TIDMRLD
RNS Number : 2185N
Richland Resources Ltd
07 August 2017
7 August 2017
Richland Resources Ltd
("Richland" or the "Company")
Interim Results for the half-year ended 30 June 2017
(unaudited)
Richland (AIM: RLD), the Australian sapphire producer and
gemstones developer, announces its unaudited interim results for
the half year ended 30 June 2017.
Highlights:
Financial Summary
-- US$1.18 million total income representing a 66 per cent.
increase compared to H1 2016 (US$0.71 million)
o Income includes an Export Market Development Grant received of
US$38,000 (H1 2016: US$ Nil)
o Income includes fuel rebates of US$60,000 (H1 2016:
US$67,000)
-- 15% negative gross margin (110% negative gross margin in H1 2016)
-- Operating loss of US$0.96 million (H1 2016: US$1.46 million loss)
-- As at 30 June 2017
o US$0.3 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents
o US$4.2 million of total assets
o US$1.1 million of total current assets
o US$3.1 million of total non-current assets
Operational Summary - Capricorn Sapphire mine, Queensland,
Australia
-- Mine ramp-up process completed during Q2 2017
o Q2 2017 production target of 1.2 million carats ("cts")
achieved
-- 1.96 million cts produced during H1 2017 comprising:
o 0.70 million cts produced during Q1 2017
o 1.26 million cts produced during Q2 2017
-- 114.3 thousand tonnes of material processed during H1 2017
o 42.4 thousand tonnes during Q1 2017
o 71.9 thousand tonnes during Q2 2017
-- Average grade of 17.2 cts per tonne achieved for H1 2017
-- Approximately US$341,000 revenue achieved from the following sales concluded during Q1 2017
o 177,000 cts of mid to higher quality sapphires sold at an
average price of US$1.73 / ct
o 691,000 cts of lower quality rough, untreated corundum and
sapphire sold at an average price of 5 cents / ct
-- Approximately, US$689,000 revenue achieved from the following sales concluded during Q2 2017
o 163,000 cts of mid to higher quality sapphires sold at an
average price of US$3.89 / ct
o 231,000 carats of lower quality rough, untreated corundum and
sapphire sold at an average price of 23 cents / ct
-- Project-level costs for Capricorn Sapphire of approximately US$647,000 for Q1 2017
o Production and Operating costs of US$497,000 (net of quarterly
fuel rebate of US$23,000)
o Production and Operating costs excludes, interest, royalties,
tax, depreciation and amortisation
o Capex cost in relation to ramp-up infrastructure work of
US$150,000
o Average project-level cost per carat of US$0.93 / ct including
Capex costs
-- Project-level costs for Capricorn Sapphire of approximately US$780,000 for Q2 2017
o Production and Operating costs of US$703,000 (net of quarterly
fuel rebate of US$37,000)
o Production and Operating costs excludes, interest, royalties,
tax, depreciation and amortisation
o Capex cost in relation to final ramp-up infrastructure work of
US$77,000
o Average project level cost per carat of US$0.62 / ct including
Capex costs
-- Marketing activity: First Capricorn Sapphire Sightholders appointed
o Entered into both a sightholder agreement and an exclusivity
and supply agreement for the project's production of green
sapphires with Royal Touch LLC ("Royal Touch") and a sightholder
agreement with China Stone Co, Ltd ("China Stone")
Corporate
-- Settlement of certain outstanding director's fees via the issue of 1,371,576 common shares
Post Period Update
-- Maiden JORC Resource of EPM 25973
o Maiden independent inferred JORC resource of 5 million loose
cubic meters ("lcm") of sapphire bearing gravel at an estimated
average grade of 3.5 grammes per lcm (17.5 carats per lcm)
estimated for Capricorn's exploration licence EPM 25973
o Resource estimation equates to approximately 87.5 million
carats in the ground
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer, Bernard
Olivier said:
"During Q2 2017, as well as achieving our ramp-up target of 1.2
million carats per quarter, our Q2 revenue covered over 95% of our
Q2 Production and Operating costs for the Capricorn Sapphire
project as we implemented the final ramp-up stage.
"I would particularly like to draw shareholders' attention to
the quarterly production and sales breakdown. Operational ramp-up
and sales initiatives have combined to enable us to mine both more
efficiently and achieve higher revenue for our product as we seek
to develop our brand. The quarterly comparisons within the period
serve to demonstrate that we can maximise margins from a steady run
of mine rate at Capricorn Sapphire.
"Richland remains firmly on schedule to achieve operational
profitability from July 2017 onwards at its Australian Sapphire
operations, as previously guided."
For further information, please contact:
Bernard Olivier Edward Nealon Mike Allardice
Chief Executive Chairman Group Company secretary
Officer +61 409 969 955 +852 91 864 854
+61 4089 48182
Laurence Read Nominated Adviser Broker (AIM)
Corporate Development (AIM) Shore Capital Stockbrokers
and Communications Strand Hanson Ltd
Officer Limited Jerry Keen (corporate
+44 (0)20 3289 James Harris broking)
9923 Matthew Chandler Toby Gibbs / Mark
James Dance Percy (corporate
+44 (0) 20 7409 finance)
3494 +44 (0) 20 7408
4090
Note to Editors:
Further information is available on the Company's website:
www.richlandresourcesltd.com. Neither the contents of the Company's
website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks
on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated
into, or forms part of, this announcement.
Chairman's Statement
Dear Shareholder,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Group's
unaudited results for the six months to 30 June 2017 and to update
you on the Company's progress.
During the reporting period, we have successfully implemented
the final phase of our production ramp-up to a run rate of
approximately 1.2 million carats per quarter at our Capricorn
Sapphire mine in Queensland, Australia. During the period, as part
of the ramp-up process, capital expenditure of approximately
US$227,000 was committed to infrastructure development and
improvement works.
Despite the final phase ramp-up process, we have also managed to
further enhance recoveries and minimise costs with the production
and operating costs per carat falling from 0.71 cents in Q1 to 0.56
cents in Q2. These production and operating costs figures exclude
interest, royalties, tax, depreciation and amortisation.
During the period, we also launched our new Capricorn Sapphire
Sightholder Sales System with the appointments of Royal Touch LLC
("Royal Touch") and China Stone Co, Ltd as Capricorn Sapphire
Sightholders. In addition, we entered into an Exclusivity and
Supply agreement with Royal Touch in respect of fully heated green
sapphires. Under the terms of this agreement, Capricorn Sapphire is
now supplying Royal Touch with all of the Company's production of
heated green sapphires on an exclusive basis for the majority of
the size fractions. We are also currently working on developing
further sales and marketing channels.
As the Capricorn Sapphire Project approaches profitability, the
Company will now focus greater attention on its exploration and
expansion work, primarily in Central Queensland but also through
the evaluation and potential acquisition of new additional projects
in order to continue our growth plan for Richland into becoming a
world-leading gemstone and associated minerals producer.
I am delighted with the group's progress and the team's
considerable efforts during the period and look forward to the
further development of our sales channels.
Mr Edward Nealon
Non-Executive Chairman
7 August 2017
1. Financial Performance
Revenue for the period was US$1.08 million compared to US$0.64
million in H1 2016, representing an increase of approximately 69
per cent. Revenue comprises US$1.03 million from Sapphire and
Corundum sales and US$50,000 from online sales. During H1 2017,
US$38,000 was received from an Australian Export Marketing
Development grant and US$60,000 as fuel rebates from the Australian
fuel tax scheme.
Operating loss for the period decreased by approximately 34 per
cent., from US$1.455 million in H1 2016 to US$0.964 million
primarily as a result of the increase in revenue. The operating
loss reflects the significant costs associated with the final phase
of mine ramp-up at the Capricorn Sapphire project.
The Company had net unrestricted cash available of US$0.3
million at the period end compared to US$0.4 million as at H1
2016.
Total non-current assets were US$3.1 million at the period end,
which primarily reflects the acquisition costs and capital
expenditure associated with the Capricorn Sapphire project.
2. Operational Overview
2.1 Capricorn Sapphire Project
Production and Sales
Sapphire production totalling approximately 1.96 million cts was
achieved in the first half of 2017 during the mine ramp-up process.
A total of 114,300 tonnes of sapphire-bearing alluvial gravels were
extracted and processed at an average grade of approximately 17.2
cts per tonne. Production comprised 0.70 million cts during Q1 2017
whilst 1.26 million cts were produced during Q2 2017.
During the period, 1.262 million cts were sold at an average
price of US$0.81 per ct resulting in total revenue for the period
of US$1.03 million from sapphire and corundum sales of which
US$0.341 million was achieved in Q1 and US$0.689 million in Q2,
representing a 102 per cent. increase in quarter on quarter
revenue. A total of 341,000 cts of mid to higher quality sapphires
were sold at an average price of US$2.77 per ct, whilst 922,000 cts
of lower quality, rough and untreated sapphire and corundum was
sold at an average price of 10 cents per ct.
H1 2017 Production and Operating costs totalled US$1.2 million,
net of quarterly fuel rebates. Production and Operating costs
exclude, interest, royalties, tax, depreciation and amortisation.
Production and Operating costs increased 41 per cent. from
US$497,000 in Q1 to US$703,000 in Q2 whilst the estimated average
cost per carat fell from US$0.71 in Q1 to US$0.56 in Q2. Average
project-level costs, inclusive of Capex infrastructure costs
associated with the final ramp-up phase, fell from US$0.93 per
carat in Q1 to US$0.62 per carat in Q2.
Infrastructure upgrade
During the period, further improvements were made to all aspects
of the Capricorn Sapphire project's operations, including
improvements to the processing plant, tailings dam and water
re-treatment infrastructure, mining operations and a sorting
facility, in order to achieve the planned final mine ramp-up
production rate of in excess of 1.2 million cts per quarter.
Appointment of First Sightholders and Exclusivity Agreement
During the period, the Company implemented its Capricorn
Sapphire Sightholder Sales System with the appointment of Royal
Touch LLC ("Royal Touch") and China Stone Co, Ltd as Capricorn
Sapphire Sightholders. In addition, the Company entered into an
Exclusivity and Supply agreement with Royal Touch in respect of its
fully heated green sapphires. Under the terms of this agreement,
Capricorn Sapphire are now supplying Royal Touch with all of the
Company's production of heated green sapphires on an exclusive
basis for the majority of the size fractions. Such sapphires are
heated at Capricorn Sapphire's beneficiation facility in Thailand.
As part of the agreement the Company is also guaranteeing Royal
Touch a minimum monthly supply of heated green sapphires to enable
it to commit to the marketing and market development of such rare
and exceptional coloured sapphires.
2.2 Online sales
The online sales division (www.richlandgemstones.com) was
re-launched in June 2016 and a selection of exotic sapphires from
our mine production is available for sale through our dedicated
website. Sales revenue achieved via the online sales division was
down approximately 29 per cent. in H1 2017 compared to H1 2016,
from US$70,000 to US$50,000. Consequently, the online sales
division made an approximate loss of US$27,500 and the Company is
therefore currently reviewing the feasibility of this division, its
future prospects and its contribution to the market and brand
development for Capricorn Sapphire. The online sales division
currently continues to source both tanzanite and tanzanite
jewellery from the Merelani tanzanite deposit which is also
available for sale on the website.
3. Corporate Activity
On 19 April 2017, the Company announced the conversion and
satisfaction of certain unpaid director's fees for the period 1
April 2016 to 1 April 2017 through the issue of 1,371,576 new
common shares in order to conserve the Company's cash resources.
These shares were issued at a price of 1.74 pence per new common
share representing an approximate premium of 132 per cent. to the
Company's closing mid-market share price of 0.75 pence on 18 April
2017.
During H1 2017, the Company launched its social media sites
(www.facebook.com/Australiansapphire and @Aussapphire Twitter
handle) as well as releasing a promotional video to showcase its
Capricorn Sapphire operations, created for both investors and
consumers alike. This informative video can be viewed on the
Company's website homepage at: www.richlandresourcesltd.com.
4. Post Period End
The Company announced earlier today receipt of a maiden
independent JORC Inferred Resource estimate of 5 million loose
cubic metres ("lcm") of sapphire bearing gravel at an estimated
average grade of 3.5 g per lcm (17.5 carats per lcm) for Capricorn
Sapphire Pty Ltd's wholly owned EPM 25973 exploration licence,
which was commissioned earlier this year based on a review of
historic third party exploration work conducted on the licence
area. This Resource estimation equates to approximately 87.5
million carats in the ground. As announced previously, the
exploration licence was granted by the Queensland Government in
November 2015 and is located adjacent to known sapphire producing
areas and RA1 Areas (restricted areas earmarked for sapphire mining
and fossicking with the grant of exploration licences within the
area prohibited). This exploration licence, together with the EMP
25978 licence awarded at the same time, were previously identified
and selected as hosting sapphire bearing palaeo-alluvial terraces
with adjoining reworked colluvial and alluvial deposits. Historical
sampling of the terraces by third parties recovered sapphire
samples from the basal gravels.
Licence EPM 25973 has an exploration area of 39 sub-blocks (133
square kilometres) located within the Anakie sapphire deposit in
Central Queensland within 45km of the Company's existing Nardoo
operations.
Glossary
ct carat JORC Australasian code for
Code reporting of Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves
dollar United States tonne 1 Metric tonne (1,000kg)
or US$ Dollar
g/t grammes per lcm loose cubic metre
tonne, measurement
unit of grade
(1g/t = 1 part
per m)
Financial Statements
Richland Resources Ltd
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss
For the Half Year ended 30 June 2017
(Unaudited)
H1 2017 H1 2016 FY 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000
======== ========= ========
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue 1,078 639 1,347
Cost of sales (1,240) (1,341) (3,033)
======== ========= ========
Gross loss (162) (702) (1,686)
Gross margin % (15%) (110%) (125%)
Other income 98 67 489
Operating expenses (900) (820) (1,754)
======== ========= ========
Operating loss (964) (1,455) (2,951)
Financing costs paid (2) (6) (46)
======== ========= ========
Loss before income tax (966) (1,461) (2,997)
Income tax credit/(charge) - - -
======== ========= ========
Loss after income tax from
continuing operations (966) (1,461) (2,997)
======== ========= ========
Basic and diluted EPS from
continuing operations (cents
per share) (0.23) (0.67) (1.36)
Richland Resources Ltd
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2017 (Unaudited)
H1 2017 H1 2016 FY 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000
========= ========= =========
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 3,080 3,248 2,952
Intangible assets 35 84 31
========= ========= =========
Total non-current assets 3,115 3,332 2,983
========= ========= =========
Current assets
Inventories 154 363 136
Trade and other receivables 288 254 226
Restricted cash 292 396 274
Cash and cash equivalents 299 440 326
========= ========= =========
1,033 1,453 962
========= ========= =========
Non-current assets and
Disposed Group classified
as held for sale 50 50 50
========= ========= =========
Total current assets 1,083 1,503 1,012
========= ========= =========
Total assets 4,198 4,835 3,995
========= ========= =========
Equity
Share capital 125 67 67
Share premium 53,836 51,875 51,875
Share option reserve 85 - 47
Foreign currency translation
reserve 117 (94) 27
Accumulated loss (50,805) (48,303) (49,839)
========= ========= =========
Total equity 3,358 3,545 2,177
========= ========= =========
Non-current liabilities
Provision for environmental
rehabilitation 261 354 237
Trade and other payables - 30 29
========= ========= =========
Total non-current liabilities 261 384 266
========= ========= =========
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 494 471 937
Interest-bearing borrowings - 350 530
494 821 1,467
========= ========= =========
Liabilities associated
with Disposed Group classified
as held for sale 85 85 85
========= ========= =========
Total current liabilities 579 906 1,552
========= ========= =========
Total liabilities 840 1,290 1,818
========= ========= =========
Total equity and liabilities 4,198 4,835 3,995
========= ========= =========
Richland Resources Ltd
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Half Year Ended 30 June 2017
(Unaudited)
H1 2017 H1 2016 FY 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000
======== ========= ========
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash absorbed by operations (771) (1,371) (1,727)
Financing cost (paid)/received (9) 5 5
Net cash used in operating
activities (780) (1,366) (1,722)
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (258) (122) (100)
Purchase of intangible
assets (2) (5) (7)
Transfer to restricted
cash - - 116
Net cash (used in)/provided
by investing activities (260) (127) 9
Cash flows from financing
activities
Cash proceeds from issue 1,025 - -
of shares
Proceeds from convertible
loans - 350 500
Net cash generated from
financing activities 1,025 350 500
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents (15) (1,143) (1,213)
======== ========= ========
Movement in cash and cash
equivalents
Exchange losses (12) 19 (25)
At the beginning of the
period 359 1,597 1,597
Decrease (15) (1,143) (1,213)
======== ========= ========
At the end of the period 332 473 359
======== ========= ========
Cash and cash equivalents
- continuing operations 299 440 326
======== ========= ========
Cash and cash equivalents
net of borrowings included
in asset from Disposed
Group classified as held
for sale 33 33 33
======== ========= ========
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR SSLFAMFWSEDA
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