Final Results

Premier African Minerals Limited

28 June 2024

 

28 June 2024

Premier African Minerals Limited 

Final Results

Premier African Minerals Limited ("Premier" or the "Company"), the AIM-traded, multi-commodity mining and natural resource development company focused on Southern Arica, is pleased to announce publication of its audited Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (the "Annual Report").

The Annual Report is available on the Company's website, www.premierafricanminerals.com and is in the process of being posted to Shareholders.

The Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 is set out in full below.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

The person who arranged the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was George Roach.

Enquiries:

George Roach	Premier African Minerals Limited	Tel: [phone]
Michael Cornish / Roland Cornish	Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser)	Tel: [phone]
Douglas Crippen	CMC Markets UK Plc	Tel: [phone]
Toby Gibbs/Rachel Goldstein	Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited	Tel: [phone]

Nominated Adviser Statement

Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting as nominated adviser to the Company in connection with this announcement and will not regard any other person as its client and will not be responsible to anyone else for providing the protections afforded to the clients of Beaumont Cornish or for providing advice in relation to such proposals. Beaumont Cornish has not authorised the contents of, or any part of, this document and no liability whatsoever is accepted by Beaumont Cornish for the accuracy of any information, or opinions contained in this document or for the omission of any information. Beaumont Cornish as nominated adviser to the Company owes certain responsibilities to the London Stock Exchange which are not owed to the Company, the Directors, Shareholders, or any other person.

CEO STATEMENT -Mr George Roach

2023 was a year of extremes. From the excitement of completing assembly of the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project ("Zulu") plant to the disappointment when the deficiencies in the ore sorting and comminution circuit became apparent. From completion of mine site infrastructures, civils, roads and access, tailings and water storage, in fact from a little bit of Zimbabwean bush to a complete mine in record time to the disappointment that has been covered in many announcements over the period and into events post December 2023.

Whilst many of the issues associated with the plant at Zulu are discussed in the Strategic Report, it is important to note that the fundamental quality of the deposit at Zulu and the original test work on which the plant supplier based their process and design remains valid and with extensive both independent and in house and ongoing test work, nothing fundamental has changed and it is more apparent today that had the plant met the most basic of the design requirements, Zulu would be in production. The facts are that the ore sorters are not fit for purpose and the Company has successfully implemented interim mitigation steps to deal with this, and the milling and screening completely unable to meet the required specifications, an issue admitted by the plant supplier and eventually resolved but only after Premier agreed to advance the funds needed to effect this repair as the plant supplier was unable to fund this. Reference is made to this in our accounts. The combination of the pull back in SC6 pricing coupled to the delays with getting Zulu into production, whilst presenting short-term difficulties, have not changed the medium and long-term fundamentals of Zulu and the strong future for Premier African Minerals Limited ("Premier" or "Company"). And in this context in particular we are conscious of the opportunities that have emerged that include a crushing and milling circuit able to support an increase in float plant feed up to 100%, stockpiled crushed ore in the small size fractions able to support a separate Dense Medium Separation plant and feed to a new Tantalum recovery circuit under design at present.

With our focus on Zulu, little has been achieved in regard to Premier's other projects. Once matters have been addressed at Zulu, Premier expects that our other projects will see serious attention in the coming year with a view to realising a return that is closer to our original investments than the value we now have elected to include in our accounts. Current pricing of Tungsten is compelling, and we do expect resolution of this with the Zimbabwean authority. Similarly, our interests in Manganese represent an equally compelling opportunity.

_____________________

George Roach

Chief Executive Officer

28 June 2024

STRATEGIC REPORT

The strategic report provides a detailed assessment of the activities of the Company during the period under review. It also details the main objectives of the Company related to our portfolio of assets. The principal risks and uncertainties associated with our activities are outlined in a specific principal risks and uncertainties section.

RHA

49% Interest owned by Premier

51% Locally indigenized owned by National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund ("NIEEF") NIEEF is controlled by Ministry of Mines and Mining Development

Despite indications to the contrary, nothing has changed. The price of wolframite continues to suggest that RHA should be back into production but with our reticence to commit more funds into RHA under the present share ownership structure, we are unable to predict when and if there will be a return to production notwithstanding that recent discussions with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development have been positive. What is certain is that with advances in other exploration in Zimbabwe and with a need for additional comminution capacity at Zulu, most of the plant at RHA will be relocated during the latter part of 2024 if we are unable to resolve the present ownership status.

Recoverability of RHA Assets

The RHA assets remain fully impaired at this time and are likely to so remain until we are able to conclude the discussions underway at present.

Zulu

With hindsight the issues associated with the Zulu plant and the deficiencies and oversights in the plant design were all avoidable. It was easy to accept the proposal and purported competencies of the supplier, in particular with the confidence our Company had in the resource and in the test work that had been undertaken by Anzaplan in 2017 and had been updated subsequently. It is worth noting that the resource estimates at Zulu have been undertaken by Shango Solutions an independent consultancy with extensive resource estimation experience, and validation of the amenability of the Zulu ores to successful recovery of SC6 has been undertaken not only by Anzaplan, but also by Geolabs and by our reagent suppliers quite apart from the many float tests undertaken in our laboratory at Zulu.

In our view, the ruling SC6 price, our confidence in the resource and test work, coupled to the assurances and proposal from the equipment supplier adequately addressed the risks associated with proceeding to plant construction. It remains our opinion that constructing the Zulu mine at that time was correct and in the light of the present price structures for SC6, had the Company not proceeded at that time, it is unlikely this mine would have been financed and built today. In terms of the plant, the production of SC6 was to be through a floatation process. The plant was expected to perform the following functions:

•             After an initial crushing of Run of Mine ("ROM") ore, ore sorting machines were expected to remove waste material that was not pegmatite. The plant supplier was fully informed of the required waste to be removed. The ore sorters supplied are not fit for purpose. The primary sorters failed to remove all the identified waste. The secondary Ultraviolet sorters failed to identify and upgrade spodumene rich ore. The Company has mitigated this by carefully controlled mining and inspection of ore on the ROM pad. The Plant supplier has been informed that the sorters are not fit for purpose. The Company has reserved its rights in this regard.

•           Sorted ore was to be milled to the correct size fraction in the design tonnage for feed to the float plant. The milling and screening system originally supplied was completely deficient in every respect and was required to be replaced. The Company advanced funds to the plant supplier to remedy this situation and this resulted in the installation of a new mill and hydro-sizer system. The Equipment supplier was unable to properly commission the new systems and was removed from site in a subsequent event in early 2024.

•            During the year under review, it had been impossible to properly evaluate the float plant. At no time had the correct feed rate and particle size been achieved. Accordingly, it was only after the Company had brought the new milling and sizing circuit into operation that it was possible to properly assess the performance of the float plant and deal with commissioning and optimisation.

•         In subsequent events, issues associated with the pH and reagent dosing control and recovery of spodumene have been identified and addressed.

•         Despite these challenges, in continuous running of the float plant, spodumene concentrate was produced and despite the very low recoveries of spodumene, concentrate at saleable grade and at up to 6.2% Li2O has been produced.

•             At this time, we expect an additional conditioning cell to be installed during the week commencing 10 July 2024 and thereafter it is expected that the plant will operate at design throughput and with adequate recovery to meet the production targets originally agreed.

•            The Company has expressed its overall dissatisfaction with the performance of the original plant and equipment suppliers and intends to seek substantial redress in due course.

It is important to acknowledge the support that has been provided by our offtake and prepayment partner. Our communication remains open and frank and the Company remains committed to meeting the long-term interests of our offtake partner that is focussed on the supply of SC6 into the future. At the same time, our offtake and prepayment partner is aware of the challenges that the production delays have caused, in particular in relation to cash flows and has expressed agreement to the Company seeking other finance opportunities provided the long-term interests of our offtake partner are not impinged.

The Company was able to release updated resource estimates and at the same time identify that the main pegmatite at Zulu is Spodumene Quartz Intergrowths dominant and accordingly is primarily a spodumene rich ore body. This resource estimate, coupled to the emerging extent of pegmatites contained within the EPO, is likely to support both a much longer term life of mine for the present mine plant, but also the expectation of a significantly larger overall resource and the likelihood of an increase in plant production capacity in the immediate future. Application has been made for renewal of the EPO but in the event that this is not forthcoming, the company has registered extensive new mining claims over prospective areas within the EPO.

In subsequent events associated with the plant, the Company engaged Senet Engineering to conduct a preliminary review of the plant as delivered at the time of removal of the previous plant supplier, as much to assist in remedial action required as to set and understand the baseline and other issues associated with the previous plant supplier. Subsequently, the Company intends to further engage similar services to examine and validate the Company's internal discounted cash flow and projected cash flows with a view to moving the operation at Zulu to a fully compliant mineral reserve status. The experience to date, based upon internal assessments, and the production cost associated with spodumene concentrate produced supports the Company's internal projection of a delivered China port all in cost of $828 per tonne for the year ending June 2025.

Extended Lithium Portfolio

We have previously referred to our claims in the eastern part of Zimbabwe and we are pleased to advise that these claims are presently under evaluation by a major Chinese miner who have indicated their intention to formulate a formal offer to acquire these properties.

Turwi Gold Project

Premier had acquired operational control and 50% of this gold exploration project in Southeast Zimbabwe. However, at this time, the focus of Premier will be that of Zulu. Premier will explore other alternative opportunities to releasing the potential value and opportunity of the Turwi Gold Project.

MN Holdings Limited ("MNH")

Delays at Zulu have effectively delayed any further development of this project. It should be noted that the positives associated with Manganese make this investment attractive and Premier will look to increase our interest and control.

In the unaudited management accounts for year ended 30 June 2023, MNH's wholly owned operating subsidiary, Otjozondu reported revenue of approximately N$76 million (equivalent to $4.1 million) and an operating profit before tax (and interest charges to group companies) of approximately N$24.1 million (equivalent to $1.3 million). Total assets as at the same date amounted to approximately N$289 million (equivalent to $15.6 million).

Vortex Limited (formerly Circum Minerals Limited "Circum")

Although the status in Ethiopia has improved, little has been achieved. Frustrations related to cooperative agreements and differing opinions on development of this outstanding worldclass deposit, allied to the Ethiopian status continue to frustrate the realisation of this investment.

Funding

During the reporting period we raised net proceeds of $17.542 million (2022: of $14.838 million).

Principal activities and strategic review of the business

The principal activity of Premier and its subsidiary companies (the Group) during the year under review is the mining, exploration, evaluation development and investment in natural resource properties on the African continent.

Premier was incorporated on 21 August 2007 in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as a BVI business company with number 1426861. The registered office is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The Company was admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's AIM Market on 10 December 2012.

Objectives

During the current year, the primary focus will be:

•          Optimise and stabilise profitable operations at Zulu

•          Progress resource development within the Zulu EPO and secure a Mining lease over prospective areas therein.

•          Expand production at Zulu

•          Seek to resolve the status of RHA, MNH and Vortex

•          Identify and secure high value exploration targets in other jurisdictions.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could have a material effect on its business, operations, or future performance, including but not limited to:

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Company if counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets, including cash, receivables, and balances receivable from the government. The Company limits the exposure to credit risk in its cash by only investing its cash with high-credit quality financial institutions in business and savings accounts, guaranteed investment certificates and in government treasury bills which are available on demand by the Company for its programs. The Company does not invest in money market funds. The Company has no risk exposure to asset backed commercial paper or auction rate securities.

Refer to note 29 for the company's exposure to credit risk.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have the resources to meet its obligations as they fall due. The Company manages this risk by closely monitoring cash forecasts and managing resources to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations. Also refer to the going concern section below.

Refer to note 29 for the company's exposure to liquidity risk.

Operating Risks

The activities of the Group are subject to all of the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploring and developing natural resource projects. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to environmental hazards, machinery and plant breakdowns, industrial accidents, labour disputes, geo-political risks, encountering unusual or unexpected geologic formations or other geological or grade problems, unanticipated changes in rock formation characteristics and mineral recovery, encountering unanticipated ground or water conditions, land slips, flooding, periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions and other acts of God or un-favourable operating conditions and losses.

Should any of these risks and hazards affect the Group's exploration, development or mining activities, it may cause the cost of production to increase to a point where it would no longer be economic to extract minerals from the Group's properties, require the Group to write-down the carrying value of one or more of its assets, cause delays or a stoppage of mining and processing, result in the destruction of mineral properties or processing facilities, cause death or personal injury and related legal liability, any and all of which may have a material adverse effect on the Group.

Early-stage Business Risk

The Group's success will depend on its ability to raise capital and generate cash flows from production in the future at Zulu. The board of directors manages this risk by monitoring cash levels and reviewing cash flow forecasts on a regular basis.  In particular, the Group's success will depend on the successful commissioning, modification and optimisation of the processing plant at Zulu and there is no certainty that there may not be further unforeseen delays, plant modifications or unanticipated costs.

Market Risk (exchange rates, commodity, and equity)

Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity and equity prices. These fluctuations may be significant.

Interest Rate Risk: The Company is exposed to interest rate risk to the extent that its cash balances bear variable rates of interest. The interest rate risks on cash and short-term investments and on the Company's, obligations are not considered significant.

Foreign Currency Risk - The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates against the Company's functional currency, which is the United States dollar ("USD").  The Company expects to continue to raise funds in the United Kingdom. The Company conducts its business in Zimbabwe with a significant portion of expenditures in that country historically denominated in USD and now also in RTGS Dollars ("RTGS$"). The introduction of the RTGS$ during the 2019 financial year has resulted in the devaluation of the RTGS$ against the US Dollar. This devaluation has also resulted in the Zimbabwean economy going into hyperinflationary status. As a means to counteract the hyper-inflationary effects and given that the majority of transactions are denominated in USD, all Zimbabwean companies within the group now record and report their financial information in USD with effect from 1 January 2023. Additionally, a portion of the Company's business is conducted in South African Rands ("ZAR"). As such, it is subject to risk due to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the USD and each of the ZAR and GBP. A significant change in the currency exchange rates between the USD relative to foreign currencies could have an effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.  The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations.

Commodity Price Risk - Zulu value is largely related to the price of lithium and the outlook on this mineral.

The Company minority interest in MNH results in limited control of how MNH mitigate the risk associated with Manganese price fluctuations.

Refer to note 29 for the company's exposure to market risk.

Early-stage Project Risk

Zulu moved into early-stage production through the development of a pilot plant without a Definitive Feasibility Study. In advancing Zulu to the stage where it may be cash generative, many risks are faced including without limitation, the inherent uncertainty of mining and continuity of the mineral resource without a DFS support by a measured category resource statement, the capital costs of exploration and production, commodity pricing, operating in remote and often politically unstable environment.

Environmental Risks and Hazards

All phases of the Group's operations are subject to environmental regulation in the areas in which it operates. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that may require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors, and employees. There is no assurance that existing or future environmental regulation will not materially adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties on which the Group holds interests that are unknown to the Group at present. The Board manages this risk by working with environmental consultants and by engaging with the relevant governmental departments and other concerned stakeholders.

Licencing Risk

The Company's exploration and development activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licences, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents which may be withdrawn or made subject to limitations or performance criteria. Such licences and permits are as a practical matter subject to the discretion of the applicable Government or Government office. The Group must comply with known standards, existing laws and regulations that may entail greater or lesser costs and delays depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted. The interpretations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Group's results of operations and financial condition. Whilst the Company continually seeks to do everything within its control to ensure that the terms of each licence are met and adhered to, third parties may seek to exploit any technical breaches in licence terms for their own benefit. There is a risk that negotiations with a Government in relation to the grant, renewal or extension of a licence may not result in the grant, renewal or extension taking effect prior to the expiry of the previous licence period, and there can be no assurance of the terms of any extension, renewal, or grant.

Political and Regulatory Risk

The Group's operating activities in Africa, notably in Zimbabwe, are subject to laws and regulations governing expropriation of property, health and worker safety, employment standards, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine development, land and water use, prospecting, mineral production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health standards, toxic wastes, the protection of endangered and protected species and other matters. The Group is dependent on the political and economic situation in these countries and may be adversely impacted by political factors such as expropriation, war, terrorism, insurrection, and changes to laws governing mineral exploration and operations.

Internal Control and Financial Risk Management

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group's systems of internal control and for reviewing their effectiveness. The Group maintains systems which are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material loss and to manage rather than eliminate risk.

The key features of the Group's systems of internal control are as follows:

➢ Management structure with clearly identified responsibilities.

➢ Production of management information presented to the Board.

➢ Day to day hands on involvement of the Executive Directors and Senior Management.

➢ Regular board meetings and discussions with the non-executive directors.

The Group's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including cash flow risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk. The Group has identified certain short coming in the financial control systems, which are currently in the process of being addressed.

Disclosure of management's objectives, exposure, and policies in relation to these risks can be found in note 29 to these financial statements.

Environmental Policy

The Group is aware of the potential impact that its subsidiary companies may have on the environment. The Group ensures that it complies with all local regulatory requirements and seeks to implement a best practice approach to managing environmental aspects.

Zulu was granted approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment and was permitted to undertake mining operations by the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe.

Health and Safety

The Group's aim is to achieve and maintain a high standard of workplace safety. In order to achieve this objective, the Group provides ongoing training and support to employees and sets demanding standards for workplace safety.

Going Concern

These consolidated financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that the Group will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

There remains an active and very liquid market for the Group's shares.

The Directors have prepared a cash flow forecasts for the 18-month period ended 31 December 2025, taking into account the number of shares available to Premier to raise further equity, forecast operating cash flow and capital expenditure requirements for the Zulu Mine, available working capital and forecast expenditure for the rest of the Group including overheads and other development costs. These key assumptions of this forecast are, inter alia:

The Group

During 2023 the Group issued 4,216,446,124 shares at an average price of 0.4455p per share raising a total of $18.786 million. This cash was used to continue with the commission and development work at Zulu mine.

•              Premier has obtained support from its offtake and prepayment partner allowing Premier to pursue alternative funding avenues.

•           The calling of a Special General Meeting to increase the number of shares free from pre-emptive rights by no more than 2 billion.

RHA

•            The Company has not funded any of the activities at RHA since 1 July 2019, apart from essential care and maintenance costs.

Zulu

•            Zulu will have its new scrubber unit installed and operational in the week of the 10th of July. This will enable Zulu to produce and derive revenue from the sale of SC6.

·            Premier has engaged Zimbabwean banks to facilitate the funding of Zulu's short-term needs as they may arise.

The Board also believes that it has a valuable asset in Zulu, with an estimated fair value in accordance with the prepayment and offtake agreement is US$200 million. And, in the event that it elected to stop all group funding of Zulu, the group has sufficient share authorities to sustain its reduced holding costs for the period to 31 December 2025.

After careful consideration of those matters set out above, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group will be able to obtain adequate resources to enable it to undertake its planned activities for the period to 31 December 2025 either from production or from additional fund raising and have prepared these consolidated financial statements on the going concern basis. In the event that Premier is not able to meet the above consideration, then a material uncertainty exists which may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern and therefore be unable to realise its assets and settle its liabilities in the normal course of business.

Refer to note 5 for further information.

George Roach

Chief Executive Officer

28 June 2024

Management Team

	CEO - MR GEORGE ROACH George has extensive experience in the natural resources sector in Africa. He has successfully obtained licenses and concluded mineral exploration and exploitation agreements in the entire SADAC region, Ethiopia, and most of CEMAC and ECOWAS regions. Under the auspices of Exploration Services, he has provided consultancy to prospective exploration companies and has acted in significant capacities for several start-ups that have subsequently listed on AIM and TSX-V. Prior to founding Premier, George was the Managing Director Africa, for Uramin Inc
	COO - Mr Errico Vascotto Errico is an accomplished and qualified Mining Engineer with more than 40 years in the mining industry.  Errico also has an MBA from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia  with Project Management as a speciality. He has worked on both greenfield and brownfield projects globally.  In addition to direct mining experience, Errico has gained experience in mining construction, providing strategic project leadership in line with industry best practice.
	CFO - Mr Tomas Apetauer Since qualifying as a C.A. (S.A.), Tomas has gained extensive experience in a diverse range of industries including finance, engineering consulting, corporate finance and as an international trainer. As Premier's chief financial officer, he brings the skills gained through corporate turnaround strategies, multi-million-dollar capital raises and buy-outs primarily focused on the African market.
	Country Manager - Mr Jabulani Chirasha A qualified Metallurgical Engineer with over 30 years' experience in mining and process engineering.  Prior to joining Premier, Jabulani was a senior manager at Anglo American in Zimbabwe. Jabulani has authored a number of international papers on mining and process technology and facilitated at international mining conferences as a speaker.
	Corporate Secretary - Mr Brendan Roach Brendan holds a B.Com LLB and MA(Law).  He manages the full function of corporate affairs for Premier and acts as our international Legal Counsel.
	Exploration Manager - Mr Bruce Cumming With more than 40 years' experience Bruce is an accomplished, SACNASP registered Geologist.  Bruce qualified with a BSc Hons degree from the University of Cape Town and is a member of the GSSA. Bruce has extensive exploration project management experience and has worked in various capacities in diverse African countries.  He has a long history with Premier African Minerals.

Directors

	CEO - MR GEORGE ROACH George has extensive experience in natural resource business development in Africa. He has held positions in and/or initiated a number of start-up businesses listed on AIM and/or TSX-V.
	Mr Wolfgang Hempel - Non-executive Director Wolfgang has more than 27 years' experience in the African, American, European, and Asian exploration and mining industry.  He holds a Diploma in Economic Geology from the Technical University of Munich and is a registered European Geologist (EurGeol) n*1261, with the European Federation of Geologists.
	Mr Godfrey Manhambara - Chairman            A Zimbabwean national with extensive experience in business. Godfrey was the former Chief Executive of Affretair.  In 1999, Godfrey was appointed as CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority in Zimbabwe, a position he held until 2001. Currently Godfrey is the Chief Executive of Beta Holding, the largest infrastructure supply manufacturer in Zimbabwe.
	Dr Luo Wei - Non-Executive Director Dr Wei has a PhD in Mineral Prospecting and Exploration from Central South University.  With over a decade of experience in the mining and exploration industry Dr Wei has extensive experience in project management and optimisation with a focus on resource development.

DIRECTORS REPORT

Results

The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 are set out on pages 32 to 87. The Group reported a loss before and after tax of $20.813 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: loss $5.803 million).

The loss before and after tax includes:

•           A gross trading loss before depreciation and amortisation is $3.805 million (2022: $nil).

•           Administration expenses amounting to $10.645 million (2022: $4.622 million).

•           Finance costs amounting to $5.818 million (2022: $nil).

The total comprehensive loss for the year amounted to $21.312 million (2022: Loss $13.646 million).

Dividends

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of the year under review.

Fund-raising and capital

During the 2023 financial year net funds of $17.542 million were raised through direct subscriptions from the issue of new ordinary shares (2022: $14.838 million).

There remains an active and very liquid market for the Group's shares.

Borrowings

During the financial year, no additional borrowings were raised.

Other key elements of financial position

The Company's holdings in Vortex Ltd amount to $0.501 million

The Company's holdings in MNH amount to $nil (2022: $nil).

The Company's investment in property, plant and equipment during the year was $53.234 million (2022: $35.997 million).

Events after the reporting date

At the date these financial statements were approved, the Directors were not aware of any significant events after the reporting date other than those set out in note 32 to the financial statements.

Directors

The Directors of Premier who served during the period or subsequently were:

•              George Roach (appointed on incorporation April 2007)

•              Godfrey Manhambara (appointed 27 September 2017)

•              Wolfgang Hampel (appointed 10 April 2018)

•              Dr Luo Wei (appointed 30 April 2022)

Directors' Fiduciary Statement

The Directors acknowledge their fiduciary duties and consider that they have, both individually and together, acted in the way that, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole. In doing so, they have had regard (amongst other matters) to:

•         The likely consequences of any decision in the long term. The Group's long-term strategic objectives, including progress made during the year and principal risks to these objectives, are shown in the strategic report and the key performance indicators.

•          The interests of the Company's employees. Our employees are fundamental to us achieving our long-term strategic objectives.

•         The impact of the Company's operations on the community and the environment. The Group operates honestly and transparently. We consider the impact on the environment on our day-to-day operations and how we can minimise this.

•         The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct. Our intention is to behave in a responsible manner, operating within the high standard of business conduct and good corporate governance.

•        The need to act fairly as between members of the Company. Our intention is to behave responsibly towards our shareholders and treat them fairly and equally so that they may benefit from the successful delivery of our strategic objectives.

Share capital

Premier's shares are publicly traded on AIM with the stock ticker of PREM. As at 31 December 2023, the Company's issued share capital consists of 26,634,455,000 (note 18) Ordinary Shares of no-par value.

The company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury.

Major Shareholders

As at 28 June 2024 the Company was aware of the following persons who hold, directly or indirectly, voting rights representing 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company to which voting rights are attached:

Name	Number of Ordinary Shares	% Issued Share Capital
Canmax (formerly Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co. Ltd) George Roach*	4,428,571,428 1,246,514,207	14.11% 3.9%

* George Roach and/or structures associated with G Roach.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of the Company's AIM securities.

_____________________

George Roach

Chief Executive Officer

28 June 2024

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Premier is committed to maintaining the highest standards in corporate governance throughout its operations and to ensure all its practices are conducted transparently, morally, and efficiently. Therefore, and in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies (March 2018), Premier seeks to comply with the provisions of The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 as published by the Financial Reporting Council Limited, to the extent the Board consider appropriate, given the Company's size, stage of development and resources (the "Code"). The Code was updated in January 2024 and will apply to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2025. The 2018 code remains in effect at this time.

Throughout the Reporting Period, the Company has continued to adhere to this Code and the following statement sets out how the Company complies or otherwise departs from the principles of the Code.

Premier constantly seeks to maintain the highest levels of corporate governance whereby the Company ensures that a periodic review of the Company's corporate governance is done. Following this recent review, there have been no corporate governance issues identified by Premier.

Accordingly, the Company has established specific committees and implemented certain policies, to ensure that:

•       It is led by an experienced Board which is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Company.

•         The Board and the committees have the appropriate balance of skills, experience, independence, and knowledge of the Company to enable them to discharge their respective duties and responsibilities effectively.

•       The Board establish a formal and transparent arrangement for considering how it applies the corporate reporting, risk management and internal control principles and for maintaining an appropriate relationship with the Company's auditors.

•          There is a dialogue with shareholders based on the mutual understanding of objectives.

During the year, the board of directors held one formal board meeting that was attended by all members in office. Due to the ongoing medical issues pertaining to one of the members of the board of directors, the board of directors have elected to hold a number of informal virtual board calls with the attendance of most of the directors in office to discuss the operations of the Company. Since the year end, the board continued to implement the policy of holding informal board calls as so required and is also in the process of actively looking to strengthen the board of directors. The various committees of the Company have continued to meet from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the Company's ongoing operations.

In addition, the Company has adopted a comprehensive suite of policies including:

•              Anti-corruption and bribery.

•              Health and safety.

•              Environment and community.

•              IT, communications, and systems.

•              social media.

The Code follows 5 Main Principles, which are herein assessed in accordance with Premier commitment to maintain the highest levels of corporate governance.

1.      Leadership

The Role of the Board of Directors

The Board is responsible for the management of the business of the Company, setting its strategic direction and establishing appropriate policies. It is the Directors' responsibility to oversee the financial position of the Company and monitor its business and affairs on behalf of the Shareholders, to whom they are accountable. The primary duty of the Board is always to act in the best interests of the Company. The Board also addresses issues relating to internal control and risk management. The Non-executive Directors bring a wide range of skills and experience to the Company, as well as independent judgment on strategy, risk, and performance. The Non-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent at the date of this report. To achieve its objectives, the Board strictly adheres to the Code.

The Board meets at least three times a year with supplementary meetings held as required. The agenda for the Board meetings is prepared jointly by the Chairman and CEO. The Board maintains annual rolling plan ("Agenda") of items for discussion to ensure that all matters reserved for the Board, with other items as appropriate, are addressed. The agenda, with all accompanying documents, generally includes the following:

•          Review of previous minutes.

•          Discussion on various project activities and market conditions.

•          Management Accounts and Financial position.

•          Corporate Matters.

•          Other business matters that Board members can freely raise beyond the defined Agenda.

The Annual Accounts of Premier best reflects the Board key types of decisions that the Board are required to take in their pursuant of maintaining the highest levels of corporate governance. The following matters are reserved for the Board.

•          Strategy, Policy, and Management.

•          Group Structure and capital requirements.

•          Financial reporting and controls.

•          Internal and External controls.

•          Transactions and Commercial Contracts including delegation authority.

•          Board structure.

•          Corporate governance matters.

Premier has established varies committees to assist the Board in maintain the highest levels of corporate governance. Of these committees, the following two strongly assist the decision making of the Board.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee ("AC"), which comprises of George Roach and is chaired by Godfrey Manhambara, is responsible for the appointment of auditors and the audit fee, and for ensuring that the financial performance of the Company is properly monitored and reported. The Audit Committee, inter alia, meets with the Company's external auditor and its senior financial management to review the annual and interim financial statements of the Company, oversees the Company's accounting and financial reporting processes, the Company's internal accounting controls and the resolution of issues identified by the Company's auditors.

Other key aspects of the AC include:

•       Reviewing the Company's accounting policies and reports produced by internal and external audit functions.

•    Considering whether the Company has followed appropriate accounting standards and made appropriate estimates and judgements, considering the views of the external auditor.

•       Reporting its views to the board of directors if it is not satisfied with any aspect of the proposed financial reporting by the Company.

•       Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's internal financial controls and internal control and risk management systems.

•      Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's anti-money laundering systems and controls for the prevention of bribery and receive reports on non-compliance.

•          Overseeing the appointment of and the relationship with the external auditor.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee comprises of George Roach and is chaired by Godfrey Manhambara. The Remuneration Committee assumes general responsibility for assisting the Board in respect of remuneration policies for Premier. The Committee reviews and recommends remuneration strategies for the Company and proposals relating to compensation for the Company's officers, directors and consultants and assesses the performance of the officers of the Company in fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting corporate objectives. It has the responsibility for, inter alia, administering share and cash incentive plans and programmes for Directors and employees and for approving (or making recommendations to the Board on) share and cash awards for Directors and employees.

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received has been objective and independent as at the date of this report.

The Division of Responsibility of the Board of Directors

It is important that the Board itself contains the right mix of skills and experience to deliver the strategy of the Company. The roles of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") are split and Godfrey Manhambara acts as chairman. There is no one individual or group of individuals on the Board that have unfettered powers of discretion nor is there any undue influence in the collective decision-making ability of the Board.

The responsibilities of the Chairman, CEO and Non-executive director are set out in writing and are reviewed by the Board annually to ensure that it remains relevant and accurate. In brief summary, they are responsible as follows:

•         The Chairman's role is to lead and manage the Board and play a role in facilitating the discussion of the Company's strategy, as set by the Board. And to effectively promote the success of the Company.

•       The CEO's role, including the role of the Technical Director, is the responsibility of the day-to-day management of the Company's operational activities, and for the proper execution of the stage as set by the Board.

•       The Non-executive directors, act as a member of the unitary Board, however, they are required to constructively challenge performance of management and help develop proposals on strategy, agreeing of goals and the Company key objectives.

2.      Effectiveness

The Composition of the Board

The Board and its committees should have the appropriate balance of skills, experience, independence, and knowledge of the Company to enable them to discharge their respective duties and responsibilities effectively.

 As such, the Board has been structured to ensure that correct mix of skills and experience are in place to allow it to operate effectively:

•          An independent Chairman (Godfrey Manhambara), whose primary responsibility to lead and manage the Board. This remains vital in the delivery of the Company's corporate governance model. The Chairman has a clear separation from the day-to-day business of the Company which allows him to make independent decisions.

•      A CEO (George Roach), whose primary focus is communicating, on behalf of the Company, with shareholders, government entities, and the public. Leading the development of the Company's short- and long-term strategy.

•       A Technical Director (Wolfgang Hampel), whose is responsible for leading, co-ordinating, and optimising the performance of both mining and exploration services. With a further responsibility for geological and mine planning activities, his role is critical in ensuring the quality and efficiency of Premier geology, and

•          A further Non-Executive Director (Dr Luo Wei).

The Code requires that a smaller company (and which the Company is under the Code) should have at least two independent non-executive directors. Godfrey Manhambara is independent under the Code. The Board also regards Wolfgang Hampel as independent, notwithstanding that he participates in the Company's share option plan and provides some technical advice to the board. The Board is satisfied that Wolfgang Hampel acts independently irrespective of these interests. The Board also notes that no single individual will dominate decision making and further notes that there has been sufficient challenge of executive management at meetings of the Board thereby confirming that the Board is capable of operating effectively.

The Board has not appointed a senior Finance Director but is actively seeking for the appropriate candidate with financial expertise to provide board oversight on all report prepared by the group financial manager, Mr Tomas Apetauer who is a chartered accountant with extensive audit and financial management experience. Additionally, the Company has a Company Secretary in the United Kingdom who assists the Chairman and CEO in preparing for and running effective board meetings, including the timely dissemination of appropriate information. The Company Secretary provides advice and guidance to the extent required by the Board on the legal and regulatory environment.

The Nomination Committee ("NC") has been established to regularly review and ensure that the Board has the appropriate balance of skills, experience, and knowledge of the Company. NC meets as required to consider the composition of and succession planning for the Board, and to lead the process of appointments to the Board. The Committee is made up of George Roach and Wolfgang Hampel and is chaired by George Roach.

Other key aspects of the NC include:

•          regularly reviewing the structure, size, and composition (including the skills, knowledge, experience, and diversity) of the board and make recommendations to the board about any changes, succession planning and vacancies; and

•          identifying suitable candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to be considered for positions on the board.

Appointments to the Board

The appointment of new Directors to the Board is led by the NC who has the responsibility for nominating candidates for appointment. Both the NC and Board considers the need for diversity, including equality, and that the new directors must exhibit the required skills, experience, knowledge, and independence.

The Board acknowledges that the Company is not in compliance with the Code whereby the NC should comprise a majority of independent directors. The Board considers that the NC has a strong enough independent component with Godfrey Manhambara.

Commitment

The Board requires that all directors should be able to allocate sufficient time to the Company to discharge their responsibilities in accordance their letter of appointment. The Company maintains records of each letter of appointment, which can be inspected at an agreed time, at the Company's registered office.

The NC is responsible for considering on an annual basis, whether each director is able to devote sufficient time to their duties.

Development

All directors are required to familiarise themselves with the Board and should regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge. The Company provides each joining director with an induction on the Company. Each induction is tailored to the specific background and requirements of the new director. In general, the induction contains information on:

•          Structures and operations.

•          Board procedures.

•          Corporate Governance.

•          Details regarding their duties and responsibilities.

Information and Support

As Premier constantly seeks to maintain the highest levels of corporate governance, it is imperative that information is supplied to the Board in a form and of a quality appropriate to enable the Board to discharge its duties in a timely manner. The supply of the information is done by the Chairman with the assistance of the Company Secretary.

Premier encourage all Board members to seek independent professional advice (at the reasonable expense of the Company) in the furtherance of their duties. The Board is given sufficient opportunity to meet with any manager, consultant, or contractor to gain further insight into Premier.

Evaluation

The Board recognises that it should undertake a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its own performance, that of its committees and individual directors.

The evaluation of the Board's performance is an assessment of the following key factors:

•          The Board structure.

•          The Board's performance.

•          The Board business strategy.

•          Financial reporting and controls.

•          Performance monitoring.

•          Supporting and advisory roles.

The Board is not in compliance with the Code as the evaluation process is usually conducted internally due to the size and complexity of the operations of the Company. Furthermore, the Board believes that internal assessment best help identify the key strength and weaknesses to allow for effective evaluation. The Board will continue to assess the internal review process against the growth of the Company as should the Company grow in size it may consider getting an independent assessment.

Re-election

The Board believe that all directors should be submitted for re-election at regular intervals, subject to the continued satisfactory performance of the Company.

The Director longest in office since their last appointment is required to retire by rotation or stand for reappointment at the Annual General Meeting ("AGM").

3.      Accountability

Financial and Business reporting

A key duty of the Board is to oversee the financial affairs of the Company. The Financial Statements is the Board's primary means of presenting a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company's positions that also best provides the information necessary to allow shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy for that period.

You can view Premier Annual Report and Financial Statements on the Company's webpage at the following address, www.premierafricanminerals.com. Under the Strategic Review section of the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 2023, the Board set outs the strategic objectives of the Company, how these will be delivered, Premier business model and how the Company will generate and preserve value over the longer term for shareholders.

The Board have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operations or existence for the foreseeable future thus continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its Annual Report and Financial Statements. Refer to note 5 to the financial statements.

Risk Management and Internal Control

The Board is responsible for determining the nature and extent of the significant risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives. The Board manages the risk through the implementation of internal control systems.

The Board has identified the following as some of the risks and their mitigation:

•      Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Company if counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets, including cash, receivables, and balances receivable from the government. The Company limits the exposure to credit risk in its cash by only investing its cash with high-credit quality financial institutions in business and savings accounts, guaranteed investment certificates and in government treasury bills which are available on demand by the Company for its programs.

•      Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have the resources to meet its obligations as they fall due. The Company manages this risk by closely monitoring cash forecasts and managing resources to ensure that it will have enough liquidity to meet its obligations.

•          Operating Risks: The activities of the Company are subject to all of the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploring and developing natural resource projects. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to environmental hazards, industrial accidents, Covid-19, labour disputes, geo-political risks, encountering unusual or unexpected geologic formations or other geological or grade problems, unanticipated changes in rock formation characteristics and mineral recovery, encountering unanticipated ground or water conditions, land slips, flooding, periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions and other acts of God or un-favourable operating conditions and losses. The Company manages the risk by closing monitoring operations and maintaining adequate insurance cover.

•          Early-stage Business Risk: The Board manages this risk by monitoring cash levels and reviewing cash flow forecasts on a regular basis.

•          Market Risk (exchange rates, commodity, and equity): Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and commodity and equity prices. The Company manages the risk by closing monitoring exchange rates, commodity, and equity markets. The Company further engages consultants to undertake commodity forecasts.

•          Interest Rate Risk: The Company is exposed to interest rate risk to the extent that its cash balances bear variable rates of interest. The interest rate risks on cash and short-term investments and on the Company's, obligations are not considered significant and is not mitigated at this time.

•        Foreign Currency Risk:  The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates against the Company's functional currency, which is the United States dollar ("USD").  The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations.

•       Environmental Risks and Hazards: All phases of the Company's operations are subject to environmental regulation in the areas in which it operates. The Board manages this risk by working with environmental consultants and by engaging with the relevant governmental departments and other concerned stakeholders.

•          Licencing Risk: The Company's exploration and development activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licences, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents which may be withdrawn or made subject to limitations or performance criteria. Such licences and permits are as a practical matter subject to the discretion of the applicable Government or Government office. The Group must comply with known standards, existing laws and regulations that may entail greater or lesser costs and delays depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted. The interpretations, amendments to existing laws and regulations, or more stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse impact on the Group's results of operations and financial condition. Whilst the Company continually seeks to do everything within its control to ensure that the terms of each licence are met and adhered to, third parties may seek to exploit any technical breaches in licence terms for their own benefit. There is a risk that negotiations with a Government in relation to the grant, renewal or extension of a licence may not result in the grant, renewal or extension taking effect prior to the expiry of the previous licence period, and there can be no assurance of the terms of any extension, renewal, or grant.

•        Political and Regulatory Risk: The Company operating activities in Africa, notably in Zimbabwe, and Namibia, are subject to laws and regulations governing expropriation of property, health and worker safety, employment standards, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine development, land and water use, prospecting, mineral production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health standards, toxic wastes, the protection of endangered and protected species and other matters. The Group is dependent on the political and economic situation in these countries and may be adversely impacted by political factors such as expropriation, war, terrorism, insurrection, and changes to laws governing mineral exploration and operations.

•          Internal Control and Financial Risk Management: The Board has overall responsibility for the Group's systems of internal control and for reviewing their effectiveness. The Group maintains systems which are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material loss and to manage rather than eliminate risk.

The Board has overall responsibility for maintaining and reviewing the Group's system of internal control and ensuring that the controls are robust and effective in enabling risks to be appropriately assessed and managed.

Refer to the principal risks and uncertainties as set out in the Strategic Report for additional information on these risks.

On behalf of the Board, the AC conducts an annual review of the effectiveness of the systems of internal control including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management systems.

Audit Committee and Auditors

The functions of the AC are clearly described as part of the Leadership function in this note.

Whilst the Board sets the Company risk appetite, it reviews the operations and effectiveness of the Company's risk management activities through the AC, which undertake the day-to-day oversight of the risk management framework on behalf of the Board. The Chairman of the AC regularly provides an update on the work carried out by the AC to the board.

It is noted that the AC follow the recommendations of the Code whereby they monitor and review the effectiveness of the internal audit activities. However, at this time, the Board have determined that the appointment of internal auditor is not required due to the size of the Company.

4.      Remuneration

The Level and Components of Remuneration

Executive directors' remuneration should be designed to promote the long-term success of the Company. Performance-related elements should be transparent, stretching and rigorously applied. The Board delegates the responsibility for setting the appropriate levels of remuneration for its directors to the Remuneration Committee.

The levels of Remuneration to directors are disclosed to shareholders in Premier Annual Report and Financial Statements. Both the Board and Remuneration Committee seek to provide appropriate reward for the skill and time commitment required so at to retain the right calibre of director at a cost to the Company and which reflects the current market rates.

Procedure

The Board have a formal and transparent procedure for developing policy on the executive remuneration and for fixing the remuneration packages of individual directors. As strict policy, no director is involved in deciding their own remuneration.

The Remuneration Committee consider and approves the remuneration and where applicable, incentives and benefits, and makes recommendations to the Board. The Committee will also govern employee share schemes. The Chairman of the Committee will be consulted by the CEO in respect of the Company and director's performance approvals, compensation and in respect of any appointment/departures from roles.

The remuneration of non-executive directors shall be a matter for the executive members of the Board.

The Company has adopted a share dealing code to ensure directors and certain employees do not abuse, and do not place themselves under suspicion of abusing inside information of which they are in possession and to comply with its obligations under MAR which applies to the Company by virtue of its shares being traded on AIM. Furthermore, the Company's share dealing code is compliant with the AIM Rules for Companies published by the London Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time).

Under the share dealing code, the Company must:

•       Disclose all inside information to the public as soon as possible by way of market announcement unless certain circumstances exist in which the disclosure of the inside information may be delayed.

•         Keep a list of each person who is in possession of inside information relating to the Company.

•    Procure that all persons discharging managerial responsibilities and certain employees are given clearance by the Company before they are allowed to trade in Company securities; and

•        Procure that all persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated to them notify both the Company and the Financial Conduct Authority of all trades in Company securities that they make.

Additionally, under the share dealing code, no person discharging managerial responsibilities is permitted to deal in Company securities (whether directly or through an investment manager) during a closed period; being the period either: from the end of the relevant financial year up to the release of the preliminary announcement of the Company's annual results; from the end of the relevant financial period up to the release of the Company's half-yearly financial report or; 30 calendar days before the release of each of the Company's first quarter report and third quarter report.

For details of the directors' remuneration refer to note 27.

5.      Relations with Shareholders

Dialogue with shareholders

The Company recognises that maintaining strong communications with its shareholders promotes transparency and will drive value in the medium to long-term. Accordingly, the Company has an established programme to communicate with shareholders. This done by providing regular updates on the progress of the Company, detailing recent business and strategy developments, in news releases which will be posted on the Company's website and through certain social media channels.

The Board has responsibility for approval and monitoring compliance with the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. It has the responsibility, inter alia, determining whether information is inside information, deciding whether the inside information is to be announced as soon as possible and reviewing the scope, content, and accuracy of disclosure. The Company has adopted a share dealing code governing the share dealings of the Directors and applicable employees during close periods and is in accordance with Rule 21 of the AIM Rules.

The CEO is contactable via email. Their email address can be obtained at either the Company's registered office or by requesting them at the below address. To continually improve transparency, the Board would be delighted to receive feedback from shareholders. Communications should be directed to [e-mail]. The CEO has been appointed to manage the relationship between the Company and its shareholders and will review and report to the Board on any communications received.

Constructive Use of General Meetings

The Company holds AGM each year, whereby all of the directors aim to attend the AGM and value the opportunity of welcoming individual shareholders and other investors to communicate directly and address their questions.

In addition to the mandatory information required and procedures to calling a general meeting, which can be found under the Company's constitutional documents on the webpage, the Board ensure that a full, fair, and balanced explanation of business of all general meetings is sent in advance to shareholders.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements and have prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards in order to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of its profit or loss for that period, in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM.

In preparing these financial statements the directors are required to:

•          select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

•          make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

•          state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

•        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 records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and Company's transactions and will, at any time, enable the financial position of the Group and Company to be determined with reasonable accuracy. 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.

All reports and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced, understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's position, performance, business model and strategy.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

The directors who were in office at the date of approval of these financial statements have confirmed that, as far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware. Each of the directors has confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the auditor.

Viability statement and going concern

The Board has assessed the prospects of the Group over a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, involving a review of the Group's forecast prepared for the 12 months ending 30 June 2025. and taking account of the Board's intentions for future activities after that date. As explained further in note 5, taking account of the Group's current position and principal risks, over a 12-month period, the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over that period.

The Board considers these periods of assessment to be appropriate because they contextualise the Company's financial position, business model and strategy.

George Roach

Chief Executive Officer

28 June 2024 

NON-STATUTORY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PREMIER AFRICAN MINERALS LIMITED

Opinion on non-statutory financial statements

We have audited the consolidated non-statutory financial statements of Premier African Minerals Ltd (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements UK adopted international accounting standards.

In our opinion, the non-statutory financial statements:

•          give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the Group's loss for the year then ended;

•           have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements, including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty relating to going concern

We draw attention to the Strategic Report and note 5 in the financial statements, which indicates that the Group is loss making and has net current liabilities. As stated in note 5, these events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 5 and the Strategic Report, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors' assessment of the entity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:

•            Reviewing the cash flow forecasts prepared by management for the period up to December 2025, providing challenge to key assumptions, reviewing for reasonableness and stress testing the forecasts.

•      Reviewing post-year period end RNS announcements and holding detailed discussions with management about the current status of the Zulu plant and mine and what actions are available to the Group to resolve the issues with production, as well as any alternative plans if they cannot be resolved; and

•              Assessing the adequacy of going concern disclosures within the financial statements.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

An overview of the scope of our audit

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgments, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

How we tailored the audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.

The Group financial statements are a consolidation of reporting units, comprising the Group's operating businesses and holding companies.

We performed full scope audits of the financial information of the components within the Group which were individually financially significant and material. We also performed specified audit procedures over certain account balances and transaction classes that we regarded as material to the Group, as well as analytical procedures, for components which were not significant and not material. The audit work and specified audit procedures accounted for 100% of the Group's consolidated expenditures and 100% of the Group's absolute loss before tax (i.e. the sum of the numerical values without regard to whether they were profits or losses for the relevant reporting units).

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

Key audit matter		How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Valuation of the rehabilitation provision		Valuation of the rehabilitation provision
The Group has recognised a rehabilitation provision, under IAS 37 - contingent liabilities and contingent assets, of $360,000 (2022: $360,000), in relation to the future costs to rehabilitate the current mines as per regulation.		We have understood and assessed the inputs in calculation of the liability. These were based on the original environmental impact assessment as carried out in 2015. We have also verified that there were no applicable changes to the regulations which would increase the liability and have reviewed calculations for the unwinding of the provision.
The directors are required to assess the provision at the end of each reporting period and adjust to reflect their best estimates of the liability.
Fair value of investments	Fair value of investments
The Group has recognised Investments of $501,000 (2022: $501,000) as at the reporting date.	We have clarified that the Vortex shares were valued on the basis of the latest share transactions and have been recognised accordingly.
Directors are required to assess the fair value of investments at each reporting date under IFRS 9.	We reviewed the information available for Vortex and agree with management's view that the investment is not impaired.
As Vortex is not traded on an active market a level 3 valuation technique was used. The shareholding was based on the most recent placing of the shares in the respective companies, as well as management's best estimates of the fair values.
Going concern	Going Concern
The Group has used going concern basis of preparation in its accounting policies. However, there is significant judgement required as to whether the company can continue to operate as a going concern.	We evaluated management's assessment about going concern and challenged the judgement made by management, as described in note 5. As part of our procedures we reviewed the company's environment, controls and management's assessment of the company's ability to continue as a going concern. We also  reviewed the cashflow forecasts and assumptions made and the data sources. Based on our procedures we concluded that the going concern basis of preparation is appropriate, subject to an emphasis of matter. (See also Conclusions relating to going concern above)
Carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets and mining properties	Carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets and mining properties
The Group holds intangible assets of $4,686,000 (2022: $4,739,000) and tangible assets of $53,234,000 (2022: $35,997,000) relating to capitalised costs, primarily in respect of the Zulu Lithium project in Zimbabwe. There are risks that expenses have been incorrectly capitalized or that impairment indicators exist which would result in an impairment of the year end balances.	Our audit work in this area included: ·    We have understood and assessed the methodology used in the capitalisation of these assets. ·    Reviewing a sample of costs capitalised during the year to ensure they meet the recognition or classification criteria under IFRS 6, IAS 38 or IAS 16; ·    Confirming that the Group has good title to any applicable licences for the mining properties. ·    Evaluating the status of the projects during the year, and subsequent to the year-end, to identify and evidence any impairment indicators; ·    Assessing management's impairment reviews, including challenging key assumptions and consideration of sensitivity to reasonably possible changes.

Our application of materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgment, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements
Overall materiality	$325,000
How we determined it	0.5% of Gross assets
Rationale for benchmark applied	We believe that the gross assets is a primary measure used by shareholders in assessing the performance of the Group, as the Group is at a pre-revenue stage and is asset heavy.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement as set out in the Corporate Governance Statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

•       the senior auditor ensured the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations; •           we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the Group. •           we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and •           identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the Group's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

•           making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; •           considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

•              performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; •              tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; •             assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in Note 4 were indicative of potential bias; •              investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

•              agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; •              reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; •              enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; •              reviewing correspondence with the Group's legal advisors.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of this report

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with our engagement letter. 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.

MAH, Chartered Accountants

2nd Floor, 154 Bishopsgate,

London, EC2M 4LN

28 June 2024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
EXPRESSED IN US DOLLARS		2023	2022
	Notes	$ 000	$ 000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets	8	4,686	4,739
Investments	9	501	501
Property, plant and equipment	10	53,234	35,997
Loans Receivable	11	232	-
		58,653	41,237
Current assets
Inventories	12	936	11
Trade and other receivables	13	5,001	180
Cash and cash equivalents	14	542	9,627
		6,479	9,818
TOTAL ASSETS		65,132	51,055
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax	25	-	-
Provisions - rehabilitation	15	360	360
		360	360
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	16	50,063	33,725
Borrowings	17	180	180
		50,243	33,905
TOTAL LIABILITIES		50,603	34,265
NET ASSETS		14,529	16,790
EQUITY
Share capital	18	88,493	70,951
Share based payment and warrant reserve	19	3,532	3,708
Revaluation reserve		711	711
Foreign currency translation reserve	7	(13,150)	(13,150)
Accumulated loss		(51,902)	(32,713)
Total equity attributed to the owners of the parent company		27,684	29,507
Non-controlling interest	20	(13,155)	(12,717)
TOTAL EQUITY		14,529	16,790

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
Continuing operations		2023	2022
EXPRESSED IN US DOLLARS	Notes	$ 000	$ 000
Revenue	21	-	-
Cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortisation	22	(3,805)	-
Gross profit / (loss)		(3,805)	-
Administrative expenses	23	(10,645)	(4,622)
Operating profit / (loss)		(14,450)	(4,622)
Depreciation and amortisation	8, 10	(371)	(54)
Other Income	21	137	34
Impairment of investments	11	(311)	(1,161)
Finance charges	24	(5,818)	-
		(6,363)	(1,181)
Profit / (Loss) before income tax		(20,813)	(5,803)
Income tax expense	25	-	-
Profit / (Loss) from continuing operations		(20,813)	(5,803)
Loss for the year		(20,813)	(5,803)
Other comprehensive income:
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign exchange loss on translation	7	-	(2)
Fair value movement on available-for-sale investment		(499)	(7,841)
		(499)	(7,843)
Total comprehensive income for the year		(21,312)	(13,646)
Loss attributable to:
Owners of the Company		(20,375)	(5,359)
Non-controlling interests		(438)	(444)
		(20,813)	(5,803)
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Company		(20,874)	(13,134)
Non-controlling interests		(438)	(512)
Total comprehensive income for the year		(21,312)	(13,646)
Loss per share attributable to owners of the parent (expressed in US cents)
Basic loss per share	26	(0.09)	(0.03)
Diluted loss per share	26	(0.09)	(0.03)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023
	Share capital	Share option and warrant reserve	Revaluation reserve	Foreign currency translation reserve	Accumulated loss	Total attributable to owners of parent	Non-controlling interest ("NCI")	Total equity
EXPRESSED IN US DOLLARS	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
At 1 January 2022	56,113	2,366	711	(13,216)	(19,513)	26,461	(12,205)	14,256
Loss for the period	-	-	-	-	(5,359)	(5,359)	(444)	(5,803)
Other comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	66	(7,841)	(7,775)	(68)	(7,843)
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	66	(13,200)	(13,134)	(512)	(13,646)
Transactions with Owners
Issue of equity shares	15,782	-	-	-	-	15,782	-	15,782
Share issue costs	(944)	-	-	-	-	(944)	-	(944)
Warrant options cancelled	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Share based payments	-	1,342	-	-	-	1,342	-	1,342
At 31 December 2022	70,951	3,708	711	(13,150)	(32,713)	29,507	(12,717)	16,790
Loss for the period	-	-	-	-	(20,375)	(20,375)	(438)	(20,813)
Other comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	-	(499)	(499)	-	(499)
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	-	-	(20,874)	(20,874)	(438)	(21,312)
Transactions with Owners
Issue of equity shares	18,786	-	-	-	-	18,786	-	18,786
Share issue costs	(1,244)	-	-	-	-	(1,244)	-	(1,244)
Share options expired	-	(1,685)	-	-	1,685	-	-	-
Share based payments	-	1,509	-	-	-	1,509	-	1,509
At 31 December 2023	88,493	3,532	711	(13,150)	(51,902)	27,684	(13,155)	14,529

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023
		2023	2022
EXPRESSED IN US DOLLARS	Notes	$ 000	$ 000
Net cash outflow from operating activities	28	(8,030)	30,116
Investing activities
Acquisition of property plant and equipment	10	(17,608)	(35,912)
Expenditure on intangible assets	8	(446)	(53)
Loans advanced to investment	11	(543)	(302)
Net cash used in investing activities		(18,597)	(36,267)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings granted	17	-	-
Net proceeds from issue of share capital	18	17,542	14,838
Finance charges	24	-	-
Net cash from financing activities		17,542	14,838
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(9,085)	8,687
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		9,627	940
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year		542	9,627

The notes on pages 36 to 87 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

1.            Reporting entity

Premier African Minerals Limited ('Premier' or 'the Company'), together with its subsidiaries (the 'Group'), was incorporated in the Territory of the British Virgin Islands under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004. The address of the registered office is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The Group's operations and principal activities are the mining and development of mineral reserves on the African continent.

Premier's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market on 10 December 2012.

2.            Basis of accounting

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (UK adopted International Accounting Standards). They were authorised for issue by the Company's board of directors on 28 June 2024.

Details of the Group's accounting policies are detailed below.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with UK adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies.

The accounting policies set out below are applied consistent across the Group and to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Functional and presentation currency

The Group's presentation currency and the functional currency of the majority of the Group's entities is
US dollars. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise indicated. The Zimbabwean subsidiaries' functional currency was changed by the Zimbabwean government from USD to RTGS dollar during the 2019 financial year. With effect from 1 January 2023, the group has converted the functional currency of all Zimbabwean entities to USD, as the majority of transactions with other Zimbabwean is conducted in USD and therefore it is more representative of the flow of economic benefits. Refer to note 7 for detailed information.

Use of judgements and estimates

In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Group's accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

For details of the use of judgments and estimates refer to note 4 and detailed notes on the Intangible assets and goodwill (note 8), Investments (note 9), Property, plant and equipment (note 10), Inventories (note 12), Trade and other receivables (note 13), Provision for rehabilitation (note 15) and Share based payment and warrant reserve (note 19).

3.            Significant accounting policies

3.1          Change in significant accounting policies

The following standards, amendments and interpretations are new and effective for the year ended 31 December 2023 and have been adopted. None of the IFRS standards below had a material impact on the financial statements.

Reference	Title	Summary	Application date of standard (Periods commencing on or after)
IAS 1	Presentation of Financial Statements	Clarifies that liabilities are classified as either current or noncurrent, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Classification is unaffected by the expectations of the entity or events after the reporting date (for example, the receipt of a waiver or a breach of covenant). The amendment also clarifies what IAS 1 means when it refers to the 'settlement' of a liability.	1 January 2023
IAS 1 and IAS 8	'Presentation of Financial Statements' and 'Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors'	Amendments to improve accounting policy disclosures and to help users of the financial statements to distinguish between changes in accounting estimates and changes in accounting policies.	1 January 2023
IAS 12	Deferred Taxation	These amendments require companies to recognise deferred tax on transactions that, on initial recognition give rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible temporary differences.	1 January 2023
IFRS17	Insurance contracts	This standard replaces IFRS 4, which currently permits a wide variety of practices in accounting for insurance contracts. IFRS 17 will fundamentally change the accounting by all entities that issue insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participation features.	1 January 2023

The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued, but are not effective for the year ended 31 December 2023 and have not been early adopted:

Reference	Title	Summary	Application date of standard (Periods commencing on or after)
IFRS 16	Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback	Specifies requirements relating to measuring the lease liability in a sale and leaseback transaction after the date of the transaction.	1 January 2024
IFRS 1	Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Disclosure of Accounting Policies	Changes requirements from disclosing 'significant' to 'material' accounting policies and provides explanations and guidance on how to identify material accounting policies.	1 January 2024
IFRS 1	Presentation of Financial Statements: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-Current Liabilities with Covenants Date	Clarifies that only those covenants with which an entity must comply on or before the end of the reporting period affect the classification of a liability as current or non-current	1 January 2024
IAS 7 FRS 7	Supplier Finance Arrangements	The Amendments complement the existing disclosure requirements in IFRS Accounting Standards and are aimed at providing users of financial statements with information to assess the effect of supplier finance arrangements on an entity's liabilities, cash flows and exposure to liquidity risk	1 January 2024

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and the interpretations in future periods will not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

3.2          Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. The Group also assesses existence of control where it does not have more than 50% of the voting power but is able to govern the financial and operating policies by virtue of de-facto control. This is evidenced with RHA Tungsten (Private) Limited which the Group owns 49% of but is consolidated into the Group (note 4.7).

Subsidiaries are consolidated, using the acquisition method, from the date that control is gained and non-controlling interests are apportioned on a proportional basis.

When necessary, amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform to the Group's accounting policies.

3.3          Business combinations and goodwill

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree, and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.

3.4          Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases.

3.5          Non-controlling interests ("NCI")

Non-controlling interests are measured initially at their proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition.

Changes in the Group's interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

3.6          Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-Group transactions, are eliminated. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group's interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

3.7          Foreign currency

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the respective functional currencies of Group companies at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency differences are generally recognised in profit or loss.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated into dollars at the exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated into dollars at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Foreign currency differences are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") and accumulated in the translation reserve, except to the extent that the translation difference is allocated to NCI.

Where the functional currency of a company is in a hyperinflationary economy IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies is applied. Under this standard the results are restated to reflect the current cost of the various elements of the financial statements. For the Statement of comprehensive income the cost of sales and depreciation are recorded at current costs at the time of consumption; sales and other expenses are recorded at their money amounts when they occurred. Therefore all amounts need to be restated into the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period by applying a general price index.

Monetary items stated in the Statement of financial position that are stated at current cost are not restated because they are already expressed in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period. All non-monetary items in the statement of financial position are restated by applying an index at the time of their acquisition to the reporting date. Any resulting gain or loss on the net monetary position is included in profit or loss reserve.

In accordance with IAS29, corresponding figures for the previous reporting period, whether they were based on a historical cost approach or a current cost approach, are restated by applying a general price index so that the comparative financial statements are presented in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period. Information that is disclosed in respect of earlier periods is also expressed in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period.

When a foreign operation is disposed of in its entirety or partially such that control, significant influence or joint control is lost, the cumulative amount in the translation reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. If the Group disposes of part of its interest in a subsidiary but retains control, then the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reattributed to NCI. When the Group disposes of only part of an associate or joint venture while retaining significant influence or joint control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss.

3.8          Discontinued operation

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group's business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and which:

•          represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations;

•          is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; or

•          is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to re-sale.

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale.

When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or loss and OCI is re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

3.9          Revenue

Performance obligations and service recognition policies

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer in line with IFRS 15. The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control over of goods or services to a customer.

The following table provides information about the nature and timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations in contracts with customers, including significant payment terms, and the related revenue recognition policies.

Type of product/ service	Nature and timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, including significant payment terms	Revenue recognition under IFRS 15
Revenue
Wolframite sales	Customers obtain control of the wolframite ore when the ore has been delivered to and have been accepted at their premises or the agreed point of delivery. Invoices are generated at that point in time based on the agreed upon weight of the ore. Invoices are generally payable within 30 days. No discounts are provided for. The sale of the ore is not subject to a return policy.	Revenue is recognised when the goods are delivered and have been accepted by the customers at their premises or the agreed point of delivery.
Scrap sales	Customers obtain control of the scrap when the scrap has been delivered to and have been accepted at their premises or the agreed point of delivery. Invoices are generated at that point in time based upon the agreed upon weight of the scrap. Invoices are generally payable within 30 days. No discounts are provided for. The sale of the scrap is not subject to a return policy.	Revenue is recognised when the goods are delivered and have been accepted by the customers at their premises or the agreed point of delivery.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Export Incentive	The Export Incentive is provided on an individual basis and has to be applied for. It is based on the export sales of the company. As such the revenue from the RBZ is not guaranteed.	The Group gains control over the export incentive when it is received in the Group's bank accounts.
Other Income
Government Grants	The Group has no control over the timing of the grants nor any payment terms.	The Group gains control over the Government grant  when it is received in the Group's bank accounts.
Prescription of debts	Management periodically reviews all outstanding payables and identifies any potential debts that may have prescribed.	Debts are considered prescribed if the creditor has not claimed payment for a period in excess of the relevant prescription period.

3.10        Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payment arrangements

The Group operates an equity-settled share option plan and issues warrants from time to time either with direct subscriptions in equity or as finance related packages. The fair value of the service received in exchange for the grant of options or issue of warrants is recognised as an expense or recognised as a deduction from equity or an addition to intangible assets depending on the nature of the services received.

Share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant.  The fair value determined at the grant date of equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black Scholes model.  The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Any adjustments are recognised through the profit and loss. The fair value is reassessed annually.

3.11        Finance income and finance costs

The Group's finance income and finance costs include:

•             interest income; •             Interest expense; •             dividend income;

Interest income and expense is recognised using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recognised in profit or loss on the date on which the Group's right to receive payment is established.

The "effective interest rate" is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to:

•             the gross carrying amount of the financial asset; or •             the amortised cost of the financial liability.

In calculating interest income and expense, the effective interest rate is applied to the gross carrying amount of the asset (when the asset is not credit-impaired) or to the amortised cost of the liability. However, for financial assets that have become credit-impaired subsequent to initial recognition, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the amortised cost of the financial asset, if the asset is no-longer credit-impaired, then the calculation of interest income reverts to the gross basis.

3.12        Income tax

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. It is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognised directly in equity or in OCI.

3.12.1    Current tax

Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable or receivable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes any tax arising from dividends.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met.

3.12.2    Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.

Deferred tax is not recognised for:

•           temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•           temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. Future taxable profits are determined based on the reversal of relevant taxable temporary differences. If the amount of taxable temporary differences is insufficient to recognise a deferred tax asset in full, then future taxable profits, adjusted for reversals of existing temporary differences, are considered, based on the business plans for individual subsidiaries in the Group. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised; such reductions are reversed when the probability of future taxable profits improves.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used.

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met.

3.13        Intangible assets and goodwill

All costs of Exploration and Evaluation ("E&E") are initially capitalised as intangible assets, such as payments to acquire the legal right to explore, costs of technical services and studies, seismic acquisition, exploratory drilling and testing. The costs include directly attributable overheads together with the cost of other materials consumed during the exploration and evaluation phases.

Costs incurred prior to having obtained the legal rights to explore an area are expensed directly to profit or loss as they are incurred.

E&E assets are not amortised.

Intangible assets related to each exploration licence or pool of licences are carried forward, until the existence (or otherwise) of commercial reserves has been determined. Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource is demonstrable, the related E&E assets are assessed for impairment on an individual licence or cost pool basis, as appropriate, as set out below and any impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

The Group considers each licence, or where appropriate, a pool of licences, separately, for the purposes of determining whether impairment of E&E assets has occurred.

Intangible assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable amount. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, those situations outlined in paragraph 20 of IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and include the point at which a determination is made as to whether or not commercial reserves exist.

When impairment indicators exist, the aggregate carrying value is compared against the expected recoverable amount, generally by reference to the present value of the future net cash flows expected to be derived from production of commercial reserves.

When a licence or pool of licences is abandoned or there is no planned future work, the costs associated with the respective licences are written off in full and recognised in profit or loss.

Any impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss and separately disclosed.

3.14        Impairment

3.14.1     Non-derivative financial assets

Credit-impaired financial assets

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost and debt securities at FVOCI are credit-impaired. A financial asset is "credit-impaired" when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial assets have occurred.

Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired includes the following observable data:

•          significant financial difficulty of the borrower or issuer;

•          a breach of contract such as a default or being more than 90 days past due;

•          the restructuring of a loan or advance by the Group on terms that the Group would not consider otherwise;

•          it is probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; or

•          the disappearance of an active market for a security because of financial difficulties.

A 12 months approach is followed in determining the Expected Credit Loss ("ECL").

Presentation of allowance for ECL in the statement of financial position

Loss allowances for financial assets measured at amortised cost are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets.

For debt securities at FVOCI, the loss allowance is charged to profit or loss and is recognised in OCI.

Write-off

The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is written off when the Group has no reasonable expectations of recovering a financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof. For corporate customers, the Group individually makes an assessment with respect to the timing and amount of write-off based on whether there is a reasonable expectation of recovery from the amount written off. However, financial assets that are written off could still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the Group's procedures of recovery of the amounts due.

3.14.2     Financial assets measured at amortised cost

The Group considers evidence of impairment for these assets at both an individual asset and a collective level. All individually significant assets are individually assessed for impairment. Those found not to be impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not yet individually identified. Assets that are not individually significant are collectively assessed for impairment. Collective assessment is carried out by grouping together assets with similar risk characteristics.

In assessing collective impairment, the Group uses historical information on the timing of recoveries and the amount of loss incurred, and makes an adjustment if current economic and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or lesser than suggested by historical trends.

An impairment loss is calculated as the difference between an asset's carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. Losses are recognised in profit or loss and reflected in an allowance account. When the Group considers that there are no realistic prospects of recovery of the asset, the relevant amounts are written off. If the amount of impairment loss subsequently decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, then the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.

3.14.3     Available for sale financial asset

Impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets are recognised, only when fair value is less than carrying value and this is significant over a prolonged period, by reclassifying the losses accumulated in the fair value reserve to profit or loss. The amount reclassified is the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortisation) and the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognised in profit or loss.

3.14.4     Non-financial assets

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets (other than inventories) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment.

For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. Goodwill arising from a business combination is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less cost of disposal. Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. They are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, an impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

3.15        Cash and cash equivalents

The Cash and cash equivalents comprises of cash at bank, cash on hand and other highly liquid investments with short term maturities. Cash and cash equivalents are measured at amortised cost. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

3.16        Inventory

Inventory is measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in, first-out principle. The cost of inventories includes the cost of consumables and cost of production. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

Inventory consists of mining consumables.

3.17        Property, plant and equipment

Recognition and measurement

Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost, which includes capitalised borrowing costs, less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

If significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, then they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.

Any gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in profit or loss.

Subsequent expenditure

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the expenditure will flow to the Group.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is generally recognised in profit or loss. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Group will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Land is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative periods are as follows:

•             Land - indefinite useful life •             Buildings - 10 years •             Plant & equipment - 4/6 years •             Mine development - depreciated over the life of the mine, currently assessed at 10 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

3.18        Financial instruments

The Group classifies non-derivative financial assets into the following categories: loans and receivables and FVTPL and FVTOCI financial assets.

The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities into the following category: other financial liabilities.

3.18.1     Non-derivative financial assets and financial liabilities - Recognition and derecognition

The Group initially recognises loans and receivables on the date when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised on the trade date when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred, or it neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and does not retain control over the transferred asset. Any interest in such derecognised financial assets that is created or retained by the Group is recognised as a separate asset or liability.

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. Gains or losses on derecognition of financial liabilities are recognised in profit or loss as a finance charge.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset, and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

3.18.2     Loans and receivables- Measurement

These assets are initially measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

3.18.3     Assets at FVOCI - Measurement

These assets are initially measured at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses, are recognised in OCI and accumulated in the revaluation reserve.

When these assets are derecognised, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.

3.18.4     Non-derivative financial liabilities - Measurement

Other non-derivative financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

3.18.5     Convertible loan notes and derivative financial instruments

The presentation and measurement of loan notes for accounting purposes is governed by IAS 32 and IAS 39. These standards require the loan notes to be separated into two components:

•             A derivative liability, and •             A debt host liability.

This is because the loan notes are convertible into an unknown number of shares, therefore failing the 'fixed-for-fixed' criterion under IAS 32. This requires the 'underlying option component' of the loan note to be valued first (as an embedded derivative), with the residual of the face value being allocated to the debt host liability (refer financial liabilities policy above).

Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise convertible notes denominated in dollars that can be converted to ordinary shares at the option of the holder, when the number of shares to be issued is fixed and does not vary with changes in fair value.

The liability component of compound financial instruments is initially recognised at the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is initially recognised at the difference between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to their initial carrying amounts.

Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound financial instrument is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The equity component of a compound financial instrument is not remeasured.

Interest related to the financial liability is recognised in profit or loss. On conversion at maturity, the financial liability is reclassified to equity and no gain or loss is recognised.

3.19        Provisions - Rehabilitation

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

An obligation to incur environmental restoration, rehabilitation and decommissioning costs arises when disturbance is caused by the development or on-going production of a mining property. Such costs arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and capitalised at the start of each project, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises. These costs are recognised in profit or loss over the life of the operation, through the depreciation of the asset and the unwinding of the discount on the provision. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage which is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net present values and recognised in profit or loss as extraction progresses.

Changes in the measurement of a liability relating to the decommissioning of plant or other site preparation work (that result from changes in the estimated timing or amount of the cash flow, or a change in the discount rate) are added to or deducted from the cost of the related asset in the current period. If a decrease in the liability exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss. If the asset value is increased and there is an indication that the revised carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment test is performed in accordance with the accounting policy above.

Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as finance cost in profit or loss.

3.20        Equity

Equity comprises the following:

•             Share capital - ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

•             Share-options and warrant reserve - represents equity-settled share-based payments.

•             Accumulated loss represents retained profits less retained losses.

•             Revaluation reserve represents the difference between the nominal value of shares issued by the Company to the shareholders of ZimDiv Holdings Limited ("Zimdiv") and the nominal value of the ZimDiv shares taken in exchange.

•             Non-controlling interests represents the share of retained profits less retained losses of the non-controlling interests.

•             Foreign currency translation reserve represents the other comprehensive income gains or losses arising on the conversion of the functional currencies of the subsidiaries to the holding company's functional currency of USD.

3.21        Leases

Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease.

At inception of an arrangement, the Group determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease.

At inception or on reassessment of an arrangement that contains a lease, the Group separates payments and other consideration required by the arrangement into those for the lease and those for other elements on the basis of their relative fair values. If the Group concludes for a finance lease that it is impracticable to separate the payments reliably, then an asset and a liability are recognised at an amount equal to the fair value of the underlying asset; subsequently, the liability is reduced as payments are made and an imputed finance cost on the liability is recognised using the Group's incremental borrowing rate.

Assets held under leases are recognised as assets of the Group at the fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between interest expense and capital redemption of the liability. Interest is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income unless attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised to the cost of those assets.

Exemptions are applied for short life leases and low value assets made under operating leases charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Payments made under non-capitalised leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

Minimum lease payments made are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

3.22        Operating segments

Segmental information is provided for the Group on the basis of information reported internally to the chief operating decision-maker for decision-making purposes. The Group considers that the role of chief operating decision-maker is performed by the Group's board of directors. 

4.            Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Group's accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

4.1.         Judgements

Information about judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements is included in the following notes:

-              Note 4.7 - consolidation: whether the Group has de facto control over an investee; and -              Note 15 and 16 - leases: whether an arrangement contains a lease.

4.2.         Assumptions and estimation uncertainties

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the year ended 31 December 2023 is included in the following notes:

•       Note 25 - recognition of deferred tax assets: availability of future taxable profit against which tax losses carried forward can be used;

•        Note 4.4 - Recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets: key assumptions underlying recoverable amounts;

•        Note 4.5 - Recoverability of RHA Cash-Generating Unit "CGU": key assumptions underlying recoverable amounts;

•       Note 15 and 16 - recognition and measurement of provisions and contingencies: key assumptions about the likelihood and magnitude of an outflow of resources; and

•        Note 19 - share based payments assumptions regarding the various inputs into the Black Scholes model used to determine the option value.

4.3.         Measurement of fair values

A number of the Group's accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses observable market data as far as possible. Fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows.

•             Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•         Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

•             Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The Group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change occurred.

Further information about the assumptions made in measuring fair values is included in the following notes:

•             Note 19 - share-based payment arrangements; •             Note 29 - financial instruments.

4.4          Recoverability of 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 by reference to 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 or fair value less cost to sell.

The carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets at 31 December 2023 amounted to $4.686 million (2022: $4.739 million). Refer to note 8 for the assumptions used.

4.5          Recoverability of RHA Cash-Generating Unit "CGU"

Determining whether a CGU is impaired requires an assessment of whether there are any indicators of impairment, including by reference to specific impairment indicators prescribed in IAS36 Impairment of Assets. If there is any indication of potential impairment, an impairment test is required based on the greater of fair value less cost of disposal, and, value in use of the asset. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value.

During 2017 the operating losses at RHA were higher than predicted due to operations in the open pit and underground failing to deliver both the ore volumes and the anticipated grade.  The operating losses are an indicator of potential impairment. In December 2017, due to the lower ore delivery, anticipated grade and operating losses, the Board of Directors decided to place the RHA Tungsten mine under care and maintenance.

As a result, management completed an impairment review.

The impairment review concluded that four months further capex will be required in order to open the existing underground mining of 6 000 tons per month run of mine ore. Concurrently additional plant upgrades and a connection to the national grid would result in a 40 000 ton per month run of mine ore operation. A further option to construct a new decline vehicle access was not considered during this review.

Key assumptions used in calculating the initial impairment included:

•             7 265 mtu concentrate production per month; 10 year mine plan; APT price of $275 per metric ton unit ('mtu');

•             20% discount rate; and a zero growth rate in operating cash flow after the plant is fully operational, forecast to be for the full year 2019. Other key factors include attainment of forecast grade as set out in our resource statement and plant operating parameters being achieved.

•             The XRT sorter installation is a significant element in increasing confidence in RHA in that 70% of the anticipated run of mine feed target of 40 000 ton per month is passed through the sorter, which is able to recover approximately 90% of the mineralisation in a mass pull of some 5%.

•             The model assumes annual revenues of $13.1m from 2020.  Revenue generation is dependent on a number of inter-linked assumptions and a combination of negative changes in those assumptions would result in further impairment charges.

As the mine is not operating, these assumptions were not revisited and the mine remains fully impaired.

Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the volume, grade, concentrate production per month and APT price assumptions in the model.

The management of RHA continue to engage with NIEEF about the future of RHA.

4.6          Estimation of useful life for mine assets

Mine assets are depreciated /amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the mine concerned.  Judgement is applied in assessing the mine's useful life and in the case of RHA, the Group's only operating concern, is based on the initial Preliminary Economic Assessment ('PEA') first published in August 2013 that initially modelled an 8 year life of mine. The life of mine reassessed annually based on levels of production.

4.7          Basis of consolidation

RHA

During 2013, Premier concluded a shareholders' agreement with NIEEF whereby NIEEF acquired 51% of the shares of RHA. The principal terms of the agreement are as follows:

•             ZimDiv Holdings Limited ('ZimDiv'), a wholly owned subsidiary, is appointed as the Manager of the project for an initial 5 year term.

•             On 7 May 2019 ZimDiv were reappointed as the manager for another 5 year term.

•             ZimDiv has marketing rights to the product.

•             Each shareholder can appoint up to two directors each, with a 5th director who is rotated between each shareholder. The 5th director will not have a vote.

•          Although the local Zimbabwean company is responsible for financing and repayment of such. Premier has secured the funding to advance RHA to production.

•             There has been no operational change since the agreements were signed and Premier continues to fund RHA until it becomes cash generative.

At the financial year-end, two directors of RHA were from the Premier Group and three directors from NIEEF. There is no majority vote at board level and Premier still retains operational and management control through its shareholders' agreement. Following the assessment, the Directors concluded that Premier, through its wholly owned subsidiary ZimDiv, retained control and should continue to consolidate 100% of RHA and recognise non-controlling interests of 51% in the consolidated financial statements.

4.8          Valuations

•             Investments  - Premier's investment in Vortex Ltd (formerly Circum Minerals Ltd) is classified as an FVOCI as such is required to be measured at fair value at the reporting date. As Vortex is unlisted there are no quoted market prices. In previous years the fair value of the Vortex shares was derived using the most recent placing price. The Fair value of the Vortex shares as at 31 December 2023 was derived using the most recent placing price in 30 December 2022.

•          Valuation of warrants, share options and ordinary shares issued as consideration - judgement is applied in determining appropriate assumptions to be used in calculating the fair value of the warrants, shares and share options issued. Refer accounting policy note and note 19.

•             Provision for Rehabilitation - A provision is recognised for site rehabilitation and decommissioning of current mining activities based on current environmental and regulatory requirements. The net present value of the provision is calculated at a discount rate of 10% over an 8 year life of mine. No mining took place during the year, therefore the remaining life of the mine was not adjusted and resulted in no movement in the rehabilitation provision.

•       The life of mine has subsequently been reassessed to a total of 10 years. The corresponding rehabilitation assets were capitalised to property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the life of the mine.

5.            Going Concern

These consolidated financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that the Group will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

The Group has an operating loss from continuing operations amounting to $14.450 million (2022: $4.622 million) and negative cash flows from operation amounting to $8.030 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: positive cash flows from operations amounting to $30.116 million).

As at 31 December 2023, current liabilities exceeded current assets by $43.764 million (2022: $24.087 million). The Group raised $17.542 million (2022: $14.838 million) in net funding through share subscriptions to fund the commissioning of the Zulu plant and development work at the Zulu mine, general group maintenance and preservation of assets and to investigate and assess potential diversification, through potential investments in cash generating assets, as discussed above. 

There remains an active and very liquid market for the Group's shares.

The Directors have prepared a cash flow forecasts for the 18-month period ended 31 December 2025. These key assumptions of this forecast are as follows:

RHA

•            The Company has not funded any of the activities at RHA since 1 July 2019, apart from essential care and maintenance costs.

Zulu

•              Zulu will have its new scrubber unit installed and operational in the week of 10 July. This will enable Zulu to produce and derive revenue from the sale of SC6. •              Premier has engaged Zimbabwean banks to facilitate the funding of Zulu's short-term needs as they may arise.

The Group

•             During 2023 the Group issued 4,216,446,124 shares at an average price of 0.4455p per share raising a total of $18.786 million. This cash was used to continue with the commission and development work at Zulu mine.

•              In May 2023 the options issued in 2017 were exercised raising £550,382 for the Group.

•              Premier has obtained support from its offtake and prepayment partner allowing Premier to pursue alternative funding avenues.

•           The calling of a Special General Meeting to increase the number of shares free from pre-emptive rights by no more than 2 billion

In the event that the Group is unable meet its obligations or have Zulu commence operations, then a material uncertainty exists which may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and therefore be unable to realise its assets and settle its liabilities in the normal course of business.

6.            Operating segments

The Group has the following three reportable segments that are managed separately due to the different jurisdictions.

Segmental results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

Reportable segments	Operations
RHA and RHA Mauritius	Development and mining of Wolframite
Zulu and Zulu Mauritius	Development of Lithium and Tantalite
Head office	General administration and control

By operating segment	Unallocated Corporate	RHA Tungsten Mine Zimbabwe and RHA Mauritius*	Exploration Zulu Lithium Zimbabwe and Zulu Mauritius	Total continuing operations
2023	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Result
Revenue	-	-	-	-
Operating loss / (income)	7,118	64	7,639	14,821
Other income	-	-	(137)	(137)
Fair value movement on investment	-	-	-	-
Finance charges	5,818	-	-	5,818
Impairment of investments and loans receivable	311	-	-	311
Loss before taxation	13,248	64	7,501	20,813
Assets
Exploration and evaluation assets	123	-	4,563	4,686
Investments	501	-	-	501
Property, plant and equipment	77	-	53,157	53,234
Loans receivable	232	-	-	232
Inventories	-	-	936	936
Trade and other receivables	3,647	8	1,346	5,001
Cash	507	23	12	542
Total assets	5,087	31	60,014	65,132
Liabilities
Other financial liabilities	-	-	-	-
Borrowings	(180)	-	-	(180)
Bank overdraft	-	-	-	-
Trade and other payables	(47,892)	-	(2,171)	(50,063)
Provisions	-	(360)	-	(360)
Total liabilities	(48,072)	(360)	(2,171)	(50,603)
Net assets	(42,985)	(329)	57,843	14,529
Other information
Depreciation and amortisation	19	-	352	371
Property plant and equipment additions	35	-	17,573	17,608
Costs capitalised to intangible assets	446	-	-	446

By operating segment	Unallocated Corporate	RHA Tungsten Mine Zimbabwe and RHA Mauritius*	Exploration Zulu Lithium Zimbabwe and Zulu Mauritius	Total continued operations
2022	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Result
Revenue	-	-	-	-
Operating loss / (income)	3,774	213	689	4,676
Other income	-	-	(34)	(34)
Finance charges	-	-	-	-
Impairment of investments and loans receivable	1,161	-	-	1,161
Loss before taxation	4,935	213	655	5,803
Assets
Exploration and evaluation assets	176	-	4,563	4,739
Investments	501	-	-	501
Property, plant and equipment	63	-	35,934	35,997
Loans receivable	-	-	-	-
Inventories	-	-	11	11
Trade and other receivables	65	3	112	180
Cash	9,238	12	377	9,627
Total assets	10,043	15	40,997	51,055
Liabilities
Borrowings	(180)	-	-	(180)
Trade and other payables	(33,792)	-	67	(33,725)
Provisions	-	(360)	-	(360)
Total liabilities	(33,972)	(360)	67	(34,265)
Net assets	(23,929)	(345)	41,064	16,790
Other information
Depreciation and amortisation	7	-	47	54
Property plant and equipment additions	70	-	35,981	36,051
Costs capitalised to intangible assets	53	-	-	53

 

*Represents 100% of the results and financial position of RHA Tungsten (Private) Limited ("RHA") whereas the Group owns 49%. Non-controlling interests are disclosed in note 20.

7.            Hyper-inflationary accounting

In terms of IAS29, Hyperinflation is indicated by characteristics of the economic environment of a country which include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.       the general population prefers to keep its wealth in non‑monetary assets or in a relatively stable foreign currency. Amounts of local currency held are immediately invested to maintain purchasing power;

b.         the general population regards monetary amounts not in terms of the local currency but in terms of a relatively stable foreign currency. Prices may be quoted in that currency;

c.      sales and purchases on credit take place at prices that compensate for the expected loss of purchasing power during the credit period, even if the period is short;

d.         interest rates, wages and prices are linked to a price index; and

e.         the cumulative inflation rate over three years is approaching, or exceeds, 100%.

As stated in the 2018 annual financial statements, with effect of the 21st of February 2019 Zimbabwe implemented the Real Time Gross Settlement of US Dollars ("RTGS") at an official exchange rate of 1:1. At that time the official inflation rate was 0%. At the year end the official exchange rate has moved to RTGS 6,104.72: $1 (2022: RTGS 684.3339: $1) whilst the official inflation rate has moved to 26.5% (2022: 105.50%) on a year on year basis. The table below details the exchange rates and inflation rates, as published by https://tradingeconomics.com/zimbabwe/inflation-cpi, on a monthly basis for the year ended 31 December 2023.

	Inflation Rate	Exchange   Rate  RTGS : US$ 1.00	Inflation Rate	Exchange   Rate  RTGS : US$ 1.00
	2023	2023	2022	2022
January	34.80%	796.5215	60.60%	115.4223
February	44.10%	889.1325	66.10%	124.0189
March	40.80%	929.3618	72.70%	142.4237
April	33.50%	1,047.4449	96.40%	159.3482
May	30.70%	2,577.0564	131.70%	301.4994
June	30.90%	5,739.7961	70.00%	370.9646
July	22.70%	4,516.8025	96.10%	443.8823
August	17.70%	4,606.6233	106.30%	546.8254
September	18.40%	5,466.7466	107.50%	621.8922
October	17.80%	6,007.9622	108.70%	632.7703
November	21.60%	6,102.7435	107.10%	654.9284
December	26.50%	6,104.7226	105.50%	684.3339

Two of the Group's subsidiaries, namely RHA and Zulu, operate in Zimbabwe.

The comparative financial statements have been restated to comply with IAS29. The financial statements reflect the reduction in the purchasing power of RTGS which have been remeasured, in terms of IAS 29, as at 31 December 2022.

With effect from 1 January 2023, all companies in the group prepare and present their financial information in US Dollars. Any local reporting requirements will be managed by converting the USD values to the respective local currency.

8.            Intangible assets

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
Exploration and evaluations assets		4,686	4,739
Total intangible assets		4,686	4,739
Opening carrying value		4,739	4,686
Expenditure on Exploration and evaluation		446	53
Impairment of Exploration and evaluation assets		(499)	-
Closing carrying value		4,686	4,739

During 2021, the market conditions for lithium improved substantially. This improvement enabled management to revisit the assumptions surrounding the impairment of the Zulu Lithium Exploration and Evaluation assets. Based upon the current market conditions and associated assumptions, management reversed the impairment of the Zulu Lithium's Exploration and Evaluation assets.

During 2020, the company acquired a portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets located in Zimbabwe and Mozambique from Lithium Consolidated Ltd ("Li3").

During 2023, $0.446 million (2022: $0.053 million) was expended to purchase an option to conduct exploration on Turwi Gold.

Zulu Lithium and Tantalite Project

During the year $nil (2022: $nil) exploration costs were incurred and capitalised to Zulu. The Group views this project as strategic and exploration work will be continued in the future, cash flow permitting.

Key assumptions applied in calculating the discounted cash flow analysis included:

•          Targeted annual production of spodumene concentrate                                                84 000 tonnes •          Targeted annual production of petalite concentrate                                                       32 500 tonnes •          Price of spodumene concentrate                                                                                        $975/t •          Price of petalite concentrate                                                                                                                $400/t •          Discount rate                                                                                                                           25% •          Operating costs per combined tonnage of concentrate                                                  $486/t •          Estimated 15 year life of mine •          Average strip ratio of                                                                                                             5.5:1

During March 2021, the EPO was granted and a DFS commenced. Subsequently, the identified resource and the economics of the project indicated that the project was viable and The Group commenced developing the Zulu mine.

For additional information on events after the reporting date, refer to note 32.

9.            Investments

	Vortex	Manganese	Total
	(formerly	Namibian
	Circum	Holdings
	Minerals)
	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Opening carrying value 2022	6,263	2,079	8,342
Shares acquired	-	-	-
Fair value adjustment	(5,762)	(2,079)	(7,841)
Closing carrying value 2022	501	-	501
Shares acquired	-	-	-
Fair value adjustment	-	-	-
Closing carrying value 2023	501	-	501
Reconciliation of movements in investments
Opening carrying value 2022 (1) (2) (3)	6,263	2,079	8,342
Acquisition at fair value 2022	-	-	-
Fair value adjustment	(5,762)	(2,079)	(7,841)
Opening carrying value 2023	501	-	501
Acquisition of shares	-	-	-
Fair value adjustment	-	-	-
Closing carrying value 2023	501	-	501

(1) Represents 5 million shares in unlisted entity Circum.

(2) As Circum is unlisted there are no quoted markets. The fair value of the Circum shares was derived using the previous issue price and validating it against the most recent placing price on 30 December 2022 of $0.10 per share. In March 2022, the shares were sold at book value to Vortex Limited in exchange for shares in Vortex Limited.

(3) Represents a purchase of 19.9% interest in MNH.

The shares are considered to be level 3 financial assets under the IFRS 13 categorisation of fair value measurements.   

Premier continues to have an indirect interest in 5,010,333 shares in Circum held by Vortex and is currently valued in total at $0.501 million (2022: $0.501 million).

The fair value of these investments on 31 December 2023 amounted to $0.501 million (2022: $0.501 million).

Premier's investment in Vortex is classified as FVOCI and as such is required to be measured at fair value at each reporting date. As Vortex is unlisted there are no quoted market prices. The fair value of the Circum shares held by Vortex was derived using the previous issue price and validating it against the most recent placing price on 30 December 2022.

Premier's investment in MNH is classified as FVOCI and as such is required to be measured at fair value at each

reporting date. As MNH is unlisted there are no quoted market prices. The fair value of the MNH shares was fully impaired based on their most recently available financial information.

Sensitivity analysis

The investments are subject to changes in market prices. A 10% reduction in market prices would result in a $0.050 million (2022: $0.050 million) charge to Other Comprehensive Income.

10.          Property, plant and equipment

	Mine Development	Plant and Equipment	Land and Buildings	Capital Work-in-Progress	Total
	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000		$ 000
Cost
At 1 January 2022	895	2,812	41	-	3,748
Exchange differences (1)	(122)	(54)	(22)	-	(198)
Transfer from Capital Work in Progress	-	-	-		-
Additions	-	700	255	34,956	35,911
Disposals	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 December 2022	773	3,458	274	34,956	39,461
Exchange differences (1)	7,649	7,918	1,404	-	16,971
Additions	490	643	168	16,307	17,608
Disposals	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 December 2023	8,912	12,019	1,846	51,263	74,040
Accumulated Depreciation and Impairment Losses
At 1 January 2022	895	2,687	27	-	3,609
Charge for the period	(122)	(54)	(23)	-	(199)
Exchange differences (1)	-	44	10	-	54
Impairment of RHA	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 December 2022	773	2,677	14	-	3,464
Exchange differences (1)	7,649	7,918	1,404	-	16,971
Charge for the year	-	303	68	-	371
Impairment	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 December 2023	8,422	10,898	1,486	-	20,806
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2022	-	781	260	34,956	35,997
At 31 December 2023	490	1,121	360	51,263	53,234

 11.         Loans receivable

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
Vortex Ltd		-	-
Li3 Lithium Corp		232	-
		232	-

During the year the Group advanced $0.311 million (2022: $0.243 million) to Vortex Ltd to enable Vortex Ltd to participate in rights issues conducted by Circum Minerals Ltd. The most recent rights issue on 30 December 2022 for $0.10 per Circum share. Due to the price of the rights issue, the Group fully impaired the loan advanced.

During the year, the Group entered into a 50:50 joint venture exploration agreement with Li3 Lithium Corp to develop the Licomex claims. The loan value represents the amount due by Li3 Lithium Corp's in excess of their share of the expenses incurred on this project.

12.          Inventories

	2023	2021
	$ 000	$ 000
Diesel	21	-
Spares and plant consumables	652	-
Plant Chemicals	263	11
	936	11

13.          Trade and other receivables

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
Indirect tax receivable		1,094	3
Other receivables		8	52
Prepayments		3,899	125
		5,001	180
Current		5,001	180
Non-current		-	-
		5,001	180

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by geographic region was as follows:
Zimbabwe		1,354	3
Other		3,647	52
		5,001	55
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by counterparty was as follows:
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority		1,094	3
Other		3,907	52
		5,001	55
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by credit rating was as follows:
External credit ratings		-	-
Other		5,001	55
		5,001	55

The receivables are considered to be held within a held-to-collect business model consistent with the Group's continuing recognition of the receivables.

As at 31 December 2023 the Group does not have any contract assets arising out of contracts with customers relating to the Group's right to receive consideration for work completed but not billed.

Credit and market risks, and impairment losses

The Group did not impair any of its trade receivables as at 31 December 2023, as all trade receivables generated during the financial year were settled in full prior to the year-end.

Information about the Group's exposure to credit and market risks and impairment losses for trade receivables is included in Note 29.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.

14.          Cash and cash equivalents

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Bank balances	542	9,627
Cash and cash equivalents per the statement of cash flows	542	9,627

15.          Provisions - rehabilitation

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
As at 1 January	360	360
Foreign Exchange variation on translation	-	-
Unwinding of discount	-	-
As at 31 December	360	360

A provision is recognised for site rehabilitation and decommissioning of current mining activities based on current environmental and regulatory requirements. The gross provision was based upon an environmental impact assessment ("EIA") conducted and calculated in 2014 and discounted to a net present value using a discount rate of 10% over a life of mine of 8 years. The corresponding rehabilitation assets was capitalised to property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the life of the mine. The initial provision for rehabilitation was performed in the then functional currency of USD. With the implementation of RTGS this provision was restated in terms of note 7 on Hyperinflationary accounting. With RHA currently under care and maintenance the directors reassessed the final provision based upon actual volumes extracted versus projected volumes. This reassessment will be done annually taking into consideration the remaining volume of ore to be extracted, the current level of mining that has already been conducted and the estimated costs involved in rehabilitating the land.

16.          Trade and other payables

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Trade payables	4,611	984
Accrued expenses	2,682	273
Advance receipt by Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean	40,376	32,464
Short term loan from a director - G. Roach	2,269	-
Payroll liabilities	125	4
	50,063	33,725

During the 2022 financial year the Group entered into an Offtake and Marketing agreement with Canmax, whereby Canmax would prepurchase 143,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate that will be produced by the Group's Zulu mine. During 2023, this advance receipt accrued interest of $5.732 million.

Premier engaged China Zenith Capital Ltd to facilitate the placement of 3,000,000,000 shares with Canmax. Subsequently the Group entered into an Offtake and Marketing agreement with Canmax, whereby Canmax would prepurchase 143,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate that will be produced by the Group's Zulu mine. In 2024 China Zenith Capital Ltd was awarded their success fee of $1,350,000 plus interest and costs. Accordingly an amount of $2.078 million has been accrued.

During the year, a director, Mr. G. Roach advanced the Group $2.269 million including interest. This loan is to be settled in shares by 31 December 2024.

All trade and other payables at 31 December 2023 are due within one year, non-interest bearing, and comprise amounts outstanding for mine purchases and on-going costs, except as described further below. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.

17.          Borrowings

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Loan Neil Herbert	180	180
	180	180

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Reconciliation of movement in borrowings
As at 1 January	180	180
Loans received (1)	-	-
Accrued interest	-	-
As at 31 December	180	180
Current	180	180
Non-current	-	-
	180	180

Borrowings comprise loans from a related party and a non-related party. Loans from a related party are further disclosed in Note 31, Related Party Transactions.

(1)           Neil Herbert made available a loan of US$180,000 to the Company. Under the terms of the Director Loan, the loan is both unsecured and will not attract any interest and is repayable in full by the Company on the signing of a new off-take agreement at Otjozondu. The purpose of the Director Loan is to provide funding to Premier to allow an amendment to the Otjozondu Loan while Premier, acting collectively with Otjozondu, looks to secure the best possible off-take funding package.

At 31 December 2023 the off-take funding had not been secured and Mr Herbert agreed to the deferment of the repayment of the loan until such off-take agreement has been secured.

18.          Share capital

Authorised share capital

26.63 billion (2022: 22.42 billion) ordinary shares of no par value.

Issued share capital

	Number of Shares	Value
	'000	$ 000
As at 1 January  2022	19,418,009	59,432
Shares issued for direct Investment (1)	3,000,000	15,782
As at 31 December 2022	22,418,009	75,214
Shares issued for direct Investment (2)	190,216	2,194
Shares issued on conversion of fees (3)	161,877	688
Shares issued on conversion of fees (4)	11,892	136
Shares issued on conversion of fees (5)	54,054	753
Shares issued for direct Investment (6)	1,106,286	4,847
Shares issued on conversion of loan (7)	36,571	153
Shares issued under subscription agreement (8)	1,428,571	6,251
Shares issued on conversion for fees (9)	90,000	397
Shares issued on conversion for fees (10)	15,000	57
Shares issued on conversion for fees (11)	11,000	40
Shares issued on conversion for fees (12)	45,000	165
Shares issued on conversion for fees (13)	22,500	82
Shares issued under subscription agreement (14)	518,696	1,498
Shares issued under subscription agreement (15)	518,696	1,507
Shares issued under subscription agreement (16)	6,087	18
As at 31 December 2023	26,634,455	94,000
Less cumulative share costs		(5,507)
Net share capital as at 31 December 2023		88,493

(1)       On 30 March 2022 the Company issued 3 000 000 000 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.4p for a total value of $15.782 million.

(2)        On 22 May 2023 the Company issued 190 216 216 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.092p for a total value of $ 2.194 million.

(3)      On 26 May 2023 the Company issued 161 877 130 shares for a total value of $ 0.688 million for conversion of fees to a contractor.

(4)      On 26 May 2023 the Company issued 11 891 892 shares for a total value of $ 0.136 million for conversion of fees.

(5)      On 26 May 2023 the Company issued 54 054 054 shares for a total value of $ 0.753 million for conversion of fees.

(6)        On 1 September 2023 the Company issued 1 106 285 713 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.035p for a total value of $ 4.847 million.

(7)        On 4 September 2023 the Company issued 36 571 430 shares for a total value of $ 0.153 million for conversion of loan.

(8)        On 14 September 2023 the Company issued 1 428 571 428 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.035p for a total value of $ 6.251 million.

(9)        On 15 November 2023 the Company issued 90 000 000 shares for a total value of $ 0.397 million for conversion of fees.

(10)      On 4 December 2023 the Company issued 15 000 000 shares for a total value of $ 0.040 million for conversion of fees.

(11)      On 4 December 2023 the Company issued 11 000 000 shares for a total value of $ 0.057 million for conversion of fees.

(12)      On 12 December 2023 the Company issued 45 000 000 shares for a total value of $ 0.165 million for conversion of fees.

(13)      On 13 December 2023 the Company issued 22 500 000 shares for a total value of $ 0.081 million for conversion of fees.

(14)      On 13 December 2023 the Company issued 518 695 652 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.023p for a total value of $ 1.498 million.

(15)      On 14 December 2023 the Company issued 518 695 652 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.023p for a total value of $1.507 million.

(16)      On 31 December 2023 the Company issued 6 086 957 shares under a subscription agreement at a price of 0.023p for a total value of $0.018 million.

Reconciliation to balance as stated in the consolidated statement of financial position

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
As at 1 January	70,951	56,113
Shares issued under subscription agreements - cash flow	9,274	-
Shares issued to settle trade payables	2,318	-
Shares issued on conversion of loans and loan notes (note 12 above)  - non-cash	153	-
Shares issued on exercise of warrants - cash flow	-
Shares issued to purchase Investment in MNH	-	-
Share issue costs - cash flow	(1,244)	(944)
Shares issued for direct Investment	7,041	15,782
As at 31 December	88,493	70,951

19.          Share based payment and warrant reserve

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Share options and warrants reserve beginning of year	3,708	2,366
Warrants granted	-	-
Share options granted	1,509	1,342
Share options exercised	(1,685)	-
Warrants cancelled	-	-
Share options and warrants reserve end of year	3,532	3,708

Share options and warrant arrangements are set out below.

Equity-settled Share base payment arrangement

The Company adopted an incentive share option plan (the 'Plan') during 2012. The essential elements of the Plan provide that the aggregate number of common shares of the Company's capital stock issuable pursuant to options granted under the Plan may not exceed 15% of the issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares at the time of any grant of options. Options granted under the Plan will have a maximum term of 10 years. All options granted to Directors and management are subject to vesting provisions of one to two years.

All options are to be settled by the physical delivery of shares.

The fair value of all the share options has been measured using the Black-Scholes Model.

Issued to	Date Granted	Vesting Term	Number of Options Granted	Exercise Price	Expiry Date	Estimated Fair Value
			'000
Employees and consultants	10/02/2011	1 year	2,250	1.135p	09/02/2014	0.87p
Directors	04/12/2012	See 1 below	20,386	Nil	03/12/2022	1.11p
Directors	04/12/2012	See 2 below	20,386	2p	03/12/2022	1.85p
Employees and associates
	04/12/2012	See 3 below	5,536	Nil	03/12/2022	1.85p
Directors	29/07/2014	See 4 below	6,000	1.15p	28/07/2024	1.15p
Directors	29/07/2014	See 5 below	6,000	1.50p	28/07/2024	1.15p
Management	29/07/2014	See 4 below	6,500	1.15p	28/07/2024	1.15p
Management	29/07/2014	See 5 below	6,500	1.50p	28/07/2024	1.15p
Directors	13/03/2015	See 4 below	2,000	0.9p	12/03/2025	0.67p
Directors	13/03/2015	See 5 below	2,000	1.17p	12/03/2025	0.64p
Management	13/03/2015	See 4 below	3,250	0.9p	12/03/2025	0.67p
Management	13/03/2015	See 5 below	3,250	1.17p	12/03/2025	0.64p
Directors	19/01/2017	See 5 below	30,500	0.28p	18/01/2027	0.278p
Consultants	19/01/2017	See 5 below	50,439	0.28p	18/01/2027	0.278p
Directors	19/01/2017	See 5 below	30,500	0.40p	18/01/2027	0.28p
Consultants	19/01/2017	See 5 below	50,439	0.40p	18/01/2027	0. 28p
Directors	30/05/2022	See 6 below	122,500	Nil	31/05/2032	0.32p
Consultants	30/05/2022	See 6 below	202,500	Nil	31/05/2032	0.32p
Directors	30/05/2022	See 6 below	65,000	0.4p	31/05/2032	0.18p
Consultants	30/05/2022	See 6 below	202,500	0.4p	31/05/2032	0.18p
Directors	30/05/2022	See 6 below	65,000	0.5p	31/05/2032	0.19p
Consultants	30/05/2022	See 6 below	202,500	0.5p	31/05/2032	0.19p
Directors	30/05/2022	See 6 below	65,000	0.5p	31/05/2032	0.19p
Consultants	30/05/2022	See 6 below	202,500	0.5p	31/05/2032	0.19p
Total number of options			1,373,436

Issued to:
-          Directors			429,272
-          Employees and consultants			924,664
-          Management			19,500
			1,373,436
Less:
-          Options exercised in prior years			27,257
-          Options exercised in the current year			161,877
-          Options cancelled in prior years			32,802
-          Options cancelled in the current year			-
Total options in issue at 31 December 2023			1,151,500

Expected volatility has been based on an evaluation of the historical volatility of the Company's share price, particularly over the historical period commensurate with the expected term. The expected term of the instruments has been based on historical experience and general option holder behaviour.

The Company has granted the following share options during the years up to 31 December 2023:

1.         These share options vest on the two-year anniversary of the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 2.         These share options vest in equal instalments annually on the anniversary of the grant date over a two year period. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 3.         These share options vested on the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 4.         These share options vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 5.         These share options vest on the two-year anniversary of the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 6.        These share options vest on the 18 month anniversary of the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse. 7.        These share options vest on the 30 month anniversary of the grant date. The options are exercisable at any time after vesting during the grantee's period as an eligible option holder, and must be exercised no later than 10 years after the date of grant, after which the options will lapse.

No share options were granted during the year ended 31 December 2023.

The expense for the year for the fair value of the options previously granted was $1.509 million (2022: $1.342 million). The assessed fair value of options granted to directors and management was determined using the Black-Scholes Model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date, the expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk-free rate interest rate for the term of the option.

	In issue prior to 1 January 2022	Exercised during the year	Cancelled / Lapsed during the year	Granted during the year	In issue as at 31 December 2023
Directors:
- G. Roach	279,000	(19,000)	-	-	260,000
- W. Hampel	25,500	(5,500)	-	-	20,000
- G. Manhambara	40,000	-	-	-	40,000
- Resigned directors	53,000	(42,000)	-	-	11,000
Other option holders	915,877	(95,377)	-	-	820,500
	1,313,377	(161,877)	-	-	1,151,500

The Group has the following share options outstanding:

			Number of	Number of
Grant Date	Expiry Date	Exercise Price	options	options vested
			outstanding	and exercisable
			'000	'000
29/07/2014	28/07/2024	1.15p	3,000	6,500
29/07/2014	28/07/2024	1.50p	10,500	6,500
13/03/2015	12/03/2025	0.9p	5,250	5,250
13/03/2015	12/03/2025	1.17p	5,250	5,250
30/05/2022	31/05/2032	Nil	325,000	325,000
30/05/2022	31/05/2032	0.4p	267,500	267,500
30/05/2022	31/05/2032	0.5p	267,500	211,801
30/05/2022	31/05/2032	0.5p	267,500	169,295
			1,151,500	997,096

The following table lists the inputs into the valuation model.

			Risk- free	Share price
	Dividend	Expected	interest rate	at grant	Exercise
	Yield (%)	Volatility (%)	(%)	date	price
Issue - 29 July 2014	-	148	1.71	1.15p	1.15p
Issue - 29 July 2014	-	148	1.71	1.15p	1.50p
Issue - 13 March 2015	-	100	1.71	0.9p	0.9p
Issue - 13 March 2015	-	100	1.71	0.9p	1.17p
Issue - 30 May 2022	-	70	3.02	0.32p	Nil
Issue - 30 May 2022	-	70	3.02	0.32p	0.4p
Issue - 30 May 2022	-	70	3.02	0.32p	0.5p
Issue - 30 May 2022	-	70	3.02	0.32p	0.5p

The shares that the options are based on are quoted in GBP and so the option agreement is stated in GBP. As such they are presented in GBP despite the presentational currency of the Group being USD.

The number and weighted-average exercise prices of share options under the share option programmes and replacement awards were as follows:

	2023			2022
		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Shares			Shares
	'000			'000
Options outstanding, beginning of year	1,313,377	0.35p		200,349	0.55p
Exercised	(161,877)	0.46p		-	0p
Expired	-	0p		(14,472)	0p
Granted	-	0p		1,127,500	0.33p
Options outstanding, end of year	1,151,500	0.33p		1,313,377	0.35p

The weighted-average life of the options in issue as at 31 December 2023 is 8 years and 96 days (2022 - 8 years and 2 days.)

Warrants

The Company did not grant warrant options during the year (2022: nil)

A summary of the status of the Company's share warrants as of 31 December 2023 and changes during the year are as follows:

				2023	2022
				'000	'000
Warrants outstanding, beginning of year				-	-
Granted				-	-
Expired				-	-
Exercised				-	-
Cancelled *				-	-
Warrants outstanding, end of year				-	-

There are no warrants outstanding in favour of the Directors.

Premier's share price opened at 0.510p in January 2022, traded at an average of 0.566p, with a high of 1.040p and low of 0.200p during the year and closed at 0.220p on 31 December 2023.

20.          Non-controlling interest

	2023	2022
RHA Tungsten Limited (51% Non-controlling interest)	$ 000	$ 000
At 1 January	(12,717)	(12,205)
Foreign exchange and hyper-inflationary adjustments	-	-
Non-controlling interest in share of profit / (losses) for the year - RHA	-	(68)
Non-controlling interest in share of other comprehensive income for the period	(438)	(444)
At 31 December	(13,155)	(12,717)

The following table summarises the information relating to each of the Group's subsidiaries that has material Non-controlling interest, before any intra-group eliminations.

	2023	2022
	RHA	RHA
Non-controlling Interest percentage	51%	51%
Non-current assets	-	-
Current assets	32	15
Non-current liabilities	(18,582)	(18,516)
Current liabilities	(7,244)	(6,434)
Net assets	(25,794)	(24,935)
Net assets attributed to Non-controlling Interest	(13,155)	(12,717)
Revenue	-	-
Profit / (Loss)	(859)	(870)
Other Comprehensive Income /(Loss)	-	(134)
Total comprehensive income	(859)	(1,004)
Loss allocated to NCI	(438)	(512)

The share of losses in the year represents the losses attributable to non-controlling interests in RHA for the year.

21.          Revenue

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Major product/service lines
Sale of Wolframite	-	-
Sale of scrap	-	-
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Export Incentive	-	-
Total revenue	-	-
Prescription of debts	137	34
Total other income	137	34
Gross revenue	137	34
Primary Geographical Markets
Africa	137	34
	137	34
Timing of revenue recognition
Products transferred at a point in time	-	-
	-	-

22.          Cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortisation

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Mining contractor	2,312	-
Staff costs	506	-
Consumables	266	-
Equipment hire and maintenance	-	-
Mining services	-	-
Plant services	58	-
Selling costs	663	-
Inventory write-down / (write-up)	-	-
	3,805	-

23.          Administrative expenses

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Audit fees - Holding company	44	42
- Under provision prior year	-	7
- Over provision prior year	(16)	-
Staff costs	1,946	53
Consulting and advisory fees	3,931	1,369
Directors' fees	126	116
Accounting and legal fees	792	230
Marketing and public relations	131	22
Travel	715	380
Security costs	117	33
Vehicle operating costs	112	47
Insurance	59	53
Office and administration	862	306
Short term non-capitalised lease payments	124	126
Foreign exchange losses	193	480
Share based payment (note 19)	1,509	1,342
Exploration costs	-	16
	10,645	4,622

Number of staff	2023	2022
Directors of the Holding Company	4	4
Administrative staff	0	0
Total Holding Company staff	4	4
Directors of subsidiaries	3	3
Subsidiary administrative and operating staff	220	12
Total staff	227	19

24.          Finance charges

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Interest charged by suppliers	-	-
Interest on borrowings	5,818	-
Derivative financial liability transaction costs	-	-
Unwinding of discount on provisions	-	-
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-	-
Interest on finance lease	-	-
	5,818	-

25.          Taxation

Deferred tax	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
As at 1 January	-	-
As at 31 December	-	-
Income Tax
Taxation charge for the year	-	-

There is no taxation charge for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022: Nil) because the Group is registered in the British Virgin Islands where no corporate taxes or capital gains tax are charged. However, the Group may be liable for taxes in the jurisdictions of the underlying operations.

The Group has incurred tax losses in West Africa and Zimbabwe; however, a deferred tax asset has not been recognised in the accounts due to the unpredictability of future profit streams.  The accumulated tax losses not recognised at RHA amount to RTGS 15,862.422 million (2022: 15,862.422 million).

Reconciliation of effective tax rate	2023	2023	2022	2022
		$ 000		$ 000
Loss before tax from continuing operations		(20,813)	-	(5,803)
Tax using the Zimbabwean company tax rate	25%	5,203	25%	1,451
Tax effect of:
Effects of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions	(25%)	(5,203)	(25%)	(1,451)

Contingent liability

The Group operates across different geographical regions and is required to comply with tax legislation in various jurisdictions. The determination of the Group's tax is based on interpretations applied in terms of the respective tax legislations and may be subject to periodic challenges by tax authorities which may give rise to tax exposures.

26.          Loss per share

The calculation of loss per share is based on the loss after taxation attributable to shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year:

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Net loss attributable to owners of the Company ($ 000)	(20,375)	(5,359)
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in calculating basic earnings per share ('000)	23,538,638	21,686,502
Basic loss per share (US cents)	(0.09)	(0.03)
Diluted loss per share (US cents)	(0.09)	(0.03)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
Issued ordinary shares at 1 January ('000)	22,418,009	19,418,009
Weighted average of shares issued during the year ('000)	1,120,629	2,268,493
Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 31 December ('000)	23,538,638	21,686,502

The 2022 Net loss attributable to owners of the Company has been restated slightly to agree to the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, but doesn't change the loss per share figures, due to rounding.

As the Group incurred a loss for the year, there is no dilutive effect from share options and warrants in issue or the shares issued after the reporting date.

	2023	2022
Potential dilutive effect on earnings per share
Options issued	1,151,500	1,327,849
Warrants issued	-	-
Convertible loan notes	-	-
Total potentially dilutive shares	1,151,500	1,327,849

Refer to note 32 Post balance sheet events for additional potentially dilutive transactions.

27.          Directors' remuneration

	Directors' fees	Consultancy Fees	Share Options	Total
2023	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Executive Directors
George Roach	-	275	-	275
Non-Executive Directors
Godfrey Manhambara	42	-	-	42
Wolfgang Hampel	42			42
Dr Wei Lou	42	-	-	42
	126	275	-	401
	Directors' fees	Consultancy Fees	Share Options	Total
2022	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Executive Directors
George Roach	-	275	-	275
Non-Executive Directors
Godfrey Manhambara	42	-	-	42
Wolfgang Hampel	42			42
Neil Herbert	-	11	-	11
Dr Wei Lou	31	-	-	31
	115	286	-	401

The Directors' fees disclosed in note 23 include nil (2022: nil) being the fees paid to Directors of RHA, who are not directors of the parent company.

28.          Notes to the statement of cash flows

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank, bank overdrafts and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying value of these assets is approximately equal to their fair value.

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
Profit / (Loss) before tax		(20,813)	(5,803)
Adjustments for:
Finance charges unpaid		5,818	-
Foreign exchange variations		-	1,342
Settlement agreement on Finance lease		-	-
Impairment of Investments and loans receivable		311	1,161
Share based payments charge		1,509	-
Depreciation and amortisation		371	54
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital		(12,804)	(3,246)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories		(925)	(11)
(Increase)/decrease in receivables		(4,821)	206
Increase/(decrease) in payables		10,520	33,167
Net cash (outflow) from operating activities		(8,030)	30,116

		2023	2022
Reconciliation of Non-Cash Transactions		$ 000	$ 000
Share Capital
Shares issued		18,786	15,782
Less: Share issue costs		(1,244)	(944)
Less: Settlement of payables		-	-
		17,542	14,838
Finance Charges
Finance charge expense		(5,818)	-
Less: Unwinding of discount on the Provision for rehabilitation		-	-
Less: Interest accrued on loans and other payables		-	-
		(5,818)	-

	Cash and
	cash		Total
	equivalents	Borrowings	debt	Net debt
	£	£	£	£
Net debt as at 31 December 2021	940	(180)	(180)	760
Cash flows	7,345	-	-	7,345
Foreign exchange adjustments	1,342	-	-	1,342
Net debt as at 31 December 2022	9,627	(180)	(180)	9,447
Cash flows	(9,085)	-	-	(9,085)
Foreign exchange adjustments	-	-	-	-
Net debt as at 31 December 2023	542	(180)	(180)	362

29.          Financial Instruments - Fair values and risk management

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy. It does not include fair value information for financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables classified as held-for-sale are not included in the table below. As at 31 December 2023 the Group did not have any trade and other receivables nor any trade and other payables that were classified as held-for-sale.

The Group has not disclosed the fair values of financial instruments such as short-term trade receivables and payables, because their carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of their fair value.

		Carrying value					Fair value
31 December 2023		FVOCI - equity instruments	Financial assets at amortised cost	Other financial liabilities	Total		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Note	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000		$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Financial assets measured at fair value
FVOCI		501	-	-	501		-	-	501	501
		501	-	-	501
Financial assets not measured at fair value
Trade and other receivables		-	232	-	232
Cash and cash equivalents		-	-	-	-
		-	232	-	232
Financial liabilities measured at fair value
		-	-	-	-
		-	-	-	-
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Bank overdrafts		-	-	-	-
Unsecured loans from shareholders		-	-	-	-
Secured loan		-	-	-	-
Trade and other payables		-	-	(50,063)	(50,063)
		-	-	(50,063)	(50,063)

		Carrying value					Fair value
31 December 2022		FVOCI - equity instruments	Financial assets at amortised cost	Other financial liabilities	Total		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Note	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000		$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Financial assets measured at fair value
FVOCI		501	-	-	501		-	-	501	501
		501	-	-	501
Financial assets not measured at fair value
Trade and other receivables		-	-	-	-
Cash and cash equivalents		-	-	-	-
		-	-	-	-
Financial liabilities measured at fair value
		-	-	-	-
		-	-	-	-
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Bank overdrafts		-	-	-	-
Unsecured loans from shareholders		-	-	-	-
Secured loan		-	-	-	-
Trade and other payables		-	-	(33,725)	(33,725)
		-	-	(33,725)	(33,725)

Financial instruments - Fair values and risk management

B.             Measurement of fair values

i.              Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs

The following tables show the valuation techniques used in measuring Level 3 fair values for financial instruments measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, as well as the significant unobservable inputs used. Related valuation processes are described in Note 4.8.

Financial instruments measured at fair value

Type	Valuation technique	Significant unobservable inputs	Inter-relationship between significant unobservable inputs and fair value measurement
Unlisted Equity investments	Current market value technique: The valuation model is based upon the latest price at which the unlisted entity raised capital.	None	None

ii.             Transfers between Levels 1 and 2

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 in either the current financial year or in the prior financial year.

C.             Financial Risk Management

The Group has exposure to the following risks arising from financial instruments:

-              credit risk; -              liquidity risk; and -              market risk.

Risk management framework

The Company's board of directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group's risk management framework.

The Group's risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk   management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group's activities.

The Group's audit committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group's risk management policies and procedures, and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Group's audit committee undertake ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the audit committee.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group's receivables from customers and investments in debt securities.

The carrying amounts of financial assets represent the maximum credit exposure.

In the current year there was no impairment loss, nor 2022, for unrecoverable sundry debtors.

Trade receivables

The Group's exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. However, management also considers the factors that may influence the credit risk of its customer base, including the default risk associated with the industry and country in which its customers operate. Details of concentration of revenue are included in Note 21.

The Group has established a credit policy under which each new customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before the Group's standard payment terms and conditions are offered. The Group's review includes external ratings, if they are available, financial statements, credit agency information, industry information and in some cases bank references. Sales limits are established for each customer and are reviewed regularly.

The Group limits its exposure to credit risk from trade receivables by establishing a maximum payment period of one month.

The Group is monitoring the economic environment in Zimbabwe, where its exploration and mining operations are based.

The Group does not require collateral in respect of trade and other receivables. The Group does not have trade receivables for which a no allowance is recognised because of collateral.

		2023	2022
		$ 000	$ 000
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by geographic region was as follows:
Zimbabwe		1,354	3
Other		3,647	52
		5,001	55
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by counterparty was as follows:
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority		1,094	3
Other		3,907	52
		5,001	55
The exposure to credit risk for trade receivables
by credit rating was as follows:
External credit ratings		-	-
Other		5,001	55
		5,001	55

Expected credit loss assessment for corporate customers as at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022

The Group allocates each exposure to a credit risk grade based on data that is determined to be predictive of the risk of loss (including but not limited to external ratings, audited financial statements, management accounts and cash flow projections and available press information about customers) and applying experienced credit judgement. Credit risk grades are defined using qualitative and quantitative factors that are indicative of the risk of default.

The Company had no exposure to credit risk for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022 - nil)

Movements in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year amounted to nil (2022 - nil).

Cash and cash equivalents

As at 31 December 2023, the Group held $0.542 million cash and cash equivalents (2022: $9.627 million). The cash and cash equivalents are held with bank and financial institution counterparties which are rated BB to BAA (according to Standard and Poor's).

Impairment on cash and cash equivalents has been measured on a 12-month expected loss basis and reflects the short maturities of the exposures. The Group considers that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the external credit ratings of the counterparties. On the implementation of IFRS 9 the Group did not impair any of its cash and cash equivalents.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation.

Exposure to liquidity risk

The following table presents the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities at the reporting date. The amounts are gross and undiscounted and include contractual interest payments and exclude the impact of netting agreements.

				Contractual cash flows
31 December 2023	Carrying value	Total	2 Months or less	2 to 12 Months	1 to 2 Years	2 to 5 Years	More than 5 years
	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Non- derivative financial
liabilities
Bank overdrafts	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Unsecured shareholder's
loan	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Unsecured loans	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Secured loans	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Trade payables	(50,063)	(50,063)	(50,063)	-	-	-	-
	(50,063)	(50,063)	(50,063)	-	-	-	-
Derivative financial	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
liabilities	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

				Contractual cash flows
31 December 2022	Carrying value	Total	2 Months or less	2 to 12 Months	1 to 2 Years	2 to 5 Years	More than 5 years
	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000	$ 000
Non- derivative financial
liabilities
Bank overdrafts	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Unsecured shareholder's
loan	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Unsecured loans	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Secured loans	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Trade payables	(33,725)	(33,725)	(33,725)	-	-	-	-
	(33,725)	(33,725)	(33,725)	-	-	-	-
Derivative financial	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
liabilities	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

The interest payments on the financial liabilities represent the fixed interest rates as per the respective contracts.

The Group aims to maintain the level of its cash and cash equivalents and other highly marketable debt investments at an amount in excess of expected cash outflows on financial liabilities other than trade payables. The Group also monitors the level of expected cash inflows on trade and other receivables together with expected cash outflows on trade and other payables.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices - such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices - will affect the Group's income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

Currency risk

The Group is exposed to transactional foreign currency risk to the extent that there is a mismatch between the currencies in which sales, purchases, receivables and borrowings are denominated and the respective functional currencies of Group companies. The functional currencies of Group companies are primarily Pound Sterling and the US Dollar. The Zimbabwean trading companies functional currency is USD (2022: RTGS). The functional currency of the Zimbabwean entities was changed to USD as the majority of transactions are done in USD. The currencies in which these transactions are primarily denominated are Euro, US Dollar, South African Rand, RTGS and Pound Sterling.

The Company conducts its business in Zimbabwe with a significant portion of expenditures in that country currently and historically denominated in USD and now also in RTGS. The introduction of the RTGS$ during the 2019 financial year has resulted in the devaluation of the RTGS$ against the US Dollar. This devaluation has also resulted in the Zimbabwean economy going into hyperinflationary status. As a means of neutralising the effects of reporting in RTGS, with effect of 1 January 2023 all Zimbabwean companies in the group present and report in USD. The decision for this change was primarily due to the majority transactions in Zimbabwe are still denominated in USD.

All transactions are subject to spot rates and with no hedging transactions taking place.

	31 December 2023					31 December 2022
	EUR	GBP	USD	ZAR	RTGS	EUR	GBP	USD	ZAR	RTGS
	'000	'000	'000	'000	'000 000	'000	'000	'000	'000	'000 000
Trade receivables	186	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Unsecured loans	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Trade payables	-	(461)	(5,627)	(9,448)	-	(13)	(28)	(15)	(523)	(231)
Net statement of financial position exposure	186	(461)	(5,627)	(9,448)	-	(13)	(28)	(15)	(523)	(231)
Next 6 months forecast sales	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Next 6 months forecast purchases	(26)	(437)	(12,485)	(15,627)	-	(129)	(596)	(7,029)	(23,997)	(4,883)
Net forecast transaction exposure	(26)	(437)	(12,485)	(15,627)	-	(129)	(596)	(7,029)	(23,997)	(4,883)
Net exposure	160	(898)	(18,112)	(25,075)	-	(142)	(624)	(7,044)	(24,520)	(5,114)

The summary quantitative data about the Group's exposure to currency risk as reported to the management of the Group is as follows:

The following significant exchange rates in relation to the reporting currency are applicable:

	Average rate for the year			Year end spot rate
	2023	2022		2023	2022
Euro	1.0816	1.0540		1.1055	1.0702
GBP	1.2466	1.2355		1.2622	1.2097
ZAR	0.05412	0.0589		0.05461	0.0591
RTGS	3692.126	399.859		6112.78	684.334

The carrying amounts of the Group's foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting date are as follows:

	Liabilities			Assets
	2023	2022		2023	2022
	'000	'000		'000	'000
Sterling (£)	461	28		-	-
Euro (€)	-	13		186	-
South African Rand (ZAR)	9,448	523		-	-
Real Time Gross Settlement of USD (RTGS)	-	231		-	-

The presentation currency of the Group is US dollars.

The Group is exposed primarily to movements in USD for trade, RTGS for the Zimbabwean companies and GBP for all fund raising activities. 

Sensitivity analysis

Financial instruments affected by foreign currency risk include financial investments (see note 9) cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, trade and other payables and convertible loan notes. The following analysis is intended to illustrate the sensitivity of the Group's financial instruments (at year end) to changes in market variables, being exchange rates.

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:

All income statement sensitivities also impact equity.

Translation of foreign subsidiaries and operations into the Group's presentation currency have been excluded from this sensitivity as they have no monetary effect on the results.

Income Statement / Equity

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Exchange rates:
+10% $ Sterling (GBP)	(42)	(3)
-10% $ Sterling (GBP)	42	3
+10% $ RTGS	(0)	(23)
-10% $ RTGS	0	23

The above sensitivities are calculated with reference to a single moment in time and will change due to a number of factors including:

•              Fluctuating other receivable and trade payable balances •              Fluctuating cash balances •              Changes in currency mix

Interest rate risk

The Group has entered into fixed rate agreements for its finance leases and shareholders loans. The Group does not hedge its interest rate exposure by entering into variable interest rate swaps.

Exposure to interest rate risk

The interest rate profile of the Group's interest-bearing financial instruments as reported to the management of the Group is as per the table below.

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets	-	-
Financial liabilities	-	-
	-	-

Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed-rate instruments

The Group does not account for any fixed-rate financial assets of financial liabilities at FVTPL. Therefore, a change in interest rates at the reporting date would not affect profit or loss.

Other market price risk

The Group is exposed to equity price risk, which arises from equity securities at FVOCI are held as a long-term investment.

The Group's investments in equity securities comprise small shareholdings in unlisted companies. The shares are not readily tradable and any monetisation of the shares is dependent on finding a willing buyer.

Valuation techniques and assumptions applied for the purposes of measuring fair value

Due to the short term nature, the fair value of cash and receivables and liabilities approximates the carrying values disclosed in the financial statements.

Due to the short term nature, the fair value of cash and receivables and liabilities approximates the carrying values disclosed in the financial statements.

The fair value of financial assets is estimated by using other readily available information. As the Vortex  (formerly Circum) and MNH shares are in privately held exploration companies, the fair values were estimated using observable placing prices where available.

Vortex and MNH are unlisted and there are no quoted market prices. The fair value of the Vortex shares was derived using the previous issue price and validating it against the most recent placing price on 30 December 2022. The fair value of MNH shares was derived from the latest financial information and was fully impaired.

Capital management

The Group manages its capital resources to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern, while maximising shareholder return.

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to shareholders, comprising issued share capital and reserves. The availability of new capital will depend on many factors including a positive mineral exploration environment, positive stock market conditions, the Group's track record, and the experience of management. There are no externally imposed capital requirements.  The Directors are confident that adequate cash resources exist or will be made available to finance operations but controls over expenditure are carefully managed. 

30.          Subsidiaries

Premier had investments in the following subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2023, which principally affected the losses and net assets of the Group:

30.1  Subsidiaries held during the year

Name	Country of incorporation and operation	Proportion of voting interest %		Activity
		2023             2022
Zulu Lithium Mauritius Holdings Limited RHA Tungsten Mauritius Limited	Mauritius Mauritius	100 100	100 100	Holding Company Holding Company
Kavira Minerals Holdings Limited Tinde Fluorspar Holdings Limited Lubimbi Minerals Holdings Limited Gwaaii River Minerals Limited	Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius	100 100 100 100	100 100 100 100	Holding Company Holding Company Holding Company Holding Company
Zulu Lithium (Private) Limited RHA Tungsten (Private) Limited	Zimbabwe Zimbabwe	100 49*	100     49*	Exploration Care and maintenance
Katete Mining (Private) Limited	Zimbabwe	100	100	Exploration
Tinde Fluorspar (Private) Limited LM Minerals (Private) Limited BM Mining & Exploration (Private) Limited	Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Zimbabwe	100 100 100	100 100 100	Exploration Exploration Exploration
Licomex (Pty) Ltd	Zimbabwe	100	100	Exploration
Li3 Mozambique (Pty) Ltd	Australia	100	100	Holding Companies
Li3B Mozambique (Pty) Ltd	Australia	100	100	Holding Companies
Li3C Mozambique (Pty) Ltd	Australia	100	100	Holding Companies
Lithium B S.A.	Mozambique	100	100	Exploration
Premier African Minerals (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd	South Africa	100	100%	Procurement assistance

* Accounted as a controlled subsidiary, refer note 4 - Significant accounting policies, estimates and assumptions and note 4.7 - Basis of consolidation.

30.2  Acquisition of subsidiaries

During the year ended 31 December 2023 the Group did not acquire any companies.

31.          Related party transactions

Ultimate controlling party

There is no single ultimate controlling party.

Transactions with key management personnel

Borrowings

During the 2021 financial year, Neil Herbert advanced $0.180 million to Premier African Minerals to facilitate an additional loan to MN Holdings. At 31 December 2023 the loan was still owing.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of the Directors and other key management personnel of the Group are set out below for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures.

	2023	2022
	$ 000	$ 000
Staff costs	-	53
Consulting and advisory fees	1,210	286
Directors' fees	126	116
	1,336	455

32.          Events after the reporting date

32.1        Corporate matters

In accordance with the terms of Restated and Amended Offtake and Prepayment Agreement ("Agreement") entered between Premier and Canmax the interest rate for the outstanding balance of the prepayment amount was increased to 12% per annum with effect from the 1 December 2023.

In February 2024, Premier concluded a direct equity raise of £2.475 million before expenses at an issue price of 0.275 pence per new ordinary share for the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project.

On 11 April 2024, Premier concluded a direct equity raise of £2.060 million before expenses at an issue price of 0.17 pence per new ordinary share for the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project. Following strong institutional interest following this raise, Premier concluded an addition raise two days later by way of a direct equity raise of £1 million before expenses at an issue price of 0.17 pence per new ordinary share for the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project

In May 2024, Premier concluded a direct equity raise of £1.250 million before expenses at an issue price of 0.16 pence per new ordinary share for the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project.

In May 2024, Premier concluded a settlement of contractor invoices amounting to £1.57 million through the issue of 983,500,000 shares at an issue price of 0.16 pence per new ordinary share.

33           Ultimate Controlling Company

There is no single ultimate controlling company for Premier.

Ends

 

END