Final Results
BISICHI MINING PLC
Results for the year ended 31 December 2011
STRONG RECOVERY IN THE SECOND HALF
- EBITDA: £1,150,000 (2010: £770,000)
- Final Dividend proposed of 3p per share payable in cash in
addition to the interim dividend of 1p per share
- Strong performance at Black Wattle in second half including:
- Monthly coal production increased to 135,000 metric tonnes in the
second half
- New markets established for lower quality products drives higher
yields and profitability
- 30% increases in price of domestic coal since June last year to
catch up with the price of export coal
- 87,500 tonnes of export allocation granted at Richards Bay Coal
Terminal
- Sale of Ezimbokodweni Mining now only conditional on consent of
the South African Department of Mineral Resources
- Significant revenue generated by the UK retail property portfolio
Chairman, Michael Heller, comments:
"I am pleased to report that the strong recovery in the performance
of Black Wattle that we experienced in the second six months of 2011 is being
sustained in 2012. With higher prices and increased production at the mine, we
are optimistic about the prospects for 2012."
For further information, please call:
Andrew Heller or Garrett Casey, Bisichi Mining PLC 020 7415 5030
CHAIRMANS STATEMENT
I am pleased to report to shareholders that a strong performance by Black
Wattle, our South African coal mining subsidiary, in the second half of the
year has resulted in the group recouping most of the losses incurred in the
first half. Although the group reported a small trading loss before exchange
losses and tax of £235,000 for the year, it generated a trading profit of
£1.5million in the second half of the year.
A number of important events have taken place in the second half which have
accelerated the turnaround at Black Wattle. Key among these were the opening
of a third opencast pit early in the second half and selling some of our coal
into markets that require a lower quality product.
As a result of the opening of the third opencast pit, the mine's monthly
production in the second half of the year increased to an average of 135,000
metric tonnes. This compares favourably with the average monthly production of
110,000 metric tonnes achieved in the first half of the year. A further
increase in the mine's monthly production is scheduled to impact in 2012.
The selling of some of our coal into markets that require lower quality
product has contributed significantly to Black Wattles profitability. Although
the prices are lower in these markets, the higher yield that can be achieved
through the washing plant to attain these lower qualities more than offsets
the price reduction.
On the marketing side, although export prices have remained relatively stable
over the year, prices have increased significantly in our domestic markets to
catch up with the higher export prices - since June last year to date we have
seen an average increase in the domestic price of over 30% free on mine.
Demand for our product in both markets remains strong, helped by the
substantial improvement in the performance of Transnet, the State rail
provider.
As previously announced, we are pleased to report that Black Wattle has been
granted use of an annual allocation of 87,500 tonnes of export tonnage at
Richards Bay Coal Terminal. This gives Black Wattle direct access to the coal
export market and I would like to thank Vunani Ltd, our co-shareholder in
Black Wattle, for all its hard work in helping Black Wattle obtain this
allocation.
On health and safety, I am very pleased to report that Black Wattle had
another very good year. For further information on this please refer to the
Mining Review in this report.
As announced on 26 January 2012, the Company has entered into an
agreement to dispose of its 49% shareholding in Ezimbokodweni Mining (Pty)
Ltd. Consideration for the sale is ZAR 54.2million in cash, which is a
substantial premium to the cost of our investment. Ezimbokodweni was
established in 2005 with Endulwini Coal Limited to acquire the Pegasus
Reserve, a shallow coal deposit located in the Witbank coalfield of
Mpumalanga. Since then, Ezimbokodweni has been negotiating with the owner of
the reserve, BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa Limited and the South
African Department of Mineral Resources ("DMR") to finalise the acquisition
and prepare for opencast mining.
In early 2011, following the intervention of the DMR, the Company
agreed to dispose of its stake in Ezimbokodweni. The agreement made on 26
January 2012 was conditional on the satisfaction by 15 May 2012 of conditions
precedent, the last of which is the consent of the DMR, which is awaited. A
further announcement will take place as soon as possible and, assuming
completion takes place, the proceeds will be used for the further development
of the group.
The Company's UK retail property portfolio continues to generate significant
revenue. During the year it acquired a 12.5% interest in a shopping centre in
Eastbourne for just under £1million cash; the net initial yield is 8% and
there is development potential. London and Associated Properties PLC manage
this and the Company's other properties and voids across the portfolio were at
the very low level of 2.7%.
The Board paid an interim cash dividend of 1p during the year. The Directors
now recommend the declaration of a final dividend of 3p (2010: 3p) payable in
cash on 13 August 2012 to shareholders registered at the close of business on
01 July 2012.
On behalf of the Board I would like to thank all of our staff for their hard
work during the course of the year.
In 2012 to date the group has continued to benefit from the higher production
and prices being achieved at Black Wattle and we therefore look forward to the
coming year with confidence.
Michael Heller Chairman 18 April 2012
MINING REVIEW
As noted in the Chairman's statement, a number of important events
have taken place in the second half of the year that have accelerated the
turnaround at Black Wattle, our direct mining subsidiary. The opening of a
third opencast pit and the selling of our coal into new markets impacted
significantly on the mines profitability. In addition, higher prices for our
coal were achieved throughout the second half of 2011 and have continued into
2012.
Looking forward, we expect to continue to see the value of these
events contributing strongly to Black Wattle's profitability.
Production
Although total Run of Mine production remained consistent with the prior year at
1.45 million metric tonnes (2010: 1.46 million metric tonnes), overall monthly
production through the washing plant increased from 110,000 metric tonnes in the
first half of 2011 to 135,000 metric tonnes in the second half. As stated above,
this increase in production was a direct result of the opening of a third opencast
pit at Black Wattle.
As we look forward into 2012, the ability to source production from three different
opencast pits will allow Black Wattle to maintain overall monthly production at
this higher level. A further increase in production is expected to impact at Black
Wattle in the middle of 2012 as we look to expand further our opencast reserves.
Markets
Our ability to increase production at Black Wattle has largely been helped by the
improvement in the performance of Transnet, the State rail provider. In 2011,
Transnet railed 65.7million tonnes to Richards Bay Coal Terminal compared to
62.8million tonnes in 2010. As a result, our stockpiles have remained low whilst
demand for our coal has remained strong.
International coal prices stayed relatively stable in 2011. The average weekly
price of Free on Board (FOB) Coal from Richards Bay Coal Terminal (API4) was in a
range of US$105.00 to US$120.00 per metric tonne for the most of 2011. Although
the coal price ended the year near the bottom of the range at $105 per metric tonne,
a depreciation in the South African Rand in the second half of the year offset this
decline. Prices in the domestic steam coal market continued to increase significantly
in the second half of the year and into 2012 - catching up with the higher export
prices being achieved.
In the second half of the year we started selling some of our coal into a
lower quality market. As noted in the Chairman's Statement, although the
prices are lower in these markets, the higher yield that can be achieved
through the washing plant to attain these lower qualities more than offsets
the price reduction. We have found the demand for this product to be strong in
both the domestic and export market. This gives us the flexibility to sell
into both markets for the highest return.
As also noted in the Chairman's Statement, we are pleased to report that Black Wattle
has been granted use of an annual allocation of 87,500 tonnes of export tonnage at
Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The allocation falls under the Quattro Programme which allows
junior black economic-empowerment coal producers direct access to the coal export market.
We look forward to developing this opportunity along with Vunani Limited our black
economic-empowered shareholders at Black Wattle.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
Black Wattle is committed to creating a safe and healthy working environment
for its employees and the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost
importance. In addition to the required personnel appointments and assignment
of direct health and safety responsibilities on the mine, a system of Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessments has been designed, implemented and
maintained at Black Wattle.
Health and Safety training is conducted on an ongoing basis. We are pleased to
report all employees to date have received training in hazard identification
and risk assessment in their work areas.
A medical surveillance system is also in place which provides management with
information used in determining measures to eliminate, control and minimise
employee health risks and hazards and all Occupational Health hazards are
monitored on an ongoing basis.
Various systems to enhance the current HSE strategy have been introduced as
follows:
- In order to improve hazard identification before the commencing of tasks,
mini risk assessment booklets have been distributed to all mine employees and
long term contractors on the mine.
- A Job Safety Analysis form has been introduced to ensure effective
identification of hazards in the workplace.
- In order to improve the current reporting practice of incidents on the mine,
initial reporting of incidents booklets were handed out to all employees and
contractors.
- In order to capture and record investigation findings from incidents, an
incident recording sheet was introduced to line management and contractors.
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment training was given to all levels
of employees, line management, Heads of Departments, contractor
representatives and contractor employees.
- Ongoing training on conveyor belt operation is being conducted with all
employees involved with this discipline.
- 15 employees were trained in ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology) level one and another 35 will be trained in 2012 on level one and
two.
HSE performance in 2011:
- Black Wattle have had a 93 percent reduction in the Lost Time Injury
Frequency Rate since July 2008
- No new cases of Occupational Diseases were recorded.
- Zero cases for the Compensation for Occupational Diseases were submitted.
- Zero machines operating at Black Wattle exceeded the regulatory noise level.
Environment Management Programme
Under the terms of the mine's Environmental Management Programme approved by
the Department of Mineral Resource ("DMR"), Black Wattle undertakes a host of
environmental protection activities to ensure that the approved Environmental
Management Plan is fully implemented. In addition to these routine activities,
Black Wattle regularly carries out environmental monitoring activities on and
around the mine, including evaluation of ground water quality, air quality,
noise and lighting levels, ground vibrations, air blast monitoring, and
assessment of visual impacts.
Black Wattle Colliery has substantially improved its water management by
erecting a new pollution control dam as well as upgrading existing dams in
consultation with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
We are very pleased to report that Black Wattle received their approved water
license from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. An external audit
was also conducted and completed on the approved water license.
Black Wattle Colliery Social and Labour Plan (SLP) progress
Black Wattle Colliery is committed to true transformation and empowerment
within the company as well as poverty eradication within the surrounding and
labour providing communities.
Black Wattle is committed to providing opportunities for the sustainable
socio-economic development of the company's stakeholders:
- Employees and their families, through Skills Development, Education
Development, Human Resource Development, Empowerment and Progression
Programmes.
- Surrounding and Labour sending communities, through Local Economic
Development, Rural and Community Development, Housing and Living Condition,
Enterprise Development and Procurement programmes.
- Empowerment partners, through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)
and Joint Ventures with Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA) new
mining entrants and enterprises.
- The Company, through ongoing consultation with stakeholders to develop
strong company-employee relationships, strong company-community relationships
and strong company-HDSA enterprise relationships.
The key focus areas in terms of the detailed SLP programmes were updated as
follows:
- New implementation action plans, projects, targets and budgets were
established through regular workshops with all stakeholders.
- A comprehensive desktop socio-economic assessment was undertaken on baseline
data of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) and Nkangala District
Municipality (NDM).
- The current Black Wattle Colliery Local Economic Development (LED)
programmes were upgraded, and new LED projects were selected in consultation
with the key stakeholders from the STLM.
- An appropriate forum was established on the mine and a process initiated for
the consultation, empowerment and participation of the employee
representatives in the Black Wattle Colliery SLP process.
Procurement
In compliance with the Mining Charter and the Mineral and Petroleum Resource
Development Act, Black Wattle has implemented a BEE-focussed procurement
policy which strongly encourages our suppliers to establish and maintain BEE
credentials. At present, BEE companies provide approximately 52 percent of
Black Wattle's equipment and services. We closely monitor our monthly
expenditure and welcome potential BEE suppliers to compete for equipment and
service contracts at Black Wattle. Black Wattle also sells much of its coal
products to empowered companies.
Employment Equity
Black Wattle is committed to achieving the goals of the Employment Equity Act
and is pleased to report the following:
- Black Wattle Colliery has exceeded the 10 percent women in management and
core mining target.
- Black Wattle Colliery has achieved 15.1 percent women in core mining.
- 86.2 percent of the women at Black Wattle Colliery are HDSA females.
Prospects
Since permissions were granted in February 2010 to mine opencast the reserves
at Black Wattle, management have implemented several projects to ensure Black
Wattle has adequate infrastructure and capacity in place to increase
production from our opencast reserves. As a result, the group is in a strong
position to take advantage of the higher market prices and the increased
production at Black Wattle.
Going forward, I am confident that 2012 should be successful year for our
South African operations.
Andrew Heller
Managing Director
18 April 2012
BUSINESS REVIEW
Review of the group's development and performance
The Chairman's Statement and the Mining Review on the preceding pages 2 to 9
give a comprehensive review and assessment of the group's activities during
the past year and prospects for the forthcoming year.
Risk
Coal price risk: The group's mining operational earnings are largely dependent
on movements in the coal price. It does have the flexibility in terms of
markets where it can sell its coal domestically (to local industrial consumers
and the power industry) or to export to various international markets.
Coal washing: The group's mining operation's earnings are highly sensitive to
coal washing, therefore a stoppage or disruption to the process could
significantly impact earnings. However, there is scope to raise earnings
substantially if the yield from the washing process is improved even
marginally.
Mining risk: Attached to mining there are inherent health and safety risks.
Any such safety incidents disrupt operations, and can slow or even stop
production. The group has a comprehensive Health and Safety programme in place
to mitigate this. As with many mining operations, the reserve that is mined
has the risk of not having the qualities expected from geological analysis.
There is scope to increase production by buying in coal to compensate for
disruptions in production.
Currency risk: The group's South African operations are sensitive to currency
movements, especially those between the South African Rand, US Dollar and
British Pound.
New reserves and mining permissions: The acquisition of additional reserves,
permissions to mine and new mining opportunities in South Africa generally are
contingent on a number of factors outside of the group's control, e.g.
approval by the Department of Mineral Resources.
Regulatory risk: The group's South African operations are subject to the
government Mining Charter and scorecard which primarily seeks to:
- Promote equitable access to South Africa's mineral resources for
all people in South Africa;
- Expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans
(HDSA's), including women, to enter the mining and minerals industry and
benefit from the extraction and processing of the country's resources;
- Utilise the existing skills base for the empowerment of HDSA's;
- Expand the skills base of HDSA's in order to serve the community;
- Promote employment and the social and economic welfare of mining
communities and areas supplying mining labour; and
- Promote beneficiation of South Africa's mineral commodities beyond
mining and processing, including the production of consumer goods.
The group continues to make good progress towards meeting the Charter
requirements. However any regulatory changes to these, or failure to meet
existing targets, could adversely affect the mine's ability to retain its
mining rights in South Africa.
Transport risk: At present the government owned Transnet Freight
Rail (TFR) is the sole rail freight provider for coal in South Africa. The
group's South African operations are therefore reliant on TFR for delivery of
its export quality coal directly or indirectly via the Southern African ports
to its end customers.
Power supply risk: The current utility provider for power supply in
South Africa is the government run Eskom. Eskom has recently undergone
capacity problems resulting in power cuts and lack of provision of power
supply to new projects. The group's mining operations have to date not been
affected by power cuts.
Flooding risk: The group's mining operations are susceptible to
seasonal flooding which could disrupt production. Management monitors water
levels on an ongoing basis and various projects have been completed, including
the construction of additional dams, to mitigate this risk.
Environmental risk: The group's South African mining operations are
required to adhere to local environmental regulations. Details of the groups
Environment Management Programme is disclosed in the Mining review on page 6.
Health & Safety risk: The group's South African mining operations
are required to adhere to local Health and Safety regulations. Details of the
group's Health and Safety Programme is disclosed in the Mining Review on page
6.
Labour risk: The group's mining operations and coal washing plant
facility are labour intensive and unionised. Any labour disputes, strikes or
wage negotiations may disrupt production and impact earnings.
We seek to balance the high risk of our mining operations with a dependable
cash flow from our UK property investment operations. Fluctuations in property
values, which are reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement and Balance
Sheet, are dependent on an annual valuation of commercial properties. A fall
in UK commercial property can have a marked effect on the profitability and
the net asset value of the group. However, due to the long term nature of the
leases, the effect on cash flows from property investment activities will
remain stable as long as tenants remain in operation.
Future development
The group seeks to expand its operations in South Africa through the
acquisition of additional coal reserves.
Environment and employment
The group's UK activities are principally property investment whereby we
provide premises which are rented to retail businesses. We seek to provide
those tenants with good quality premises from which they can operate in an
efficient and environmentally sound manner.
Our South African mining operations are regulated by and are operated in
compliance with all relevant prevailing national and local legislation.
Employment terms and conditions provided to mining staff meet or exceed the
national average.
Financial Position
In the UK, a term loan facility of £5million and an overdraft facility of
£2million were signed in March 2010 with Royal Bank of Scotland. The term loan
facility will expire in December 2012 and is secured against the group's UK
retail property portfolio. The property portfolio was externally valued at 31
December 2011 and the value of UK investment properties attributable to the
group at year end was £12.1million (2010: £12.1million). The group intends to
negotiate new facilities before the expiry of the current facility and have
obtained confirmation from the Royal Bank of Scotland that they are not aware
of any reason why the bank should not continue to support the company
following the expiry of the current facilities.
In South Africa, a structured trade finance facility of R60million (South
African Rand) was signed in March 2010 with Absa Bank Limited, a South African
subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. This facility comprises of a R40million
revolving loan to cover the working capital requirements of the group's South
African operations, and a R20million loan facility to cover Guarantee
requirements related to the group's South African mining operations. The
R60million facility is renewed annually and is secured against inventory,
debtors and cash that are held in the group's South African operations.
The group's cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts) at year end
were £4.0million (2010: £5.4 million). The net assets of the group at year end
were £17.0million (2010: £18.3million).
Further details on the group's financial position are stated in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet on page 30.
Cashflow
The group's cashflow position remains strong. Cash and cash equivalents
(including bank overdrafts) of the group at year end were £1.1million (2010:
£4.0million).
Further details on the group's cashflow position are stated in the
Consolidated Cashflow Statement on page 32. Cash and cash equivalents as per
the Cashflow Statement comprise Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the
balance sheet and bank overdrafts (secured).
Performance indicators
The Key Performance Indicators for our South African mining activities are
- Profit before Tax (PBT);
- Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA); and
- Cashflows from operating, investing and financing activities.
The Key Performance Indicator for our UK property investment operations is the
Net Property Valuation as shown in note 10.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Michael Heller
Chairman
Bisichi Mining PLC
Andrew Heller
Managing Director
Bisichi Mining PLC,
Managing Director
Black Wattle Colliery
Robert Corry
Chairman
Black Wattle Colliery
Robert Grobler
Director of Mining
Bisichi Mining PLC,
Director
Black Wattle Colliery
Christopher Joll
Senior Independent Director,
Chairman
Audit and Remuneration Committees
Garrett Casey
Finance Director
Bisichi Mining PLC,
Director
Black Wattle Colliery
Ethan Dube
Director
Black Wattle Colliery
Luis Pinel
General Manager
Black Wattle Colliery
DIRECTORS & ADVISORS
*Michael A Heller
MA, FCA (Chairman)
Andrew R Heller
MA, ACA
(Managing Director)
Garrett Casey
CA (SA)
(Finance Director)
Robert Grobler
Pr Cert Eng
(Director of mining)
O+Christopher A Joll
MA (Non-executive)
Christopher Joll was appointed a Director on 1 February 2001. He holds a
number of non-executive directorships of un-quoted companies. He is chairman
of MJ2 Financial Limited, a public relations consultancy company specialising
in real estate.
O John A Sibbald
BL (Non-executive)
John Sibbald has been a Director since 1988. After qualifying as a Chartered
Accountant he spent over 20 years in stockbroking, specialising in mining and
international investment.
* Member of the nomination committee
+ Senior independent director
O Member of the audit, remuneration and nomination committees.
Secretary & Registered office
Heather A Curtis ACIS
24 Bruton Place
London W1J 6NE
Black Wattle Colliery
Directors
Robert Corry (Chairman)
Andrew Heller
(Managing Director)
Robert Grobler
Ethan Dube
Garrett Casey
Director of Property
Mike J Dignan FRICS
Auditors
PKF (UK) LLP
Principal bankers
United Kingdom
Barclays Bank PLC
Investec Bank PLC
National Westminster Bank PLC
South Africa
Absa Bank (SA)
First National Bank (SA)
Standard Bank (SA)
Corporate solicitors
United Kingdom
Memery Crystal LLP,London
Olswang LLP, London
Pinsent Masons LLP,London
South Africa
Routledge Modise in association with Eversheds, Johannesburg
Tugendhaft Wapnick Banchetti and Partners, Johannesburg
Stockbrokers
Shore Capital & Corporate Ltd
Registrars and transfer office
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU
Telephone 0871 664 0300
(Calls cost 10p per minute + network extras) or
+44 208 639 3399 for overseas callers
Website: www.capitaregistrars.com
Email: ssd@capitaregistrars.com
Company registration
Company registration No. 112155
(Incorporated in England and Wales)
Website
www.bisichi.co.uk
E-mail
admin@bisichi.co.uk
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Consolidated income statement
Revenue 29,909 32,824 29,016 25,979 16,693
Revenue
Operating (loss)/profit (1,328) (1,705) 4,892 2,616 (191)
(Loss)/profit before tax (1,450) (1,813) 5,003 2,117 (459)
Trading Income (1,210) (2,209) 4,698 6,031 2,302
Revaluation Income (240) 396 305 (3,914) (2,761)
Profit before interest, taxation 1,150 770 7,534 4,383 801
and depreciation
Consolidated balance sheet
Investment properties 12,068 12,110 11,865 11,773 14,725
Fixed asset investments 2,727 3,757 3,755 3,406 2,991
14,795 15,867 15,620 15,179 17,716
Current asset investments 2,515 605 510 627 770
17,310 16,472 16,130 15,806 18,486
Other assets less liabilities (537) 1,482 3,170 (160) (3,127)
Total equity attributable to 16,773 17,954 19,300 15,646 15,359
equity shareholders
Net assets per ordinary share 158.9p 171.8p 184.7p 149.7p 147.0p
Dividend per share 4.00p 4.00p 4.00p 3.50p 3.0p
FINANCIAL CALENDER
13 March 2012 First interim management statement
31 May 2012 Annual General Meeting
6 August 2012 Payment of final dividend for 2011 (if approved)
Late August 2012 Announcement of half-year results to 30 June 2012
16 November 2012 Second interim management statement
Late April 2013 Announcement of results for year ending 31 December 2012
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The directors submit their report together with the audited financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Activities and review of business
The company continues its mining activities. Income for the year was derived
from sales of coal from its South African operations. The company also has a
property investment portfolio for which it receives rental income.
The results for the year and state of affairs of the group and the company at
31 December 2011 are shown on pages 29 to 55 and in the Mining Review and
Business Review on pages 5 to 15. Future developments and prospects are also
covered in the Mining Review. Over 99 per cent of staff are employed in the
South African coal mining industry - employment matters and health and safety
are dealt with in the Mining and Business Reviews.
The management report referred to in the Director's responsibilities statement
encompasses this Directors' Report, the Chairmans' Statement on page 2 and the
Mining Review and Business Review on pages 5 to 15.
Corporate responsibility
Environment
The environmental issues of the group's South African coal mining operations
are covered in the Mining Review and Business Review on pages 5 to 15.
The group's UK activities are principally property investment whereby premises
are provided for rent to retail businesses. The group seeks to provide those
tenants with good quality premises from which they can operate in an efficient
and environmentally friendly manner. Wherever possible, improvements, repairs
and replacements are made in an environmentally efficient manner and waste
re-cycling arrangements are in place at all the company's locations.
Employment
The group's policy is to attract staff and motivate employees by offering
competitive terms of employment. The group provides equal opportunities to all
employees and prospective employees including those who are disabled. The
Mining Review gives details of the group's activities and policies concerning
the employment, training, health and safety and community support and social
development concerning the group's employees in South Africa.
Dividend policy
An interim dividend for 2011 of 1p was paid on 3 February 2012 (Interim 2010:
1p). The directors recommend the payment of a final dividend for 2011 of 3p
per ordinary share (2010: 3p) making a total dividend for 2011 of 4p (2010:
4p).
Subject to shareholder approval, the total dividend per Ordinary Share for
2011 will be 4p per Ordinary Share
The final dividend will be payable on Monday 6 August 2012 to shareholders
registered at the close of business on 6 July 2012.
Investment properties
The investment property portfolio is stated at its open market value of
£12,068,000, at 31 December 2011(2010:£ 12,110,000) as valued by professional
external valuers. The open market value of the companies shareholding of
investment properties included within its investments in joint ventures is
£3,505,000 (2010: £1,568,000).
Financial instruments
Note 22 to the financial statements sets out the risks in respect of financial
instruments. The Board reviews and agrees overall treasury policies,
delegating appropriate authority to the managing director. Financial
instruments are used to manage the financial risks facing the group -
speculative transactions are not permitted. Treasury operations are reported
at each Board meeting and are subject to weekly internal reporting.
Directors
The directors of the company for the whole year were M A Heller, A R Heller,
GJ Casey, C A Joll, R J Grobler (a South African citizen), and J A Sibbald.
The directors retiring by rotation are Mr R G Grobler, Mr A R Heller, Mr C A
Joll and Mr J A Sibbald who offer themselves for re-election. The board
recommends their re-election. Brief details of the directors standing for
re-election are:
Robert Grobler was appointed as General Mine Manager by Black Wattle Colliery
(Proprietary) Ltd on 1 May 2000. He was appointed to the board of Bisichi
Mining plc as Director of Mining on 22 April 2008. He has over 40 years
experience in the South African coal mining industry. He is a professional
engineer and member of the South African Coal Managers Association.
Andrew Heller has been an executive director since 1998. He is a Chartered
Accountant and has been employed by the group since 1994 under a contract of
employment determinable at three months notice.
Christopher Joll has been a director since 1 February 2001 and has a contract
of service determinable at three months notice. He holds a number of
non-executive directorships of un-quoted companies. He is chairman of MJ2
Limited, a public relations consultancy specialising in real estate.
John Sibbald has been a non-executive director since 1988. He is a retired
chartered accountant. For most of his career he was employed in stockbroking
in the City of London where he specialised in mining and international
investment. He has a contract of service determinable at three months notice.
No director had any material interest in any contract or arrangement with the
company during the year other than as shown in this report.
Directors' shareholdings
The interests of the directors in the shares of the company, including family
and trustee holdings where appropriate, were as follows:
Beneficial Non-beneficial
31.12.2011 1.1.2011 31.12.2011 1.1.2011
M A Heller 148,783 146,666 181,344 181,344
A R Heller 785,012 772,000 - -
C A Joll - - - -
J A Sibbald - - - -
R J Grobler - - - -
G J Casey - - - -
There have not been any changes in the above shareholdings since 31 December
2011 and the date of this report.
Details of the options to subscribe for new ordinary shares of the company
granted to the directors are contained under "Share option schemes" in the
remuneration report on page 25.
Substantial interests
The following have advised that they have an interest in 3 per cent or more of
the issued share capital of the company as at 17 April 2012:
London & Associated Properties PLC - 4,432,618 shares representing 41.99 per
cent of the issued capital. (M A Heller is a director and shareholder of
London & Associated Properties PLC).
M A Heller - 330,117 shares representing 3.13 per cent of the issued capital.
A R Heller - 785,012 share representing 7.43 per cent of the issued capital.
Neil Kirton - 382,000 shares representing 3.65 per cent of the issued capital.
Disclosure of information to auditor
The directors in office at 31 December 2011 have confirmed that they are aware
that there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware.
Each of the directors has confirmed that they have taken all reasonable steps
they ought to have taken as directors to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the
auditor.
Corporate governance
The company has adopted the Guidance for Smaller Quoted Companies (SQC)
published by the Quoted Companies Alliance. The Alliance provides guidance to
SQC and their guidance covers the implementation of The UK Corporate
Governance Code for SQC. The paragraphs below set out how the company has
applied this guidance during the year. The company has complied with the
Quoted Companies Alliance guidance throughout the year, except insofar that
non-executive directors are not appointed for fixed terms (section A.7.2).
Principals of corporate governance
The group's Board appreciates the value of good corporate governance not only
in the areas of accountability and risk management, but also as a positive
contribution to business prosperity. The Board endeavours to apply corporate
governance principals in a sensible and pragmatic fashion having regard to the
circumstances of the group's business. The key objective is to enhance and
protect shareholder value.
Board structure
During the year the Board comprised the executive chairman, the managing
director, two other executive directors and two non-executive directors. Their
details appear on page 16. The Board is responsible to shareholders for the
proper management of the group. A statement of directors' responsibilities in
respect of the accounts is set out on page 27. The non-executive directors
have a particular responsibility to ensure that the strategies proposed by the
executive directors are fully considered. To enable the Board to discharge its
duties, all directors have full and timely access to all relevant information
and there is a procedure for all directors, in furtherance of their duties, to
take independent professional advice, if necessary, at the expense of the
group. The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved to it and meets
bi-monthly.
The Board is responsible for overall group strategy, approval of major capital
expenditure projects and consideration of significant financing matters.
The following Board committees, which have written terms of reference, deal
with specific aspects of the group's affairs:
- The nomination committee is chaired by Christopher Joll and comprises the
non-executive directors and the executive chairman. The committee is
responsible for proposing candidates for appointment to the Board, having
regard to the balance and structure of the Board. In appropriate cases
recruitment consultants are used to assist the process. Each director is
subject to re-election at least every three years.
- The remuneration committee is responsible for making recommendations to the
Board on the company's framework of executive remuneration and its cost. The
committee determines the contractual terms, remuneration and other benefits
for each of the executive directors, including performance related bonus
schemes, pension rights and compensation payments. The Board itself determines
the remuneration of the non-executive directors. The committee comprises the
non-executive directors. It is chaired by Christopher Joll. The company's
executive chairman is normally invited to attend meetings. The report on
directors' remuneration is set out on pages 24 and 25.
- The audit committee comprises the two non-executive directors and is chaired
by Christopher Joll. Its prime tasks are to review the scope of external
audit, to receive regular reports from the Company's auditors, PKF (UK) LLP,
and to review the half-yearly and annual accounts before they are presented to
the Board, focusing in particular on accounting policies and areas of
management judgment and estimation. The committee is responsible for
monitoring the controls which are in force to ensure the integrity of the
information reported to the shareholders. The committee acts as a forum for
discussion of internal control issues and contributes to the Board's review of
the effectiveness of the group's internal control and risk management systems
and processes. The committee also considers annually the need for an internal
audit function. It advises the Board on the appointment of external auditors
and on their remuneration for both audit and non-audit work, and discusses the
nature and scope of the audit with the external auditors. The committee, which
meets formally at least twice a year, provides a forum for reporting by the
group's external auditors. Meetings are also attended, by invitation, by the
company chairman, managing director and finance director.
The audit committee also undertakes a formal assessment of the auditors'
independence each year which includes:
- a review of non-audit services provided to the group and related fees;
- discussion with the auditors of a written report detailing all relationships
with the company and any other parties that could affect independence or the
perception of independence;
- a review of the auditors' own procedures for ensuring the independence of
the audit firm and partners and staff involved in the audit, including the
regular rotation of the audit partner; and
- obtaining written confirmation from the auditors that, in their professional
judgement, they are independent.
The audit committee report is set out on page 26.
An analysis of the fees payable to the external audit firm in respect of both
audit and non-audit services during the year is set out in Note 4 to the
financial statements.
Performance evaluation - board, board committees and directors
The performance of the board as a whole and of its committees and the
non-executive directors is assessed
by the chairman and the managing director and is discussed with the senior
independent director. Their recommendations are discussed at the nomination
committee prior to proposals for re-election being recommended to the Board.
The performance of executive directors is discussed and assessed by the
remuneration committee. The senior independent director meets regularly with
the chairman and both the executive and non-executive directors individually
outside of formal meetings. The directors will take outside advice in
reviewing performance but have not found this necessary to date.
Independent Directors
The senior independent non-executive director is Christopher Joll. The other
independent non-executive director is John Sibbald.
Christopher Joll has been a non-executive director for over ten years. As a
consequence he does not fully meet the criteria for independence set out in
the UK Corporate Governance Code (The Code).
John Sibbald has been a non-executive director of Bisichi for over twenty
years - the maximum set out in The Code criteria for independence is nine
years. For this reason he does not fully meet the criteria set out in The Code
for independence.
The Board encourages Christopher Joll and John Sibbald to act independently.
The criteria for independence on which they fail to meet The Code's criteria
for independence, namely length of service and a connection with the company's
public relations advisers, should not, and has not, resulted in their
inability or failure to act independently. In the opinion of the Board,
Christopher Joll and John Sibbald continue to fulfil their role as independent
non-executive directors.
The independent directors regularly meet prior to Board meetings to discuss
corporate governance issues.
Board and board committee meetings
The number of meetings during 2011 and attendance at regular Board meetings
and Board committees was as follows:
Meetings held Meetings attended
M A Heller Board 6 6
Nomination committee 1 1
A R Heller Board 6 6
Audit committee 2 2
G J Casey Board 6 5
R J Grobler Board 6 1
C A Joll Board 6 6
Audit committee 2 2
Nomination committee 1 1
Remuneration committee 1 1
J A Sibbald Board 6 6
Audit committee 2 2
Nomination committee 1 1
Remuneration committee 1 1
The audit committee had two meetings in 2011 with the external auditors
present, prior to release of the 2011 annual results. Members of the committee
discussed the 30 June 2011 half year results prior to their approval by the
full Board. The nomination committee held one meeting during the year.
Internal control
The directors are responsible for the group's system of internal control and
review of its effectiveness annually. The Board has designed the group's
system of internal control in order to provide the directors with reasonable
assurance that its assets are safeguarded, that transactions are authorised
and properly recorded and that material errors and irregularities are either
prevented or would be detected within a timely period. However, no system of
internal control can eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business
objectives or provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or
loss.
The key elements of the control system in operation are:
- The Board meets regularly with a formal schedule of matters reserved to it
for decision and has put in place an organisational structure with clearly
defined lines of responsibility and with appropriate delegation of authority;
- There are established procedures for planning, approval and monitoring of
capital expenditure and information systems for monitoring the group's
financial performance against approved budgets and forecasts;
- UK property and financial operations are closely monitored by members of the
Board and senior managers to enable them to assess risk and address the
adequacy of measures in place for its monitoring and control. The South
African operations are closely supervised by the UK based executives through
daily, weekly and monthly reports from the directors and senior officers in
South Africa. This is supplemented by monthly visits by the UK based finance
director to the South African operations which include checking the integrity
of information supplied to the UK. The directors are guided by the internal
control guidance for directors issued by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales.
During the period, the audit committee has reviewed the effectiveness of
internal control as described above. The Board receives periodic reports from
its committees.
There are no significant issues disclosed in the Annual Report for the year
ended 31 December 2011 (and up to the date of approval of the report)
concerning material internal control issues. The directors confirm that the
Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control as
described during the period.
Communication with shareholders
Communication with shareholders is a matter of priority. Extensive information
about the group and its activities is given in the Annual Report, which is
made available to shareholders. Further information is available on the
company's website, www.bisichi.co.uk. There is a regular dialogue with
institutional investors. Enquiries from individuals on matters relating to
their shareholdings and the business of the group are dealt with informatively
and promptly.
Payment of suppliers
The company agrees contract terms with suppliers when orders are placed.
Payments to suppliers are made in accordance with those terms, provided that
suppliers have complied with all relevant terms and conditions. Trade
creditors outstanding at the year-end represented 52 days trade purchases
(2010 - 39 days).
Takeover Directive
The company has one class of share capital, ordinary shares. Each ordinary
share carries one vote. All the ordinary shares rank pari passu. There are no
securities issued in the company which carry special rights with regard to
control of the company. The identity of all substantial direct or indirect
holders of securities in the company and the size and nature of their holdings
is shown under the "Substantial interests" section of this report above.
A relationship agreement dated 15 September 2005 (the "Relationship
Agreement") was entered into between the company and London & Associated
Properties PLC ("LAP") in regard to the arrangements between them while LAP is
a controlling shareholder of the company. The Relationship Agreement includes
a provision under which LAP has agreed to exercise the voting rights attached
to the ordinary shares in the company owned by LAP to ensure the independence
of the Board of directors of the company.
Other than the restrictions contained in the Relationship Agreement, there are
no restrictions on voting rights or on the transfer of ordinary shares in the
company. The rules governing the appointment and replacement of directors,
alteration of the articles of association of the company and the powers of the
company's directors accord with usual English company law provisions. Each
director is re-elected every three years or more frequently. The company is
not party to any significant agreements that take effect, alter or terminate
upon a change of control of the company following a takeover bid. The company
is not aware of any agreements between holders of its ordinary shares that may
result in restrictions on the transfer of its ordinary shares or on voting
rights.
There are no agreements between the company and its directors or employees
providing for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs
because of a takeover bid.
The Bribery Act 2010
The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on 1 July 2011, and the Board took the
opportunity to begin implementing a new Anti-Bribery Policy. The company is
committed to acting ethically, fairly and with integrity in all its endeavours
and compliance of the code is closely monitored.
Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting will be held at the Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall
Mall, London SW1Y 5HS on Thursday, 31 May 2012 at 11.00 a.m. Resolutions 1 to
10 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions. More than 50 per cent of
shareholders' votes cast must be in favour for these resolutions to be passed.
Resolutions 11 to 13 will be proposed as special resolutions. At least 75 per
cent of shareholders' votes cast must be in favour for these resolutions to be
passed.
The directors consider that all of the resolutions to be put to the meeting
are in the best interests of the company and its shareholders as a whole. The
Board recommends that shareholders vote in favour of all resolutions.
Directors' authority to allot shares (Resolution 10)
Paragraph 10.1.1 of Resolution 10 would give the directors the authority to
allot shares in the company and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any
security into, shares in the company up to an aggregate nominal value of
£351,542. This represents approximately 33.3 per cent of the ordinary share
capital of the company in issue (excluding treasury shares) at 17 April 2012
(being the last practicable date prior to the publication of this Directors'
Report). Paragraph 10.1.2 of Resolution 10 would give the directors the
authority to allot shares in the company and grant rights to subscribe for, or
convert any security into, shares in the company up to a further aggregate
nominal value of £351,542, in connection with a pre-emptive rights issue. This
amount represents approximately 33.3 per cent. of the ordinary share capital
of the company in issue (excluding treasury shares) at 17 April 2012 (being
the last practicable date prior to the publication of this Directors' Report).
Therefore, the maximum nominal value of shares or rights to subscribe for, or
convert any security into, shares which may be allotted or granted under
resolution 10 is £703,084.
Resolution 10 complies with guidance issued by the Association of British
Insurers (ABI).
The authority granted by resolution 10 will expire on 31 August 2013 or, if
earlier, the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the company. The
directors have no present intention to make use of this authority. However, if
they do exercise the authority, the directors intend to follow emerging best
practice as regards its use as recommended by the ABI.
Disapplication of pre-emption rights (11)
A special resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting in respect
of the disapplication of pre-emption rights.
Shares allotted for cash must normally first be offered to shareholders in
proportion to their existing shareholdings. The directors will, at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting seek power to allot equity securities (as
defined by section 560 of the Companies Act 2006) or sell treasury shares for
cash as if the pre-emption rights contained in Section 561 of the Companies
Act 2006 did not apply:
(a) in relation to pre-emptive offers and offers to holders of other equity
securities if required by the rights of those securities or as the directors
otherwise consider necessary, up to a maximum nominal amount of £351,542 which
represents approximately 33.3 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of the
company in issue (excluding treasury shares) and, in relation to rights issues
only, up to a maximum additional amount of £351,542 which represents
approximately 33.3 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of the company in
issue (excluding treasury shares), in each case as at 17 April 2012 (being the
last practicable date prior to the publication of this Directors' Report); and
(b) in any other case, up to a maximum nominal amount of £105,568 which
represents approximately 10 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of the
company in issue (excluding treasury shares) as at 17 April 2012 (being the
last practicable date prior to the publication of this Directors' Report).
In compliance with the guidelines issued by the Pre-emption Group, the
directors, will ensure that, other than in relation to a rights issue, no more
than 7.5% of the issued ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares) will be
allotted for cash on a non pre-emptive basis over a rolling three year period
unless shareholders have been notified and consulted in advance.
The power in resolution 11 will expire when the authority given by resolution
10 is revoked or expires.
Notice of General Meetings (Resolution 12)
Resolution 12 will be proposed to allow the company to call general meetings
(other than an Annual General Meeting) on 14 clear days' notice. A resolution
in the same terms was passed at the Annual General Meeting in 2011. The notice
period required by the Companies Act 2006 for general meetings of the company
is 21 days unless shareholders approve a shorter notice period, which cannot
however be less than 14 clear days. Annual General Meetings must always be
held on at least 21 clear days' notice. It is intended that the flexibility
offered by this resolution will only be used for time-sensitive, non-routine
business and where merited in the interests of shareholders as a whole. The
approval will be effective until the Company's next Annual General Meeting,
when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed. In order to be
able to call a general meeting on less than 21 clear days' notice, the company
must make a means of electronic voting available to all shareholders for that
meeting.
Purchase of own Ordinary Shares (Resolution 13)
The effect of resolution 13 would be to renew the directors' current authority
to make limited market purchases of the company's ordinary shares of 10 pence
each. The power is limited to a maximum aggregate number of 1,055,684 ordinary
shares (representing approximately 10 per cent of the company's issued share
capital as at 17 April 2012 (being the last practicable date prior to
publication of this Directors' Report)). The minimum price (exclusive of
expenses) which the company would be authorised to pay for each ordinary share
would be 10 pence (the nominal value of each ordinary share). The maximum
price (again exclusive of expenses) which the company would be authorised to
pay for an ordinary share is an amount equal to the higher of (i) 105% of the
average market price for an ordinary share for the five business days
preceding any such purchase and (ii) the higher of the price of the last
independent trade for an ordinary share and the highest current independent
bid for an ordinary share as derived from the trading venue where the purchase
is to be carried out. The authority conferred by resolution 13 will expire at
the conclusion of the company's next Annual General Meeting or 15 months from
the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier. Any purchases of
ordinary shares would be made by means of market purchase through the London
Stock Exchange. If granted, the authority would only be exercised if, in the
opinion of the directors, to do so would result in an increase in earnings per
share or net asset value per share and would be in the best interests of
shareholders generally. In exercising the authority to purchase ordinary
shares, the directors may treat the shares that have been bought back as
either cancelled or held as treasury shares (shares held by the company
itself). No dividends may be paid on shares which are held as treasury shares
and no voting rights are attached to them.
As at 17 April 2012 (being the last practicable date prior to the publication
of this Directors' Report) the total number of options to subscribe for new
ordinary shares in the company was 798,000 shares representing 7.56% of the
company's issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at that date.
Such number of options to subscribe for new ordinary shares would represent
approximately 8.40% of the reduced issued share capital of the company
(excluding treasury shares) assuming full use of the authority to make market
purchases sought under resolution 13.
Donations
No political or charitable donations were made during the year (2010:Nil).
Going concern
The group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect
its future development are set out in the Chairman's Statement on the
preceding page 2, the Mining Review on pages 5 to 9 and it's financial
position is set out on page15 of the Business Review. In addition Note 22 to
the financial statements includes the group's treasury policy, interest rate
risk, liquidity risk and hedging profile.
The group has considerable financial resources available and long term leases
with the majority of its tenants of its property portfolio. The directors have
a reasonable expectation of improved market conditions in 2012 with Black
Wattle Colliery, its direct mining asset returning to profitability in the
second half of 2011. As a consequence, the directors believe that the company
is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the loss for
the year. The group intends to negotiate new facilities in the UK before the
expiry of the current facility and have obtained confirmation from the Royal
Bank of Scotland that they are not aware of any reason why the bank should not
continue to support the company following the expiry of the current
facilities.
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing
the annual financial statements.
Other matters
PKF (UK) LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in office as auditor. A
proposal will be made at the annual general meeting for its re-appointment,
and for its remuneration to be determined by the directors.
By order of the board
Heather Curtis
Secretary
24 Bruton Place
London W1J 6NE
18 April 2012
REMUNERATION REPORT
The remuneration committee is pleased to present its report for the year ended
31 December 2011 The remuneration committee is a formally constituted
committee and is comprised exclusively of non-executive directors.
The members of the committee are Christopher Joll (chairman) and John Sibbald.
Remuneration policy for executive directors and non-executive directors
The principal function of the remuneration committee is to determine, on
behalf of the Board, the remuneration and other benefits of the executive
directors and senior executives, including pensions, share options and service
contracts. The company's policy is to ensure that the executive directors are
rewarded competitively in relation to other companies in order to retain and
motivate them. The emoluments of each executive director comprises basic
salary, a bonus at the discretion of the remuneration committee, provision of
a car, premiums paid in respect of individual defined contribution pension
arrangements, health insurance premium and share options.
The remuneration committee receives updates on pay and employment conditions
applying to other group employees. These are taken into consideration when
setting executive directors' remuneration consistent with the group's general
aim of seeking to reward all employees fairly according to the nature of their
role, their performance and market forces.
The remuneration of non-executive directors is determined by the board, and
takes into account additional remuneration for services outside the scope of
the ordinary duties of non-executive directors. No pension costs are incurred
on behalf of non-executive directors and they do not participate in the share
option schemes.
Service and employment contracts
All executive directors have full time contracts of employment with the
company. Non-executive directors have contracts of service. No director has a
contract of employment or contract of service with the company, its joint
venture or associated companies with a fixed term which exceeds six months.
All directors' contracts, as amended from time to time, have run from the date
of appointment. Details of the directors standing for re-election are given
under 'Directors' in the Directors' report. The policy of the committee is not
to grant employment contracts or contracts of service in excess of six months
and there are no provisions for termination payments. A summary of terms of
service and employment is as follows:
Start date Unexpired Notice
of contract term period
Executive directors
M A Heller November 1972 Continuous 6 months
A R Heller January 1994 Continuous 3 months
G J Casey June 2010 Continuous 3 months
R J Grobler April 2008 Continuous 3 months
Non-executive directors
C A Joll February 2001 Continuous 3 months
J A Sibbald October 1988 Continuous 3 months
The following information has been audited:
Directors' remuneration
Total
Salaries before Pension Total Total
and fees Bonus Benefits Pensions Contributions 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Executive Directors
M A Heller 75 - - 75 - 75 75
A R Heller 350 208 38 596 30 626 568
G J Casey 105 50 8 163 14 177 119
R Grobler 165 50 8 223 9 232 290
695 308 54 1,057 53 1,110 1,052
Non- Executive Directors
C A Joll 24 - - 24 - 24 20
J A Sibbald 2 - 2 4 - 4 5
26 - 2 28 - 28 25
Total 721 308 56 1,085 53 1,138 1,077
Pension schemes and incentives
Three (2010: three) directors have benefits under money purchase pension
schemes. Contributions in 2011 were £53,000 (2010: £52,000), see table above.
Directors are not entitled to benefits under any bonus or incentive schemes
apart from the share option schemes details of which are set out below.
Bonuses are awarded by the remuneration committee when merited.
Performance bonuses were awarded by the remuneration committee to three
executive directors during 2011 (2010:3).
Share option schemes
The company has four "Unapproved" Share Option Schemes which are not subject
to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) approval. The "First Scheme" was approved by
shareholders on 15 June 1999. The "Second Scheme" was approved by shareholders
on 23 June 2005, options having been provisionally granted under it on 23
September 2004, the "2006 Scheme" was approved by shareholders on 29 June
2006, and the "2010 scheme" was approved by Shareholders on 7 June 2011. All
available options under each of the Schemes have been granted.
Number of share options
Options 31
Option 1 January Granted in December Exercisable Exercisable
price* 2011 2011 2011 from to
First Scheme
A R Heller 34p 233,000 - 233,000 30/9/2005 29/9/2012
Employee 34p 80,000 - 80,000 30/9/2005 29/9/2012
Second Scheme
A R Heller 149p 80,000 - 80,000 23/9/2007 22/9/2014
The 2006 Scheme
A R Heller 237.5p 275,000 - 275,000 4/10/2009 3/10/2016
Employee 237.5p 50,000 - 50,000 4/10/2009 3/10/2016
The 2010 Scheme
G J Casey 202.5p 80,000 - 80,000 31/08/2013 30/08/2020
*Middle market price at date of grant
No consideration is payable for the grant of options under the Unapproved
Share Option Scheme or for the option granted under the 2010 Scheme. The
exercise of options under the Unapproved Share Option Schemes is subject to
the satisfaction of objective performance conditions specified by the
remuneration committee, which will conform to institutional shareholder
guidelines and best practice provisions in force from time to time. The
remuneration committee has not yet set these guidelines for the First Scheme
and the 2006 Scheme. The performance conditions for the Second Scheme, agreed
by members on 23 June 2005, requires growth in net assets over a three year
period to exceed the growth in the retail price index by a scale of
percentages. The performance conditions for the option granted under the 2010
Scheme, requires growth in group net assets over a three year period to exceed
growth in the retail price index by a scale of percentages.
The middle market price of Bisichi Mining PLC ordinary shares at 31 December
2011 was 145p (2010-200p). During the year the share price ranged between
137.5p and 230p.
The following information is unaudited:
The board's policy is to grant options to executive directors, managers and
staff at appropriate times to provide them with an interest in the longer term
development of the group.
The following graph illustrates the company's performance compared with a
broad equity market index over a five year period. Performance is measured by
total shareholder return. The directors have chosen the FTSE All Share - Total
Return Index as a suitable index for this comparison as it gives an indication
of performance against a large spread of quoted companies.
Christopher Joll
Chairman - remuneration committee
24 Bruton Place
London
W1J 6NE
18 April 2012
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The committee's terms of reference have been approved by the board and follow
published guidelines, which are available from the company secretary. The
audit committee comprises the two non-executive directors, Christopher Joll
(chairman), an experienced financial PR executive and John Sibbald, a retired
chartered accountant.
The Audit Committee's prime tasks are to:
Review the scope of external audit, to receive regular reports from PKF (UK)
LLP and to review the half-yearly and annual accounts before they are
presented to the board, focusing in particular on accounting policies and
areas of management judgment and estimation;
Monitor the controls which are in force to ensure the integrity of the
information reported to the shareholders;
Assess key risks and to act as a forum for discussion of risk issues and
contribute to the board's review of the effectiveness of the group's risk
management control and processes;
Act as a forum for discussion of internal control issues and contribute to the
board's review of the effectiveness of the group's internal control and risk
management systems and processes;
Consider each year the need for an internal audit function;
Advise the board on the appointment of external auditors and rotation of the
audit partner every five years, and on their remuneration for both audit and
non-audit work, and discuss the nature and scope of their audit work;
Participate in the selection of a new external audit partner and agree the
appointment when required;
Undertake a formal assessment of the auditors' independence each year which
includes:
- a review of non-audit services provided to the group and related fees;
- discussion with the auditors of a written report detailing all relationships
with the company and any other parties that could affect independence or the
perception of independence;
- a review of the auditors' own procedures for ensuring the independence of
the audit firm and partners and staff involved in the audit, including the
regular rotation of the audit partner; and
- obtaining written confirmation from the auditors that, in their professional
judgement, they are independent.
Meetings
The committee meets prior to the annual audit with the external auditors to
discuss the audit plan and again prior to the publication of the annual
results. These meetings are attended by the external audit partner, managing
director, director of finance and company secretary. Prior to bi-monthly board
meetings the members of the committee meet on an informal basis to discuss any
relevant matters which may have arisen. Additional formal meetings are held as
necessary.
During the past year the committee:
Met with the external auditors, and discussed their report to the Audit
Committee;
Approved the publication of annual and half-year financial results;
Considered and approved the annual review of internal controls;
Decided that due to the size and nature of operation there was not a current
need for an internal audit function;
Agreed the independence of the auditors and approved their fees for both audit
and not-audit services as set out in note 5 to the financial statements.
External Auditors
PKF (UK) LLP held office throughout the year. In the United Kingdom the
company is provided with extensive administration and accounting services by
London & Associated Properties PLC which has its own audit committee and
employs a separate firm of external auditors, Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP. In
South Africa PKF (Jhb) Inc. is the external auditor to the South African
companies, and the work of that firm is reviewed by PKF (UK) LLP.
Christopher Joll
Chairman - audit committee
24 Bruton Place
London W1J 6NE
18 April 2012
VALUERS' CERTIFICATES
To the directors of Bisichi Mining PLC
In accordance with your instructions we have carried out a valuation of the
freehold property interests held as at 31 December 2011 by the company as
detailed in our Valuation Report dated 2 February 2012.
Having regard to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the open market
value as at 31 December 2011 of the interests owned by the Company was
£12,068,000 being made up as follows:
£000
Freehold 9,118
Leasehold 2,950
12,068
Leeds BNP Paribas Real Estate Advisory and Property Management UK Limited
2 February 2012 Regulated by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
The directors are responsible for preparing the directors' report,
the directors' remuneration report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring
that the annual report includes information required by the Listing Rules of
the Financial Services Authority.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements
for each financial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare
the group financial statements in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and have elected to
prepare the parent company financial statements in accordance with United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting
Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not
approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group and of
the profit or loss of the group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements the directors are required
to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them
consistently;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;
- state whether the group financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
- state, with regard to the parent company financial statements,
whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company and the group will
continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions, to
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the
company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and the group and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of
the corporate and financial information included on the company's website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination
of the financial statements and other information included in annual reports
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge:
- that the group financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the
group; and
- that the management report included within the directors' report
includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and
the position of the company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that they face.
The names and functions of all the directors are stated on page 16.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
to the members of Bisichi Mining PLC
We have audited the financial statements of Bisichi Mining PLC for
the year ended 31 December 2011 which comprise the consolidated income
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the
consolidated and company balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement,
the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity and the related
notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work
has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities
statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements
in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK
and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices
Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable
assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the
accounting policies are appropriate to the group's and the parent company's
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and
the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all
the financial and non-financial information in the annual report & accounts to
identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we
become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we
consider the implications for our report.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
- the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state
of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of
the group's loss for the year then ended;
- the group financial statements have been properly prepared in
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
- the parent company financial statements have been properly
prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice; and
- the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the group financial
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
- the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited has
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
- the information given in the directors' report for the financial
year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the
financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,
in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us; or
- the parent company financial statements and the part of the
directors' remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law
are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we
require for our audit.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
- the directors' statement, set out on page 23, in relation to
going concern; and
- the part of the corporate governance statement relating to the
company's compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance
Code specified for our review; and
- certain elements of the report to the shareholders by the board
on directors' remuneration.
Stuart Barnsdall (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of PKF (UK) LLP, Statutory auditor
London, UK
18 April 2012
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2011
2011 2011 2011 2010
Notes Trading Revaluations Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Group revenue 1 29,909 - 29,909 32,824
Operating costs 2 (27,565) - (27,565) (32,976)
Operating profit/(loss) before
depreciation, fair value
adjustments and exchange
movements 2,344 - 2,344 (152)
Depreciation 2 (2,488) - (2,488) (2,414)
Operating loss before fair value
adjustments and exchange movements 1 (144) - (144) (2,566)
Exchange (losses)/gains (975) - (975) 526
(Decrease)/Increase in value
of investment properties 3 - (42) (42) 245
(Loss)/Gains on held for trading
investments - (167) (167) 90
Operating loss 1 (1,119) (209) (1,328) (1,705)
Share of profit/(loss) in joint ventures 13 21 (31) (10) 61
Loss before interest and taxation (1,098) (240) (1,338) (1,644)
Interest receivable 268 - 268 174
Interest payable 6 (380) - (380) (343)
Loss before tax 4 (1,210) (240) (1,450) (1,813)
Taxation 7 762 142 904 527
Profit/(Loss) for the year (448) (98) (546) (1,286)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the company (346) (98) (444) (1,212)
Non-controlling interest 27 (102) - (102) (74)
Profit/(Loss) for the year (448) (98) (546) (1,286)
Loss per share - basic 9 (3.30)p (0.93)p (4.23)p (11.60)p
Loss per share - diluted 9 (3.30)p (0.93)p (4.23)p (11.60)p
Trading income reflects all the trading activity on mining and property
operations. Revaluation Income reflects the revaluation of investment
properties and other assets within the group and any proportion of these
amounts within Joint Ventures. The total column represents the consolidated
income statement presented in accordance with IAS 1.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2011
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Loss for the year (546) (1,286)
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations (575) 747
Taxation - -
Other comprehensive income for the year net of tax (575) 747
Total comprehensive income
for the year net of tax (1,121) (539)
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders (958) (459)
Non-controlling interest (163) (80)
(1,121) (539)
Company Registration No. 112155
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
at 31 December 2011
2011 2010
Notes £'000 £'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Value of investment properties 10 12,068 12,110
Fair value of head lease 31 222 233
12,290 12,343
Mining reserves, plant and equipment 11 7,926 9,615
Investments in joint ventures 12 2,579 3,607
Other investments 12 148 150
Total non-current assets 22,943 25,715
Current assets
Inventories 16 1,206 705
Trade and other receivables 17 6,067 4,719
Corporation tax recoverable 133 115
Held for trading investments 18 730 605
Cash and cash equivalents 4,041 5,399
12,177 11,543
Non-current asset held for sale 14 1,785 -
Total current assets 13,962 11,543
Total assets 36,905 37,258
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Borrowings 20 (8,157) (1,759)
Trade and other payables 19 (8,590) (7,865)
Current tax liabilities - (362)
Total current liabilities (16,747) (9,986)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 20 (86) (5,326)
Provision for rehabilitation 21 (965) (1,025)
Finance lease liabilities 31 (222) (233)
Deferred tax liabilities 23 (1,881) (2,340)
Total non-current liabilities (3,154) (8,924)
Total liabilities (19,901) (18,910)
Net assets 17,004 18,348
Equity
Share capital 24 1,056 1,045
Share premium account 169 -
Translation reserve (446) 68
Other reserves 25 500 485
Retained earnings 15,494 16,356
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders 16,773 17,954
Non-controlling interest 27 231 394
Total equity 17,004 18,348
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board
of directors on 18 April 2012 and signed on its behalf by:
A R Heller G J Casey
Director Director
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Non-
Share Share Translation Other Retained controlling Total
capital Premium reserves reserves earnings Total interest equity
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2010 1,045 - (685) 480 18,460 19,300 19,300
Revaluation of investment properties - - - - 245 245 - 245
Other income statement movements - - - - (1,457) (1,457) (74) (1,531)
Loss for the year - - - - (1,212) (1,212) (74) (1,286)
Exchange adjustment - - 753 - - 753 (6) 747
Total comprehensive income for the year - - 753 - (1,212) (459) (80) (539)
Dividend - - - - (418) (418) - (418)
Equity share options - - 5 - 5 - 5
Disposal of shares in subsidiary - - - (474) (474) 474 -
Balance at 1 January 2011 1,045 - 68 485 16,356 17,954 394 18,348
Revaluation of investment properties - - - - (42) (42) - (42)
Other income statement movements - - - - (402) (402) (102) (504)
Loss for the year - - - - (444) (444) (102) (546)
Exchange adjustment - - (514) - - (514) (61) (575)
Total comprehensive income for the year - - (514) - (444) (958) (163) (1,121)
Dividend 11 169 - - (418) (238) - (238)
Equity share options - - - 15 - 15 - 15
Balance at 31 December 2011 1,056 169 (446) 500 15,494 16,773 231 17,004
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating loss (1,328) (1,705)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 2,488 2,414
Share based payment expense 15 5
Loss/(Gain) on investment held for trading 167 (90)
Unrealised loss/(gain) on investment properties 42 (245)
Share of profit of joint venture 21 -
Cash flow before working capital 1,405 379
Change in inventories (501) 434
Change in trade and other receivables (2,385) (2,150)
Change in trade and other payables 2,340 834
Change in provisions 124 253
Acquisitions of held for trading investments (291) (6)
Cash generated from operations 692 (256)
Interest received 268 174
Interest paid (380) (343)
Income tax received/(paid) 245 (112)
Cash flow from operating activities 825 (537)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of reserves, plant and equipment (2,528) (2,639)
Proceeds from sale of investment
properties, reserves, plant and equipment 7 -
(Acquisitions)/Disposal of investments (888) 405
Cash flow from investing activities (3,409) (2,234)
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings drawn - 2,300
Borrowings repaid (347) (231)
Equity dividends paid (238) (418)
Cash flow from financing activities (585) 1,651
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (3,169) (1,120)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 3,977 5,077
Exchange adjustment 306 20
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 1,114 3,977
Cash and cash equivalents at
31 December comprise:
Cash and cash equivalents
as presented in the balance sheet 4,041 5,399
Bank overdrafts (secured) (2,927) (1,422)
1,114 3,977
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Basis of accounting
The results for the year ended 31 December 2011 have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted
by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The principal accounting
policies are described below:
The group financial statements are presented in £ sterling and all values are
rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£000) except when otherwise stated.
International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS)
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations in force at the reporting
date. These are prepared under the historic cost basis as modified by the
revaluation of investment properties and held for trading investments.
During 2011 the following accounting standards and guidance were
adopted by the group:
IAS 24 Related parties: The revised standard clarifies the definition of a
related party and includes an explicit requirement to disclose commitments to
related parties. The revised standard specifically defines associates of the
ultimate parent company as related parties of the group and they have been
treated as such in these financial statements.
IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements: Clarifies that entities may
present the analysis of each component of other comprehensive income either in
the statement of changes in equity or in the notes to the financial statements
During 2011 all other standards and interpretations that were mandatory for
the accounting period and were required to be adopted by the group either had
no material impact on the group's financial statements or were not relevant to
the operations of the group.
The group has not adopted any standards or interpretations in advance of the
required implementation dates. It is not expected that adoption of any
standards or interpretations which have been issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board but have not been adopted will have a material
impact on the financial statements.
Comparative information
The directors consider exchange gains/losses to be a material item. As a
result exchange gains/losses are classified as a separate line item in the
Income Statement. In the prior year, exchange gains/losses in the Income
Statement were included within the line item "Operating costs". As a result
the comparative amount for exchange gains/losses in the Income Statement,
being an exchange gain of £526,000, is reclassified.
Key Judgements and Estimates
The directors consider their judgements and estimates surrounding the life of
the mine and its reserves to have the most significant effect on the amounts
recognised in the financial statements and to be the area where the financial
statements are at most risk of a material adjustment due to estimation
uncertainty.
In addition the directors note that other areas, in particular the valuation
of the investment properties, are considered to be less judgemental due to the
nature of the underlying properties and the use of external valuers.
Basis of consolidation
The group accounts incorporate the accounts of Bisichi Mining Plc and all of
its subsidiary undertakings, together with the group's share of the results of
its joint ventures and associates. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
are presented separately from the equity attributable to equity owners of the
parent company. When changes in ownership in a subsidiary do not result in a
loss of control, the non-controlling shareholders' interest are initially
measured at the non-controlling interests' proportionate share of the
subsidiaries net assets. Subsequent to this, the carrying amount of
non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial
recognition plus the non-controlling interests' share of subsequent changes in
equity. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests
even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit
balance.
Revenue
Revenue comprises sales of coal and property rental income. Revenue is
recognised when delivery of the product or service has been made and when the
customer has a legally binding obligation to settle under the terms of the
contract and has assumed all significant risks and rewards of ownership.
Revenue is only recognised on individual sales of coal when all of the
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to a third
party. In most instances revenue is recognised when the product is delivered
to the location specified by the customer, which is typically when loaded into
transport, where the customer pays the transportation costs.
Rental income is recognised in the group income statement on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease. This includes the effect of lease
incentives.
Investment Properties
Investment properties comprise freehold and long leasehold land and buildings.
Investment properties are carried at fair value in accordance with IAS 40
`Investment Properties'. Properties are recognised as investment properties
when held for long-term rental yields, and after consideration has been given
to a number of factors including length of lease, quality of tenant and
covenant, value of lease, management intention for future use of property,
planning consents and percentage of property leased. Investment properties are
revalued annually by professional external surveyors and included in the
balance sheet at their fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the
fair values of assets are recognised in the consolidated income statement in
the period to which they relate. In accordance with IAS 40, investment
properties are not depreciated. Properties held for use in the business are
not recognised as investment properties and are held at depreciated historical
cost.
The fair value of the head leases is the net present value of the current head
rent payable on leasehold properties until the expiry of the lease.
Mining reserves, plant and equipment
The cost of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price and any
costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and
condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in accordance with
agreed specifications. Freehold land is not depreciated. Other property, plant
and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation.
The life of mine remaining as at year end is currently estimated at 5 years.
The life of mine is kept under review and has remained unchanged from the
prior year. A provision for rehabilitation of the mine is carried at fair
value and is provided for over the life of mine. The provision includes the
restoration of the underground, opencast and surface operations and is
estimated to be utilised at the end of the life of mine of the group. The
timing and final cost of the rehabilitation is uncertain and will depend on
the duration of the mine life and the quantities of coal extracted from the
reserves.
Mine reserves and development cost
The purpose of mine development is to establish secure working conditions and
infrastructure to allow the safe and efficient extraction of recoverable
reserves. Depreciation on mine development is not charged until production
commences or the assets are put to use. On commencement of full production,
depreciation is charged over the life of the associated mine reserves on a
straight-line basis.
Surface mine development
Expenditure incurred prior to the commencement of working surface mine sites,
net of any residual value and taking into account the likelihood of the site
being mined, is capitalised within property, plant and equipment and charged
to the income statement over the life of the recoverable reserves of the
scheme.
Other assets and depreciation
The cost, less estimated residual value, of other property, plant and
equipment is written off on a straight-line basis over the asset's expected
useful life. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if
appropriate, at each balance sheet date. Changes to the estimated residual
values or useful lives are accounted for prospectively. Heavy surface mining
and other plant and equipment is depreciated at varying rates depending upon
its expected usage.
The depreciation rates generally applied are:
Mining equipment The shorter of its useful life or the life of the mine
Mining reserves Over the expected life of the reserves
Motor vehicles 25-33 per cent per annum
Office equipment 10-33 per cent per annum
Employee Benefits
Share based remuneration
The company operates a share option scheme. The fair value of the share option
scheme is determined at the date of grant. This fair value is then expensed on
a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the
number of shares that will eventually vest. The fair value of options granted
is calculated using a binomial or Black-Scholes-Merton model. Details of the
share options in issue are disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report on
page 25 under the heading Share option schemes which is within the audited
part of this report.
Pensions
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions
payable to the scheme are expensed in the period to which they relate.
Foreign Currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year end exchange rates and
the resulting exchange rate differences are included in the consolidated
income statement within the results of operating activities if arising from
trading activities and within finance cost/income if arising from financing.
For consolidation purposes, income and expense items are included in the
consolidated income statement at average rates, and assets and liabilities are
translated at year end exchange rates. Translation differences arising on
consolidation are recognised in other comprehensive income. Where foreign
operations are disposed of, the cumulative exchange differences of that
foreign operation are recognised in the consolidated income statement when the
gain or loss on disposal is recognised.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling
on transaction date.
Financial Instruments
The group classifies financial instruments, or their component parts, on
initial recognition as a financial asset, a financial liability or an equity
instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.
Bank loans and overdrafts
Bank loans and overdrafts are included as financial liabilities on the group
balance sheet at the amounts drawn on the particular facilities net of the
unamortised cost of financing. Interest payable on those facilities is
expensed as finance cost in the period to which it relates.
Finance lease liabilities
Finance lease liabilities arise for those investment properties held under a
leasehold interest and accounted for as investment property. The liability is
initially calculated as the present value of the minimum lease payments,
reducing in subsequent reporting periods by the apportionment of payments to
the lessor.
Interest rate derivatives
The group uses derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate
risk associated with the financing of the group's business. No trading in such
financial instruments is undertaken. At each reporting date, these interest
rate derivatives are recognised at fair value, being the estimated amount that
the group would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the balance sheet
date, taking into account current interest rates and the current credit rating
of the counterparties. The gain or loss at each fair value re-measurement is
recognised immediately in the income statement.
Held for trading investments
Financial assets/liabilities held for trading or short-term gain are measured
at fair value and movements in fair value are charged/credited to the income
statement in the period.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal
value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated recoverable amounts
as the interest that would be recognised from discounting future cash payments
over the short payment period is not considered to be material.
Trade payables
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value,
as the interest that would be recognised from discounting future cash payments
over the short payment period is not considered to be material.
Other Financial assets and liabilities
The groups other financial assets and liabilities not disclosed above are
accounted for as shown below.
Financial assets:
- Cash and cash equivalents are measured at cash value.
- Other receivables at amount owed
- Other loans receivable at amount owed
Finance liabilities:
- Other payables at amount owing
Joint Ventures
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose activities the
group has joint control, as established by contractual agreement, are included
at cost together with the group's share of post acquisition reserves, on an
equity basis.
Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount
and fair value less costs to sell.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost
includes materials, direct labour and overheads relevant to the stage of
production. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less all
further costs to completion and all relevant marketing, selling and
distribution costs.
Other Investments
Other investments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market
and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are recognised at cost less
any provision for impairment.
Impairment
Whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount
of an asset may not be recoverable an asset is reviewed for impairment. An
asset's carrying value is written down to its estimated recoverable amount
(being the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use) if
that is less than the asset's carrying amount.
Deferred Tax
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the tax computations, and
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax
liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and
deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary
differences can be utilised. In respect of the deferred tax on the revaluation
surplus, this is calculated on the basis of the chargeable gains that would
crystallise on the sale of the investment portfolio as at the reporting date.
The calculation takes account of indexation on the historical cost of the
properties and any available capital losses.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the
period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is
charged or credited in the group income statement, except when it relates to
items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income, in which
case it is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.
Dividends
Dividends payable on the ordinary share capital are recognised as a liability
in the period in which they are approved.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand and on-demand deposits. Cash and cash equivalents
comprises short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of
changes in value and original maturities of three months or less. The cash and
cash equivalents shown in the cashflow statement are stated net of bank
overdrafts.
Segmental Reporting
For management reporting purposes, the group is organised into business
segments distinguishable by economic activity. The group's only business
segments are mining activities and investment properties. These business
segments are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of
other business segments and are the primary basis on which the group reports
its segment information. This is consistent with the way the group is managed
and with the format of the group's internal financial reporting. Significant
revenue from transactions with an individual customer, which makes up 10
percent or more of the total revenue of the group, is separately disclosed
within each segment.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2011
1. Segmental reporting
Business analysis
2011
Mining Property Other Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Significant revenue customer A 8,577 - - 8,577
Significant revenue customer B 7,527 - - 7,527
Significant revenue customer C 2,280 - - 2,280
Other revenue 10,508 989 28 11,525
Segment revenue 28,892 989 28 29,909
Operating (loss)/profit before fair
value adjustments & exchange
movements (787) 630 13 (144)
Revaluation of investments &
exchange movements (975) (42) (167) (1184)
Operating (loss)/profit
and segment result (1,762) 588 (154) (1,328)
Segment assets 15,212 12,551 730 28,493
Unallocated assets
- Non-current assets 7
Cash & cash equivalents 4,041
Total assets excluding investment
in joint ventures 32,541
Segment liabilities (7,928) (2,498) (27) (10,453)
Borrowings (316) (5,000) - (5,316)
(8,244) (7,498) (27) (15,769)
Unallocated liabilities (4,132)
Total liabilities (19,901)
Net assets 12,640
Investment in joint ventures
non segmental 4,364
Net assets as
per balance sheet 17,004
Geographic analysis
United South
Kingdom Africa Other Unallocated Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Revenue 1,017 28,892 - - 29,909
Operating profit/(loss) and
segment result 434 (1,762) - - (1,328)
Non-current assets excluding
investments 12,290 7,920 - 6 20,216
Total net assets 5,725 6,944 57 4,278 17,004
Capital expenditure 1 2,527 - - 2,528
1. Segmental reporting continued
Business analysis
2010
Mining Property Other Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Significant revenue customer A 11,265 - - 11,265
Significant revenue customer B 8,456 - - 8,456
Significant revenue customer C 3,398 - - 3,398
Other Revenue 8,707 975 23 9,705
Segment revenue 31,826 975 23 32,824
Operating (loss)/profit before
fair value adjustments &
exchange movements (3,190) 616 8 (2,566)
Revaluation of investments
& exchange movements 526 245 90 861
Operating (loss)/profit and
segment result (2,664) 861 98 (1,705)
Segment assets 15,061 12,557 606 28,224
Unallocated assets
- Non-current assets 28
Cash & cash equivalents 5,399
Total assets excluding
investment in joint ventures 33,651
Segment liabilities (7,769) (2,473) (15) (10,257)
Borrowings (663) (5,000) - (5,663)
(8,432) (7,473) (15) (15,920)
Unallocated liabilities (2,990)
Total liabilities (18,910)
Net assets 14,741
Investment in joint ventures
non segmental 3,607
Net assets as per balance sheet 18,348
Geographic analysis
United South
Kingdom Africa Other Unallocated Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Revenue 998 31,826 - - 32,824
Operating profit/(loss)
and segment result 959 (2,664) - - (1,705)
Non-current assets excluding
investments 12,343 9,586 - 29 21,958
Total net assets 5,637 6,604 63 6,044 18,348
Capital expenditure 2 2,637 - - 2,639
2. Operating costs
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Mining 22,579 26,979
Property 104 120
Cost of sales 22,683 27,099
Administration 7,370 8,291
Operating costs 30,053 35,390
The direct property costs are:
Ground rent 6 9
Direct property expense 70 81
Bad debts 28 30
104 120
Operating costs above include depreciation of £2,488,000 (2010: £2,414,000)
3. Gain on revaluation and sale of investment properties
The reconciliation of the investment (deficit)/surplus to the (loss)/gain on
revaluation of investment properties in the income statement is set out below:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Investment (deficit)/surplus (31) 258
Gain on valuation movement in
respect of head lease payments (11) (13)
(Loss)/Gain on revaluation
of investment properties (42) 245
4. Loss before taxation
Loss before taxation is arrived at after charging/(crediting):
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Staff costs (see note 29) 5,872 6,036
Depreciation 2,488 2,414
Exchange loss/(gain) 975 (526)
Fees payable to the company's auditor
for the audit of the company's annual accounts 26 40
Fees payable to the company's auditor
and its associates for other services:
The audit of the company's subsidiaries,
pursuant to legislation 34 32
Other services 5 5
The directors consider the auditors were best placed to provide the above
non-audit services. The audit committee reviews the nature and extent of
non-audit services to ensure that independence is maintained.
5. Directors' emoluments
Directors' emoluments are shown in the Directors' remuneration report on pages
24 and 25 under the heading Directors' remuneration which is within the
audited part of this report.
6. Interest payable
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
On bank overdrafts and bank loans 369 291
Other interest payable 11 52
Interest payable 380 343
7. Taxation
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
(a) Based on the results for the year:
Corporation tax - 352
Adjustment in respect of prior years - UK - 6
Adjustment in respect of prior years - SA (332) -
Current tax (332) 358
Deferred tax - current year (572) (885)
Total tax in income statement (904) (527)
(b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year:
The corporation tax assessed for the year is
different from that at the standard rate of
corporation tax in the United Kingdom of
26.5% (2010: 28%)
The differences are explained below:
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation (1,450) (1,813)
Tax on (loss)/profit on ordinary activities
at 26.5% (2010: 28%) (384) (508)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 30 84
Capital (losses)/gains on disposal (11) 13
Non-taxable income (37) -
Other differences (170) (127)
Adjustment in respect of prior years (332) 11
Total tax (904) (527)
(c) Analysis of United Kingdom and Overseas tax
United Kingdom tax included in above:
Corporation tax - 300
Adjustment in respect of prior years - 6
Current tax - 306
Deferred tax (201) 113
(201) 419
Overseas tax included in above:
Corporation tax - 52
Adjustment in respect of prior years (332) -
Current tax (332) 52
Deferred tax (371) (998)
(703) (946)
8. Dividends paid
2011 2011 2010 2010
Per share £'000 Per share £'000
Dividends paid during
the year relating
to the prior period 4.00 p 418 4.00 p 418
Dividends to be paid:
Interim dividend for 2011 paid on
the 3 February 2012 1.00 p 105 1.00 p 105
Proposed final dividend for 2011 3.00 p 317 3.00 p 313
4.00 p 422 4.00 p 418
The dividends to be paid are not accounted for until they have been approved
at the Annual General Meeting. The amount will be accounted for as an
appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending 31 December 2012.
9. Loss and diluted loss per share
Both the basic and diluted loss per share calculations are based on a loss of
£546,000 (2010: £1,286,000). The basic loss per share have been calculated on
a weighted average of 10,495,395 (2010: 10,451,506) ordinary shares being in
issue during the period. The diluted loss per share have been calculated on
the weighted average number of shares in issue of 10,495,395 (2010:
10,451,506) plus the dilutive potential ordinary shares arising from share
options of nil (2010: nil) totalling 10,495,395 (2010: 10,451,506).
Dilutive potential ordinary shares of 239,607 (2010: 279,790) were excluded
from the calculation of diluted ordinary shares as there was no dilutive
effect due to the loss for the year.
10. Investment properties
Long
Freehold Leasehold Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Valuation at 1 January 2011 9,110 3,000 12,110
Revaluation 8 (50) (42)
Valuation at 31 December 2011 9,118 2,950 12,068
Valuation at 1 January 2010 8,865 3,000 11,865
Revaluation 245 - 245
Valuation at 31 December 2010 9,110 3,000 12,110
Historical cost
At 31 December 2011 4,801 728 5,529
At 31 December 2010 4,801 728 5,529
Long leasehold properties are those for which the unexpired term at the
balance sheet date is not less than 50 years.
All investment properties are held for use in operating leases and all
properties generated rental income during the period.
Freehold and Long Leasehold properties were externally professionally valued
at 31 December on an open market basis by:
2011
£'000
BNP Paribas Real Estate 12,068,000
12,068,000
The valuations were carried out in accordance with the Statements of Asset
Valuation and Guidance Notes published by
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
11. Mining reserves, plant and equipment
Mining Mining Motor Office
Reserves equipment Vehicles equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cost at 1 January 2011 2,212 14,940 429 128 17,709
Exchange adjustment (397) (2,683) (53) (14) (3,147)
Additions - 2,526 - 2 2,528
Disposals - (316) (206) (1) (523)
Cost at 31 December 2011 1,815 14,467 170 115 16,567
Accumulated depreciation
at 1 January 2011 1,768 5,897 345 84 8,094
Exchange adjustment (318) (1,059) (41) (7) (1,425)
Charge for the year 73 2,383 22 10 2,488
Disposals in year - (316) (199) (1) (516)
Accumulated depreciation
at 31 December 2011 1,523 6,905 127 86 8,641
Net book value at
31 December 2011 292 7,562 43 29 7,926
Cost at 1 January 2010 1,911 12,581 387 119 14,998
Exchange adjustment 318 2,094 42 12 2,466
Additions - 2,637 - 2 2,639
Disposals (17) (2,372) - (5) (2,394)
Cost at 31 December 2010 2,212 14,940 429 128 17,709
Accumulated depreciation at
1 January 2010 1,407 5,195 271 68 6,941
Exchange adjustment 267 829 31 6 1,133
Charge for the year 111 2,245 43 15 2,414
Disposals in year (17) (2,372) - (5) (2,394)
Accumulated depreciation
at 31 December 2010 1,768 5,897 345 84 8,094
Net book value at
31 December 2010 444 9,043 84 44 9,615
12. Investments held as non-current assets
2011 2010
Joint Joint
Ventures 2011 Ventures 2010
Assets Other Assets Other
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1 January 2,404 433 2,343 779
Disposals - - - (405)
Transfers (703)
Additions 888 - - -
Exchange adjustment - (2) - 59
Share of (loss)/gain in joint ventures (10) - 61 -
Net assets at 31 December 2,579 431 2,404 433
Loan to joint venture:
At 1 January 1,203 - 916 -
Exchange adjustments (216) 152
Additions 116 - 135 -
Transfers (1,103) - - -
At 31 December - - 1,203 -
At 31 December 2,579 431 3,607 433
Provision for diminution in value:
At 1 January - (283) - (283)
Write down of investment - - - -
At 31 December - (283) - (283)
Net book value at 31 December 2,579 148 3,607 150
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Included in other investments are:
Net book value of unquoted investments 135 133
Net book value of investments listed 13 17
on overseas Stock exchanges
148 150
Market value of the overseas 13 17
listed investments
13. Joint ventures
The company owns 50% of the issued share capital of Dragon Retail Properties
Limited, an unlisted property investment company. The remaining 50% is held by
London & Associated Properties PLC. Dragon Retail Properties Limited is
incorporated in England and Wales. It has issued share capital of 500,000
(2010: 500,000) ordinary shares of £1 each.
During the year the company acquired 12.5% of the units of Langney Shopping
Centre Unit Trust, an unlisted property unit trust incorporated in Jersey.
12.5% of the units in the trust are held by London & Associated Properties PLC
and 75% are held by Columbus UK GP limited, a partner acting on behalf of
Columbus UK Real Estate Fund.
The company owns 49% of the issued share capital of Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty)
Limited. This asset is reclassified as a non-current asset held for sale.
Details of non-current assets held for sale are shown under note 14.
Langney Dragon
12.5% 50% 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover 87 96 183 103
Profit and loss
(Loss)/Profit before tax 21 (30) (9) 61
Taxation - (1) (1) -
(Loss)/Profit after taxation 21 (31) (10) 61
Balance sheet
Non-current assets 2,000 1,519 3,519 2,786
Current assets 112 1,313 1,425 1,339
Current liabilities (100) (1,031) (1,131) (2,264)
Non-current liabilities (1,124) (110) (1,234) (140)
Share of net assets at 31 December 888 1,691 2,579 1,721
14. Non-current assets held for sale
2011
£'000
At 1 January -
Transfer of stake in joint venture 1,785
company now held for sale
Net assets at 31 December 1,785
On 26 January 2012 the Company announced that it had entered into
an agreement for the sale of its 49% participation in a South African
registered joint venture company, Ezimbokodweni Mining (Proprietary) Limited
("Ezimbokodweni"), for ZAR 54.2 million.
Ezimbokodweni was established in 2005 with Endulwini Coal Limited
to acquire from BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa Limited ("BECSA") a
shallow coal deposit located in the Witbank coalfield of Mpumalanga, some 40
km from the Company's existing coal mining operations at the Black Wattle
colliery. Since then, Ezimbokodweni has been negotiating with BECSA and the
South African Department of Mineral Resources ("DMR") to finalise the
acquisition and prepare for opencast mining.
In 2011, following the intervention of the DMR, the Company agreed
to dispose of its stake in Ezimbokodweni. The agreement made on 26 January
2012 was conditional on the satisfaction by 15 May 2012 of conditions
precedent, the last of which is the consent of the DMR, which is awaited.
15. Subsidiary companies
The company owns the following ordinary share capital of the principal
subsidiaries which are included within the consolidated financial statements:
Percentage of Country of
Activity share capital incorporation
Mineral Products Limited Share dealing 100% England and Wales
Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Limited Coal mining 62.5% South Africa
Bisichi Coal Mining (pty) Limited Coal mining 100% South Africa
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited Holding company 100% England and Wales
Ninghi Marketing Limited Dormant 90.1% England and Wales
Details on the non-controlling interest in subsidiaries are shown under note 27.
16. Inventories
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Coal
Washed 284 540
Run of mine 440 122
Work in progress 432 -
Other 50 43
1,206 705
17. Trade and other receivables
2011
£'000 2010
£'000
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade receivables 5,818 3,791
Other receivables 130 112
Prepayments and accrued income 119 816
6,067 4,719
18. Held for trading investments
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Market value of Listed Investments:
Listed in Great Britain 657 522
Listed outside Great Britain 73 83
730 605
Original cost of Listed Investments 749 458
Unrealised (deficit)/surplus of market value over cost (19) 147
19. Trade and other payables
2011
£'000 2010
£'000
Trade payables 4,313 3,604
Amounts owed to joint ventures 1,205 1,205
Other payables 528 687
Accruals and deferred income 2,544 2,369
8,590 7,865
20. Financial liabilities - borrowings
Current Non-current
2011 2010 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Bank overdraft (secured) 2,927 1,422 - -
Bank loan (secured) 5,230 337 86 5,326
8,157 1,759 86 5,326
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Bank overdraft and loan
instalments by reference
to the balance sheet date:
Within one year 8,157 1,759
From one to two years 86 5,326
From two to five years - -
8,243 7,085
Bank overdraft and loan analysis
by origin:
United Kingdom 5,000 5,000
Southern Africa 3,243 2,086
8,243 7,086
The United Kingdom bank loans and overdraft are secured by way of a first
charge over the investment properties in the UK which are included in the
financial statements at a value of £12,068,000. The South African bank loans
are secured by way of a first charge over specific pieces of mining equipment
and the debtors of the relevant company which holds the loan which are include
in the financial statements at a value of £8,482,000.
Consistent with others in the mining and property industry, the group monitors
its capital by its gearing levels. This is calculated as the net debt (loans
less cash and cash equivalents) as a percentage of the equity. During 2011
this increased to 25.1% (2010: 9.4%) which was calculated as follows:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Total debt 8,243 7,085
Less cash and cash equivalents (4,041) (5,399)
Net debt 4,202 1,686
Total equity 16,773 17,954
Gearing 25.1% 9.4%
21. Provision for rehabilitation
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
As at 1 January 1,025 772
Exchange adjustment (184) 125
Additions 124 128
As at 31 December 965 1,025
22. Financial instruments
Treasury policy
The group enters into derivative transactions such as interest rate swaps and
forward exchange contracts as necessary in order to help manage the financial
risks arising from the group's activities. The main risks arising from the
group's financing structure are interest rate risk, liquidity risk, market
risk, credit risk, currency risk and commodity price risk. There have been no
changes during the year of the main risks arising from the group's finance
structure. The policies for managing each of these risks and the principal
effects of these policies on the results are summarised below.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument or
cashflows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in
market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing
financial assets and liabilities that the group uses. Treasury activities take
place under procedures and policies approved and monitored by the Board to
minimise the financial risk faced by the group. Interest bearing assets
comprise cash and cash equivalents which are considered to be short-term
liquid assets and loans to joint ventures. Interest bearing borrowings
comprise bank loans, bank overdrafts and variable rate finance lease
obligations. The rates of interest vary based on LIBOR in the UK and PRIME in
South Africa.
As at 31 December 2011, with other variables unchanged, a 1% increase or
decrease in interest rates, on investments and borrowings whose interest rates
are not fixed, would respectively decrease or increase the loss for the year
by £28,000 (2010: £27,000). The effect on equity of this change would be an
equivalent decrease or increase for the year of £28,000 (2010: £27,000).
Liquidity risk
The group's policy is to minimise refinancing risk. Efficient treasury
management and strict credit control minimise the costs and risks associated
with this policy which ensures that funds are available to meet commitments as
they fall due. As at year end the group held borrowing facilities in the UK in
Bisichi Mining Plc and in South Africa in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd. The
company was within its bank borrowing facilities and had not breached any of
its covenants. New borrowings were signed in March 2010 in both the UK and
South Africa. Further details are provided in borrowing facilities information
later in this note. Trade and other payables are all due within one year.
The table below shows the currency profiles of cash and cash equivalents:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Sterling 2,304 3,710
South African Rand 1,737 1,689
4,041 5,399
Cash and cash equivalents earn interest at rates based on LIBOR in Sterling
and Prime in Rand.
Market risk
The group is exposed to market price risk through interest rate and currency
fluctuations and commodity price risk.
Credit risk
The group is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents and trade
and other receivables as per the balance sheet. At the balance sheet date
there was no significant concentration of credit risk. The maximum exposure to
credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in
the balance sheet which at year end amounted to £9,989,000 (2010: £9,302,000).
Trade debtor's credit ratings are reviewed regularly. The group only deposits
surplus cash with well-established financial institutions of high quality
credit standing. As at year end the amount of material receivables held past
due date was £313,000 (2010: £nil). The amount of material receivables held
past due date has subsequently been settled.
Financial assets maturity
On 31 December 2011, cash at bank and in hand amounted to £4,041,000 (2010:
£5,399,000) which is invested in short term bank deposits maturing within one
year bearing interest at the bank's variable rates. Cash and cash equivalents
all have a maturity of less than 3 months.
Total financial assets and liabilities
The group's financial assets and liabilities are as follows, representing both
the fair value and the carrying value:
Financial Assets at
Liabilities fair value
measured through
Loans at amortised profit and
and receivables cost loss 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cash and cash equivalents 4,041 - - 4,041 5,399
Investments held for trading - - 730 730 605
Other Investments - - 148 148 150
Trade and other receivables 5,948 - - 5,948 3,903
Bank Borrowings - (8,243) - (8,243) (7,085)
Finance leases - (222) - (222) (233)
Other Liabilities - (8,407) - (8,407) (7,677)
9,989 (16,872) 878 (6,005) (4,938)
Investments held for trading fall under level 1 of the fair value hierarchy
into which fair value measurements are recognised in accordance with the
levels set out in IFRS 7. Other investments are held at cost. The directors
are of the opinion that the difference in value between cost and fair value of
other investments is not significant or material. The comparative figures for
2010 fall under the same category of financial instrument as 2011.
Borrowing facilities
In the UK, a term loan facility of £5million and an overdraft facility of
£2million were signed by Bisichi Mining Plc in March 2010 with Royal Bank of
Scotland. This facility will expire in December 2012 and is secured against
the group's UK retail property portfolio. The group intends to negotiate new
facilities before the expiry of the current facility and have obtained
confirmation from the Royal Bank of Scotland that they are not aware of any
reason why the bank should not continue to support the company following the
expiry of the current facilities.
In South Africa, a structured trade finance facility of R60million (South
African Rand) was signed by Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Limited in March 2010
with Absa Bank Limited, a South African subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. The
facility is renewed annually and is secured against inventory, debtors and
cash that are held by Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Limited. This facility
comprises of a R40million revolving loan to cover the working capital
requirements of the group's South African operations, and a R20million loan
facility to cover guarantee requirements related to the group's South African
mining operations.
At 31 December 2011 the group was within its bank borrowing facilities and had
not breached any of its covenants. Term loan repayments are as set out in Note
20. Details of other financial liabilities are shown in notes 19 and 20.
Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk is the risk that the group's future earnings will be
adversely impacted by changes in the market of commodities. The group is
exposed to commodity price risk as its future revenues will be derived based
on a contract with a physical off-take partner at prices that will be
determined by reference to market prices of coal at the delivery date.
From time to time the group may manage its exposure to commodity price risk by
entering into forward sales contracts with the goal of preserving future
revenue streams.
Foreign exchange risk
All trading is undertaken in the local currencies. Funding is also in local
currencies other than inter-company investments and loans and it is not thegroup's policy to obtain forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange risk
on these amounts.
As a result of the group's mining assets being held in South Africa and having
a functional currency different than the presentation currency, the group
balance sheet can be affected significantly by movements in the pounds
sterling to the South African Rand. During 2011 and 2010 the group did not
hedge its exposure of foreign investments held in foreign currencies. There is
no significant impact on profit and loss from foreign currency movements
associated with these South African subsidiary assets and liabilities as the
effect of foreign currency gains or losses arising are recorded through the
translation reserve.
The effect of a movement in foreign currencies on the income statement and
equity of the group is shown in the sensitivity analysis below:
Profit and
loss Equity Equity
2011 2010 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
If there were a 10% weakening
of the South African Rand against
Sterling with all other variables (260) (136) (511) (573)
held constant - (decrease)
If there were a 10% strengthening
of the South African Rand against
Sterling with all other variables 321 181 625 701
held constant - increase
23. Deferred taxation
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2,340 2,985
Recognised in income (572) (885)
Reallocated 291 -
Exchange adjustment (178) 240
1,881 2,340
The deferred tax
balance comprises
the following:
Revaluation of properties 1,086 1,229
Capital allowances (1,308) 552
Short-term timing differences 2,103 559
1,881 2,340
24. Share capital
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Authorised: 13,000,000 ordinary 1,300 1,300
shares of 10p each
Allotted and fully paid: 1,056 1,045
10,556,839 (2010: 10,451,506)
ordinary shares
During the year 105,333 shares were issued at par as part of a scrip dividend
paid relating to the prior year.
25. Other reserves
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Equity share options 414 399
Net premium on share capital 86 86
in joint venture
500 485
26. Share based payments
Details of the share option scheme are shown in the Directors' remuneration
report on page 24 and 25 under the heading Share option schemes which is
within the audited part of this report. Further details of the share option
schemes are set out below.
The Bisichi Mining PLC Unapproved Option Schemes:
Year of grant Number of
Number of Number of share for
share share which
Period for which options options
Subscription within options issued/ outstanding
price which outstanding at (cancelled) at 31
per options 31 December during December
share exercisable 2010 year 2011
2002 Sep 2005 -
34.0p Sep 2012 313,000 - 313,000
2004 Sep 2007 -
149.0p Sep 2014 80,000 - 80,000
2006 Oct 2009 -
237.5p Oct 2016 325,000 - 325,000
2010 Aug 2013 -
202.5p Aug 2020 80,000 - 80,000
The exercise of options under the Unapproved Share Option Schemes is subject
to the satisfaction of objective performance conditions specified by the
remuneration committee, which will conform to institutional shareholder
guidelines and best practice provisions in force from time to time. The
remuneration committee has not yet set these guidelines for the first scheme
and the 2006 scheme. The performance conditions for the 2004 and 2010 scheme,
agreed by members on 23 June 2005 and 31 August 2010 respectively, requires
growth in net assets over a three year period to exceed the growth of the
retail prices index by a scale of percentages.
The 2010 options were valued at £45,000 at date of grant using the
Black-Scholes-Merton model with the following assumptions:
Expected volatility 62.80%
Expected life 4.00 Years
Risk free rate 1.44 %
Expected dividends 1.95 %
Expected volatility was determined by reference to the historical volatility
of the share price over a period commensurate with the option's expected life.
The expected life used in the model is based on the risk-averse balance likely
to be required by the option holders.
2011 2010
Weighted Weighted
average average
2011 Exercise 2010 Exercise
Number price Number price
Outstanding at 1 January 798,000 145.2p 718,000 138.9p
Granted / (cancelled) during year - - 80,000 202.5p
Outstanding at 31 December 798,000 145.2p 798,000 145.2p
Exercisable at 31 December 718,000 138.9p 718,000 138.9p
27. Non-controlling Interest
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
As at 1 January 394 -
Issue of shares in subsidiary - 474
Share of loss for the year (102) (74)
Exchange adjustment (61) (6)
As at 31 December 231 394
The issue of shares in subsidiary in 2010 relates to the disposal of a 37.5%
shareholding in Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd. The total issued share
capital in Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd has been increased from 136 shares
to 1000 shares at par of R1 (South African Rand) through the following shares
issue:
- a subscription for 489 ordinary shares at par by Bisichi Mining
(Exploration) Limited increasing the number of shares held from 136 ordinary
shares to a total of 675 ordinary shares;
- a subscription for 110 ordinary shares at par by Vunani Mining (pty) Ltd;
- a subscription for 265 "A" shares at par by Vunani Mining (pty) Ltd
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bisichi
Mining PLC incorporated in England and Wales.
Vunani Mining (pty) Ltd is a South African Black Economic Empowerment company
and minority shareholder in Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd.
The "A" shares will rank pari passu with the ordinary shares save that they
will have no dividend rights until such time as the dividends paid by Black
Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd on the ordinary shares subsequent to 30 October 2008
will equate to R832,075,000.
A non-controlling interest of 15% in Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd is
recognised for all profits distributable to the 110 ordinary shares held by
Vunani Mining (pty) Ltd from the date of issue of the shares (18 October
2010). An additional non-controlling interest will be recognised for all
profits distributable to the 265 "A" shares held by Vunani Mining (pty) Ltd
after such time as the profits available for distribution, in Black Wattle
Colliery (pty) Ltd, before any payment of dividends after 30 October 2008,
exceeds R832,075,000.
28. Related Party Transactions
At During
31 December the year
Costs
Amounts Amounts recharged Cash
owed owed (to) / by paid (to)
to related by related related / by related
party party party party
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Related party:
London & Associated Properties PLC
(note (a)) 367 - 275 (234)
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
(note (b)) - (15) (21) 6
Dragon Retail Properties Limited
(note (c)) 1,205 - (42) 42
Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty) Limited
(note (d)) - (1,103) 100 -
As at 31 December 2011 1,572 (1,118) 312 (186)
London & Associated Properties PLC
(note (a)) 326 - 275 (92)
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
(note (b)) - - - -
Dragon Retail Properties Limited
(note (c)) 1,205 - (72) 72
Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty) Limited
(note (d)) - (1,203) (287) -
As at 31 December 2010 1,531 (1,203) (84) (20)
London & Associated Properties PLC is a substantial shareholder.
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust and Dragon Retail Properties Limited is a
joint venture and is treated as a non-current asset investment.
Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty) Limited is a joint venture and is treated as a
non-current asset held for sale as shown under Note 14.
(a) London & Associated Properties PLC
Property management, office premises, general management, accounting and
administration services are provided for Bisichi Mining PLC and its UK
subsidiaries.
(b) Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust
Langney Shopping Centre Unit Trust is an unlisted property unit trust
incorporated in Jersey.
(c) Dragon Retail Properties Limited
Dragon Retail Properties Limited is owned equally by the company and London &
Associated Properties PLC.
(d) Ezimbokodweni Mining (pty) Limited
Ezimbokodweni Mining is a prospective coal production company based in South
Africa.
Details of key management personnel compensation and interest in share options
are shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 24 and 25 under the
headings Directors' remuneration, Pension schemes and incentives and Share
option schemes which is within the audited part of this report. The total
employers national insurance paid in relation to the remuneration of key
management was £117,000.
29. Employees
2011 2010
Number Number
The average weekly numbers
of employees of the group during
the year were as follows:
Production 229 257
Administration 18 18
247 275
£'000 £'000
Staff costs during the year
were as follows:
Salaries 5,485 5,666
Social security costs 117 111
Pension costs 255 254
Share based payments 15 5
5,872 6,036
30. Capital commitments
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Commitments for capital expenditure 558 146
approved but not contracted for
at the year end
Share of commitment of capital - 2,451
expenditure in joint venture
31. Head lease commitments and future property lease rentals
Present value of head leases on properties
Minimum Present value
lease of
payments Minimum lease
payments
2011 2010 2011 2010
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Within one year 13 14 13 14
Second to fifth year 53 56 50 52
After five years 1,627 1,708 159 167
1,693 1,778 222 233
Discounting adjustment (1,471) (1,545) - -
Present value 222 233 222 233
Finance lease liabilities are in respect of leased investment property. Many
of the leases provide for contingent rents in addition to the rents above
which are a proportion of rental income. Finance lease liabilities are
effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in
event of default.
The group leases out its investment properties under operating leases. The
future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating
leases are as follows:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Within one year 902 805
Second to fifth year 2,669 2,707
After five years 10,169 10,650
13,740 14,162
32. Contingent liabilities
Bank guarantees have been issued by the bankers of Black Wattle Colliery (pty)
Limited on behalf of the company to third parties. The guarantees are secured
against the assets of the company and have been issued in respect of the
following:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Rail siding 2 3
Rehabilitation of mining land 1,599 1,732
Water & electricity 74 90
Company Registration No. 112155
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
at 31 December 2011
2011 2010
Notes £'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 34 12,075 12,138
Investment in joint ventures 35 1,734 846
Other investments 35 1,698 1,013
15,507 13,997
Current assets
Debtors 36 2,584 2,794
Bank balances 3,237 4,841
5,821 7,635
Creditors - amounts falling
due within one year 37 (7,394) (2,508)
Net current (liabilities)/assets (1,573) 5,127
Total assets less current liabilities 13,934 19,124
Creditors - amounts falling due
in more than one year -
medium term bank loan 37 - (5,000)
Net assets 13,934 14,124
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 24 1,056 1,045
Share premium account 24 169 -
Revaluation reserve 39 6,141 6,183
Other reserves 39 415 400
Retained earnings 39 6,153 6,496
Shareholders' funds 13,934 14,124
The company financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the
board of directors on 18 April 2012
and signed on its behalf by:
A R Heller G J Casey
Director Director
COMPANY ACCOUNTING POLICIES
for the year ended 31 December 2011
The following are the main accounting policies of the company:
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, as modified by the revaluation of investment properties, and in
accordance with applicable UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Dividends received
Dividends are credited to the profit and loss account when received.
Depreciation
Provision for depreciation on tangible fixed assets is made in equal annual
instalments to write each item off over its useful life. The rates generally
used are:
Motor vehicles 25 - 33 per cent
Office equipment 10 - 33 per cent
Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies have been
translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All
exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.
Investment properties
The investment property portfolio is included in the financial statements at
open market valuation. An external professional valuation is carried out
annually by professional external surveyors. Surpluses and deficits arising on
valuations are taken direct to the revaluation reserve. No depreciation or
amortisation is provided in respect of freehold and leasehold investment
properties. The directors consider that this accounting policy, which is not
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, results in the accounts giving a
true and fair view. Depreciation or amortisation is only one of many factors
reflected in the valuation and the amount which might otherwise have been
shown cannot be separately identified or quantified.
Investments
Investments of the company are stated in the balance sheet as fixed assets at
cost less provisions for impairment.
Financial Instruments
Bank loans and overdrafts
Bank loans and overdrafts are included in creditors on the company balance
sheet net of the unamortised cost of financing.
Interest payable on those facilities is expensed as a finance cost in the
period to which it relates.
Interest rate derivatives
The company uses derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate
risk associated with the financing of the group's business. No trading in such
financial instruments is undertaken.
Debtors
Debtors do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value as
reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated recoverable amounts.
Creditors
Creditors are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.
Joint Ventures
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose activities the
group has joint control as established by contractual agreement, are included
at cost, less impairment.
Deferred taxation
As required by FRS 19 "Deferred Tax", full provision is made for deferred tax
arising from all timing differences between the recognition of gains and
losses in the financial statements and recognition in the tax computation,
except for those timing differences in respect of which the standard specifies
that deferred tax should not be recognised. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are calculated at the tax rates expected to be effective at the
time the timing differences are expected to reverse.
Leased Assets and Obligations
All leases are "Operating Leases" and the annual rentals are charged to the
profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term. Rent
free periods or other incentives received for entering into a lease are
accounted for over the period of the lease so as to spread the benefit
received over the lease term.
Pensions
The company makes contributions to a money purchase scheme and the costs are
charged to the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate.
Share based remuneration
The company operates a share option scheme. The fair value of the share option
scheme is determined at the date of grant. This fair value is then expensed on
a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the
number of shares that will eventually vest. The fair value of options granted
is calculated using a binomial model or Black-Scholes-Merton model. Details of
the share options in issue are disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report
on pages 24 and 25 under the heading Share option schemes which is within the
audited part of this report.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
For the year ended 31 December 2011
33. Dividends
The aggregate amount of dividends comprises:
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Final dividends in respect of prior year 418 418
but not recognised as liabilities in that year:
The aggregate amount of dividends to be paid and
not recognised as liabilities
as at year end is £422,000 (2010: £418,000).
34. Tangible fixed assets
Investment properties
Long Motor Office
Freehold leasehold vehicles equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cost or valuation
at 1 January 2011 9,110 3,000 137 51 12,298
Additions - - - 1 1
Disposals - - (89) - (89)
Revaluation 8 (50) - - (42)
Cost or valuation
at 31 December 2011 9,118 2,950 48 52 12,168
At valuation 9,118 2,950 - - 12,068
At cost - - 48 52 100
9,118 2,950 48 52 12,168
Accumulated depreciation
at 1 January 2011 - - 117 43 160
Charge for the year - - 13 3 16
Disposals in year - - (83) - (83)
Accumulated depreciation
at 31 December 2011 - - 47 46 93
Net book value
at 31 December 2011 9,118 2,950 1 6 12,075
Net book value
at 31 December 2010 9,110 3,000 20 8 12,138
Details of historical cost of investment properties are shown in note 10.
35. Investments
Joint ventures Subsidiaries Other investments
Shares Shares Loans Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cost at 1 January 2011 846 361 1,313 300 1,974
Invested during the year 888 - - - -
Drawn in year - - 7 - 7
Cost at 31 December 2011 1,734 361 1,320 300 1,981
Provision for impairment
As at 1 January - - (678) (283) (961)
Transfer - - 678 - 678
As at 31 December 2011 - - - (283) (283)
Net book value
at 31 December 2011 1,734 361 1,320 17 1,698
Net book value
at 31 December 2010 846 361 635 17 1,013
Other investments comprise £17,000 (2010: £17,000) shares and £nil (2010:£nil) loans.
Investments in subsidiaries are detailed in note 15. In the opinion of the
directors the aggregate value of the investment in subsidiaries is not less
than the amount shown in these financial statements.
36. Debtors
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Amounts falling due
within one year:
Amounts due from
subsidiary undertakings 2,322 2,578
Tax recoverable 21 -
Other debtors 128 110
Prepayments and
accrued income 113 106
2,584 2,794
37. Creditors
2011 2010
£'000 £'000
Amounts falling due
within one year:
Bank loan (secured) 5,000 -
Joint venture 1,205 1,205
Current taxation - 292
Other taxation and social security 96 48
Other creditors 246 424
Accruals and deferred income 847 539
7,394 2,508
Amounts falling due
in more than one year:
Bank loan (secured) - 5,000
Bank and other loan instalments
by reference to the
balance sheet date:
Within one year 5,000 -
From one to two years - 5,000
From two to five years - -
5,000 5,000
The bank loan of the company is secured by a charge over freehold and long
leasehold properties.
38. Provisions for liabilities
No provision has been made for the approximate taxation liability at 26.5%
(2010: 28%) of £1,086,000 (2010: £1,229,000) which would arise if the
investment properties were sold at the stated valuation.
39. Share Capital & Reserves
Share Share Revaluation Other Retained Shareholders
Capital premium reserve reserve earnings funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Balance at 1 January 2011 1,045 - 6,183 400 6,496 14,124
Dividend paid 11 169 - - (418) (238)
Revaluation of - - (42) - - (42)
investment property
Share options - - - 15 - 15
Retained profit for the year - - - - 75 75
Balance at 1,056 169 6,141 415 6,153 13,934
31 December 2011
A profit and loss account for Bisichi Mining PLC has not been presented as
permitted by Section 408(2) of the Companies Act 2006. The profit for the
financial year, before dividends, was £75,000 (2010: £1,016,000)
Details of share capital are set out in note 24 and details of the share
options are shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report on page 25 under the
heading Share option schemes which is within the audited part of this report
and note 26.
40. Related party transactions
At 31 December During the year
Costs Cash
Amounts recharged paid
owed (to) / by (to)/ by
by related related related
party party party
£'000 £'000 £'000
Related party:
Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd (note (a)) (300) 1,485 654
Ninghi Marketing Limited (note (b)) (102) - -
As at 31 December 2011 (402) 1,485 654
Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd (note (a)) (2,776) (2,501) -
Ninghi Marketing Limited (note (b)) (102) - -
As at 31 December 2010 (2,878) (2,501) -
(a) Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd
Black Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd is a coal mining company based in South
Africa.
(b) Ninghi Marketing Limited
Ninghi Marketing Limited is a dormant coal marketing company incorporated in
England & Wales.
In addition to the above, the company has issued a company guarantee of
R20,000,000 (2010: R17,000,000) (South African Rand) to the bankers of Black
Wattle Colliery (pty) Ltd in order to cover bank guarantees issued to third
parties in respect of the rehabilitation of mining land.
Under Financial Reporting Standard 8 Related Party Disclosures, the Company
has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing transactions with other
wholly owned Group companies.
Details of other related party transactions are given in note 28 of the Group
financial statements.