TIDMSLP
RNS Number : 4867M
Sylvania Platinum Limited
30 April 2018
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30 April 2018
Sylvania Platinum Limited
("Sylvania", "the Company" or "the Group")
AIM (SLP)
Third Quarter Report to 31 March 2018
The Directors are pleased to present the results for the quarter
ended 31 March 2018 ("Q3" or the "quarter"). Unless otherwise
stated, the consolidated financial information contained in this
report is presented in USD.
Achievements
-- Positive group cash balance for the quarter, increasing 38%
from $12.6 million to $17.4 million;
-- SDO delivered 16,857 4E PGM ounces for Q3;
-- Highest monthly production of 6,631 4E PGM ounces achieved in March 2018;
-- Revenue generated for the quarter improved 3% to $14.5
million, net of pipeline sales adjustments on the back of a
stronger PGM basket price;
-- The Group achieved a net profit after tax of $1.1 million for the quarter; and
-- Positive Group EBITDA of $3.4 million for Q3.
Challenges
-- PGM ounce production is 3% lower than Q2 after a challenging
start in January 2018, however the monthly production trend
improved steadily by around 1,000 ounces month-on-month for the
quarter;
-- Lower PGM feed grades at Millsell and Mooinooi during
December 2017 and January 2018, and the decision to delay the
construction of the Tweefontein MF2 module due to power supply
constraints necessitated the production guidance revision during
the quarter, now between 71,000 ounces and 75,000 ounces for
FY2018; and
-- Group cash costs increased 10% quarter-on-quarter in ZAR
terms to ZAR7,916/ounce ($662/ounce), primarily due to lower PGM
ounces produced during January.
Opportunities
-- Improved gross basket price of $1,141/ounce for the quarter,
a 7% increase on Q2 ($1,067/ounce) due to higher Platinum and
Palladium prices, mitigated the impact of the lower PGM ounce
production during Q3;
-- Company remains debt free with a positive Group cash balance
enabling the funding of the remaining modules of Project Echo from
existing cash resources;
-- Cost and PGM recovery optimisation initiatives continue at
the Lesedi operation and have resulted in the operation
contributing profitable PGM ounces following the take-over by
Sylvania in November 2017; and
-- PGM grade and recovery optimisation initiatives,
incorporating proprietary processing modifications at Millsell,
Doornbosch and Tweefontein operations, have been identified to
mitigate negative impact on PGM ounce production associated with
the Tweefontein MF2 delay, supporting the forecast production
profile.
Commenting on the Q3 results, Sylvania's CEO Terry McConnachie
said:
"January 2018 was a particularly difficult month due to the
impact of the delays with a license at our newly constructed
Millsell tailings facility. When the permissions were eventually
received to use the new tailings facility, nearly barren waste
slime on top of the dump had to be processed first. All credit to
our team for overcoming this problem towards the end of the third
quarter. Once we migrated down into the higher grade feed the
project rapidly started generating increased ounces, resulting in
March being our highest ever ounce production month with 6,631
ounces. This record production will help make up ounces in the
fourth quarter in order to meet the revised guidance of 71,000 to
75,000 ounces."
USD ZAR
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ --------------------------------------------------------------
Q2 2018 Q3 2018 % Change Unit Unaudited Unit % Change Q3 2018 Q2 2018
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
573,064 561,973 -2% T Plant Feed T -2% 561,973 573,064
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
2.47 2.50 1% g/t Feed Head Grade g/t 1% 2.50 2.47
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
PGM Plant Feed
309,993 318,808 3% T Tons T 3% 318,808 309,993
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
PGM Plant Feed
3.56 3.53 -1% g/t Grade g/t -1% 3.53 3.56
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
PGM Plant
46.43% 46.53% 0% % Recovery % 0% 46.53% 46.43%
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
17,302 16,857 -3% Oz Total 4E PGMs Oz -3% 16,857 17,302
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
23,199 22,017 -5% Oz Total 6E PGMs Oz -5% 22,017 23,199
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Average gross
1,067 1,141 7% $/oz basket price R/oz -4% 13,503 14,084
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Financials
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
12,331 12,759 3% $'000 Revenue (4E) R'000 -9% 152,634 167,752
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Revenue (by
891 1,302 46% $'000 products) R'000 28% 15,576 12,123
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
834 407 -51% $'000 Sales adjustments R'000 -57% 4,872 11,349
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
14,056 14,468 3% $'000 Net revenue R'000 -9% 173,082 191,223
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
8,787 10,587 20% $'000 Operating costs R'000 6% 126,648 119,543
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
4,876 3,363 -31% $'000 Group EBITDA R'000 -40% 39,996 66,329
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
58 143 147% $'000 Net Interest R'000 117% 1,708 788
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
2,707 1,111 -59% $'000 Net profit R'000 -64% 13,292 36,827
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Capital
2,687 2,016 -25% $'000 Expenditure R'000 -34% 24,119 36,550
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
- - - R/$ Ave R/$ rate R/$ -12% 11.96 13.60
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Unit
Cost/Efficiencies
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
SDO Cash Cost
Per 4E PGM
507 615 21% $/oz oz R/oz 7% 7,355 6,903
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
SDO Cash Cost
Per 6E PGM
378 471 25% $/oz oz R/oz 9% 5,631 5,148
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Group Cash
Cost Per 4E
528 662 25% $/oz PGM oz R/oz 10% 7,916 7,177
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
Group Cash
Cost Per 6E
393 507 29% $/oz PGM oz R/oz 13% 6,061 5,353
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
All-in sustaining
574 682 19% $/oz cost (4E) R/oz 4% 8,154 7,812
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
All-in cost
683 781 14% $/oz (4E) R/oz 1% 9,343 9,285
--------------------- --------------------------- --------- ------ ------------------ ------ --------- -------------------------- -----------------------
1 The Sylvania cash generating subsidiaries are incorporated in
South Africa with the functional currency of these operations being
ZAR. Revenues from the sale of PGMs are incurred in USD and then
converted into ZAR. The Group's reporting currency is USD as the
parent company is incorporated in Bermuda. Corporate and general
and administration costs are incurred in USD, GBP and ZAR.
A. OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
Health, safety and environment
There were no significant health or environmental incidents
during the quarter, and the Lannex operation reached a three year
LTI-free milestone in January 2018. Lesedi, Tweefontein and
Doornbosch operations, already more than five years LTI-free,
continue their excellent performance.
Operational performance
After a challenging start to the quarter, most operations
performed well during March 2018, which delivered the highest
monthly PGM ounce production to date, and we are now well
positioned to meet our revised guidance.
The recently commissioned MF2 modules at Millsell and Doornbosch
stabilised during the last quarter, with Lesedi also improving on
the previous quarter's production, contributing approximately 2,181
ounces towards the combined SDO production of 16,857 ounces for
Q3.
Although PGM feed was 3% up compared to the previous quarter,
and PGM plant feed grades and recoveries remained consistent, the
Q3 declared PGM ounces were approximately 3% lower due to a work in
progress that was delivered in Q2.
The SDO cash costs for the period in ZAR terms increased
approximately 7% to ZAR7,355/ounce, mainly as a result of lower PGM
ounce production. In USD terms cash costs increased by 21% to
$615/ounce, due to the additional impact of a 12% strengthening in
the ZAR/USD exchange rate during the period.
Operational challenges
There were primarily two factors that had a negative impact on
PGM ounce production during the quarter:
-- The Millsell operation experienced lower PGM feed grades and
feed instability following the new tailings dam commissioning delay
and temporary hydro-mining upset which occurred between July 2017
and January 2018 and which only started to normalise during
February 2018. This situation was a result of the delayed water use
licence authorisation by authorities which was announced in the
half-year results.
-- Production issues at the host mines, following a slow ramp-up
after their Christmas break which resulted in lower-than-planned
current arisings at Millsell and Mooinooi, as well as
lower-than-planned RoM feed during the quarter, impacted negatively
on PGM plant feed grades and ounce production. Our operations
responded by increasing dump feed to the plants, but due to the
typical lower PGM grade and recovery potential of the dump material
compared to that of current arisings and RoM, the PGM ounce
production was negatively impacted at these sites.
B. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Financial performance
The Gross basket price for PGMs for the quarter was
$1,141/ounce, a 7% improvement on Q2's $1,067/ounce. Despite the
lower ounce production, the Group recorded a 3% increase in revenue
from $14.1 million to $14.5 million (including the sales adjustment
for the quarter) due to the increase in the basket price.
The cost of sales for the quarter was in line with the Group's
budget and amounted to ZAR127 million (including depreciation). The
increased Group cash cost of ZAR7,916 per 4E ounce, up 10% on the
previous quarter, is a result of the lower ounces produced. The
benefit of the Millsell and Doornbosch MF2 modules has been seen in
the March 2018 Group cash cost per ounce with a 16% improvement on
that of January 2018.
The all-in sustaining cost for the Group was 4% higher than the
Q2 cost at ZAR8,154/ounce (Q2: ZAR7,812/ounce) due to the higher
production costs per ounce during the quarter. The Group all-in
cost of ZAR9,343/ounce for Q3 remained constant against Q2.
Interest is earned on surplus cash invested in South Africa at
an average interest rate of 7% per annum. Cash is held in ZAR to
fund the remainder of Project Echo and other strategic production
optimisation projects as and when identified.
The Group cash balance at 31 March 2018 was $17.4 million
(including guarantees), a $4.8 million increase on the previous
quarter's $12.6 million. Cash generated from operations before
working capital movements was $2.9 million with net changes in
working capital amounting to an increase of $6.4 million. An amount
of $2.02 million was spent on capital expenditure projects
including Project Echo. The impact of exchange rate fluctuations on
cash held at the quarter end was $2.4 million.
Financial management
The main challenges that are within management's control remain
prudent control of costs and ensuring that cash reserves are
effectively utilised. Both of these are monitored closely and
strict internal controls continue to ensure that Shareholders will
receive the best possible return on their investment.
Although the Dollar denominated Platinum price remains below
$1,000/ounce, the Palladium and Rhodium prices have continued to
increase over the last nine months. The strengthening of the ZAR
against the USD has resulted in the PGM basket price remaining
fairly constant in ZAR terms. Both the PGM price and the USD:ZAR
exchange rate are impacted by factors outside the control of
Management.
C. EXPLORATION AND OPENCAST MINING PROJECTS
Northern Limb Projects
The Company received consent in terms of section 11 of the MPRDA
from the DMR to cede the rights to mine heavy minerals, iron ore
and vanadium ore on the farms Nonnenwerth, La Pucella and Altona to
Lapon Mining (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Ironveld Plc. The Company
shall commence with the approved cession which will conclude the
agreement dated 14 March 2012 relating to the acquisition of the
Ironveld Group from Sylvania by Mercury Recycling Group Plc (now
Ironveld Plc), wherein dividends in specie were distributed to
Sylvania shareholders on 16 August 2012.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Registered and Sylvania Platinum Limited
postal address:
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
SA Operations postal PO Box 976
address:
Florida Hills, 1716
South Africa
Sylvania Website: www.sylvaniaplatinum.com
CONTACT DETAILS
For further information,
please contact:
Terence McConnachie (Chief
Executive Officer) +44 777 533 7175
Nominated Advisor and Broker
Liberum Capital Limited +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
Neil Elliot / Richard Crawley
Communications
Alma PR Limited +44 (0) 77 8090 1979
Josh Royston / Helena Bogle
/ Hilary Buchanan
ANNEXURE
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FY2018
The following definitions apply throughout the period:
4E PGM ounces include the precious metal elements
4E PGMs Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
6E ounces include the 4E elements plus additional
6E PGMs Iridium and Ruthenium
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
AGM Annual General Meeting
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Investment Market of the London
AIM Stock Exchange
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Production costs plus all costs relating to
All-in sustaining sustaining current production and sustaining
cost capital expenditure.
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
All-in sustaining cost plus non-sustaining and
All-in cost expansion capital expenditure
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
ASX Australian Securities Exchange
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Sylvania Platinum Limited Bonus Share Award
Bonus Shares Plan
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
CGU Cash generating unit
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Fresh chrome tails from current operating host
Current risings mines processing operations
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
DMR Department of Mineral Resources
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
EBITDA and amortisation
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
EA Environmental Authorisation
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
EIR Effective interest rate
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
EMPR Environmental Management Programme Report
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
GBP Great British Pound
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
IASB International Accounting Standards Board
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
International Financial Reporting Interpretation
IFRIC Committee
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
I&APs Interested and Affected Parties
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Ironveld Ironveld Plc
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
IRR Internal Rate of Return
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
JV Joint venture
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Limpopo Department of Economic Development,
LEDET Environment and Tourism
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Phoenix Platinum Mining Proprietary Limited,
Lesedi renamed Sylvania Lesedi
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
LSE London Stock Exchange
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
LTI Lost time injury
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
MF2 Milling and flotation technology
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development
MPRDA Act
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
MRA Mining Right Application
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
MTO Mining Titles Office
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
NOMR New Order Mining Right
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
NWA National Water Act 36 of 1998
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Option Plan Sylvania Platinum Limited Share Option Plan
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Platinum group metals comprising mainly platinum,
PGM palladium, rhodium and gold
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
PAR Pan African Resources Plc
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Phoenix Platinum Mining Proprietary Limited,
Phoenix renamed Sylvania Lesedi
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Pipeline
ounces 6E ounces delivered but not invoiced
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Pipeline Revenue recognised for ounces delivered, but
revenue not yet invoiced based on contractual timelines
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments to pipeline revenues based on the
Pipeline basket price for the period between delivery
sales adjustment and invoicing
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Programme Sylvania Platinum Share Buyback Programme
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Project Echo Secondary PGM Milling and Flotation (MF2) program
announced in FY2017 to design and install additional
new additional fine grinding mills and flotation
circuits at Millsell, Doornbosch, Tweefontein
and Mooinooi.
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Revenue (by Revenue earned on Ruthenium, Iridium, Nickel
products) and Copper
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
RoM Run of mine
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
SDO Sylvania dump operations
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Shares Common shares
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
Sylvania Platinum Limited, a company incorporated
Sylvania in Bermuda
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
USD United States Dollar
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
WIP Work in progress
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
WULA Water Use Licence Application
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
UK Ireland
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
ZAR South African Rand
------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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