Annual Financial Report – period ended 30 Jun...

AIM and Media Release 

30 August 2021

BASE RESOURCES LIMITED
Annual Financial Report – period ended 30 June 2021

African mineral sands producer and developer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to provide the following extracts from the Company’s Annual Report (which includes its Annual Financial Report) for the year ended 30 June 2021.

1. Operations Summary.
2. Business Development.
3. Sustainability.
4. Markets.
5. Corporate.
6. Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
7. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
8. Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
9. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

These extracts should be read with reference to the notes and graphics contained in the full version of Base Resources’ 2021 Annual Report, a copy of which is available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au.  The Company has also released an Investor Presentation to accompany its Annual Report, a PDF copy of which is also available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au. 

All figures are reported in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Highlights

Kwale Operations performed strongly, maintaining operational continuity throughout the year with effective controls to mitigate COVID-19 risks and impacts, and achieved the FY21 production guidance.  Markets for all mineral sands products were robust and saw demand increasing throughout the year, supporting continued price improvement for ilmenite in particular.  While zircon and rutile prices improved strongly toward the end of the year, the average realised price for both were in line with the prior year.

The Toliara Project in Madagascar continues to represent a significant and attractive growth opportunity for the Company, with discussions with the Government of Madagascar on the fiscal terms applicable to the project and the lifting of the on-the-ground suspension progressing.

Financial highlights for FY21

• Revenue of US$198.2 million with an increase in average realised unit sales price partially offsetting lower production due to lower ore grade when compared to the prior year.
• EBITDA of US$94.6 million.
• Net profit after tax of US$11.0 million, impacted by Kenyan dividend withholding tax of US$9.0 million incurred on repatriation of surplus cash from operations to the Company.
• Full repayment and early retirement of the US$75.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is now debt free.
• Free cashflow of US$40.0 million (operating cashflows of US$64.5 million less investing cashflows of US$24.5 million).
• Net cash position of US$64.9 million at 30 June 2021.

Full-year dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share (unfranked) determined

The Company’s capital management policy is that cash not required to meet the Company’s near-term growth and development requirements, or to maintain requisite balance sheet strength in light of prevailing circumstances, could be expected to be returned to shareholders.  With net cash of US$64.9 million at the end of the year and the timing of the Toliara Project final investment decision still uncertain, the Board has determined a full-year dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share (unfranked), totalling US$34.2 million, which will be paid wholly from conduit foreign income.  This will bring total dividends in respect of FY21 to US$60.8 million, representing AUD 7.0 cents per share (unfranked).  The record date for the full-year dividend is 13 September 2021 and the payment date is 29 September 2021 – refer to Base Resources’ accompanying AIM release “FY21 Full-Year Dividend – Key dates and information” for further information about the dividend.

Operational highlights for FY21

• Production of 73,248 tonnes of rutile, 317,276 tonnes of ilmenite and 27,123 tonnes of zircon from Kwale Operations.
• Continued strengthening of demand for all products with a 21% increase in ilmenite prices.
• Kwale Operations mine life extension opportunities progressed with the Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves estimate updated and the Bumamani pre-feasibility study due for release in early September.
• Additional prospecting licence applications lodged in Kenya and Tanzania, with three of the Tanzanian licences now granted.
• Toliara Project engineering, supplier selection, systems development and funding components all advanced.
• Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of zero across the group, with there being no lost time due to injury since 2014.
• US$3.7 million invested in community and environmental programs, with an additional US$1.4 million contribution to support vulnerable communities in Kenya and Madagascar to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Managing Director of Base Resources, Tim Carstens, said:

“Kwale Operations’ performance has been consistently strong throughout the year, meeting our FY21 production guidance.  We have successfully navigated our business through the challenges of COVID whilst, critically, maintaining our outstanding safety performance.  We have made sound progress towards extending mine life with the extension to the Kwale Special Mining Lease 23 to incorporate the updated Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves expected shortly, the Bumamani pre-feasibility study nearing completion and prospecting licences secured in Tanzania.  As a group, we are pleased to be once again delivering meaningful returns to shareholders via dividends.”

“The Toliara Project in Madagascar continues to represent a significant growth opportunity for the Company. Positive progress was made in our discussions with the Government of Madagascar in relation to fiscal terms applicable to the project and we remain confident that acceptable terms should be able to be secured.  The process of updating the Ranobe Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimates to incorporate completed drilling work, as well as the project’s definitive feasibility study to refine and enhance outcomes, are well advanced and we expect to release these significant pieces of work shortly.”

“While we remain committed to the ultimate development of the Toliara Project, and the value generation opportunity this represents for all stakeholders, we are close to complete with the preparatory work that makes sense for now.  We will be maintaining a high degree of engagement with the Government of Madagascar in seeking to secure fiscal terms and lifting of the suspension and will await their decision as to when they are ready to move forward with the project.  In the meantime, we hold our focus on extending the life of our Kwale Operations as well as actively considering wider opportunities in a sector that is continuing to evolve.”

Investor and shareholder webcast

The webcast will be hosted by Base Resources’ Managing Director, Tim Carstens, Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Balloch, and General Manager - Marketing, Stephen Hay, who will each also be available to answer questions following a presentation of the Company’s results.

Details for the webcast are below.  Participants will be able to ask questions via the messaging function on the webcast platform or via the teleconference line.  Participants proposing to use the teleconference line will need to pre-register their details using the teleconference registration URL provided below.  Upon registering, participants will receive an email with their unique PIN and dial-in details so that they can join the call on the day without needing to speak with an operator.

• Date: Tuesday, 31 August 2021
• Time: 5.00pm AWST / 10.00am BST
• Webcast URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/bxeb4s8t
• Teleconference registration URL: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10015902-s83kmw.html

1. Operations Summary

Base Resources operates the 100% owned Kwale Operations in Kenya, which commenced production in late 2013. Kwale Operations is located 50 kilometres south of Mombasa, the principal port facility for East Africa.

Kwale Operations is designed to process ore to recover three main products: rutile, ilmenite and zircon.  Base Resources employs a hydraulic mining method which has proven cost effective and well suited to the Kwale deposit and involves blasting the mining face directly with high pressure jets of water to create an ore slurry.  The ore slurry is then pumped to the wet concentrator plant (WCP) where slimes are removed before a number of gravity separation steps reject most of the non-valuable, lighter gangue minerals to produce a heavy mineral concentrate (HMC).  The heavy mineral concentrate is then processed in the mineral separation plant (MSP) which cleans and separates the rutile, ilmenite and zircon minerals into finished products for sale.

Mining

Mining volume was steady at approximately 18.0 million tonnes in the reporting period compared to the prior period. The average heavy mineral grade of ore mined was 3.46%, lower than the prior period (3.63%).

Mining and Wet Concentrator Plant	FY21	FY20
Ore mined (tonnes)	17,982,578	18,056,841
Heavy mineral (HM) %	3.46	3.63
WCP heavy mineral concentrate production (tonnes)	558,084	606,553

558,084 tonnes of HMC was produced in the reporting period, lower than the prior period (606,553 tonnes) due to the lower grade of ore mined and marginally lower HM recoveries.  With HMC now the primary constraint on production, all HMC produced was fed to the MSP and HMC stocks closed the year at 19,841 tonnes (prior period: 16,450 tonnes).

Processing

Mineral Separation Plant	FY21	FY20
MSP feed (tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate)	554,693	608,563
MSP feed rate (tph)	68	81
MSP recovery %
Ilmenite	101	100
Rutile	101	100
Zircon	85	85
Production (tonnes)
Ilmenite	317,276	355,093
Rutile	73,248	78,920
Zircon	27,123	31,657
Zircon low grade	1,878	2,370

As a consequence of MSP operations being constrained by available HMC, plant utilisation and feed rates were lower in the reporting period.  As a result, production of all products was lower than the prior period:

• Ilmenite production was 317,276 tonnes in the reporting period (prior period: 355,093 tonnes) with lower contained ilmenite in the MSP feed also impacting production.
• Rutile production was 73,248 tonnes in the reporting period (prior period: 78,920 tonnes).
• Zircon production was 27,123 tonnes for the reporting period (prior period: 31,657 tonnes) with lower contained zircon in the MSP feed also impacting production.
• Production of a low-grade zircon product continued with a contained 1,878 tonnes produced during the year (prior period: 2,370 tonnes).

Sales

The Company maintains a balance of multi-year and quarterly offtake agreements with long term customers as well as a small proportion of ongoing spot sales.  These agreements, in place with some of the world’s largest consumers of titanium dioxide feedstocks and zircon products, provide certainty for Kwale Operations by securing minimum offtake quantities.  Sales prices in these agreements are typically either negotiated on a shipment-by-shipment basis or set for periods of up to six months and are derived from prevailing market prices.

The strength of the mineral sands market in the reporting period for all products ensured that sales continued to closely match production, with minimal inventories being maintained.

Product Sales	FY21	FY20
Sales (tonnes)
Ilmenite	320,438	356,836
Rutile	74,339	79,644
Zircon	28,037	30,267
Zircon low grade	1,705	2,971

Operational COVID-19 response

As the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, the Company continued to closely monitor and respond to its impacts on our business, people and stakeholders.  Activities at Kwale Operations have continued to be maintained, balancing the considerations of employee and community health, operational safety, community benefits, government regulation, customer demand and financial prudence.

A suite of controls and mitigations aimed at protecting the health and safety of employees and neighbouring communities, including modified workplace practices and a focus on hygiene and social distancing were implemented and have proved effective, with only a small number of cases being detected in the workforce.

2. Business Development

Business development remained a core focus with the Toliara Project and opportunities to extend Kwale Operations’ mine life progressed.

Toliara Project

The Toliara Project is founded on the Ranobe deposit, located approximately 45 kilometres north of the regional town of Toliara in southwest Madagascar.  The Company acquired the Toliara Project in 2018 and is currently progressing it towards development.  A definitive feasibility study (DFS) completed in 2019 confirmed the Company’s view that the Toliara Project is a world class mineral sands development opportunity, with estimated average annual production of 780 thousand tonnes (kt) of ilmenite, 53kt of zircon and 7kt of rutile over a 33-year mine life based on the current Ore Reserves.¹

In November 2019, the Government of Madagascar required the Company to suspend on-the-ground activity on the Toliara Project while discussions on fiscal terms applying to the project were progressed.  Activity remains suspended as Base Resources continues to engage the Government in relation to the country’s Large Mining Investment Law (LGIM) regime, fiscal terms applicable to the Toliara Project and the lifting of the on-the-ground suspension.  Other Toliara Project workstreams were progressed in the reporting period including front-end engineering design, selection of preferred tenderers for key construction packages and prospective lenders due diligence.

Once fiscal terms are agreed and the suspension is lifted, there will be approximately 11 months’ work to complete prior to making a final investment decision.  This work includes finalising funding, completing the land access processes and concluding major construction contracts.  The resumption of international travel will also be required to complete a significant portion of this work.

[ Note (1):   Excludes first and last partial operating years. For further information about the DFS, refer to Base Resources’ announcement on 12 December 2019 “DFS reinforces Toliara Project’s status as a world class mineral sands development” (DFS Announcement) available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements. Base Resources confirms that all material assumptions underpinning the production information disclosed in the DFS Announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.]

Kwale Operations extensional initiatives

With increased certainty as to the timing for the extension of Kwale Special Mining Lease No. 23 (SML 23), the Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves estimate was updated to incorporate existing estimated Mineral Resources located within the proposed expanded mining lease, extending mine life to December 2023 following such extension.

Drilling in the northern sections of the Vanga prospecting licence, south of Kwale Operations, was completed with no significant mineralisation found.  The drilling program in the Kwale North-East Sector remained on hold pending community access being secured.

Additional prospecting licences applied for in the Kuranze region of Kwale county, about 70 km west of Kwale Operations, as well as over an area south of Lamu, continued through the granting process.  Prospecting licence applications in Tanzania, adjacent to the Kuranze region in Kenya, were applied for, and granted subsequent to the reporting period.

3. Sustainability

From project development through to operating mines, Base Resources has adopted world-class, inclusive business practices seeking to minimise any negative impacts and maximise positive outcomes of its operations for its employees, its host communities and, more broadly, its host nations.

These practices are based on the understanding that achieving our long-term goals is reliant on building beneficial relationships with the communities in which we operate and establishing a balanced flow of mutual benefit.

Through these mutual benefits we aim to maximise the positive outcomes of our operations for all our stakeholders. Many of our programs seek to extend these positive outcomes past the life of the mine, creating permanent positive change for our communities.

Base Resources focuses its sustainability activities in the following three interrelated areas:

• Our people
• Community
• Environment

The programs and initiatives within these areas are developed taking into consideration international best practice and feedback from stakeholders, including our communities and host governments.  Base Resources complies with national legislation and international best practice, specifically the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines, the International Labour Organisation’s core labour standards, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the United Nations Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

With the objective of further enhancing and cementing a reputation for excellence in the full lifecycle of mining, an Environmental, Social and Ethics (ESE) committee of the Board was established during the year.  The Committee is responsible for overseeing the development, and evolution, of the Company’s ESE strategy, performance and reporting mechanisms.

ESE matters are specifically embedded in role descriptions throughout the organisation ensuring both the requisite focus and effective integration into out “business as usual” practices.  For the 2021 financial year, 24% of the Individual Component of the Short Term Incentive Plan remuneration at risk rested on effective management of these ESE matters.

Our People

Health and Safety

Base Resources is committed to safety and has established a best-practice safety culture across all of its operations. There were no workplace lost time injuries during the reporting period.  As such the lost time injury (LTI) frequency rate remains at zero.  Base Resources employees and contractors have now worked more than 24.9 million man-hours LTI free, with the last lost time injury recorded in February 2014.  In addition, no medical treatment injuries occurred in the reporting period and as such the total recordable injury frequency rate at the end of the reporting period was zero per 1 million hours.

Local employment and workforce development

Base Resources prioritises the recruitment of local people via a system that is specifically designed to maximise employment opportunities and project benefits for local communities.

Through a ‘fencing system’, established in consultation with governments and local communities, Base Resources gives preference to those residing in the immediate environs of a mine with progressively lower priority given to those living further away.

Base Resources’ employee fencing system has proved highly effective at Kwale Operations and, of the 1,248 employees and contractors, 99% are now Kenyan with 71% drawn from Kwale County.  The same approach is being developed in Madagascar for the Toliara Project.

Base Resources has structured training and skills transfer programs covering on-the-job training for permanent employees, as well as tailored programs for graduates, interns, apprentices and high school students.  Implemented in both Kenya and Madagascar, the programs focus not only on employees, but also on building skills capacity in the broader community.

Reflecting the Company’s continued commitment to skills transfer, Base Resources invested US$800,000 in training and development across its operations during the reporting period, resulting in delivery of over 133,725 hours of training to employees and members of the community.

Developing the Malagasy workforce – the Toliara Project apprentice program

In 2019, following an extended period of aptitude assessments and English language training, 24 young Malagasy men and women were selected for the inaugural Toliara Project apprentice program, based at our Kwale Operation in Kenya.  This two-year apprenticeship program saw the apprentices gain skills in the areas of electrical, automotive and industrial mechanics.

Applying learnings from similar previous programs at Kwale Operations the program was designed around a practical on-site component at our producing mineral sands operation and a theoretical component delivered by the Kenyan National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

All apprentices have now completed their programs, gaining internationally recognised Certificate III qualifications, and are pursuing further work experience at our Kwale Operations until travel restrictions are lifted.

Employee engagement

Base Resources places significant emphasis on establishing and developing a highly engaged, motivated and satisfied workforce, with the sustained operational performance achieved, across production, safety and cost management, reflective of the Company’s success in developing human capital.

Additional key indicators of employee satisfaction and motivation, as well as sources of competitive cost advantage, are staff turnover and industrial action.  The voluntary staff turnover rate of Base Resources and its controlled entities (Group) for the reporting period was 0.5%, a decrease from the prior period’s 1.8%.  Base Resources has not recorded any industrial action since being founded.

Diversity

Base Resources values and encourages a diverse workforce and provides a work environment in which everyone is treated fairly, and with respect and can realise their full potential.  Previously set objectives for achieving gender diversity were retained for the reporting period and a further two objectives were added.  The objectives included an increase in the overall percentage of women employed by the Group, maintaining female representation in the intakes for graduate and apprentice programs at or above one third, increasing the number of women in management roles (Manager level and above) and senior management roles (General Manager level and above) and, excluding short term employees, maintaining female turnover that is less than Group turnover.²

Base Resources achieved its objective to increase the overall percentage of women in the workforce, to maintain female representation in the intake for graduate and apprentice programs at or above one third in the reporting period and to achieve greater diversity on the Board.  The number of women in management roles in absolute terms again remained stable, voluntary female turnover was also materially the same as the prior period and no appointment opportunities were available during the reporting period at senior management level.  Further details about the Company’s diversity objectives are set out on page 65 of its 2021 Annual Report.

The Company’s diversity performance for the reporting period and prior period is outlined below:

Objective	FY21	FY20	Change (%)
Overall percentage of women	18.4%	17.7%	0.7%
Female representation in graduate and apprentice programs at or above one third	33.3%	33.3%	No change
Women in management roles (Manager and above)	15.8%	16.7%	(0.9)%
Women in senior management (General Manager and above)	0.0%	0.0%	No change
Board gender diversity	28.6%	14.3%	14.3%
Maintain female turnover that is equal to or less than Group turnover	Female - 12.0% Group - 8.6% Difference - 3.4%	Female - 0.9% Group - 1.2% Difference - (0.3%)	3.7%

[Note (2):  Turnover covers all scenarios which may result in an employment relationship ending, with the exception of termination for cause.]

Community

Base Resources engages with its local communities in a structured and inclusive manner. Across its operations, the Company has established various committees to act as an interface between the Company, local communities and governments.  This is an important tool for managing expectations and addressing grievances or concerns, and establishes a mechanism for achieving more participatory and inclusive outcomes.

Through close collaboration with committees and communities across Kenya and Madagascar, programs have been developed based around four key pillars:

• Livelihood Improvement
• Community Health
• Education
• Community Infrastructure

During the reporting period, in accordance with new regulations under the Kenyan Mining Act 2016, the Company entered into Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with three communities affected by Kwale Operations.  In broad terms, each CDA provides for the delivery of specified development projects for the benefit of the relevant community and establishes a dedicated committee to oversee the implementation of these projects.  The process involved extensive community consultation on CDA regulations, the formalisation of CDA committees, training of the committees in their role and further community engagement on development preferences and priorities included in the agreements.

Select information about some of Base Resources’ community-related initiatives is below.  For more information on Base Resources’ community programs, refer to the Company’s website: baseresources.com.au.

Supporting local businesses

In order to maximise positive outcomes of our operations for local communities, the Company has established diverse and extensive relationships with local and national Kenyan suppliers.  This has included a partnership with Invest in Africa to advertise the Company’s requests for quotations and to provide training to suppliers on how to write and submit tenders.

Covering a broad spectrum from haulage to the supply of indigenous seeds, Base Resources worked with over 390 Kenyan suppliers in the reporting period, placing over 13,000 orders - totalling 77% of total operating expenditure, or US$53.4 million.

Preparing for life after mining – post mining land use study

Although Base Resources is pursuing all opportunities to extend mine life at Kwale Operations, the Company began a post mining land use (PMLU) project in the reporting period with the intention of creating opportunities to encourage the development of sustainable post-closure options that use the mined land, and tenured area, in a way that meets our vision for mining in Africa.

This vision includes post mining land use that is economically sustainable, can maintain or increase local employment, has a demonstrated ability to return mined land to biodiversity, optimises the use of existing infrastructure and is welcomed by the community.

The PMLU will be progressed with key stakeholder involvement to explore three core land use themes being conservation, training and agribusiness.

COVID-19 and our communities

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved over the past year, Base Resources continued to play an important role in its host communities, working with NGOs and national and local governments, in both Kenya and Madagascar to identify areas of need and provide support to vulnerable communities affected by both health and economic related impacts of the pandemic.  Building on initial programs implemented at the outset of the pandemic last year, the Company invested US$1.4 million to help combat COVID-19 in Kenya and Madagascar in the reporting period, including:

• Partnering with local organisations to support Toliara women to produce 81,000 washable facemasks that were subsequently donated to the community.
• Distributing over 117,000 reusable face masks in Kenya to schools and other institutions.
• Providing 17,533 food packages to households in Kenya and donating over 140 tonnes of rice, vegetables and other staples in Madagascar.
• Building and maintaining 319 handwashing stations, set up in high community foot-traffic areas across both countries.
• Producing training and communication materials to raise awareness of COVID-19.
• Donating 4,900 desks to Kenyan schools to support social distancing.
• Donating 549 thermometer guns.

Base Resources was recognised by the Australia Africa Minerals and Energy Group with an award for best innovation in Corporate Social Development for its COVID-19 community programs.

Environment

The Company is committed to undertaking its activities in a way that prevents, mitigates or offsets any detrimental impacts on the environment.  The Company’s Environmental Policy drives the Company’s commitment to minimising pollution and overall impacts, contributing to protecting and conserving biodiversity and driving environmentally responsible behaviour.

The Company operates a comprehensive environmental management system that was effective in ensuring no significant environmental incidents during the reporting period.

Rehabilitation of the Kwale Operations tailings storage facility external walls continued throughout the reporting period with approximately 54 hectares (85%) classified as rehabilitated, subject to an audit by the National Environment Management Authority.  As mining operations advanced through the South Dune, the mined-out area is being progressively rehabilitated with 104 hectares undergoing planting in the reporting period, taking the total South Dune area that has either been planted or provisionally rehabilitated to 159 hectares (64% of the disturbed area) by the end of the year.  Seeds and topsoil erosion control materials for this rehabilitation work are sourced from local women’s groups, thereby providing additional incomes for villages surrounding the mine site.

Across the Company’s operations, work continued on several programs to improve local biodiversity, and promote conservation and sustainability including the rare and endangered flora propagation research program.  Under this program, Base Resources focuses on species of conservation significance, particularly local and threatened indigenous plant species, for propagation in its nurseries.

The Kwale Operations nursery has 289 indigenous species represented, and over 138,000 plants have been grown to date, of which 103,800 have been planted.  The nursery represents one of the largest of its kind in Africa, with 90 of the species represented appearing in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as either critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.  The nursery, together with the arboretum established alongside it, function as a training and educational facility for local community projects, schools and other visitors.

For more information on other environmental programs such as biodiversity corridors, wetland restoration and recycling programs visit baseresources.com.au.

4. Markets

With a strong rebound of the Chinese pigment sector from early in the reporting period, Base Resources secured steady price gains for ilmenite. Sluggish demand due to COVID-19 lockdowns in many regions resulted in zircon and rutile experiencing a subdued first half. However, a sharp rebound in downstream demand through the second half of the reporting period resulted in the price of rutile and zircon strengthening.

Mineral sands end products are widely used in everyday life and historical demand has been tightly tied to growth in global GDP.

Ilmenite and rutile

Ilmenite and rutile are different grades of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) minerals and are used predominantly to produce pigments for paint, paper, plastics, textiles and inks. TiO₂ pigment is prized for its opacity, brightness and whiteness and its ability to absorb and reflect ultraviolet radiation.  It is also non-toxic and inert to most chemical reagents.

High grade TiO₂ minerals (which include rutile) can also be used to produce titanium metal, which is corrosion resistant and has the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal.  Titanium metal is used across aerospace and defence industries as well as in medical devices, sporting equipment and jewellery.  High grade TiO₂ minerals are also used in the flux in welding consumables such as welding rods and flux-cored wire which is extensively used in ship building.

The Chinese pigment industry, the biggest consumer of sulphate ilmenite, had fully recovered from COVID-19 restrictions by the start of the reporting period with strong sales growth in both the export and Chinese domestic markets.  Demand for Chinese pigment held up throughout the period with all major pigment plants maintaining near-capacity production levels.  This fuelled ongoing strong demand and solid price gains for ilmenite.

Supply constraints on ilmenite persisted through the first half of the reporting period, contributing to higher prices.  Increasing ilmenite volumes from some African sources, domestic Chinese production and increased export activity from Vietnam started to close the supply gap, and may slow pricing momentum in the coming financial year.

The average price for Base Resources’ ilmenite in the reporting period was 21% higher than the prior period.

The pigment industry outside of China, which is more dependent on high grade TiO₂ feedstock (including rutile) and dominated by western producers, experienced a subdued start to the reporting period as COVID-19-related lockdowns impacted operations and pigment demand.  Major pigment producers reduced their production rates through much of the first half of the reporting period which resulted in a sharp reduction in demand for rutile.

A very strong recovery in pigment demand occurred as major consuming regions emerged from lockdowns in late 2020 and pigment plants quickly began ramping up to near-capacity levels.  Coupled with a resurgence in the welding industry and parts of the titanium metal industry, surplus rutile in the supply chain was absorbed by early 2021 and, with persistent production issues at several major producers constraining supply, rutile prices began an upward trend.

The average price for Base Resources’ rutile in the reporting period was 4% lower than the prior period.

Demand for ilmenite and rutile from Base Resources’ existing customer base continues to exceed production capacity. Expectations of ongoing strength in all end use sectors is likely to see continued support for strong prices for rutile and ilmenite through the start of the 2022 financial year.

Zircon

Zircon has a range of end-uses, including in the production of ceramic tiles, which accounts for more than 50% of global zircon consumption.  Milled zircon enables ceramic tile manufacturers to achieve brilliant opacity, whiteness and brightness in their products. Zircon’s unique properties include heat and wear resistance, stability, opacity, hardness and strength, making it sought after for other applications such as refractories, foundries and specialty chemicals.

Demand for zircon is closely linked to growth in global construction and increasing urbanisation in the developing world. Under normal conditions there is a close link between zircon demand growth and global GDP growth.

The overall zircon market was relatively subdued through the first half of the reporting period.  Weak demand in China, resulting from sluggish activity in most consuming sectors, caused inventory in the supply chain to build up to higher than normal levels in the first half of the reporting period.  Demand in other markets, particularly Europe, was impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns through mid-2020 but began to recover strongly in late 2020, causing zircon prices to stabilise as major producers managed their supply into the market.

As Chinese demand also began to recover in early 2021, zircon inventory in the supply chain was rapidly absorbed, moving the market into a deficit. Zircon prices picked up sharply towards the end of the reporting period and the strong upward momentum in prices has continued into the start of the 2022 financial year.

The average price for Base Resources’ zircon in the reporting period was 4% lower than the prior period.

Demand for zircon from Base Resources’ existing customer base continues to exceed production capacity.

5. Corporate

Base Resources achieved revenue of US$198.2 million and EBITDA of US$94.6 million for the reporting period.

	2021				2020
	Kwale Operations US$000s	Toliara Project US$000s	Other US$000s	Total US$000s	Kwale Operations US$000s	Toliara Project US$000s	Other US$000s	Total US$000s
Sales revenue	198,235	-	-	198,235	208,016	-	-	208,016
Cost of goods sold excluding depreciation & amortisation:
Operating costs	(64,963	-	-	(64,963)	(68,553)	-	-	(68,553)
Inventory movement	(1,576)	-	-	(1,576)	502	-	-	502
Royalties expense	(13,823)	-	-	(13,823)	(14,557)	-	-	(14,557)
Total cost of goods sold (i)	(80,362)	-	-	(80,362)	(82,608)	-	-	(82,608)
Corporate & external affairs	(3,759)	(69)	(7,683)	(11,512)	(3,340)	(85)	(6,581)	(10,006)
Community development	(4,618)	-	-	(4,618)	(3,559)	-	-	(3,559)
Selling & distribution costs	(3,706)	-	-	(3,706)	(2,388)	-	-	(2,388)
COVID-19 response costs	(1,200)	-	-	(1,200)	(1,082)	-	-	(1,082)
Other (expenses)/ income	(1,727)	-	(537)	(2,264)	641	-	(327)	314
EBITDA (i)	102,863	(69)	(8,220)	94,574	115,680	(85)	(6,908)	108,687
Depreciation & amortisation	(58,948)	(203)	(287)	(59,438)	(56,725)	(186)	(273)	(57,184)
EBIT (i)	43,915	(272)	(8,507)	35,136	58,955	(271)	(7,181)	51,503
Net financing expenses	(5,800)	-	(78)	(5,878)	(5,524)	-	(349)	(5,873)
Income tax expense
Corporate income tax	(9,277)	-	-	(9,277)	(6,042)	-	-	(6,042)
Dividend withholding tax	-	-	(9,000)	(9,000)	-	-	-	-
NPAT	28,838	(272)	(17,585)	10,981	47,389	(271)	(7,530)	39,588

(i) Base Resources’ financial results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These Financial Statements include certain non-IFRS measures including EBITDA and EBIT. These measures are presented to enable understanding of the underlying performance of the Group and have not been audited.

Sales revenue decreased 5% to US$198.2 million for the reporting period (prior period: US$208.0 million), with lower sales volumes partially offset by the average realised sales price increasing to US$467 per tonne (prior period: US$445 per tonne), primarily driven by strengthening ilmenite prices.

Total operating costs of US$65.0 million were 5% lower than the prior period (US$68.6 million), but due to a 10% reduction in production volume, the operating costs per tonne produced was 8% higher at US$158 per tonne (prior period: US$146 per tonne).

Cost of goods sold (operating costs, adjusted for stockpile movements and royalties), was US$191 per tonne of product sold, 8% higher than the prior period (US$177 per tonne) due to higher unit operating costs and draw down of stockpiles.

With a margin of US$276 per tonne sold for the reporting period (prior period: US$268 per tonne) and an achieved revenue to cost of sales ratio of 2.5 (prior period: 2.5), Base Resources remains well positioned amongst mineral sands producers.

As a result of the reduced sales revenue, Kwale Operations EBITDA was lower in the reporting period at US$102.9 million (prior period: US$115.7 million) and Group EBITDA was also lower at US$94.6 million (prior period: US$108.7 million).

The majority of Kwale Operations assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining mine life. Depreciation and amortisation increased 4% in the reporting period to US$59.4 million (prior period: US$57.2 million) due to capital expenditure incurred at Kwale Operations in the reporting period being depreciated over the short remaining life of existing Ore Reserves.

With increased certainty as to the timing for the extension of SML 23, the Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves estimate was updated following the reporting period to incorporate existing estimated Mineral Resources located within the proposed expanded mining lease.  This will extend Kwale mine life to December 2023 following such expansion.  The incorporation of further Mineral Resources will allow future depreciation and amortisation charges to be spread over a longer period.

From 1 January 2021, the Kenyan corporate tax rate increased from 25% to 30%, as economic stimulus measures implemented in response to COVID-19 were wound back.  When coupled with the 50% reduction in corporate tax rate applicable for the first 10 years of Kwale Operations mine life, this resulted in an average Kenyan effective tax rate of 13.75% for the reporting period compared with 12.5% in the prior period.  Further, the change in Kenyan tax rates resulted in a US$4.5 million increase in deferred tax movements recognised in the reporting period.  As a result, the Kwale Operations income tax expense was higher in the reporting period at US$9.3 million (prior period: US$6.0 million).  A net profit after tax of US$28.8 million was recorded by Kwale Operations in the reporting period (prior period: US$47.4 million).

During the reporting period, the Group’s Kenyan subsidiary, Base Titanium, distributed US$60.0 million of surplus cash, via dividend, to the Group’s ultimate parent entity, Base Resources Limited.  The dividend distribution by Base Titanium incurred 15% Kenyan dividend withholding tax of US$9.0 million, which has been recorded as an income tax expense, thus contributing to a profit after tax of US$11.0 million for the Group (prior period: US$39.6 million).  Previously, surplus cash distributions from Base Titanium occurred by way of redemption of preference shares, however these were fully redeemed during the reporting period. Basic earnings per share for the Group was US$0.93 cents per share (prior period: US3.38 cents per share).

Cash flow from operations was US$64.5 million for the reporting period (prior period: US$105.5 million), lower than Group EBITDA due to the payment of US$19.1 million in corporate income tax and dividend withholding tax to the Kenya Revenue Authority during the reporting period.  Operating cashflows were used to fund capital expenditure at Kwale Operations, Toliara Project progression, as well as debt reduction and servicing.

Total capital expenditure for the Group was US$24.5 million in the reporting period (prior period: US$33.6 million), comprised of US$11.5 million at Kwale Operations (prior period: US$10.6 million), primarily for a co-disposal mixing plant for enhanced land rehabilitation, and US$12.0 million for the progression of the Toliara Project (prior period: US$22.8 million).

Net cash

The previously outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of US$75.0 million was repaid in full during the reporting period.  With growing confidence in the trajectory of the mineral sands market and greater clarity on the risks and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company retired the RCF in March 2021, nine months ahead of its final maturity.  The Company is now debt-free and, with cash reserves of US$64.9 million (prior period: net cash of US$87.6 million), is in a robust financial position.

Capital management

Consistent with Base Resources’ growth strategy, the Company seeks to provide returns to shareholders through both long-term growth in the Company’s share price and appropriate cash distributions.  Cash not required to meet the Company’s near-term growth and development requirements, or to maintain requisite balance sheet strength in light of prevailing circumstances, could be expected to be returned to shareholders.

Applying this approach, the Board determined a full-year dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share, unfranked, with a record date of 13 September 2021 and payment date of 29 September 2021.  This follows the AUD 3.0 cent per share, unfranked half-year dividend paid to shareholders in March 2021, and brings total dividends in respect of the reporting period to AUD 7.0 cents per share, unfranked.

Significant changes in the state of affairs

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the reporting period.

Dividends paid or recommended

During the reporting period, Base Resources paid a maiden dividend of AUD 3.5 cents per share, unfranked, in October 2020, and paid a half-year dividend of AUD 3.0 cents per share, unfranked, in March 2021.  The financial impact of dividends paid during the reporting period totalled US$56.4m.

Since the end of the reporting period, the Board has determined a full-year dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share, unfranked, with a record date of 13 September 2021 and payment date of 29 September 2021.  The financial impact of the dividend amounting to US$34.2 million has not been recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year-ended 30 June 2021.

After balance date events

There have been no other significant events since the reporting date.

Future developments, prospects and business strategies

Base Resources’ strategy is to continue to pursue mine life extension at Kwale Operations through the assessment and development of existing near mine deposits and exploration, and progress the Toliara Project towards development.

6. Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended 30 June 2021

	Note	2021 US$000s	2020 US$000s
Sales revenue	3	198,235	208,016
Cost of sales	4	(139,310)	(139,333)
Profit from operations		58,925	68,683
Corporate and external affairs		(12,001)	(10,465)
Community development costs		(4,618)	(3,559)
Selling and distribution costs		(3,706)	(2,388)
COVID-19 response costs		(1,200)	(1,082)
Other (expense) / income		(2,264)	314
Profit before financing costs and income tax		35,136	51,503
Financing costs	5	(5,878)	(5,873)
Profit before income tax		29,258	45,630
Income tax expense	7	(18,277)	(6,042)
Net profit for the year		10,981	39,588
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences - foreign operations		3,599	364
Total other comprehensive loss for the year		3,599	364
Total comprehensive income for the year		14,580	39,952
Earnings per share		Cents	Cents
Basic earnings per share (US cents per share)	6	0.93	3.38
Diluted earnings per share (US cents per share)	6	0.92	3.34

The notes contained in the full version of the Annual Financial Report (contained within the 2021 Annual Report) form part of these consolidated financial statements , a copy of which is available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au .

7. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2021

	Note	2021 US$000s	2020 US$000s
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		64,925	162,559
Trade and other receivables	9	62,635	46,620
Inventories	10	18,355	19,492
Other current assets		8,208	7,313
Total current assets		154,123	235,984
Non-current assets
Capitalised exploration and evaluation	11	157,909	139,633
Property, plant and equipment	12	104,917	158,751
Total non-current assets		262,826	298,384
Total assets		416,949	534,368
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	13	21,618	12,984
Borrowings		41	25,195
Provisions	14	38,687	32,541
Income tax payable		-	539
Deferred consideration	15	7,000	17,000
Total current liabilities		67,346	88,259
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings		-	48,940
Provisions	14	15,088	25,408
Deferred tax liability	7	4,615	9,027
Deferred consideration	15	10,000	-
Total non-current liabilities		29,703	83,375
Total liabilities		97,049	171,634
Net assets		319,900	362,734
Equity
Issued capital	16	307,811	307,063
Treasury shares	17	(2,273)	-
Reserves		(14,201)	(17,227)
Retained earnings		28,563	72,898
Total equity		319,900	362,734

The notes contained in the full version of the Annual Financial Report (contained within the 2021 Annual Report) form part of these consolidated financial statements , a copy of which is available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au .

8. Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 30 June 2021

	Issued capital US$000s	Retained earnings/ (Accumulated losses) US$000s	Share based payment reserve US$000s	Foreign currency translation reserve US$000s	Treasury shares reserve US$000s	Total US$000s
Balance at 1 July 2019	306,512	33,310	3,399	(22,629)	-	320,592
Profit for the year	-	39,588	-	-	-	39,588
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	364	-	364
Total comprehensive income for the year	-	39,588	-	364	-	39,952
Transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity
Share based payments	551	-	1,639	-	-	2,190
Balance at 30 June 2020	307,063	72,898	5,038	(22,265)	-	362,734
Balance at 1 July 2020	307,063	72,898	5,038	(22,265)	-	362,734
Profit for the year	-	10,981	-	-	-	10,981
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	3,599	-	3,599
Total comprehensive income for the year	-	10,981	-	3,599	-	14,580
Transactions with owners, recognised directly in equity
Dividends paid	-	(56,383)	-	-	-	(56,383)
Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	-	-	(3,458)	(3,458)
Share based payments	748	1,067	(573)	-	1,185	2,427
Balance at 30 June 2021	307,811	28,563	4,465	(18,666)	(2,273)	319,900

The notes contained in the full version of the Annual Financial Report (contained within the 2021 Annual Report) form part of these consolidated financial statements , a copy of which is available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au .

9. Consolidated Statement of Cashflows for the Year ended 30 June 2021

	Note	2021 US$000s	2020 US$000s
Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers		183,107	216,818
Payments in the course of operations		(99,524)	(83,750)
Income taxes paid		(19,115)	(27,543)
Net cash from operating activities	8	64,468	105,525
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(9,310)	(10,377)
Payments for exploration and evaluation		(15,222)	(23,212)
Other		(13)	299
Net cash used in investing activities		(24,545)	(33,290)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings		-	75,000
Dividends paid	19	(56,383)	-
Purchase of treasury shares		(3,458)	-
Repayment of borrowings		(75,000)	(20,000)
Payments for debt service costs and re-scheduling fees		(2,977)	(2,512)
Net cash (used in) / from financing activities		(137,818)	52,488
Net (decrease) / increase in cash held		(97,895)	124,723
Cash at beginning of year		162,559	39,242
Effect of exchange fluctuations on cash held		261	(1,406)
Cash at end of year		64,925	162,559

The notes contained in the full version of the Annual Financial Report (contained within the 2021 Annual Report) form part of these consolidated financial statements , a copy of which is available from the Company’s website:  www.baseresources.com.au .

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements made in or in connection with this release contain or comprise forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding capital cost, capacity, future production and grades, sales projections and financial performance, estimated mineral resources and ore reserves, trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates, demand for commodities (in particular mineral sands), plans, strategies and objectives of management, operating costs, anticipated production life of Kwale Operations, provisions and contingent liabilities and tax and regulatory developments.  Such statements may be (but are not necessarily) identified by the use of phrases such as “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe” and “envisage”.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are beyond Base Resources’ control. 

No representation, warranty, assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking statements will in fact be achieved or prove to be correct.  Results or outcomes could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives and strategies, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions, fluctuations in product prices and exchange rates and business and operational risk management.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, Base Resources and its related bodies corporate and affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisers, disclaim any liability (including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault, negligence or negligent misstatement) for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from any use or reliance on this release or its contents, including any error or omission from, or otherwise in connection with it.

Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or relevant stock exchange listing rules, Base Resources does not undertake to publicly update, review or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or circumstances.

ENDS.

For further information contact:

James Fuller, Manager Communications and Investor Relations	UK Media Relations
Base Resources	Tavistock Communications
Tel: [phone]	Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway
Mobile: [phone]	Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance.  The Company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar.  Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company.  Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au

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RFC Ambrian Limited
Stephen Allen
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Berenberg
Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi
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Canaccord Genuity
Raj Khatri / James Asensio / Patrick Dolaghan
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