Final Results
Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining
29 September 2016
Vast Resources plc
('Vast' or the 'Company')
Final Results
Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company with operations in Romania and Zimbabwe, is pleased to announce its final results for year ended 31 March 2016.
OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR
Vast transitioned into a mining production company during the year under review, with commercial production commencing at two mines, the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania ('Manaila') and the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine in Zimbabwe ('Pickstone-Peerless').
Financial
- Maiden revenue of $7.2 million generated with the advent of mining at Manaila and Pickstone-Peerless as mining production commences
- Significant investment made into mining operations to achieve production and improve operational efficiencies resulting in a loss of $6.9 million from continuing operations (2015: $6.0 million)
- Loss of $8.7 million from discontinued operations (2015: $1.0 million) following discontinuance of all greenfield exploration projects
- Cash balance at period end of $0.8 million (2015: $3.7 million)
Post period end:
- Cash balance of $0.5 million, plus $1.8 million is held in Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited in Zimbabwe as at 31 August 2016
Operational Development
- Acquired a 50.1% interest and effective control in Sinarom Mining Group, the operating company of Manaila, on 22 July 2015
- Mining operations commenced at Manaila in August 2015, with production output of 1,567 tonnes of concentrate in period to 31 March 2016
- Construction of processing plant at Pickstone-Peerless in July 2015
- Gold mining and processing commenced in August 2015; 5,406 Troy Ounces of gold produced in period to 31 March 2016
- Merger of Mineral Mining SA with African Consolidated Resources SRL (Romania) completed in February 2016; final legal obstacles removed in process to re-issue mining sub-licence to Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine ('Baita Plai') by Romanian state mining corporation
Post period end:
- 4,542 Troy Ounces of gold produced at Pickstone-Peerless in first quarter of FY17
- 727 tonnes of concentrate produced at Manaila in first quarter of FY17
- Significant enhanced JORC Resource declared at Manaila in September 2016
Funding
- Fundraising share issues during the year:
| Issue proceeds | |||||
| Date | US$ | Sterling | Shares issued | Issued to | |
| August 2015 | $2,003,839 | £1,292,415 | 107,701,662 | Investors | |
| August 2015 | $54,840 | £35,000 | 7,000,000 | Warrants exercised | |
| October 2015 | $64,380 | £42,000 | 7,500,000 | Warrants exercised | |
| January 2016 | $1,813,697 | £1,250,000 | 156,250,000 | Crede Capital Group * | |
| January 2016 | $725,900 | £500,000 | 62,500,000 | Directors & Senior Management of the Company | |
| March 2016 | $575,420 | £400,000 | 50,000,000 | Investors | |
* For full details of this arrangement see Note 22
Post period end:
- Approximately $2.66M (£1,738,578) raised from issues of 610,027,669 shares to investors through placings and an open offer to shareholders in July and August 2016
Management
- Appointment of Graham Briggs as non-executive director on 22 December 2015
- Post period end appointment of Carl Kindinger as chief financial officer on 26 September 2016
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Strategic Highlights
During the financial year ended 31 March 2016 the Company succeeded in commissioning two mines; the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine ('Pickstone-Peerless') in Zimbabwe, and the Manaila Polymetallic Mine ('Manaila') in Romania. Our ambition to begin production at a third mine, the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania ("Baita Plai"), has been frustrated by unusual circumstances surrounding the issue of the sub-licence, however it remains our objective to begin mining at this, our third operation, in the near future.
In Romania, Manaila was acquired in July 2015 and has been in production under Vast's control since August 2015. Since beginning production, the Vast team has been monitoring performance and recoveries as there were unexpected issues regarding processing efficiencies and relating to problems associated with separating the zinc from the copper, despite prior laboratory testing which showed more positive results. A copper concentrate containing zinc results in penalties, hence lower prices achieved for the copper concentrate sold and no value for the zinc, which impacted the financial performance of the mine. However, significant progress has been made post period end; we have upgraded our production facilities in order to separate the copper and zinc, which will yield full value for both metals. In addition, we have retained the services of two consultancy companies to implement their proposed solutions following their test work which replicated the original test work undertaken in Romania. This will make a material difference to the economics of the mine, which we expect to reach profitability during August and September 2016. Moreover we have just declared a maiden JORC resource at Manaila which replaces the resource previously reported under the Russian system. The open pittable ore JORC resource is approximately eight times larger than the previously estimated resources under the Russian classification, thus securing much enhanced open pit mine life.
As part of our strategy to increase our operational footprint in Romania, we have continued to progress the grant of the Baita Plai sub-licence. This has been a long and frustrating affair, however the executive team has assured the Board that we are very close to success. As a consequence, the cost of holding the mine and lack of expected income stream has undermined our F2016 budget and resulted in the Company having to raise funds to remain liquid. However, progress was made with the grant of a prospecting licence over the 4.6Mt tailings dam at Faneata, which is comprised of approximately 40 years of tailings from the high grade Baita Plai mine located 7km away. This licence constitutes a separate right from the right to mine at Baita Plai itself, offering a relatively quick, cheap and technically simple route to monetising our interests at this site. A 825m auger drilling campaign is anticipated to commence at Faneata in the coming months.
In Zimbabwe, Pickstone-Peerless has been delivering outstanding results. We are well ahead of budget, with both milling tonnages and gold yield above target. There remain numerous opportunities in Zimbabwe, which we are assessing whilst always being cognisant of the political situation in Zimbabwe, which in isolation, presents both risk and opportunity. The Giant Gold Mine ('Giant'), which is located about 50km from Pickstone-Peerless, remains a target with significant potential value for Vast, in addition to expansion efforts at Pickstone-Peerless itself, in the form of the development of the high-grade sulphide mineralisation below the oxidised ore on which mining is currently focussed.
Leadership group
Our CEO, Roy Pitchford, has been focussing his energies largely in Romania, where he relocated during the year. Roy's key objective is to secure the grant of the Baita Plai sub-licence, ensure Manaila continues its positive operational trajectory and meet profit expectations, in addition to the continued evaluation of further value accretive and complementary opportunities.
Graham Briggs joined the business as a non-executive director on 22 December 2015. Graham, who was previously the CEO of JSE and NYSE listed Harmony Gold Company Limited, and has extensive experience in mining. Since his appointment, Graham has made a valued contribution both from an operational and corporate standpoint.
Eric Diack continues to play a valued role as independent non-exec director and chairman of the audit committee.
Moving forward, the board intends to appoint a full-time COO, to be based in Romania. However we have made the decision to await the formal grant of the Baita Plai sub-licence, and this, together with the uptick in performance at Manaila, should deliver a strong financial platform for future expansion.
Regrettably our CFO Pierre Joubert resigned in August 2016. As announced on 26 September 2016, we are pleased to have now appointed Carl Kindinger as Chief Financial Officer in his stead. Carl is a well-experienced accountant and importantly has agreed to spend a good deal of time in Romania, where we are short on high-level administrative and managerial resources.
Roy Tucker will continue to serve on the Board as Finance Director, as well as covering the Company Secretary role. Roy has indicated he wishes to wind down his involvement in the company once Carl has settled down and appropriate steps are taken to cover the secretarial role and reposition of the company offices.
Funding
The period has been marked by number of small equity placings with investors and directors/senior management in addition to the agreement with Crede Capital ('Crede') to raise up to £5m. The deal with Crede was not received well by shareholders and resulted in a significant drop in share price and high dilution when Crede opted to cash in their warrants using the Black Scholes valuation method. Subsequent to this, the shareholders voted against issuing further head room to support further funding by Crede, effectively terminating the contract.
Looking at our current cash resources and forecast expenditure, currency shortages in Zimbabwe may cause delays in drawing income from Zimbabwe notwithstanding our official permission to repatriate substantial sums. However Vast plans to use its profits from Pickstone-Peerless to support the on-going development in Zimbabwe.
The Group is not yet cash generative; Zimbabwe is currently self-financing and will not require financial support until the expansion at Pickstone-Peerless is approved; and/or the development of Giant is approved. The performance of Pickstone-Peerless could facilitate local debt financing if retained cash flow is insufficient and this is certainly an area which we would explore at the appropriate time.
There is a budgeted cost of approximately $3.0m (capital expenditure, working capital and contingencies) to develop Baita Plai on receipt of the sub-licence. Once the sub-licence is granted, the Board will actively explore opportunities to source the funds required to develop what will be the Group's third operational mine.
Romanian Medium Term Strategy
Whilst Romania has proved to be challenging, we have learned a great deal about the operating environment and culture. Vast has proven to the Romanian government we are a capable and committed mining investor and operator, which we believe will pave the way for new opportunities. We have identified four closed mines which have interesting ore resources (under the Russian system) and significant infrastructure in place - these mines are currently owned by the Government of Romania. Discussions have commenced with the authorities to explore options on how Vast may play a role in resurrecting these mines. We are optimistic these talks will lead to some interesting prospects for the company.
Shareholding
I would like to thank the shareholders for their on-going support through what has been a challenging year. Rest assured the Board are doing their utmost to get the business to a cash positive position, from where we can build long-term value. Further news regarding our progress will be communicated to you during the course of the year.
William Battershill
Group Chairman
STRATEGIC REPORT
Principal activities, review of business and future developments
I am delighted to report that the transformation of the Company from a junior exploration company to a junior mining company is now complete. We now have two mining operations successfully underway and our sights remain set on expanding our operational footprint and increasing efficiencies, recoveries and financial performance. With the successful progress of these two initial mines over recent months, the Company has now moved into positive cash generation at the operating level at current metal prices thus providing a solid platform for future profitability.
The two mines are Peerless-Pickstone, which continues to return good cash generation and Manaila which is moving towards efficient steady state production. In line with our strategy to prioritise revenue generative operations all green field exploration work has ceased with the exception of our farmed-out rare earths interests at Nkombwa Hill in Zambia. Mine site exploration work continues at Manaila and is due to begin shortly at the Faneata Tailing Dam, located 7km from the Baita Plai mine.
Our safety record has been very pleasing, without any lost time injuries at either of the mines. Manaila now has a four-year record without any injuries at the Manaila Open Pit or the Iacobeni Metallurgical Complex.
The cessation of exploration activities has resulted in management reviewing the carrying cost of all former exploration assets. This resulted in the impairment of the Blue Rock (gold) and the Chishanya (phosphate) prospects in Zimbabwe, and the Nkombwa Hills rare earths and phosphate project, although our earn-in partner is still developing this prospect. Future results will therefore not be negatively impacted by the impairment of exploration assets.
Romania remains the current focus of attention, although expansion at Pickstone-Peerless and the possible development of Giant Gold Mine (Giant) are also actively being reviewed by the Company and our co-investor Grayfox Investments (Private) Limited (Grayfox).
While further investment opportunities are available in both Romania and Zimbabwe, the Board's near term focus is squarely on increasing efficiencies and achieving profitability at Manaila. An important aspect of this will be the diversification of our product range. Although to date Manaila has been selling a copper concentrate, the physical zinc tonnage content is almost the same as the copper tonnage content, and following commission of the zinc line the zinc concentrate sales are expected to deliver a significant portion of future revenue. In addition, a third revenue stream from Manaila is achievable through the production of a silver and gold concentrate. Silver and gold credits currently represent up to 30 per cent. of the current revenue from Manaila, demonstrating the potential for this to represent a considerable source of value once capitalised on.
In tandem with this, we will continue to seek to advance the issue of the sub-licence at Baita Plai, whilst simultaneously making progress to exploit the Faneata Dam.
The Zambian assets have been sold with the Company retaining a residual minority interest in Nkombwa Hill. The exploration results at Nkombwa Hill have been encouraging and Vast remains in regular contact with the earn-in partner in evaluating the way forward for this project.
Improvements at Manaila and the development of Baita Plai in Romania are designed to put the Company in a cash generative position that will cover the operational and overhead costs relating to Romania and the UK, while the cash generated at Pickstone Peerless in so far as it is not used to repay our loan to Grayfox will be retained to fund expansion of Pickstone-Peerless and future development work at Giant.
With regard to management, we are delighted to welcome Carl Kindinger to the Company as Chief Financial Officer. He has 25 years Board level experience of which the last ten have been in the resource sector with AIM listed companies. He has proven experience in information systems, cost saving, fund raising and corporate governance. We are confident that Carl has the requisite skillset to support the Company's active growth plans as we look to increase production and profitability at our operational mines.
Significant transactions have been undertaken and are highlighted below.
The Directors consider the Group's key performance indicators to be:
- Production volumes and recovery rates
- On-going control of its mining costs and production facilities
- The rate of utilisation of the Group's cash resources. This is discussed further below.
Cash resources
As can be seen from the statement of financial position, cash resources for the Group at 31 March 2016 were approximately $0.8 million (2015: $3.1 million). During the year, the cash outflows from operations were $1.8 million (2015: $4.2 million) and from investing activities were $8.0 million (2015: $80,000). The Directors monitor the cash position of the Group closely and seek to ensure that there are sufficient funds within the business to allow the Group to meet its commitments and continue the development of the assets. During the year to 31 March 2016, over 80 per cent. of all expenditure was spent on directly developing the three mining properties in Romania and Zimbabwe.
The Directors closely monitor the development of the Group's assets and focus in particular on ensuring that the regulatory requirements of the licences are in good standing at all times and that any capital expenditure on the assets is closely controlled and monitored. Details of the Group's spend on capital items in the year are set out in notes 10 and 11 of the financial statements.
The loss after tax arising from continuing operations during the year was $6.9 million (2015: $6.0 million). However, over the year the cash absorbed by operations was only $1.8 million as a result of $5.1 million of non-cash items, principally, depreciation, share option and other share based payment charges and a deferred tax credit. The loss recognised on discontinued operations did not involve any cash outflow. The Group raised fresh share capital of $5.2 million and raised loan finance of $2.4 million. Capital expenditure on the development on mine properties was $8.6 million. The overall reduction in cash available to the Group was therefore $2.3 million.
A summary of the cash movement in the holding company for the year is as follows:
| $'000 | |
| Opening cash balance | 2,330 |
| Source of cash | |
| Issue of shares | *5,008 |
| Funds remitted from Zimbabwe | 472 |
| Total cash available | 7,810 |
| Utilisation of cash | |
| Manaila Polymetallic Mine (capex and working capital) | (3,048) |
| Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine (capex & care/maintenance costs) | (1,001) |
| Romania Overheads | (641) |
| Zimbabwe and Zambia overheads | (71) |
| UK overheads | |
| Legal, audit, NOMAD and other professional fees | (660) |
| Salaries | (1,468) |
| Other overhead costs | (233) |
| Net interest paid | (73) |
| Total cash utilised | (7,195) |
| Closing balance | 615 |
* new share capital raised $5.2 million, but $5.008 million cash physically received during the period.
Projects update
Romania
Manaila continues to improve the quality and quantity of the concentrates it produces. Post year-end, good progress has been made towards producing separate copper and zinc concentrates. Previously, an excessive amount of zinc was being recovered in the copper concentrate thereby incurring a penalty, while unrecovered zinc was being lost in the tailings disposal. As announced on 6 September 2016, zinc now has been successfully removed from the copper concentrate and the second phase of producing a zinc concentrate is now underway. The sale of two separate better quality concentrates will enhance revenues. Once the production of the copper and zinc concentrates has achieved steady state, the recovery of gold and silver not recovered in the copper and zinc concentrates will be evaluated. If successful this will provide Manaila with a third income stream.
Manaila has, in March 2016, obtained a new prospecting licence which will provide a 20 fold increase in its prospecting area, and as announced on 26 September 2016 now has a maiden JORC Resource covering the original mining licence and exploration done on the extension. The JORC open pittable ore resource is 2.60Mt which replaces the previous Russian system resource of 0.35Mt thus securing a material increase in the open pit life of the mine.
At Baita Plai the primary objective remains the securing of the association sub-licence from the state mining company S.C. Baita S.A. All legal and regulatory requirements have been fulfilled by Vast and the Company has a contractual right to receive the sub-licence. High-level discussions are now in place to resolve the quantum of the outstanding obligation between S.C. Baita S.A. and the Company's Romanian subsidiary. The courts have determined the final amount subject to a technical confirmation currently being completed. Vast remains confident that the sub-licence will follow in accordance with the contract.
In the interim, expenditure at Baita Plai has been limited to the required care and maintenance requirements and some capital expenditure to comply with health and safety regulations that permit continued access to the important areas of the mine such as the pumping stations. Part of the capital expenditure has reduced the pumping costs at the mine by 50%. Further capital expenditure will be restricted in part until after receipt of the sub-licence, and in part until after the test work on the processing of the ore has been completed.
The Company is planning to commission a drilling campaign targeting the Faneata Tailings Dam, which is comprised of approximately 40 years of tailings from the high grade Baita Plai mine. It is anticipated that Faneata could become a stand-alone mining operation with the application of enhanced processing technologies that have the ability to enable the economic extraction of the metalliferous content of the tailings.
The experience and knowledge gained at Manaila will be invaluable when reopening Baita Plai. The success of the test-work undertaken by SGS (UK) and Minxcon at Manaila is likely to see these consultants actively involved in the reopening process at Baita Plai. The marketing experience of the Manaila concentrates will also be of value to the marketing of the Baita Plai concentrates.
Zimbabwe
Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine
The highly experienced management team running this mine have consistently improved its performance since operations commenced. The mine is now consistently milling circa 20,000 tonnes a month with a grade of greater than 2 grammes/tonne (g/t) of gold.
Mine plan drilling has enhanced the understanding of the ore body derived from the resource drilling and in excess of two years mill feed at a grade exceeding 2g/t gold has been identified.
Evaluation of the sulphide ore body and the processing of this expected higher-grade ore has commenced and will lead to detailed planning and costing of this next phase of development.
The robust gold price gives further encouragement to investing and expanding Pickstone-Peerless.
Giant Gold Mine
Currently there is an inferred resource at Giant of circa 500,000 ozs gold for the mine. Historically, Giant was a significant producer and like Pickstone-Peerless it is believed that a world-class resource could be delineated at this mine. Artisanal mining at Giant, like Pickstone-Peerless, indicates significant mineralisation giving further encouragement to fully evaluate the gold resource potential of this prospect.
Other:
Significant new projects are potentially available in Zimbabwe, but limited efforts have been directed towards these due to constraints in resources, regarding both financial and personnel.
Zambia
The earn-in partner on Nkombwa Hill, who now holds a 50.6% interest in the prospect, has achieved good exploration progress. A JORC compliant resource statement will be released soon. Work on the second phase of the exploration programme is expected to begin shortly. When the earn-in reaches 65%, Vast will be entitled to retain this level of participation by contributing its share of future development funding for the project.
Fund raising
At the time of reporting, taking into consideration the Group's existing funds, the receipt of the Baita Plai sub-licence will trigger the process of restarting the mine requiring the Company to secure approximately $4 million in additional funding over the period to December 2016. Various funding options, including conventional debt finance, are being considered.
Impairment of projects
A comprehensive review for impairment on all the projects was undertaken. As the Group has ceased all greenfield exploration activities, all intangibles previously held have been classified as discontinued operations. Further details contained in note 10.
Risk management
The Board has identified the following as being the principal strategic and operational risks (in no order of priority)
- Risk - Going concern
The Group will require more cash for its near term investment purposes - particularly for the development of the Baita Plai sub-licence, once it is received - but is confident that it will be able to raise cash from investors as it is required; $2.66 million (before issue costs) has already been raised from share issues since the year end. However, this position could be undermined by change of investor appetite, unforeseen delays, cost overruns or adverse commodity price movements and therefore indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern.
Mitigation/Comments
The Board will continue to engage potential investors to aid understanding of the fundamental strength of the Group's business so as to be in a position to attract additional funding when required. The Board will also whenever possible retain sufficient cash margin to offset contingencies.
- Risk - Mining
Mining of natural resources involves significant risk. Drilling and operating risks include geological, geotechnical, seismic factors, industrial and mechanical incidents, technical failures, labour disputes and environmental hazards.
Mitigation/Comments
Use of strong technical management together with modern technology and electronic tools assist in reducing risk in this area. Good employee relations are also key in reducing the exposure to labour disputes. The Group is committed to following sound environmental guidelines and is keenly aware of the issues surrounding each individual project.
- Risk - Commodity prices
Commodity prices are subject to fluctuation in world markets and are dependent on such factors as mineral output and demand, global economic trends and geo-political stability.
Mitigation/Comments
The Group's management constantly monitors mineral grades mined and cost of production to ensure that mining output remains economic at all times. Once output stabilises beyond the initial development phase, it will be possible to hedge future price fluctuations by entering into forward selling contracts. Beyond that the Group aims to remain a low cost producer.
- Risk - Retention of Key Personnel
The successful achievement of the Group's strategies, business plans and objectives depends upon its ability to attract and retain certain key personnel.
Mitigation/Comments
The Group is committed to the fostering of a management culture where management is empowered and where innovation and creativity in the workplace is encouraged. In order to retain key personnel, it has introduced a "Share Appreciation Right Scheme" for directors and senior executives, and will address a bonus scheme for others.
- Risk - Country and Political
The Group's operations are based in Zimbabwe and Romania. Emerging market economies could be subject to greater risks, including legal, regulatory, economic and political risks, and are potentially subject to rapid change. These risks exist particularly in Zimbabwe where the Group is affected by that country's Indigenisation Regulations which are subject to change and are of uncertain effect. Further information on the Indigenisation Regulations is given in Note 27.
Mitigation/Comments
The Group's management team is highly experienced in its areas of operation. The Group routinely monitors political and regulatory developments in each of its countries of operation. In addition, the Group actively engages in dialogue with relevant Government representatives in order to keep abreast of all key legal and regulatory developments applicable to its operations. The Group has a number of internal processes and checks in place to ensure that it is wholly compliant with all relevant regulations in order to maintain its mining or exploration licences within each country of operation. In Zimbabwe the Group will take the necessary steps to comply with the Indigenisation Regulations. These country risks are further addressed in the Notes to the Financial Statements.
- Risk - Social, Safety and Environmental
The Group's success may depend upon its social, safety and environmental performance, as failures can lead to delays or suspension of its mining activities.
Mitigation/Comments
The Group takes its responsibilities in these areas seriously and monitors its performance across these areas on a regular basis.
- Risk - Impairment of intangible assets
The Group has licences or claims over a number of discrete areas of exploration. Review of deferred exploration expenses involves significant judgement and this increases the risk of misstatement.
Mitigation/Comments
It is the Group's policy for the Board to review progress every quarter on each area in order to approve the timing and amount of further expenditure or to decide that no further expenditure is warranted. If no further expenditure is warranted for any area, then the related costs will be written off. The board measures progression in each of its claim areas based on a number of factors including specific technical results, international commodity markets, claim holding costs and economic considerations. Further details are included in Note 10 of the Financial Statements.
Outlook
The period under review has seen significant progress from an operation standpoint, with our team overcoming several hurdles which places us in a strong position moving forward.
The excellent performance of Pickstone-Peerless is testament to the expertise and hard work of the management team, often working in difficult conditions. A comprehensive mine plan has been established that will provide the mill with good grade ore for the next two to three years. Longer term, the resource drilling and improved knowledge of the ore body, has indicated the strong potential for a robust and financially attractive mining operation for many years to come.
Exploration at Giant is expected to commence in the coming year and it is hoped this will lead to the delineation of sufficient resources to enable pre-feasibility study work to commence.
The programme to improve the quality, quantity, and variety of concentrate produced at Manaila has begun to bear fruit. Separation of copper and zinc into their respective concentrates has been achieved and the mine is now building up its production volumes of copper and zinc concentrates.
The award of the Baita Plai sub-licence will see the commencement of certain refurbishment work on the mine and processing plant. The full capital investment to restart the mine will be finalised once the planned test work has been completed.
The continued good cash generation at Pickstone-Peerless, the steady state production at Manaila, and the commencement of production at Baita Plai is expected to put the Company into positive cash generation at current metal prices.
To the management and staff at Pickstone-Peerless, a special vote of thanks for the excellent results achieved at the mine this year. At Manaila, the resilience and persistence of the staff and management during a particularly difficult period of implementing new and additional processes to achieve separate copper and zinc concentrates is also much appreciated. The patience and commitment of the small team of care and maintenance staff at Baita Plai is appreciated and it is hoped that new members of staff will soon join them when the reopening of the mine commences.
I am grateful to my fellow directors and senior management at Vast for their continued support and commitment to the Company. The commitment and support of the co-owners of Pickstone-Peerless, Grayfox, is also appreciated and a special thank you for their contribution to the success of the mine. The initial successes achieved by our earn-in partners at Nkombwa Hill is due to their hard work and commitment to the project, for which Vast is grateful.
On behalf of the Board
Roy A. Pitchford
Group Chief Executive Officer
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
for the year ended 31 March 2016
The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016.
Results and dividends
The Group statement of comprehensive income is set out below and shows the loss for the year.
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2015: nil).
Financial instruments
Details of the use of financial instruments by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings are contained in note 21 of the financial statements.
Directors
The Directors who served during the year and up to the date hereof were as follows:-
Date of Appointment
Roy Tucker 5 April 2005
Roy Pitchford 7 April 2014
William Battershill 30 May 2014
Eric Diack 30 May 2014
Graham Briggs 22 December 2015
Directors' interests
The interests in the shares of the Company of the Directors who served during the year were as follows:
| 31 March 2016 | 31 March 2015 | |||
| Ordinary Shares | Share Options | Ordinary Shares | Share Options | |
| William Battershill | 28,750,659 | - | 28,750,659 | - |
| Graham Briggs | 4,166,625 | - | - | - |
| Eric Diack | - | - | - | - |
| Roy Pitchford | - | - | - | - |
| Roy Tucker | 31,607,029 | - | 26,398,717 | 3,500,000 |
| Total | 64,524,313 | - | 55,149,376 | 3,500,000 |
Share Options
| Exercise price | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Movements during year | Outstanding at 31 March 2016 | |
| Issued | Lapsed | |||
| Roy Tucker | ||||
| 5.0p | 3,500,000 | - | 3,500,000 | - |
| Total | 3,500,000 | - | 3,500,000 | - |
Employee Benefit Trust
The following shares are held in an unapproved Employee Benefit Trust. The Directors' beneficial interest in these shares is as follows:
| Subscription price | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Exercised during last 12 months | Granted during last 12 months | Outstanding at 31 March 2016 | ||
| Exercise date | ||||||
| Roy Tucker | 8.75p | 1,500,000 | - | - | 1,500,000 | 50% Jul 2010 |
| 50% Jul 2011 | ||||||
| 9.00p | 750,000 | - | - | 750,000 | 50% Aug 2011 | |
| 50% Aug 2012 | ||||||
| 6.00p | 2,750,000 | - | - | 2,750,000 | 50% Aug 2012 | |
| 50% Aug 2013 | ||||||
| Total | 5,000,000 | - | - | 5,000,000 |
See note 23 for further details of the EBT
Share Appreciation Rights Scheme
The following Directors have been granted rights under the Company's Share Appreciation Rights Scheme (SARS):
| Vesting period | ||||
| Grant date | SARs awarded | Start | Finish | |
| William Battershill | 1 Jun 2015 | 12,000,000 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2019 |
| Eric Diack | 1 Jun 2015 | 12,000,000 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2019 |
| Roy Pitchford | 1 Jun 2015 | 20,000,000 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2019 |
| 1 Jun 2015 | 12,000,000 | 31 Mar 2017 | 31 Mar 2020 | |
| Roy Tucker | 1 Jun 2015 | 10,000,000 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2019 |
| 1 Jun 2015 | 8,000,000 | 31 Mar 2017 | 31 Mar 2020 | |
See note 23 for further details of the SARS
Directors' remuneration
| Salary/Fees | Termination Payments | Pension | Medical aid | Total | |
| 2016 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 |
| William Battershill | 75 | - | - | - | 75 |
| Graham Briggs | 8 | - | - | - | 8 |
| Eric Diack | 60 | - | - | - | 60 |
| Roy Pitchford | 210 | - | - | - | 210 |
| Roy Tucker | 187 | - | - | - | 187 |
| Total | 540 | - | - | - | 540 |
| 2015 | |||||
| Stuart Bottomley * | 16 | - | - | - | 16 |
| William Battershill | 81 | - | - | - | 81 |
| Eric Diack | 73 | - | - | - | 73 |
| Michael Kellow * | 28 | - | 3 | - | 31 |
| Neville Nicolau * | 11 | - | - | - | 11 |
| Roy Pitchford | 188 | - | - | - | 188 |
| Roy Tucker | 165 | - | - | - | 165 |
| Total | 562 | - | 3 | - | 565 |
* Former Director
Part of the remuneration of Roy Tucker represents payment for UK office services that are provided by Roy Tucker under his consultancy contract at his expense. His remuneration also includes irrecoverable VAT. No part of the remuneration paid, (2015: $11,800) has been settled by issuing shares.
The Company has qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of the Directors.
Auditors
All of the current Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any information needed by the Company's auditors for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. The Directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware. The Company's auditor, Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP, was initially appointed on 25 April 2016 and it is proposed by the Board that they be reappointed as auditors at the forthcoming AGM.
Events after the reporting date
These are more fully disclosed in Note 29
By order of the Board
Roy C. Tucker
Secretary 28 September 2016
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs') as adopted by the EU and applicable law.
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
They are further responsible for ensuring that the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors and other information included in the Annual Report and Financial Statements is prepared in accordance with applicable law in the United Kingdom.
The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve the consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred in the accounts since they were initially presented on the website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the accounts and the other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VAST RESOURCES PLC
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Vast Resources Plc
We have audited the financial statements of Vast Resources Plc for the year ended 31 March 2016 which comprise the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group and Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the Group and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position, the Group and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flow and the related notes.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and any other surround information to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
- the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent company's affairs as at 31 March 2016 and of the group's loss for the year then ended;
- the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;
- the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
- the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Emphasis of Matter - Going Concern
In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in the statement of accounting policies in the financial statements concerning the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Further funds will be required to finance the Group's and Company's working capital requirements and the development of the Group's Romanian assets. If cash flow from existing sources was not sufficient to meet the Group's commitments the Directors are confident that additional funds could be successfully raised from other sources. However, there are no binding agreements in place to date. These conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Company was unable to continue as a going concern.
Emphasis of Matter - Indigenisation Regulation Zimbabwe
In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the Directors' disclosure of the impacts of the Indigenisation Regulation in Zimbabwe, (see basis of preparation in the statement of accounting policies and in note 27 in the financial statements). This Regulation, as set in its present format would require transfer of 51% of all Zimbabwean projects to designated local entities, and as explained in Note 27, this gives rise to a significant uncertainty over the ability of the Group and Company to realise the value of the Group's assets. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if 51% of the Zimbabwean projects were required to be transferred. These adjustments would principally be significant impairment of the Group's Zimbabwean exploration assets and the Company's investment in subsidiaries.
Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Stephen Bullock
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP
Statutory Auditor
St Bride's House
10 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8EH
Dated: 28 September 2016
Group statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 March 2016
| 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | ||
| Group | Group | ||
| Note | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Revenue | 7,200 | - | |
| Cost of sales | (5,608) | - | |
| Gross profit | 1,592 | - | |
| Overhead expenses | (9,615) | (5,993) | |
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | (2,151) | - | |
| Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment | (57) | - | |
| Share option (expense) / credit | (3,368) | 25 | |
| Other administrative and overhead expenses | (4,039) | (6,018) | |
| Loss from operations | (8,023) | (5,993) | |
| Finance income | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Finance expense | (509) | - | |
| Loss before taxation from continuing operations | (8,531) | (5,990) | |
| Tax credit | 5 | 1,658 | - |
| Loss after taxation from continuing operations | (6,873) | (5,990) | |
| Gain on business combination | 14 | 41 | 169 |
| Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax | 14 | (8,739) | (1,033) |
| Total loss for the year | (15,571) | (6,854) | |
| Other comprehensive income | |||
| Gain on available for sale financial assets | 10 | 18 | |
| Exchange loss on translation of foreign operations | (135) | - | |
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | (15,696) | (6,836) | |
| Total loss attributable to: | |||
| - the equity holders of the parent company | (16,100) | (6,617) | |
| - non-controlling interests | 529 | (237) | |
| (15,571) | (6,854) | ||
| Total comprehensive loss attributable to: | |||
| - the equity holders of the parent company | (16,225) | (6,599) | |
| - non-controlling interests | 529 | (237) | |
| (15,696) | (6,836) | ||
| Loss per share - basic and diluted | 8 | (1.02) | (0.75) |
| Loss per share from continuing operations - basic and diluted | (0.44) | (0.68) |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 March 2016
| Share capital | Share premium | Share option reserve | Foreign currency translation reserve | Available for sale reserve | EBT reserve | Retained deficit | Total | Non-controlling interests | Total | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| At 31 March 2014 | 14,075 | 62,893 | 504 | (1,843) | (31) | (3,942) | (39,078) | 32,578 | - | 32,578 |
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | 18 | - | (6,617) | (6,599) | (236) | (6,835) |
| Share option charges | - | - | (25) | - | - | - | - | (25) | - | (25) |
| Interest in mining asset | - | - | - | - | - | - | (7,404) | (7,404) | 9,403 | 1,999 |
| Acquired through business combination | ||||||||||
| - Dallaglio Investments (Pvt) Ltd | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| - Mineral Mining SA | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (198) | (198) |
| Shares issued: | ||||||||||
| - for cash consideration | 715 | 3,089 | - | - | - | - | - | 3,804 | - | 3,804 |
| - to settle liabilities | 245 | 123 | - | - | - | - | - | 368 | - | 368 |
| (including Directors) | ||||||||||
| At 31 March 2015 | 15,035 | 66,105 | 479 | (1,843) | (13) | (3,942) | (53,099) | 22,722 | 10,969 | 33,691 |
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | (135) | 10 | - | (16,100) | (16,225) | 529 | (15,696) |
| Share options charge | - | - | 3,368 | - | - | - | - | 3,368 | - | 3,368 |
| Share options lapsed | - | - | (1,748) | - | - | - | 1,748 | - | - | - |
| Acquired through business combination | ||||||||||
| - Sinarom Mining Group SA | - | - | - | - | - | - | (20) | (20) | 20 | - |
| Shares issued: | ||||||||||
| - for cash consideration | 796 | 4,364 | - | - | - | - | - | 5,160 | - | 5,160 |
| - to settle liabilities | 274 | 1,183 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,457 | - | 1,457 |
| At 31 March 2016 | 16,105 | 71,652 | 2,099 | (1,978) | (3) | (3,942) | (67,471) | 16,462 | 11,518 | 27,980 |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 March 2016
| Share capital | Share premium | Share option reserve | Foreign currency translation reserve | Available for sale reserve | EBT reserve | Retained deficit | Total | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| At 31 March 2014 | 14,075 | 62,893 | 504 | (4,954) | 1 | (3,942) | (36,000) | 32,577 |
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | (6,039) | (6,035) |
| Share option charges (credit) | - | - | (25) | - | - | - | - | (25) |
| Shares issued: | ||||||||
| - for cash consideration | 715 | 3,089 | - | - | - | - | - | 3,804 |
| - to settle liabilities | 245 | 123 | - | - | - | - | - | 368 |
| (including Directors) | ||||||||
| At 31 March 2015 | 15,035 | 66,105 | 479 | (4,954) | 5 | (3,942) | (42,039) | 30,689 |
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (5) | - | (5,807) | (5,812) |
| Share option charges | - | - | 3,368 | - | - | - | 3,368 | |
| Share options lapsed | - | - | (1,748) | - | - | - | 1,748 | - |
| Shares issued: | ||||||||
| - for cash consideration | 796 | 4,364 | - | - | - | - | - | 5,160 |
| - to settle liabilities | 274 | 1,183 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,457 |
| At 31 March 2016 | 16,105 | 71,652 | 2,099 | (4,954) | - | (3,942) | (46,098) | 34,862 |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
Group and Company statements of financial position
As at 31 March 2016
| 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | ||
| Group | Group | Company | Company | ||
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | ||
| Assets | Note | ||||
| Non-current assets | |||||
| Intangible assets | 10 | - | 8,739 | - | 185 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 11 | 32,539 | 22,621 | - | 75 |
| Investment in subsidiaries | 12 | - | - | 218 | 218 |
| Loans to group companies | 13 | - | - | 33,963 | 29,256 |
| Deferred tax asset | 5 | 1,658 | - | - | - |
| 34,197 | 31,360 | 34,181 | 29,734 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Inventory | 15 | 1,912 | 65 | - | - |
| Receivables | 16 | 3,896 | 4,134 | 412 | 345 |
| Available for sale investments | 17 | 8 | 24 | 5 | 5 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 831 | 3,090 | 615 | 2,330 | |
| Restricted cash | - | 637 | - | - | |
| Total current assets | 6,647 | 7,950 | 1,032 | 2,680 | |
| Total Assets | 40,844 | 39,310 | 35,213 | 32,414 | |
| Equity and Liabilities | |||||
| Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Parent | |||||
| Share capital | 22 | 16,105 | 15,035 | 16,105 | 15,035 |
| Share premium | 71,652 | 66,105 | 71,652 | 66,105 | |
| Share option reserve | 2,099 | 479 | 2,099 | 479 | |
| Foreign currency translation reserve | (1,978) | (1,843) | (4,954) | (4,954) | |
| Available for sale reserve | (3) | (13) | - | 5 | |
| EBT reserve | (3,942) | (3,942) | (3,942) | (3,942) | |
| Retained deficit | (67,471) | (53,099) | (46,098) | (42,039) | |
| 16,462 | 22,722 | 34,862 | 30,689 | ||
| Non-controlling interests | 25 | 11,518 | 10,969 | - | - |
| Total equity | 27,980 | 33,691 | 34,862 | 30,689 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||||
| Loans and borrowings | 18 | 911 | 1,555 | - | - |
| Provisions | 20 | 954 | - | - | - |
| 1,865 | 1,555 | - | - | ||
| Current liabilities | |||||
| Loans and borrowings | 18 | 2,504 | 1,229 | - | 1,229 |
| Trade and other payables | 19 | 6,729 | 2,835 | 351 | 496 |
| Bank overdraft | 1,766 | - | - | - | |
| Total current liabilities | 10,999 | 4,064 | 351 | 1,725 | |
| Total liabilities | 12,864 | 5,619 | 351 | 1,725 | |
| Total Equity and Liabilities | 40,844 | 39,310 | 35,213 | 32,414 |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 27 September 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:
Roy C. Tucker Registered number 05414325
Director
28 September 2016
Group and Company statements of cash flow
for the year ended 31 March 2016
| 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITES | ||||
| Loss before taxation for the year | (8,531) | (5,990) | (5,812) | (6,039) |
| Adjustments for: | ||||
| Depreciation | 2,151 | 465 | 10 | 40 |
| Loss (profit) on sale of property, plant and equipment | 57 | (120) | 65 | (168) |
| Liabilities settled in shares | 1,457 | 368 | 1,457 | 368 |
| Share option expense | 3,368 | (25) | 3,368 | (25) |
| (1,498) | (5,302) | (912) | (5,824) | |
| Changes in working capital: | ||||
| Decrease (increase) in receivables | 670 | (654) | (67) | (322) |
| Increase in inventories | (1,779) | (4) | - | - |
| Increase (decrease) in payables | 867 | 1,503 | (145) | 1,258 |
| (242) | 845 | (212) | 936 | |
| Cash used in operations | (1,740) | (4,457) | (1,124) | (4,888) |
| Investing activities: | ||||
| Payments to acquire intangible assets | (63) | - | (65) | |
| Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment | (8,718) | (394) | - | - |
| Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 5 | 1,536 | - | 1,508 |
| Payments to acquire subsidiary company | - | (522) | - | - |
| Restricted cash movement | 637 | (637) | - | - |
| (Increase) decrease in loans to group companies | - | - | (4,522) | 1,504 |
| Total cash used in investing activities | (8,076) | (80) | (4,522) | 2,947 |
| Financing Activities: | ||||
| Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares, net of issue costs | 5,160 | 3,804 | 5,160 | 3,804 |
| Proceeds from investment by Grayfox (Private) Limited | - | 1,700 | - | |
| Movement in loans and borrowings | 2,397 | 1,555 | (1,229) | - |
| Total proceeds from financing activities | 7,557 | 7,059 | 3,931 | 3,804 |
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (2,259) | 2,522 | (1,715) | 1,863 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 3,090 | 568 | 2,330 | 467 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 831 | 3,090 | 615 | 2,330 |
The accompanying notes and accounting policies form an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of accounting policies
for the year ended 31 March 2016
General information
Vast Resources plc and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") are engaged principally in the exploration for and development of mineral projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe. Since incorporation the Group has built an extensive and interesting portfolio of projects in Zimbabwe and more recently in Romania. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Vast Resources plc was incorporated as a public limited company under UK Company Law with registered number 05414325. It is domiciled at, and is registered at Nettlestead Place, Nettlestead, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5HA.
Basis of preparation and going concern assessment
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial information are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied throughout the current year and prior year, unless otherwise stated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs and IFRIC interpretations) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRS.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of Vast Resources plc and its subsidiary undertakings as at 31 March 2016.
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention on a going concern basis.
At the date of these financial statements the Directors expect that the Group's Zimbabwean operations will provide it with sufficient cash flow to support its capital requirements in Zimbabwe. However, the Group will require further funding to finance the Group's and Company's working capital requirements and the development of the Group's Romanian assets. The Directors are confident that the Company will be able to raise funds for such requirements from investors as required although no binding funding agreement is in place at the date of this Report. These conditions indicate the existence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustment that would result if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern.
The Zimbabwean Government's policy on indigenisation as set in its present format creates an obligation for the Group. The full effect that this legislation might have on the operations of the Group is yet to be quantified and is subject to significant uncertainty over the ability of the Group and Company to realise the value of the Group's assets. Further details on indigenisation are contained in note 27.
Changes in Accounting Policies
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, a number of Standards and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective. The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations, or any of the amendments made to existing standards as a result of the annual improvements cycle, will have a material effect on the financial statements in the year of initial application.
Areas of estimates and judgement
The preparation of the Group financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the next financial year are discussed below:
a) Useful lives of property, plant & equipment
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful economic lives. Useful economic lives are based on management's estimates of the period that the assets will be in operational use, which are periodically reviewed for continued appropriateness. Due to the long life of certain assets, changes to estimates used can result in significant variations in the carrying value. More details, including carrying values, are included in note 11 to the financial statements.
b) Impairment of intangibles and mining assets
The Group reviews, on an annual basis, whether deferred exploration costs, acquired as intangible assets or PP&E, mining options and licence acquisition costs have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts are determined based on an assessment of the economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Group to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of the reserves and future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of recoverable reserves. Actual outcomes may vary. More details, including carrying values, are included in note 10 to the financial statements.
c) Share based payments
The Group operates an equity settled and cash settled share based remuneration scheme for key employees. Employee services received, and the corresponding increase in equity, are measured by reference to the fair value of equity instruments at the date of grant.
In addition, the Group may frequently enter into financial arrangements that involve the convertibility of part or all of the liabilities assumed under these arrangements into shares in the parent Company, under an option arrangement.
The fair value of these share options is estimated by using the Black Scholes model on the date of grant based on certain assumptions. Those assumptions are described in note 23 and include, among others, the expected volatility and expected life of the options.
d) Going concern and Inter-company loan recoverability.
The Group's cash flow projections, which have used conservative assumptions on forward commodity prices, indicate that the Group should have sufficient resources to continue as a going concern. Should the projections not be realised the Group's going concern would depend on the success of future fund raising initiatives. The recoverability of inter-Company loans advanced by the Company to subsidiaries depends also on the subsidiaries realising their cash flow projections.
e) Estimates of fair value
The Group may enter into financial instruments, which are required by IFRS to be recorded at fair value within the financial statements. In determining the fair value of such instruments the Directors are required to apply judgement in selecting the inputs used in valuation models such as the Black Scholes or Monte Carlo model. Inputs over which the Directors may be required to form judgements relate to, et al, volatility rates, vesting periods, risk free interest rates, commodity price assumptions and discount rate. In addition, where a valuation requires more complex fair value considerations the Directors may appoint third party advisers to assist in the determination of fair value.
The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted)
Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs
Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data).
The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item.
f) Provisions
The Group is required to estimate the cost of its obligations to realise and rehabilitate its mining properties.
The estimation of the cost of complying with the Group's obligations at future dates and in economically unpredictable regions, and the application of appropriate discount rates thereto, gives rise to significant estimation uncertainties.
Basis of consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of control.
De-facto control exists in situations where the Company has the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee without holding the majority of the voting rights. In determining whether de-facto control exists the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including:
- The size of the Company's voting rights relative to both the size and dispersion of other parties who hold voting rights.
- Substantive potential voting rights held by the Company and by other parties.
- Other contractual arrangements.
- Historic patterns in voting attendance.
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they formed a single entity. Inter-company transactions and balances between Group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. In the statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date on which control ceases.
Business combinations
The financial information incorporates the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the statement of changes in equity, the acquirer's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Group statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. The assets acquired have been valued at their fair value. Any excess of consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated to the mining asset. Any excess fair value over the consideration paid is considered to be negative goodwill and is immediately recorded within the income statement.
Where business combinations are discontinued, whether by closure or disposal to third parties, any resultant gain or loss on the discontinued operation is identified separately and dealt with in the Group's consolidated income statement as a separate item.
Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT")
The Company has established an Employee Benefit Trust. The assets and liabilities of this trust comprise shares in the Company and loan balances due to the Company. The Company includes the EBT within its accounts and therefore recognises an EBT reserve in respect of the amounts loaned to the EBT and used to purchase shares in the Company. Any cash received by the EBT on disposal of the shares it holds will be recognised directly in equity. Any shares held by the EBT are treated as cancelled for the purposes of calculating earnings per share.
Financial assets
The Group's financial assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and available for sale investments. The Group's accounting policy for each category of financial asset is as follows:
Loans and receivables
These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition or issue, and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment.
Impairment provisions are recognised when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties on the part of the counterparty or default or significant delay in payment) that the Group will be unable to collect all of the amounts due under the terms receivable, the amount of such a provision being the difference between the net carrying amount and the present value of the future expected cash flows associated with the impaired receivable. For receivables, which are reported net, such provisions are recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss being recognised within administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. On confirmation that the receivable will not be collectable, the gross carrying value of the asset is written off against the associated provision.
The Group's loans and receivables comprise other receivables and cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position.
Cash and cash equivalents
Comprises cash on hand and balances with banks. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid accounts that are readily converted to known amounts of cash. They include short term bank deposits and short term investments.
Any cash or bank balances that are subject to any restrictive conditions, such as cash held in escrow pending the conclusion of conditions precedent to completion of a contract, are disclosed separately as "Restricted cash".
There is no significant difference between the carrying value and fair value of receivables.
Available for sale
Non-derivative financial assets not included in the categories above are classified as available-for-sale and comprise the Group's strategic investments in entities not qualifying as subsidiaries, associates or jointly controlled entities. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognised directly in equity. Where a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset constitutes evidence of impairment, for example if the decline is significant or prolonged, the amount of the loss is removed from equity and recognised in the profit or loss for the year.
Financial liabilities
The Group's financial liabilities consist of trade and other payables (including short terms loans) and long term secured borrowings. These are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest method. Where any liability carries a right to convertibility into shares in the Group, the fair value of the equity and liability portions of the liability is determined at the date that the convertible instrument is issued, by use of appropriate discount factors.
Foreign currency
The functional currency of the Company and all of its subsidiaries is the United States Dollar, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company and all of its subsidiaries operate.
Transactions entered into by the Group entities in a currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (the "functional currency") are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the date of the statement of financial position. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of unsettled monetary assets and liabilities are similarly recognised immediately in profit or loss, except for foreign currency borrowings qualifying as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.
The exchange rates applied at each reporting date were as follows:
- 31 March 2016 $1.4367: £1
- 31 March 2015 $1.4836: £1
- 31 March 2014 $1.6642: £1
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the total acquisition date fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. Cost comprises the fair value of assets given, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued, plus the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree plus, if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree. Contingent consideration is included in cost at its acquisition date fair value and, in the case of contingent consideration classified as a financial liability, re-measured subsequently through profit or loss. Any direct costs of acquisition are recognised immediately as an expense.
Goodwill is capitalised as an intangible asset with any impairment in carrying value being charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Where the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the fair value of consideration paid, the excess is credited in full to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the acquisition date.
Intangible assets
Deferred development and exploration costs
Once a licence has been obtained, all costs associated with mining property development and investment are capitalised on a project-by-project basis pending determination of the feasibility of the project. Costs incurred include appropriate technical and administrative expenses but not general overheads. If a mining property development project is successful, the related expenditures are amortised over the estimated life of the commercial ore reserves on a unit of production basis. Where a licence is relinquished, a project is abandoned, or is considered to be of no further commercial value to the Group, the related costs are written off.
Unevaluated mining properties are assessed at each year-end and where there are indications of impairment these costs are written off to the income statement. The recoverability of deferred mining property costs and interests is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Group to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of reserves and future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of recoverable reserves.
If commercial reserves are developed, the related deferred development and exploration costs are then reclassified as development and production assets within property, plant and equipment. Prior to any such reclassification costs are assessed for any potential impairment. Following re-classification as a development and production asset, the cost of these assets are then dealt with in accordance with the Group's policy for proved mining properties (see note on property, plant and equipment, below)
Mining options
Mineral rights are recorded at cost less amortisation and provision for diminution in value. Amortisation will be over the estimated life of the commercial ore reserves on a unit of production basis.
Licences for the exploration of natural resources will be amortised over the lower of the life of the licence and the estimated life of the commercial ore reserves on a unit of production basis.
Inventories
Inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Weighted average cost is used to determine the cost of ordinarily inter-changeable items.
Mining inventory includes run of mine stockpiles, minerals in circuit, finished goods and consumables. Stockpiles, minerals in circuit and finished goods are valued at their cost of production to their point in process using a weighted average cost of production, or net realisable value, whichever is the lower. Low grade stockpiles are only recognised as an asset when there is evidence to support the fact that some economic benefit will flow to the Company on the sale of such inventory. Consumables are valued at their cost of acquisition, or net realisable value, whichever is the lower.
Investment in subsidiaries
The Company's investment in its subsidiaries is recorded at cost less any impairment.
Leased assets
Where assets are financed by leasing agreements that do not give rights approximating ownership, these are treated as operating leases. The annual rentals are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Non-controlling interests
For business combinations completed on or after 1 January 2010 the Group has the choice, on a transaction by transaction basis, to initially recognise any non-controlling interest in the acquiree which is a present ownership interest and entitles its holders to a proportionate share of the entity's net assets in the event of liquidation at either acquisition date fair value or, at the present ownership instruments' proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. Other components of non-controlling interest such as outstanding share options are generally measured at fair value.
The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.
Pension costs
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are charged to profit or loss in the year to which they relate.
Production expenses
Production expenses include all direct costs of production, including depreciation of property plant and equipment involved in the mining process, but excluding mine and Company overhead.
Property, plant and equipment
Land is not depreciated. Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently carried at depreciated cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs and the estimated present value of any future costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognised within provisions.
Depreciation is provided on all other items of property and equipment so as to write off the carrying value of items over their expected useful economic lives. It is applied at the following rates:
Buildings - 2.5% per annum, straight line
Plant and machinery - 15% per annum, reducing balance
Fixtures, fittings & equipment - 20% per annum, reducing balance
Computer assets - 33.33% per annum, straight line
Motor vehicles - 15% per annum, reducing balance
Proved mining properties
Depletion and amortisation of the full-cost pools is computed using the units-of-production method based on proved reserves as determined annually by management.
Capital works in progress
Property, plant and equipment under construction are carried at its accumulated cost of construction and not depreciated until such time as construction is completed or the asset put into use, whichever is the earlier.
Provision for rehabilitation of mining assets
Provision for the rehabilitation of a mining property on the cessation of mining is recognised from the commencement of mining activities. This provision accounts for the full cost to rehabilitate the mine according to good practice guidelines in the country where the mine is located, which may involve more than the stipulated minimum legal commitment.
When accounting for the provision the Company recognises a provision for the full cost to rehabilitate the mine and a matching asset accounted for within the non-current mining asset. The rehabilitation provision is discounted using a risk free rate, which is linked to the currency in which the costs are expected to be incurred, and the applicable inflation rate applied to the cash flows. The unwinding of the discounting effect is recognised within finance expenses in the income statement.
Revenue
Revenue from the sales of goods is recognised when the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer and it is probable that the Group will receive the previously agreed upon payment. These criteria are considered to be met when the goods are delivered to the buyer. Where the buyer has a right of return, the Group defers recognition of revenue until the right to return has lapsed. However, where high volumes of sales are made to established wholesale customers, revenue is recognised in the period where the goods are delivered less an appropriate provision for returns based on past experience. The same policy applies to warranties.
Provided the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that the Group will receive any consideration, revenue for services is recognised in the period in which they are rendered.
Share based payments
Equity-settled share based payments
Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to profit or loss over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to profit or loss over the remaining vesting period.
Where equity instruments are granted to persons other than employees, the fair value of goods and services received is charged to profit or loss, except where it is in respect to costs associated with the issue of shares, in which case, it is charged to the share premium account.
Cash-settled share based payments
The Company also has cash-settled share based payments arising in respect of the EBT (see below and Note 23). A liability is recognised in respect of the fair-value of the benefit received under the EBT and charged to profit or loss over the vesting period. The fair-value is re-measured at each reporting date with any changes taken to profit or loss.
Remuneration shares
Where remuneration shares are issued to settle liabilities to employees and consultants, any difference between the fair value of the shares on the date of issue and the carrying amount of the liability is charged to profit or loss.
Tax
The major components of income tax on the profit or loss include current and deferred tax.
Current tax
Current tax is based on the profit or loss adjusted for items that are non-assessable or disallowed and is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
Tax is charged or credited to the statement of comprehensive income, except when the tax relates to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the tax is also dealt with in equity.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance sheet differs to its tax base, except for differences arising on:
- The initial recognition of goodwill;
- The initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting or taxable profit; and
- Investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the difference can be utilised.
The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when deferred tax liabilities/(assets) are settled/(recovered). Deferred tax balances are not discounted.
Notes to financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2016
1 Segmental analysis
The Group operates in one business segment, the development and mining of mineral assets. The Group has interests in two geographical segments being Southern Africa (primarily Zimbabwe) and Eastern Europe (primarily Romania). The Group did not generate any revenue in the previous year and therefore no disclosures are provided with respect to revenues in the comparative figures.
The Group's operations are reviewed by the Board (which is considered to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM')) and split between exploration and development and administration and corporate costs.
Exploration and development is reported to the CODM only on the basis of those costs incurred directly on projects. All costs incurred on the projects are capitalised in accordance with IFRS 6, including depreciation charges in respect of tangible assets used on the projects.
Administration and corporate costs are further reviewed on the basis of spend across the Group
Decisions are made about where to allocate cash resources based on the status of each project and according to the Group's strategy to develop the projects. Each project, if taken into commercial development, has the potential to be a separate operating segment. Operating segments are disclosed below on the basis of the split between exploration and development and administration and corporate. Further information is provided on the non-current intangible assets attributable to exploration and development on a project by project basis in note 10.
| Mining, exploration and development | Administration and corporate | Total | ||
| Europe | Africa | |||
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| 2016 | ||||
| Revenue | 1,812 | 5,388 | - | 7,200 |
| Production costs | (1,436) | (4,172) | - | (5,608) |
| Gross profit (loss) | 376 | 1,216 | - | 1,592 |
| Impairment of intangible assets | - | - | - | - |
| Project evaluation expenses | - | - | - | - |
| Depreciation | (1,554) | (582) | (15) | (2,151) |
| Share option charge | - | - | (3,368) | (3,368) |
| Interest revenues | - | - | 1 | 1 |
| Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations | (1,375) | 949 | (6,447) | (6,873) |
| Loss for the year from discontinued operations | - | (8,739) | - | (8,739) |
| Total assets | 10,922 | 29,198 | 724 | 40,844 |
| Total non-current assets | 8,394 | 26,495 | (692) | 34,197 |
| Additions to non-current assets | 4,801 | 4,796 | 8 | 9,605 |
| Total current assets | 2,529 | 2,703 | 1,415 | 6,647 |
| Total liabilities | 6,086 | 4,449 | 2,329 | 12,864 |
| 2015 | ||||
| Impairment of intangible assets | - | - | - | - |
| Project evaluation expenses | (130) | - | - | (130) |
| Depreciation | (35) | (407) | (23) | (465) |
| Share option credit | - | - | 25 | 25 |
| Interest revenues | - | - | 3 | 3 |
| Loss for the year from continuing operations | (130) | - | (5,721) | (5,851) |
| Loss for the year from discontinued operations | - | - | (1,033) | (1,033) |
| Total assets | 2,137 | 26,910 | 10,263 | 39,310 |
| Total non-current assets | 2,137 | 26,910 | 2,313 | 31,360 |
| Additions to non-current assets | 2,601 | 458 | 21 | 3,080 |
| Total current assets | - | - | 7,950 | 7,950 |
| Total liabilities | - | - | 5,622 | 5,622 |
There are no non-current assets held in the Company's country of domicile, being the UK (2015: $nil).
2 Group loss from operations
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Operating loss is stated after charging/ (crediting): | ||
| Auditors' remuneration (note 3) | 110 | 111 |
| Depreciation | 2,151 | 465 |
| Employee pension costs | 16 | 42 |
| Share option expense / (credit) | 3,368 | (25) |
| Foreign exchange (gain)/loss | (53) | 217 |
| Loss / (Profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 56 | (120) |
3 Auditor's remuneration
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts | 40 | 65 |
| Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other services: | ||
| - Audit of the accounts of subsidiaries | 70 | 46 |
| 110 | 111 |
4 Finance income
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Interest received on bank deposits | 1 | 3 |
5 Taxation
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Income tax on profits | - | - |
| Deferred tax credit | (1,658) | - |
| Tax charge (credit) | (1,658) | - |
Deferred tax assets are only recognised in the Group where the company concerned has a reasonable expectation of future profits against which the deferred tax asset may be recovered.
The asset arises in a subsidiary company which has allowable tax losses of $6.4 million, which are expected to be utilised in the immediate forthcoming periods.
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| The tax assessed for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The differences are explained as follows: | ||
| Loss before taxation | 15,696 | 6,836 |
| Loss before taxation at the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 20% (2015: 21%) | 3,139 | 1,436 |
| Expenses disallowed for tax | (1,902) | (9) |
| Difference in tax rates in local jurisdiction | (1,900) | 458 |
| Loss carried forward | 663 | (1,885) |
| Income tax charge on profits | - | - |
| Factors that may affect future tax charges: | ||||
| Tax losses | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Accumulated tax losses | 22,005 | 21,342 | 13,038 | 9,478 |
However, of this total, only $6.4 million are anticipated to be off settable against profits in the immediate future. The balance will only be recoverable against future profits, the timing of which is uncertain, and a deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of these losses. A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of accumulated tax losses for the Company.
6 Employees
| Staff costs (including directors) consist of: | ||
| Wages and salaries - management | 1,531 | 517 |
| Wages and salaries - other | 746 | 764 |
| 2,277 | 1,281 | |
| Consultancy fees | 1,056 | 897 |
| Social Security costs | 160 | 14 |
| Healthcare costs | 131 | - |
| Pension costs | 67 | 42 |
| 3,691 | 2,231 | |
| The average number of employees (including directors) during the year was as follows: | ||
| Management | 13 | 9 |
| Other operations | 312 | 57 |
| 325 | 66 |
7 Directors' remuneration
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Directors' emoluments | 540 | 562 |
| Company contributions to pension schemes | - | 3 |
| Directors and key management remuneration | 540 | 565 |
| Gain on share options exercised by directors (not charged to profit or loss as explained below) | - | - |
The Directors are considered to be the key management of the Group and Company.
One Director (2015: one) accrued benefits under a defined contribution pension scheme during the year. Four of the Directors at the end of the period have share options receivable under long term incentive schemes. The highest paid Director received an amount of $210,000 (2015: $ 187,500).
Included within the above remuneration are amounts accrued at 31 March 2016; please refer to the Directors' Report for full detail.
8 Loss per share
| 31 Mar 2016 | 31 Mar 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| Loss per ordinary share has been calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the relevant financial year. | ||
| The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period is: | 1,579,576,275 | 884,682,217 |
| Losses for the period: ($'000) | (16,100) | (6,617) |
| Loss per share basic and diluted (cents) | (1.02) | (0.75) |
| The effect of all potentially dilutive share options is anti-dilutive. |
9 Loss for the financial year
The Company has adopted the exemption allowed under Section 408(1b) of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own income statement in these financial statements. The Group loss for the year includes a loss after taxation of $5.807 million (2015: $6.039 million) for the Company, which is dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company.
10 Intangible assets
| Group | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 |
| Cost at 31 March 2014 | 24,410 | 4,300 | 28,710 |
| Additions during the year | 63 | - | 63 |
| Amount provided for impairment | - | - | - |
| Reclassification of deferred costs | (95) | - | (95) |
| Discontinued operations | (1,132) | - | (1,132) |
| Transferred to property, plant and equipment | (15,654) | (3,153) | (18,807) |
| Cost at 31 March 2015 | 7,592 | 1,147 | 8,739 |
| Additions during the year | - | - | - |
| Discontinued operations | (7,592) | (1,147) | (8,739) |
| Cost at 31 March 2016 | - | - | - |
| Company | |||
| Cost at 31 March 2014 | 1,191 | 389 | 1,580 |
| Transfer to subsidiary | (1,071) | (389) | (1,460) |
| Additions during the year | 65 | - | 65 |
| Cost at 31 March 2015 | 185 | - | 185 |
| Recognition of intangibles | 113 | - | 113 |
| Discontinued operations | (298) | - | (298) |
| Cost at 31 March 2016 | - | - | - |
| 2016 | 2015 | ||
| Intangible assets by project | Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | ||
| Gold | |||
| Blue Rock | - | 8,083 | |
| Phosphates | |||
| Chishanya | - | 542 | |
| Rare earths | |||
| Nkombwa Hill | - | 114 | |
| - | 8,739 |
| 2016 | 2015 | ||
| Discontinued operations | Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | ||
| Gold | |||
| Blue Rock | 8,083 | - | |
| Phosphates | |||
| Chishanya | 542 | - | |
| Rare earths | |||
| Nkombwa Hill | 114 | - | |
| 8,739 | - |
The treatment of the exploration projects as discontinued operations is as a result of the Group's decision to move away from green field exploration development. For more detail please refer to the Strategic Report.
There was no impairment of intangible assets during the previous year.
11 Property, plant and equipment
| Group | Plant and machinery | Fixtures, fittings and equipment | Computer assets | Motor vehicles | Buildings and Improvements | Mining assets | Capital Work in progress | Total |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Cost at 31 March 2014 | 2,718 | 141 | 216 | 419 | 1,490 | - | - | 4,984 |
| Additions during the year | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | 393 | 394 |
| Acquired through business combination | 481 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 2,121 | - | - | 2,622 |
| Transferred from intangibles | - | - | - | - | - | 18,807 | - | 18,807 |
| Disposals during the year | (706) | (39) | (3) | (167) | (1,418) | - | - | (2,333) |
| Cost at 31 March 2015 | 2,493 | 105 | 214 | 269 | 2,193 | 18,807 | 393 | 24,474 |
| Additions during the year | 3,908 | 77 | 62 | 188 | 376 | 3,372 | 1,622 | 9,605 |
| Acquired through business combination | 1,442 | 6 | - | 47 | 936 | - | - | 2,432 |
| Reclassification | 392 | - | - | - | - | - | (392) | - |
| Disposals during the year | (257) | (23) | (102) | (30) | (17) | - | - | (429) |
| Foreign exchange movements | 18 | - | - | 13 | 71 | 5 | - | 107 |
| Cost at 31 March 2016 | 7,996 | 165 | 174 | 487 | 3,559 | 22,184 | 1,623 | 36,189 |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2014 | 1,489 | 124 | 186 | 419 | 83 | - | - | 2,301 |
| Charge for the year | 432 | 10 | 15 | - | 8 | - | - | 465 |
| Disposals during the year | (626) | (33) | (1) | (166) | (87) | - | - | (913) |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2015 | 1,295 | 101 | 200 | 253 | 4 | - | - | 1,853 |
| Charge for the year | 1,069 | 13 | 17 | 72 | 225 | 151 | 604 | 2,151 |
| Disposals during the year | (214) | (22) | (101) | (30) | (1) | - | - | (368) |
| Foreign exchange movements | 7 | - | - | 1 | 6 | - | - | 14 |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2016 | 2,157 | 92 | 116 | 296 | 234 | 151 | 604 | 3,650 |
| Net book value at 31 March 2015 | 1,198 | 4 | 14 | 16 | 2,189 | 18,807 | 393 | 22,621 |
| Net book value at 31 March 2016 | 5,839 | 73 | 58 | 191 | 3,325 | 22,033 | 1,019 | 32,539 |
| Company | Plant and machinery | Fixtures, fittings and equipment | Computer assets | Motor vehicles | Buildings and Improvements | Total |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Cost at 31 March 2014 | 323 | 19 | 89 | 11 | 1,400 | 1,842 |
| Additions during the year | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Disposals during the year | (126) | - | - | (11) | (1,400) | (1,537) |
| Cost at 31 March 2015 | 197 | 19 | 89 | - | - | 305 |
| Additions during the year | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Disposals during the year | (167) | (14) | (66) | - | - | (247) |
| Cost at 31 March 2016 | 30 | 5 | 23 | - | - | 58 |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2014 | 205 | 19 | 71 | 11 | 81 | 387 |
| Charge for the year | 26 | - | 8 | - | 6 | 40 |
| Disposals during the year | (99) | - | - | (11) | (87) | (197) |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2015 | 132 | 19 | 79 | - | - | 230 |
| Charge for the year | - | - | 10 | - | - | 10 |
| Disposals during the year | (102) | (14) | (66) | - | - | (182) |
| Depreciation at 31 March 2016 | 30 | 5 | 23 | - | - | 58 |
| Net book value at 31 March 2015 | 65 | - | 10 | - | - | 75 |
| Net book value at 31 March 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
12 Investments in subsidiaries
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Cost at the beginning of the year | 218 | 218 |
| Disposal during the year | - | - |
| Cost at the end of the year | 218 | 218 |
The principal subsidiaries of Vast Resources plc, all of which are included in these consolidated Annual Financial Statements, are as follows:
Company | Country of registration | Class | Proportion held by group | Proportion held by group | Nature of business |
2016 | 2015 | ||||
| African Consolidated Resources PTC Limited i | BVI | -% | -% | Nominee company | |
African Consolidated Resources SRLii | Romania | Ordinary | 80% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
Canape Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | Ordinary | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limitediii | Zimbabwe | Ordinary | 50% | 50% | Mining exploration and development |
Fisherman Mining Limited | Zambia | Ordinary | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
Millwall International Investments Limited | BVI | Ordinary | 100% | 100% | Holding company |
Mineral Mining SA ii | Romania | Ordinary | nil | 80% | Mining exploration and development |
Moorestown Limited | BVI | Ordinary | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
Sinarom Mining Group SRL iv | Romania | Ordinary | 50.1% | nil | Mining exploration and development |
The table above shows the principal subsidiaries of the Company. A full list of all group subsidiaries is given in Note 30, at the end of this report.
i The Company has effective control of this entity. The voting rights are equal to the proportion of the shares held.
ii Mineral Mining was formally merged with African Consolidated Resources SRL in February 2016 and the company was delisted with effect from 19 February. An 80% shareholding in Mineral Mining was acquired in March 2015 and was accounted for as a business combination in the year to 31st March 2015. See also Note 14 for further details.
iii The Company has effective control of this entity by virtue of its casting vote.
iv On 7 July 2015 the Group announced that it had concluded an agreement to purchase 50.1% of the issued share capital of Sinarom Mining Group SRL, a company which operates the open pit Manaila subject to certain conditions precedent. Fulfilment of all conditions precedent was announced on 22 July 2015. See also note 14 for more detail of this transaction.
13 Loans to group companies
Loans to Group companies are repayable on demand, subject to relevant exchange control approvals being obtained. The treatment of this balance as non-current reflects the Company's expectation of the timing of receipt.
14 Business combinations during the year
Sinarom Mining Group
On 22 July 2015 the Group acquired 50.1% of the voting equity instruments of Sinarom Mining Group SA (SMG), a Romanian company whose principal activity is ownership and operation of the Manaila in Romania. The principal reason for this acquisition was to expand the Group's mining operations.
Details of the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and gain arising are as follows:
| 2016 | 2015 | |||||
| Sinarom Mining Group SA | Mineral Mining SA | |||||
| Book value | Adjustment | Fair value | Fair value | |||
| $000's | $000's | $000's | $000's | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,448 | 985 | 2,433 | 2,621 | ||
| Mining asset | 943 | (943) | - | - | ||
| Inventories | 68 | - | 68 | 61 | ||
| Receivables | 432 | - | 432 | - | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | - | 1 | - | ||
| 2,892 | 2,934 | 2,682 | ||||
| Less: Payables | (2,892) | - | (2,892) | (1,244) | ||
| Net assets | - | 42 | 1,438 | |||
| Fair value of consideration paid - Cash | - | 1,269 | ||||
| Gain on acquisition | 42 | 169 | ||||
Mineral Mining SA merger
As was reported in the Annual Report for the year to 31 March 2015, on 23 March 2015 the Group acquired 80% of the voting equity instruments of Mineral Mining, a Romanian company which was in administration and whose principal activity is ownership of the Baita Plai. The principal reason for this acquisition was to reopen and operate Baita Plai.
Mineral Mining had been subject to insolvency proceedings and as a result of those proceedings the mining licence was transferred to a state company, Baita SA, through a protocol dated 6 August 2013 (the Protocol). Under the Protocol it was provided that a sub-licence on Baita Plai be granted back to Mineral Mining if Mineral Mining was not declared as dissolved and bankrupt and could produce proof of its financial position to demonstrate resources for the continuation of mining.
Under specific provisions of Romanian insolvency law Mineral Mining had entered a merger agreement (the Merger) with the Company's Romanian subsidiary, African Consolidated Resources SRL (AFCR SRL) under which all the assets and liabilities of Mineral Mining would be fused by absorption into AFCR SRL, the bankruptcy of Mineral Mining formally ended and Mineral Mining would cease to exist. After completion of the Merger a sub-licence on Baita Plai should be granted to AFCR SRL under the terms of the Protocol, AFCR SRL being a company whose financial resources for the continuation of mining can be demonstrated.
This Merger was completed in February 2016 and on 19 February 2016 Mineral Mining was struck off the register. All assets and liabilities of Mineral Mining have been taken over by ACR SRL and the Non-Controlling Interest in Mineral Mining has been transferred to ACR SRL.
There is now no legal barrier to the re-issue of the mining sub-licence to ACR SRL but the bureaucratic process continues to cause delay.
There is a debt due to Baita SA, arising from the period of the insolvency, payable on the grant of the sub-licence on Baita Plai to Mineral Mining that now, as a result of the Merger, will be issued to AFCR SRL. The precise amount of the debt is disputed but it has been determined by the Judicial Administrator of Mineral Mining that it will not exceed RON 2,500,000 (approximately US$625,000). The Group has provided the full amount of RON 2,500,000 as a payable in the financial statements.
Discontinued Operations
| 2016 | 2015 | ||
| $'000 | $'000 | ||
| Cash consideration received | - | 100 | |
| Total consideration received | - | 100 | |
| Cash disposed of | - | - | |
| Net cash inflow on disposal of discontinued operation | - | 100 | |
| Net assets disposed (other than cash): | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | - | (1) | |
| Intangibles | (8,739) | (1,132) | |
| Pre- and post-tax loss on disposal of discontinued operation | (8,739) | (1,033) | |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations | |||
| Basic earnings/(loss) per share | (0.58)cents | (0.07)cents | |
| Statement of cash flows | |||
| The statement of cash flows includes the following amounts relating to discontinued operations: | |||
| Investing activities | - | 438 | |
| Financing activities | - | (447) | |
| Net cash used in discontinued operations | - | (9) |
The discontinued operations consist of the former exploration projects in Zimbabwe, which have been treated as a discontinued operation as a result of the decision to move away from greenfield exploration projects.
The loss on discontinued operations in 2015 relates to the disposal by the Group of African Consolidated Resources Limited, in Zambia.
15 Inventory
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Minerals held for sale | 595 | - | - | - |
| Production stockpiles | 510 | - | - | - |
| Consumable stores | 807 | 65 | - | - |
| 1,912 | 65 | - | - |
There is no material difference between the replacement cost of stocks and the amount stated above.
16 Receivables
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Trade receivables | 14 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables | 998 | 2,934 | 412 | 345 |
| Prepayments | 659 | 831 | - | - |
| VAT | 2,225 | 369 | - | - |
| 3,896 | 4,134 | 412 | 345 |
| At 31 March 2016: | Of which: | Of which: not impaired as at 31 March 2016 and past due in the following periods: | |||||
| Carrying amount before deducting any impairment loss | Related Impairment loss | Net carrying amount | Neither impaired nor past due on 31 March 2016 | Not more than three months | More than three months and not more than six months | More than six months | |
| Trade receivables | 1,151 | 1,137 | 14 | 14 | - | - | - |
| Other receivables | 1,198 | 200 | 998 | 998 | - | - | - |
| 2,349 | 1,337 | 1,012 | 1,012 | - | - | - | |
Other receivables at 31 March 2015 included a call on subscribed capital in a subsidiary of $2,300 representing the balance of the Non-Controlling Interest's investment in Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limited. This amount was received in full by 30 June 2015.
All other amounts were due for payment within one year. No receivables at 31 March 2015 were past due or impaired
17 Available for sale investments
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Fair value at the beginning of the year | 24 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Movement in fair value | (16) | 18 | - | 4 |
| 8 | 24 | 5 | 5 |
Available for sale investments comprise shares in quoted companies
18 Loans and borrowings
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Non current | ||||
| Secured borrowings | 1,978 | 1,555 | - | - |
| Unsecured borrowings | 127 | - | - | - |
| less amounts payable in less than 12 months | (1,194) | - | - | - |
| 911 | 1,555 | - | - | |
| Current | ||||
| Bank overdrafts | 1,766 | - | - | - |
| Unsecured borrowings | 1,310 | - | - | - |
| Convertible short term debt | - | 1,229 | - | 1,229 |
| Current portion of long term borrowings | 1,194 | - | - | - |
| 4,270 | 1,229 | - | 1,229 | |
| Total loans and borrowings | 5,181 | 2,784 | - | 1,229 |
i The non-current secured borrowing is a loan from a third party secured by a pledge of the Group's shareholding in its subsidiary company, Canape Investments (Private) Limited. The loan bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum. The loan is repayable in four equal six-monthly amounts, commencing in April 2016 with the final payment being in October 2017.
ii The current unsecured borrowing represent loans from the non-controlling interest in Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limited, the operating company for the Pickstone Peerless Gold Mine, and African Consolidated Resources SRL, the holder of the rights to the Baita Plai Mine. Both loans are interest free and have no fixed terms of repayment.
iii The convertible short term debt was repaid on 16th October 2015 by the issue of 154,649,140 shares at a value of 0.5p each.
19 Trade and other payables
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Trade payables | 3,491 | 1,422 | - | - |
| Other payables | 2,259 | 747 | 351 | - |
| Other taxes and social security taxes | 681 | 25 | - | 24 |
| Accrued expenses | 298 | 641 | - | 472 |
| 6,729 | 2,835 | 351 | 496 |
| At 31 March 2016: | Ageing of amounts payable: amounts due for: | |||||
| Amount | 30 days | 60 days | 90 days | 120 days | 150 days or more | |
| Trade payables | 3,491 | 1,988 | 237 | 30 | 146 | 1,090 |
| Other payables | 2,259 | 548 | 11 | 11 | 34 | 1,655 |
Of the total of Trade and other payables $2.289 million will only become payable either on or in instalments after the grant of the Baita Plai sub-licence
At 31 March 2015:
· Trade payables all related to amounts payable by Mineral Mining; of these amounts, $0.95 million falls due for payment on the restitution of the Mineral Mining mining sub-licence. The balance is payable by instalments commencing on the restitution of the mining sub-licence.
· Other payables related to the balance of the purchase consideration for Mineral Mining, which is payable on the restitution of the mining sub-licence.
· Otherwise, all amounts fell due for payment within 30 days
20 Provisions
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Provision for rehabilitation of mining properties | 954 | - | - | - |
As more fully set out in the Statement of Accounting Policies above, the Group provides for the cost of the rehabilitation of a mining property on the cessation of mining. Provision for this cost is recognised from the commencement of mining activities.
This provision accounts for the estimated full cost to rehabilitate the mines at Manaila and Pickstone Peerless according to good practice guidelines in the country where the mine is located, which may involve more than the stipulated minimum legal commitment.
When accounting for the provision the Group recognises a provision for the full cost to rehabilitate the mine and a matching asset accounted for within the non-current mining asset.
21 Financial instruments - risk management
Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies in respect of financial instruments are disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements. The Group's financial instruments comprise available for sale investments (note 18), cash and items arising directly from its operations such as other receivables, trade payables and loans.
Financial risk management
The Board seeks to minimise its exposure to financial risk by reviewing and agreeing policies for managing each financial risk and monitoring them on a regular basis. No formal policies have been put in place in order to hedge the Group and Company's activities to the exposure to currency risk or interest risk, however the Board will consider this periodically. No derivatives or hedges were entered into during the year.
The Group and Company is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
- Credit risk
- Market risk (includes cash flow interest rate risk and foreign currency risk)
- Liquidity risk
The policy for each of the above risks is described in more detail below.
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instruments risk arises are as follow:
- Receivables
- Cash and cash equivalents
- Trade and other payables (excluding other taxes and social security) and loans
- Available for sale investments
The table below sets out the carrying value of all financial instruments by category and where applicable shows the valuation level used to determine the fair value at each reporting date. The fair value of all financial assets and financial liabilities is not materially different to the book value.
| 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Loans and receivables | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 831 | 3,090 | 615 | 2,330 |
| Restricted cash | - | 637 | - | - |
| Receivables | 3,896 | 4,134 | 412 | 345 |
| Loans to Group Companies | - | - | 33,963 | 29,256 |
| Available for sale financial assets | ||||
| Available for sale investments (valuation level 1) | 8 | 24 | 5 | 5 |
| Other liabilities | ||||
| Trade and other payables (excl short term loans) | 6,728 | 2,385 | 351 | 496 |
| Loans and borrowings | 3,415 | 2,784 | - | 1,229 |
Credit risk
Financial assets, which potentially subject the Group and the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash, short-term deposits and other receivables. Cash balances are all held at recognised financial institutions. Other receivables are presented net of allowances for doubtful receivables. Other receivables currently form an insignificant part of the Group's and the Company's business and therefore the credit risks associated with them are also insignificant to the Group and the Company as a whole.
The Company has a credit risk in respect of inter-company loans to subsidiaries. The recoverability of these balances is dependent on the commercial viability of the exploration activities undertaken by the respective subsidiary companies. The credit risk of these loans is managed as the directors constantly monitor and assess the viability and quality of the respective subsidiary's investments in intangible mining assets.
Inter-company loan amounts between the holding company and its Zimbabwean subsidiary, Canape Investments, are subject to credit risk in so far as the Zimbabwe's exchange control regulations, which change from time to time, may prevent timeous settlement.
Maximum exposure to credit risk
The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk by category of financial instrument is shown in the table below:
| 2016 | 2016 | 2015 | 2015 | |
| Carrying value | Maximum exposure | Carrying value | Maximum exposure | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 831 | 831 | 3,090 | 3,090 |
| Restricted cash | - | - | 637 | 637 |
| Receivables | 3,896 | 3,896 | 4,134 | 4,134 |
| Loans and borrowings | 3,415 | 3,415 | 2,784 | 2,784 |
The Company's maximum exposure to credit risk by class of financial instrument is shown in the table below:
| 2016 | 2016 | 2015 | 2015 | |
| Carrying value | Maximum exposure | Carrying value | Maximum exposure | |
| $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 615 | 615 | 2,330 | 2,330 |
| Receivables | 412 | 412 | 345 | 345 |
| Loans to Group Companies * | 33,963 | 33,963 | 29,256 | 29,256 |
| Loans and borrowings | - | - | 2,784 | 2,784 |
*Net of impairment charges on advances to Group companies of $8.5 million (2015 - $8.5 million)
Market risk
Cash flow interest rate risk
The Group has adopted a non-speculative policy on managing interest rate risk. Only approved financial institutions with sound capital bases are used to borrow funds and to invest surplus funds in. The Group and the Company had no borrowing facilities at either the current year end or previous period end.
The Group and the Company seeks to obtain a favourable interest rate on its cash balances through the use of bank deposits. At year-end the Group had a cash balance of $0.831 million (2015: $3,727 million - including restricted cash) which was made up as follows:
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Sterling | 437 | 287 |
| United States Dollar | 351 | 2,765 |
| Euro | 1 | 671 |
| Lei (Romania) | 42 | 4 |
| 831 | 3,727 |
Included within the above are amounts of £304,276 ($437,160) (2015: £193,128 ($286,531)) and US$176,862 (2015: $2,025,295)) held within fixed and floating rate deposit accounts. Interest rates range between 1% and 2% based on bank interest rates.
The Group received interest for the year on bank deposits of $1,226 (2015: $2,511).
The effect of a 10% reduction in interest rates during the year would, all other variables held constant, have resulted in reduced interest income of $123 (2015: $251). Conversely the effect of a 10% increase in interest rates during the year would, on the same basis, have increased interest income by $123 (2015: $251).
At the year-end the Company had a cash balance of $0.615 million (2015: $2,330 million) which was made up as follows:
| 2016 | 2015 | |
| Group | Group | |
| $'000 | $'000 | |
| Sterling | 437 | 287 |
| United States Dollar | 177 | 2,025 |
| Euro | 1 | 18 |
| Lei (Romania) | - | - |
| 615 | 2,330 |
The Group and the Company had interest bearing debts at the current year end of $3,744 million (2015: $2,784 million). These are made up as follows:
| Interest rate | 2016 Group | 2015 Group | 2016 Company | 2015 Company | |
$'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | ||
Convertible short term loan | 15% | - | 1,229 | - | 1,229 |
Secured long term loan | 12% | 1,978 | 1,555 | - | - |
Bank overdraft | 12% | 1,766 | - | - | - |
3,744 | 2,784 | - | 1,229 | ||
These loans are repayable as follows: | |||||
- Within 1 year | 2,651 | 1,284 | - | 1,229 | |
- Between 1 and 2 years | 1,093 | 750 | - | - | |
- In more than 2 years | - | 750 | - | - |
Foreign currency risk
Foreign exchange risk is inherent in the Group's and the Company's activities and is accepted as such. The majority of the Group's expenses are denominated in United States Dollars and therefore foreign currency exchange risk arises where any balance is held or costs are incurred, in currencies other than the United States Dollars. At 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2015, the currency exposure of the Group was as follows:
| Sterling | US Dollar | Euro | Other | Total | |
| At 31 March 2016 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 437 | 351 | 1 | 42 | 831 |
| Other receivables | 82 | 2,182 | - | 1,632 | 3,896 |
| Trade and other payables | (249) | (1,108) | - | (6,840) | (8,197) |
| Available for sale investments | - | 8 | - | - | 8 |
| At 31 March 2015 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 287 | 2,765 | 671 | 4 | 3,727 |
| Other receivables | - | 3,997 | 21 | 116 | 4,134 |
| Trade and other payables | (249) | (2,210) | - | (1,611) | (4,070) |
| Available for sale investments | - | 24 | - | - | 24 |
The effect of a 10% strengthening of Sterling against the US dollar at the reporting date, all other variables held constant, would have resulted in increasing/(decreasing) post tax losses by $27,159 (2015: $3,658). Conversely the effect of a 10% weakening of Sterling against the US dollar at the reporting date, all other variables held constant, would have resulted in decreasing/(increasing) post tax losses by $27,159 (2015:($3,658)
At 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2015, the currency exposure of the Company was as follows:
| Sterling | US Dollar | Euro | Other | Total | |
| At 31 March 2016 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 | $'000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 437 | 177 | 1 | - | 615 |
| Other receivables | 82 | 330 | - | - | 412 |
| Loans to Group companies | 69 | 32,779 | 1,115 | - | 33,963 |
| Trade and other payables | (250) | (101) | - | - | (351) |
| Available for sale investments | - | 5 | - | - | 5 |
| At 31 March 2015 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 287 | 2,026 | 17 | - | 2,330 |
| Other receivables | - | 324 | 21 | - | 345 |
| Loans to Group companies | - | 28,488 | 768 | - | 29,256 |
| Trade and other payables | (247) | (1,479) | - | - | (1,726) |
| Available for sale investments | - | 5 | - | - | 5 |
Liquidity risk
Any borrowing facilities are negotiated with approved financial institutions at acceptable interest rates. All assets and liabilities are at fixed and floating interest rate. The Group and the Company seeks to manage its financial risk to ensure that sufficient liquidity is available to meet the foreseeable needs both in the short and long term.
As set out in Note 19, of the consolidated trade and other payables balance of $5.748 million, $3.852 million is due for payment within 60 days of the reporting date. Of the balance, $1.294 million are payables conditional on the issue of the Baita Plai sub-licence.
Capital
The objective of the directors is to maximise shareholder returns and minimise risks by keeping a reasonable balance between debt and equity. In previous years the Company and Group has minimised risk by being purely equity financed. In the current year, the Group has assumed debt risk but has kept the net debt amount as low as possible.
| The Group's debt to equity ratio is 15.5% (2015: -0.9%), calculated as follows: | 2016 | 2015 |
| $000's | $'000 | |
| Loans and borrowings | 5,181 | 2,784 |
| Less: cash and cash equivalents | (831) | (3,090) |
| Net debt | 4,350 | (306) |
| Total equity | 27,980 | 33,691 |
| Debt to capital ratio (%) | 15.5% | -0.9% |
22 Share capital
| Ordinary 1p | Ordinary 0.1p | Deferred 0.9p | |||||
| No of shares | Nominal value | No of shares | Nominal value | No of shares | Nominal value | Share premium | |
| As at 31 March 2014 | 850,537,664 | 14,075 | - | - | - | - | 62,893 |
| Issued during the year | 13,025,000 | 205 | 495,084,663 | 755 | - | - | 3,212 |
| Share conversion | (863,562,664) | (14,280) | 863,562,664 | 1,428 | 863,562,664 | 12,852 | - |
| As at 31 March 2015 | - | - | 1,358,647,327 | 2,183 | 863,562,664 | 12,852 | 66,105 |
| Issued during the year * | - | - | 721,261,269 | 1,072 | - | - | 5,547 |
| As at 31 March 2016 | - | - | 2,079,908,596 | 3,255 | 863,562,664 | 12,852 | 71,652 |
* Details of the shares issued during the year are as shown in the table below and in the Statement of Changes of Equity.
The number of shares reserved for issue under share options at 31 March 2016 was 13,970,022 (2015: 64,563,612). The number of shares held by the EBT at 31 March 2016 was 32,500,000 (2015: 32,500,000), see note 22 for additional details about the EBT.
The deferred shares carry no rights to dividends or to participate in any way in the income or profits of the Company. They may receive a return of capital equal to the amount paid up on each deferred share after the ordinary shares have received a return of capital equal to the amount paid up on each ordinary share plus £10,000,000 on each ordinary share, but no further right to participate in the assets of the Company. The Company may, subject to the Statutes, acquire all or any of the deferred shares at any time for no consideration. The deferred shares carry no votes.
The ordinary shares carry all the rights normally attributed to ordinary shares in a company subject to the rights of the deferred shares.
As part of the transaction with Grayfox, in 2015 the Group granted an option which allows Grayfox to convert its 50% shareholding in Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limited to 288,333,333 shares in the Company, which has now expired. The Directors have considered the value of the conversion option is not material to the value of Grayfox's interest.
See also Note 29 for details of share issues after the reporting date.
| Ordinary 1p | Ordinary 0.1p | ||||
| Date of issue | Number of shares | Issue price (pence) | Number of shares | Issue price (pence) | Purpose of issue |
| 2015 | |||||
| 15 Dec 2014 | 10,025,000 | 2.0 | Settle liabilities | ||
| 15 Dec 2014 | 3,000,000 | 1.5 | Settle liabilities | ||
| 6 Jan 2015 | 318,418,000 | 0.5 | Issued for cash; acquisition of Mineral Mining SA and development of other opportunities in Romania | ||
| 9 Feb 2015 | 149,999,997 | 0.6 | Issued for cash; provision of additional funds for opportunities in Romania and for general corporate purposes. | ||
| 10 Mar 2015 | 26,666,666 | 0.6 | Settle liabilities | ||
| 13,025,000 | 495,084,663 | ||||
| 2016 | |||||
| 10 Aug 2015 | 107,701,662 | 1.2 | Issued for cash - general placing; provision of additional funds for opportunities in Romania and for general corporate purposes. | ||
| 20 Aug 2015 | 7,000,000 | 0.5 | Exercise of warrants | ||
| 12 Oct 2015 | 3,000,000 | 0.5 | Exercise of warrants | ||
| 12 Oct 2015 | 4,500,000 | 0.6 | Exercise of warrants | ||
| 16 Oct 2015 | 154,649,140 | 0.5 | Settle loan repayment | ||
| 16 Oct 2015 | 23,097,237 | 0.5 | Settle liabilities | ||
| 8 Jan 2016 | 156,250,000 | 0.8 | Issued for cash - Crede Capital; provision of additional funds for opportunities in Romania and for general corporate purposes. 1* | ||
| 11 Jan 2016 | 62,500,000 | 0.8 | Issued for cash - managers' placing; provision of additional funds for opportunities in Romania and for general corporate purposes. 2* | ||
| 11 Mar 2016 | 50,000,000 | 0.8 | Issued for cash - general placing; provision of additional funds for opportunities in Romania and for general corporate purposes. 3* | ||
| 24 Mar 2016 | 52,509,000 | 0.1 | Exercise of warrants. 1* | ||
| 24 Mar 2016 | 81,535,714 | 0.1 | Exercise of warrants. 3* | ||
| 30 Mar 2016 | 18,518,516 | 0.1 | Exercise of warrants. 2* | ||
| - | 721,261,269 | ||||
| * see following notes below | |||||
Crede Capital financing agreement
On 4 January 2016 the Company announced that it had entered into a financing agreement with Crede CG III Limited (Crede) by which Crede would subscribe for new ordinary shares of 0.1p each in the Company in order to raise up to £5.0 million. In addition to the new ordinary shares Crede would also receive one warrant for each share issued, which warrant would entitle it either to one share at a price of 130 per cent of the issue price of the shares to which the warrant related or to a number of shares to be determined by a calculation based on a Black Scholes valuation of the shares at the time of exercise. The subscription amount would be spaced over four tranches, taking effect on 4 January, 4 April, 4 July and 4 October 2016 respectively, and would be for an amount of £1.25 million each for shares at the price equivalent to the closing bid on the previous trading day.
The first tranche of 156,250,000 new Ordinary Shares were issued by the Company on 4 January 2016, at an issue price of 0.8 pence per new Ordinary share, resulting in a total amount raised of £1.25 million. At the same time 156,250,000 warrants were also issued, such warrants entitling the holder to acquire Ordinary Shares in the Company exercisable at any time until 3 January 2021 at a price calculated according to the provisions mentioned above.
Subsequent tranches of shares and associated warrants as part of the financing were conditional, inter alia, on (i) Crede not holding more than 25 per cent of the Company on a fully diluted basis at the time of the relevant tranche and (ii) sufficient share issuance authorities being in place.
On 24 March 2016 Crede elected to convert 32,200,000 warrants issued under the initial subscription by exchanging them for 52,509,000 new ordinary Shares in the Company. At 31 March 2016 Crede held 124,050,000 unexercised warrants, all of which were exercised subsequent to 31 March 2016, as follows:
| Date | Warrants exercised | Ordinary Shares issued | |
| 01-Apr-16 | 38,545,774 | 120,000,000 | |
| 06-Apr-16 | 21,074,198 | 60,140,493 | |
| 13-Apr-16 | 26,281,209 | 60,000,000 | |
| 12-May-16 | 38,148,819 | 84,284,277 | |
| Total | 124,050,000 | 324,424,770 |
On 5 April 2016, the Company announced that it was withholding its consent to the issue of the second tranche of shares and warrants, as this would result in Crede exceeding the 25% shareholding limit contained in the agreement.
On 1 July 2016, at the General Meeting of the Company held on that date to seek approval from members for authority to issue further shares to Crede in the course of the third tranche of the agreement, the shareholders voted not to consent to the increase of capital required. This gave the Company the right to terminate the agreement which right the Company then exercised.
Directors and Management financing agreement
On 6 January 2016 the Directors of the Company, together with certain senior managers, subscribed an aggregate amount of £0.5 million on the same terms as agreed with Crede for its first investment tranche and 62,500,000 new Ordinary Shares were issued by the Company at an issue price of 0.8 pence per new Ordinary share. At the same time 62,500,000 warrants were also issued, such warrants entitling the holder to acquire Ordinary Shares in the Company exercisable at any time until 3 January 2021 at a price calculated on the same basis as in the Crede agreement.
On 30 March 2016 a senior manager elected to convert 11,356,077 warrants by exchanging them for 18,518,516 new ordinary Shares in the Company. At 31 March 2016 the Directors and senior managers held 51,143,923 unexercised warrants, none of which had been exercised at the date of this report.
Existing shareholders financing agreement
On 4 March 2016 the Company entered into an agreement with a number of existing shareholders (the "Investors") according to which they would subscribe, in four tranches, for new ordinary shares and associated warrants in order to raise up to £0.8 million, on similar terms as agreed with Crede save that (i) the first tranche was at a fixed price of 0.8p per share and (ii) the tranches were split £400,000 for the first tranche and £133,333 for each subsequent tranche, due respectively on 4 March 2016; 3 April 2016; 4 July 2016 and 3 October 2016.
The first tranche of £400,000 resulted in 50,000,000 new Ordinary Shares being issued by the Company. The Company also issued 50,000,000 warrants to the Investors to acquire Ordinary Shares in the Company exercisable at any time until 3 March 2021 at a price calculated on the same basis as in the Crede Agreement.
On 24 March 2016 the Investors elected to convert 50,000,000 warrants issued under the initial subscription by exchanging them for 81,535,714 new ordinary Shares in the Company. At 31 March 2016 the Investors had no unexercised warrants remaining from the initial subscription.
23 Share based payments
Equity - settled share based payments
The Company has granted share options and warrants to directors, staff and consultants.
In June 2015 the Company also established a Share Appreciation Scheme to incentivise directors and senior executives. The basis of the Scheme is to grant a fixed number of 'share appreciation rights' (SARs) to participants. Each SAR is credited rights to receive at the discretion of the Company ordinary shares in the Company or cash to a value of the difference in the value of a share at the date of exercise of rights and the value at date of grant. The SARS are subject to various performance conditions.
The tables below reconcile the opening and closing number of share options and warrants in issue at each reporting date:
Exercise price | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Granted during last 12 months | Lapsed during last 12 months | Exercised during last 12 months | Outstanding at 31 March 2016 | Final exercise date | |
0.5p | 8,403,709 | - | - | 1,593,590 | 6,809,709 | December 2016 | |
0.5p | 10,000,000 | - | - | 10,000,000 | - | ||
0.5p | 6,659,903 | - | - | - | 6,659,903 | December 2017 | |
0.6p | 4,500,000 | - | - | 4,500,000 | - | ||
0.8p | - | 57,000,000 | - | - | 57,000,000 | March 2019 | |
0.8p | - | 40,000,000 | - | - | 40,000,000 | March 2020 | |
2.0p | 500,000 | - | - | - | 500,000 | December 2016 | |
4.0p | 2,000,000 | - | 2,000,000 | - | - | ||
5.0p | 15,000,000 | - | 15,000,000 | - | - | ||
5.0p | 5,000,000 | - | 5,000,000 | - | - | ||
5.0p | 2,500,000 | - | 2,500,000 | - | - | ||
5.0p | 3,500,000 | - | 3,500,000 | - | - | ||
5.0p | 1,500,000 | - | 1,500,000 | - | - | ||
10.0p | 5,000,000 | - | 5,000,000 | - | - | ||
64,563,612 | 97,000,000 | 34,500,000 | 16,093,590 | 110,969,612 | |||
Exercise price | Outstanding at 31 March 2014 | Exercised during last 12 months | Lapsed during last 12 months | Granted during last 12 months | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Final exercise date |
0.5p | - | - | - | 8,403,709 | 8,403,709 | December 2016 |
0.5p | - | - | - | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | January 2017 |
0.5p | - | - | - | 6,659,903 | 6,659,903 | December 2017 |
0.6p | - | - | - | 4,500,000 | 4,500,000 | February 2017 |
2.0p | - | - | - | 500,000 | 500,000 | December 2016 |
4.0p | 2,000,000 | - | - | - | 2,000,000 | March 2016 |
5.0p | 15,000,000 | - | - | - | 15,000,000 | August 2015 |
5.0p | 5,000,000 | - | - | - | 5,000,000 | December 2015 |
5.0p | 2,500,000 | - | - | - | 2,500,000 | December 2015 |
5.0p | 3,500,000 | - | - | - | 3,500,000 | August 2015 |
5.0p | - | - | - | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | December 2015 |
10.0p | 5,000,000 | - | - | - | 5,000,000 | August 2015 |
33,000,000 | - | - | 31,563,612 | 64,563,612 |
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Weighted average exercise price (pence) | Number | Weighted average exercise price (pence) | Number | |||
Outstanding at the beginning of the year | 3.28 | 64,563,612 | 5.67 | 33,000,000 | ||
Granted during the year | 0.70 | 365,750,000 | 0.80 | 31,563,612 | ||
Lapsed during the year | 5.67 | 34,500,000 | - | - | ||
Exercised during the year | 0.67 | 148,195,441 | - | - | ||
Outstanding at the end of the year | 0.70 | 248,618,171 | 3.28 | 64,563,612 | ||
Exercisable at the end of the year | 0.70 | 207,618,171 | 5.67 | 33,000,000 | ||
The weighted average remaining lives of the share options or warrants outstanding at the end of the period is 50 months (2015: 15 months). Of the 248,618,171 (2015: 64,563,612) options and warrants outstanding at 31 March 2016, 40,000,000 (2015: nil) are not yet exercisable at 31 March 2016.
Fair value of share options
The fair values of share options and warrants granted have been calculated using the Black Scholes pricing model that takes into account factors specific to share incentive plans such as the vesting periods of the Plan, the expected dividend yield of the Company's shares and the estimated volatility of those shares. Based on the above assumptions, the fair values of the options granted are estimated to be:
| Share Option or Warrant Value | Grant date | Vesting periods | Share price at date of grant | Volatility | Life | Dividend yield | Risk free interest rate | Fair value |
| 2p | Jan-15 | Dec-16 | 0.68p | 12% | 0.93 years | Nil | 0.63% | 0.00p |
| 0.5p | Jan-15 | Dec-16 | 0.68p | 12% | 0.93 years | Nil | 0.63% | 0.14p |
| 0.5p | Jan-15 | Jan-17 | 0.68p | 12% | 0.95 years | Nil | 0.63% | 0.14p |
| 0.6p | Jan-15 | Feb-17 | 0.68p | 12% | 1.04 years | Nil | 0.63% | 0.06p |
| 0.5p | Jan-15 | Dec-17 | 0.68p | 12% | 1.85 years | Nil | 0.63% | 0.14p |
| 0.8p | Jun-15 | Dec-19 | 1.08p | 135% | 3.83 years | nil | 0.65% | 0.91p |
| 0.8p | Jun-15 | Dec-20 | 1.08p | 135% | 4.83 years | nil | 0.65% | 0.96p |
| 0.8p | Jan-16 | immediate | 0.80p | 135% | 5 years | nil | 1.5% | 0.69p |
Volatility has been based on historical share price information
Based on the above fair values and the Group's expectations of employee turnover, the expense arising from equity-settled share options and warrants made was $1,154,347 (2015: $25,318 - credit).
Cash-settled share based payments
The directors of the Company have set up an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) in which a number of employees and directors are participants. The EBT holds shares on behalf of each participant until such time as the participant exercises their right to require the EBT to sell the shares. On the sale of the shares the participant receives the appreciation of the value in the shares above the market price on the date that the shares were purchased by the EBT, subject to the first 5% in growth in the share price, on an annual compound basis, being retained by the EBT. The participant pays 0.01p per share to acquire their rights. The table below sets out the subscription price and the rights exercisable in respect of the EBT.
As set out in the EBT accounting policy note, the EBT has been included as part of the Company financial statements and consolidated as part of the Group financial statements.
| Exercise price | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Exercised during last 12 months | Lapsed during Last 12 months | Granted during last 12 months | Outstanding at 31 March 2016 | Date exercisable from | |||||||
8.75p | 6,000,000 | - | - | - | 6,000,000 | July 2010 | |||||||
8.75p | 6,000,000 | - | - | - | 6,000,000 | July 2011 | |||||||
9.00p | 2,500,000 | - | - | - | 2,500,000 | August 2011 | |||||||
9.00p | 2,500,000 | - | - | - | 2,500,000 | August 2012 | |||||||
6.00p | 7,750,000 | - | - | - | 7,750,000 | August 2012 | |||||||
6.00p | 7,750,000 | - | - | - | 7,750,000 | August 2013 | |||||||
32,500,000 | - | - | - | 32,500,000 | |||||||||
| As at 31 March 2016 a total of 32,500,000 of the EBT participation rights were exercisable. | |||||||||||||
| Exercise price | Outstanding at 31 March 2014 | Exercised during last 12 months | Lapsed during Last 12 months | Granted during last 12 months | Outstanding at 31 March 2015 | Date exercisable from | |
8.75p | 6,000,000 | - | - | - | 6,000,000 | July 2010 | |
8.75p | 6,000,000 | - | - | - | 6,000,000 | July 2011 | |
9.00p | 2,500,000 | - | - | - | 2,500,000 | August 2011 | |
9.00p | 2,500,000 | - | - | - | 2,500,000 | August 2012 | |
6.00p | 7,750,000 | - | - | - | 7,750,000 | August 2012 | |
6.00p | 7,750,000 | - | - | - | 7,750,000 | August 2013 | |
32,500,000 | - | - | - | 32,500,000 | |||
| As at 31 March 2015 a total of 32,500,000 of the EBT participation rights were exercisable. | |||||||
Fair value of EBT participant rights
The fair values of the rights granted to participants under the EBT have been calculated using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Based on the assumptions set out in the table below, as well as the limitation on the growth in share price attributable to the participants (as set out in the table above) the fair-values are estimated to be:
| Rights exercisable from: | Jul 2010 | Jul 2011 | Aug 2011 | Aug 2012 | Aug 2012 | Aug 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 2009 | Aug 2009 | Oct 2010 | Oct 2010 | Sep 2011 | Sep 2011 |
| Validity of grant | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Vesting periods | Aug 2009 - Jul 2010 | Aug 2009 - Jul 2011 | Oct 2010 - Aug 2011 | Oct 2010 - Aug 2012 | Sep 2011- Aug 2012 | Sep 2011- Aug 2013 |
| Share price at date of grant | 8.75p | 8.75p | 9.00p | 9.00p | 6.00p | 6.00p |
| Volatility | 51% | 51% | 51% | 51% | 51% | 51% |
| Dividend yield | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Risk free investment rate | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% |
| Fair value | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Volatility has been calculated by reference to historical share price information
Share option expense
2016Group$'000 | 2015Group$'000 | |
Share option expense: | ||
- In respect of remuneration contracts | 723 | (25) |
- In respect of financing arrangements | 2,645 | - |
Total expense / (credit) | 3,368 | (25) |
24 Reserves
Details of the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners' equity are provided below:
· Share capital represents the nominal value at 0.1p each of the shares in issue.
· Share premium represents the balance of consideration received net of fund raising costs in excess of the par value of the shares.
· The share options reserve represents the accumulated balance of share benefit charges recognised in respect of share options granted by the Company, less transfers to retained losses in respect of options exercised or lapsed.
· The foreign currency translation reserve represents amounts arising on the translation of the Group and Company financial statements from Sterling to United States Dollars, as set out in the Statement of Accounting Policies, prior to the change in functional currency to United States Dollars.
· The available for sale reserve represents the gains/(losses) arising on recognising financial assets classified as available for sale at fair value.
· The EBT reserve has been recognised in respect of the shares in the Company purchased by the EBT; the reserve serves to offset against the increased share capital and share premium arising from the Company effectively purchasing its own shares.
· The retained deficit reserve represents the cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income.
25 Non-controlling Interests
Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited is a 50% owned subsidiary of the Company that has material non-controlling interests (NCI). Control is exercised by the Group by virtue of a casting vote held by the Chairman of the Company, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Group.
African Consolidated Resources SRL is an 80% owned subsidiary of the Company which also has an NCI. This follows the merger of this company with Mineral Mining in February 2016
Sinarom Mining Group SA is a 50.1% owned subsidiary of the Company which also has an NCI.
Summarised financial information for these three entities, before intra-group, eliminations, is presented below together with amounts attributable to NCI:
| Breckridge Investments | African Consolidated Resources SRL | Sinarom Mining Group SA | Total NCI | |
| For the year ended 31 March 2016 | $000's | $000's | $000's | $000's |
| Revenue | 5,388 | - | 1,812 | 7,200 |
| Cost of sales | (4,172) | - | (1,436) | (5,608) |
| Gross Profit (loss) | 1,216 | - | 376 | 1,592 |
| Administrative expenses | (1,708) | (630) | (1,122) | (3,460) |
| Operating loss | (492) | (630) | (746) | (1,868) |
| Finance expense | (130) | - | - | (130) |
| Loss before tax | (622) | (630) | (746) | (1,998) |
| Tax expense / credit | 1,658 | - | - | 1,658 |
| Profit (loss) after tax | 1,036 | (630) | (746) | (340) |
| Total comprehensive profit (loss) allocated to NCI | 473 | 432 | (377) | 528 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | (978) | (509) | (1,471) | (2,958) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | (5,395) | (1,907) | (1,759) | (9,061) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | 4,571 | 1,575 | 3,234 | 9,380 |
| Net cash inflows/(outflows) | (1,802) | (841) | 4 | (2,639) |
| As at 31 March 2016 | $000's | $000's | $000's | $000's |
| Assets: | ||||
| Intangible assets | - | - | - | - |
| Property plant and equipment | 5,418 | 4,463 | 3,929 | 13,810 |
| Trade and other debtors | 1,594 | 825 | 808 | 3,227 |
| Deferred tax asset | 1,658 | - | - | 1,658 |
| Inventory | 1,091 | 126 | 695 | 1,912 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 18 | 70 | 5 | 93 |
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Trade and other payables | 1,533 | 2,885 | 2,985 | 7,403 |
| Loans and other borrowings | 2,916 | 127 | 86 | 3,129 |
| Accumulated non-controlling interests | 11,614 | 260 | (356) | 11,518 |
| Breckridge Investments | Mineral Mining SA | Total NCI | |
| For the year ended 31 March 2015 | $000,s | $000's | $000's |
| Revenue | - | - | - |
| Administrative expenses | (525) | 129 | (396) |
| Operating loss | (525) | 129 | (396) |
| Finance expense | (1) | - | (1) |
| Loss before tax | (526) | 129 | (397) |
| Tax expense | - | - | |
| Loss after tax | (526) | 129 | (397) |
| Total comprehensive loss allocated to NCI | 263 | (26) | 237 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | (412) | - | (412) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | (1,248) | - | (1,248) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | 1,714 | - | 1,714 |
| Net cash inflows/(outflows) | 54 | - | 54 |
| As at 31 March 2015 | $000's | $000's | $000's |
| Assets: | |||
| Intangible assets | 18,806 | - | 18,806 |
| Property plant and equipment | 1,222 | 2,621 | 3,843 |
| Trade and other debtors | 39 | - | 39 |
| Inventory | 4 | 61 | 65 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 54 | - | 54 |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Trade and other payables | (145) | (1,243) | (1,388) |
| Loans and other borrowings | (1,764) | - | (1,764) |
| Accumulated non-controlling interests | 11,140 | (172) | 10,968 |
26 Related party transactions
Company
Directors and key management emoluments are disclosed in note 6.
A short term loan of $1.2 million was provided in June 2014 by a company associated with the Chairman, for working capital requirements. This loan was subject to interest at 15% and was repaid by the issue of 154,649,140 shares at a value of 0.5p each, in June 2015.
Group
The non-controlling interest in African Consolidated Resources SRL, following the merger with Mineral Mining, where 20% of the shareholding of the subsidiary is held by third parties (the "AP Group"), consisting as to a majority of a director and senior executives of the group, namely:
| Roy Tucker | (Director) | 2% |
| Andrew Prelea | (Executive) | 8% |
| Senior Romania management | 2% | |
| Non related party | 8% |
At the reporting date there was an amount owing by African Consolidated Resources SRL to Ozone Homes SRL (Ozone) of $89,428 (RON351,891), (2015: $85,587) (RON351,891) in respect of transactions undertaken by Ozone in 2014. Ozone is a company controlled by Andrew Prelea, the senior Group executive in Romania.
At the reporting date there was an amount owing by Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited (Breckridge) to Hopina Investments (Private) Limited (Hopina) of $1,150,000 (2015: nil) in respect of plant and equipment disposed of to Breckridge at the commencement of operations at Pickstone Peerless Gold Mine. Hopina is a company controlled by the non-controlling interest in Breckridge.
27 Contingent liabilities and capital commitments
Contingent liability - Zimbabwe Indigenisation
Indigenisation regulations extant stipulate that all Zimbabwean registered mining companies, with a net asset value of $1 or more transfer not less than 51% of their issued shares to indigenous persons within a five-year period. These regulations are relevant to both Vast Resources Zimbabwe (Private) limited and Canape Investments (Private) Limited and their subsidiaries which are Group companies registered and operating in Zimbabwe.
Following the investment agreement with the Group's partner in the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine, these regulations now come into effect in respect of the Group's subsidiary, Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited.
Several announcements have been made in the local media of possible amendments to the current regulations which are intended to reassure foreign investors in the Mining Sector. These have included suggestions that local ownership of any mining company listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange would be included in the calculation of any indigenous shareholding. Further, in April 2016 the President of Zimbabwe made a public statement that foreign mining companies operating in Zimbabwe would now comply with the Indigenisation law through retained earnings rather than through the transfer of a controlling 51% shareholding to locals. Compliance with the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Policy will now be the retention of value, in the form of wages, salaries, taxation, community ownership schemes and other activities such as procurement and linkage programmes. However, at the date of reporting these changes have not yet been incorporated into the relevant regulations and their final effect remains uncertain.
All other Zimbabwean companies in the Group were or are in a net liability position at the reporting date, due to them being financed by loans from the holding or other group companies. As such the Directors believe that there is currently no compulsion to affect any transfer of shareholding in these subsidiaries to any third party. Counsel's opinion supports this view.
The full effect that this legislation might have on the operations of the Group is yet to be quantified and is subject to some uncertainty. It is the Group's stated policy that it will comply with the Indigenisation Regulations once they are clarified and codified.
28 Litigation
Marange
In 2006 the Group registered several mining claims in Marange under shelf companies. At that time the Group was not aware that the shelf companies had not actually been registered. In Zimbabwe the registration process had started but the companies were only registered a short period after the claims were registered in their names. After the registration of the claims 120,031.87 carats of diamonds were acquired from the claims. The Zimbabwe Mining Commissioner subsequently cancelled the registration of the claims on the instructions of the Minister of Mines. The Group instituted proceedings in the Zimbabwe High Court challenging the cancellations of the registration of the claims. The Zimbabwe High Court handed down a judgement declaring that the cancellations were invalid and that the Group legally held the claims. The High Court also ordered that the diamonds, which had been seized from the Group's offices in Harare, should be returned.
The Minister of Mines instructed the Attorney General to note an appeal to the Supreme Court. The appeal was noted but the Attorney General renounced agency because he considered that there were no valid grounds of appeal. The diamonds that were seized from the Group were not returned. They are being held in the vault of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
The Minister of Mines subsequently wrote to the High Court judge asking him to rescind his judgement on the basis that the Group had fraudulently withheld information in order to get a favourable judgement. Although the Judge had no jurisdiction to deal with the matter because it was on appeal to the Supreme Court, he did issue a judgement rescinding his earlier judgement. The Group has appealed against that judgement. Legal opinion is to the effect that the Rescission Judgement is fatally flawed. The Minister withdrew his appeal to the Supreme Court so if the Supreme Court upholds the appeal against the Rescission Judgement the claims will revert to the Group.
In 2010, soon after the issue of the Rescission Judgement, the Attorney General laid criminal charges against the Group the allegations being that registration of the claims in the names of the non- registered companies was prejudicial to the Ministry of Mines; alternatively, the Group was illegally in possession of the diamonds above. The Group applied to the High Court for the charges to be quashed. More than 2 years later, in May 2013, the Judge handed down his judgement. He ruled that he could not quash the charges and that the Group should have applied for a stay of proceedings until the appeal had been determined. The suggested application has since been made to the Attorney General. Legal opinion is to the effect that the possibility of conviction on any of the charges is very remote. However, the Attorney General has now withdrawn the charges because, instead of the charges being laid against the parent company or any active group subsidiary, they were laid against African Consolidated Resources (Private) Limited, a company registered in Zimbabwe, which is a shelf company and not a group company. It could not have been involved because it had no staff.
Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine sub-licence
During the year to 31 March 2015 the Group acquired an 80% interest in Mineral Mining, a Romanian entity which was in administration and which owned the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine and which has now been merged with ACR SRL, as more fully explained in note 14. As previously reported, one of the debts due by Mineral Mining in the insolvency was a disputed amount to a State company, Baita SA. The precise amount of the debt is subject to an outstanding audit but the Judicial Administrator of Mineral Mining determined that it would not exceed RON 2,500,000 (approximately US$ 625,000). Baita SA has lodged an appeal against Mineral Mining (now ACR SRL) claiming that that the debt due should be determined as a definite sum of RON 2,500,000. Counsel to ACR SRL is of the opinion that the claim by Baita SA will fail.
As previously reported, the Group has provided the full amount of RON 2,500,000 as a payable in the financial statements.
There is a further sum of approximately $375,000 in respect of de-watering costs incurred by Baita SA in the period June 2014 to September 2015, claimed by Baita SA. Counsel to ACR SRL has advised that this claim is likely to fail.
29 Events after the reporting date
Crede Capital financing agreement
On 5 April 2016 the Company announced that it was withholding its consent to the issue of further shares and warrants in terms of the second tranche of the financing arrangement entered into with Crede Capital CGIII Ltd (Crede), more fully detailed in Note 22 above.
On 1 July 2016 at the General Meeting of the Company held on that date, the shareholders voted not to consent to the increase of capital required to proceed with the third tranche of the agreement entered into with Crede. This gave the Company the right to terminate the agreement, which right the Company exercised.
Fund raising
On 12 April 2016 55,555,550 new ordinary shares were issued at a price of 0.24p; the net issue proceeds amounted to $180,093 (£133,333). In addition, a total of 55,555,550 warrants were also issued, exercisable at any time within five years, at an exercise price to be determined by a Black Scholes valuation of the share at date of exercise.
On 6 July 2016 300,000,000 new ordinary shares were issued at a price of 0.285p: the total net issue proceeds amounted to $1.14 million (£855,000). In addition, a total of 300,000,000 warrants were issued, exercisable at 0.5p at any time up to 30 June 2019. The Company also agreed to issue to Brandon Hill Capital Ltd, subject to the granting of the relevant shareholder authorities, 5,701,754 warrants, being 5 per cent of the number of those shares issued under this placing, introduced by Brandon Hill Capital Ltd, entitling it to acquire one new Ordinary Share for each warrant at any time up to 30 June 2019 at an exercise price of 0.285p. Further, the Company has also agreed, subject to the granting of the relevant shareholder authorities, to issue a further 2,105,263 warrants on similar terms to an introducer of finance under the Subscription.
On 8 July 2016 37,037,036 new ordinary shares were issued at a price of 0.36p; the net issue proceeds amounted to $174,717 (£133,333). In addition, a total of 37,037,036 warrants were also issued, exercisable at any time within five years, at an exercise price to be determined by a Black Scholes valuation of the share at date of exercise.
On 14 July 2016 the Company announced an open offer to existing shareholders whereby the shareholders were offered 12,212 new ordinary shares for each 100,000 shares already held, at an issue price of 0.285p, together with one warrant for each new share issued, exercisable at a price of 0.5p at any time before 30 June 2019. On 1 August 2016 the Company announced that this offer had been successful and 51.87% of the offer had been taken up. Accordingly, 181,992,582 new shares and warrants were issued, realising gross proceeds from the offer of $692,497 (£518,678).
On 11 August 2016 128,035,087 shares were issued at a price of 0.285p; the issue proceeds amounted to $475,959 (£364,900). In addition, one warrant was issued for each share issued, entitling the warrant holder to acquire one new ordinary share at any time up to 30 June 2019, at an issue price of 0.5p per share.
Exercise of warrants
Warrants were exercised, and shares issued, as follows:
| Date | Warrants exercised | Shares issued |
| 1 April 2016 | 38,545,774 | 120,000,000 |
| 8 April 2016 | 21,074,198 | 60,140,493 |
| 19 April 2016 | 26,281,209 | 60,000,000 |
| 13 May 2016 | 38,148,819 | 84,284,277 |
| 20 June 2016 | 55,555,550 | 76,111,100 |
Bridging finance arrangement
On 16 May 2016 the Company announced that it had executed a bridge loan note with Darwin Capital Limited ("Darwin") for up to £1 million (the "Bridge Loan Note"). An initial note of £650,000 ("Initial Loan Note", "Principal Amount"), which would be used for ongoing working capital requirements, was issued on 16 May 2016 ("Issue Date").
The note matures on two dates; 50 per cent. of the Principal Amount (including all accrued and unpaid Interest on 50 per cent. of the Principal Amount) on 10 July 2016 and the outstanding Principal Amount (including associated accrued and unpaid interest) on 10 October 2016, or earlier upon acceleration or early redemption. On 1 July 2016 the Company announced that it had been agreed that the first maturity date be extended to 30 July 2016; the first 50% of this facility (principal amount and accrued interest) was repaid on 29 July 2016.
Interest shall accrue at a rate of 20 per cent. per annum, calculated over a 365-day basis payable in arrears on the maturity dates.
The Company has the option of an early redemption of the notes and will pay Darwin a redemption price equal to 105 per cent. of the then outstanding Principal Amount plus all accrued and unpaid interest at any time following the Issue Date.
If the Company fails to repay Darwin on either of the maturity dates, the Principal Amount will be increased to 120 per cent. of all outstanding payment obligations and the maturity dates will be changed to 10 January 2017 in the event of a default in July 2016 or to 10 April 2017 in the event of a default on 10 October 2016 ("the Extension Periods").
If the Company defaults and the maturity date or dates are extended, then at any time during the Extension Periods Darwin would have the right to convert all of the then outstanding and unpaid total Principal Amount and accrued Interest into ordinary shares of 0.1p each in Vast ("Ordinary Shares"). The conversion price would be the lesser of the average share price on the Issue Date or 90% of the arithmetic average of the average share price for 5 trading days selected by Darwin during the 20 trading days prior to and including the conversion date.
In order to cover the eventuality that part or all of the Bridge Loan Note is converted into Ordinary Shares, the Company must keep available for issue 600,000,000 authorised and unissued Ordinary Shares free of pre-emption rights from 30 June 2016. If the Company had such authorities over less than 600,000,000 shares on 30 June 2016, all amounts outstanding to Darwin would be deposited into an escrow account and would remain in escrow until the necessary authorities were granted to enable the issue of up to 600,000,000 Ordinary Shares. The Company did indeed hold these required authorities by 30 June 2016.
An additional drawdown of £350,000, repayable on 10 October 2016 and otherwise on the same terms as for the Initial Loan Note as set out above, can be made by the Company subject to Darwin's consent on any day between 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the Issue Date.
The Bridge Loan Note is unsecured.
Grant of exploration rights at Baita Plai
On 11 May 2016, the Company announced that a new prospecting licence had been granted to its Romanian subsidiary, African Consolidated Resources SRL, over the Faneata tailings dam located 7km from Baita Plai in western Romania. This licence constitutes a separate right from the anticipated right to mine at Baita Plai itself, which has been the subject of the merger process as previously reported.
The 4.6Mt tailings dam at Faneata is comprised of approximately 40 years of tailings from the high grade Baita Plai. Historical data indicates that the tailings contain economic quantities of minerals, including gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc. The Faneata tailings dam has the potential to be a stand-alone mining operation when enhanced processing technologies, that have the ability to enable the economic extraction of the metalliferous content of the tailings, are used.
A sampling programme undertaken by El Dore Mining Corporation Ltd ("El Dore") in 2011 at the Faneata tailings dam, where 36 samples were submitted to ALS Chemex in Romania for independent assay, estimated that the 4.6Mt tailings facility contains 4,080 tonnes of copper, 6,640 tonnes of zinc, 3,100 tonnes of lead, 35 tonnes of silver and 309kg of gold in-situ.
The Company intends to implement a confirmatory drill programme at the beginning of the third quarter of 2016 on the El Dore estimates with an 825m auger drilling programme to prove up a JORC compliant Mineral Resource. Thereafter, as part of a Feasibility Study on the Faneata tailings dam, bulk samples compiled from the auger programme will be sent for metallurgical test work to determine the recoveries of the various metals contained within the tailings dam.
Changes in corporate brokers
On 17 June 2016 the Company announced that it had terminated its brokerage agreement with Dowgate Capital Stockbrokers, effective 5 September 2016.
On 1 July 2016 the Company appointed Brandon Hill Capital Limited as Joint Corporate Broker.
On 28 July 2016 the Company announced that it had terminated its brokerage agreement with Daniel Stewart and Co Ltd, effective 30 September 2016, and that it had appointed Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited as Joint Corporate Broker.
30 Group subsidiaries
A full list of all subsidiary companies is given below:
| Company | Country of registration | Proportion held by group | Nature of business | |
| 2016 | 2015 | |||
| African Consolidated Resources SRL | Romania | 80% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
| African Consolidated Resources PTC Ltd * | BVI | nil | nil | Nominee company |
| ACR Nominees Limited | UK | 100% | 100% | Nominee company |
| Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Mining exploration and development |
| Cadex Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Canape Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
| Conneire Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Holding Company for Breckridge Investments (Private) Limited |
| Dashaloo Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Exchequer Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Fisherman Mining Limited | Zambia | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
| Heavystuff Investment Company (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Kleton Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Lafton Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Lescaut Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Lomite Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Lotaven Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Mayback Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Millwall International Investments Limited | BVI | 100% | 100% | Holding company |
| Mineral Mining SA ** | Romania | nil | 80% | Mining exploration and development |
| Moorestown Limited | BVI | 100% | 100% | Mining exploration and development |
| Mystical Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Naxten Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Asset holding |
| Nivola Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Olebile Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Perkinson Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Possession Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Rabame Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 50% | 50% | Claim holding |
| Sackler Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Schont Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Claim holding |
| Sinarom Mining Group SRL | Romania | 50.1% | nil | Mining exploration and development |
| Accufin Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Aeromags (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Campstar Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Chaperon Manufacturing (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Charmed Technical Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Chianty Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Corampian Technical Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Deep Burg Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Deft Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Elfman Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Febrim Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Filkins Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Gerry Investment Company (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Gigli Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Hemihelp Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Isiyala Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Katanga Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Kengen Trading (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Kielty Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Lucciola Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Lyndock Investment Company (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Maglev Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Malaghan Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Methven Investment Company (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Mimic Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Monteiro Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Nedziwe Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Nemies Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Notebridge Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Pickstone-Peerless Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Prudent Mining (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Rania Haulage (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Re-Energised Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Regsite Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Riberio Mining Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Sullivan Enterprises (Private) Limited *** | Zimbabwe | nil | 100% | Dormant |
| Swadini Miners (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Tamahine Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| The Salon Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Vono Trading (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Warkworth Investment Services (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Wynton Investment Company (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
| Zimchew Investments (Private) Limited | Zimbabwe | 100% | 100% | Dormant |
* The company has effective control of this entity
** Merged with African Consolidated Resources SRL on 29 February 2016
*** Disposed of in March 2016
Company information
| Directors | William Lionel Battershill Roy Aubrey Pitchford Roy Clifford Tucker Eric Kevin Diack Graham Paul Briggs | Non-Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer Finance Director Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director |
| Secretary and registered office | Roy Clifford Tucker, FCA Nettlestead Place Nettlestead Maidstone Kent, ME18 5HA | |
| Country of incorporation | United Kingdom | |
| Legal form | Public Limited Company | |
| Website | www.vastresourcesplc.com | |
| Auditors | Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP St Bride's House 10 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8EH | |
| Nominated & Financial Adviser | Strand Hanson Limited 26 Mount Row Mayfair London W1K 3SQ | |
| Joint Corporate Brokers | Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited Eldon Street London EC2M 7LD Brandon Hill Capital Limited 1 Tudor Street London EC4Y 0AH | |
| Bankers | Standard Bank Isle of Man Limited Standard Bank House 1 Circular Road Douglas Isle of Man 1M1 1SB | |
| Registrars | Capita Registrars The Registry 34 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU | |
| Registered number | 05414325 | |
**ENDS**
For further information, please visit www.vastresourcesplc.com or contact:
| Roy Pitchford (Chief Executive Officer) | +40 (0) 372 988 988 (O) +40 (0) 741 111 900 (M) +44 (0) 7793 909985 (M) |
| Strand Hanson Limited - Financial & Nominated Adviser James Spinney James Bellman | www.strandhanson.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 |
Brandon Hill Capital Ltd - Joint Broker Jonathan Evans | www.brandonhillcapital.com +44 (0)20 3463 5016 |
Peterhouse Corporate Finance Ltd - Joint Broker Duncan Vasey | www.pcorpfin.com +44 (0) 20 7469 0936 |
| St Brides Partners Ltd Susie Geliher Charlotte Heap | www.stbridespartners.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 |
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 ("MAR").
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Vast Resources plc via Globenewswire
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