TIDMCRND
RNS Number : 7211C
Central Rand Gold Limited
30 June 2016
Central Rand Gold Limited
(Incorporated as a company with limited liability
under the laws of Guernsey,
Company Number 45108)
(Incorporated as an external company with limited
liability under the laws of South Africa,
Registration number 2007/019223/10)
ISIN: GG00B92NXM24
LSE share code: CRND JSE share code: CRD
("Central Rand Gold" or the "Company" or the
"Group")
----------------------------------------------------
Annual Results and Annual Report Release
----------------------------------------------------
Central Rand Gold today announces its annual results for the
year ended 31 December 2015.
Full copies of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts,
including the Company Profile, Chairman's Report, Corporate
Governance, Sustainable Development Report, Company Secretarial
Confirmation, Remuneration Committee Report, Directors' Report,
Auditor's Report and full Financial Statements, will be available
on the Company's website www.centralrandgold.com on 30 June
2016.
For further information, please contact:
Central Rand Gold +27(0) 87 310 4400
Lola Trollip / Nathan Taylor
Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited - Nominated Adviser +44 (0) 20 7886 2977
& Broker
Adam James / James Greenwood
Merchantec Capital - JSE Sponsor +27 (0) 11 325 6363
Marcel Goncalves / Monique Martinez
Jenni Newman Public Relations +27 (0) 11 506 7351
Proprietary Limited
Jenni Newman
Chairman's report
The year 2015 was a challenging year for the Company, with a
number of key events occurring, such as:
-- further improvement works carried out on the metallurgical plant;
-- on-going suspension of underground mining due to the water table level;
-- initial stabilisation of the water table followed by modest water table level reductions;
-- a change of senior management with the resignation of Johan du Toit; and
-- unsuccessful conclusion of the proposed sale of Central Rand
Gold (Netherlands Antilles) N.V. ("CRGNV").
All of these events are over and above the ordinary course of
business activities at Central Rand Gold and have required
significant focus and attention from the Company's board of
directors ("the Board") and management. I believe that all those
involved with Central Rand Gold have done an excellent job in
managing these extraordinary events whilst maintaining their focus
on day-to-day operations.
POTENTIAL SALE OF CENTRAL RAND GOLD (NETHERLANDS ANTILLES)
N.V.
The Board and Executive Committee spent significant effort
engaging with four Asian companies, Hiria Group Company Limited
("Hiria"), Beijing Ankong Investment ("Ankong"), Shengbang Jiabo
(Beijing) Consulting Company Limited ("Shengbang") and Huili
Resources Group Limited ("Huili"), regarding the proposed sale of
CRGNV. The four Asian investor groups ("Asian Investors") all
performed due diligence with significant focus on the Company's
operations and the performance of the Water Treatment Facility
operated by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority ("TCTA").
In June 2015, the Company discontinued discussions with Ankong
and Shengbang, and focussed its attention and resources on
progressing discussions and negotiations with Huili and Hiria. The
negotiations with Huili and Hiria progressed slowly during the
second half of 2015 driven by significant uncertainty caused by
volatile commodity prices and difficult market conditions across
the junior mining sector, along with company specific factors such
as the continued dewatering of the Central Basin. Notwithstanding
the Company's significant efforts, neither Huili nor Hiria
presented an appropriately valued proposal free of conditions.
Consequently, in December 2015, the Company formally terminated the
discussions with Huili and Hiria. Given the time, effort and costs
expended on the sale process, it was extremely disappointing for
all those involved that a successful sale of CRGNV could not be
achieved.
Nevertheless, the Company will continue to informally engage
with Huili, Hiria and other parties interested in investment
opportunities involving the Company and its operations. The
Company's significant gold resource remains attractive to potential
investors and partners, particularly from the Asian region, and the
Board is focused on extracting value where possible for
shareholders. In this regard, the Company has re-entered
discussions with one of the Asian Investors regarding a potential
investment into the Company. The discussions contemplate a
strategic investment into the Company rather than a sale of the
Company's shareholding in CRGNV. The negotiation is progressing and
is benefiting from the significant level of due diligence and
negotiation which was conducted with the Asian Investor throughout
2015.
"UPS AND DOWNS"
It must be said that whilst we are yet to achieve one of our
stated goals which is to be a profitable gold producer, the Board
is pleased with progress being made at the Company's operations.
Indeed, amongst the challenges facing Central Rand Gold, there are
a number of positive developments occurring with regard to the
Company. Some of the more notable developments which occurred
during the year, and into 2016, included:
-- Continued dewatering of the Central Basin by the High Density
Sludge ("HDS") plant operating by the Trans Caledon Tunnel
Authority ("TCTA"). However, there were repeated instances of 'down
time' and we expect 2016 to show a marked improvement in terms of
pace of dewatering of the basin. Further, we were delighted by the
unveiling of the long-term solution for AMD (the "Long Term AMD
Solution") as announced by the Minister of Water and Sanitation,
Nomvula Mokonyane. The Long Term AMD Solution will most likely see
the installation of a reverse osmosis circuit to reduce the salt
content of the treated AMD water to a level where it can be sold
for safe commercial use as either industrial or potable water.
-- The metallurgical plant, having long been the Company's
'Achilles heel', performed at or around expectation in terms of
recovery and throughput in 2015. However, we need to remind
ourselves that the metallurgical plant requires continued
investment to ensure operating performance remains of a high
standard. To this end, the Company has recently replaced Mill 1
with a newly installed and fully refurbished mill, which was
acquired from Jet Demolition Proprietary Limited in February 2016.
The Company will continue to replace, repair and improve the
components of the metallurgical plant over the medium term.
-- With the flooding and consequential closure of the
underground mine in 2014, pending the dewatering programme, the
Company embarked on an intense and systematic exploration and
evaluation programme to identify and secure sufficient surface
material to sustain operations across the short- to mid-term. The
Company has identified numerous surface opportunities including
open pit deposits, shallow underground deposits as well as gold
bearing sand and slime material. The Company continues to progress
feasibility test work and advancing commercial negotiations
regarding these opportunities. However, it must be said that the
identification and sourcing of reliable and economic gold bearing
ore is a difficult and time intensive process.
-- The negotiation and execution in 2016 of a Joint Venture
Tolling Agreement (the "Tolling Venture") with a third party
supplier of ore for the processing of gold-bearing material through
the Company's metallurgical plant has been positive. The Tolling
Venture will enable the Company to maintain operations with a
steady and reliable feedstock whilst it continues to pursue other
growth opportunities and awaits the dewatering of the central
basin. In light of the Tolling Venture, the Company elected to
temporarily suspend mining at its open pit operations, and will
focus on rehabilitation in 2016.
-- The continued engagement with Zhejiang Golden Machinery Plant
("ZGMP") to optimise and potentially expand the metallurgical plant
is a significant positive for the Company. ZGMP have recently
visited the Company's metallurgical plant and we will seek their
involvement in assessing optimisation and expansion options
relating to the metallurgical plant. The Group have entered a
non-binding Letter of Understanding for a share placement of up to
US$4.0 million with Zhejiang Golden Machinery Plant ("ZGMP") with
due diligence currently being undertaken.
-- The Board completed a bridge funding (the "Bridge Funding")
through a combined convertible securities and warrant issuance with
Bergen Global Opportunity Fund, LP. The Bridge Funding raised
US$598,000, with the potential for an increase of up to
US$4,098,000.
-- The Company is also pursuing a variety of acquisition
opportunities across a number of commodities including but not
limited to precious metals and precious stones. The Board will
continue to advance these with a view to expanding and diversifying
the Company's asset portfolio.
PUNO
As I commented last year, the situation with Puno Gold
Investments Proprietary Limited ("Puno"), our Black Economic
Empowerment partner, remains a work in progress. The Company was
successful in its appeal of the 2013 decision and we now look
forward to the relevant issues being fully considered by the Courts
and eagerly await the judgement which we hope will fully resolve
the dispute with Puno.
After the successful appeal of the 2013 decision, Puno applied
to the High Court to wind-up Central Rand Gold South Africa
Proprietary Limited ("Central Rand Gold SA"), a subsidiary of
Central Rand Gold, on grounds of Sections 344(f) and 345 of the SA
Company's Act. The Board considers the Application to be without
merit and has filed the necessary paperwork with the High Court to
defend Puno's application. The Board believes this to be the latest
strategy from Puno to frustrate the operations of Central Rand Gold
SA and the Board remains firm in its resolve to defend the assets
of the Company from Puno's actions.
It is with optimism and enthusiasm that the Board looks forward
to the finalisation of the above disputes with Puno which will
allow the Board and senior executives to direct their full energies
towards the growth of the business.
SAFETY
Our safety record improved in 2015 with only three lost time
injuries being reported. This progress is welcomed after
implementing improvements to our already rigorous and diligent
safety protocols following the Company's first fatality in
2014.
ACID MINE DRAINAGE ("AMD")
During the last quarter of 2015, the HDS plant underwent a
process of upgrading the two thickeners. The thickener upgrades to
the HDS plant were completed in December 2015 and the pumping rate
has now increased from 72 million litres per day to 84 million
litres per day.
At 25 May 2016, the water table measured at Central Rand Gold's
operations was at approximately 148 vertical metres below surface
("vmbs"). We anticipate that we will be able to access Central Rand
Gold's underground mining areas when the water table is
approximately 185 vmbs which, following a period of rehabilitation,
should enable Central Rand Gold's re-equipping and stabilising of
the underground mining operations to re-commence during 2019.
MINING UPDATE
Highlights
-- Underground production on the Main and North Reefs has not
recommenced since it was halted in October 2014 as a result of the
rising water level in the Central Basin.
-- Open Pit production was 204,916 tonnes at an average grade of
1.89g/t.
Production
The following table shows key mining statistics for 2015,
comparing the actual statistics with those achieved in 2014.
2015 2014 Difference
------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Activity Metres Grade Metres Grade Metres Grade
(m) Tonnes (g/t) (m) Tonnes (g/t) (m) Tonnes (g/t)
(t) (t) (t)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Waste Development
(m) - 313 (313)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Reef Development
(m) - 200 (200)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Total (m) - 513 (513)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Stoping (t) - - 99,546 3.14 (99,546) (3.14)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Open Pits (t) 204,916 1.89 69,747 2.41 135,169 (0.52)
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
Total Tonnes 204,916 169,293 35,623
------------------- ------------ ------- ------------ ------- ------------ -------
No underground mining took place during the 2015 financial year.
Monitoring of pumps, fans and water levels takes place on a daily
basis, with the water levels not subsiding to the levels required
for the recommencement of underground mining.
Mining in 2015 consisted of open pit mining, mainly
concentrating on Slots 5 and 7, in and around the Johannesburg
area.
The in-situ grades are approximately 33% lower than that of the
underground operations, but can still be mined economically at a
cut-off stripping ratio of approximately 7:1. The open pits were
mined using contracted yellow machines, with Central Rand Gold SA
mining personnel overseeing the operations.
Several tonnes from redundant slimes dams and sands were also
trammed to Central Rand Gold SA for processing.
METALLURGICAL UPDATE
Production
The Mill 3, which was purchased in 2014, came on line during
2015 and this enhanced the production throughput. Unfortunately, as
previously mentioned, other factors such as the temporary cessation
of underground mining, which reduced the availability of quality
ore, as well as the inconsistent feed of mined slimes and sands,
lessened the expected impact of the new mill.
Plant
production Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Surface
(Open Pit)
(tonnes) 10,416 13,918 10,670 5,199 9,682 5,137 9,007 8,315 8,563 14,345 15,746 11,546
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Slimes
Dams
(tonnes) 86 1 3,432 8,666 5,652 6,930 5,530 6,582 5,802 1,919 638 3,571
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Other
(tonnes) 1,257 1,469 203 769 253 4,243 327 1,800 320 - 455 1,312
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total tonnes
processed 11,759 15,388 14,305 14,634 15,587 16,310 14,864 16,697 14,685 16,264 16,839 16,429
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Plant
Availability
(%) 99 94 91 80 83 87 82 86 81 91 84 74
-------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gold recovery throughout the year was somewhat variable, largely
due to the changing nature of the feedstock. The move from Main
Reef to North Reef to sands and slimes and open pit oxides placed
the equilibrium of the plant under strain, delivering an average
recovery for the year of 64%.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
---------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Plant recovery
(%) 76 64 74 65 71 51 54 63 52 63 71 66
---------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
The leach tank installation was completed by July 2015. The
thickener project has not yet commenced and is still on hold, as
the sale of CRGNV was still being negotiated late in November 2015.
This project will be scheduled for the future.
GEOLOGICAL UPDATE
Resources
The SAMREC compliant resource base of the Company was updated in
2014 to 9.90 Moz of contained gold. There were no further changes
during the 2015 financial year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Results
The net profit for 2015 financial year amounted to US$1.4
million (1.58 cents per share) against a loss of US$15.3 million
(17.51 cents per share) in 2014. The loss before interest, tax and
depreciation totalled US$3.0 million, a significant reduction
against the US$8.2 million for 2014. This net profit is largely
attributed to the following factors:
-- Revenue in Rand terms increased 21% due to a 15% higher gold
sale volume at 7,017 ounces (2014: 6,146 ounces) from surface pits,
improved plant availability and a stronger average realised Rand
equivalent gold price. However, in US dollar terms, revenues
reduced by 1.5% given the devaluation of the Rand;
-- Reduction in operating and overhead costs reflecting both
cost savings and the effect of the Rand devaluation on costs in US
Dollar terms;
-- Reduction in labour hire (Sekgwa Mining Services Proprietary
Limited contract terminated in 2014) and reduction in salary cost
by 17.6%; and
-- Gain on fair value of convertible loan note derivatives of
US$7.1 million compared to a loss of US$5.1 million in 2014.
As a consequence of the increased ounces and cost reduction,
all-in cash operating costs per ounce decreased to US$1,643 per
ounce against the prior year's US$2,521 per ounce.
Cash and cash equivalents and funding
The cash and cash equivalent balance is reported at US$0.56
million as at 31 December 2015 (2014: US$0.91 million). The lower
cash balance is a result of operating cash outflows of US$1.42
million reflecting operating losses, foreign currency losses on
translation of cash balances of US$0.15 million, partly offset by
equity share issues of US$1.20 million in 2015.
On 18 June 2015, the Company issued 6,015,000 new Ordinary
Shares of GBP0.01 each at a price of 10 pence per Ordinary Share,
which raised approximately US$0.94 million (GBP0.60 million).
On 24 June 2015, the Company issued a further 2,000,000 new
Ordinary Shares of GBP0.01 each at a price of 10 pence per Ordinary
Share, which raised approximately US$0.32 million (GBP0.20
million).
There remains a material uncertainty in respect of the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. For further consideration,
please refer to the basis of preparation set out in note 2 of the
annual financial statements.
Post Balance Sheet Events
Operating
The Mill 1 experienced mechanical performance issues and
subsequent to year-end failed. Central Rand Gold SA has identified,
purchased and is currently installing another mill in its place.
This project should be completed in mid-July 2016.
Central Rand Gold SA has entered into an agreement with a third
party to toll treat their material for a period of 12 months. To
this end, open pit mining has been halted in the interim and focus
will be on the rehabilitation, drilling and sampling of other areas
within the Mining Rights of Central Rand Gold SA, as well as
identification and negotiations for third party owned pits.
Central Rand Gold SA will also address the backlog of
rehabilitation of the open pit areas that have been mined out and
are uneconomical to mine at further depths. To this end, various
interactions have taken place with the landowners. Central Rand
Gold SA has a test site for the backfilling of one of their pits
and has entered into a Joint Venture with D & H Recycling in
order to do so. Should this be successful, the methodology can be
duplicated throughout South Africa for all other mined out
areas.
Funding
In order to strengthen its cash balances, the Company has in
February 2016, subsequent to the year-end, completed a fundraising
of US$1.7 million.
The Board has completed a Bridge Funding through a combined
convertible securities and warrant issuance with Bergen Global
Opportunity Fund, LP, a New York based institutional fund. The
Bridge Funding raised US$598,000, with the potential for an
increase to up to US$4,098,000 should both parties agree. In
addition, the Company undertook a subscription on 13 June 2016 to
raise US$200,000 through the subscription of 4,620,005 new ordinary
shares at an issue price of 3 pence each.
The Group have entered a non-binding Letter of Understanding for
a share placement of up to US$4.0 million with Zhejiang Golden
Machinery Plant ("ZGMP") with due diligence currently being
undertaken.
The Redstone Convertible Loan Notes mature in August 2016.
Redstone have provided a written undertaking to extend the maturity
of the Notes to at least July 2017 subject to concluding
negotiations regarding revisions to the terms of conversion in the
coming months. The Directors, based on discussions with
representatives of Redstone, fully expect that the Notes will
ultimately be converted rather than called for payment.
Puno dispute
As already mentioned in this Report, Puno lodged an application
in terms of Section 344(f) and 345 of the Companies Act against
Central Rand Gold SA, which, upon advice from our legal advisors,
we are opposing. Answering affidavits have been lodged. The time
period for Puno to file their replying affidavit lapsed on 22 June
2016. Puno's opportunity to file further affidavits has now lapsed
and the Company awaits Puno's confirmation whether they intend to
persist in their application.
APPRECIATION
I would like to thank Johan du Toit, who resigned as Chief
Executive Officer and Director in December 2015. Johan played a
significant role in the shaping of the Company during his seven
year tenure, firstly in the role of Chief Financial Officer and in
latter years as the Chief Executive Officer.
Lola Trollip has now assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer
of Central Rand Gold SA and she will be joining the Board of
Central Rand Gold as an Executive Director as soon as all the
necessary regulatory paperwork has been processed. We look forward
to the energy and focus she will bring to the role. Lola has over
30 years' experience in the African mining industry and deep
financial skills which will be valuable for the Company in its
quest to become profitable.
I also express my appreciation to Allen Phillips, who recently
resigned in June 2016, for his valuable guidance during his tenure
as Non-executive Director.
Further, I welcome to the Board a new Non-executive Director,
Mark Austin. Mark is a geologist with extensive experience in
exploration and mining geology as well as considerable management
experience having managed various gold and diamond mines across
Africa. Mark was appointed on 15 December 2015.
Finally, I thank the shareholders of Central Rand Gold for their
continued support and believe the Company is in a strong position
to embark upon the 2016 financial year.
Nathan Taylor
Chairman
Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2015
Group
-------------------------------------- ----------------
2015 2014
Notes US$'000 US$'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 2,271 3,592
Intangible assets 2,114 2,830
Security deposits and guarantees 46 191
Environmental guarantee investment 2,584 3,177
Loans receivable 7,236 8,646
14,251 18,436
--------- ----------
Current assets
Security deposits and guarantees 26 65
Prepayments and other receivables 480 1,239
Inventories 120 76
Cash and cash equivalents 556 914
Derivative asset - 720
1,182 3,014
--------- ----------
Total assets 15,433 21,450
========= ==========
EQUITY
Attributable to equity holders
of the parent
Share capital 9 26,617 26,490
Share premium 9 224,037 222,963
Share-based compensation reserve 28,238 28,238
Treasury shares (6) (6)
Foreign currency translation reserve (28,993) (29,534)
Accumulated losses (260,117) (261,559)
--------- ----------
(10,224) (13,408)
Non-controlling interest - -
Total equity (10,224) (13,408)
--------- ----------
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Environmental rehabilitation 3,676 4,904
Loan payable 7,236 14,418
10,912 19,322
--------- ----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 6,999 6,911
Royalties taxation payable 140 177
Loan payable 6 6,959 -
Derivative liability 6 647 8,448
14,745 15,536
--------- ----------
Total liabilities 25,657 34,858
--------- ----------
Total equity and liabilities 15,433 21,450
========= ==========
Statement of Profit or Loss
for the year ended 31 December 2015
Group
-------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------
2015 2014
Notes US$'000 US$'000
Revenue 8,093 8,212
Production costs (6,079) (9,438)
Employee benefits expense (2,252) (3,223)
Directors' emoluments (468) (717)
Inventory write down - (705)
Operating lease expense (872) (787)
Operational expenses (505) (502)
Other expenses (1,098) (1,702)
Other income and gains 305 543
Foreign exchange transaction (losses)/gains (75) 129
-------- ---------
Loss before interest, tax and
depreciation (2,951) (8,190)
Depreciation (425) (460)
Impairment of assets (346) (158)
Fair value movement in embedded
derivative 6 7,081 (5,108)
Finance income and investment
income 1,149 1,233
Finance costs (3,066) (2,585)
-------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before income tax 1,442 (15,268)
Income tax expense - -
-------- ---------
Profit/(loss) for the year 1,442 (15,268)
-------- ---------
Profit/(loss) is attributable
to:
Non-controlling interest - -
Equity holders of the parent 1,442 (15,268)
1,442 (15,268)
-------- ---------
Earnings/(loss) per share for
loss attributable to the equity
holders during the year (expressed
in US cents per share)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 1.58 (17.51)
Diluted loss per share (2.23) (17.51)
Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2015
Group
------------------------------------------- -------------------
2015 2014
US$'000 US$'000
Profit/(loss) for the year 1,442 (15,268)
-------- ---------
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Item that may be reclassified subsequently
to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translating
foreign operations 541 (92)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
for the period, net of tax 541 (92)
-------- ---------
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
for the period 1,983 (15,360)
-------- ---------
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest - -
Equity holders of the parent 1,983 (15,360)
--------
1,983 (15,360)
-------- ---------
Attributable to equity holders of the Group
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
Ordinary Share-based currency
share Share compensa-tion Treasury transla-tion Accumula-ted Non-controll-ing Total
capital premium reserve shares reserve losses Total interest equity
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
US$ '000 US$ '000 '000 US$ '000 '000 '000 US$ '000 '000 '000
-------------- -------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at
31 December
2013 25,604 213,377 28,224 (6) (29,442) (246,291) (8,534) - (8,534)
Total
comprehensive
income for the
year
Loss for the
year - - - - - (15,268) (15,268) - (15,268)
Other
comprehensive
income
Foreign
currency
adjustments - - - - (92) - (92) - (92)
Transactions
with owners,
recorded
directly
in equity
Issue of
shares:
Capital
raising 886 9,586 - - - - 10,472 - 10,472
Employees' and
Directors'
share-based
payments and
options - - 14 - - - 14 - 14
-------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at
31 December
2014 26,490 222,963 28,238 (6) (29,534) (261,559) (13,408) - (13,408)
-------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Attributable to equity holders of the Group
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
Ordinary Share-based currency
share Share compensa-tion Treasury transla-tion Accumula-ted Non-controll-ing Total
capital premium reserve shares reserve losses Total interest equity
US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000
------------------ -------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at
31 December 2014 26,490 222,963 28,238 (6) (29,534) (261,559) (13,408) - (13,408)
Total
comprehensive
income for the
year
Profit for the
year - - - - - 1,442 1,442 - 1,442
Other
comprehensive
income
Foreign currency
adjustments - - - - 541 - 541 - 541
Transactions with
owners, recorded
directly in equity
Issue of shares:
Capital raising 127 1,074 - - - - 1,201 - 1,201
-------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Balance at
31 December 2015 26,617 224,037 28,238 (6) (28,993) (260,117) (10,224) - (10,224)
-------- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ ------------ -------- ---------------- --------
Statement of Cash Flow
for the year ended 31 December 2015
Group
-------------------------------------------- --------------- -----------
2015 2014
Notes US$'000 US$'000
--------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit/(loss) before tax 1,442 (15,268)
Adjusted for :
Depreciation 425 460
Employment benefit expenditure (share-based
payments) - 14
Profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment (146) (17)
Impairment of inventory - 705
Impairment of assets 346 158
Net loss/(gain) on foreign exchange 75 (129)
Finance income (1,149) (1,233)
Finance costs 3,066 2,585
Fair value movement in embedded
derivative 6 (7,081) 5,108
Changes in working capital
Decrease/(increase) in prepayments
and other receivables 689 (325)
(Increase)/decrease in inventory (44) 129
Increase/(decrease) in trade and
other payables 173 (60)
(Decrease)/increase in provisions - 809
-------- ---------
Cash flows used in operations (2,204) (7,064)
Finance income 203 273
Finance costs 580 -
Sundry income - (1,610)
Net cash used in operating activities (1,421) (8,401)
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (92) (1,049)
Proceeds from disposal of property,
plant and equipment 180 186
Increase in environmental guarantee
deposit 65 (53)
-------- ---------
Net cash from/(used) in investing
activities 153 (916)
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of shares for
cash 9 1,261 4,254
Cost relating to the issue of shares 9 (60) (257)
Net proceeds from exercise of share
options - 3,732
-------- ---------
Net cash from financing activities 1,201 7,729
-------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (67) (1,588)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 914 2,475
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations
on cash balances (291) 27
-------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at 31
December 556 914
======== =========
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements
1. General information
Central Rand Gold Limited ("Central Rand Gold") is
a Guernsey incorporated company and it is also registered
in South Africa as an external company. One of its
subsidiaries, Central Rand Gold (Netherland Antilles)
N.V. ("CRGNV"), was incorporated in the Netherlands
Antilles. Central Rand Gold's operating subsidiary
is Central Rand Gold South Africa Proprietary Limited
("Central Rand Gold SA"). Central Rand Gold has a primary
listing on the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") and a
secondary listing on JSE Limited ("JSE").
Central Rand Gold complies with the company laws of
its place of incorporation being Guernsey and the company
laws of the place of its external registration being
South Africa. One of its subsidiaries, CRGNV, is incorporated
in the Netherlands Antilles, therefore the Group is
also impacted by the company laws of the Netherlands
Antilles.
The financial information for the year ended 31 December
2015 set out in this announcement does not constitute
the Company's statutory accounts. These financial statements
included in the announcement have been extracted from
the Group annual financial statements for the year
ended 31 December 2015. The financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with the recognition and
measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting
Standards adopted for use in the European Union. However,
this announcement does not itself contain sufficient
information to comply with IFRS.
The auditor has issued his opinion on the Group's financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 which
is unmodified but does contain an emphasis of matter
paragraph in respect of the matters referred to under
note 2 'Going concern' and is available for inspection
at the Company's registered address and will be posted
to the Group's website. The emphasis of matter paragraph
is presented below:
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 set out in note 2 to the financial
statements concerning the Group's ability to continue
as a going concern. As explained in note 2, the ability
of the Group to continue as a going concern is dependent
on the Group securing access to sufficient additional
funding and extending the repayment terms of existing
loan notes or the loan note holders converting the
loan notes into equity, to support the Group's cash
flow projections. Although the Directors remain confident
that the necessary funding will be secured and that
the existing loan note holders will exercise their
conversion rights or extend the loan note maturity
date to at least July 2017, there are no binding agreements
currently in place. These factors, together with the
other matters explained in note 2, indicate the existence
of a material uncertainty that may cast significant
doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going
concern. The financial statements do not include the
adjustments that would result if the Group was unable
to continue as a going concern.
2. Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the recognition and measurement
criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards
and Interpretations (collectively "IFRS") issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB")
as adopted by the European Union ("EU"). However, this
announcement does not itself contain sufficient information
to comply with IFRS. The Company will publish full
financial statements that comply with IFRS on 30 June
2016.
The consolidated financial statements are presented
in United States Dollars ("US$" or "US Dollar") and
rounded to the nearest thousand. The functional currency
of the parent company is the US Dollar. The functional
currency of its principal subsidiary, Central Rand
Gold SA is the South African Rand ("ZAR" or "Rand").
Going concern
The Group had net current liabilities at 31 December
2015 of US$13.6 million, including US$7.2 million of
loan notes with Redstone Capital Limited which mature
in August 2016 and US$7.0 million of trade and other
payables which include amounts that are overdue and
are being settled over the next 12 months under formal
and informal arrangements with creditors. The ability
of the Group to continue as a going concern is dependent
on the Group securing access to sufficient additional
funding and extending the repayment terms of existing
loan notes or the loan note holders converting the
loan notes into equity, to support the Group's cash
flow projections.
In April 2016, following the decision of the High Court
of South Africa to uphold the Company's appeal with
costs in relation the dispute with Puno Gold Investments
Proprietary Limited ("Puno"), Puno submitted an application
to wind up the Group's South African operating subsidiary.
As previously announced, the Board believes this to
be the latest strategy from Puno to frustrate the operations
of the Company and considers the application to be
without merit, has engaged legal advisers to defend
the action and has submitted its legal rejection of
the application. The time period for Puno to file their
replying affidavit lapsed on 22 June 2016. Puno's opportunity
to file further affidavits has now lapsed and the Company
awaits Puno's confirmation whether they intend to persist
in their application.
In May 2016, the Group ceased open pit mining operations
and will instead temporarily focus on toll treatment
operations under a binding tolling agreement with a
third party which is expected to be cash flow generative.
Underground mining is expected to recommence in 2019
following the dewatering program. As part of the reorganisation
of operations, the Group has initiated a number of
cost reduction measures.
Since the year end, the Group has raised US$1.6 million
(net) through share placements and drawn down US$0.6
million of bridge finance under a convertible loan
note facility ('CLN') with Bergen Global Opportunity
Fund, LP ('Bergen') for working capital purposes. Under
the terms of the agreement, the Group can draw down
up to US$4.0 million subject to agreement by both parties.
In addition, the Group have entered a non-binding Letter
of Understanding for a share placement of up to US$4.0
million with Zhejiang Golden Machinery Plant ("ZGMP")
with due diligence currently being undertaken. The
investment by ZGMP remains subject to final agreements
being concluded and shareholder approval. The Company
has also re-entered discussions, which are still in
an early stage, with one of the Asian Investors regarding
a potential investment into the Company. The recent
funding, together with further draw downs under the
Bergen CLN or ZGMP investment, if concluded, would
provide the Group with funding to normalize its working
capital position and in conjunction with the tolling
arrangement provide future working capital. In addition,
the Directors are progressing negotiations with another
third party for additional funding and remain confident
that such funding can be concluded on terms acceptable
to both parties.
The Group's Senior Secured Loan Notes of US$7.25 million
principal ('the Notes'), held by the Group's largest
shareholder Redstone Capital Limited ('Redstone'),
fall due for maturity in September 2016. Redstone have
provided a written undertaking to extend the maturity
of the Notes to at least July 2017 subject to concluding
negotiations regarding revisions to the terms of conversion
in the coming months. The Directors, based on discussions
with representatives of Redstone, fully expect that
the Notes will ultimately be converted rather than
called for payment.
The Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for
a period of at least 12 months from the date these
financial statements were approved, which show that
the Group is able to meet its liabilities as they fall
due. However, the cash flow forecasts are dependent
upon the Group successfully concluding the ZGMP investment
or Bergen advancing further funds under the CLN and
the tolling arrangement being concluded. The Group's
ability to meet liabilities as they fall due also remains
dependent upon the Group being able to manage its creditor
relationships and make necessary payments to trade
creditors until the funding is concluded. The cash
flow forecasts are further dependent upon Redstone
electing to convert its Loan Notes or concluding the
renegotiation of terms such that the maturity date
is deferred until at least July 2017. In addition,
the Group's ability to trade remains dependent upon
the South African Courts rejecting Puno's application
to place the Group's operating subsidiary into liquidation.
Although the Directors remain confident that the necessary
funding will be secured and that the existing loan
note holders will exercise their conversion rights
or extend the loan note maturity date to at least July
2017, there are no binding agreements currently in
place. Whilst the Board remains confident that, having
assessed each of these factors, the Group will be able
to address each of these matters satisfactorily to
meet its liabilities as they fall due, the Directors
have concluded that the above circumstances give rise
to a material uncertainty that may cast significant
doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going
concern and it may therefore be unable to realise its
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal
course of business. Nevertheless, after taking account
of the Group's funding position and its cash flow projections,
and having considered the risks and uncertainties associated
with the forecasts, the Directors have a realistic
expectation that the Group will have adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for at least 12
months from the date of approval of these financial
statements. For these reasons, the Directors continue
to prepare the financial statements on a going concern
basis, and the financial statements do not include
any adjustments that would result in the going concern
basis of preparation being inappropriate.
3. Accounting policies
These results have been prepared on a basis that is
consistent with the accounting policies applied by
the Group in its audited consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2014 and which will
form the basis of the 2015 annual report.
(a) New and amended standards adopted by the Group
In 2015 the Group adopted the amendments to IFRS 2
'Share-based Payment', IFRS 3 'Business Combinations',
IFRS 8 'Operating Segments', IFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurement',
IAS 16 'Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 19 'Defined
Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions, IAS 24 'Related
Party Disclosures, IAS 38 'Intangible Assets' and IAS
40 'Investment Property'. These have had no significant
impact on the Group's results.
(b) New standards, amendments and interpretations not
yet adopted
A number of new standards, amendments to standards
and interpretations are effective for annual periods
beginning after 1 January 2015, and have not been applied
in preparing these consolidated financial statements.
Those which may be relevant to the Group are set out
below. The Group does not plan to adopt these standards
early.
The amendments to IFRS 5 'Non-current Assets Held for
Sale and Discontinued Operations', 'IFRS 7 'Financial
Instruments: Disclosures', IFRS 10 'Consolidated Financial
Statements', IFRS 11 'Joint Arrangements', IFRS 12
'Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities', IFRS 15
'Revenue from Contracts with Customers', IFRS 16 'Leases',
IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements', IAS 12
'Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised
Losses', IAS 16 'Property, Plant and Equipment', IAS
19 'Employee Benefits', IAS 27 'Separate Financial
Statements', IAS 28 'Investments in Associates and
Joint Ventures', IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting',
IAS 38 'Intangible Assets' and the Disclosure Initiative:
Amendments to IAS 7 are effective for accounting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2016 but with early
adoption permitted. The adoption is not expected to
have a significant impact upon the Group's net results,
net assets or disclosures.
IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' replaces IAS 39 Financial
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The standard
includes requirements for recognition and measurement,
impairment, derecognition and general hedge accounting.
It uses a single approach, based on how an entity manages
its financial instruments (its business model) and
the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial
assets, to determine whether a financial asset is measured
at amortised cost or at fair value. It requires a single
impairment method to be used, replacing the numerous
impairment methods in IAS 39 that arose from the different
classification categories. It also removes the requirement
to separate embedded derivatives from financial asset
hosts. The standard introduces new requirements for
an entity choosing to measure a liability at fair value
to present the portion of the change in its fair value
due to changes in the entity's own credit risk in the
other comprehensive income section of the statement
of comprehensive income, rather than within profit
or loss. This new standard may impact the classification
and measurement of financial assets and the Group is
in the process of assessing the impact. The standard
is effective for year ends beginning on or after 1
January 2018.
4. Directorate
During the financial period under review, the composition
of the Board of Directors was as follows:
Name Position
--------------------- ------------------------
Mr Nathan Taylor Non-executive Chairman
--------------------- ------------------------
Mr Johan du Toit(1) Chief Executive Officer
--------------------- ------------------------
Mr Jason Hou Non-executive Director
--------------------- ------------------------
Mr Allen Phillips(2) Non-executive Director
--------------------- ------------------------
Mr Mark Austin(3) Non-executive Director
--------------------- ------------------------
(1) Mr Johan du Toit resigned from the Board on 31
December 2015.
(2) Mr Allen Phillips resigned from the Board and its
committees on
6 June 2016.
(3) Mr Mark Austin was appointed to the Board on 15
December 2015.
5. Segment reporting
An operating segment is a component of an entity that
engages in business activities from which it may earn
revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results
are regularly reviewed by the entity's chief operating
decision maker to make decisions about resources to
be allocated to the segment and assess its performance,
and for which discrete financial information is available.
The entity's chief operating decision maker reviews
information in one operating segment, being the acquisition
of mineral rights and data gathering in the Central
Rand Goldfield of South Africa, therefore management
has determined that there is only one reportable segment.
Accordingly, no analysis of segment revenue, results
or net assets has been presented. No corporate or other
assets are excluded from this segment.
6. Loans payable - Redstone Capital Limited
Central
Redstone's Rand Gold's
debt debt
conversion conversion
Debt Warrant Option option option Total
US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000
At 1 January
2014 5,148 1,434 1,189 2,749 - 10,520
Fair value
loss/(gain) - 1,043 1,469 3,316 (720) 5,108
Derivative
exercise - (94) (2,658) - - (2,752)
Interest 1,204 - - - - 1,204
Cash paid (580) - - - - (580)
------------ ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ --------------------
At 31 December
2014 5,772 2,383 - 6,065 (720) 13,500
Fair value
loss/(gain) - (1,905) - (5,896) 720 (7,081)
Interest 1,767 - - - - 1,767
Cash paid (580) - - - - (580)
------------ ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ --------------------
At 31 December
2015 6,959 478 - 169 - 7,606
============ ====================== =========== ============ ============ ====================
*The prior year loan balance of $5,772,000 was shown
in non-current loans payable in the statement of
financial position.
7. Related party transactions
On 19 August 2013, shareholders of the Company approved
the issue to Redstone, of US$7.25 million convertible
loan note instruments bearing 8%p.a. coupon interest
payable on a quarterly basis with a maturity date
of August 2016 ("the Convertible Loan Note"). In addition
to this, the Company entered into an agreement to
issue Redstone warrants equivalent to 50% of the Convertible
Loan Note ("the Warrant") and an option agreement
(the "Option Agreement") that, in the event that the
Company undertook an open offer, Redstone will have
an option to subscribe for such additional number
of Ordinary Shares to ensure that its percentage holding
of the issued share capital of the Company would remain
unchanged (assuming the full conversion of the Convertible
Loan Notes) following any such open offer.
8. Share-based payments
During the year, no further share options were granted
to employees.
9. Share capital and share premium
Issued and
Number of fully paid
shares up shares Share premium Total
US$ '000 US$ '000 US$ '000
At 1 January 2014 31,993,443 25,604 213,377 238,981
Issue of shares
for cash 29,396,065 462 3,792 4,254
Exercise of share
options 23,991,300 396 5,737 6,133
Exercise of warrants 1,800,000 28 314 342
Cost of share issue - - (257) (257)
---------------------- ----------- -------------------------- --------------------
At 31 December 2014 87,180,808 26,490 222,963 249,453
Issue of shares
for cash 8,015,000 127 1,134 1,261
Cost of share issue - - (60) (60)
---------------------- ----------- -------------------------- --------------------
At 31 December 2015 95,195,808 26,617 224,037 250,654
====================== =========== ========================== ====================
On 18 June 2015, the Company issued 6,015,000 new
Ordinary Shares of GBP0.01 each at a price of 10 pence
per Ordinary Share, which raised approximately US$0.94
million (GBP0.60 million).
On 24 June 2015, the Company issued a further 2,000,000
new Ordinary Shares of GBP0.01 each at a price of
10 pence per Ordinary Share, which raised approximately
US$0.32 million (GBP0.20 million).
10. Dividends
No dividends were declared or paid during the year
under review.
11. Reconciliation between loss and headline loss
attributable to equity holders of the Group
Headline earnings/(loss) are specific disclosures
defined and required by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
and are non-GAAP financial measures.
Group
2015 2014
US$'000 US$'000
Profit/(loss) attributable to
equity holders of the Group 1,442 (15,268)
Less: Profit on disposal of
property, plant and equipment (146) (17)
-------- ------------
Headline earnings/(loss) 1,296 (15,285)
======== ============
12. Contingent liability
Thin capitalisation
The tax legislation with regards to thin capitalisation
changed with effect from 1 April 2012 and applicable
in respect of years of assessment commencing on or
after that date. The safe harbour ratio of 3:1 included
in the previous legislation was replaced with the
concept of "arm's length." In instances where the
loans are considered not to be on an arm's length
basis all or part of the interest charged could be
disallowed as a deduction. Any interest not allowed
as a deduction will be treated as an adjustment in
terms of Section 31 of the Income Tax Act. In terms
of Section 31(3) of the Income Tax Act, any adjusted
amount for transfer pricing and thin capitalisation
purposes, prior to 1 January 2015, constituted a
deemed loan. As per the amended law, should this
amount, plus interest deemed to have accrued on it,
not have been repaid to the taxpayer by the relevant
non-resident connected person by 31 December 2014,
the outstanding "deemed loan" must "be deemed to
be a dividend consisting of a distribution of an
asset in specie, that was declared and paid by that
resident to that other person on 1 January 2015".
Such deemed dividend will be subject to Dividends
Withholding Tax ("DWT"), at a rate of 15%.
In prior years, management obtained legal opinion
based on which they concluded that there is no deemed
loan. In further assessing the impact of the amendments
on its intercompany loans, management concluded that
due to the lack in industry guidance pertaining to
the application of the "arm's length" concept, management
will be unable to confirm their conclusion without
finalising a full Transfer Pricing benchmarking study
applying OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development) principles.
13. Events occurring after reporting date
Operating
The Company negotiated and executed a Tolling Agreement
(the "Tolling Agreement") in 2016 with a third party
supplier of ore for the processing of gold-bearing
material through the Company's metallurgical plant.
The Tolling Agreement will enable the Company to
maintain operations with a steady and reliable feedstock
whilst it continues to pursue other growth opportunities
and awaits the dewatering of the central basin. In
light of the Tolling Agreement, the Company elected
to temporarily suspend mining at its open pit operations.
The Mill 1 experienced mechanical performance issues
and subsequent to year end failed. Central Rand Gold
SA has identified, purchased and is currently installing
another mill in its place. This project should be
completed in mid-July 2016.
Fundraising
In order to strengthen its balance sheet and provide
working capital in order to undertake continued surface
mining operations, identify and source further plant
feed material and carry out a programme of plant
upgrades and efficiency processes to further improve
plant availability and recovery rates, the Company
has subsequent to year-end completed the following
fundraising:
* A first share placement on 9 February 2016 of
14,279,371 new ordinary shares at 3.5 pence, which
raised GBP0.50 million.
* A second share placement on 9 March 2016 of
20,719,644 new ordinary shares at 3.5 pence, which
raised GBP0.73 million.
* A bridge funding (the "Bridge Funding") through a
combined convertible securities and warrant issuance
with Bergen Global Opportunity Fund, LP, a New York
based institutional fund. The Bridge Funding raised
US$598,000, with the potential for an increase to up
to US$4,098,000 should both parties agree.
* A subscription raised US$200,000 through the
subscription of 4,620,005 new ordinary shares at an
issue price of 3 pence each.
* Given the continued engagement with ZGMP to optimise
and potentially expand the metallurgical plant, the
Group entered a non-binding Letter of Understanding
for a share placement of up to US$4.0 million with
ZGMP with due diligence currently being undertaken.
Puno dispute
Puno lodged an application in terms of Section 344(f)
and 345 of the Companies Act against Central Rand
Gold SA, which, upon advice from the Company's legal
advisors, Central Rand Gold SA is opposing. Answering
affidavits have been lodged. The time period for
Puno to file their replying affidavit lapsed on 22
June 2016. Puno's opportunity to file further affidavits
has now lapsed and the Company awaits Puno's confirmation
whether they intend to persist in their application.
Issued on behalf of: Central Rand
Gold Limited
Date: 30 June 2016
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR EANKNALSKEFF
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 30, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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