TIDMSO4
RNS Number : 2419Z
Salt Lake Potash Limited
13 March 2017
13 MARCH 2017 AIM/ASX Code: SO4
SALT LAKE POTASH LIMITED
("THE COMPANY")
INTERIM RESULTS
-------------------------
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
Operations
The Company's primary focus during the period continued to be
the advancement of the Lake Wells' Project, located in the Northern
Goldfields of Western Australia approximately 200km north of
Laverton. The Project comprises 1,126 km(2) of Exploration
Licences, substantially covering the Lake Wells Playa and the area
immediately contiguous to the Lake. The Project has potential to
host a large, high grade salt lake brine project to produce highly
sought after Sulphate of Potash (SOP) for domestic and
international fertiliser markets.
Highlights
Highlights during the half year include:
Ø Completion of a positive Scoping Study
The Company confirmed the potential of the Lake Wells Project to
produce low cost SOP by solar evaporation of lake brines for
domestic and international fertiliser markets. The Scoping Study
(accuracy +/-30%) prepared by global engineering firm, Amec Foster
Wheeler, and other international experts, demonstrates excellent
project fundamentals based on well-established solar evaporation
and salt processing techniques. Based on the positive results of
the Scoping Study, the Company will now proceed to a
Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
Lake Wells has the potential to be one of only five large scale
salt lake SOP producers around the world and the Project's
estimated cash production costs of A$185 per tonne (Stage 2) would
be amongst the lowest in the world.
The Scoping Study is based on a two stage development plan for
Lake Wells:
- Stage 1 is based on shallow trenching and bore production with
100% of brine feed drawn from the near surface Measured
Resource.
- Stage 2 also includes pumping additional brine from the deeper
Inferred Resource, to increase production to 400,000 tpa of
SOP.
All-in estimated capital costs total A$268 million for the
400,000 tpa production scenario, amongst the lowest capital
intensity for any proposed potash project worldwide.
Ø Surface Aquifer Exploration Program
An 8.5 tonne amphibious excavator completed 127 shallow test
pits and 7 trial trenches in the shallow aquifer at the Lake Wells
Project. Sustained pump tests were completed on two 4.5m deep
trenches in the southern part of the Lake. Highlights include:
- Modelled annual flow rates of 1.1 - 1.3 Litres per second
(L/s) based on a 1 year simulated model of the results recorded
during the 50m trial trench pump test.
- Modelled annual flow rates of 0.23 - 0.28L/s based on a 1 year
simulated model of the results recorded during the 25m trial trench
pump test.
Ø Deeper Paleochannel Aquifer
The off-lake aircore drilling program, targeting the Lake Wells
paleochannel, continued to successfully intersect Basal
Paleochannel Sediments along the entire length of the paleochannel
unit, which will comprise the main productive aquifer in the deeper
part of Lake Wells brine resource.
Ø Process Development Testwork
The Company conducted a range of process development testwork to
significantly enhance the Lake Wells process model. Substantial
volumes of brine from Lake Wells were concentrated into harvest
salts (Potassium and Sulphate mixed salts) in three separate trials
under simulated and actual site conditions.
The conversion and crystallisation of harvest salts at Hazen
Research in Colorado then produced the first Sulphate of Potash
(SOP) samples from Lake Wells brine.
An extensive Site Evaporation Trial (SET) was established at
Lake Wells. The SET has to date processed approximately 125 tonnes
of brine and producing harvest salts on a continuous basis. The SET
will continue to operate for up to 12 months generating site
specific evaporation data and producing sufficient harvest salts
for bulk production of SOP samples for distribution to potential
partners and customers.
Ø Regional Lakes
Geophysical surveys were performed at Lake Irwin and Lake
Ballard to resolve the geometry of the paleovalley, and to define
the position and depth of the paleochannel at each Lake.
Initial evaporation testwork on Lake Irwin brine confirmed the
suitability of harvest salts for SOP production.
Next Steps
Ø Continued activities on the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)
Based on the positive results of the Scoping Study, the Company
commenced a PFS. The Company is continuing to undertake more
detailed hydrological testwork and modelling, brine extraction
optimisation and further infrastructure assessment aimed at
identifying opportunities to enhance the Project economics through
capital and operating cost reductions.
Ø Continued Exploration activities
The Company will continue exploration activities including
drilling, test pumping and other testwork are already underway,
with the aim of upgrading the resource classification and increase
the overall resource base. The targeted outcomes include an
improved hydrogeological understanding of the performance of basal
sand (deep bores) bores including draw down rates, productivity
rates and bore and trench positions, as well as improved
understanding of the potential productivity of the fractured
siltstone aquifer.
Ø Regional Lakes and Opportunities
The Company will also continue to investigate potential other
Projects and other opportunities for enhancement.
Scoping Study
The Scoping Study (accuracy +/-30%) prepared by global
engineering firm, Amec Foster Wheeler, and other international
experts, demonstrates excellent project fundamentals based on
well-established solar evaporation and salt processing techniques.
Based on the positive results of the Scoping Study, the Company
will now proceed to a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
Lake Wells has the potential to be one of only five large scale
salt lake SOP producers around the world and the Project's
estimated cash production costs of A$185 per tonne (Stage 2) would
be amongst the lowest in the world.
The Project will produce SOP from hypersaline brine extracted
from Lake Wells via trenches and a combination of shallow and deep
production bores. The extracted brine will be transported to a
series of solar evaporation ponds built on the Lake where selective
evapo-concentration will precipitate potassium double salts in the
final evaporation stage. These potassium-rich salts will be
mechanically harvested and processed into SOP in a crystallisation
plant. The final product will then be transported for sale to the
domestic and international markets.
The Scoping Study is based on a two stage development plan for
Lake Wells:
- Stage 1 is based on shallow trenching and bore production with
100% of brine feed drawn from the near surface Measured
Resource.
- Stage 2 also includes pumping additional brine from the deeper
Inferred Resource, to increase production to 400,000 tpa of
SOP.
Key Scoping Study results for Stage 1 and Stage 2:
Stage 1 Stage 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Annual Production (tpa) - steady state 200,000 400,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Direct Capital Cost * A$191m A$39m
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Operating Costs ** A$241/t A$185/t
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
* Direct Capital Costs based on an accuracy of -10%/+30% before contingencies and growth allowance
but including EPCM.
** Operating Costs based on an accuracy of +/-30% including transportation & handling (FOB
Esperance) but before royalties and depreciation.
The Scoping Study is based on the Project's Mineral Resource
Estimate of 80-85 Mt of SOP in 9,691 GL of brine at an average of
8.7 kg/m(3) of K(2) SO(4) . The Mineral Resource Estimate includes
Measured and Indicated Resources of 26 Mt of SOP in the shallowest
20m of the Lake.
The Study has established the indicative costs of a two stage
production operation, initially forecasting to produce 200,000
tonnes per annum (tpa) and then 400,000 tpa of dried organic SOP.
Stage 1 is expected to produce 200,000 tpa but includes most of the
capital works required for a 400,000 tpa operation. Stage 2 will
commence after initial capex is repaid by cashflow generated from
the shallow Measured and Indicated Resource.
Key Assumptions and Inputs
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------
Maximum Study Accuracy Variation +/- 30% +/- 30%
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Life of Mine (LOM) 20 years
----------------------------------------------------- -------------------
Annual Production (steady state) tonnes 200,000 400,000
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Portion of Production Target - Measured & Indicated 100% 70%
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Portion of Production Target - Inferred 0% 30%
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Mining Method (Extraction)
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Trenches (km) 107 157
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Shallow Bores (number) 4 4
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Deep Bores (number) - 34
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Mining Method (Extraction (volume))
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Trenches (m(3) /h) 3,074 4,521
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Shallow Bores (m(3) /h) 576 576
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Deep Bores (m(3) /h) - 2,203
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Total Volume 3,650 7,300
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Evaporation Ponds
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Area (ha) 2,990 3,170
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Recovery of Potassium from feed brine 70% 70%
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Recovery of Sulphate from feed brine 18% 18%
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Plant
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Operating time (h/a) 7,600 7,600
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Operating Costs * (+/-30%)
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Minegate (A$/t) $165.74 $110.00
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Transport (A$/t) $75.10 $75.10
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Total (A$/t) $240.84 $185.10
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Capital Costs (-10%/+30%)
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Direct A$160.7m A$32.0m
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Indirect A$30.5m A$6.8m
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Growth Allowance A$32.5m A$5.1m
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
Total Capital A$223.7m A$43.9m
----------------------------------------------------- --------- --------
* Before Royalties and Depreciation
The Scoping Study results highlight the benefits of Lake Wells'
location in the Northern Goldfields, with excellent access to gas
and transportation infrastructure. Total estimated Capex of A$268
million for 400,000 tpa of SOP is amongst the lowest capital
intensity of any proposed potash project worldwide.
Opportunities have been identified to further optimise capital
and operating costs through equipment lease financing, further
operational refinements and partnerships. The Company will also
continue to investigate potential additional revenue streams for
the project.
Results of Operations
Net loss after tax for the half year ended 31 December 2016 was
$4,969,027 (31 December 2015: $2,243,717).
(i) Exploration and evaluation expenses were $4,282,810 (31
December 2015: $1,440,733), which is attributable to the Group's
accounting policy of expensing exploration and evaluation
expenditure incurred by the Group subsequent to the acquisition of
the rights to explore and up to the final investment decision to
commence construction for each separate area of interest; and
(ii) Business development expenses increased to $328,307 (31
December 2015: $76,648) which is attributable to additional
business development and investor relations activities required to
support the growth of the Company and development of the Lake Wells
Project.
Financial Position
At 31 December 2016, the Company had cash reserves of $3,469,513
(30 June 2016: $7,498,285) and net assets of $4,701,433 (30 June
2016: $9,397,552). The Directors believe that the Company is in a
financial position to conduct its current and planned exploration
and development activities.
SIGNIFICANT POST BALANCE DATE EVENTS
Other than as disclosed below, at the date of this report there
were no significant events occurring after balance date requiring
disclosure.
(i) On 1 March 2017, the Company issued 3,000,000 performance
rights to directors and key employees of the Company pursuant to
the Company's Performance Rights Plan following shareholder
approval obtained at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders
held on 30 November 2016.
Other than as disclosed above, at the date of this report there
were no significant events occurring after balance date requiring
disclosure.
AUDITOR'S INDEPENCE DECLARATION
Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 requires our auditors,
Ernst & Young, to provide the directors of Salt Lake Potash
Limited with an Independence Declaration in relation to the review
of the half year financial report. This Independence Declaration is
attached to and forms part of this Directors' Report.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
MATTHEW SYME
CEO
10 March 2017
In the opinion of the Directors of Salt Lake Potash Limited:
1. the interim consolidated financial statements comprising the
statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income,
statement of financial position, statement of cash flows, statement
of changes in equity and notes set out on pages 7 to 15 are in
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 including:
1. giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the
consolidated entity as at 31 December 2016 and of its performance
and cash flows for the six months ended on that date; and
2. complying with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134
Interim Financial Reporting and Corporations Regulations 2001;
and
2. subject to the matters disclosed in note 1(b), there are
reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay
its debts as and when they become due and payable.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of Directors:
MATTHEW SYME
CEO
10 March 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT
OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE HALF YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2016
31 December 2016 31 December 2015
Notes $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ----------------- -----------------
Finance income 71,955 25,367
Exploration and evaluation expenses (4,282,810) (1,440,733)
Corporate and administrative expenses (429,865) (456,029)
Business development expenses (328,307) (76,648)
Impairment of exploration and evaluation - (295,674)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Loss before tax (4,969,027) (2,243,717)
Income tax expense - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ----------------- -----------------
Loss for the period (4,969,027) (2,243,717)
================================================================================ ================= =================
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences arising during the period (120) 18,584
Other comprehensive (loss)/ income for the period, net of tax (120) 18,584
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total comprehensive loss for the period (4,969,147) (2,225,133)
================================================================================ ================= =================
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of
the company
(cents per share) (3.71) (2.12)
The above Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and other
Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2016
31 December 30 June
2016 2016
Notes $ $
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 3,469,513 7,498,285
Trade and other receivables 273,596 126,583
Total Current Assets 3,743,109 7,624,868
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
Non-Current Assets
Exploration and evaluation
expenditure 3 2,276,736 2,276,736
Property, plant and equipment 170,182 115,275
Total Non-Current Assets 2,446,918 2,392,011
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
TOTAL ASSETS 6,190,027 10,016,879
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables 1,476,049 607,615
Provisions 12,545 11,712
Total Current Liabilities 1,488,594 619,327
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,488,594 619,327
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
NET ASSETS 4,701,433 9,397,552
=============================== ====== ============== =============
EQUITY
Contributed equity 4(a) 106,846,275 106,761,669
Reserves 5 883,618 695,316
Accumulated losses (103,028,460) (98,059,433)
------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------
TOTAL EQUITY 4,701,433 9,397,552
=============================== ====== ============== =============
The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be
read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE HALF YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2016
CONSOLIDATED Foreign Currency
Share- Based Translation Total
Contributed Equity Payment Reserve Reserve Accumulated Losses Equity
$ $ $ $ $
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------
Balance at 1 July
2016 106,761,669 240,848 454,468 (98,059,433) 9,397,552
Net loss for the
period - - - (4,969,027) (4,969,027)
Exchange
differences on
translation of
foreign
operations - - (120) - (120)
Total
comprehensive
loss for the
period - - (120) (4,969,027) (4,969,147)
Transactions with
owners, recorded
directly in equity
Shares issued in
lieu of fees 86,400 - - - 86,400
Share based
payment expense - 188,422 - - 188,422
Share issue costs (1,794) - - - (1,794)
Balance at 31
December 2016 106,846,275 429,270 454,348 (103,028,460) 4,701,433
=================== =================== =================== =================== =================== =============
Balance at 1 July
2015 originally
stated 98,440,152 77,400 439,595 (92,942,359) 6,014,788
Change in
accounting policy
opening balance
adjustment - - - (472,046) (472,046)
At 1 July 2015
restated 98,440,152 77,400 439,595 (93,414,405) 5,542,742
Net loss for the
period (2,243,717) (2,243,717)
Exchange
differences on
translation of
foreign
operations - - 18,584 - 18,584
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------
Total
comprehensive
loss for the
period - - 18,584 (2,243,717) (2,225,133)
Transactions with
owners, recorded
directly in equity
Shares issued in
lieu of fees 35,124 - - - 35,124
Balance at 31
December 2015 98,475,276 77,400 458,179 (95,658,122) 3,352,733
=================== =================== =================== =================== =================== =============
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS
FOR THE HALF YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2016
31 December 31 December
2016 2015
$ $
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Payments to suppliers and employees (4,028,053) (1,944,019)
Interest received 70,930 29,324
Net cash outflow from operating activities (3,957,123) (1,914,695)
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for property, plant and equipment (71,664) (9,658)
Net cash outflow from investing activities (71,664) (9,658)
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash inflow from financing activities - -
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
held (4,028,787) (1,924,353)
Net foreign exchange differences 15 189
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the half year 7,498,285 3,172,363
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the half year 3,469,513 1,248,199
-------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying notes.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE HALF YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2016
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement of Compliance
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the
Group for the half year ended 31 December 2016 were authorised for
issue in accordance with the resolution of the directors on 9 March
2017.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the
half year reporting period ended 31 December 2016 have been
prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim
Financial Reporting and the Corporations Act 2001.
This half year financial report does not include all the notes
of the type normally included in an annual financial report.
Accordingly, this report is to be read in conjunction with the
annual report of Salt Lake Potash Limited for the year ended 30
June 2016 and any public announcements made by Salt Lake Potash
Limited and its controlled entities during the half year reporting
period in accordance with the continuous disclosure requirements of
the Corporations Act 2001.
Basis of Preparation of Half Year Financial Report
The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis
and are based on historical cost. All amounts are presented in
Australian dollars.
The financial statements for the half-year have been prepared on
the basis of going concern, which contemplates continuity of normal
business activities and the realisation of assets and settlement of
liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
For the half year ended 31 December 2016, the Group incurred a
net loss of $4,969,027 (31 December 2015: $2,243,717) and had net
cash outflows from operating and investing activities of $4,028,787
(31 December 2015: $1,924,353). As at 31 December 2016, the Group
had cash and cash equivalents of $3,469,513 (30 June 2016:
$7,498,285) and net current assets of $2,254,515 (30 June 2016:
$7,005,541).
Subject to results of ongoing exploration programs at the
Company's SOP projects, the Consolidated Entity plans to raise
additional capital within the next 12 months to fund its planned
operations. The Directors are satisfied that they will be able to
raise additional capital when required to enable the Consolidated
Entity to meet their obligations as and when they fall due, and
accordingly, consider that it is appropriate to prepare the
financial statements on a going concern basis.
Should the Company and Consolidated Entity be unable to achieve
the matters referred to above, there is material uncertainty
whether the Consolidated Entity could continue as a going concern
and therefore, whether it would be able to realise its assets and
extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business.
These interim consolidated financial statements do not include
any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification
of recorded asset amounts, or to the amounts and classification of
liabilities that might be necessary should the Consolidated Entity
be unable to continue as a going concern.
New Accounting Standards
In the current period, the Group has adopted all of the new and
revised standards, interpretations and amendments that are relevant
to its operations and effective for annual reporting periods
beginning on or after 1 July 2016. New and revised standards and
amendments thereof and interpretations effective for the current
half-year that are relevant to the Group include:
-- AASB 2014-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -
Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations;
-- AASB 2014-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -
Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and
Amortisation (Amendments to AASB 116 and AASB 138);
-- AASB 2014-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -
Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements;
-- AASB 2015-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -
Annual Improvements to Australian Accounting Standards 2012-2014
Cycle, including AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and
Discontinued Operations, AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures,
AASB 119 Employee Benefits, and AASB 134 Interim Financial
Reporting; and
-- AASB 2015-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -
Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to AASB 101.
The adoption of new and revised standards and amendments has not
affected the amounts reported for the current or prior half year
periods. The Group has not early adopted any other standard,
interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet
effective.
2. SEGMENT INFORMATION
AASB 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis
of internal reports about components of the Consolidated Entity
that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker
in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its
performance.
The Consolidated Entity operates in one segment, being mineral
exploration. This is the basis on which internal reports are
provided to the Directors for assessing performance and determining
the allocation of resources within the Consolidated Entity.
3. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
31 December 2016 30 June
2016
Note $ $
---------------------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------
(a) Areas of Interest
SOP Project 2,276,736 2,276,736
Golden Eagle Uranium Project - -
---------------------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------
Carrying amount at end of period, net of impairment(1) 2,276,736 2,276,736
================================================================= ================ =========
(b) Reconciliation
Carrying amount at start of year 2,276,736 2,555,915
Impairment losses (2) - (293,462)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations - 14,283
Carrying amount at end of period net of impairment (1) 2,276,736 2,276,736
================================================================= ================ =========
Notes:
1. The ultimate recoupment of costs carried forward for
exploration and evaluation is dependent on the successful
development and commercial exploitation or sale of the respective
areas of interest.
2. Impairment of the carrying value of Golden Eagle Uranium. The
Company has completed its initial review of the project. Based on
the available information, current economic conditions and the
price of uranium it is not viable for the Company to undertake any
further exploration activities at this time and accordingly, the
project has been impaired to nil.
SOP Project
The Company's Sulphate of Potash Project (SOP Project) has
secured eleven granted and nine pending exploration licences
covering a substantial area of multiple salt lake basins in Western
Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The carrying
value is made up of the initial acquisition costs of the Australian
SOP Potash Project.
Golden Eagle Uranium Project
The Golden Eagle Uranium and Vanadium Project holds nine U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) Uranium/Vanadium Mining Leases, covering
22.7 km(2) located in the Uravan Mineral Belt, Colorado USA
4. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY
31 December 30 June
2016 2016
$ $
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Share Capital
134,007,596 (30 June 2016:133,827,596)
Ordinary Shares 106,846,275 106,761,669
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Movement in Share Capital during the past six months
Number of Issue
Ordinary Price
Shares $ $
----------- ------------------- ------------ ------- ------------
01-Jul-16 Opening Balance 133,827,596 - 106,761,669
09-Sep-16 Share issue(1) 180,000 $0.48 86,400
31-Dec-16 Share issue costs - - (1,794)
31-Dec-16 Closing balance 134,007,596 106,846,275
----------- ------------------- ------------ ------- ------------
Notes:
1. Issued to a key consultant of the Company in lieu of fees.
5. RESERVES
31 December 30 June
2016 2016
Notes $ $
------------------------------ ------ ------------ --------
Share-based payment reserve 5(a) 429,270 240,848
Foreign currency translation
reserve 454,348 454,468
------------------------------ ------ ------------ --------
883,618 695,316
------------------------------ ------ ------------ --------
Movement in share-based payment reserve during the past six
months
Date Details Number of Options $
1 Jul 2016 Opening Balance 2,705,443 240,848
22 Nov 2016 Lapse of unlisted options (205,443) -
Jul - Dec 2016 Share based payments expense - 188,422
---------------- ------------------------------ ------------------ --------
31 Dec 2016 Closing Balance 2,500,000 429,270
================ ============================== ================== ========
6. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
In November 2016, at the Company's Annual General Meeting
shareholders approved the Company's Performance Rights Plan and the
granting of 2,800,000 performance rights to Directors. The
Performance rights which are subject to various performance
conditions (including 700,000 each for Pre-Feasibility Study,
Definitive Feasibility Study, Construction and Production
Milestones) to be satisfied prior to the relevant expiry dates
between 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2021.
The fair value of performance rights granted is estimated as at
the date of grant based on the underlying share price (being the
seven day volume weighted average share price prior to granting).
The table below lists the inputs to the valuation model used for
the performance rights granted by the Group:
Inputs Series 1 Series 2 Series 3 Series 4
Milestones Pre-Feasibility Study Definitive Feasibility Study Construction Production
-------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ------------- -----------
Exercise price - - - -
Grant date share price $0.51 $0.51 $0.51 $0.51
Grant date 30-Nov-16 30-Nov-16 30-Nov-16 30-Nov-16
Expiry date 30-Jun-18 30-Jun-19 30-Jun-20 30-Jun-21
Expected life 1.6 years 2.6 years 3.6 years 4.6 years
Fair value at grant date $0.506 $0.506 $0.506 $0.506
-------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ------------- -----------
For the six months end 31 December 2016, the Group has
recognised $188,4221 of share-based payments expenses in the
statement of profit or loss (31 December 2015: Nil).
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Management have identified the following material commitments
for the consolidated group as at 31 December 2016 and 30 June
2016:
31 December 30 June
2016 2016
$ $
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ --------
Exploration commitments
Within one year 818,734 890,000
Later than one year but not later than five years - -
818,734 890,000
=================================================== ============ ========
DIVIDS PAID OR PROVIDED FOR
No dividend has been paid or provided for during the half year
(31 December 2015: nil).
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(a) Fair Value Measurement
At 31 December 2016, the Group had no material financial assets
and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring
basis and at 31 December 2016, the carrying amount of financial
assets and financial liabilities for the Group is considered to
approximate their fair values.
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE
Other than as disclosed below, at the date of this report there
were no significant events occurring after balance date requiring
disclosure.
(i) On 1 March 2017, the Company issued 3,000,000 performance
rights to directors and key employees of the Company pursuant to
the Company's Performance Rights Plan following shareholder
approval obtained at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders
held on 30 November 2016.
Cautionary Statement and Important Information
The information in the Report that relates to the Scoping Study
is extracted from the report entitled 'Scoping Study Confirms
Potential Confirms Lake Wells Potential' dated 29 August 2016
(Scoping Study Announcement). The announcement is available to view
on www.saltlakepotash.com.au. The Scoping Study has been prepared
and reported in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code
(2012) and relevant ASX Listing Rules.
The primary purpose of the Scoping Study is to establish whether
or not to proceed to a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") and has been
prepared to an accuracy level of +/-30%, the Scoping Study results
should not be considered a profit forecast or production forecast.
As defined by the JORC Code, a "Scoping Study is an order of
magnitude technical and economic study of the potential viability
of Mineral Resources. It includes appropriate assessments of
realistic assumed Modifying Factors together with any other
relevant operational factors that are necessary to demonstrate at
the time of reporting that progress to a Pre-Feasibility Study can
be justified." (Emphasis added)
The Modifying Factors included in the JORC Code have been
assessed as part of the Scoping Study, including mining (brine
extraction), processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic,
marketing, legal, environmental, social and government factors. The
Company has received advice from appropriate experts when assessing
each Modifying Factor.
Following an assessment of the results of the Scoping Study, the
Company has formed the view that a PFS is justified for the Lake
Wells project, which it will now commence. The PFS will provide the
Company with a more comprehensive assessment of a range of options
for the technical and economic viability of the Lake Wells
project.
The Company has concluded it has a reasonable basis for
providing any of the forward looking statements included in this
announcement and believes that it has a reasonable basis to expect
that the Company will be able to fund its stated objective of
completing a PFS for the Lake Wells project. All material
assumptions on which the forecast financial information is based
are set out in the Scoping Study Announcement.
In accordance with the ASX listing rules, the Company advises
the Scoping Study referred to in the Scoping Study Announcement is
based on lower-level technical and preliminary economic
assessments, and is insufficient to support estimation of Ore
Reserves or to provide assurance of an economic development case at
this stage, or to provide certainty that the conclusions of the
Scoping Study will be realised.
Production Target
The Production Target stated in this Report is based on the
Company's Scoping Study for the Lake Wells Project as released to
the ASX on 29 August 2016. The information in relation to the
Production Target that the Company is required to include in a
public report in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.16 was included
in the Company's ASX Announcement released on 29 August 2016. The
Company confirms that the material assumptions underpinning the
Production Target referenced in the 29 August 2016 release continue
to apply and have not materially changed.
The Production Target referred to in this Report and the Scoping
Study Announcement is based on 100% Measured Mineral Resources for
Stage 1 and 70% Measured Mineral Resources and 30% Inferred Mineral
Resources for Stage 2. There is a low level of geological
confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resources and there is
no certainty that further exploration work will result in the
determination of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources or that
the production target or preliminary economic assessment will be
realised.
Forward Looking Statements
This presentation contains 'forward-looking information' that is
based on the Company's expectations, estimates and projections as
of the date on which the statements were made. This forward-looking
information includes, among other things, statements with respect
to pre-feasibility and definitive feasibility studies, the
Company's business strategy, plans, development, objectives,
performance, outlook, growth, cash flow, projections, targets and
expectations, mineral reserves and resources, results of
exploration and related expenses. Generally, this forward-looking
information can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as 'outlook', 'anticipate', 'project', 'target',
'potential', 'likely', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect', 'intend',
'may', 'would', 'could', 'should', 'scheduled', 'will', 'plan',
'forecast', 'evolve' and similar expressions. Persons reading this
news release are cautioned that such statements are only
predictions, and that the Company's actual future results or
performance may be materially different. Forward-looking
information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results,
level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
information. Forward-looking information is developed based on
assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set
out herein, including but not limited to the risk factors set out
in Schedule 2 of the Company's Notice of General Meeting and
Explanatory Memorandum dated 8 May 2015.
Competent Persons Statement
The information in the Report that relates to the Scoping Study
is extracted from the report entitled 'Scoping Study Confirms
Potential Confirms Lake Wells Potential' dated 29 August 2016. The
announcement is available to view on www.saltlakepotash.com.au. The
information in the original announcement that relates to
processing, infrastructure and cost estimation are based on and
fairly represents information compiled or reviewed by Mr Zeyad
El-Ansary, who is a Competent Person as a member of the
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Zeyad El-Ansary
has 9 years' experience relevant to the activities undertaken for
preparation of these report sections and is a employed by Amec
Foster Wheeler. Mr Zeyad El-Ansary consents to the inclusion in the
report/press release of the matters based on their information in
the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that
it is not aware of any new information or data that materially
affects the information included in the original market
announcement. The Company confirms that the form and context in
which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been
materially modified from the original market announcement.
The information in this Report that relates to Mineral Resources
for Lake Wells, is extracted from the reports entitled 'Lake Wells
Resource Increased By 193 Percent to 85Mt of SOP' dated 22 February
2016 and 'Significant Maiden SOP Resource of 29Mt at Lake Wells'
dated 11 November 2015 and is available to view on the Company's
website www.saltlakepotash.com.au. The information in the original
ASX Announcement that related to Exploration Results for Lake Wells
based on information compiled by Mr Ben Jeuken, who is a member
Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Jeuken is
employed by Groundwater Science Pty Ltd, an independent consulting
company. Mr Jeuken has sufficient experience, which is relevant to
the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration
and to the activity, which he is undertaking to qualify as a
Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the
'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Jeuken consents to the inclusion in
the report of the matters based on his information in the form and
context in which it appears. The Company confirms that it is not
aware of any new information or data that materially affects the
information included in the original market announcement. The
Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent
Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified
from the original market announcement.
The information in this Report that relates to Exploration
Results, for Lake Wells is extracted from the reports entitled
'December 2016 Quarterly Reports' dated 31 January 2017 and
'Trenching at Lake Wells Confirms Brine Production Potential' dated
25 January 2017 and are available to view on the Company's website
www.saltlakepotash.com.au. The information in the original ASX
Announcement that related to Exploration Results, not including
geophysical and test pumping results for Lake Wells based on
information compiled by Mr Ben Jeuken, who is a member Australian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Jeuken is employed by
Groundwater Science Pty Ltd, an independent consulting company. Mr
Jeuken has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the
activity, which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person
as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves'. Mr Jeuken consents to the inclusion in the report of the
matters based on his information in the form and context in which
it appears. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new
information or data that materially affects the information
included in the original market announcement. The Company confirms
that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings
are presented have not been materially modified from the original
market announcement.
For further information please visit www.saltlakepotash.com.au
or contact:
Sam Cordin Salt Lake Potash Limited Tel: +61 8 9322 6322
Colin Aaronson/Richard Grant Thornton UK LLP Tel: +44 (0)207 383 5100
Tonthat/Daniel Bush
Nick Tulloch/Beth McKiernan Cenkos Securities plc (Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 131 220 6939
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR DXLBFDXFEBBF
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March 13, 2017 03:53 ET (07:53 GMT)
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