TIDMBMR
RNS Number : 0984B
BMR Group PLC
31 March 2017
BMR Group PLC
("BMR" or the "Company")
Interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2016
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to present below the unaudited interim results of
the Company for the six months ended 31 December 2016.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.
Kabwe operations
We are pleased with the current progress of the construction of
our processing at Kabwe following the approval in May 2016 by the
Zambia Environmental Management Agency ("ZEMA") of the definitive
Environmental Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") relating to our
tailings retreatment process and plant construction (the "Plant").
To comply with the conditions attached to the ESIA to operate the
Plant, the Company has submitted to ZEMA for their approval, its
environmental monitoring programme.
We now expect commissioning of the Plant by the end of 2017 as a
result of certain supply delays, prior to the commencement of
production. We are focused on achieving this timescale but
shareholders should be aware that this will be largely dependent
upon the supply chain dynamics, timely financing from the drawdowns
from the loan facility that we have secured. Once the Plant is
completed and following commissioning, we are planning for possible
modifications before the Plant is fully operational and meeting its
design production targets.
In December 2016, we announced production targets, expected
operating costs and expansion plans for the Plant. We will
commission the planned five tonnes/hour Plant initially using the
Wash Plant Tailings ("WPT") and, once fully operational, we expect
to produce approximately 3,100 tonnes of zinc (equivalent to 15,000
tonnes of zinc sulphate heptahydrate ("ZSH")) and 2,300 tonnes of
lead sponge, per annum. Operating expenditure is currently
estimated at $120/tonne of tailings treated, with sulphuric acid
comprising approximately 50% of the costs. We will incur a 5%
mineral royalty payment and be subject to corporation tax at
30%.
In August 2016, we entered into an offtake agreement with
African Compass International Limited ("ACI") of South Africa. This
provides for the off take over a minimum five-year period
commencing within six months of the commissioning of the Plant, of
a minimum of 500 tpm of ZSH, 300 tpm of lead sponge and, later, 300
tpm of LME grade A electrolytic zinc cathodes. We estimate that
this agreement should generate gross revenues of at least
US$750,000 per month at current prices once fully operational.
Furthermore, in September 2016, we entered into a project
construction and trade finance facility for up to $5.2 million with
ACI of which up to $4.2 million is for use in connection with the
Plant and $1 million for the Star Zinc acquisition. We have
initiated the first drawdown from this facility which is interest
free and expect to receive the initial funds imminently. Under the
terms of the agreement, the drawdown facility includes an
arrangement fee of $109,800.
We are planning two stages of production ramp-up following the
Plant becoming fully operational to add further capacity to certain
sections of the Plant. The first stage by late 2018 is planned to
increase the plant feed tonnage using the WPT only to raise
production of zinc metal to 8,000 tonnes per annum. The second
stage is planned for 2020 with a substantial increase in plant feed
tonnage. This is likely to involve construction of a new plant
designed to treat a combined feed of the Leach Plant Residues
("LPR") and Imperial Smelting Furnace Slag ("ISFS"), and is
expected to increase zinc metal production to up to 25,000 tonnes
per annum.
Vanadium
We are encouraged by the prospects for the potential recovery
from the tailings of vanadium and production of vanadium pentoxide.
This follows the successful recovery of zinc, lead and vanadium
into a pregnant liquor solution by our metallurgical partners,
Kupfermelt of South Africa and Alfred K Knight Laboratories, Kitwe,
from a blend of LPR and ISFS, announced in December 2016. Also,
vanadium has been successfully recovered from the WPT. We expect to
complete the test work to confirm the process for the economic
recovery of vanadium shortly and thereafter we intend to commission
Mineral Consultancy Corporation to prepare an upgrade of vanadium
in the tailings to a JORC-compliant resource.
Our metallurgical work to date indicates that no modifications
should be required to the acid brine section of the Plant to
recover vanadium from the tailings and take it into solution as a
by-product. We are currently establishing the capital expenditure
and operating costs to produce vanadium pentoxide, with our
expected recovery factor of 65%, which will necessitate an
additional process circuit and modification to the Plant
construction. We believe that the operation of a processing circuit
for the vanadium pentoxide will only require an Environmental
Project Brief ("EPB") to be lodged shortly with ZEMA, with approval
likely to follow within a few months. Initially, vanadium pentoxide
production is anticipated to be between 250 and 300 tonnes per
annum.
Waelz Kiln Slag ("WKS")
We are in continued discussions with ZEMA, following the
submission of an Environmental Project Brief ("EPB") in December
2015, for the sale locally of the WKS for application in road
construction rather than building blocks. We are appealing against
ZEMA's initial response for the requirement for an Environmental
Impact Study which would entail a more onerous process.
Imperial Smelting Furnace Slag ("ISFS")
The Company continues to optimise the recovery of zinc and
vanadium from the ISFS and, on the conclusion of Alfred K Knight's
test work to establish the economic recovery of these metals, the
Company will commission a full JORC compliant survey of the
ISFS.
Kashitu exploration programme
In October 2016, we commenced the first phase of our geological
exploration programme in the Kashitu section of the Large Scale
Mining Licence at Kabwe to investigate the potential for the
exploitation of near surface ore. This followed our analysis of the
data from the earlier exploration campaigns undertaken by ZamAnglo,
ZCCM, Billiton and Teal between 1958 and 2006 comprising soil
sampling, pitting, reverse circulation and diamond drilling.
Our auger soil sampling programme was limited to 183 holes up to
a depth of 2m, on a 50m by 50m grid over an area of 1km by 0.5km,
to investigate potential high-grade surface expressions of zinc
associated with upper alluvial material. We were able to delineate
three distinct surface mineralised zones. Silver was detected in 19
samples and evidence from the samples, each of which was submitted
for independent assay checks, suggested higher silver grades show a
strong correlation with higher zinc grades. The highest grade
silver assayed was 16.8 g/t silver associated with 8.4% zinc, using
XRF analysis.
We consider these results to be encouraging and we are exploring
whether there is a possible extension to this high grade zinc zone.
We have undertaken a second phase of auger drilling and expect to
commence a third phase in the near future.
Star Zinc
On 17 November 2016, we announced that the Company had entered
into a sale and purchase agreement with Bushbuck Resources Limited
to acquire its Large Scale Prospecting Licence 19653-HQ-LPL ("Star
Zinc") near Kabwe following the successful completion of due
diligence (the "Acquisition"). We have paid to date a
non-refundable deposit of $30,000 + 16% VAT, a refundable deposit
of $100,000 and, on completion of its Acquisition, will pay a
further $1 million less the sums previously paid plus 16% VAT and
approximately 10% property transfer tax.
Star Zinc represents an important strategic acquisition as the
ore contains high grade zinc which can be blended with the LPR or
used to raise the plant head grade to increase zinc production at
the Plant. This will underpin the long-term future of the Kabwe
operation. Following the Acquisition, which we expect to complete
in the near future, we will commence the planning of a drilling
programme over the next 18 months at a cost of up to $200,000.
Ester Project, Northern Portugal
On 11 November 2016, the Company entered into an option
agreement to acquire an 80% interest in an exploration concession
for tungsten, tin and potentially other minerals including gold and
silver with previous historic workings.
We completed our first field exploration campaign at the end of
2016, undertaken with our partner, Mineralia-Minas, Geotecnia E
Construcoes, LDA. We have now defined five high-priority areas for
further examination within the Regoufe Granite area of the licence,
each hosting potential vein-style tungsten mineralisation with
possible gold, silver and lithium credits.
We will be undertaking a detailed sampling programme of the
largest mine dumps to establish the in-situ grades. We have also
instigated a detailed mineralogical examination through Petrolab in
Cornwall on 10 selected samples. Finally, we will be commissioning
a structural survey of the entire licence area to help target
future field work and are planning an exploration campaign on the
source of mineralisation for a previously undiscovered Roman
alluvial gold mine in the licence area.
Fund raisings and share capital
On 28 October 2016, the Company raised GBP620,000 before
expenses in a placing through the issue of 9,253,731 ordinary
shares of 1p each at a price of 6.7p per share. In addition, for
each share a warrant was issued to subscribe for a further new
ordinary share at 7p per share in the 42 days following publication
of BMR's results for the year ended 30 June 2016.
These year-end results were published on 29 December 2016 and
the exercise period commenced for the various warrants issued
between 28 October 2015 and 28 October 2016. As a result, following
the end of the interim period, on 13 February 2017, the Company
raised a further GBP414,454 before expenses through the issue of
5,920,774 ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 7p per share on
the exercise of warrants.
I was pleased to commit a further GBP46,667 to the Company
through the exercise of my warrants to subscribe for 666,666
ordinary shares and I now hold 1,733,332 ordinary shares, in
addition to my options.
Interim results
The loss before taxation for the six months ended 31 December
2016 before exchange translation differences was GBP702,000 (2015:
GBP550,000). The loss for the period includes administrative
expenses which amounted to GBP617,000 (2015: GBP550,000). Loss per
ordinary share was 0.40p (2015: 0.40p).
Total net assets at 31 December 2016 amounted to GBP11.03
million (2015: GBP8.77 million), following additions of GBP465,000
to property, plant and equipment as we commenced construction of
the Plant and of GBP505,000 to intangible assets incorporating the
investments in Star Zinc and the Ester Project.
Personnel and overheads
We expect to expand our team in Zambia significantly as we move
towards operational status at Kabwe. We will also commit limited
additional resource to the Ester Project for further geological
testing and to Star Zinc on the completion of the Acquisition,
initially for assessing the drilling programme.
We continue to maintain tight control over our overhead base,
particularly in the UK where we continue to administer the legacy
issues from the former management. These issues include the claims
against certain entities arising from the investigation into
financial irregularities and from our appeal against the decision
of HMRC to de-register the Company for VAT with an assessment for
back VAT.
Outlook
We have achieved considerable progress at Kabwe, outlined above,
and expect the commencement of production by the end of 2017. We
are focused on achieving this timescale but shareholders should be
aware that this will be largely dependent upon the supply chain
dynamics, timely financing from the drawdowns from the loan
facility we have secured and planned commissioning by ZEMA.
We have secured the offtake agreement for the sale of zinc
cathodes, lead sponge and ZSH over a minimum five-year period,
together with a trade finance facility for ensuring funding for the
Plant construction. In essence, we have established a robust
business model for treatment of the tailings which we are now
implementing with significant potential for the Company.
Furthermore, we are encouraged by the prospects for the
potential recovery from the tailings of vanadium and production of
vanadium pentoxide which could generate a lucrative return in due
course.
We also have exciting prospects with the exploration programme
on the Kashitu section at Kabwe, the Star Zinc acquisition and the
further sampling and exploration programme at the Ester
Project.
We have a small dedicated team in place and I am grateful for
their significant contribution to the enhancement of the Company's
value. We are also seeing price rises in the metals in which we are
involved which should further enhance value.
I am confident that we will be able to implement our plans for
the realisation of value for the significant benefit of our
shareholders over the medium term.
Alex Borrelli
Chairman
31 March 2017
BMR GROUP PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the six month period ended 31 December 2016
Un-audited Un-audited Audited
Period ended Period ended Year ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2016 2015 2016
GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Continuing operations
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Administrative expenses (616,693) (550,047) (1,096,658)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Share based payment - - (31,714)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total administrative
expenses (616,693) (550,047) (1,128,372)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Finance expense (85,789) (1,017) (2,078)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Finance income 425 1,444 2,759
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Loss before tax (702,057) (549,620) (1,127,691)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Taxation - - -
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Loss for the period
after taxation attributable
to equity holders
of the parent company (702,057) (549,620) (1,127,691)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Other comprehensive
loss:
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Exchange translation
differences on foreign
operations 786,303 390,046 1,762,673
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for
the period attributable
to equity holders
of the parent company 84,246 (159,574) 634,982
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Loss per ordinary
share
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Basic and diluted
(pence) (0.40p) (0.40p) (0.75p)
------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
The comparative figures are for the six month period ended 31
December 2015 and the year ended 30 June 2016.
BMR GROUP PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2016
Un-audited Un-audited Audited
31 December 31 December 30 June
2016 2015 2016
GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Assets
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Non-current assets
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Intangible exploration
and evaluation assets 13,270,528 10,383,201 11,957,768
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Property, plant and
equipment 524,282 53,258 91,242
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
13,794,810 10,436,459 12,049,010
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current assets
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Trade and other receivables 44,189 41,743 52,569
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents 230,679 838,120 1,014,354
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
274,868 879,863 1,066,923
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets 14,069,678 11,316,322 13,115,933
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Liabilities
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Trade and other payables 628,073 530,126 537,819
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 628,073 530,126 537,819
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Non current liabilities
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Deferred tax 2,416,230 2,013,688 2,226,035
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total non current liabilities 2,416,230 2,013,688 2,226,035
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities 2,984,273 2,543,814 2,763,854
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Net assets 11,025,375 8,772,508 10,352,079
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Equity
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Share capital 21,403,488 21,079,788 21,310,951
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Share premium 22,256,466 21,237,815 21,759,953
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Share based payment
reserve 84,500 52,786 84,500
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Merger reserve 1,824,000 1,824,000 1,824,000
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Translation reserve 2,285,490 126,560 1,499,187
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Retained earnings (36,828,569) (35,548,441) (36,126,512)
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total equity 11,025,375 8,772,508 10,352,079
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
BMR GROUP PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the six month period ended 31 December 2016
Share Share Share Merger Translation Retained Total
capital premium based reserve reserve earnings equity
payment
reserve
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
As at 30 June
2015 20,892,288 20,697,815 52,786 1,824,000 (263,486) (34,998,821) 8,204,582
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Total comprehensive
loss for the
period - - - - 390,046 (549,620) (159,574)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Issue of shares 187,500 562,500 - - - - 750,000
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Share issue
costs - (22,500) - - - - (22,500)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
As at 31 December
2015 21,079,788 21,237,815 52,786 1,824,000 126,560 (35,548,441) 8,772,508
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
As at 30 June
2016 21,310,951 21,759,953 84,500 1,824,000 1,499,187 (36,126,512) 10,352,079
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Total comprehensive
Income for
the period - - - - 786,303 (702,057) 84,246
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Issue of shares 92,537 527,463 - - - - 620,000
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
Share issue
costs - (30,950) - - - - (30,950)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
As at 31 December
2016 21,403,488 22,256,466 84,500 1,824,000 2,285,490 (36,828,569) 11,025,375
-------------------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------
BMR GROUP PLC
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the six month period ended 31 December 2016
Un-audited Un-audited
Period ended Period
31 December ended
2016 31 December
GBP 2015
GBP
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Loss before tax (702,057) (549,620)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Adjustments to reconcile net
losses to cash utilised :
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Amortisation of exploration
and evaluation assets 50,922 16,813
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment 21,517 21,502
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Finance income (425) (1,444)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Operating cash outflows before
movements in working capital (630,043) (512,749)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Changes in:
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Trade and other receivables 148,242 (158,168)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Trade and other payables 92,005 (227,098)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net cash outflow from operating
activities (389,796) (581,679)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Investing activities
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Interest received 425 1,444
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (464,657) (8,836)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Purchase of intangible exploration
and evaluation assets (504,810) (89,990)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net cash outflow from investing
activities: (969,042) (97,382)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Financing activities
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------
Proceeds from issue of shares 620,000 750,000
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Share issue costs (30,950) (22,500)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net cash from financing activities 589,050 727,500
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net (decrease) / increase
in cash and cash equivalents (769,788) 48,439
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Effect of foreign exchange
rate changes (13,887) 3,800
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 1,014,354 785,881
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 230,679 838,120
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Notes to the interim results:
1. General information and accounting policies
This announcement is for the unaudited interim results for the
period ended 31 December 2016. The Registered Office of the Company
is at 35 Piccadilly, London W1J 0DW.
2. Basis of preparation
The consolidated interim financial information has been prepared
using policies based on International Financial Reporting Standards
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as
adopted by the European Union, which are expected to be applied in
the Group's financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2017
and are materially consistent with the accounting policies applied
in respect of the year ended 30 June 2016.
The statements of consolidated interim results for the period 1
July 2016 to 31 December 2016 are unaudited, does not include all
the information required for full financial statements and should
be read in conjunction with the Group's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 30 June 2016. In the opinion of the
Directors, the consolidated financial information for the period
represents fairly the financial position and the results from
operations and cash flows for the period, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
The annual financial statements of BMR Group PLC are prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
('IFRS') as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
('IASB') and as adopted by the European Union. The Group's
consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June
2016 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and are
available on the Company's website www.bmrplc.com.
As permitted, the Group has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 "Interim
Financial Reporting". The Financial Statements are presented in GBP
Sterling. For the reference period end, the exchange rate from GBP
to US$ was GBP1.00 : $1.2336.
In the prior period comparative, the gain on exchange
differences of GBP533,114 has been reclassified from administration
expenses to other comprehensive income. The reclassification
represents the exchange differences arising from the foreign
operation which is deemed to be a net investment in a foreign
operation in accordance with IAS 21: the effects of changes in
foreign exchange rates. The impact of the restatement only affects
the equity within the consolidated statement of financial position
and the consolidated statement of changes in equity. No amended
presentation of the consolidated statement of financial position as
at 1 July 2016 will be required.
Going concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company has adequate resources with a
combination of its cash balances and the facility entered into with
African Compass International Limited to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future. The Company has initiated the
first drawdown from this facility and expects to receive the
initial funds imminently. For these reasons, the Directors continue
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial
statements.
3. Dividend
The Directors do not recommend the payment of an interim
dividend.
4. Share capital and warrants
On 28 October 2016, the Company issued 9,253,731 ordinary shares
of 1p each at a price of 6.7p per share raising GBP620,000 before
expenses. In addition, for each share a warrant was issued to
subscribe for a further new ordinary share at 7p per share in the
42 days following publication of BMR's results for the year ended
30 June 2016.
As at 31 December 2016, the Company had in issue 183,085,459
ordinary shares and 58,262,864 warrants.
5. Property, plant and equipment
Additions of property, plant and equipment amounted to
GBP464,657 for the six month period ended 31 December 2016 as the
Company commenced construction of its processing Plant.
6. Intangible assets
Additions of intangible assets amounted to GBP504,810 for the
six month period ended 31 December 2016 incorporating the
investment in Star Zinc and expenditure on the exploration and
testing programme for the Ester Project.
7. Loss per share
The loss per share of 0.40 pence (2015: loss 0.40 pence) has
been calculated on the basis of the loss of GBP702,000 (2015: loss
GBP550,000) and on 177,050,416 (2015:138,487,191) ordinary shares,
being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the period ended 31 December 2016.
8. Events after the reporting date
On 13 February 2017, as a result of the exercise of various
warrants issued between 28 October 2015 and 28 October 2016, the
Company has issued 5,920,774 ordinary shares of 1p each at a price
of 7p per share raising approximately GBP414,454 before
expenses.
Ends
For further information:
BMR Group PLC 020 7734 7282
Alex Borrelli, Chairman
WH Ireland Limited 020 7220 1666
NOMAD and Joint Broker
Chris Fielding, Head of Corporate Finance
Peterhouse Corporate Finance 020 7469 0930
Joint Broker
Lucy Williams/ Duncan Vasey/ Heena Karani
For further information, please see the Company's website at
http://www.bmrplc.com
The Directors of BMR Group PLC accept responsibility for this
announcement.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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