Final Results
Persian Gold PLC
15 June 2006
Persian Gold
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2005
Persian Gold, the AIM listed minerals explorer focused on Gold and Iran is
pleased to announce Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2005
Highlights
• AIM listing and placing of equity in June 2005 raising £1m
• Experienced Iranian based geological team recruited, supplemented by
external specialists as and when necessary
• Early stage exploration for gold associated with silica and alunite in
the Takestan region has developed into trenching and detailed sampling.
• Further north, in Zehabad, a 900,000 ton 11% lead zinc ore body with
gold grades of 1g/t and silver grades of 40g/t is being mapped and sampled.
• A significant gold exploration resource has been optioned in the Yazd
area. An intensive exploration programme is underway.
Financials
• Loss before tax of £162,204
• Current operations fully funded
• Minimal overheads allows enhanced spending on operational capacity
Outlook
• Drilling expected to commence on Takestan projects Q3 2006
• Decision on Yazd to be announced prior to end 2006
• Base metal projects under evaluation
• Ongoing appraisal of new projects / opportunities
John Teeling, Executive Chairman of Persian Gold, Commented:
'This has been a very promising year for Persian Gold. We have a genuine first
mover advantage in Iran which we have found to be a highly prospective region
with an excellent operating environment.
We look forward to updating the market on our exploration operations later this
year and hope to be able to announce further positive news. With our combination
of attractive exploration assets and experienced on the ground staff, Persian
Gold offers exciting investment potential for the London Market.'
15th June 2006
For further information please contact
Persian Gold PLC
John Teeling, Executive Chairman +35318332833
College Hill
Paddy Blewer 020 7457 2020
Nick Elwes
Rowan Dartington
Ian Rice 01179 330 020
Chairman's Statement
Iran is a proven mineral province which, due to its recent history, remains
under explored. It is also 'elephant country' with the potential for very large
discoveries in both precious and base metals. In 2003, Persian Gold entered Iran
with a clear strategy, focusing on the possibility of discovering multi million
ounce gold deposits associated with silica and alunite. That work is ongoing and
has now reached the stage of sampling and trenching a number of specific
targets.
Our presence in the country has brought considerable benefits. By maintaining a
staff of experienced local geologists Persian Gold has been given the
opportunity to evaluate a series of further investments. To date, we have
optioned a gold project with multi million ounce potential near Yazd, and we are
assessing several other gold and base metal projects.
Whilst there are low levels of international mining involvement in Iran, we have
found an operating and legislative environment that is extremely co-operative.
As an Irish based group we have received excellent support from the national and
regional authorities. A 1998 law guarantees title and provides a good working
framework for our activities in the region.
Operationally, there is a top class Geological survey in Tehran, which includes
excellent computerised facilities and a staff willing and able to provide a fast
and efficient service. The Persian Gold strategy is to work as much as possible
with local partners so our projects will be joint ventures and, in general
managed, by Iranians.
Takestan, Northwestern Iran
In 2004, based on satellite imagery, Persian Gold applied for, and obtained
exploration concessions covering 1800 sq km in the Takestan area of Iran. This
area is thought to contain the second largest know deposits of alunite in the
world. The target, was and is, a large open castable gold deposit associated
with alunite and silica. We are looking for deposits similar to the Yanacocha
gold/alunite mine in Peru.
During the first year of exploration we surveyed the ground and selected areas
for soil and rock sampling. Roughly 3000 samples were processed in Tehran and
analysed in Europe for a suite of indicator minerals. Gold traces were found in
up to 30% of the samples.
Following a review of the findings, Persian Gold applied for 8 exploration
licences covering 320 sq kms of the area. Advanced work, mapping, trenching and
sampling, has commenced on two areas Twin Hills and Zehabad. Drilling is
anticipated within months.
Chah-e-Zard, Yazd, Central Iran
Our presence in Tehran gives us a profile which has led to a stream of potential
projects in a variety of minerals. The opportunity at Chah-e-Zard, stood out.
This area, with a known mining history and some gold prospecting, has
characteristics which attracted our interest.
With the agreement of the owner we sampled the project. Results were positive
and significantly complemented results from earlier exploration.
The potential resource is large, easily accessible and will be inexpensive to
mine and process. We have an option to acquire 70 % of the project which can be
explored all year. Chah-e-Zard, if the exploration results remain positive, has
the potential to be a large heap leachable producer.
Finance
The enclosed results illustrate that Persian Gold is a tightly run operation.
Funds raised are being spent on the ground not on overheads.
We have adequate funding for our current exploration activities. Exploration
success which leads to an intensive drilling programme and/or the acquisition of
late stage or producing assets may result in a need for further finance.
Prospects
The prospects for 2006 and onwards are positive. Persian Gold is a unique
investment for the London Market because:
• We have 'first mover advantage' in a highly prospective and
co-operative resources province.
• Operationally we are striding ahead with:
• Imminent drilling of our gold associated with alunite prospect
• Exploration on a potential multi million oz gold prospect -
results expected in Q3
• Several promising gold and base metal leads to evaluate
• A supportive commodity price environment
I would like to thank the staff and shareholders of Persian Gold during what has
been an eventful year. I am confident that our two years of operational and
corporate development will provide a bedrock for success in the future.
John Teeling, Chairman
15th June 2006
PERSIAN GOLD PLC
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
Period from
Year 18/11/2003
ended to
31/12/2005 31/12/2004
£ £
TURNOVER - -
Cost of sales - -
GROSS PROFIT - -
Cost of admission to AIM (100,474) -
Administrative expenses (75,343) (60,216)
OPERATING LOSS - CONTINUING OPERATIONS (175,817) (60,216)
Interest receivable and similar income 14,395 -
Interest payable and similar charges (782) -
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
BEFORE TAXATION (162,204) (60,216)
Tax on loss on ordinary activities - -
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER
TAXATION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR (162,204) (60,216)
LOSS PER SHARE (0.30p) (2.78p)
LOSS PER SHARE - diluted (0.30p) (2.78p)
The company has no recognised gains or losses other than those disclosed in the
profit and loss account for the year. The results arise from continuing
activities.
PERSIAN GOLD PLC
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2005
31/12/2005 31/12/2004
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 258,606 81,419
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 3,283 1,000
Cash at bank 924,878 269,683
928,161 270,683
CREDITORS : (Amounts falling due within one year) (25,346) (20,998)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 902,815 249,685
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,161,421 331,104
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called-up share capital 139,482 129,482
Share premium 1,244,359 261,838
Profit and loss account - (deficit) (222,420) (60,216)
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS - ALL EQUITY 1,161,421 331,104
PERSIAN GOLD PLC
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
Period from
Year 18/11/2003
ended to
31/12/2005 31/12/2004
£ £
NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES (173,752) 17,782
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND
SERVICING OF FINANCE
Interest paid and similar charges (782) -
Interest received and similar income 14,395 -
NET CASH INFLOW FROM RETURNS ON
INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE 13,613 -
NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM CAPITAL
EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT (160,139) 17,782
Payments to acquire intangible assets (177,187) (39,419)
NET CASH OUTFLOW BEFORE FINANCING (337,326) (21,637)
FINANCING:
Issue of ordinary share capital for cash (net of
expenses) 992,521 291,320
NET CASH INFLOW FROM FINANCING 992,521 291,320
INCREASE IN CASH 655,195 269,683
Note:
1. The results set out above are not full accounts as defined in S.254 of
the Companies Act 1985. The auditors have made an unqualified non-standard
report on the accounts for each of the years ended 31 December 2004 and 2005
under S.236 of the Companies Act 1985 which have been and will be filed with
the registrar of Companies.
2. A copy of this announcement will be available at the offices of the
Company 20 - 22 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4J5 for 14 days from the date of
this announcement.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange