Final Results
Eurasia Mining PLC
28 June 2007
Eurasia Mining Plc
('Eurasia' or the 'Company)
PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT OF AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006
Chairman's Statement
This year it is my pleasure to report that your Company has made major progress
both on its platinum and its gold projects.
On the platinum front we completed the acquisition of three exploration licences
on the Kola Peninsula in NW Russia where Barrick and Puma have both outlined
important resources on which they are currently completing feasibility studies
with a view to initiating production. Through our joint venture with Anglo
Platinum, we immediately initiated drilling. Early in 2007 we reported that
through this drilling we have already made discoveries of platinum
mineralisation of potentially economic grade on two of these three areas. This
is a remarkably fast and unusually high success rate and we await the results of
the follow-up work to be conducted this year. Anglo Platinum has agreed to fund
the US$3 million programme for 2007 to define the size of these potentially
important resources. This expenditure forms part of their commitment to spend
$10 million to earn an initial 40% in the Kola projects.
In the Urals, also covered by the joint venture with Anglo Platinum, your
Company's drilling has provided the basis for achieving near term production at
the West Kytlim project. The key items on our agenda here are to obtain approval
from the Russian authorities for our reserves and for the production plan and
from this to obtain a mining licence. Whilst we receive every co-operation from
the Russian authorities and are grateful for this, the precise timing is not in
our hands. We have the authority for bulk sampling and can usefully use the time
to test and improve our equipment, to work with our Russian partner Artel
Yuzhno-Zaoersky Priisk, to plan a power supply and equipment utilisation and
also to expand the reserves through continued exploration along the previously
untested river terraces.
On the gold side, your Company has continued with the programme that it
initiated through a joint venture with AngloGold Limited. Whilst we regretted
their departure to pursue an alliance with the Russian gold producer Polymetal,
we greatly benefitted from the US$1 million that they contributed to fund our
data compilation and field studies. We have recently applied for a number of
licences in areas that we believe to be highly prospective for gold. Competition
for areas, even at the exploration stage, is becoming intense so we are also
working with Russian partners to look to jointly acquire both advanced
properties with identified reserves or resources and key exploration properties.
In summary, the Directors of your Company believe Eurasia has made excellent
progress in 2006, which continues in 2007. We are confident that the continuing
success on the technical side will be reflected in the enhancement of value in
the company. The support of Anglo Platinum in our platinum projects has been a
key to our survival and to our recent successes and is gratefully acknowledged.
It remains for me to thank our hard working staff, particularly those in Russia
who, excepting our tireless manager Bill Anderson, are almost exclusively
Russian, for their efforts and to congratulate them on their successes. Without
their efforts your Company would be nothing; with them I believe that Eurasia
has a great future.
Dr. Michael Martineau
Chairman
Operations Report
Kola projects
We selected our three licence areas in the Monchegorsk region of the Kola
Peninsula on the basis of the presence of rocks containing platinum values in
excess of
1 gram/tonne. The mineralisation is characteristic of a recently defined new
class of PGM (platinum group metals) deposit known as low sulphide,
contact-related and breccia-hosted type. The similarity in the geological
setting and style of mineralisation at Monchetundra to that developed in the
Finnish deposits is striking, especially that developed in the Portimo Complex.
Also, there are some similarities with 'Platreef' rocks seen in the Bushveld
complex of South Africa.
The Kola region has a long history of mining and metal refining, principally of
nickel and copper with PGM as a by-product, but PGM exploration has only been
carried out since the mid 1990s.
Monchetundra
The Monchetundra licence covers an area of 36.2 km2 and is situated immediately
to the west of the town of Monchegorsk. Much of the licence area is covered by
glacial till which hides the geology.
Three mineralised zones are recognised within the project area, two of which
have been prioritised for exploration; namely zones 2 and 3.
Zone 2 comprises a sequence of ultramafic rocks; the highest-grade intersection
in the zone is 8.4 grams/tonne (g/t) PGM over 3.6m with a Palladium (Pd):
Platinum (Pt) ratio of 2:1 (Hole UM-3). The highest single grades obtained by
fire assay in this intersection included 26g/t Pd and 12g/t Pt over 0.4m.
Zone 3 is characterised by frequent interlayering of ultramafic rocks of varying
grain-size; anomalous PGM values are generally associated with sulphide
disseminations. Thickness of the zone is up to 70m, with PGM values ranging from
0.1 to 19.6 g/t. Intersections define at least two separate PGM bearing horizons
which have been traced for more than 1 kilometre to date and remain open both at
depth and along strike. In view of the broad widths, apparent continuity and low
sulphide content the Joint Venture is targeting open pit resources with
concentration by flotation to produce a marketable high grade concentrate.
Drill results received to date include the following intercepts:
Hole No Interval (m) Pt+Pd (g/t) Pd:Pt ratio
MT-14 11.3 2.93 1.3
MT-13 1.2 5.8 1.4
MT-12 21.1 1.06 1.6
UM-9 21.3 1.92 1.4
MT-15 6.0 1.12 2.3
MT-6 18.0 1.66 2.4
MT-11 6.9 2.40 1.8
MT-11 11.1 2.54 1.7
UM-7 6.7 1.81 1.9
UM-39 5.5 1.37 2.2
MT-17 13.1 1.9 1.9
A programme of 4,500m of diamond drilling is planned for 2007, including a
combination of reconnaissance traverses along strike to the southeast and
northwest of the main Loypishnyun target, as well as some infill drilling within
the main target to help define the limits and continuity of the mineralisation
discovered to date.
Volchetundra
The Volchetundra licence area, which covers approximately 210km2, lies to the
northwest of Monchegorsk town.
The host mafic intrusion is some 40km long and varies in width from 1-4km. The
principal target for PGM is a 20-300 m wide sulphide bearing (approximately 2%),
Marginal Zone which runs along the eastern contact of the massif. Work carried
out in 2006 included mapping and trenching at Nickel Creek, Yukspor and Kutskol;
and deep geochemical sampling at the Somnitelny site and drilling at the Olche
and Kutskol locations.
Wide zones of PGM mineralisation were first discovered in Drill-hole VT-17
located in the northern part of the licence area during the 2006 programme. The
hole intersected three zones of mineralisation. The shallowest extends from
68.35 to 112.95 metres (44.6m at an average grade of 1.7 g/t Pt+Pd, within this
interval, 27.55m averaged 2.2g/t). The Pd: Pt ratio varies from 1.5 to 3:1.
A second intersection extends from 144.9 to 163.4m (18.5 metres at 1.9 g/t
Pt+Pd, including 4.4m at 3.6g/t Pt+Pd and 7.3 m grading 2.6 g/t). The ratio of
Pd: Pt varies from 0.3-1.1:1.
A third zone of interest was located at 170.2m, with a 1m section assaying 11g/t
Pt+Pd. The ratio Pd: Pt is 0.8:1.
Systematic drilling in the vicinity of VT-17 will be prioritised in 2007.
Mapping, trenching and drilling will also continue along the untested remaining
27km of the Marginal Zone with emphasis on the Yukspor and Olche areas.
West Imandra
The West Imandra licence covers an area of 229km2 situated to the S-SW of
Monchegorsk, adjacent to the Murmansk to St Petersburg highway; it covers the
westerly strike extensions of the Imandra layered intrusion which has been
broken by faulting into the Ostrovskoy, Yalgeny and Mayavr-Devichya Massifs.
In 2006 the exploration which included mapping, trenching, drilling, till
geochemistry and magnetic surveys was focused on the Mayavr-Devichya Massif.
Trench sampling of the Upper Zone returned values of 1g/t Pt+Pd over 4m.
Drilling in 2007 will test this zone as well as the un-explored lower contact of
the Ostrovsky Massif.
Urals
West Kytlim
Ore reserve delineation drilling (Russian category C2) continued throughout 2006
on the 171km2 licence area at West Kytlim. West Kytlim is located in the Central
Urals, a region which has yielded some 500 tonnes (16 million ounces), of
alluvial platinum since production first commenced in 1824. The Kytlim district
itself has produced approximately 50 tonnes (1.6 million ounces) to date.
Alluvial mining has always been a significant component of the mining industry
in Russia, with currently over forty operators in gold and less than six in
platinum. Approximately 120,000 ounces of platinum was produced from alluvial
mining in 2006, while alluvial gold production was estimated at 2 million ounces
during the same period. Processing of alluvial sediment is simple in principle,
usually based on gravity separation
by washing and production of a heavy minerals concentrate which is sold directly
to refineries; payment is based on the recovered metal. The simplicity of ore
processing generally contributes to very low unit capital and operating costs.
As was reported in April 2006, the Joint Venture has discovered previously
unworked alluvial platinum occurrences, as well as extensions of previously
worked deposits and associated tailings deposits which can be reworked to
recover residual platinum.
To expedite production it has been necessary to complete sufficient drilling and
trenching work on close spaced traverses matching the requirements for ore
reserve approval under Russian regulations as the basis to apply for reissue of
the entire licence area as a comprehensive mining licence. This detailed work
has been focused on the Bolshaya Sosnovka area which hosts a combination of new
discovery buried placers as well as extensions of known shallow placers and
tailings. The area selected for detailed ore reserve assessment measures
approximately 2000m x 200m width with potential to contain between 500 and
1000kg platinum.
Work during 2006 progressed well, with 194 holes completed totalling 2,220
metres of drilling: this was by far the most productive period in the history of
the Joint Venture. Detailed reserve delineation drilling will be completed in
early 2007 after which a reserve report will be prepared and lodged for approval
by the relevant authorities. The Joint Venture is aiming to commence pilot
production in 2007 however this is dependent on obtaining all the necessary
federal and local government permits in a timely way.
Bulk sample processing through the Joint Venture test plant, conducted in
parallel with detailed drilling during 2006, indicates that double deck sluicing
would provide a satisfactory processing method for near surface placers at
Bolshoya Sosnovka. The tests indicated the grain size of more than 80% of the
contained platinum exceeded 0.25mm and up to 90% of it was recovered by two
stages of sluicing. This plant is designed to simulate the recoveries of a
full-scale operation. Bulk testing of deeper placer material is continuing.
We are continuing with feasibility studies into how best to implement the
project. Issues currently under consideration include the use of mining plant
owned by our local partner, investment in a new washing plant and project
finance options.
Detailed close spaced ore reserve delineation is now in progress on the Tylai
terraces to the south of the Bolshaya Sosnovka area; numerous additional target
areas within the licence area have yet to be assessed.
The Joint Venture is also actively seeking new alluvial and hard rock platinum
opportunities in the Urals.
Other Urals Projects
Eurasia continues to work on its own account at the 75% owned Baronskoye project
where the company discovered Palladium-Gold mineralisation in 2001. Testing of
metallurgical options for an area that may have potential as a small open pit
project has been deferred till 2007 due to a requirement for summer access to
obtain sufficiently representative sample material.
Gold Exploration
The company has remained a participant in the application process for five
licences in the highly prospective Trans Baikalian Region of Eastern Siberia.
The prospects were identified prior to and during the alliance with Anglo Gold
Ashanti. This alliance was terminated in 2006, after expenditure by Anglo Gold
Ashanti of approximately $1 million, due to a possible conflict of interest
after they formed a new Russia wide venture with the country's second largest
gold producer Polymetal.
Three of the five areas have been listed for licencing in mid 2007. Our
objective is participation in the rapid advancement of a number of projects
towards feasibility study on our own account or with partners. The company also
continues to seek projects that will add value to our portfolio by reviewing and
potentially bidding for both prospective mineral ground as well as advanced
stage projects elsewhere in the country. We continue to work with several
potential Russian partners to jointly acquire advanced gold development and
exploration properties.
C Schaffalitzky
Managing Director
For further information contact:
Michael Martineau / Christian Schaffalitzky, Eurasia
Mining Plc +44 (0) 20 7495 4877
Michael De Villiers, Eurasia Mining plc: +44 (0) 7899 917 096
David Youngman/Katy Mitchell, W H Ireland: +44 (0) 161 819 8724
Nick Bealer, King & Shaxson Capital Ltd +44 (0) 7426 5950
Allan Piper, First City Financial Public Relations +44 (0) 20 7242 2666
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 31 December 2006
Total Total
2006 2005
£ £
Impairment of assets (29,129) (156,925)
Other administrative expenses (649,810) (933,374)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Administrative expenses and operating loss (678,939) (1,090,299)
Share of operating loss in joint venture (98,017) (477,602)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Total operating loss: group and share of joint
ventures (776,956) (1,567,901)
Interest receivable and similar items 22,715 127,849
Interest payable and similar items (262,255) -
----------------------------- -------- --------
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (1,016,496) (1,440,052)
Taxation - -
----------------------------- -------- --------
Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (1,016,496) (1,440,052)
Minority interest 26,974 (1,693)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Loss for the financial year (989,522) (1,441,745)
Loss per share (basic and diluted) (0.81)p (1.43)p
----------------------------- -------- --------
All the operations of the group are classed as continuing.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2006
2006 2005
£ £
Fixed assets
Intangible - exploration, development and
production interests 859,613 1,280,810
Tangible 33,601 41,172
Investments
Interest in joint venture
-------- --------
Share of gross assets 2,126,251 502,855
Share of gross liabilities (1,230,941) (305,445)
-------- --------
895,310 197,410
Other investments 324,871 146
----------------------------- -------- --------
Total fixed assets 2,113,395 1,519,538
----------------------------- -------- --------
Current assets
Debtors 217,685 202,410
Cash at bank 1,130,981 198,201
----------------------------- -------- --------
Total current assets 1,348,666 400,611
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (556,426) (213,019)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Net current assets 792,240 187,592
----------------------------- -------- --------
Total assets less current liabilities 2,905,635 1,707,130
----------------------------- -------- --------
Creditors - amounts falling due after more than
one year (499,998) (93,251)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Net assets 2,405,637 1,613,879
----------------------------- -------- --------
Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital 7,042,805 5,188,086
Share premium account 7,020,549 7,034,374
Other reserves 49,167 -
Capital redemption reserve 3,539,906 3,539,906
Profit and loss account (15,191,856) (14,114,787)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Equity shareholders' funds 2,460,571 1,647,579
Minority interest (54,934) (33,700)
----------------------------- -------- --------
2,405,637 1,613,879
----------------------------- -------- --------
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2006
2006 2005
£ £
Net cash outflow from operating activities (315,265) (902,244)
Returns on investments and servicing of finance (17,807) 6,257
Capital expenditure and financial investment (419,901) 132,901
----------------------------- -------- --------
Net cash outflow before financing (752,973) (763,086)
Financing:
Issue of ordinary shares 1,067,542 871,500
Issue of convertible loan stock 655,000 -
----------------------------- -------- --------
Increase in cash in the period 969,569 108,414
----------------------------- -------- --------
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds
Increase in cash in the period 969,569 108,414
Translation difference (36,789) 6,625
----------------------------- -------- --------
Movement in net funds in the period 932,780 115,039
Net funds at 1 January 198,201 83,162
----------------------------- -------- --------
Net funds at 31 December 1,130,981 198,201
----------------------------- -------- --------
Reconciliation of Operating Loss to Operating Cash Flows
Operating loss (776,956) (1,567,901)
Depreciation charges 6,413 5,413
Loss on sale of marketable securities - 5,476
Impairment charge 29,129 156,925
Loss attributable to joint venture 98,017 477,602
(Increase) / decrease in debtors (15,275) 44,664
Increase / (decrease) in creditors 343,407 (24,423)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Net cash outflow from operating activities (315,265) (902,244)
----------------------------- -------- --------
Notes:
1 The financial information set out above does not constitute statutory
accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The
consolidated profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement
have been extracted from the Group's 2006 statutory financial statements
upon which the auditors' opinion is unqualified.
2 The loss per share is calculated by reference to the loss for the year of
£989,522 (2005: £1,441,745) and the weighted average number of Shares in
issue during the year of 122,848,396 (2005: 100,644,594). There is no
dilutive effect of share options or warrants.
3 The financial information has been prepared under the historical cost
convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
In common with many exploration companies, the Company raises finance for
its exploration and appraisal activities in discrete tranches to finance
its activities for limited periods only. Further funding is raised as and
when required.
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company will require to raise
additional financial resources to enable the group to undertake an optimal
programme of exploration and appraisal activity over the next twelve
months. Accordingly, the Directors intend either to raise further funds or
to engage an additional funding partner as appropriate during the course of
the next twelve months.
Whilst the Directors are confident that the Group will be able to secure
additional funding to enable it to continue to meet its debts as they fall
due and to undertake the programme described above for at least the next
twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements,
there can be no guarantee that this will be the case.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments, particularly in
respect of fixed assets, investments, loans and provisions for winding up,
which would be necessary if the Company and Group ceased to be a going
concern.
4 Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December
2006 will be posted to shareholders by 30 June 2007 and will be available,
free of charge, from the Company's registered office at 1 Hay Hill, London,
W1J 6DH, for a period of 14 days from the date of their posting and, at any
time from the date of posting, from the Company's website -
www.eurasiamining.co.uk. The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held
at The East India Club, 16 St James Square, London SW1Y 4LH on 8 August
2007 at 11:00 am.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UBANRBRRNUAR