17 November 2022
AfriTin Mining Limited
("AfriTin", the "Company" or the "Group")
Unaudited Interim Results
for the six months ended August 2022
AfriTin Mining Limited (AIM: ATM), an African technology metals mining company with a portfolio of mining and exploration assets in Namibia , is pleased to release its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 August 2022 which should be read in conjunction with the Company's previous operational results communicated on 15 September 2022. ( https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/afritin_mining/news/rns/story/ry59p7w?confirm=1 )
Highlights:
§ Six month production up 23% to 454 tonnes of tin concentrate (286 tonnes of contained tin) compared to H1 2021: 368 tonnes (227 contained);
§ Phase 1 processing plant continued to exceed targets and nameplate capacity;
§ Revenue of £4.7 million (H1 2021: £5.1 million) impacted by the decrease in the tin price as well as the impact of the timing of settlement adjustments (initial prepayment versus final settlement spot prices during reporting period);
§ Average tin price achieved before settlement adjustment for the six month period of US$25 227/tonne (H1 2021: US$36 910/tonne);
§ Cost of sales of £5.7 million (H1 2021: £4 million) reflecting inflationary pressures of high fuel prices and higher maintenance costs;
§ Except for higher fuel prices, aforementioned cost factors are expected to be resolved during H2 2022;
§ Unit costs expected to improve with the achievement of higher production volumes from the Phase 1 Expansion Project;
§ Cash and Cash Equivalents of £12.2 million as at 15 November 2022, subsequent to the US$53.6 million proposed funding package announced in September 2022; and,
§ Commissioning of the Uis Phase 1 Expansion Project is now complete with production projected to ramp to more than 1 200 tpa of tin concentrate in H2 2022.
Chief Executive Officer's Statement
I am proud of the AfriTin operational team for once again producing an impressive half-yearly production performance. The first half of FY2023 has seen internal tin production targets exceeded at the Uis Mine and an unwavering focus on bringing lithium and tantalum by-products into production and thereby consolidating our tech-metal exposure. Our vision is to fast-track lithium production to become the only producing lithium company on AIM. Importantly the team aims to capitalise on what we believe is our globally significant resource and bridge the supply gap that currently exists.
Financially, the group recognised revenue of £4.7 million (Sales: 268t contained (H1 2021: 230t contained)) net of final price settlements. The revenue was negatively impacted by the reduction in the tin prices, specifically related to a few delayed shipments which net settled at prices much lower than the original prepayment rate. This amounted to an adjustment to revenue of approximately £1.4 million for which the prepayment was recognised in H2 2021. We have since changed shipping lines to speed up the shipping timelines and limit the time exposure for revenue recognition. The cost of sales for the net of depreciation amounted to £4.8 million, which equated to approximately US$ 22 219 (H1 2021: US$ 19 470) per tonne of contained tin sold. The increase in the costs was part of the expansion commissioning readiness phase as well as higher maintenance costs due to unplanned stoppages. A portion of these costs are planned to be supported by the increased production levels, whilst the maintenance costs are expected to reduce.
After the end of the period under review, AfriTin negotiated a potential Proposed Funding Package of US$53.6 million (see announcement dated 15 September 2022). Coupled with our cash resources, this package, if completed, could accelerate the organic growth in tin operations, fund the development of the lithium and tantalum by-product opportunities, continue the regional drilling programme, and initiate the Feasibility Study for the Phase 2 production phase at Uis. Whilst there can be no guarantee that the total funding package will be entered into, the Directors have every expectation that it will be. Updates will be provided as this progresses.
The Proposed Funding Package has been produced using a diverse range of funding methods, including debt, convertible notes and an equity raise with Hamman & Partners Advisory Limited and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Ltd acting jointly to raise US$22.8 million (c. £19.8 million), through a placing and subscriptions, a process that successfully closed on 16 September 2022.
The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) approved a conditional US$5.8 million lending facility, previously announced on 5 July 2022, and as updated in the Company's audited financial results, which provides another component of AfriTin's Proposed Funding Package. Although this has been approved by the credit committee and board of the Development Bank of Namibia, there are certain conditions precedent that need to be adhered to, including completion of final legal documentation. At this stage there can be no guarantee the DBN facility will be entered into, or that any funds will be drawn down, but AfriTin Management have every confidence that it will be. The Directors confirm that this has now been extended such that completion is anticipated during Q1 2023. A further update will be provided when it is entered into.
Furthermore, global asset management firm Orion has been proposed as a key strategic investor for AfriTin, providing a conditional US$25 million (c. £21.5 million) investment, via Royalty (US$12.5 million), Convertible Note (US$10 million) and Equity Conscription (US$2.5 million), which the firm will manage. Orion has a strong history of cultivating sustainable shareholder value in the mining sector, as well as boasting a unique ability to identify growth opportunities at an early stage. As such, their interest in AfriTin provides a compelling endorsement of our current work and future endeavours. This Orion funding package remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and approvals, including due diligence and agreeing definitive documentation, but the Directors anticipate it will be concluded in Q1 2023.
From a macroeconomics perspective, we have also seen tin prices drop drastically in recent months, although the inverse has occurred with regard to lithium prices. This further cements the Group's strategy to accelerate and unlock lithium and tantalum, as we continue to organically grow the operations and move into a lower unit cost position.
We remain conscious of the environment and its people, and this continues to be woven into our corporate DNA as we strive to become a significant African multi-commodity tech-metals producer. The foundation has been laid for the second half of the financial year to deliver on our stated strategy and I look forward to providing further updates.
Anthony Viljoen
CEO
AfriTin Mining Limited |
+27 (11) 268 6555 |
Anthony Viljoen, CEO |
|
Nominated Adviser |
+44 (0) 207 220 1666 |
WH Ireland Limited Katy Mitchell |
|
Corporate Advisor and Joint Broker |
|
H&P Advisory Limited Andrew Chubb Jay Ashfield
|
+44 (0) 20 7907 8500 |
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited Ashton Clanfield Callum Stewart |
+44 (0) 20 7710 7600 |
Tavistock Financial PR (United Kingdom) |
+44 (0) 207 920 3150 |
Emily Moss Catherine Drummond Adam Baynes
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the 6 months ended 31 August 2022
|
Notes |
6 months ended 31 August 2022 (unaudited) £ |
6 months ended 31 August 2021 (unaudited) £ |
12 months ended 28 February 2022 (audited) £ |
|||
Continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
5 |
4 726 609 |
|
5 073 337 |
|
13 615 045 |
|
Cost of Sales |
6 |
(5 724 376) |
|
(3 959 149) |
|
(9 302 518) |
|
Gross Profit |
|
(997 767) |
|
1 114 188 |
|
4 312 527 |
|
Administrative expenses |
7 |
(2 557 296) |
|
(1 390 177) |
|
(3 674 662) |
|
Other income |
|
- |
|
- |
|
61 753 |
|
Operating loss |
|
(3 555 063) |
|
(275 989) |
|
699 619 |
|
Finance income |
|
21 368 |
|
- |
|
6 545 |
|
Finance cost |
8 |
(186 874) |
|
(228 285) |
|
(316 365) |
|
Profit/(loss) before tax |
|
(3 720 569) |
|
(504 274) |
|
389 798 |
|
Tax credit/(charge) |
9 |
888 933 |
|
- |
|
(864 199) |
|
Loss for the period |
|
(2 831 636) |
|
(504 274) |
|
(474 401) |
|
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of share-based payment reserve |
|
126 |
|
1 180 |
|
767 |
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
|
394 000 |
|
658 735 |
|
526 779 |
|
Exchange differences on non-controlling interest |
|
5 508 |
|
(7 788) |
|
(6 700) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period |
|
(2 432 002) |
|
147 853 |
|
46 445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/((loss) for the period attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent |
|
(2 680 820) |
|
(692 252) |
|
(815 645) |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
(150 816) |
|
187 978 |
|
341 244 |
|
|
|
(2 831 636) |
|
(504 274) |
|
(474 401) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent |
|
(2 286 694) |
|
(32 337) |
|
(288 098) |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
(145 308) |
|
180 190 |
|
334 543 |
|
|
|
(2 432 002) |
|
147 853 |
|
46 445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per ordinary share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share (in pence) |
10 |
(0.25) |
|
(0.07) |
|
(0.08) |
|
As at 31 August 2022
Company number: 63974
|
Notes |
31 August 2022 (unaudited) £ |
31 August 2021 (unaudited) £ |
|
28 February 2022 (audited) £ |
||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
11 |
6 812 947 |
|
6 195 625 |
|
5 147 782 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
12 |
26 142 978 |
|
15 095 878 |
|
19 150 092 |
|
Total non-current assets |
|
32 955 925 |
|
21 291 503 |
|
24 297 875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
13 |
1 429 829 |
|
1 429 694 |
|
1 451 933 |
|
Trade and other receivables |
14 |
2 830 985 |
|
1 136 053 |
|
3 953 382 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
15 |
1 675 245 |
|
6 290 694 |
|
7 365 379 |
|
Total current assets |
|
5 936 059 |
|
8 856 441 |
|
12 770 694 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
38 891 984 |
|
30 147 944 |
|
37 068 569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
20 |
38 655 078 |
|
38 297 431 |
|
38 655 078 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
(13 420 141) |
|
(10 733 570) |
|
(10 739 321) |
|
Warrant reserve |
21 |
192 632 |
|
192 632 |
|
192 632 |
|
Share-based payment reserve |
|
1 074 125 |
|
769 658 |
|
704 828 |
|
Foreign currency translation reserve |
|
(1 140 560) |
|
(1 402 604) |
|
(1 534 560) |
|
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent |
|
25 361 134 |
|
27 123 547 |
|
27 278 657 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
37 892 |
|
28 846 |
|
183 200 |
|
Total equity |
|
25 399 026 |
|
27 152 393 |
|
27 461 857 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental rehabilitation liability |
18 |
319 440 |
|
202 242 |
|
295 151 |
|
Borrowings |
16 |
4 198 763 |
|
- |
|
4 095 405 |
|
Lease liability |
19 |
89 776 |
|
232 858 |
|
167 216 |
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
- |
|
- |
|
861 784 |
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
4 607 979 |
|
435 100 |
|
5 419 556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
17 |
3 881 051 |
|
1 890 700 |
|
2 969 833 |
|
Borrowings |
16 |
4 829 492 |
|
505 267 |
|
1 024 736 |
|
Lease liability |
19 |
174 436 |
|
164 484 |
|
192 586 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
8 884 979 |
|
2 560 451 |
|
4 187 155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities |
|
38 891 984 |
|
30 147 944 |
|
37 068 569 |
|
The notes that follow in this report form part of this interim financial information.
This interim financial information was authorised and approved for issue by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 November 2022
ANTHONY VILJOEN
Chief Executive Officer
16 November 2022
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the period ended 31 August 2022
|
Share capital |
Convertible loan note reserve |
Accumulated deficit |
Warrant reserve |
Share-based payment reserve |
Foreign currency translation reserve |
Total |
Non-controlling interests |
Total equity |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Total equity at 28 February 2021 |
25 608 001 |
2 170 645 |
(10 030 679) |
211 348 |
743 615 |
(2 061 339) |
16 641 591 |
(151 344) |
16 490 247 |
Loss for the period |
|
|
(692 252) |
|
|
|
(692 252) |
187 978 |
(504 274) |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
|
- |
1 180 |
658 735 |
659 915 |
(7 788) |
652 127 |
Transactions with owners: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares |
13 019 672 |
- |
- |
- |
(10 000) |
- |
13 009 672 |
- |
13 009 672 |
Share issue costs |
(823 447) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(823 447) |
- |
(823 447) |
Share-based payments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
34 863 |
- |
34 863 |
- |
34 863 |
Warrants exercised |
63 150 |
|
18 716 |
(18 716) |
- |
- |
63 150 |
|
63 150 |
Issue costs reclassified to accumulated deficit |
- |
29 355 |
(29 355) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Settlement of convertible loan note in shares |
430 055 |
(430 055) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Settlement of convertible loan note in cash |
- |
(1 769 945) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(1 769 945) |
- |
(1 769 945) |
Total equity at 31 August 2021 |
38 297 431 |
- |
(10 733 570) |
192 632 |
769 658 |
(1 402 604) |
27 123 547 |
28 846 |
27 152 393 |
Loss for the period |
- |
- |
(123 393) |
- |
|
|
(123 393) |
153 266 |
29 873 |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(413) |
(131 956) |
(132 369) |
1 088 |
(131 281) |
Transactions with owners: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares |
49 101 |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
49 101 |
- |
49 101 |
Share options exercised |
308 546 |
- |
117 642 |
- |
(117 642) |
- |
308 546 |
- |
308 546 |
Share-based payments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
53 225 |
- |
53 225 |
- |
53 225 |
Total equity at 28 February 2022 |
38 655 078 |
- |
(10 739 321) |
192 632 |
704 828 |
(1 534 560) |
27 278 657 |
183 200 |
27 461 857 |
Loss for the period |
- |
- |
(2 680 820) |
- |
- |
- |
(2 680 820) |
(150 816) |
(2 831 637) |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
126 |
394 000 |
394 126 |
5 508 |
399 634 |
Transactions with owners: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based payments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
369 171 |
- |
369 171 |
- |
369 171 |
Total equity at 31 August 2022 |
38 655 078 |
- |
(13 420 141) |
192 632 |
1 074 125 |
(1 140 560) |
25 361 134 |
37 892 |
25 399 026 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the period ended 31 August 2022
|
Notes |
Period ended 31 August 2022 (unaudited) £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 (unaudited) £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 (audited) £ |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxation |
|
(3 720 569) |
|
(504 274) |
|
389 798 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value adjustment to customer contract |
5 |
30 726 |
|
(15 238) |
|
(137 019) |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
12 |
949 884 |
|
736 792 |
|
1 861 023 |
Depreciation of intangible assets |
11 |
5 285 |
|
6 086 |
|
28 198 |
Share-based payments |
|
267 401 |
|
22 527 |
|
55 793 |
Equity-settled transactions |
|
- |
|
9 672 |
|
66 101 |
Finance income |
|
(21 368) |
|
- |
|
(6 545) |
Finance costs |
8 |
186 874 |
|
228 285 |
|
316 365 |
Changes in working capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease/(increase) in receivables |
|
1 189 937 |
|
124 981 |
|
(2 866 192) |
Decrease/(increase) in inventory |
|
57 917 |
|
(382 786) |
|
(418 556) |
Increase in payables |
|
851 750 |
|
334 662 |
|
1 006 060 |
Net cash (used)/generated in operating activities |
|
(202 163) |
|
560 707 |
|
569 064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of intangible assets |
|
(1 606 380) |
|
(822 753) |
|
(1 442 774) |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
(7 466 335) |
|
(1 511 632) |
|
(4 543 884) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(9 072 715) |
|
(2 334 385) |
|
(5 986 658) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income |
|
21 368 |
|
- |
|
6 545 |
Finance costs |
8 |
(153 901) |
|
(157 458) |
|
(224 061) |
Lease payments |
19 |
(120 977) |
|
(91 258) |
|
(213 661) |
Net proceeds from issue of shares |
20 |
- |
|
12 239 703 |
|
12 548 248 |
Settlement of convertible loan notes |
|
- |
|
(1 769 945) |
|
(1 769 945) |
Proceeds from borrowings |
16 |
3 997 799 |
|
5 298 880 |
|
5 024 727 |
Repayment of borrowings |
16 |
(166 932) |
|
(8 700 696) |
|
(3 907 086) |
Net cash generated from financing activities |
|
3 577 357 |
|
6 819 226 |
|
11 464 767 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease/(increase) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(5 697 521) |
|
5 045 548 |
|
6 047 173 |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
|
7 365 379 |
|
1 351 200 |
|
1 351 200 |
Exchange differences |
|
7 387 |
|
(106 054) |
|
(32 994) |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
|
1 675 245 |
|
6 290 694 |
|
7 365 379 |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
For the period ended 31 August 2022
1. Corporate information and principal activities
AfriTin Mining Limited ("AfriTin") was incorporated and domiciled in Guernsey on 1 September 2017, and admitted to the AIM market in London on 9 November 2017. The Company's registered office is PO Box 282, Oak House, Hirzel Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3RH and operates from Illovo Edge Office Park, 2nd Floor, Building 3, Corner Harries and Fricker Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2116, South Africa.
This financial information is for the period ended 31 August 2022 and the comparative figures for the 6 month period ended 31 August 2021 and for the year ended 28 February 2022 are shown.
The AfriTin Group comprises AfriTin Mining Limited and its subsidiaries as noted below.
AfriTin Mining Limited ("AML") is an investment holding company and holds 100% of Guernsey subsidiary, Greenhills Resources Limited ("GRL").
GRL is an investment holding company that holds investments in resource-based tin and tantalum exploration companies in Namibia and South Africa. The Namibian subsidiary is AfriTin Mining (Namibia) Pty Limited ("AfriTin Namibia"), in which GRL holds 100% equity interest. The South African subsidiaries are Mokopane Tin Company Pty Limited ("Mokopane") and Pamish Investments 71 Pty Limited ("Pamish 71"), in which GRL holds 100% equity interest.
AfriTin Namibia owns an 85% equity interest in Uis Tin Mining Company Pty Limited ("UTMC"). The minority shareholder in UTMC is The Small Miners of Uis who own 15%.
Mokopane owns a 74% equity interest in Renetype Pty Limited ("Renetype") and a 50% equity interest in Jaxson 641 Pty Limited ("Jaxson").
The minority shareholders in Renetype are African Women Enterprises Investments Pty Limited and Cannosia Trading 62 CC who own 10% and 16% respectively.
The minority shareholder in Jaxson is Lerama Resources Pty Limited who owns a 50% interest in Jaxson. Pamish 71 owns a 74% interest in Zaaiplaats Mining Pty Limited ("Zaaiplaats"). The minority shareholder in Zaaiplaats is Tamiforce Pty Limited who owns 26%.
AML holds 100% of Tantalum Investment Pty Limited, a company containing Namibian exploration licenses EPL5445 and EPL5670 for the exploration of tin, tantalum and associated minerals.
As at 31 August 2022, the AfriTin Group comprised:
Company |
Equity holding and voting rights |
Country of incorporation |
Nature of activities |
AfriTin Mining Limited |
N/A |
Guernsey |
Ultimate holding company |
Greenhills Resources Limited1 |
100% |
Guernsey |
Holding company |
AfriTin Mining Pty Limited1 |
100% |
South Africa |
Group support services |
Tantalum Investment Pty Limited1 |
100% |
Namibia |
Tin & tantalum exploration |
AfriTin Mining (Namibia) Pty Limited2 |
100% |
Namibia |
Tin & tantalum operations |
Uis Tin Mining Company Pty Limited3 |
85% |
Namibia |
Tin & tantalum operations |
Mokopane Tin Company Pty Limited2 |
100% |
South Africa |
Holding company |
Renetype Pty Limited4 |
74% |
South Africa |
Tin & tantalum exploration |
Jaxson 641 Pty Limited4 |
50% |
South Africa |
Tin & tantalum exploration |
Pamish Investments 71 Pty Limited2 |
100% |
South Africa |
Holding company |
Zaaiplaats Mining Pty Limited5 |
74% |
South Africa |
Property owning |
1 Held directly by AfriTin Mining Limited
2 Held by Greenhills Resources Limited
3 Held by AfriTin Mining (Namibia) Pty Limited
4 Held by Mokopane Tin Company Pty Limited
5 Held by Pamish Investments 71 Pty Limited
This financial information presented in Pound Sterling (£) because that is the currency in which the Group has raised funding on the AIM market in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Pound Sterling (£) is the functional currency of the ultimate holding company, AfriTin Mining Limited.
The Group's key subsidiaries, AfriTin Namibia and UTMC, use the Namibian Dollar (N$) as their functional currency. The period-end spot rate used to translate all Namibian Dollar balances was £1 = N$19.84 and the average rate for the period was £1 = N$19.70.
2. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with UK Adopted International Accounting Standards. The Consolidated interim financial information also complies with the AIM Rules for Companies, NSX Listing Requirements and the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and show a true and fair view.
The significant accounting policies applied in preparing this information are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied throughout the period. This information has been prepared under the historical cost convention except as where stated.
The interim financial information for the six months to 31 August 2022 is unaudited and does not constitute statutory financial information. The statutory accounts for the year ended 28 February 2022 are available on the Company's website.
Going concern
This interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern which assumes the company will be able to continue in operation for the upcoming 12 months and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations.
At 31 August 2022, the company had cash in the bank of £1.7m. Subsequent to the period end, the group successfully concluded a successful completion of the Placing and Subscription of 396,021,660 new Ordinary Shares raising gross proceeds of £19.8 million (approximately US$22.8million).
Management have prepared a detailed cash flow forecast for the period to 31 October 2022 and stress tests of those forecasts. The base case forecast demonstrates that the Group will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due and includes the following key assumptions:
· Prices have been set at $19,000 per tonne of tin.
· The base case forecast assumes continuing steady state production for the current mining and processing facility post the successful expansion, which was commissioned in November 2022.
· The base case forecast includes capital expenditure required for the pilot lithium and tantalum production facilities. This expenditure will be funded by the secured equity.
· The base case forecast includes exploration drilling programme expenditure for lithium and tantalum. This expenditure will be funded by the secured equity.
In addition, the Board have considered downside scenarios in relation to commodity pricing and production across the period. The scenarios demonstrated that the Group will be able to maintain liquidity.
The group has also entered into a conditional US$30.8 million funding arrangement made up as follows:
· US$25 million (c. £21.5m) investment with a fund managed by Orion Resource Partners ("Orion").
· US$5.8 million (c£5m) lending facility with the Development Bank of Namibia. This was announced on 5 July 2022 (and updated by the disclosures in the Company's Annual Report) ("DBN Debt Financing")
Accordingly, the Directors have concluded that the going concern basis in the preparation of this financial information is appropriate and that there are no material uncertainties that would cast doubt on that basis of preparation.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Group's accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In particular, information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty considered by management in preparing the interim financial information is provided below.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimates are revised if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of revision and in future years if the revision affects both current and future years.
i) Going concern and liquidity
Significant estimates were required in forecasting cash flows used in the assessment of going concern including tin and tantalum prices, the levels of production, operating costs, and capital expenditure requirements. For further details, refer to going concern considerations laid out earlier in Note 2.
ii) Decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations
Estimating the future costs of environmental and rehabilitation obligations is complex and requires management to make estimates and judgements, as most of the obligations will be fulfilled in the future and contracts and laws are often not clear regarding what is required. The resulting provisions (see Note 18) are further influenced by changing technologies, and by political, environmental, safety, business, and statutory considerations.
The Group's rehabilitation provision is based on the net present value of management's best estimates of future rehabilitation costs. Judgement is required in establishing the disturbance and associated rehabilitation costs at period end, timing of costs, discount rates, and inflation. In forming estimates of the cost of rehabilitation which are risk adjusted, the Group assessed the Environmental Management Plan and reports provided by internal and external experts. Actual costs incurred in future periods could differ materially from the estimates, and changes to environmental laws and regulations, life of mine estimates, inflation rates, and discount rates could affect the carrying amount of the provision.
In determining the amount attributable to the rehabilitation liability, management used a discount rate of 13% (August 2021: 12.8% and February 2022: 10%), an inflation rate of 7% (August 2021: 6% and February 2022: 5%) and an estimated mining period of 16.5 years, being the Phase 1 expansion life of mine.
iii) Impairment indicator assessment for exploration and evaluation assets
Determining whether an exploration and evaluation asset is impaired requires an assessment of whether there are any indicators of impairment, including specific impairment indicators prescribed in IFRS 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. If there is any indication of potential impairment, an impairment test is required based on value in use of the asset. The valuation of intangible exploration assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable deposits which, in turn, is dependent on future tin prices, future capital expenditures, environmental and regulatory restrictions, and the successful renewal of licences. The Group considers the South African exploration and evaluation assets to be non-core as it continues to primarily focus on developing its Namibian assets. Accordingly, the capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure relating to the South African assets was impaired to nil in the prior year on the basis that the Group did not intend on incurring any further expenditure on its South African licences. The directors have concluded that there are no indications of impairment in respect of the carrying value of Namibian intangible assets at 28 February 2022 based on planned future development of the Namibian projects, and current and forecast tin prices. Exploration and evaluation assets are disclosed fully in Note 11.
iv) Impairment assessment for property, plant and equipment
Management have reviewed the Uis mine for indicators of impairment and have considered, among other factors, the operations to date at the Uis Tin Mine, the Phase 1 Stage II expansion of the Uis operations, forecast commodity prices, and market capitalisation of the Group. In undertaking the indicator review, management have also reviewed the underlying LoM valuation model for Uis and have concluded that no indicators of impairment have been noted at period end. The LoM valuation model is on a fair value less cost to develop basis and includes assessments of different scenarios associated with capital development and expansion opportunities.
The forecasts required estimates regarding forecast tin prices, ore resources and production, and operating and capital costs. The discounted cash flows use a discount rate of 8.3% post tax nominal. Under the base case forecast using a nominal consensus tin price of $25 000 per tonne, rising to $31 000 per tonne by 2028, the forecast indicates headroom as at 31 August 2022.
As an additional test, management performed certain sensitivity calculations. These included raising the discount rate to 11% post tax nominal, lowering the forecast tin prices by 5%, lowering plant recovery by 5% and increasing operating costs by 10%. In each of these circumstances, the forecast indicated headroom as at 31 August 2022.
v) Depreciation
Judgement is applied in making assumptions about the depreciation charge for mining assets when using the unit-of-production method in estimating the ore tonnes held in reserves. The relevant reserves are those included in the current approved LoM plan which relates to the Phase 1 expansion. Judgement is also applied when assessing the estimated useful life of individual assets and residual values. The assumptions are reviewed at least annually by management and the judgement is based on consideration of the LoM plan, as well as the nature of the assets. The reserve assumptions included in the LoM plan are evaluated by management.
vi) Capitalisation and depreciation of waste stripping
The Group has elected to capitalise the costs of waste stripping activities as these are necessary to allow improved access to the ore and, therefore, will result in future economic benefits. The costs of drilling, blasting and load & haul of waste material is capitalised until such time that the underlying ore is used in production. These costs are then expensed on a proportional basis. The capitalised costs are included in the mining asset in property, plant & equipment and are expensed back into the statement of comprehensive income as depreciation. Capitalisation of waste stripping requires the Group to make judgements and estimates in determining the amounts to be capitalised. These judgements and estimates include, amongst others, the expected life of mine stripping ratio for each separate open pit, the determination of what defines separate pits, and the expected volumes to be extracted from each component of a pit for which the stripping asset is depreciated.
vii) Determination of ore reserves
The estimation of ore reserves primarily impacts the depreciation charge of evaluated mining assets, which are depreciated based on the quantity of ore reserves. Reserve volumes are also used in calculating whether an impairment charge should be recorded where an impairment indicator exists.
The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information, compiled by appropriately qualified persons, relating to geological and technical data on the size, depth, shape, and grade of the ore body and related to suitable production techniques and recovery rates. The estimate of recoverable reserves is based on factors such as tin prices, future capital requirements and production costs, along with geological assumptions and judgements made in estimating the size and grade of the ore body.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and mineral resources. Consequently, assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly if or when new information becomes available.
viii) Valuation of inventories
Judgement is applied in making assumptions about the value of inventories and inventory stockpiles, including tin prices, plant recoveries and processing costs, to determine the extent to which the Group values inventory and inventory stockpiles. The Group uses forecast tin prices to determine the net realisable value of the ROM stockpile and the tin concentrate inventory on hand at period end. Inventory stockpiles are measured using actual mining and processing costs.
ix) Determining the lease term
In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise, or not to exercise, an extension option. Extension options are only included in the lease term where the company is reasonably certain that it will extend or will not terminate the lease when the lease expires. For all leases, the most relevant factors include:
· Historical lease durations;
· Costs incurred in replacing the leased asset;
· Possible business disruption due to replacing the leased asset;
· Likelihood of extension of the lease - if there are significant penalties to terminate, then it's reasonably certain that the Group will extend.
The lease term is reassessed on an ongoing basis, especially when the option to extend becomes exercisable, or on occurrence of a significant event or a significant change in circumstances which affects this assessment, and that is within the control of the Group.
x) Determining the incremental borrowing rate to measure lease liabilities
The interest rate implicit in leases is not available, therefore the Group uses the relevant incremental borrowing rate (IBR) to measure its lease liabilities. The IBR is estimated to be the interest rate that the Group would pay to borrow:
· over a similar term;
· with similar security;
· the amount necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right of use asset; and
· in a similar economic environment.
The IBR, therefore, is considered to be the best estimate of the incremental rate and requires management's judgement as there are no observable rates available.
xi) Determining the fair value of trade receivables classified at fair value through profit or loss
The consideration receivable in respect of certain sales for which performance obligations have been satisfied at period end and for which the Group has received prepayment under the terms of the offtake agreement, remain subject to pricing adjustments with reference to market prices at the date of finalisation. Under the Group's accounting policies, the fair value of the consideration is determined, and the remaining receivable is adjusted to reflect fair value. Management estimated the forward price based on the LME 3-month tin price that is expected when the open shipments will be finalised. As at 31 August 2022, the tin price had declined significantly since the provisional payments received and therefore the Group recognised a negative receivable at fair value through profit or loss of £519 321 (August 2021: receivable of £465 529 and February 2022: receivable of £812 594).
3. Adoption of new and revised standards
A number of new and amended standards and interpretations issued by IASB have become effective for the first time for financial periods beginning on (or after) 1 March 2021 and have been applied by the Group in this interim financial information. None of these new and amended standards and interpretations had a significant effect on the Group because they are either not relevant to the Group's activities or require accounting which is consistent with the Group's current accounting policies.
Accounting standards and interpretations not applied
There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods and which have not been adopted early.
4. Segmental reporting
The reporting segments are identified by the management steering committee (who are considered to be the chief operating decision-makers) by the way that the Group's operations are organised. As at 31 August 2022, the Group operated within two operating segments, tin exploration and operational activities in Namibia and tin exploration activities in South Africa.
Segment results
The following is an analysis of the Group's results by reportable segment.
|
South Africa |
|
Namibia |
|
Total |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
Period ended 31 August 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Results |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
33 478 |
|
4 693 131 |
|
4 726 609 |
Associated costs |
(5 229) |
|
(6 485 826) |
|
(6 491 056) |
Segmental profit/(loss) |
28 249 |
|
(1 792 695) |
|
(1 764 446) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Results |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
17 778 |
|
5 055 559 |
|
5 073 337 |
Associated costs |
(2 006) |
|
(4 498 287) |
|
(4 500 293) |
Segmental profit |
15 772 |
|
557 271 |
|
573 044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 28 February 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Results |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
34 444 |
|
13 580 600 |
|
13 615 045 |
Associated costs |
(30 843) |
|
(10 693 637) |
|
(10 724 480) |
Segmental profit |
3 601 |
|
2 886 963 |
|
2 890 564 |
The reconciliation of segmental gross loss to the Group's loss before tax is as follows:
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
||
Segmental loss |
(1 764 446) |
|
573 044 |
|
2 890 564 |
Unallocated costs |
(1 790 616) |
|
(849 033) |
|
(2 252 700) |
Other income |
- |
|
- |
|
61 755 |
Finance income |
21 368 |
|
- |
|
6 545 |
Finance costs |
(186 874) |
|
(228 285) |
|
(316 365) |
Profit/(loss) before tax |
(3 720 569) |
|
(504 274) |
|
389 798 |
Unallocated costs are mainly comprised of corporate overheads and costs associated with being listed in London.
Other segmental information
|
South Africa |
|
Namibia |
|
Total |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
As at 31 August 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
12 871 |
|
6 711 027 |
|
6 723 898 |
Other reportable segmental assets |
95 428 |
|
30 766 260 |
|
30 861 688 |
Other reportable segmental liabilities |
(66 939) |
|
(13 437 197 |
|
(13 504 136) |
Unallocated net liabilities |
- |
|
- |
|
1 317 576 |
Total consolidated net assets |
41 360 |
|
24 040 089 |
|
25 399 025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 August 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
12 718 |
|
6 182 907 |
|
6 195 625 |
Other reportable segmental assets |
98 119 |
|
17 326 294 |
|
17 424 413 |
Other reportable segmental liabilities |
(63 974) |
|
(2 080 988) |
|
(2 144 962) |
Unallocated net assets |
- |
|
- |
|
5 677 317 |
Total consolidated net assets |
46 863 |
|
21 428 214 |
|
27 152 393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 28 February 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
12 565 |
|
5 043 165 |
|
5 055 730 |
Other reportable segmental assets |
70 564 |
|
24 119 470 |
|
24 190 033 |
Other reportable segmental liabilities |
(63 006) |
|
(4 038 840) |
|
(4 101 846) |
Unallocated net assets |
- |
|
- |
|
2 317 939 |
Total consolidated net assets |
20 122 |
|
25 123 795 |
|
27 461 857 |
Unallocated net assets/liabilities are mainly comprised of cash and cash equivalents and the borrowings which are managed at a corporate level.
5. Revenue
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
|
Revenue from the sale of tin |
4 723 857 |
|
5 040 321 |
|
13 717 620 |
Revenue from the sale of sand |
33 478 |
|
17 778 |
|
34 444 |
Total revenue from customers |
4 757 335 |
|
5 058 099 |
|
13 752 064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other revenue - change in fair value of customer contract |
(30 726) |
|
15 238 |
|
(137 019) |
|
4 726 609 |
|
5 073 337 |
|
13 615 045 |
6. Cost of sales
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
|
Costs of production |
5 049 956 |
|
3 510 718 |
|
8 057 083 |
Smelter charges |
339 978 |
|
268 818 |
|
748 892 |
Logistics costs |
59 328 |
|
41 523 |
|
126 086 |
Government royalties |
275 114 |
|
138 090 |
|
370 457 |
|
5 724 376 |
|
3 959 149 |
|
9 302 518 |
7. Administrative expenses
The loss for the period has been arrived at after charging:
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
|
Staff costs |
1 083 726 |
|
506 904 |
|
1 269 882 |
Depreciation of property, plant & equipment |
113 185 |
|
97 166 |
|
221 948 |
Professional fees |
443 781 |
|
132 991 |
|
621 379 |
Travelling expenses |
150 450 |
|
56 969 |
|
96 956 |
Uis administration expenses |
266 779 |
|
230 007 |
|
660 476 |
Auditor's remuneration |
5 000 |
|
1 500 |
|
95 000 |
Other costs |
494 374 |
|
364 641 |
|
709 022 |
|
2 557 296 |
|
1 390 177 |
|
3 674 662 |
Other costs are mainly comprised of corporate overheads necessary to run the South African head office and the costs associated with being listed in London.
8. Finance cost
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
|
Interest on lease liability |
15 882 |
|
21 060 |
|
42 630 |
Interest on environmental rehabilitation liability |
17 209 |
|
12 173 |
|
12 080 |
Bank interest |
95 900 |
|
60 891 |
|
102 655 |
Interest on loan notes |
- |
|
68 836 |
|
68 836 |
Amortisation of warrant charge |
- |
|
37 594 |
|
37 594 |
Other interest |
57 882 |
|
27 731 |
|
52 570 |
|
186 874 |
|
228 285 |
|
316 365 |
9. Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
|
Period ended 31 August 2022 £ |
|
Period ended 31 August 2021 £ |
Year ended 28 February 2022 £ |
|
Factors affecting tax for the period: |
|
|
|
|
|
The tax assessed for the period at the Guernsey corporation tax charge rate of 0%, as explained below: |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxation |
(3 720 569) |
|
(504 274) |
|
389 798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxation multiplied by the Guernsey Corporation tax charge rate of 0% |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Effects of: |
|
|
|
|
|
Differences in tax rates (overseas jurisdictions) |
(615 188) |
|
(452 848) |
|
(525 598) |
Tax losses carried forward |
615 188 |
|
452 848 |
|
525 598 |
Movement in deferred tax |
888 933 |
|
- |
|
(864 199) |
Tax for the period |
888 933 |
|
- |
|
(864 199) |
Accumulated losses in the subsidiary undertakings for which there is an unrecognised deferred tax asset are £5 131 401 (August 2021: £3 919 522 and February 2022: £4 290 665).
10. Loss per share from continuing operations
The calculation of a basic loss per share of 0.25 pence (August 2021: loss per share of 0.07 pence and February 2022: loss per share of 0.08 pence), is calculated using the total loss for the period attributable to the owners of the Company of £2 680 820 (August 2021: £692 251 and February 2022: £815 645) and the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 1 064 247 295 (August 2021: 1 016 465 204 and February 2022: 1 064 247 295).
Due to the loss for the period, the diluted loss per share is the same as the basic loss per share. The number of potentially dilutive ordinary shares, in respect of share options, warrants and shares to be issued as at 31 August 2022 is 131 220 649 (August 2021: 84 895 572 and February 2022: 76 261 762). These potentially dilutive ordinary shares may have a dilutive effect on future earnings per share.
11. Intangible assets
|
Exploration and evaluation assets |
|
Computer software |
|
Total |
Cost |
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
As at 31 August 2021 |
6 080 069 |
|
121 637 |
|
6 201 706 |
Additions for the period |
741 977 |
|
|
|
741 977 |
Transfer to mining asset |
(1 058 602) |
|
|
|
(1 058 602) |
Transfer to mining asset under construction |
(678 467) |
|
|
|
(678 467) |
Exchange differences |
(29 248) |
|
(1 465) |
|
(30 713) |
As at 28 February 2022 |
5 055 729 |
|
120 172 |
|
5 175 901 |
Additions for the period |
1 622 407 |
|
- |
|
1 622 407 |
Exchange differences |
45 761 |
|
2 246 |
|
48 007 |
As at 31 August 2022 |
6 723 897 |
|
122 418 |
|
6 846 315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 August 2021 |
- |
|
6 081 |
|
6 081 |
Charge for the period |
- |
|
22 112 |
|
22 112 |
Exchange differences |
- |
|
(75) |
|
(75) |
As at 28 February 2022 |
- |
|
28 119 |
|
28 119 |
Charge for the period |
- |
|
5 285 |
|
5 285 |
Exchange differences |
- |
|
(36) |
|
(36) |
As at 31 August 2022 |
- |
|
33 368 |
|
33 368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Book Value |
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 August 2022 |
6 723 897 |
|
89 050 |
|
6 812 947 |
As at 28 February 2022 |
5 055 729 |
|
92 053 |
|
5 147 782 |
As at 31 August 2021 |
6 080 069 |
|
115 556 |
|
6 195 625 |
The additions to the evaluation and exploration asset during the period mainly comprise of expenses capitalised as part of the Phase 2 exploration drilling project, the metallurgical testwork programme, environmental studies and region exploration projects.
12. Property, plant and equipment
|
Land |
Mining asset under construction |
Mining Asset |
Mining Asset - Stripping |
Decommissioning asset |
Right-of-use Asset |
Computer Equipment |
Furniture |
Vehicles |
Mobile equipment (crane) |
Buildings |
Total |
Cost |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
As at 31 August 2021 |
12 463 |
390 218 |
14 629 402 |
745 755 |
175 501 |
594 193 |
169 898 |
121 973 |
79 294 |
- |
- |
16 918 697 |
Additions for the period |
- |
2 210 779 |
395 160 |
589 604 |
95 585 |
68 073 |
42 256 |
58 844 |
- |
176 273 |
- |
3 636 574 |
Disposals for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(12 831) |
- |
(12 523) |
- |
- |
(25 354) |
Transfer from exploration and evaluation asset |
- |
678 467 |
1 058 602 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 737 069 |
Exchange differences |
(150) |
304 389 |
(473 395) |
(3 233) |
(2 382) |
(6 735) |
(1 851) |
(1 487) |
(920) |
(493) |
- |
(186 258) |
As at 28 February 2022 |
12 312 |
3 583 853 |
15 609 768 |
1 332 128 |
268 704 |
655 530 |
197 472 |
179 330 |
65 851 |
175 780 |
- |
22 080 728 |
Additions for the period |
- |
5 112 760 |
1 106 936 |
723 532 |
- |
- |
40 407 |
14 370 |
190 122 |
311 316 |
52 634 |
7 552 078 |
Disposals for the period |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Exchange differences |
300 |
44 513 |
346 390 |
27 502 |
6 554 |
15 989 |
4 537 |
4 262 |
295 |
2 141 |
(363) |
452 120 |
As at 31 August 2022 |
12 613 |
8 741 126 |
17 063 094 |
2 083 162 |
275 258 |
671 519 |
242 417 |
197 962 |
256 268 |
489 237 |
52 271 |
30 084 926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 August 2021 |
- |
- |
1 377 680 |
- |
4 775 |
237 798 |
97 721 |
48 676 |
56 169 |
- |
|
1 822 819 |
Charge for the period |
- |
- |
492 511 |
489 372 |
4 683 |
97 285 |
20 931 |
16 932 |
(715) |
3 231 |
- |
1 124 231 |
Exchange differences |
- |
- |
(10 416) |
(1 368) |
(23) |
(2 459) |
(1 047) |
(516) |
(576) |
(9) |
- |
(16 414) |
As at 28 February 2022 |
- |
- |
1 859 775 |
488 005 |
9 435 |
332 624 |
117 605 |
65 091 |
54 878 |
3 222 |
|
2 930 635 |
Charge for the period |
- |
- |
431 992 |
342 996 |
7 975 |
85 804 |
25 574 |
21 853 |
16 692 |
16 339 |
658 |
949 884 |
Exchange differences |
- |
- |
38 881 |
9 538 |
175 |
7 521 |
2 701 |
1 428 |
1 223 |
(34) |
(5) |
61 429 |
As at 31 August 2022 |
- |
- |
2 330 648 |
840 539 |
17 585 |
425 950 |
145 881 |
88 373 |
72 793 |
19 527 |
653 |
3 941 948 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Book Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 31 August 2022 |
12 613 |
8 741 126 |
14 732 446 |
1 242 624 |
257 673 |
245 569 |
96 536 |
109 589 |
183 475 |
469 710 |
51 618 |
26 142 978 |
As at 28 February 2022 |
12 312 |
3 583 853 |
13 749 993 |
844 123 |
259 269 |
322 906 |
79 867 |
114 239 |
10 973 |
172 558 |
- |
19 150 092 |
As at 31 August 2021 |
12 463 |
390 218 |
13 251 722 |
745 755 |
170 726 |
356 395 |
72 177 |
73 297 |
23 125 |
- |
- |
15 095 878 |
The additions to the mining asset under construction during the period mainly comprise of the construction of the Uis Phase 1 Stage II expansion. The construction costs of the expansion will remain in mining asset under construction until the project has been completed and a commission certificate has been issued.
Additions to the mining asset include capitalised costs and equipment purchased as part of the Uis Phase 1 Continuous Improvement project
13. Inventories
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
Run-of-mine stockpile |
605 258 |
|
962 781 |
|
909 180 |
Tin concentrate on hand |
204 236 |
|
167 367 |
|
155 389 |
Consumables |
620 335 |
|
299 546 |
|
387 364 |
|
1 429 829 |
|
1 429 694 |
|
1 451 933 |
14. Trade and other receivables
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
Trade receivables |
160 188 |
|
120 042 |
|
96 173 |
Trade receivables at fair value through profit or loss |
(519 321) |
|
465 529 |
|
812 594 |
Other receivables |
538 218 |
|
165 475 |
|
1 875 561 |
VAT receivables |
2 651 899 |
|
385 007 |
|
1 169 053 |
|
2 830 984 |
|
1 136 053 |
|
3 953 382 |
Due to the decline in the tin price between receipt of provisional payment and finalisation of tin sales, the trade receivables carried at fair value through profit and loss resulted in a negative balance.
15. Cash and cash equivalents
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
|
Cash on hand and in bank |
1 675 245 |
|
6 290 694 |
|
7 365 379 |
|
16. Borrowings
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
|
Standard Bank term loan facility |
4 467 960 |
|
- |
|
4 523 414 |
|
Standard Bank VAT facility |
376 709 |
|
- |
|
367 739 |
|
Standard Bank Vehicle Asset Financing |
503 444 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Standard Bank Short-term Loan Facility |
2 005 565 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Standard Bank working capital facility |
1 674 577 |
|
- |
|
228 988 |
|
Nedbank working capital facility |
- |
|
505 267 |
|
- |
|
|
9 028 255 |
|
505 267 |
|
5 120 141 |
|
On 18 November 2021, a term loan facility of N$90 000 000 (c. £4 536 000), a VAT facility of N$8 000 000 (c. £403 000) and a working capital facility of N$35 000 000 (c. £1 764 000) was entered into between the Company's subsidiary, Uis Tin Mining Company (Pty) Ltd and Standard Bank Namibia.
The maturity date of the term loan facility is November 2026 and the capital balance of the loan together with accrued interest will be repaid in quarterly instalments over the next 5 years. Interest is charged on the outstanding capital balance of the loan at a rate of 3-month JIBAR plus a margin of 4.5%.
The Group is required to meet the following covenants each year on 28 February as part of the term loan facility agreement:
· EBITDA ÷ total interest must not be lower than 4.5 times
· Total debt ÷ EBITDA must not exceed 4 times in year 1, 3.5 times in year 2 and 3 times thereafter
· Free cash flow before Debt Service Cover ÷ Principal and Interest Senior Debt Service Payments must not be lower than 1.3 times
· Free cash flow before Debt Service Cover + Total Cash Collateral ÷ Principal and Interest Senior Debt Service Payments must not be lower than 2 times
The Group met all the above covenant requirements at 28 February 2022.
The VAT facility is secured by assessed/audited VAT returns (refunds) which have not been paid by Namibia Inland Revenue. Standard Bank Namibia provides a facility amounting to the unpaid refunds. Any drawdowns against this facility are repaid to the bank upon receipt of cash from Namibia Inland Revenue.
The VAT facility and the working capital facility have no fixed maturity date, but are both renewed on an annual basis. Interest accrues on these facilities at the Namibian prime rate less 1%.
Standard Bank have recently provided vehicle asset financing of N$10 000 000 (c. £504 000) and a short-term loan facility of N$40 000 000 (c. £2 016 000).
Standard Bank Namibia have provided a N$ 4 117 500 (c. £195 000) guarantee to the Namibia Power Corporation Pty Limited in relation to a deposit for the supply of electrical power. As a result of the guarantee provided by Standard Bank, no cash was paid over for the deposit.
The full working capital facility that was previously held with Nedbank Namibia was repaid during the previous year as the Group's facilities were moved over to Standard Bank.
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in combined Long and Short term Borrowings
Balance as at 31 August 2021 |
|
505 267 |
Incoming cash flows |
|
5 024 727 |
Proceeds from term loan facility |
|
4 428 000 |
Proceeds from VAT facility Proceeds from working capital facility |
|
367 739 228 988 |
Outgoing cash flows |
|
(505 267) |
Repayment of working capital facility |
|
(505 267) |
Non-cash flows |
|
95 414 |
Interest accrued on term loan facility |
|
95 414 |
Balance as at 28 February 2022 |
|
5 120 141 |
Incoming cash flows |
|
3 997 799 |
Proceeds from vehicle asset financing facility |
|
506 939 |
Proceeds from short-term loan facility |
|
2 019 492 |
Proceeds from working capital facility Interest received on bank balances |
|
1 450 001 21 368 |
Outgoing cash flows |
|
(116 932) |
Repayment of capital balance of term loan Interest paid on facilities |
|
(68 512) (98 420) |
Non-cash flows |
|
77 247 |
Interest accrued on facilities (a portion has been capitalised to mining asset under construction) |
|
175 864 |
Foreign exchange differences |
|
(98 617) |
Balance as at 31 August 2022 |
|
9 028 255 |
17. Trade and other payables
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
Trade payables |
3 344 593 |
|
1 436 435 |
|
2 293 471 |
Other payables |
168 378 |
|
78 520 |
|
341 276 |
Accruals |
368 080 |
|
375 745 |
|
335 087 |
|
3 881 051 |
|
1 890 700 |
|
2 969 833 |
18. Environmental rehabilitation liability
|
£ |
Balance at 31 August 2021 |
202 240 |
Increase in provision |
95 585 |
Interest expense |
(93) |
Foreign exchange differences |
(2 581) |
Balance at 28 February 2022 |
295 151 |
Increase in provision |
- |
Interest expense |
17 091 |
Foreign exchange differences |
7 199 |
Balance at 31 August 2022 |
319 441 |
Provision for future environmental rehabilitation and decommissioning costs are made on a progressive basis. Estimates are based on costs that are regularly reviewed and adjusted appropriately for new circumstances. The environmental rehabilitation liability is based on disturbances and the required rehabilitation as at 31 August 2021.
The rehabilitation provision represents the present value of decommissioning costs relating to the dismantling of mechanical equipment and steel structures related to the Phase 1 Pilot Plant, the demolishing of civil platforms and reshaping of earthworks. A provision for this requires estimates and assumptions to be made around the relevant regulatory framework, the magnitude of the possible disturbance and the timing, extent and costs of the required closure and rehabilitation activities. In calculating the appropriate provision, cost estimates of the future potential cash outflows based on current studies of the expected rehabilitation activities and timing thereof are prepared. These forecasts are then discounted to their present value using a risk-free rate specific to the liability. In determining the amount attributable to the rehabilitation liability, management used a discount rate of 13% (August 2021: 12.8% and February 2022: 10%), an inflation rate of 7% (August 2021: 6% and February 2022: 5%) and an estimated mining period of 16.5 years, being the Phase 1 expansion life of mine. Actual rehabilitation and decommissioning costs will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the necessary rehabilitation works and timing of when the mine ceases operation.
19. Lease liability
The Company assessed all rental agreements and concluded that the following rentals fall within the scope of IFRS 16: Leases and therefore a lease liability has been recognised:
|
Lease term |
Option to extend/terminate |
Incremental borrowing rate |
Office building |
5 years |
Option to extend not specified in contract. Term of lease determined to be 5 years. |
13.75% |
Workshop facility |
2 years |
Option to extend not specified in contract. Term of lease determined to be 2 years. |
7.5% |
Residential housing |
5 years |
The lease will continue automatically after the initial period for an open-ended period. Either party must provide written notice if they wish to terminate. Lease term determined to be 5 years. |
8.5% |
Mobile Units |
2 years |
The lessee is granted the option to purchase the units after the lease period of 2 years. |
7.5% |
|
Office Building |
|
Workshop |
|
Housing |
|
Mobile Units |
|
Total |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
Balance at 31 August 2021 |
211 841 |
|
61 892 |
|
123 609 |
|
- |
|
397 342 |
Additions |
(616) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
68 689 |
|
68 073 |
Interest expense |
11 910 |
|
1 648 |
|
4 601 |
|
3 411 |
|
21 570 |
Lease payments |
(50 167) |
|
(27 046) |
|
(18 298) |
|
(26 892) |
|
(122 403) |
Foreign exchange differences |
(2 147) |
|
(922) |
|
(1 584) |
|
(126) |
|
(4 779) |
Balance at 28 February 2022 |
170 821 |
|
35 572 |
|
108 328 |
|
45 082 |
|
359 803 |
Additions |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Interest expense |
9 645 |
|
750 |
|
4 182 |
|
1 305 |
|
15 882 |
Lease payments |
(54 272) |
|
(28 103) |
|
(19 541) |
|
(19 061) |
|
(120 977) |
Foreign exchange differences |
4 475 |
|
1 057 |
|
2 748 |
|
1 224 |
|
9 504 |
Balance at 31 August 2022 |
130 669 |
|
9 276 |
|
95 717 |
|
28 550 |
|
264 212 |
The following is the split between the current and the non-current portion of the liability:
|
31 August 2022 £ |
|
31 August 2021 £ |
28 February 2022 £ |
|
Non-current liability |
89 776 |
|
232 858 |
|
167 215 |
Current liability |
174 436 |
|
164 484 |
|
192 588 |
|
264 212 |
|
397 342 |
|
359 803 |
20. Share capital
|
Number of ordinary shares of no par value issued and fully paid |
|
Share Capital £ |
Balance at 31 August 2021 |
1 112 334 912 |
|
38 297 431 |
Shares issued to suppliers - 15 Dec |
798 001 |
|
49 101 |
Exercising of employee share options - 14 Jan |
2 185 087 |
|
72 059 |
Exercising of employee share options - 27 Jan |
1 250 000 |
|
56 250 |
Exercising of employee share options - 22 Feb |
5 273 684 |
|
180 237 |
Balance at 28 February 2022 |
1 121 841 684 |
|
38 655 078 |
Balance at 31 August 2022 |
1 121 841 684 |
|
38 655 078 |
Authorised: 1 220 486 913 ordinary shares of no par value
Allotted, issued and fully paid: 1 121 841 684 ordinary shares of no par value
On 15 December 2021, 798 001 ordinary shares of no par value were issued to settle a contractual liability at 4.90 pence in lieu of fees in relation to a consulting agreement.
On 14 January 2022, the Company received notice from share option holders to exercise 1 300 877 share options at an exercise price of 3 pence, 467 105 share options at an exercise price of 3.5 pence and 417 105 share options at an exercise price of 4 pence.
On 27 January 2022, the Company received notice from share option holders to exercise 1 250 000 share options at an exercise price of 4.5 pence.
On 22 February 2022, the Company received notice from share option holders to exercise 2 336 842 share options at an exercise price of 3 pence, 1 468 421 share options at an exercise price of 3.5 pence, and 1 468 421 share options at an exercise price of 4 pence.
21. Warrant reserve
The warrants in issue during the period are as follows:
Outstanding at 31 August 2021 |
22 613 334 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2021 |
22 613 334 |
Granted during the period |
- |
Expired during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 28 February 2022 |
22 613 334 |
Exercisable at 28 February 2022 |
22 613 334 |
Granted during the period |
- |
Expired during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 31 August 2022 |
22 613 334 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2022 |
22 613 334 |
The warrants outstanding at the end of the period have an average exercise price of 2.2 pence, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.65 years.
22. Share-based payment reserve
Director share options
The following director share options were granted during the period ended 31 August 2022:
Date of grant |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
Number granted |
7 800 000 |
3 900 000 |
3 900 000 |
Vesting period |
1 year |
2 years |
3 years |
Contractual life |
3 years |
3 years |
3 years |
Estimated fair value per option (pence) |
2.0830 |
2.8490 |
3.4090 |
The estimated fair values were calculated by applying the Black Scholes pricing model. The model inputs were:
Date of grant |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
Share price at grant date (pence) |
9.35 |
9.35 |
9.35 |
Exercise price (pence) |
9.80 |
10.30 |
10.80 |
Expiry date |
8 April 2025 |
8 April 2025 |
8 April 2025 |
Expected volatility |
60% |
60% |
60% |
Expected dividends |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Risk-free interest rate |
1.24% |
1.24% |
1.24% |
The director share options in issue during the period are as follows:
Outstanding at 31 August 2021 |
27 100 000 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2021 |
8 389 999 |
Granted during the period |
- |
Forfeited during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
(1 250 000) |
Expired during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 28 February 2022 |
25 850 000 |
Exercisable at 28 February 2022 |
23 850 000 |
Granted during the period |
15 600 000 |
Forfeited during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
- |
Expired during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 31 August 2022 |
41 450 000 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2022 |
23 850 000 |
The director share options outstanding at period end have an average exercise price of £0.067, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.78 years.
Employee share options
The following employee share options were granted during the period ended 31 August 2022:
Date of grant |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
Number granted |
19 355 000 |
9 677 500 |
9 677 500 |
Vesting period |
1 year |
2 years |
3 years |
Contractual life |
3 years |
3 years |
3 years |
Estimated fair value per option (pence) |
2.0830 |
2.8490 |
3.4090 |
The estimated fair values were calculated by applying the Black Scholes pricing model. The model inputs were:
Date of grant |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
8 April 2022 |
Share price at grant date (pence) |
9.35 |
9.35 |
9.35 |
Exercise price (pence) |
9.80 |
10.30 |
10.80 |
Expiry date |
8 April 2025 |
8 April 2025 |
8 April 2025 |
Expected volatility |
60% |
60% |
60% |
Expected dividends |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Risk-free interest rate |
1.24% |
1.24% |
1.24% |
The employee share options in issue during the period are as follows:
Outstanding at 31 August 2021 |
34 830 000 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2021 |
26 610 001 |
Granted during the period |
- |
Forfeited during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
(7 458 771) |
Expired during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 28 February 2022 |
27 371 229 |
Exercisable at 28 February 2022 |
27 371 229 |
Granted during the period |
38 710 000 |
Forfeited during the period |
- |
Exercised during the period |
- |
Expired during the period |
- |
Outstanding at 31 August 2022 |
66 081 229 |
Exercisable at 31 August 2022 |
27 371 229 |
The employee share options outstanding at the period end have an average exercise price of £0.074, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.13 years.
23. Events after balance sheet date
Funding:
Subsequent to the period end, the group successfully concluded a successful completion of the Placing and Subscription of 396,021,660 new Ordinary Shares raising gross proceeds of £19.8 million (approximately US$22.8million).
The group has also entered into a conditional US$30.8 million funding arrangement made up as follows:
· US$25 million (c. £21.5m) investment with a fund managed by Orion Resource Partners ("Orion").
· US$5.8 million (c£5m) lending facility with the Development Bank of Namibia. This was announced on 5 July 2022 (and updated by the disclosures in the Company's Annual Report) ("DBN Debt Financing")
Decline in tin price:
The recent volatility in the tin prices has placed additional pressures on the Company with regards to funding of capital expansion project via internal sources. Management had anticipated the declines and have secured the necessary funding in order to continue its growth ambitions. Furthermore, the consensus view of the forward-looking range of prices used by management in the forecast modelling still results in a positive recoverability of assets.
Recovery of VAT receivable:
Full balance of the outstanding VAT receivables were recovered from the Namibian Revenue Agency in September and October