 0.2
|
0.04
|
64,470,000
|
3
|
3
|
0.05
|
49,667,573
|
3
|
3
|
The total fair value charged to
the statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31
December 2023 and included in administrative expenses was £801,194
(2022: £58,220).
18. Other
losses
|
Group
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Impairment of intangible assets
(Note 9)
|
(527,245)
|
(114,587)
|
|
(527,245)
|
(114,587)
|
19. Employees
|
Group
|
|
2023
£
|
2022
£
|
Salaries and wages
|
106,011
|
27,030
|
Pensions
|
11,425
|
2,737
|
|
117,436
|
29,767
|
The average monthly number of
employees during the year was 3 (2022: 2).
20.
Directors' Remuneration
|
|
For the year ended 31
December 2023
|
|
|
Short term
benefits
£
|
Post-Employment
benefits
£
|
Share based
payment
£
|
Total
£
|
Executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Shaun Bunn
|
215,000
|
-
|
263,257
|
478,257
|
Gregory Kuenzel
|
170,333
|
5,110
|
202,603
|
378,046
|
Non-executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Neil O'Brien
|
58,500
|
-
|
142,124
|
200,624
|
Peter Damouni
|
52,500
|
-
|
126,294
|
178,794
|
|
496,333
|
5,110
|
734,278
|
1,235,721
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
For the year ended 31
December 2022
|
|
|
Short term
benefits
£
|
Post-Employment
benefits
£
|
Share based
payment
£
|
Total
£
|
Executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Shaun Bunn
|
156,250
|
-
|
54,267
|
210,517
|
Michael Struthers*
|
57,625
|
-
|
-
|
57,625
|
Gregory Kuenzel
|
74,000
|
2,220
|
-
|
76,220
|
Non-executive Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Neil O'Brien
|
30,000
|
-
|
-
|
30,000
|
Peter Damouni
|
22,000
|
-
|
-
|
22,000
|
|
339,875
|
2,220
|
54,267
|
396,362
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
*Resigned 8 June 2022
21. Earnings
per Share
Continuing
operations
The calculation of the total basic
losses per share of 0.560 pence (2022: loss 0.292 pence)
is based on the losses attributable to equity
owners of the group of £2,796,461
(2022: £1,162,720) and on the weighted average number
of ordinary shares of 498,087,397 (2022: 398,508,796) in issue during
the period.
In accordance with IAS 33, basic
and diluted earnings per share are identical in 2023 as the effect
of the exercise of share options or warrants would be to decrease
the loss per share as the entity is loss making, these instruments
are anti-dilutive.
22.
Commitments
(a) Work programme commitment
The Eclipse Mining Licence has an
annual minimum expenditure commitment of AUD$30,300.
The Pitfield/Walton Projects have
an annual minimum expenditure commitment of AUD$435,500 across all
licences.
(b) Royalty agreements
As part of the contractual
arrangement with Kibe No.1 Investments Limited the Group has agreed
to pay a royalty on revenue from gold sales arising from gold mines
developed by Noricum Gold AT GmbH and covered by licenses acquired
by Kibe No.1 Investments Limited. Under the terms of the Royalty
Agreement between Kibe No.1 Investments Limited and Noricum Gold AT
GmbH, the Group shall pay royalties, based on total ounces of gold
sold, equal to US$1 for every US$250 of the sale price per
ounce.
(c) Lease agreements
During the period Eclipse
Exploration Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Metals
Limited, entered into a two year office lease of AUD$40,575 per
annum. At the year end the commitment amounted to AUD$39,923.
Please refer to Note 14.
23. Financial
instruments
Financial instruments measured at fair
value
The fair value hierarchy of
financial instruments measured at fair value is provided below. The
different levels have been defined as follows:
- Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities (level 1),
- Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that
are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly (level 2),
- Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on
observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level
3).
Cost may be an appropriate
estimation of fair value at the measurement date only in limited
circumstances, such as for a pre-revenue entity when there is no
catalyst for change in fair value, or the transaction date is
relatively close to the measurement date. The financial asset
relates to costs incurred with the acquisition of an option to
invest in a 75% holding of Eclipse Exploration PTY. Further detail
can be found in note 9.
Group
At the year end, the Company had
no assets held at fair value with the exception of the asset held
for sale. Refer to Note 11 for further detail. There were no assets
held at fair value as at 31 December 2022.
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
Assets per Statement of Financial Position
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
At amortised
cost
|
Total
|
Trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments)
|
280,982
|
280,982
|
51,465
|
51,465
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
2,752,187
|
2,752,187
|
1,467,769
|
1,467,769
|
Total
|
3,033,169
|
3,033,169
|
1,519,234
|
1,519,234
|
Liabilities per Statement of Financial
Position
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
(excluding accruals)
|
341,533
|
341,533
|
73,720
|
73,720
|
Total
|
341,533
|
341,533
|
73,720
|
73,720
|
24. Related
Party Transactions
Loans provided by Parent Company
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £12,803 (2022: £10,933) from Kibe No.2
Investments Limited. No interest was charged on the
loans.
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £696,226 (2022: £696,186) from European
Mining Services Limited.
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £6,472,444 (2022: £4,376,213) from Eclipse
Exploration Pty Ltd.
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £155,325 (2022: £145,325) from Noricum AT
GmbH.
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £53,202 (2022: £51,602) from GMC Investments
Limited.
Loans provided by Kibe No.2 Investments
Limited
As at 31 December 2023 there were
amounts receivable of £754,517 (2022: £754,517) from Noricum AT
GmbH.
All intra-group transactions are
eliminated on consolidation.
Other Transactions
Westend Corporate LLP, an entity
in which Gregory Kuenzel is a partner, was paid a fee of £73,858
(2022: £84,040) for accounting and corporate services to the Group.
At the year end there was nothing outstanding (2022:
£7,124).
MOAR Consulting Inc, an entity in
which Neil O'Brien is a beneficiary provided geological consulting
services to Eclipse Exploration Pty Ltd. Total charges for the year
ended 31 December 2023 were CAD$84,717 (2022: £0)
Silvergate Capital Partners Ltd an
entity in which Peter Damouni is a beneficiary, was paid a fee of
£15,000 (2022: £0) for business development services to the
Group.
During the period invoices
totalling AUD$38,439 were paid to Century Minerals Pty Ltd (2022:
AUD$119,918).
25. Ultimate
Controlling Party
The Directors believe there to be
no ultimate controlling party.
26. Events
after the Reporting Date
On 22 January 2024 the Company
completed a placing to raise £3 million before expenses by way of a
placing of 27,272,728 new ordinary shares of no par value in the
capital.
On 29 February 2024 the Company
agreed to issue options over a total of 8,500,00 ordinary shares of
no-par value to employees of the Group.
On 26 April 2024, it was announced
management had undertaken an assessment of the Company's
non-core assets and as a consequence decided not to extend the
completion date for the acquisition of the Stavely Project, located
in Victoria, which expired on 6 April 2024, and as a
consequence the acquisition has been terminated.