Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)
Disclosure
Certain information contained in
this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the
purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the
release of this announcement
28 June 2024
Bushveld Minerals
Limited
("Bushveld Minerals"
"Bushveld" or the
"Company")
Full Year Results for the
12-month Period Ended 31 December 2023
Bushveld Minerals Limited (AIM: BMN), the integrated primary vanadium
producer is pleased to announce its full year results for
the year ended 31 December 2023.
FY2023 Financial Highlights
·
Revenue of US$137.5 million (2022: US$148.4
million).
·
Underlying EBITDA1 loss of US$7.5
million and adjusted EBITDA1 loss of US$66.1 million
(2022 Underlying EBITDA loss
of US$22.3 million and adjusted EBITDA loss of US$1.7
million).
·
Impairment losses of US$58.6 million (2022: US$24.0 million).
US$49.6 million of the impairment losses pertain to Mokopane and
US$8.2 million to Vanchem.
·
Net loss of US$104 million (2022: US$35.4
million).
·
Free cash flow2 of negative US$9.4 million
(2022: negative US$14.6 million).
·
Cash and cash equivalents of US$1.3 million (2021: US$10.9
million).
·
Net debt of US$105.8 million (2022: US$79.5
million).
·
The Group conducted, during the end of 2023, an
equity raise and entered into agreements with Southern Point
Resources ("SPR") for a cumulative proposed investment of US$69.5 -
US$77.5 million.
1.
Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA, excluding the Group's share of losses
from joint ventures and the remeasurement of financial liabilities.
Underlying EBITDA is Adjusted EBITDA excluding impairment
charges.
2. Free
cash flow defined as operating cash flow less sustaining
capital.
Group Priorities and
Outlook
·
Complete outstanding conditions of the Vanchem
sale
·
Drawdown on additional funding from
SPR
·
Optimising operations and right-sizing the
organisation to ensure that Vametco is a cash-generating
asset
·
Increasing the capacity of the Barren Dam at
Vametco
·
Ensure constant monitoring of the slimes
dam
·
Attaining Sustainable production at Vametco of
240mtV per month by Q4 2024.
·
Complete the sale of Bushveld's non-core assets -
Cellcube, Lemur and the electrolyte facility
Investor
Session
Bushveld Minerals Chief Executive
Officer, Craig Coltman and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Taylor
will host an investor session on Tuesday 2 July 2024 at 14:00 UK
(15:00 SAST) via the Investor Meet Company platform to discuss the
2023 full year results.
The session is open to all
existing and potential shareholders. Investors can submit questions
via Investor Meet Company dashboard up until 9:00am the day before
the meeting. Pre-submitted questions will be
prioritised.
Investors can sign up to Investor
Meet Company for free and register for the event via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/bushveld-minerals-limited/register-investor
Investors who already follow
Bushveld Minerals on the Investor Meet Company platform will
automatically be invited.
Annual
Report
The Annual report and accounts will be available on
the Company's website shortly and physical copies of the Annual
Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be posted
to shareholders who have elected to receive them, on 11 July
2024.
Enquiries: info@bushveldminerals.com
Bushveld Minerals Limited
|
|
+27 (0) 11 268 6555
|
Craig Coltman, Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
|
Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker
|
+44 (0) 20 3470 0470
|
Richard Morrison / Charlie
Bouverat
|
|
|
Grant Barker / Abigail
Wayne
|
|
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Hannam and Partners
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Joint Broker
|
+44 (0) 20 7653 4000
|
Andrew Chubb, Matt Hasson, Jay
Ashfield
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Tavistock Communications
|
Financial PR
|
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Gareth Tredway / Tara Vivian-Neal
/ James Whitaker
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+44 (0) 207 920 3150
|
ENDS
ABOUT BUSHVELD MINERALS LIMITED
Bushveld Minerals is a primary vanadium producer. It
is one of the world's three primary vanadium producers, offering
compelling exposure to vanadium through its upstream asset.
Detailed information on the
Company and progress to date can be accessed on the website
www.bushveldminerals.com
Chairman's
Statement
Stabilising
business foundations for future growth
DEAR
SHAREHOLDERS,
It would be remiss of me not to begin this letter
with an acknowledgment of the unprecedented state of flux that has
characterised Bushveld's performance during the period under
review.
Over the last 15 months, the Company has experienced
a significant change in Executive Management and a restructuring of
its head office, evolved its strategy to reflect financial
realities, navigated funding hurdles, implemented necessary
austerity measures, and intensified efforts to improve the
operational performance of its assets. All of this at a time when
vanadium prices have been subdued and unsupportive, with the
geopolitical arena becoming increasingly unstable and complex.
A key event of the year was the change in leadership
of the Company with the departure of Fortune Mojapelo at the end of
June 2023. Having co-founded Bushveld Minerals back in 2012,
Fortune led Bushveld Minerals' evolution from explorer to producer.
The Company wishes him well in his future endeavours. Sadly, the
Company also had to engage in right-sizing measures to reduce costs
and overheads. A number of staff had to be let go in this process
and we also wish them well going forward.
Since stepping into the role of CEO in July 2023,
Craig Coltman has done a highly commendable job under challenging
circumstances. Under his leadership, much progress has been made in
overhauling and simplifying the Company's operations and strategy
to refocus on the fundamentals of the business, being the mining
and beneficiation of vanadium. This progress will be vital to the
future performance of the Company. Whilst not yet reflected in the
financial outcomes, the overhaul implemented by the Management team
will become clearer when there is a rebound in the price of our
commodity.
This has been a significant change for Bushveld. The
strategic switch in direction to being a pure vanadium play has not
only been undertaken with the objective of simplifying the business
model but in recognition that the Company did not have sufficient
financial strength to build a vertically integrated mining and
energy entity. While vanadium may well have a future as an energy
mineral, Bushveld was unable to attract or generate the capital to
be a pioneer in executing this long-term opportunity. Following the
sale of Vanchem, Bushveld will continue to move towards operating
in an agile and lean manner by focusing on getting the Vametco
plant and its long-life mine into an efficient, sustainable,
cash-producing asset. Consequently, the Company is engaged in the
disposal of its investments in the sectors unrelated to the
production of vanadium.
Under the new leadership, realistic production
targets have been set involving the strengthening of core
operations. Management has also endeavoured to stabilise and
improve the Company's financial resilience, notably through the
restructuring of the Orion convertible loan note, the commitment of
US$18.4 million additional equity, of which US$14.9 million has
been received, as well as the pending sale of the Vanchem
facility.
The Board recognises Craig's candid engagement with
his colleagues and shareholders in providing a realistic and frank
assessment of the business and what actions have been and still are
required to be taken to facilitate the restoration of long-term
value. While there is still a way to go on some of the
restructuring and operational initiatives announced, the Group
looks forward to achieving a potentially more deliverable
proposition and a refocused business model geared towards the
efficient production and sale of vanadium from its South African
production asset, Vametco.
We thank shareholders for supporting the conditional
sale of Vanchem, an action that allows us to rectify the Group's
overdue creditor balances as well as providing adequate working
capital to fund ongoing operations at Vametco.
During the year, Southern Point Resources ("SPR")
became a new major shareholder and supporter. The multi-pronged
agreement with SPR, which includes a working capital facility, the
purchase of Vanchem and our 64% interest Mokopane, an equity
subscription and a new sales and marketing arrangement has all
helped infuse much-needed capital into the turnaround strategy that
the Executive Management team have devised.
I would also like to particularly thank those
shareholders who participated in the fundraising exercise we
initiated at the end of 2023, which helped raise the funds to
strengthen our working capital and invest in some of the
maintenance projects required to support our assets. The Board and
Executive Management team hope that all shareholders will
increasingly see the potential of the business and provide the
necessary support to re-rate the shares of the Company to a level
that appropriately reflects its underlying value.
We would like to welcome Robbie Taylor who recently
joined as Interim Chief Financial Officer replacing Tanya Chikanza.
He brings with him over 27 years' experience as a Finance Executive
in various sectors and has extensive experience working with listed
entities and multinationals. Robbie and the Finance team have made
significant strides in addressing capital allocation, creditor
management, cost control and overall financial discipline.
The coming months will see a number of changes to
your Board:
· David
Noko is not standing for re-election at the AGM in order to permit
him to focus on his many other commitments. He has served the
Company assiduously, particularly in his role as Chair of the ESG
Committee. He departs with our thanks and best wishes.
·
Further, it is my intention to stand down from the Board and as
Chairman once a replacement has been appointed. I have served for
over six years and now is the time for a new Chair to lead the
Board and the Company forward. The Company will shortly initiate a
search process to identify a suitable candidate.
· Subject
to completion of regulatory due diligence, replacing David Noko as
a Non-Executive Director, Mathews Senosi has been invited to join
the Board. We will welcome his involvement and look forward to
benefitting from his significant sectoral experience.
The Bushveld Board stands resolutely in support of
management's turnaround strategy and focus for 2024. This is to
build on the progress made in the second half of 2023 to become a
simple, fast and effective mining company. Continued improvement in
operational performance, the disposal of the energy assets, and the
further reduction of debt will facilitate a strengthening of our
investment proposition during the course of the current financial
year. A recovery in the price of vanadium will, of course, also be
vital and most welcome.
In closing, I must recognise the commitment,
support, and dedication of my Board colleagues who have been
unstintingly generous with their time and have provided much wise
counsel during this pivotal period in the Company's development.
Collectively, we also recognise the huge effort of the Executive
Management team under Craig's leadership for their steady hand and
commitment to restoring Bushveld Minerals' intrinsic value for its
shareholders.
Michael J. Kirkwood
Chairman
28 June 2024
Chief Executive Officer's
Review
Refocusing
our business objectives
DEAR
STAKEHOLDERS,
I am pleased to be writing to you in my first letter
as CEO of Bushveld Minerals.
I joined the Company at a critical juncture in its
history, heavily beset as it was by a confluence of financial,
operational and broader contextual challenges. While I have been at
the helm for a relatively short time, just 11 months at the time of
writing, I can report that the team has worked incredibly hard,
under difficult circumstances, to turn this ship around.
In this, our priority has been the overhaul of
Bushveld's strategy. We have moved away from the objective of
vertical integration to refocus on the original fundamentals of the
business as an efficient miner of vanadium that can deliver a
sustained value to all stakeholders. Such has been the result of
our hard work that, today, we present you with a pure-play, focused
vanadium producer, capable of producing sustainable free cash flow
within the right market conditions.
Of course, prior to my joining mid-year, on 1 July
2023, work refocusing our business objectives had already started
on some of the issues facing the business. At an operational level,
the load curtailment solution between Vanchem and the Emalahleni
Municipality was agreed early in 2023 providing a far more stable,
predictable power feed to the kiln. On the financial front, the
initial Investment Committee approved the term sheet for the Orion
loan restructuring which was announced in May 2023 with the deal
finalised in February 2024; and while the proposed listing never
crystallised for various reasons, there was an attempt to get the
energy assets unbundled into their own listed vehicle.
This review focuses on the initiatives pursued,
including the key transactions announced and hard operational and
restructuring decisions taken in my first six months with the
Company, and into the current financial year.
STABILISING
THE BUSINESS
Within days of arriving at Bushveld, the uphill task
we had ahead of us was quite clear. Beyond the long-term debt
position with Orion that had become current, we also owed creditors
large sums of money, the majority of the balance being long
outstanding, and it was apparent that we had to reduce these
creditor balances in order to improve the steady supply of raw
materials that would in turn facilitate consistent output from both
our production facilities. To do this, we had to bolster our
cash balance and improve our working capital situation quickly, to
ensure our credit period days were reduced and suppliers were more
confident they would be paid timeously on supply of goods. A
big contributor to achieving the funding boost, was the
comprehensive proposed investment by Southern Point Resources
("SPR") announced in September 2023. There is no doubt that the
immediate US$8.0 million (ZAR150.0 million) working capital
loan under the SPR agreement provided an immediate boost to our
bank balance and breathing room as we proceeded with the other
transactions within the overall US$69.5-77.5 million funding
package. In December 2023, we also successfully concluded the
definitive agreements for the sale of 50% of Vanchem and our 64%
interest in Mokopane for a total price of US$25 million. This
transaction was altered in May 2024 to include 100% of our share in
Vanchem. During the period, we also concluded a sales and marketing
agreement with SPR, part of which will see them provide Bushveld
with a provisional working capital facility of US$25-30 million, to
replace our existing working capital facilities. We also
pushed the button on a much-needed equity raising, which, including
the previously agreed US$12.5 million injection from SPR, saw us
raise a commitment of a total of US$18.4 million in fresh capital
for the business of which US$14.9 million has been received. While
there have been some post-year-end delays on the flow of some of
these funds, we have made great strides with SPR in executing the
various parts of our broad agreement and are continually engaging
on the remaining transactions.
REFOCUSING
OUR BUSINESS OBJECTIVE
From an operational perspective we identified that,
in order to improve Vanchem's performance, it was vital we
implement various initiatives during the month of July 2023 to get
that facility into a sustainable positive cash flow position in the
short term and achieve stable production levels of approximately
180 mtV per month. Initiatives pursued included: Changing the
re-agent mix from 100% sodium sulphate to a mix of sodium carbonate
and sodium sulphate, which reduces the silica build up at the kiln
and hence increases the kiln availability. Deploy a team from
Vametco to Vanchem to improve knowledge sharing.
•
24/7 shift managers for supervision to ensure immediate
decision-making. Annual Report and Financial Results 2023
After familiarising myself with the business
as a whole, I realised that there were several legacy and non-core
assets that were using management time and Company funds to
maintain and develop, while not contributing any near- to
medium-term returns. Once identified, we initiated the process of
disposing of those assets to focus on our main business, namely the
production of vanadium.
Toughest of all the decisions was the one we
had to make towards the end of the financial year where, having
right-sized the business, and taken into account our financial
constraints, we had no choice but to make redundant a number of our
Group Head Office employees. The office restructuring will result
in a cost saving of US$1.5 million per year. While it is never easy
letting people go, we knew these measures were essential for
navigating the current market conditions and ensuring the Company's
continued competitiveness throughout the commodity
cycle.
FINANCIALS
The 2023 financial results were affected by
lower vanadium prices and higher operating costs which resulted in
an underlying EBITDA¹ loss of US$7.5 million. We used cash
generated from operating activities of US$6.2 million and ended the
year with a cash and cash equivalent balance of US$1.3 million. At
the beginning of 2024, the Company completed the refinancing of the
unsecured convertible loan notes issued to Orion as
follows:
•
US$4.7 million of the convertible debt obligations
capitalised into a subscription for 124,747,016 new ordinary
shares.
•
A new convertible loan note of US$14.1 million maturing on 30
June 2028.
•
A term loan of US$28.3 million maturing on 30 June
2026.
•
Supplemental royalty at not more than 0.264% of Bushveld's
gross revenues and reducing by 80% at the term loan
maturity.
The announcement of the 100% sale of Vanchem
made post the financial year end, has provided working capital to
fund ongoing operations and allows the Group to reduce its overdue
creditor balance.
ASSET
RATIONALISATION
In our efforts to reduce costs and simplify
our business, the Company has also initiated processes on disposing
of several of its assets.
Within the scope of the SPR transaction, the
Company has conditionally sold Vanchem to SPR and our 64% interest
in the Mokopane development project for US$40-45 million.
Definitive agreements have been signed for both of these
transactions and we await final conditions around regulatory
approvals to be met. Advisors have also been hired to manage the
sale process of CellCube and the Bushveld Electrolyte production
plant.
We also reassessed the merits of pursuing the
mining right application associated with the Brits Project,
neighbouring Vametco, and concluded that it should be discontinued.
Discussions over the disposal of Lemur, a thermal coal asset in
Madagascar, are also underway.
OPERATIONS
It was clear early on in my tenure that while
Vametco was largely reliable and in suitable operating condition
(save for the Barren Dam constraints), it was Vanchem which
required further improvements and consistency in order to stand on
its own two feet.
After spending some time at the assets, I took
the difficult decision to revise guidance to a realistic and
achievable target of between 3,700 mtV and 3,900 mtV
(previously between 4,200 mtV and 4,500 mtV). The good news is that
the turnaround plan implemented and described above helped us
achieve the targeted production rates, with Vanchem achieving its
highest production level since the asset was acquired by
Bushveld.
At Vanchem, we saw a significant
improvement in our safety performance with a total recordable
injury frequency rate of 2.31 (2022: 10.32). The improvement is a
result of the implementation of a safety diagnostic assessment
action plan, with special focus on the leading indicators, namely,
visible felt leadership, planned task observations, inspections and
addressing all the audit results.
OUTLOOK
Our immediate focus for the remainder of 2024
is to build on the aforementioned achievements. We aim to ensure
that Vametco realises operational stability and achieves a
sustainable monthly production of circa 240 mtV by Q4 2024. In
addition to commencing with the project to buttress the slimes dam,
increasing the capacity of the Barren Dam at Vametco remains an
important debottlenecking project that needs to be
resolved.
We will continue to reduce debt and implement
cost saving measures in line with our asset
rationalisation.
The low vanadium price has continued
into 2024 with the commodity trading around US$26/kgV. As a Group,
we will continue to prioritise sales into higher value markets,
such as the aerospace application, speciality alloy and chemicals,
and higher price markets, such as nitro vanadium in North
America.
I must thank Orion, SPR and all other
shareholders for their support through this difficult time. As
mentioned at the start of this letter, we have taken big strides in
focusing this business on the efficient production of vanadium for
global markets.
I look forward to updating you on our progress
to becoming a simple, fast and effective company during the course
of the current financial year.
Craig Coltman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer's
Review
1. OVERVIEW
|
Unit
|
FY 2023
|
FY 2022
|
Revenue
|
US$m
|
137.5
|
148.4
|
Cost of sales
|
US$m
|
(122.1)
|
(108.3)
|
Other operating income and
costs
|
US$m
|
(77.2)
|
(40.0)
|
Administrative costs
|
US$m
|
(20.8)
|
(20.3)
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
US$m
|
(66.1)
|
(1.7)
|
Impairment charges
|
US$m
|
(58.6)
|
(24.0)
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
US$m
|
(7.5)
|
22.3
|
Average foreign exchange
rate
|
US$/ZAR
|
18.46
|
16.35
|
Group production
|
mtv
|
3,714
|
3,842
|
Group sales
|
mtv
|
4,051
|
3,584
|
All-in sustaining costs
("AISC")
|
US$/kgV
|
51.0
|
43.7
|
Average realised price
|
US$/kgV
|
33.9
|
41.4
|
The 2023 financial results were
affected by lower vanadium prices and higher operating costs to
stabilise the assets. The operational initiatives to prioritise
operational stability paid off with Vanchem achieving its highest
yearly production since the asset was acquired by Bushveld. Our
turnaround efforts, which resulted in us achieving this record
production and stabilising the operation, allowed us to achieve
meaningful value for this asset when an agreement was reached to
sell 100% of Vanchem post financial year end.
In 2023,
we recorded an underlying EBITDA loss of US$7.5 million and
adjusted EBITDA loss of US$66.1 million. The operating loss also
included impairment losses of US$58.6 million (2022: U$24.0
million). US$49.6 million of the impairment losses pertain to
Mokopane and US$8.2 million to Vanchem. The refinancing of the
Orion Mine Finance ("Orion") US$35 million convertible loan notes
and capitalised interest into a revised capital structure was
completed at the beginning of 2024. The Group also conducted,
during the end of 2023, an equity raise and entered into agreements
with Southern Point Resources ("SPR") for cumulative proposed
investment of US$69.5 - US$77.5 million.
2. INCOME STATEMENT
Analysis of results
The income statement summary below
is adjusted from the "statutory" primary statement
presentation:
|
Year ended
|
|
Year ended
|
In US$'000
|
31-Dec-23
|
%
change
|
31-Dec-22
|
Revenue
|
137,471
|
-7%
|
148,448
|
Cost of sales excluding
depreciation
|
(106,097)
|
18%
|
(90,268)
|
Other operating income and
costs
|
(18,567)
|
16%
|
(15,985)
|
Other operating income
|
2,059
|
-25%
|
2,733
|
Selling and distribution
costs
|
(8,825)
|
-5%
|
(9,270)
|
Other mine operating
costs
|
(2,838)
|
4%
|
(2,723)
|
Idle plant costs
|
(8,963)
|
33%
|
(6,725)
|
Administration costs excluding
depreciation
|
(20,266)
|
2%
|
(19,889)
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
(7,459)
|
-133%
|
22,306
|
Impairment losses
|
(58,637)
|
145%
|
(23,965)
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
(66,096)
|
3884%
|
(1,659)
|
Depreciation
|
(16,491)
|
-11%
|
(18,475)
|
Operating loss
|
(82,587)
|
310%
|
(20,134)
|
Other losses
|
(3,378)
|
313%
|
(818)
|
Share of loss from joint
venture
|
(4,242)
|
-17%
|
(5,112)
|
Fair value gain on derivative
liability
|
32
|
-99%
|
2,934
|
Net financing expenses
|
(14,864)
|
9%
|
(13,654)
|
Loss before tax
|
(105,039)
|
186%
|
(36,784)
|
Income tax
|
(1,730)
|
-229%
|
1,345
|
Net loss for the year
|
(106,769)
|
201%
|
(35,439)
|
Revenue
|
Year ended
31-Dec-23
|
Year ended
31-Dec-22
|
Group sales
(mtV)
|
4,051
|
3,584
|
Average realised price
(US$/kgV)
|
33.9
|
41.4
|
Revenue
(US$'000)
|
137.5
|
148.4
|
Revenue of US$137.5 million for
the Group was 7 percent lower than in the previous year, due to an
18 percent decrease in the average realised price to US$33.9/kgV,
partially offset by a 13 percent increase in Group sales to 4,051
mtV.
The geographic split of Group
sales in 2023 was 44 percent to the USA, 27 percent to Europe, nine
percent to Asia, seven percent to South Africa, and 13 percent to
the rest of the world. During the year we continued to prioritise
sales into the higher value markets (aerospace application,
speciality alloy and chemicals) and higher price markets (Nitro
Vanadium in North America).
Cost analysis
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
In US$'000
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Cost of sales excluding
depreciation
|
(106,097)
|
(90,268)
|
Other operating income and
costs
|
(77,204)
|
(39,950)
|
Administration costs excluding
depreciation
|
(20,266)
|
(19,889)
|
Total income statement operting
cost excluding depreciation
|
(203,567)
|
(150,107)
|
Total units sold (mtV)
|
4,051
|
3,584
|
Cost per income statement per unit
sold (excluding depreciation) (US$/kgV)
|
50.3
|
41.9
|
Sustaining capital
|
(3,202)
|
(6,589)
|
Total cost including sustaining
capital
|
(206,769)
|
(156,696)
|
Cost per unit sold including
sustaining capital (US$/kgV)
|
51.0
|
43.7
|
Cost of sales
The cost of sales, excluding
depreciation, for the year was US$106.1 million, 18 percent higher
than the prior year primarily due to higher costs at both Vametco
and Vanchem. The cost increases included:
· Reduction in finished goods as the Group sold 340 mtV more
than what was produced in the year;
· Increase in raw material prices from suppliers;
· Increase in energy and staff costs due to cost
escalation;
· Increase in inventory write-downs at Vanchem which included a
net realisable value write-down of US$1.8 million as well as a $1.8
million write-down of work-in-progress and raw materials;
and
· These costs increases were partially offset by a decrease in
the ZAR:USD exchange rate.
Other operating income and costs
Other operating income and costs
increased to US$77.2 million primarily due to:
· A
US$34.7 million increase in impairment losses to US$58.6 million.
US$49.6 million of the impairment losses pertain to the Mokopane
Project in order to reduce the carrying amount of the Project to
the sales price agreed with SPR of US$3.7 million. US$8.2 million
impairment loss was recognised for Vanchem to align the carrying
amount with the agreed sales price for the initial 50% sale of
Vanchem. After year-end, this transaction was altered to sell a
100% of our share in Vanchem. Following the closing of the sale, we
will derecognise the assets and liabilities of Vanchem and any
difference between the net assets and the consideration received
will be recorded as a gain or loss on disposal.
· A
$2.2 million increase in idle plant costs to US$9.0 million due to
additional downtime at Vanchem and Vametco, partially offset by a
decrease in the ZAR:USD exchange rate; and
· Selling and distribution costs decreased by US$0.4 million
primarily due to lower commissions paid driven by lower average
realised prices partially offset by higher distribution
costs.
Cost per unit sold
The Group cost per unit sold for
the year (including sustaining capital expenditure) was
US$51.0/kgV. This represents a 17 percent increase relative to the
prior year primarily as a result of the cost factors noted above,
offset by higher sales volumes and a weaker ZAR:US$ exchange
rate.
Administration costs
Administration costs, excluding
depreciation charges for the year were US$20.3 million. Below is a
breakdown of the key items included in administration
costs:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
(In thousands US$)
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Staff costs
|
9,048
|
9,327
|
Professional fees
|
7,051
|
6,007
|
Share-based payments
|
(254)
|
315
|
Other (including IT and security
expenses)
|
4,421
|
4,240
|
|
20,266
|
19,889
|
Professional fees increased by 17
percent to US$7.1 million primarily driven by higher legal fees and
consulting fees incurred as a result of the agreements entered into
by SPR and Orion.
Adjusted and underlying EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a factor of
volumes, prices and cost of production. This is a measure of the
underlying profitability of the Group, which is widely used in the
mining sector. Underlying EBITDA removes the effect of impairment
charges.
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
In US$'000
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Revenue
|
137,471
|
148,448
|
Cost of sales
|
(122,068)
|
(108,304)
|
Other operating costs and
income
|
(77,204)
|
(39,950)
|
Administration costs
|
(20,786)
|
(20,328)
|
Add: Depreciation
|
16,491
|
18,475
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
(66,096)
|
(1,659)
|
Add: Impairment losses
|
58,637
|
23,965
|
Underlying EBITDA
|
(7,459)
|
22,306
|
The Group delivered an adjusted
EBITDA loss of US$66.1 million, a US$64.4 million reduction
compared 2022, primarily driven by impairment losses, lower
realised prices and higher operating costs. The Group generated an
underlying EBITDA loss of US$7.5 million, US$29.8 million less than
2022.
Net financing expenses
Net financing expenses were
US$14.9 million, US$1.2 million higher than in the prior year. The
increase was primarily due to interest on the Orion production
facility agreement ("Orion PFA") and Orion convertible loan notes.
Below is a breakdown of net financing expenses:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
(In thousands US$)
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Finance income
|
(523)
|
(494)
|
Interest on borrowings
|
12,151
|
11,189
|
Unwinding of discount
rate
|
1,873
|
1,726
|
Interest on lease
liabilities
|
724
|
974
|
Other finance costs
|
639
|
259
|
|
14,864
|
13,654
|
Interest on borrowings mainly
reflected the finance costs on the Orion convertible loan notes of
US$7.1 million (2022: US$6.4 million), interest on the Orion PFA of
US$4.4 million (2022: US$4.4 million), and interest on interim
working capital facility from SPR of US$0.4 million (2022: US$
nil).
Other non-cash costs
The share of loss from investments
in joint ventures of US$4.2 million (2022: US$5.1 million) is the
Group's share of the loss from its investment in VRFB-H.
Other losses of US$3.4 million
include a write-down of the Mustang Energy Plc ("Mustang")
convertible loan notes of US$1.7 million following the exercise of
the backstop agreement, a write-down of $0.4 million on the
conversion of the Mustang working capital loan as well as US$1.3
million of additional funding provided to Cellcube.
3. BALANCE
SHEET
Assets
Intangible assets decreased
compared to the previous year as the Mokopane intangible asset was
impaired by US$49.6 million to reflect a recoverable amount of
US$3.7 million. The Mokopane intangible asset was reclassified to
asset held for sale as the sale was considered highly probably at
year end.
Property, plant and equipment
decreased by US$27.7 million due to depreciation of US$16.5
million, impairment losses of US$9.0 million and weaker ZAR:USD
exchange rate, partially offset by capital expenditure of US$5.7
million.
Inventories decreased by US$12.7
million compared to the previous year primarily due to a decrease
in finished goods as the Group sold more than what was produced, a
decrease in the ZAR:USD exchange rate and an increase in the
write-offs recorded partially offset by an increase in the weighted
average production cost.
Trade and other receivables
increased by US$15.5 million compared to the prior year primarily
due to the recognition of subscription receivables of US$13.9
million which was received subsequent to year end.
The decrease in other financial
assets is due to the write-down of the Mustang convertible loan
notes following the exercise of the backstop agreement.
The decrease in cash and cash
equivalents to US$1.3 million was primarily due to cash used from
operations (US$6.2 million), capital expenditures incurred (US$5.7
million), repayment of finance costs and borrowings (US$5.5
million), partially offset by net proceeds received from the
interim working capital facility (US$7.5 million) and net proceeds
received from the equity raise (US$0.8 million).
Equity
The increase in share capital and
share premium was due to the shares issued to the Mustang
convertible loan note holders following the exercise of the
backstop agreement, the shares issued in order to acquire the
minority interest in Bushveld Vametco Holdings and the shares
issued in the equity raise completed at the end of the
year
Liabilities
Total borrowings (excluding lease
liabilities) of US$98.58 million increased by US$15.5 million
compared to the prior year due to the capitalisation of finance
costs of US$12.7 million and additional funding provided of US$9.0
million, partially offset by the repayment of Orion PFA of US$3.9
million and repayment of Primorus convertible loan note of US$1.2
million.
The net debt reconciliation below
outlines the Group's total debt and cash position:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
(In thousands US$)
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Orion Production Financing
Arrangement
|
(35,635)
|
(35,146)
|
Orion Convertible Loan
Note
|
(46,766)
|
(39,742)
|
Industrial Development Corporation
Loans
|
(6,238)
|
(5,480)
|
SPR interim working capital
facility
|
(7,812)
|
-
|
Other
|
(2,124)
|
(2,762)
|
Lease liabilities
|
(8,428)
|
(7,283)
|
Total debt
|
(107,003)
|
(90,413)
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
Net debt
|
(105,722)
|
(79,539)
|
Net debt increased by US$26.2
million compared to the prior year due to capitalised interest of
US$7.1 million on the Orion convertible loan notes, the SPR interim
working capital of US$7.8 million and an increase in lease
liabilities of US$1.1 million and the decrease in the cash and cash
equivalents balance of US$9.6 million.
We completed the refinancing of
the unsecured Orion convertible loan notes at the beginning of 2024
as follows:
· US$4.7 million of the convertible debt obligation capitalised
into a subscription for 124,747,016 new ordinary shares;
· A
new convertible loan note of US$14.1 million maturity on 30 June
2028;
· A
term loan of US$28.3 million maturity on 30 June 2026;
and
· Supplemental royalty not more than 0.264% of Bushveld's gross
revenues reducing by 80% at the term loan maturity.
4. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
The table below summarises the
main components of cash flow during the year:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
(In thousands US$)
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Operating loss
|
(82,587)
|
(20,134)
|
Impairment losses
|
58,637
|
23,965
|
Depreciation
|
16,491
|
18,475
|
Other non-cash items
|
(3,213)
|
(6,629)
|
Changes in working capital and
provisions
|
7,151
|
6,154
|
Taxes paid
|
(2,705)
|
(648)
|
Cash inflow/(outflow) from
operations
|
(6,226)
|
21,183
|
Sustaining capital
expenditures
|
(3,202)
|
(6,589)
|
Free cash flow
|
(9,428)
|
14,594
|
Cash used in other investing
activities
|
(2,478)
|
(13,000)
|
Cash generated from / (used in)
financing activities
|
2,941
|
(5,346)
|
Cash outflow
|
(8,965)
|
(3,752)
|
Opening cash and cash
equivalents
|
10,874
|
15,433
|
Foreign exchange
movement
|
(628)
|
(807)
|
Closing cash and cash
equivalents
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
Operating activities
The Group used cash from operating
activities of US$6.2 million, compared to cash generated from
operations of US$21.2 million in the prior year. The change is
primarily drive by the decrease in adjusted EBITDA.
Investing activities
Cash used in investing activities
(including sustaining capital expenditure) of US$6.3 million was
primarily driven by capital expenditure on property, plant and
equipment of US$5.7 million.
Capital Expenditure (US$' million)
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
In millions US$
|
31-Dec-23
|
31-Dec-22
|
Vametco
|
2.4
|
6.5
|
Growth
|
-
|
-
|
Sustaining
|
2.4
|
6.5
|
Vanchem
|
0.9
|
4.5
|
Growth
|
|
4.4
|
Sustaining
|
0.9
|
0.1
|
Bushveld Energy
|
2.4
|
7.1
|
Growth
|
2.4
|
7.1
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditures
|
5.7
|
18.2
|
Financing activities
Cash generated from financing
activities of US$2.9 million comprised of the US$9.0 million
proceeds received from borrowings mainly from the interim working
capital facility and the net proceeds of US$0.8 million
received from the equity raise, partially offset by the repayment
of Orion PFA of US$3.9 million, repayment of Primorus convertible
loan note of US$1.2 million, the repayment of lease liabilities of
US$0.7 million and the amount paid in cash to acquire the minority
interest in Bushveld Vametco Holdings of US$0.6 million.
5. FINANCIAL RISK
The primary financial risks faced
by the Group relate to the availability of funds to meet business
needs due to the historically low vanadium prices (liquidity risk),
the risk of default by counterparties to financial transactions
(credit risk), fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates,
and commodity prices (market risk). These factors are more fully
outlined in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
They are important aspects to consider when addressing the Group's
going concern status. We proactively manage the risks within our
control.
There are, however, factors
outside the control of management. These are volatility in the
ZAR:US$ exchange rate, as well as the vanadium price, which have a
significant impact on the cash flows of the business. We have a
hedging policy and assess the potential to implement a strategy to
address the fluctuations in the ZAR:US$ exchange rate when we
attain steady state production at our operations.
6. GOING CONCERN AND OUTLOOK
We closely monitor and manage
liquidity risk by ensuring that the Group has sufficient funds for
all ongoing operations. As part of the annual budgeting and
long-term planning process, the Directors reviewed the approved
Group budget and cashflow forecast through to 30 June 2025. The
current cashflow forecast has been amended in line with any
material changes identified during the year. Equally, where funding
requirements are identified from the cashflow forecast, appropriate
measures are taken to ensure these requirements can be
satisfied.
We have performed an assessment of
whether the Group would be able to continue as a going concern for
at least twelve months from the date of the annual consolidated
financial statement. We took into account the financial position,
expected future performance of the operations, the debt facilities
and debt service requirements, the working capital requirements,
capital expenditure commitments and forecasts, expected proceeds
from the sale of Vanchem and Mokopane and outstanding equity
proceeds. Additionally, we factored in the favourable relationship
with Orion, demonstrated by the restructuring of agreements to
accommodate market conditions and constructive engagement in
relevant matters.
The Group's ability to continue as
a going concern is dependent on its ability to complete the sale of
Vanchem and Mokopane and the timing of those sales proceeds,
complete the refinance of the Orion senior term loan and the timing
of receiving the additional funding, the continuing support of
Orion, and achieving the planned production levels at the estimated
average sales prices. These conditions indicate the existence of
material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the
Group's ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been prepared
on a going concern basis as, in the opinion of the Directors, the
Group will be in a position to continue to meet its operating and
capital costs requirements and pay its debts as and when they fall
due for at least twelve months from the date of this report. The
going concern note included in the accounting policies provides
further information.
Robbie Taylor
Interim Chief Financial
Officer
28 June 2024
1. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA
excluding the Group's share of losses from joint ventures, fair
value gain on derivative liability and other losses.
2. Underlying EBITDA is Adjusted
EBITDA excluding impairment losses.
3. Other operating costs and
income include other operating income, impairment losses, selling
and distribution costs, other mine operating costs and idle plant
costs.
4. Finance income less finance
costs.
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Revenue
|
5
|
137,471
|
148,448
|
Cost of sales
|
|
(122,068)
|
(108,304)
|
Gross profit
|
|
15,403
|
40,144
|
Other operating income
|
|
2,059
|
2,733
|
Impairment losses
|
13, 14
|
(58,637)
|
(23,965)
|
Selling and distribution
costs
|
|
(8,825)
|
(9,270)
|
Other mine operating costs
|
|
(2,838)
|
(2,723)
|
Idle plant costs
|
|
(8,963)
|
(6,725)
|
Administration expenses
|
7
|
(20,786)
|
(20,328)
|
Operating loss
|
|
(82,587)
|
(20,134)
|
Finance income
|
8
|
523
|
494
|
Finance costs
|
9
|
(15,387)
|
(14,148)
|
Other losses
|
10
|
(3,378)
|
(818)
|
Fair value gain on derivative
liability
|
28
|
32
|
2,934
|
Share of loss from investments in
associate and joint venture
|
18
|
(4,242)
|
(5,112)
|
Loss before taxation
|
|
(105,039)
|
(36,784)
|
Taxation
|
11
|
(1,730)
|
1,345
|
Loss for the year
|
|
(106,769)
|
(35,439)
|
Loss attributable to
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent
|
|
(103,927)
|
(38,968)
|
Non-controlling interest
|
|
(2,842)
|
3,529
|
|
|
(106,769)
|
(35,439)
|
Loss per ordinary share
|
|
|
|
Basic loss per share (cents)
|
12
|
(7.43)
|
(3.07)
|
Diluted loss per share (cents)
|
12
|
(7.43)
|
(3.07)
|
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Loss
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Loss for the year
Consolidated other comprehensive income/(loss) Items that
will not be reclassified to profit or loss
|
|
(106,769)
|
(35,439)
|
Other fair value movements
|
|
15
|
140
|
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
|
|
|
|
Currency translation differences
|
|
(12,673)
|
(15,712)
|
Other comprehensive loss for the year net of taxation
|
|
(12,658)
|
(15,572)
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
|
(119,427)
|
(51,011)
|
Total comprehensive loss attributable to
|
|
|
|
Equity holders
|
|
(115,732)
|
(53,323)
|
Non-controlling interest
|
|
(3,695)
|
2,312
|
|
|
(119,427)
|
(51,011)
|
Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Assets
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets
|
13
|
-
|
53,469
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
14
|
99,744
|
127,409
|
Investment property
|
15
|
2,173
|
2,412
|
Deferred tax asset
|
16
|
464
|
-
|
Investments in associate and joint
venture
|
18
|
2,360
|
3,151
|
Restricted investment
|
21
|
2,881
|
2,710
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
107,622
|
189,151
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
19
|
42,273
|
54,990
|
Trade and other receivables
|
20
|
25,018
|
9,498
|
Other financial assets
|
17
|
24
|
3,075
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
22
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
|
|
68,596
|
78,437
|
Asset held for sale
|
13
|
3,700
|
-
|
Total current
assets
|
|
72,296
|
78,437
|
Total assets
|
|
179,918
|
267,588
|
Equity and liabilities
|
|
|
|
Share capital
|
23
|
26,944
|
17,122
|
Share premium
|
23
|
140,272
|
127,702
|
Accumulated loss
|
23
|
(118,006)
|
(39,147)
|
Share-based payment reserve
|
24
|
261
|
515
|
Foreign currency translation
reserve
|
23
|
(47,166)
|
(35,346)
|
Fair value reserve
|
23
|
(1,783)
|
(1,798)
|
Attributable to equity holders
|
|
522
|
69,048
|
Non-controlling interest
|
|
288
|
36,583
|
Total equity
|
|
810
|
105,631
|
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
Post-retirement medical
liability
|
25
|
1,577
|
1,675
|
Environmental rehabilitation liabilities
|
26
|
16,633
|
16,610
|
Deferred consideration
|
27
|
306
|
1,527
|
Borrowings
|
28
|
38,008
|
35,272
|
Lease liabilities
|
29
|
7,746
|
6,721
|
Deferred tax liability
|
16
|
-
|
1,191
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
64,270
|
62,996
|
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
|
30
|
46,295
|
45,896
|
Provisions
|
31
|
1,944
|
1,714
|
Borrowings
|
28
|
60,567
|
47,858
|
Lease liabilities
|
29
|
682
|
561
|
Deferred consideration
|
27
|
2,304
|
901
|
Current tax payable
|
|
3,046
|
2,031
|
Total current
liabilities
|
|
114,838
|
98,961
|
Total liabilities
|
|
179,108
|
161,957
|
Total equity and liabilities
|
|
179,918
|
267,588
|
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
|
|
Foreign
|
|
|
|
Total
attributable
|
|
|
Share
|
Share
|
currency translation
|
Share-based
payment
|
Fair value
|
Accumulated
|
to equity holders of
|
Non- controlling
|
Total
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
capital
|
premium
|
reserve
|
reserve
|
reserve
|
loss
|
the Group
|
interest
|
equity
|
Balance at 1 January 2022
|
16,797
|
125,551
|
(20,851)
|
-
|
(1,938)
|
(179)
|
119,380
|
32,482
|
151,862
|
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income,
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(38,968)
|
(38,968)
|
3,529
|
(35,439)
|
net of tax:
Currency translation differences
|
-
|
-
|
(14,495)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(14,495)
|
(1,217)
|
(15,712)
|
Other fair value movements
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
140
|
-
|
140
|
-
|
140
|
Total comprehensive loss for
the year
|
-
|
-
|
(14,495)
|
-
|
140
|
(38,968)
|
(53,323)
|
2,312
|
(51,011)
|
Transaction with owners:
Issue of shares
|
325
|
2,151
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,476
|
-
|
2,476
|
Share-based payment
Contribution from
non-controlling
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
515
|
-
|
-
|
515
|
-
|
515
|
interest (note 28)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,789
|
1,789
|
Balance at 1 January 2023
|
17,122
|
127,702
|
(35,346)
|
515
|
(1,798)
|
(39,147)
|
69,048
|
36,583
|
105,631
|
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income,
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(103,927)
|
(103,927)
|
(2,842)
|
(106,769)
|
net of tax:
Currency translation differences
|
-
|
-
|
(11,820)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(11,820)
|
(853)
|
(12,673)
|
Other fair value movements
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
15
|
Total comprehensive loss for
the year
|
-
|
-
|
(11,820)
|
-
|
15
|
(103,927)
|
(115,732)
|
(3,695)
|
(119,427)
|
Transaction with owners:
Issue of shares
|
6,874
|
9,977
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16,851
|
-
|
16,851
|
Share issue costs
|
|
(945)
|
|
|
|
|
(945)
|
|
(945)
|
Share-based payment
Acquisition of non-controlling
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(254)
|
-
|
-
|
(254)
|
-
|
(254)
|
interest
Contribution from non-controlling
|
2,948
|
3,538
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
25,068
|
31,554
|
(33,036)
|
(1,482)
|
interest (note 28)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
436
|
436
|
Balance at 31 December 2023
|
26,944
|
140,272
|
(47,166)
|
261
|
(1,783)
|
(118,006)
|
522
|
288
|
810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before taxation
|
|
(105,039)
|
(36,784)
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation property, plant and
equipment (including right-of-use assets)
|
14
|
16,491
|
18,475
|
Share of loss from investments in
associate and joint venture
|
18
|
4,242
|
5,112
|
Fair value gain on derivative
liability
|
28
|
(32)
|
(2,934)
|
Finance income
|
8
|
(523)
|
(494)
|
Finance costs
|
9
|
15,387
|
14,148
|
Impairment losses
|
13, 14
|
58,637
|
23,965
|
Loss on financial instruments and
conversion of loan
|
|
2,052
|
-
|
Other non-cash movements
|
|
2,415
|
1,138
|
Foreign exchange differences
|
|
(4,302)
|
(6,949)
|
Changes in working capital
|
|
7,151
|
6,154
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
(2,705)
|
(648)
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities
|
|
(6,226)
|
21,183
|
Cash flows from investing activities
Finance income
|
|
367
|
336
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
|
(5,725)
|
(18,197)
|
Purchase of investments
|
18
|
-
|
(1,211)
|
Purchase of exploration and
evaluation assets
|
13
|
(322)
|
(517)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(5,680)
|
(19,589)
|
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
|
28
|
(2,232)
|
(5,623)
|
Proceeds from borrowings
|
28
|
8,990
|
4,222
|
Finance costs
|
28
|
(3,265)
|
(3,217)
|
Lease payments
|
29
|
(703)
|
(728)
|
Purchase of non-controlling
interest
|
23
|
(643)
|
-
|
Equity proceeds (net)
|
23
|
794
|
-
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
|
|
2,941
|
(5,346)
|
Total cash and cash equivalents movement for the year
|
|
(8,965)
|
(3,752)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the year
|
|
10,874
|
15,433
|
Effect of translation of foreign
exchange rates
|
|
(628)
|
(807)
|
Total cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
|
22
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
From Note 3 of the Accounts
3.
Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies
applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements
are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to
all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Basis of preparation
The preliminary announcement does not
constitute financial statements for the years ended 31 December
2023 and 31 December 2022.
The financial information for the
year ended 31 December 2023 has been extracted from the Group's
audited financial statements which were approved by the Board of
Directors on 28 June 2024. The report of the auditor on the 31
December 2023 financial statements was unqualified but contained a
material uncertainty paragraph relating to going
concern.
Going concern
The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which
contemplates continuity of normal business activities and the
realisation of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal
course of business.
The Group recorded a net loss after
tax of US$106.77 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 of
which US$58.64 million related to
impairment losses (31 December 2022:
US$23.97 million). As at 31 December 2023 the Group had cash and
cash equivalents of US$1.28 million (31 December 2022: US$10.87
million) and total borrowings of US$98.58 million (31 December
2021: US$83.13 million).
The Directors closely monitor and
manage the liquidity risk of the Group by ensuring that the Group
has sufficient funds for all ongoing operations. As part of the
annual budgeting and long-term planning process, the Directors
reviewed the approved Group budget and cashflow forecast through to
30 June 2025. The current cashflow forecast has been amended in
line with any material changes identified during the year. Equally,
where funding requirements are identified from the cashflow
forecast, appropriate measures are taken to ensure these
requirements can be met.
The Group has entered into a revised
sales agreement with SPR, which was approved by the shareholders,
whereby the Group will sell 100% of Vanchem. The closing of the
Vanchem sale remains conditional upon approval by the Competition
Tribunal. The Group also entered into revised agreements with Orion
whereby the Group will receive additional funding of up to US$10
million under the senior term loan facility and the repayment of
interest and capital are extended to 31 December 2025. The drawdown
of the additional facility is subject to SARB approval.
The Directors have performed an
assessment of whether the Group would be able to continue as a
going concern for at least twelve months from the date of annual
consolidated financial statement. In their assessment, the Group
has taken into account its financial position, expected future
performance of its operations, its debt facilities and debt service
requirements, its working capital requirements, capital expenditure
commitments and forecasts, expected proceeds from the sale of
Vanchem and Mokopane and outstanding equity proceeds. Additionally
the Directors factored in the favourable relationship with Orion,
demonstrated by the restructuring of agreements to accommodate
market conditions and constructive engagement in relevant
matters.
The cashflow forecast for Vametco
takes into consideration production levels achieved to date, annual
planned maintenance shutdowns are undertaken, and these shutdowns
proceed in line with the planned timetable and no unplanned
shutdowns are experienced during the going concern
period.
With regards to pricing, the short
to medium term assumptions, which are based on external forecasts,
are that the average price achieved by the Group will be
US$27.73/kgV through to 31 December 2024 and an average of
US$34.40/kgV throughout 2025. The year-to-date average price
achieved by the Group was circa US$26/kgV.
The Group's ability to continue as a
going concern is dependent on its ability to complete the sale of
Vanchem and Mokopane and the timing of those sales proceeds,
complete the refinance of the Orion senior term loan and the timing
of receiving the additional funding, the continuing support of
Orion, and achieving the planned production levels at the estimated
average sales prices. These conditions indicate the existence of
material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the
Group's ability to continue as a going concern.
These conditions indicate the
existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt
on the Group's
ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been prepared
on a going concern basis as, in the
opinion of the Directors, the Group
will be in a position to continue to meet its operating and capital
costs requirements and pay its debts as and when they fall due for
at least twelve months from the date of this report.
Accordingly, these consolidated
financial statements do not include adjustments to the
recoverability and classification of recorded assets and
liabilities and related expenses that might be necessary should the
Group be unable to continue as a going concern.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial
statements present the consolidated statement of financial position
and changes therein, consolidated statement of profit or loss,
consolidated statement of comprehensive loss and consolidated
statement of cash flows for the Group. Where necessary, adjustments
are made to the results of subsidiaries and equity accounted
investments to ensure the consistency of their accounting policies
with those used by the Group. Intercompany transactions, balances
and unrealised profits and losses between Group companies are
eliminated on consolidation.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over
which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the
Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those
returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the
Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
Where the Group's
interest in a subsidiary is less than 100%, the Group recognises a
non-controlling interest.
Disposal of subsidiaries
When the Group ceases to have
control, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its
fair value at the date when control is lost, with the change in
carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the
initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting
for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or
financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognised in
other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted
for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or
liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in
other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or
loss.
Associates and joint ventures
An associate is an entity over which
the Group has significant influence but neither control nor joint
control. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties
that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net
assets of the arrangement. Investments in associates and joint
ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the
equity method, the share of the profits or losses of the associate
and joint
venture is recognised in profit or
loss and the share of the movements in other comprehensive income
is recognised in other comprehensive
income. Investments in associates
and joint ventures are carried in the statement of financial
position at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the consolidated
entity's share of
net assets of the associate and joint venture. Goodwill relating to
the associate and joint venture is included in the carrying amount
of the investment and is neither amortised nor individually tested
for impairment. Income earned from associate or joint venture
entities reduces the carrying amount of the investment.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests in
subsidiaries are identified separately from the
Group's
shareholders therein. Those interests of non-controlling
shareholders that present ownership
interests entitling their holders to a proportionate share of the
net assets upon liquidation are initially
measured at fair value. Subsequent
to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is
the amount of those interests at initial
recognition plus the non-controlling
interests' share
of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is
attributed to
non-controlling interests even if
this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit
balance.
Black Economic Empowerment
("BEE")
interests are accounted for as non-controlling interests on the
basis that the Group does not control these entities. The Company
acquired the 26% interest in Bushveld Vametco Holdings on 20
December 2023 (see note 23).
Business combinations
The Group applies the acquisition
method to account for business combinations. The consideration
transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values
of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former
owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the
Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any
asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration
arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and
contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are
measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
The Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree
on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at
the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the
recognised amounts of acquiree's identifiable net assets.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
If the business combination is
achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the
acquirer's
previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to
fair value at the acquisition date; any gains or losses arising
from such remeasurement are recognised in profit or
loss.
Subsequent transactions that do not
result in the obtaining of control are accounted for as equity
transactions as follows:
· The
carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests
are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in
the subsidiary.
· Any
difference between the amount by which the non-controlling
interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid
is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of
the parent.
Any contingent consideration to be
transferred by the Group is recognised at fair value at the
acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair
value of the contingent
consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is
recognised in accordance with IFRS 9 in profit or loss. Contingent
consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured and
its subsequent settlement is accounted for within
equity.
Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a
manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief
operating decision maker ("CODM").
The CODM, who is responsible for
allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating
segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer and
the Executive Committee. Operating segments whose revenues, net
earnings or losses or assets exceed 10% of the total consolidated
revenues, net earnings or losses or assets, are reportable
segments. In order to determine the reportable operating segments,
various factors are considered, including geographical location and
managerial structure.
Functional and presentational currency
The functional currency of each
entity in the Group is determined as the currency of the primary
economic environment in which it operates. For the purpose of the
consolidated financial statements, the results and financial
position of each entity within the Group are expressed in US
Dollars, which is the presentation currency for the consolidated
financial statements.
Transactions denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into the entity's functional currency as
follows:
· Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the
exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date;
· Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at
historical exchange rates prevailing at each transaction
date;
· Deferred tax assets and liabilities are translated at the
exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date with translation
gains and losses recorded in income tax expense; and
· Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange
rates throughout the reporting period, except depreciation, which
is translated at the rates of exchange applicable to the related
assets, and share-based compensation expense, which is translated
at the rates of exchange applicable at the date of grant of the
share-based compensation.
Exchange gains or losses on
translation of transactions are included in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss. The results and financial position of
all entities within the Group that have a functional currency
different from the presentation currency are translated into the
presentation currency as follows:
· Assets and liabilities for each statement of financial
position presented are translated at the closing rate;
· Income and expenses for each income statement are translated
at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on
the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are
translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions);
and
· All
resulting exchange differences are recognised in other
comprehensive income and accumulated in foreign currency
translation reserve.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments
arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as
assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and
translated at the closing
rate.
On disposal of a foreign operation,
the cumulative exchange differences recognised in the foreign
currency translation reserve relating to that entity up to the date
of disposal are transferred to the consolidated statement of profit
or loss as part of the profit or loss on disposal.
Revenue recognition - sale of goods
IFRS 15 requires revenue from
contracts with customers to be recognised when the separate
performance obligations are satisfied, which is when control of
promised goods or services are transferred to the
customer.
The Group satisfies a performance
obligation by transferring control of the promised goods or
services to the customer on delivery of the goods. The Group
recognises revenue at the amount that reflects the consideration to
which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for
transferring goods or services to a customer. Revenue with contract
customers is generated from sale of goods and is recognised upon
transferring control of the goods to the customer, at a point in
time, and comprises the invoiced amount of goods to customers, net
of value added tax.
Cost of sales
When inventories are sold, the
carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as an expense in
the period in which the related revenue is
recognised. The amount of any
write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses of
inventories are recognised as an expense in the period in which the
write-down or loss occurs.
Share-based payments
The fair value of bonus shares
granted to employees for nil consideration under the short-term
incentive ("STI")
scheme is recognised as an
expense over the relevant service
period, being the year to which the bonus relates and the vesting
period of the shares. The fair value is measured at the grant date
of the shares and is recognised in equity in the share-based
payment reserve. The number of shares expected to vest is estimated
based on the non-market vesting conditions. Where shares are
forfeited due to a failure by the employee to satisfy the service
conditions, any expenses previously recognised in relation to such
shares are reversed effective from the date of the
forfeiture.
The fair value of the performance
shares issued under the long-term incentive scheme
("LTI") is
recognised as an expense over the vesting period. Non-vesting
conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair
value of the performance shares granted. An option pricing model is
used to measure the fair value of the performance
shares.
Finance income
Interest income is recognised when
it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and
the amount of income can be measured reliably. Interest income is
accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding
and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate
that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the
expected life of the financial asset to that
asset's net
carrying amount on initial recognition.
Current and deferred income tax
The tax expense represents the sum
of the tax currently payable and deferred income tax.
The current income tax charge is
calculated based on the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted
at the reporting date in the countries in which the
Group's
subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to
be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and
the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable
profit or loss, and is accounted for using the "balance sheet
liability" method.
Deferred tax liabilities are
recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax
assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which deductible
temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax is calculated
at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the
asset is realised or the liability is settled based upon rates
enacted and substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred
tax is charged or credited to profit or loss, except when it
relates to items credited or charged to other comprehensive income,
in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other
comprehensive income.
Assets held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal
groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying value will
be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than
through continuing use. The criteria for held for sale
classification is regarded as met only when the sale is highly
probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate
sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete the
sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes
to the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be
withdrawn. Management must be committed to the plan to sell the
asset or disposal group and the sale expected to be completed
within one year from the date of the classification.
Non-current assets and disposal
groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of
their carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal
("FVLCD"). If
the FVLCD is lower than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is
recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Non-current assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified
as held for sale. Assets and liabilities classified as held for
sale are presented separately as current items in the consolidated
statement of financial position.
Intangible exploration and evaluation
assets
All costs associated with mineral
exploration and evaluation including the costs of acquiring
prospecting licences; mineral production licences and annual
licences fees; rights to explore; topographical, geological,
geochemical and geophysical studies; exploratory drilling;
trenching, sampling and activities to evaluate the technical
feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral
resource, are capitalised as intangible exploration and evaluation
assets and subsequently measured at cost.
If an exploration project is
successful, the related expenditures will be transferred at cost to
property, plant and equipment and amortised over the estimated life
of the commercial ore reserves on a unit of production basis (with
this charge being taken through profit or loss). Where a project
does not lead to the discovery of commercially viable quantities of
mineral resources and is relinquished, abandoned, or is considered
to be of no further commercial value to the Group, the related
costs are recognised as an impairment loss in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss.
The recoverability of capitalised
exploration costs is dependent upon the discovery of economically
viable ore reserves, the ability of the Group to obtain necessary
financing to complete the development of ore reserves and future
profitable production or proceeds from the extraction or disposal
thereof.
Impairment of exploration and evaluation
assets
Whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable, the asset is reviewed for
impairment. Assets are also reviewed
for impairment at each reporting date in accordance with IFRS 6. An
asset's carrying
value is written down to its estimated recoverable amount (being
the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value in
use) if that is less than the asset's carrying value. Impairment losses
are recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss.
An impairment review is undertaken
when indicators of impairment arise but typically when one of the
following circumstances applies:
· Unexpected geological occurrences that render the resources
uneconomic; or
· Title to the asset is compromised; or
· Variations in mineral prices that render the project
uneconomic; or
· Variations in the foreign currency rates; or
· The
Group determines that it no longer wishes to continue to evaluate
or develop the field.
Property, plant and equipment (excluding right-of-use
assets)
Property, plant and equipment are
stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and
accumulated impairment losses, except for investment properties
which are carried at fair value. Cost comprises the aggregate
amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to
acquire the asset and includes costs directly attributable to
making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation on assets commences
when they are available for use by the Group. Depreciation for
property, plant and equipment is charged on a systematic basis over
the estimated useful lives of the assets after deducting the
estimated residual value of the assets, using the straight-line
method.
The depreciation method applied, the
estimated useful lives of assets and their residual values are
reviewed at least at each financial year end, with any changes
accounted for as a change in accounting estimate to be applied
prospectively. The depreciation charge for each period is
recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss.
The useful life of an asset is the
period of time over which the asset is expected to be used. The
estimated useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment
are as follows:
· Buildings and other improvements 20-25 years
· Plant and machinery 5-20 years
· Motor vehicles, furniture and equipment 3-10 years
· Decommissioning asset Life-of-mine
· Waste stripping asset 21 months
Assets under construction are not
depreciated.
Repairs and maintenance expenditure
is generally charged in profit and loss during the financial period
in which it is incurred. However renovations are capitalised and
included in the carrying amount of the asset when it is probable
that future economic benefits will flow to the Group. Major
renovations are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the
related asset.
An item of property, plant and
equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future benefits
are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising
from derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference
between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the
asset) is included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss
in the year the asset is derecognised.
Impairment losses
At each reporting date, the Group
reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an
impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent
of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate
cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group
estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit
("CGU") to
which the asset belongs.
In assessing whether an impairment
is required, the carrying value of the asset or CGU is compared
with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher
of the CGU's fair
value less costs of disposal ("FVLCD") and value in use
("VIU"). In
the absence of market-related information or similar transactions,
the FVLCD is estimated based on discounted future estimated cash
flows (expressed in real terms) expected to be generated from the
continued use of the CGU using market-based commodity price and
exchange assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals,
production levels, operating costs and capital requirements,
including any expansion projects, and its eventual disposal, based
on the latest life-of-mine ("LOM") plans. These cash flows were
discounted using a real post-tax discount rate that reflected
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the CGU.
Estimates of quantities of
recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and
capital requirements are sourced from the planning
process, including the LOM plans,
two-year budgets and CGU-specific studies.
Investment property
Investment property is initially
measured at cost and subsequently at fair value with any change
therein recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Any gain or loss on disposal of investment property (calculated as
the difference between the net proceeds from disposal and the
carrying amount of the item) is recognised in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower
of cost or estimated net realisable value. Cost is determined on
the following basis:
· Raw
materials weighted average cost
· Consumable stores weighted average cost
· Work
in progress weighted average cost
· Finished product weighted average cost
Work in progress and finished goods
are measured at the lower of weighted average production cost and
net realisable value. Raw materials and consumables are measured at
the lower of average purchase cost and net realisable
value.
Production costs include cost of raw
materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production
overheads, but exclude borrowing costs. Production overheads are
allocated to inventory based on the normal operating capacity of
the production facilities.
Net realisable value is the
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less
the estimated cost of completion and the estimated selling
expenses. Any write-down to net realisable value is recognised as
an expense in the period in which the write-down occurs. Any
reversal is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss in the period in which the reversal occurs. Provision is made,
if necessary, for slow-moving, obsolete or defective
inventory.
Financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets and financial
liabilities are recognised in the Group's consolidated statement of
financial position when the Group becomes a party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial instruments are
classified into specified categories dependent upon the nature and
purpose of the instruments at the time of initial
recognition
Financial assets
Measurement
At initial recognition, the Group
measures all financial assets at fair value plus, in the case of a
financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss
("FVTPL"),
transaction costs. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at
FVTPL are expensed in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss.
Financial assets are classified at
initial recognition and subsequently measured at amortised cost,
fair value though other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") or FVTPL. The classification of
financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial
asset's
contractual cash flow characteristics and the
Group's business
model for managing them.
Debt instruments
In order for a financial asset to be
classified and measured at amortised cost or FVOCI, it needs to
give rise to cash flows that are 'solely payments of principal and
interest' ("SPPI") on
the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as
the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level. The
Group's business
model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its
financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business
model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting
contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or
both.
Financial assets that do not meet
the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. A
gain or loss on a debt investment that is
subsequently measured at FVTPL is
recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and
presented net within other income/(expenses) in the period in which
it arises.
Equity instruments
The Group subsequently measures all
equity investments at fair value. Where the
Group's
management has elected to present fair value gains and losses on
equity investments in other comprehensive income
("OCI")
(however, the cumulative gain/loss on disposal is represented
within equity), there is no subsequent reclassification of fair
value gains and losses to profit or loss following the
derecognition of the investment. Dividends from such investments
continue to be recognised in profit or loss as other income when
the Group's right
to receive payments is established.
Changes in the fair value of
financial assets at FVTPL are recognised in other income/(expenses)
in the consolidated statement of profit or loss as applicable.
Impairment losses (and reversal of impairment losses) on equity
investments measured at FVOCI are not reported separately from
other changes in fair value.
Derecognition
Financial assets are derecognised
when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets
have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are recognised
initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional
unless they contain significant financing components, then they are
recognised at fair value. The Group holds the trade receivables
with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and
therefore measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the
effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit
losses.
To determine the expected credit
loss allowance for trade receivables, the Group applies the
simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which
requires expected lifetime losses to
be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables, see note
33.6 for further details.
Other receivables consist of
prepayments and deposits, which are initially recognised as
non-financial assets and realised over time.
Restricted investment
Restricted investment comprises of
an investment in an insurance fund. These funds are dedicated
towards future rehabilitation expenditure
on the mine property. This is
classified as a financial asset and measured at amortised
costs.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions,
other short-term, highly liquid investments
with original maturities of three
months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of
cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in
value.
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued
liabilities and borrowings are accounted for at amortised cost,
using the effective interest rate method.
Convertible loan
Interest-bearing loans are recorded
initially at their fair value, net of direct transaction costs.
Such instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost
and finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement,
redemption or conversion, are recognised in profit or loss over the
term of the instrument using the effective rate of
interest.
Instruments where the holder has the
option to redeem for cash or convert into a pre-determined quantity
of equity shares are classified as compound instruments and
presented partly as a liability and partly as equity.
Instruments where the holder has the
option to redeem for cash or convert into a variable quantity of
equity shares are classified separately as a loan and a derivative
liability.
Where conversion results in a fixed
number of equity shares, the fair value of the liability component
at the date of issue is estimated using the prevailing market
interest rate for a similar non-convertible instrument. The
difference between the proceeds of issue and the fair value
assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded
option to convert the liability into equity of the Group, is
included in equity.
Where conversion is likely to result
in a variable quantity of equity shares the related derivative
liability is valued and included in liabilities.
The interest expense on the
liability component is calculated by applying the prevailing market
interest rate for similar non-convertible debt
to the instrument. The difference
between this amount and the interest paid is added to the carrying
value of the convertible loan note.
Derivative liabilities are revalued
at fair value at the reporting date, and changes in the valuation
amounts are credited or charged to the profit or loss.
Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised
at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are
subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Any difference between the proceeds
(net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised
in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the
effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan
facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the
extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be
drawn down.
Borrowings are removed from the
balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is
discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the
carrying amount of a financial liability that has been extinguished
or transferred to another party and the consideration paid,
including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed,
is recognised in profit or loss as other income or finance
costs.
Borrowings are classified as current
liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer
settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the
reporting period.
Borrowing costs are capitalised and
allocated specifically to qualifying assets when funds have been
borrowed, either to specifically finance a project or for general
borrowings during the period of construction. Qualifying assets are
defined as assets that require more than a year to be brought to
the location and condition intended by management. Capitalisation
of borrowing costs ceases when such assets are ready for their
intended use.
Leases
The Group assesses whether a
contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The
Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a
corresponding lease liability with
respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee, except
for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12
months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases,
the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another
systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in
which economic benefits from the leased asset are
consumed.
The lease liability is initially
measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not
paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate
implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined,
the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate. The discount rate
used ranges between 10% to 11% depending on the nature of the
underlying asset.
Lease payments included in the
measurement of the lease liability comprise:
· fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments),
less any lease incentives;
· variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate,
initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement
date;
· the
amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value
guarantees;
· the
exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably
certain to exercise the options; and
· payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease
term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the
lease.
The lease liability is presented as
a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial
position. The lease liability is subsequently measured by
increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease
liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the
carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.
The Group remeasures the lease
liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related
right-of-use asset) whenever:
· The
lease term has changed or there is a change in the assessment of
exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is
remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a
revised discount rate.
· The
lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a
change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value, in
which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the
revised lease payments using the initial discount rate (unless the
lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest
rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used).
· A
lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not
accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease
liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments
using a revised discount rate.
The Group did not make any such
adjustments during the periods presented.
The right-of-use assets comprise the
initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease
payments made at or before the commencement day and any initial
direct costs.
They are subsequently measured at
cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment
losses.
Whenever the Group incurs an
obligation for costs to dismantle and remove a leased asset,
restore the site on which it is located or restore the underlying
asset to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the
lease, a provision is recognised and measured under IAS 37. The
costs are included in the related right-of-use asset, unless those
costs are incurred to produce inventories.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated
over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the
underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying
asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group
expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use
asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset.
The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease. The
Group applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is
impaired and accounts for any identified impairment
loss.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the
Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result
of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources
embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the
obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the
obligation.
Where the Group expects some or all
of a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance
contract, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but
only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense
relating to any provision is presented in the consolidated
statement of profit or loss, provisions are discounted using a
current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks
specific to the liability.
Where discounting is used the
increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised
as a finance cost.
I. Environmental rehabilitation
liabilities
The Group is exposed to
environmental liabilities relating to its operations. Full
provision for the cost of environmental and other remedial work
such as reclamation costs, close down and restoration costs, and
pollution control is made based on the estimated cost as per the
Environmental Management Programme Report. Annual increases in the
provisions relating to change in the net present value of the
provision are shown in the consolidated statement of profit or loss
as a finance cost. Changes in estimates of the provision are
accounted for in the year the change in estimate occurs, and is
charged to either the consolidated statement of profit or loss or
the decommissioning asset in property, plant and equipment,
depending on the nature of the liability.
II. Post-retirement medical
liability
The liability in respect of the
defined benefit medical plan is the present value of the defined
benefit obligation at the reporting date together with adjustments
for actuarial gains/losses. Any actuarial gains or losses are
accounted for in other comprehensive income. The defined benefit
obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using
the projected unit of credit method.
III. Provident fund contributions
The Group's contributions to the defined
contribution plan are charged to profit and loss in the year to
which they relate.
Use
of estimates and judgements
The preparation of consolidated
financial statements in conformity with the UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards requires management to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amount of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and
assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on
management's
experience and other factors, including expectations of future
events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
Assumptions about the future and
other major sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the
reporting period have a significant risk of
resulting in a material adjustment
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, within the next
financial year. The most significant judgements and sources of
estimation uncertainty that the Group believes could have a
significant impact on the amounts recognised in its consolidated
financial statements are described below.
I. Impairment of non-current
assets
Judgements made in relation to accounting
policies
Both internal and external sources
of information are required to be considered when determining the
presence of an impairment indicator or
an indicator of reversal of a
previous impairment. Judgement is required around significant
adverse changes in the business climate which may be indicators of
impairment such as a significant decline in the
asset's market
value, decline in resources and/or reserves including as a result
of geological reassessment or change in timing of extraction of
resources and/or reserves which would result in a change in the
discounted cash flow, and lower commodity prices or higher input
cost prices than would have been expected since the most recent
valuation. Judgement is also required when considering whether
significant positive changes in any of these items indicate a
previous impairment may have reversed.
Key
sources of estimation uncertainty
If an indication of impairment or
reversal of a previous impairment charge exists an estimate of a
CGU's recoverable
amount is calculated. The recoverable amount is based on the higher
of FVLCD and VIU using a discounted cash flow methodology taking
into account assumptions that would be made by market participants,
unless there is a market price available based on a recent purchase
or sale.
If the recoverable amount is based
using a discounted cash flow methodology, expected future cash
flows used are inherently uncertain and could materially change
over time and impact the recoverable amounts. The cash flows and
recoverable amount are significantly affected by a number of
factors including published reserves, resources, exploration
potential and production estimates, together with economic factors
such as spot and future commodity prices, discount rates, foreign
currency exchange rates, estimates of costs to produce products,
and future capital expenditure.
The Group entered into sales
agreements with Southern Point Resources ("SPR") to sell 50% of Bushveld Vanchem
("Vanchem")
for a consideration of between US$20.0 million and US$21.3 million
and to sell its interest in the Mokopane Project for a
consideration of US$3.7 million. The sales price for Vanchem is
dependent on if the Mokopane sale close within one year following
the closing of the Vanchem sale. As the completion of either sale
is not dependent upon the other, the directors are satisfied that
the consideration for each reflects the fair value. The directors
determined that the premium paid on the equity subscription price
did not represent additional consideration for the disposal of
Vanchem or Mokopane as the price payable was equivalent to other
investors.
The recoverable amount of Vanchem
CGU was based on the minimum sales price offered of US$20.0 million
as the increase in the sales price to US$21.3 million is dependent
on the closing of Mokopane which does not form part of the Vanchem
CGU. An impairment loss of US$8.22 million was recognised in the
consolidated statement of profit and loss to align the carrying
value of the CGU with the recoverable amount of US$39.75 million,
which is US$40.0 million less cost of disposal of US$0.25 million
(see note 14). The directors have determined that the agreement to
dispose of the remaining 50% of Vanchem (see note 36) for an
undiscounted sales price of between US$15-20 million does not alter
this valuation as it is considered a non-adjusting subsequent
event.
The recoverable amount of the
Mokopane Project was based on the sales price offered of US$3.7
million (see note 13). An impairment loss of
US$49.62 million was recognised in
the consolidated statement of profit or loss to align the carrying
value with the recoverable amount.
II. Assessment of control
Judgement made in relation to accounting
policies
The Group needs to determine if it
will continue to control its investment in Vanchem following the
closing of the transaction. The Group will initially have the right
to appoint half of the board of Vanchem (the "Board"), including the Chairman, who will
have a casting vote. The Chairman of the Board will rotate between
the shareholders every three years, unless SPR has the right to
appoint a director on the Board of the Group which would remove the
requirement for the Chairman rotate. The Board has the authority to
manage and direct the business and affairs of Vanchem and there are
no limitations on the Board's authority. All matters required
to be approved by the Board, including capital investment,
operating, and financing decisions and annual budgets will be made
by a simple majority vote. In case there is a deadlock on these
decisions, the Chairman will have a casting vote in addition to
his/her deliberation vote. There is no limitations on the
Chairman's
casting vote.
The Group controls an entity when it
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its
involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those
returns through its power over the entity. Based on the ability to
appoint the initial Chairman of the board and the expectation that
the Chairman will continue to be a Group appointee because SPR
would have representation on the Group's Board, the directors have made a
significant judgement that the Group will continue to control its
investment in Vanchem. As the reduction in the level of ownership
of Vanchem will not result in a loss of control the assets and
liabilities have not been classified as held for sale.
Subsequent to year-end (see note
36), the Group amended the agreement with SPR whereby it will
acquire the entire Vanchem asset. This is
considered a non-adjusting
subsequent event and does not impact the above
assessment.
Other judgement and estimates
I.
Environmental rehabilitation liabilities
Key
sources of estimation uncertainty
Estimating the future costs of
environmental and rehabilitation obligations is complex and
requires management to make estimates and judgements as most of the
obligations will be fulfilled in the future and contracts and laws
are often not clear regarding what is required. The resulting
provisions are further influenced by changing technologies,
political, environmental, safety, business and statutory
considerations (see note 26).
4.
Segmental reporting
Bushveld Minerals
Limited's
operating segments are identified by the Chief Executive Officer
and the Executive Committee, collectively named as the CODM. The
operating segments are identified by the way the
Group's
operations are organised. As at 31 December 2023, the Group
operated within three operating segments, vanadium mining and
production, which consists of the Vametco and Vanchem operations;
energy and mineral exploration activities for vanadium; and coal
exploration (together "Exploration"). Activities take place in South Africa (vanadium and
energy), Madagascar (coal), other African countries (energy project
development), and global (battery investment, vanadium sales).
Corporate includes the remaining balances within the
Group.
Segment revenue and results
The following is an analysis of the
Group's revenue
and results by reportable segment.
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
2023 (Figures in thousands of US$)
|
Revenues
|
Cost of sales1
|
Other costs2
|
Administrative
expenses3
|
Impairment
losses
|
Operating
loss
|
Vanadium mining and production
|
137,471
|
(122,068)
|
(18,815)
|
(6,139)
|
(9,017)
|
(18,568)
|
Exploration
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4)
|
(49,620)
|
(49,624)
|
Energy
|
-
|
-
|
25
|
(924)
|
-
|
(899)
|
Corporate
|
-
|
-
|
223
|
(13,719)
|
-
|
(13,496)
|
Total
|
137,471
|
(122,068)
|
(18,567)
|
(20,786)
|
(58,637)
|
(82,587)
|
1 Includes depreciation of US$15.97 million.
2 Other costs include other operating income, other mine
operating costs, selling and distribution costs and idle plant
costs.
3 Includes depreciation of US$0.11 million for Vanadium mining
and production, US$0.28 million for Energy and US$0.13 million for
Corporate.
Consolidated statement of profit or
loss
2022 (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
Revenues
|
Cost of sales1
|
Other costs2
|
Administrative expenses3
|
Impairment
losses
|
Operating
loss
|
Vanadium mining and production
|
148,446
|
(108,304)
|
(16,525)
|
(8,435)
|
(18,454)
|
(3,272)
|
Exploration
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(21)
|
(5,137)
|
(5,158)
|
Energy
|
2
|
-
|
171
|
(952)
|
(374)
|
(1,153)
|
Corporate
|
-
|
-
|
369
|
(10,920)
|
-
|
(10,551)
|
Total
|
148,448
|
(108,304)
|
(15,985)
|
(20,328)
|
(23,965)
|
(20,134)
|
1 Includes depreciation of US$18.04 million.
2 Other costs include other operating income, other mine
operating costs, selling and distribution costs and idle plant
costs.
3 Includes depreciation of US$0.15 million for Vanadium mining
and production, US$0.10 million for Energy and US$0.18 million for
Corporate.
|
2023
|
2022
|
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Total assets
|
Total liabilities
|
Total assets
|
Total liabilities
|
Vanadium mining and production
|
139,018
|
107,662
|
186,460
|
104,351
|
Exploration
|
4,114
|
141
|
53,679
|
38
|
Energy
|
19,094
|
13,189
|
17,432
|
10,836
|
Corporate
|
17,692
|
58,116
|
10,017
|
46,732
|
Total
|
179,918
|
179,108
|
267,588
|
161,957
|
5.
Revenue
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Revenue from contracts with customers
Sale of goods
|
137,471
|
148,446
|
Other
|
-
|
2
|
|
137,471
|
148,448
|
Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with
customers The Group disaggregates
revenue from customers as follows: Sale of goods
Local sales of vanadium -
NV12
|
4,514
|
5,503
|
Local sales of vanadium -
NV16
|
1,973
|
2,650
|
Local sales of vanadium -
MVO
|
128
|
4
|
Total local sales
|
6,615
|
8,157
|
Export sales of vanadium -
NV12
|
34,861
|
34,939
|
Export sales of vanadium -
NV16
|
83,439
|
99,672
|
Export sales of vanadium -
AMV
|
12,556
|
5,678
|
Total export sales
|
130,856
|
140,289
|
Other
|
-
|
2
|
Total revenue from contract with customers
|
137,471
|
148,448
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue with contract customers is
generated from sale of goods and is recognised upon delivery of the
goods to the customer, at a point in time and comprises the
invoiced amount of goods to customers, net of value added
tax.
6.
Staff costs
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Production staff
|
24,055
|
25,799
|
Administrative staff
|
7,212
|
7,259
|
Key management personnel
|
1,836
|
2,068
|
|
33,103
|
35,126
|
Details of
directors' remuneration are included in note 35 (related-party
transactions).
7.
Administrative expenses by nature
Figures in thousands of US$
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Key management personnel
|
|
1,836
|
2,068
|
Staff costs
|
|
7,212
|
7,259
|
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment
|
|
520
|
439
|
Professional fees
|
|
7,051
|
6,007
|
Share-based payments
|
|
(254)
|
315
|
Other
|
|
4,421
|
4,240
|
|
|
20,786
|
20,328
|
8.
Finance income
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Bank interest
|
|
149
|
206
|
Interest on restricted
investment
|
|
218
|
127
|
Other finance income
|
|
156
|
161
|
|
|
523
|
494
|
9.
Finance costs
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Interest on borrowings
|
28
|
12,151
|
11,189
|
Unwinding of discount on
environmental rehabilitation liabilities
|
26
|
1,873
|
1,726
|
Interest on lease liabilities
|
29
|
724
|
974
|
Other finance costs
|
|
639
|
259
|
|
|
15,387
|
14,148
|
10.
Other losses
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Movement in earnout estimate
|
27
|
6
|
693
|
Loss on financial instrument
|
17
|
1,700
|
125
|
Loss on conversion of loan
|
17
|
352
|
-
|
Write-off loan
|
|
1,320
|
-
|
|
|
3,378
|
818
|
The Group provided a working capital
loan to Mustang Energy Plc ("Mustang") of US$0.42 million which was
repaid by issuing equity in the
capital of Mustang. The difference
between the loan amount and the fair value of the equity received
was recognised as a loss in the consolidated statement of profit or
loss.
The Group provided additional
funding to Enerox GmbH of US$1.32 million which were written-off as
the loan is not repayable.
11.
Taxation
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Current
|
|
|
Current income tax on profits for
the year
|
3,196
|
3,294
|
Deferred
|
|
|
Deferred income tax movement for
current year
|
(1,456)
|
(4,659)
|
Prior year adjustment
|
(10)
|
20
|
|
(1,466)
|
(4,639)
|
Income tax expense/(recovery)
|
1,730
|
(1,345)
|
The income tax expense/(recovery)
represents the sum of the tax currently payable and the deferred
tax adjustment
|
for the year.
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Loss before tax
|
(105,039)
|
(36,784)
|
Tax at the applicable tax rate of
27% (2022: 28%)1
|
(28,361)
|
(10,300)
|
Tax effect on non-deductible
items
|
13,697
|
1,423
|
Origination and reversal of
temporary differences
|
3,979
|
(2,045)
|
Deferred tax asset
(recognised)/not recognised
|
7,376
|
7,916
|
Recognised deferred tax assets -
initial recognition
|
-
|
(17)
|
Tax rate change
|
-
|
(210)
|
Foreign jurisdictions subject to a
different tax rate
|
5,039
|
1,888
|
Taxation recovery for the year
|
1,730
|
(1,345)
|
1
Based on South African tax rate as it is the primary economic
environment in which the Group operates.
|
|
|
12.
Loss per share
Basic loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated
by dividing the net loss attributable to equity holders of the
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the year excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company
and held as treasury shares.
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Numerator
Net loss attributable to equity
holders
|
(103,927)
|
(38,968)
|
Denominator (in thousands)
Weighted average number of common
shares
|
1,399,650
|
1,270,637
|
Basic loss per share attributable to equity holders
(cents)
|
(7.43)
|
(3.07)
|
Diluted loss per share
Due to the Group being loss making
for the year, instruments are not considered dilutive and therefore
the diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share for
both financial years.
13.
Intangible assets
|
Vanadium and
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Iron Ore
|
Coal
|
Total
|
Balance, 1 January 2022
|
53,856
|
5,398
|
59,254
|
Capitalised expenditures
|
174
|
343
|
517
|
Impairment loss
|
-
|
(5,137)
|
(5,137)
|
Exchange differences
|
(561)
|
(604)
|
(1,165)
|
Balance, 31 December 2022
|
53,469
|
-
|
53,469
|
Capitalised expenditures
|
322
|
-
|
322
|
Impairment loss
|
(49,620)
|
-
|
(49,620)
|
Exchange differences
|
(471)
|
-
|
(471)
|
Transfer to asset held for
sale
|
(3,700)
|
-
|
(3,700)
|
Balance, 31 December 2023
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Mokopane Vanadium and Iron Ore Project
The Group has an interest in
Prospecting right 95. The Department of Mineral Resources and
Energy ("DMRE")
executed a 30-year mining right on 29 January 2020 in favour of
Pamish, over five farms: Vogelstruisfontein 765 LR; Vriesland 781
LR; Vliegekraal 783 LR; Schoonoord 786 LR; and Bellevue 808 LR
(the "Mining
Right") situated
in the District of Mogalakwena, Limpopo, which make up the Mokopane
Project.
The Mining Right required Pamish to
commence mining activities, including in-situ activities associated
with the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") by end of January 2021. The
Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a significant delay in the
commencement of the DFS and the necessary engagement with local
communities required to finalise land use arrangements and,
consequently, this deadline was not met. Application to the DMRE
for an extension to commence mining activities has been submitted
and Pamish is awaiting a response.
The Group entered into a sale of
shares agreement with SPR on 14 December 2023 to sell its interest
in the Mokopane Project for US$3.7 million. The transaction is
subject to certain regulatory approvals as well as other customary
closing conditions. The Competition Commission approved the sale
subsequent to year end.
At 31 December 2023, the Mokopane
intangible asset met the criteria to be classified as held for sale
and has been classified as a current asset held for sale on the
consolidated statement of financial position. During the year ended
31 December 2023, an impairment charge of US$49.62 million was
recognised in the consolidated statements of profit or loss to
align the carrying value of the asset with the sales price. The
intangible asset forms part of the exploration segment.
Brits Vanadium Project
The Group re-evaluated the Brits
Vanadium Project and after careful consideration it was concluded
that the Project should be discontinued.
There was no loss recognised as the
costs were not previously capitalised.
Coal Project
Coal exploration licences have been
issued to Coal Mining Madagascar SARL, a 99% subsidiary of Lemur
Investments Limited. The exploration is in south west Madagascar
covering 11 concession blocks in the Imaloto Coal basin known as
the Imaloto Coal Project and Extension. The Imaloto Coal Project
was impaired in 2023 as no further expenditures were budgeted. All
further expenditures on the Imaloto Coal Project was expensed as
incurred. Subsequent to year-end, the Group entered into an
agreement to sell its interest in the Imaloto Coal
Project.
14.
Property, plant and equipment
|
Buildings and
|
|
Motor vehicles,
|
|
|
other
|
Plant and
|
furniture and
|
Right of use
|
Waste
|
Assets under
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
improvements
|
machinery*
|
equipment
|
asset
|
stripping asset
|
construction
|
Total
|
Cost
At 1 January 2022
|
6,957
|
169,484
|
1,374
|
5,066
|
-
|
19,147
|
202,028
|
Additions
|
-
|
691
|
138
|
2,989
|
1,850
|
15,988
|
21,656
|
Transfers within PPE
Changes in environmental
rehabilitation
|
63
|
19,376
|
34
|
-
|
-
|
(19,473)
|
-
|
liabilities
|
-
|
(1,705)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,705)
|
Exchange differences
|
(445)
|
(9,298)
|
(92)
|
(435)
|
(68)
|
(1,098)
|
(11,436)
|
At 31 December 2022
|
6,575
|
178,548
|
1,454
|
7,620
|
1,782
|
14,564
|
210,543
|
Additions
Changes in environmental
rehabilitation
|
-
|
-
|
245
|
1,729
|
616
|
5,454
|
8,044
|
liabilities
|
-
|
(336)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(336)
|
Scrapping of obsolete assets
|
(34)
|
(4,443)
|
(192)
|
(424)
|
-
|
-
|
(5,093)
|
Transfers within PPE
|
264
|
2,106
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,370)
|
-
|
Exchange differences
|
(556)
|
(12,055)
|
(119)
|
(664)
|
(157)
|
(1,301)
|
(14,852)
|
At 31 December 2023
|
6,249
|
163,820
|
1,388
|
8,261
|
2,241
|
16,347
|
198,306
|
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2022
|
(1,280)
|
(45,318)
|
(759)
|
(1,560)
|
-
|
-
|
(48,917)
|
Depreciation charge for the
year
|
(330)
|
(17,233)
|
(219)
|
(297)
|
(396)
|
-
|
(18,475)
|
Impairment
|
(898)
|
(17,920)
|
(10)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(18,828)
|
Exchange differences
|
122
|
2,776
|
56
|
117
|
14
|
-
|
3,085
|
At 31 December 2022
|
(2,386)
|
(77,695)
|
(932)
|
(1,741)
|
(382)
|
-
|
(83,134)
|
Depreciation charge for the
year
|
(331)
|
(14,120)
|
(185)
|
(433)
|
(1,422)
|
-
|
(16,491)
|
Scrapping of obsolete assets
|
32
|
3,651
|
191
|
424
|
-
|
-
|
4,298
|
Impairment
|
(421)
|
(7,750)
|
(14)
|
-
|
-
|
(37)
|
(8,222)
|
Exchange differences
|
198
|
4,530
|
73
|
144
|
42
|
-
|
4,987
|
At 31 December 2023
|
(2,908)
|
(91,384)
|
(867)
|
(1,605)
|
(1,761)
|
(37)
|
(98,562)
|
Net Book Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2022
|
4,189
|
100,853
|
522
|
5,880
|
1,401
|
14,564
|
127,409
|
At 31 December 2023
|
3,341
|
72,436
|
521
|
6,656
|
480
|
16,310
|
99,744
|
*
Include decommissioning assets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The right of use asset of US$6.65
million relates to land and buildings of US$6.62 million and plant
and machinery of US$0.03 million.
Impairment disclosure
At each reporting date, the Group
reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an
impairment loss. If any such indication exist, the recoverable
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent
of the impairment loss (if any).
Vanchem cash generating unit (cgu)
An impairment loss of US$8.22
million was recognised in the consolidated statement of profit and
loss within impairment losses and in the
consolidated statement of financial
position as a reduction to property, plant, and equipment to align
the carrying value of the Vanchem CGU
with the recoverable amount of
US$39.75 million (see note 3).
Other
The Group also recognised an
impairment charge of US$0.79 million in the consolidated statement
of profit or loss related to items of property, plant and equipment
that were identified as being no longer in use.
15.
Investment property
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
2,412
|
2,595
|
Fair value movement
|
(32)
|
(17)
|
Exchange differences
|
(207)
|
(166)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
2,173
|
2,412
|
Investment properties comprise
residential housing in Brits and Elandsrand, North West
Province.
|
|
|
Investment properties are stated at
fair value (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy), which has been
determined based on valuations performed by Domus Estate
Management, an accredited independent valuer, as at 31 December
2023. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date.
The following valuation techniques
and key inputs were used in the valuation of the investment
properties:
i. Physical inspection of each
property;
ii. Consultation with estate
agencies to discuss current sales market trends; and
iii. Comparative sales reports were
obtained for locations where properties are situated in South
Africa.
16.
Deferred tax asset/(liability)
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Deferred tax liability
Investment properties
|
(371)
|
(517)
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
(15,167)
|
(17,925)
|
Prepayments
|
(16)
|
(15)
|
Expected credit losses
|
(64)
|
(18)
|
Total deferred tax liability
|
(15,618)
|
(18,475)
|
Deferred tax asset
Provisions
|
895
|
(642)
|
Environmental rehabilitation liabilities
|
4,491
|
4,549
|
Lease liabilities
|
1,373
|
1,521
|
Non-deductible expenses
|
1,360
|
1,029
|
Post-retirement medical liability
|
426
|
460
|
Deferred tax balance from
temporary differences other than unused tax losses
|
8,545
|
6,917
|
Unused tax losses
|
7,537
|
10,367
|
Total deferred tax asset
|
16,082
|
17,284
|
Deferred tax liability
|
(15,618)
|
(18,475)
|
Deferred tax assets
|
16,082
|
17,284
|
Total net deferred tax asset/(liability)
|
464
|
(1,191)
|
The evidence supporting recognition
of a deferred tax asset is forecast for Vametco to which the losses
relate which indicate with reasonable
certainty the availability of
sufficient future taxable profits and the existence of
corresponding deferred tax liabilities against which the
losses
can be utilised.
|
Other
|
|
|
Beginning
|
Statement of
|
comprehensive
|
2023 (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
balance
|
profit or loss
|
income
|
differences
|
Ending balance
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment properties
|
(517)
|
7
|
-
|
139
|
(371)
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
(17,925)
|
1,223
|
-
|
1,535
|
(15,167)
|
Prepayments
|
(15)
|
(3)
|
-
|
2
|
(16)
|
Expected credit losses
|
(18)
|
(48)
|
-
|
2
|
(64)
|
Deferred tax asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions
|
(642)
|
1,491
|
-
|
46
|
895
|
Non-deductible expenses
|
1,029
|
422
|
-
|
(91)
|
1,360
|
Environmental rehabilitation liabilities
|
4,550
|
336
|
-
|
(395)
|
4,491
|
Lease liabilities
|
1,521
|
(17)
|
-
|
(131)
|
1,373
|
Post-retirement medical
liability
|
459
|
5
|
2
|
(40)
|
426
|
Unused tax losses
|
10,367
|
(1,950)
|
-
|
(880)
|
7,537
|
|
(1,191)
|
1,466
|
2
|
187
|
464
|
|
Other
|
|
2022 (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
Beginning balance
|
Statement of profit or
loss
|
comprehensive
income
|
Exchange differences
|
Ending balance
|
Deferred tax liability
Investment properties
|
(577)
|
24
|
-
|
36
|
(517)
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
(25,722)
|
6,374
|
-
|
1,423
|
(17,925)
|
Prepayments
|
(24)
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
(15)
|
Expected credit losses
|
-
|
(19)
|
-
|
1
|
(18)
|
Deferred tax asset
Provisions
|
711
|
(1,358)
|
-
|
5
|
(642)
|
Non-deductible expenses
|
-
|
1,068
|
-
|
(39)
|
1,029
|
Environmental rehabilitation liabilities
|
5,049
|
(181)
|
-
|
(318)
|
4,550
|
Lease liabilities
|
195
|
1,389
|
-
|
(63)
|
1,521
|
Post-retirement medical
liability
|
534
|
-
|
(34)
|
(41)
|
459
|
Unused tax losses
|
13,820
|
(2,666)
|
-
|
(787)
|
10,367
|
|
(6,014)
|
4,639
|
(34)
|
218
|
(1,191)
|
17.
Financial assets
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
|
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
|
|
|
3,075
|
-
|
Additions
|
|
|
|
24
|
2,923
|
Loss on financial instrument
|
|
|
|
(1,700)
|
-
|
Finance income
|
|
|
|
138
|
159
|
Transfer to investments in joint
ventures
|
|
|
18
|
(987)
|
-
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
|
(526)
|
(7)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
|
|
|
24
|
3,075
|
The Group subscribed in 2022 for two
convertible loan notes issued by Mustang Energy Plc
("Mustang")
with a principle amount of US$2.93 million bearing 10% interest per
annum in exchange for a convertible loan note issued to Primorius
and share capital issued to Lind Partners (see note 23 and
28).
The convertible loan notes were
cancelled upon the exercise of the Mustang backstop agreement and
the Group received Mustang's interest in VRFB (see note 18 and
23). The difference between the fair value of the convertible loan
notes and the fair value of Mustang's interest in VRFB was recognised
as a loss on financial instrument in the consolidated statement of
profit or loss.
18.
Investments in associate and joint ventures
Figures in thousands of US$
|
VRFB
|
Mini-Grid
|
Total
|
Balance, 1 January 2022
|
7,855
|
-
|
7,855
|
Transfer from financial assets
|
-
|
1,211
|
1,211
|
Share of loss
|
(5,112)
|
-
|
(5,112)
|
Exchange differences
|
(751)
|
(52)
|
(803)
|
Balance, 31 December 2022
|
1,992
|
1,159
|
3,151
|
Additional investment on issue of
shares
|
1,886
|
-
|
1,886
|
Transfer from financial assets
|
987
|
-
|
987
|
Share of loss
|
(4,242)
|
-
|
(4,242)
|
Exchange differences
|
678
|
(100)
|
578
|
Balance, 31 December 2023
|
1,301
|
1,059
|
2,360
|
VRFB Holdings Limited ("VRFB") - Associate
The Group acquired a 50.5% interest
in VRFB in April 2021, which is the holding company for the
Group's 50%
investment in Enerox GmbH
("CellCube"). Upon the exercise of the Mustang
backstop agreement (see note 23), Mustang transferred its 22.1%
interest in VRFB to the Group. The Group did not participate in the
fund raisings of CellCube and its investment in CellCube was
diluted from 50% to 30.58%.
The Group accounts for its effective shareholding
in CellCube
through VRFB
as an
investment in
associate.
|
|
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Summarised financial
information in
respect of
VRFB is
set out
below:
Revenue
|
2,923
|
11,183
|
Net loss
|
(11,744)
|
(20,389)
|
Other comprehensive income
|
-
|
275
|
Comprehensive loss
|
(11,744)
|
(20,114)
|
Hybrid Mini-Grid Company Proprietary Limited ('Mini-Grid") -
Joint Venture
The Group entered into a
shareholders' agreement with NESA Investment Holdings, whereby it holds a
40% interest in Mini-Grid.
The Group accounts for its 40%
shareholding as an investment in joint venture as the relevant
decisions require unanimous consent.
19.
Inventories
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Finished goods
|
12,702
|
23,511
|
Work in progress
|
15,566
|
14,740
|
Raw materials
|
2,510
|
4,435
|
Consumable stores
|
11,495
|
12,304
|
Total inventories
|
42,273
|
54,990
|
The cost of inventories recognised
as an expense during the year was US$104.97 million (2022: US$88.60
million).
The Group recognised a net
realisable value write-down of finished goods amounting to US$0.84
million (31 December 2022: US$0.33 million)
and work in progress amounting to
US$0.94 million (31 December 2022: US$0.19 million). The Group
recognised a write-down of raw materials and work in progress for
US$1.19 million (31 December 2022: US$ nil).
20.
Trade and other receivables
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Financial assets:
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables
|
|
7,590
|
3,134
|
Other receivables
|
|
525
|
2,856
|
Expected credit losses
|
|
(116)
|
(78)
|
Subscription receivables
Non-financial assets:
|
23
|
13,917
|
-
|
Value-added taxes
|
|
2,510
|
3,163
|
Deposits
|
|
133
|
19
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
459
|
404
|
Total trade and other receivables
|
|
25,018
|
9,498
|
Categorisation of trade and other
receivables
Trade and other receivables are
categorised as follows in accordance with IFRS 9: Financial
Instruments:
|
|
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
At amortised cost
|
|
21,916
|
5,912
|
Non-financial instruments
|
|
3,102
|
3,586
|
|
|
25,018
|
9,498
|
Trade receivables are amounts due
from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary
course of business. They are generally due for settlement within
15-90 days and therefore are all classified as current.
The fair value of trade and other
receivables approximate the carrying value due to the short
maturity.
Impairment and risk exposure
Information about the impairment of
trade receivables and the Group's exposure to credit risk, interest
rate risk and foreign currency risk can be found in note
33.
21.
Restricted investment
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Rehabilitation insurance fund
|
2,881
|
2,710
|
Split between non-current and current portions
Non-current assets
|
2,881
|
2,710
|
The Group is required by statutory
law in South Africa to hold this restricted investment in order to
meet environmental rehabilitation liabilities on the statement of
financial position (see note 26 and 34 for further
details).
22.
Cash and cash equivalents
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Cash and cash equivalents consist
of: Bank balances
|
1,280
|
8,348
|
Short-term deposits
|
1
|
2,526
|
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
Cash and cash equivalents (which are
presented as a single class of assets on the face of the statement
of financial position) comprise cash at bank and other short-term
highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months
or less.
The total cash and cash equivalents
denominated in South African Rand amount to US$0.78 million (2022:
US$6.72 million).
The fair value of cash and cash
equivalents approximates the carrying value due to the short
maturity.
23.
Share capital, share premium and reserves
|
Total share
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Number of
shares
|
Share capital
|
Share premium
|
capital and premium
|
Balance, 1 January 2022
|
1,260,458,857
|
16,797
|
125,551
|
142,348
|
Shares issued - Directors and
staff
|
2,324,842
|
29
|
494
|
523
|
Shares issued - Primorus
Convertible
|
4,157,645
|
54
|
476
|
530
|
Shares issued - Lind
|
20,876,937
|
242
|
1,181
|
1,423
|
Balance, 31 December 2022
|
1,287,818,281
|
17,122
|
127,702
|
144,824
|
Shares issued - Mustang backstop
agreement
|
270,393,578
|
1,886
|
-
|
1,886
|
Shares issued - Acquisition of
minority interest
|
232,836,255
|
2,948
|
3,538
|
6,486
|
Shares issued - Equity raise (net of
cost)
|
395,897,277
|
4,988
|
9,032
|
14,020
|
Balance, 31 December 2023
|
2,186,945,391
|
26,944
|
140,272
|
167,216
|
The Board may, subject to Guernsey
law, issue shares or grant rights to subscribe for or convert
securities into shares. It may issue different classes of shares
ranking equally with existing shares. It may convert all or any
classes of shares into redeemable shares. The Company may also hold
treasury shares in accordance with the law. Dividends may be paid
in proportion to the amount paid up on each class of
shares.
As at the 31 December 2023, the
Company owns 670,000 (31 December 2022: 670,000) treasury shares
with a nominal value of 1 pence.
Shares issued
Directors and staff
The Company issued in 2022 2,324,842
new ordinary shares of 1 pence each in the Company in respect of
the short-term incentive plans.
Primorus Investments Plc ("Primorus")
The Company issued a convertible
loan note to Primorus. The Company issued a total of 4,157,645 new
ordinary shares of 1 pence each in accordance with the conversion
provisions.
Lind Global Macro Fund, Lp ("LIND")
The Company issued 20,876,937 new
ordinary shares of one pence each to Lind in accordance with the
Investment Agreement between the
Company and Mustang.
Mustang backstop agreement
The Company entered into an
investment agreement with Mustang whereby the holders of the
Mustang convertible loan notes ("CLN") would
be able to request the issuance of
new shares if Mustang's shares had not been readmitted to trading on the LSE by 31
July 2023.
In August 2023, each of the CLN
holders had elected to redeem their CLNs and were issued
270,393,578 new ordinary shares of one pence each in
Bushveld.
Acquisition of minority interest
The Company acquired on 20 December
2023, the 26% minority interest in Bushveld Vametco Holdings owned
by a Black Economic
Empowerment ("BEE") consortium in return for the
issue of 232,836,255 shares in the Company, cash payment of ZAR18
million and the
cancellation of a US$0.51 million
loan.
Equity raise
The Company completed an equity
raised on 27 December 2023 whereby it issued 395,897,277 new
ordinary shares at a price of three pence per share for gross
proceeds of US$14.97 million. The Company incurred transaction
costs of US$0.95 million of which US$0.25 million was paid. The
Company received US$0.79 million in net proceeds and recorded a
receivable of US$13.92 million for the proceeds received subsequent
to year end.
Nature and purpose of other reserves
Share premium
The share premium reserve represents
the amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal
value.
Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve
represents the cumulative fair value of share options granted to
employees.
Foreign exchange translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises
all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of
financial statements of foreign operations.
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve comprises the
cumulative net change in the fair value of financial assets at fair
value through other comprehensive income until the assets are
derecognised or impaired and actuarial changes recognised on the
post retirement medical aid liability.
Retained income reserve
The retained income reserve
represents other net gains and losses and transactions with owners
(e.g. dividends) not recognised elsewhere.
24. Share-based payments
Short-term incentive ("STI")
|
Number of
shares
|
Deferred share awards
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
-
|
1,212,360
|
Vested
|
-
|
(1,099,404)
|
Forfeited
|
-
|
(112,956)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
-
|
-
|
The Group awarded 2,424,720 deferred
share awards to certain employees on 5 August 2021 under its
short-term incentive plan. The deferred
share awards vested in equal
tranches after 12 months (31 December 2021) and 18 months (30 June
2022). The vesting of the deferred share
awards is dependent on the employees
still being employed on the respective vesting dates. The deferred
share awards are settled directly by the Company, in its own
shares. The fair value of the deferred share awards was US$0.42
million which is the market price of the Company's share at grant date
(£0.13) and the
exchange rate on that date.
The Group awarded 2,801,300 deferred
share awards to certain employees on 5 August 2021 in lieu of a
cash bonus. These deferred share awards vested on 31 December 2021.
The vesting of the deferred share awards is dependent on the
employees still being employed on the vesting date. The deferred
share awards are settled directly by the Company, in its own
shares. The fair value of the deferred share awards was US$0.50
million which is the market price of the Company's share at grant date
(£0.13) and the
exchange rate on that date.
The Company issued in 2022 2,324,842
new ordinary shares of one pence each in respect to the STI (see
note 23) and 2,788,222 shares are still to be issued to certain
employees being in a closed period.
Long-term incentive ("LTI")
|
Number
of shares
|
Performance awards
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
-
|
2,458,443
|
Granted
|
16,750,860
|
-
|
Vested
|
-
|
-
|
Forfeited
|
(6,599,110)
|
-
|
Lapsed
|
-
|
(2,458,443)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
10,151,750
|
-
|
The Remuneration Committee approved
performance awards in 2022, which were awarded in 2023. The
performance awards vest over a period of three years (1 January
2022 - 31
December 2024) and is subject to both employment and performance
conditions. The performance conditions states that 60% of the
number of performance awards will vest based on the performance of
the Company's
total shareholder return ("TSR") and 40% of the performance awards
will vest based on the performance of the Group's normalised cash return on equity
("nCROE").
Based on the Group's performance on both TSR and nCROE being below the
threshold, it is expected that the performance awards will not
vest.
The Group awarded performance awards
to certain employees in 2019 and at vesting date it was determined
that zero percent of the performance awards vested as the
performance conditions were not met.
25.
Post-retirement medical liability
The benefit comprises medical aid
subsidies provided to qualifying retired employees. Actuarial
valuations are made annually with the most recent valuation on 31
December 2023. The present value of the post-retirement medical
liability were measured using the projected unit credit
method.
The following table summarises the
components of the net benefit expense recognised in the
consolidated statement of profit or loss and the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income or loss and the amounts
recognised in the consolidated statement of financial
position.
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
1,675
|
1,906
|
Net expense recognised in profit
or loss
|
3
|
13
|
Actuarial changes recognised in
other comprehensive income or loss
|
44
|
(126)
|
Exchange differences
|
(145)
|
(118)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
1,577
|
1,675
|
The principal assumptions used for
the purposes of the actuarial valuation was as follows:
|
|
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Actual age
|
77.8 years
|
77.3 years
|
Discount rates
|
11.70%
|
11.60%
|
Health care cost inflation
|
7.70%
|
7.80%
|
Duration of liability
|
8.62 years
|
8.8 years
|
A one percent change in the assumed
rate of healthcare costs inflation would have the following effect
on the present value of the unfunded
obligation: Plus one percent
- US$0.12 million (2022:
US$0.13 million); Less one percent - US$0.11 million (2022:US$0.12
million).
A one percent change in the assumed
interest rate would have the following effect on the current
service cost and interest cost: Plus one percent
- US$0.18 million (2022:
US$0.20 million); Less one percent - US$0.16 million (2022: US$0.17
million).
26. Environmental rehabilitation
liabilities
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
|
16,610
|
18,031
|
Unwinding of discount
|
9
|
1,873
|
1,726
|
Change in estimates charged to
profit or loss
|
|
(75)
|
(291)
|
Change in estimates capitalised to
property, plant and equipment
|
14
|
(336)
|
(1,705)
|
Exchange differences
|
|
(1,439)
|
(1,151)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
|
16,633
|
16,610
|
The Group makes full provision for
the future cost of rehabilitating mine sites and related production
facilities on a discounted basis at the time of developing the mine
and installing and using those facilities.
The rehabilitation provision
represents the present value of rehabilitation costs relating to
mine sites, which are expected to be incurred up to 2052, which is
when the producing mine properties are expected to cease
operations. These provisions have been created based on the
Group's internal
estimates. Assumptions based on the current economic environment
have been made, which management believes are a reasonable basis
upon changes to the assumptions. However, actual rehabilitation
costs will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the
necessary rehabilitation works required that will reflect market
conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing of
rehabilitation is likely to depend on when the mines cease to
produce at economically viable rates. This, in turn, will depend
upon future vanadium prices, which are inherently
uncertain.
The provision is calculated using
the following key assumptions:
|
2023
|
2022
|
Inflation rate
|
11.26%
|
10.41%
|
Discount rate
|
12.26%
|
11.41%
|
A one percent change in the assumed
discount rate would have the following effect on the present value
of the provision: Plus one percent -
decrease of US$3.77 million; Less
one percent - increase of US$4.93 million.
A one percent change in the assumed
inflation rate would have the following effect on the present value
of the provision: Plus one percent -
increase of US$4.93 million; Less
one percent - decrease of US$3.83 million.
27. Deferred consideration
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
|
2,428
|
1,684
|
Finance costs
|
|
176
|
51
|
Movement in earnout estimate
|
10
|
6
|
693
|
Balance, end of the year
|
|
2,610
|
2,428
|
Split between non-current and current portions
Current deferred consideration
|
|
2,304
|
901
|
Non-current deferred consideration
|
|
306
|
1,527
|
|
|
2,610
|
2,428
|
The Group is required to pay an
earnout amount to EVRAZ on the acquisition of the Vametco Group
which is based on the annual percentage of additional revenue
ascribed to Bushveld Vametco Alloys as a result of the prevailing
price being above the trigger price in respect of each financial
year commencing on 1 January 2018 and ending on 31 December 2025,
up to a maximum amount of US$5.55 million.
Management updated their estimated
earnout payment to reflect actual production and price for the year
ended 31 December 2023 and estimated production and price for
future years which resulted in an increase of US$0.06 million in
the estimated earnout payment.
28. Borrowings
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Orion production financing
agreement ("PFA")
|
35,635
|
35,146
|
Orion convertible loan notes
("CLN")
|
46,766
|
39,742
|
Southern Point Resources ("SPR")
interim working capital facility
|
7,812
|
-
|
Industrial Development Corporation
("IDC") shareholder loan
|
2,664
|
1,999
|
IDC property, plant and equipment
loan
|
3,574
|
3,481
|
Other
|
2,124
|
2,762
|
|
98,575
|
83,130
|
Split between non-current and current portions
|
|
|
Non-current
|
38,008
|
35,272
|
Current
|
60,567
|
47,858
|
|
98,575
|
83,130
|
|
SPR interim
|
|
working capital
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Orion PFA
|
Orion CLN
|
facility
|
IDC loans
|
Other
|
Total
|
Balance, 1 January 2022
|
33,512
|
36,282
|
-
|
3,282
|
6,821
|
79,897
|
Cash changes:
Proceeds from borrowings
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,416
|
806
|
4,222
|
Repayment of principle and
interest
Non-cash changes:
Convertible loan note in
exchange
|
(2,906)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(5,934)
|
(8,840)
|
for financial assets
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,636
|
1,636
|
Conversion of convertible loan
notes
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(530)
|
(530)
|
Finance costs
|
4,420
|
6,394
|
-
|
470
|
375
|
11,659
|
Fair value gain on derivative
liability
|
-
|
(2,934)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(2,934)
|
Adjustment to reflect market value
of loan
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,789)
|
-
|
(1,789)
|
Exchange differences
|
120
|
-
|
-
|
101
|
(412)
|
(191)
|
Balance, 1 January 2023
|
35,146
|
39,742
|
-
|
5,480
|
2,762
|
83,130
|
Cash changes:
Proceeds from borrowings
|
-
|
-
|
7,505
|
942
|
543
|
8,990
|
Repayment of principle and
interest
Non-cash changes:
|
(3,859)
|
-
|
(263)
|
-
|
(1,375)
|
(5,497)
|
Finance costs1
|
4,450
|
7,056
|
420
|
590
|
225
|
12,741
|
Fair value gain on derivative
liability
|
-
|
(32)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(32)
|
Remeasurement of financial
liabilities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(436)
|
-
|
(436)
|
Exchange differences
|
(102)
|
-
|
150
|
(338)
|
(31)
|
(321)
|
|
35,635
|
46,766
|
7,812
|
6,238
|
2,124
|
98,575
|
Orion Mine Finance Production Financing
Agreement
The Group signed a long-term
production financing agreement ("PFA") of US$30 million with Orion Mine
Finance ("Orion") in
December 2020,
primarily to finance its expansion
plans at Bushveld Vametco Alloys Proprietary Limited and debt
repayment. Exchange control authorisation from the South Africa
Reserve Bank Financial Surveillance Department was granted in
October 2020.
PFA
details
The Group will repay the principal
amount and pay interest via quarterly payments determined initially
as the sum of:
· a
gross revenue rate (set at 1.175% for 2020 and 2021 and 1.45% from
2022 onwards, subject to adjustment based on applicable quarterly
vanadium prices) multiplied by the gross revenue for the quarter;
and
· a
unit rate of US$0.443/kgV multiplied by the aggregate amount of
vanadium sold for the quarter.
Once the Group reaches vanadium
sales of approximately 132,020 mtV during the term of the facility,
the gross revenue rate and unit rate will
reduce by 75% (i.e. to 25% of the
applicable rates).
On each of the first three loan
anniversaries, the Group had the option to repay up to 50% of both
constituent loan parts (each may only be repaid once). If the Group
utilises the loan repayment option, the gross revenue rate and/or
the unit rate will reduce accordingly.
The PFA capital will provide funding
to continue to grow production at Vametco to more than 4,300 mtV
per annual production level and debt repayment. Part of the
proceeds were used by the Group to prepay in full the Nedbank
ZAR250 million term loan.
First amendment
The Group entered into a first
amendment to the agreement on 6 August 2021. In terms of the
amendment, US$17.8 million of the funds ringfenced for the Vametco
Phase 3 Expansion was reallocated to Vanchem mainly for capital
expenditure on Kiln-3.
The original PFA had a cap of 1,075
mtV per quarter. This amounted to 4,300 mtV per annum expected from
2024 onwards following the completion of the Vametco Phase 3
expansion project. The amended agreement, with the addition of the
Vanchem production volumes from 1 July 2021 resulted in the initial
cap of 4,300 mtV being brought forward, from 1 July 2022 instead of
from 2024.
Orion mine finance convertible loan notes
instrument
The Company subscribed to a US$35
million convertible loan notes instrument in December 2020
(the "Instrument") with Orion Mine Finance
("Orion"). The
Instrument's
proceeds were used towards the first phase of
Vanchem's
critical refurbishment programme and debt repayment.
The terms of the Instrument
are:
· A
fixed 10% per annum coupon with a three-year maturity date from the
drawdown date.
· All
interest will accrue and be capitalised on a quarterly basis in
arrears but compounded annually.
· Accumulated capitalised and accrued interest is convertible
into Bushveld ordinary shares. All interest and principal, to the
extent not converted into ordinary shares, is due and payable at
maturity date.
· Conversion price set at 17 pence.
The conversion features
are:
Between drawdown and the
Instrument's
maturity date Orion may, at their option, convert an amount of the
outstanding debt, including capitalised and accrued interest, into
Bushveld's
ordinary shares as follows:
· First six months: Up to one third of the outstanding
amount;
· Second six months: Up to two thirds of the outstanding amount
(less any amount previously converted);
· From
the anniversary of drawdown until the maturity date: The
outstanding amount under the Instrument may be
converted;
· The
Company also has the option to convert all, but not some, of the
amount outstanding under the Instrument, if its volume weighted
average share price is more than 200% of the conversion price over
a continuous 15 trading day period, a trading day being a day on
which the AIM market is open for the trading of
securities.
At any time until the convertible
maturity date, Orion may convert the debt as above mentioned into
an amount of ordinary shares equal to the total amount available
for conversion under the Instrument divided by the conversion price
of 17 pence.
The Company entered into an
agreement on 27 November 2023 with Orion to extend the maturity
date of the Instrument to 31 January 2024 and subsequently
refinanced the Instrument (see note 36).
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Loan
|
liability
|
Total
|
Balance, 01 January 2022
|
33,316
|
2,966
|
36,282
|
Finance costs and fair value
gain
|
6,394
|
(2,934)
|
3,460
|
Balance, 31 December 2022
|
39,710
|
32
|
39,742
|
Finance costs and fair value
gain
|
7,056
|
(32)
|
7,024
|
Balance, 31 December 2023
|
46,766
|
-
|
46,766
|
|
|
|
|
The Orion borrowings are secured
against certain group companies and associated assets.
SPR
Interim Working Capital Facility
Bushveld Vanchem
("Vanchem")
entered into a loan agreement with SPR on 19 September 2023 whereby
SPR borrowed ZAR150.0 million to Vanchem.
The loan bears interest, which is
payable in cash every two weeks, in the following
amount:
· If
the Vanadium Price is less than US$35/kgV, an amount equal to 0.54%
of ZAR150,000,000;
· If
the Vanadium Price is equal to or more than US$35/kgV but less than
US$40/kgV, an amount equal to 0.58% of ZAR150,000,000;
and
· If
the Vanadium Price is equal to or more than US$40/kgV, an amount
equal to 0.62% of ZAR150,000,000.
The loan is repayable in full on the
maturity date, which is the first of:
· The
date on which the lender gives a step-in notice (this is when an
event of default continues for more than 30 days); or
· The
date on when the Vanchem and Mokopane Acquisition have been fully
implemented; or
· First anniversary of the advance date (22 September
2024).
The loan is secured by a Mortgage
Bond of ZAR750 million over the movable property of Vanchem and
Notarial Bond of ZAR750 million over the immovable property of
Vanchem.
The Group incurred transaction costs
of US$0.41 million which have been capitalised and offset against
the carrying amount of the loan and are being amortised using the
effective interest rate method.
Industrial Development Corporation Shareholder
Loan
Bushveld Electrolyte Company
("BELCO") is
55% owned by Bushveld Energy Company ("BEC") and 45% by the Industrial
Development Corporation ("IDC"). The loan represents the
IDC's
contribution to BELCO and consists of the initial capitalised cost
of ZAR4.38 million (US$0.24 million; 31 December 2022: ZAR4.38
million (US$0.26 million)) and the subsequent subscription amount
of ZAR72.71 million (US$3.91 million; 31 December 2022: ZAR55.31
million (US$3.26 million)).
The loan is interest free,
unsecured, subordinated in favour of BELCO's creditors and has no fixed term
of repayment and shall only be repaid from free cash flow when
available. BELCO has the unconditional right to defer settlement
until it has sufficient free cash flow to settle the outstanding
amount, which is estimated at the end of 2028. The loan has been
classified as non-current.
The shareholder loan is measured at
the present value of the future cash payments discounted using an
interest rate of 8.5%, which is the
estimated prevailing market rate.
The difference between the fair value and the nominal amount of
US$0.43 million (31 December 2022:
US$1.79 million) was recognised as a
capital contribution from the non-controlling interest.
A general notarial bond for a
minimum amount of ZAR140 million plus an additional sum of 30% for
ancillary costs and expenses was registered over all the movable
assets owned by BELCO.
Industrial development corporation property, plant and
equipment loan
The IDC provided a property, plant
and equipment loan to BELCO as part of the funding for the
construction of the electrolyte plant. The loan bears interest at
the South African prime rate plus 2.5% margin and is repayable in
84 equal monthly installments starting in July 2024.
Development Bank of Southern Africa - Facility
Agreement
Lemur Holdings Limited entered into
a US$1.0 million facility agreement with the Development Bank of
Southern Africa Limited in March 2019. The purpose of the facility
is to assist with the costs associated with delivering the key
milestones to the power project. The repayment is subject to the
successful bankable feasibility study of the project at which point
the repayment would be the facility value plus an amount equal to
an Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 40% capped at 2.5 times, which
ever is lower. As at 31 December 2023, US$1.0 million (31 December
2022: US$1.0 million) was drawn down.
Primorius
The Company issued a convertible
loan note to Primorus for the nominal amount of £1.20 million bearing interest at
10% per annum. The
convertible loan note may be
converted into Bushveld ordinary shares at any time within the
conversion period (the six conversion periods being: 28 February
2022 to 14 April 2022; 15 April 2022 to 14 July 2022; 15 July 2022
to 14 October 2022; 15 October 2022 to 16 January 2023;
17 January 2023 to 14 April 2023; 15
April 2023 to 14 July 2023) at a conversion price of
£0.098987. Primorus
converted £0.41
million of the
principal amount and was issued a
total of 4,157,645 Bushveld ordinary shares.
The Company and Primorus agreed on
14 July 2023 to amend the terms of repayment whereby the Company
will make the following payments:
· An
initial payment of US$150,000, followed by bi-weekly payments of
US$125,000 with the final payment to be made prior to the 30
November 2023.
The Company settled the outstanding
amount.
NESA Investment Holdings ("NESA")
The Group entered into a loan
agreement with Nesa to fund US$0.81 million (ZAR12.08 million)
bearing interest at South African prime rate plus 3.5% margin. The
maturity date of the loan was extended from 30 August 2023 to 30
August 2024 and the repayments will consist of the
following:
· Accrued interest up to 31 August 2023 repaid on 31 August
2023;
· ZAR2.00 million capital repayment on 21 September 2023;
and
· Thereafter 10 consecutive monthly payments starting from 30
November 2023.
The Group entered into a second loan
agreement with Nesa to fund US$0.54 million (ZAR10.0 million)
bearing interest at South African prime rate plus 4% margin. The
maturity date of the loan was extended to 31 August 2026 and the
repayments will consist of the following:
· Accrued interest up to 31 October 2023 repaid on 31 October
2023;
· ZAR0.53 million capital and interest repayment on 30 November
2023; and
· Thereafter 11 consecutive quarterly payments starting from 29
February 2024.
29.
Lease liabilities
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
Notes
|
2023
|
2022
|
Balance, beginning of the
year
|
|
7,282
|
4,485
|
Additions
|
|
1,762
|
2,989
|
Finance cost
|
9
|
724
|
974
|
Payments
|
|
(703)
|
(728)
|
Exchange differences
|
|
(637)
|
(438)
|
Balance, end of the year
|
|
8,428
|
7,282
|
Non-current lease liabilities
|
|
7,746
|
6,721
|
Current lease liabilities
|
|
682
|
561
|
|
|
8,428
|
7,282
|
Leases are entered into and exist to
meet specific business requirements, considering the appropriate
term and nature of the leases asset.
The Group leases relate to land
leases, office leases and equipment lease.
Extension options
Some property leases contain
extension options exercisable by the Group. The Group assesses at
the lease commencement date whether it is
reasonably certain to exercise the
extension options. The Group reassesses whether it is reasonably
certain to exercise its options if there is a
significant event or significant
changes within its control.
30.
Trade and other payables
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Financial liabilities:
|
|
|
Trade payables
|
41,784
|
40,573
|
Trade payables - related
parties
|
10
|
61
|
Accruals and other payables
Non-financial liabilities:
|
4,461
|
5,257
|
Value-added taxes
|
40
|
5
|
|
46,295
|
45,896
|
Financial liabilities and non-financial liabilities
components of trade and other payables
At amortised cost
|
46,255
|
45,891
|
Non-financial instruments
|
40
|
5
|
|
46,295
|
45,896
|
Trade and other payables principally
comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and on-going
costs. The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 120
days.
The Group has financial risk
management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid
within the pre-arranged credit terms. No interest has been charged
by any suppliers as a result of late payment of invoices during the
year.
The directors consider that the
carrying amount of trade and other payables is approximate to their
fair value.
The total trade and other payables
denominated in South African Rand amount to US$33.73 million (2022:
US$29.78 million).
31.
Provisions
Reconciliation of provisions - 2023
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Opening balance
|
Additions
|
Utilised during
the year
|
Exchange differences
|
Total
|
Leave pay
|
1,588
|
10
|
(98)
|
(136)
|
1,364
|
Other
|
126
|
467
|
-
|
(13)
|
580
|
|
1,714
|
477
|
(98)
|
(149)
|
1,944
|
Reconciliation of provisions - 2022
Figures in thousands of US$
|
Opening balance
|
Additions
|
Utilised during
the year
|
Exchange differences
|
Total
|
Leave pay
|
1,629
|
80
|
(40)
|
(81)
|
1,588
|
Performance bonus
|
1,923
|
-
|
(1,923)
|
-
|
-
|
Other
|
170
|
-
|
(13)
|
(31)
|
126
|
|
3,722
|
80
|
(1,976)
|
(112)
|
1,714
|
Leave pay
Leave pay represents employee leave
days due multiplied by their cost to the company employment
package.
Other
The other provisions represents
estimates for retrenchment costs.
32.
Non-controlling interest
Selected summarised financial
information of subsidiaries that have material non-controlling
interest are provided below:
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Bushveld Vametco Holdings
|
|
|
Percentage of voting rights held
by non-controlling interest
|
-
|
26%
|
Current assets
|
-
|
85,598
|
Non-current assets
|
-
|
80,228
|
Current liabilities
|
-
|
(25,517)
|
Non-current liabilities
|
-
|
(45,311)
|
Net assets
|
-
|
94,998
|
Revenues
|
83,727
|
117,226
|
Net earnings/(loss) for the
year
|
2,396
|
21,401
|
Net earnings/(loss) attributable to
non-controlling interest
|
623
|
5,564
|
Net cash generated from/(used in)
operating activities
|
(5,027)
|
14,270
|
Net cash used in investing
activities
|
(3,111)
|
(10,649)
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
-
|
(6,020)
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents
|
(8,138)
|
(2,398)
|
The Company acquired the 26%
interest in Bushveld Vametco Holdings on 20 December 2023 (see note
23).
33.
Financial instruments
The Group is exposed to the risks
that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note
describes the objectives, policies and processes of the Group for
managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further
quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented
throughout these consolidated financial statements.
33.1. Categories of financial instruments
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments
used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are
as follows:
· Trade and other receivables
· Cash
and cash equivalents
· Restricted investments
· Trade and other payables
· Borrowings
· Other financial assets
· Lease liabilities
· Deferred consideration
The Group holds the following
financial assets and financial liabilities:
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Financial assets at amortised cost
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables
|
21,916
|
5,912
|
Restricted investment
|
2,881
|
2,710
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
|
26,078
|
19,496
|
Financial assets at fair value
Other financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss
|
24
|
3,075
|
Total financial
assets
|
26,102
|
22,571
|
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
46,255
|
45,891
|
Borrowings
|
98,575
|
83,098
|
Lease liabilities
|
8,428
|
7,282
|
|
153,258
|
136,271
|
Financial liabilities at fair value
Borrowings - derivative
liability
|
-
|
32
|
Deferred consideration
|
2,610
|
2,428
|
|
2,610
|
2,460
|
Total financial
liabilities
|
155,868
|
138,731
|
33.2. General objectives, policies and
processes
The Board has overall responsibility
for the determination of the Group's risk management objectives and
policies. The Board receives reports
through which it reviews the
effectiveness of the processes put in place and the appropriateness
of the objectives and policies it sets.
The overall objective of the Board
is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible
without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and flexibility.
Further details regarding these policies are set out
below:
33.3. Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to
ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going
concerns while maximising returns to shareholders. In order to
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new
shares or arrange debt financing. At 31 December 2023, the Group
had borrowings of US$98.58 million (2022: US$83.13
million).
The capital structure of the Group
consists of cash and cash equivalents, equity and borrowings.
Equity comprises of issued capital and
retained income.
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
Borrowings
|
98,575
|
83,130
|
Equity
|
810
|
105,631
|
|
100,666
|
199,635
|
The Group is not subject to any
externally imposed capital requirements.
|
|
|
33.4 price risk
The Group's exposure to commodity price risk
is dependent on the fluctuating price of the various commodities
that it mines, processes and sells.
The average market price of each of
the following commodities was:
|
2023
|
2022
|
Vametco
|
US$/kgV
|
US$/kgV
|
Ferro Vanadium (FEV)
|
-
|
50.17
|
Nitrovan (NV)
|
36.39
|
44.45
|
Ammonium Metavanadate (AMV)
|
-
|
30.05
|
Modified Vanadium Oxide (MVO)
|
28.69
|
-
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
Vanchem
|
US$/kgV
|
US$/kgV
|
Vanadium Pentoxide Flake (FVP)
|
29.15
|
31.82
|
Vanadium Pentoxide Chemical
(VCM)
|
31.15
|
35.85
|
Sodium Ammonium Vanadate
(SAV)
|
42.91
|
55.07
|
Ammonium Metavanadate (AMV)
|
23.11
|
52.80
|
Ferro Vanadium (FEV)
|
31.69
|
35.73
|
Vanadyl Oxalate Solution
(VOX)
|
188.30
|
197.79
|
Potassium Metavanadate
|
29.45
|
42.41
|
If the average price of each of
these commodities increased/decreased by 10%, assuming the same
levels of production, the total sales related to each of these
commodities would have increased/decreased as follows:
Vametco (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
Effect on
2023
revenue
|
Effect on
2023
net loss
|
Effect on
2022
revenue
|
Effect on
2022
net loss
|
Ferro Vanadium (FEV)
|
-
|
-
|
358
|
258
|
Nitrovan (NV)
|
8,505
|
6,123
|
11,568
|
8,329
|
Ammonium Metavanadate (AMV)
|
-
|
-
|
81
|
58
|
Modified Vanadium Oxide
(MVO)
|
13
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
8,518
|
6,133
|
12,007
|
8,645
|
|
Effect on
|
Effect on
|
Effect on
|
Effect on
|
2023
|
2023
|
2022
|
2022
|
Vanchem (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
revenue
|
net loss
|
revenue
|
net loss
|
Vanadium Pentoxide Flake (FVP)
|
1,175
|
858
|
494
|
356
|
Vanadium Pentoxide Chemical
(VCM)
|
514
|
375
|
329
|
237
|
Sodium Ammonium Vanadate
(SAV)
|
116
|
85
|
182
|
131
|
Ammonium Metavanadate (AMV)
|
73
|
53
|
34
|
25
|
Ferro Vanadium (FEV)
|
2,524
|
1,842
|
2,391
|
1,721
|
Vanadyl Oxalate Solution
(VOX)
|
48
|
35
|
63
|
45
|
Potassium Metavanadate
|
116
|
85
|
157
|
113
|
|
4,566
|
3,333
|
3,650
|
2,628
|
33.5. Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the
Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial
obligations as they fall due. Ultimate responsibility for liquidity
risk management rests with the Board. The Board manages liquidity
risk by regularly reviewing the Group's gearing levels, cash-flow
projections and associated headroom and ensuring that excess
banking facilities are available for future use. The Group
maintains good relationships with its banks and lenders, which have
high credit ratings and its cash requirements are anticipated via
the budgetary process.
At 31 December 2023, the Group had
US$1.28 million (2022: US$10.87 million) of cash and cash
equivalents. At 31 December 2023, the Group
had borrowings of US$98.58 million
(2022: US$83.13 million), lease liabilities of US$8.43 million
(2022: US$7.28 million) and trade and other
payables of US$46,30 million (2022:
US$45.90 million).
2023 (Figures in thousands of US$)
|
Carrying amount
|
Contractual cash flows
|
<1 year
|
1-2 years
|
3-4 years
|
>4 years
|
*Orion PFA
|
35,635
|
135,482
|
4,130
|
8,748
|
8,951
|
113,653
|
Orion CLN
|
46,766
|
47,154
|
47,154
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
SPR interim working capital
facility
|
7,812
|
8,944
|
8,944
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
IDC shareholder loan
|
2,664
|
4,148
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,148
|
IDC property, plant and equipment
loan
|
3,574
|
5,981
|
427
|
1,709
|
1,709
|
2,136
|
Development Bank of South
Africa
|
1,000
|
1,000
|
1,000
|
_-
|
-
|
-
|
Other
|
1,124
|
1,270
|
889
|
381
|
-
|
-
|
Lease liabilities
|
8,428
|
22,752
|
750
|
1,048
|
1,596
|
19,358
|
Trade and other payables
|
46,255
|
46,255
|
46,255
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Carrying
|
Contractual
|
|
|
|
|
2022 (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
amount
|
cash flows
|
<1 year
|
1-2 years
|
3-4 years
|
>4 years
|
*Orion PFA
|
35,146
|
139,795
|
4,181
|
8,626
|
8,833
|
118,155
|
Orion CLN
|
39,742
|
46,585
|
46,585
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
IDC shareholder loan
|
1,999
|
3,515
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,515
|
IDC property, plant and equipment
loan
|
3,481
|
5,725
|
477
|
1,636
|
1,636
|
1,976
|
Development Bank of South
Africa
|
1,000
|
1,000
|
-
|
1,000
|
-
|
-
|
Other
|
1,762
|
1,794
|
1,794
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Lease liabilities
|
7,282
|
22,577
|
704
|
901
|
1,348
|
19,624
|
Trade and other payables
|
45,891
|
45,891
|
45,891
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
* The
contractual cash flows are based on estimated principal and
interest payments calculated as the sum of the gross revenue rate
multiplied by the gross revenue for the quarter and the unit rate
multiplied by the aggregate amount of vanadium sold for the
quarter.
33.6. Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one
party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the
other party by failing to discharge an obligation.
The maximum amount of credit risk is
equal to the balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted
investments, trade and other receivables
and other financial
assets.
Credit risk is managed on a Group
basis. Credit verification procedures are undertaken for all
customers with whom we trade on credit. Otherwise, if there is no
independent rating, risk control assesses the credit quality of the
customer, taking into account its financial position, past
experience and other factors. Individual risk limits are set based
on internal or external ratings in accordance with limits set by
the Board. The compliance with credit limits by customers is
regularly monitored by line management.
Trade account receivables comprise a
limited customer base. Ongoing credit evaluation of the financial
position of customers is performed and granting of credit is
approved by directors.
The Group holds cash and cash
equivalents and restricted investments in creditworthy financial
institutions that comply with the Company's credit risk parameters. The Group
has a significant concentration of cash held on deposit with large
banks in South Africa, Mauritius, United States of America and the
United Kingdom with A ratings and above (Standards and
Poors).
The concentration of credit risk by
currency was as follows:
The concentration of credit risk by
currency was as follows:
|
|
Figures in thousands of
US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Pound Sterling
|
436
|
20
|
Euro
|
4
|
-
|
South African Rand
|
785
|
6,702
|
United States Dollar
|
56
|
4,152
|
|
1,281
|
10,874
|
Impairment of financial assets
The Group's only financial assets that are
subject to the expected credit loss model are third-party trade
receivables.
The Group applies the IFRS 9
simplified approach to measure expected credit losses which uses a
lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and
contract assets.
To measure the expected credit
losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit
risk characteristics and the days past due.
The expected loss rates are based on
the payment profiles of sales over a period of 36 month before 31
December 2023 and the corresponding historical credit losses
experienced within this period. The historical loss rates are
adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on
macroeconomic factors affecting the ability of the customers to
settle the receivables. The Group has identified the GDP and the
unemployment rate of the countries in which it sells its goods and
services to be the most relevant factors, and accordingly adjusts
the historical loss rates based on expected changes in these
factors.
On that basis, the loss allowance as
at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 was determined as follows
for trade receivables:
Subsidiary - 2023 (Figures in thousands of US$)
|
Expected credit
loss rate
|
Gross carrying
amount
|
Loss allowance
|
Bushveld Vametco Alloys (Pty) Ltd
|
0.22%
|
1,183
|
3
|
Bushveld Vametco Limited
|
-%
|
1,760
|
-
|
Bushveld Vanchem (Pty) Ltd
|
0.99%
|
4,409
|
45
|
Ivanti Resources (Pty)
Ltd
|
1.07%
|
156
|
2
|
Other Group Companies
|
81.08%
|
82
|
66
|
|
|
7,590
|
116
|
|
Expected credit
|
Gross carrying
|
|
Subsidiary - 2022 (Figures in
thousands of US$)
|
loss rate
|
amount
|
Loss allowance
|
Bushveld Vametco Alloys (Pty) Ltd
|
0.15%
|
1,135
|
2
|
Bushveld Vanchem (Pty) Ltd
|
0.27%
|
1,487
|
4
|
Ivanti Resources (Pty)
Ltd
|
7.74%
|
121
|
9
|
Bushveld Energy Company (Pty)
Ltd
|
100.00%
|
63
|
63
|
|
|
2,806
|
78
|
Trade receivables are written off
when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators
that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include,
amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment
plan with the Group, and a failure to make contractual payments for
a period of greater than 120 days past due.
Impairment losses on trade
receivables are presented as net impairment losses within operating
profit. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are
credited against the same line item. There were no impairment
losses on trade receivables for the 2023 and 2022 financial
year.
33.7. Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that
the fair values and future cash flows of the
Group's financial
instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market interest
rates. The Group has interest bearing financial assets and
borrowings. As part of the process of managing the
Group's interest
rate risk, interest rate characteristics of new borrowings and the
refinancing of existing borrowings are positioned according to
expected movements in interest rates.
As at 31 December 2023, the majority
of the Groups' borrowings was at fixed rates. A one percent increase or
decrease in the interest rates would result in a nominal increase
or decrease in the Group's earnings in respect of borrowings
held at variable rates. There was no significant change in the
Group's exposure
to interest rate risk during the year ended 31 December
2023.
33.8. Foreign exchange risk
The presentation currency of the
Group is United States Dollar and the functional currency of its
major subsidiaries are South African Rand.
The Group has foreign currency
denominated assets and liabilities. Exposure to exchange rate
fluctuations therefore arise. The Group has
transactional foreign exchange
exposures, which arise from sales or purchases by the subsidiaries
in currencies other than their functional currency. The vanadium
market is predominately priced in US$ which exposes the Group to
the risk of fluctuations in the ZAR:USD exchange rate. The carrying
amount of the Groups foreign currency denominated monetary assets
and liabilities, all in US$, are shown below:
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,224
|
6,723
|
Trade and other receivables
|
23,214
|
11,226
|
Trade and other payables
|
(36,888)
|
(32,652)
|
|
(12,450)
|
(14,703)
|
The Group does not enter into any
derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign
currency risk.
33.9. Fair value
The fair value hierarchy categorises
into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques used to
measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest
priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest
priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).
· Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities which the entity can
access at the measurement date.
· Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included
within Level 1 which are observable for the asset or liability,
either directly or indirectly such as those derived from
prices.
· Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or
liability.
There have been no changes in the
classification of the financial instruments in the fair value
hierarchy.
(A) financial assets and
liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
Carrying
|
|
|
|
Total
|
2023 (Figures in thousands of US$)
|
amount
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
fair value
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial assets
|
24
|
-
|
-
|
24
|
24
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative liability - conversion
option on Orion CLN
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Deferred consideration
|
2,610
|
-
|
-
|
2,610
|
2,610
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
|
Total
|
2022 (Figures in thousands of
US$)
|
amount
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
fair value
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial assets
|
3,075
|
-
|
-
|
3,075
|
3,075
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative liability - conversion
option on
|
32
|
-
|
32
|
-
|
32
|
Orion CLN
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred consideration
|
2,428
|
-
|
-
|
2,428
|
2,428
|
(B)
financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised
costs
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Financial assets (Figures in thousands of US$)
|
Book value
|
Fair value
|
|
Book value
|
Fair value
|
|
Trade and other receivables
|
21,916
|
21,916
|
|
5,912
|
5,912
|
|
Restricted investments
|
2,881
|
2,881
|
|
2,710
|
2,710
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,281
|
1,281
|
|
10,874
|
10,874
|
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
Financial assets (Figures in
thousands of US$)
|
Book value
|
Fair value
|
|
Book value
|
Fair value
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
46,255
|
46,255
|
|
45,891
|
45,891
|
|
34.
Contingent liabilities
Bank guarantee
As required by the Minerals and
Petroleum Resources Development Act (South Africa), a guarantee
amounting to US$10.91 million (2022: US$11.94 million) before tax
and US$7.97 million (2022: US$8.60 million) after tax was issued in
favour of the DMRE for the unscheduled closure of the Bushveld
Vametco Alloys mine. This guarantee was issued on condition that a
portion be deposited in cash with Centriq Insurance Company Ltd
with restricted use by the Group. The restricted cash consists of
US$2.88 million (2022: US$2.71 million) held by Centriq Insurance
Company.
35.
Related parties
Relationships
Balances and transactions between
the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have
been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this
note.
VM Investment Company (Pty) Ltd
("VM
Investments") is
a related party due to the former Director, Fortune Mojapelo, being
majority shareholder of VM Investments. VM Investments owns the
offices rented by Bushveld Minerals Limited. The rent paid in 2023
financial period was US$144,237 (2022: US$206,209). The outstanding
balance owned to VM Investments was US$nil as at 31 December
2023.
The Company paid on behalf of Mr
Fortune Mojapelo, tax on historic shares to the value of
US$351,649. The tax arises from historic shares issued to Mr
Mojapelo. The Company had an obligation to settle the tax on behalf
of Mr Fortune Mojapelo. The amount was previously reflected as a
debtor but was written-off during the year as the Company agreed
the amount is not repayable.
The remuneration of key management
personnel, being the Directors and other Executive Committee
members, is set out below. Further
information about the remuneration
of individual directors is provided in the
Directors' Remuneration Report.
Figures in thousands of US$
|
2023
|
2022
|
Salaries and fees
|
1,911
|
1,866
|
Short-term incentives
|
32
|
95
|
Long-term incentives
|
(107)
|
107
|
|
1,836
|
2,068
|
36.
Events after the reporting period
Orion mine finance convertible loan note
refinancing
The Company completed the
refinancing of its convertible loan notes issued to Orion Mine
Finance on 31 January 2024. The convertible debt
obligations were refinanced as
follows:
· US$4.7 million of the convertible debt obligations were
capitalised into a subscription for 124,747,016 new ordinary
shares;
· A
new convertible loan note of US$14.1 million maturing on 30 June
2028;
· A
term senior loan of US$28.3 million maturing on 30 June 2026;
and
· Supplemental royalty at not more than 0.264% of the
Group's gross
revenues and reducing by 80% at the term loan maturity.
In June 2024, the Company entered
into revised agreements with Orion Mine Finance whereby the Company
will receive additional funding of up to US$10 million under the
term senior loan facility. The repayment of interest and capital on
the term senior loan was also amended whereby the repayment of both
interest and capital will only start on 31 December 2025 and will
consist of equal quarterly instalments with the final payment on 31
December 2029. The drawdown of the additional facility is subject
to SARB approval.
In addition to the changes in the
term senior loan, the supplemental royalty agreement was also
amended to increase the royalty rate from 0.264% up to 0.5%
depending on the amount of the additional drawdown on terms senior
loan facility and reducing by 50% at the term loan
maturity.
Sale of Vanchem
The Group has entered into a binding
term sheet with SPR to conditionally sell the entire Vanchem asset
for a total consideration of up to US$41.3 million, comprising an
initial consideration of up to US$21.3 million and a deferred
consideration of between US$15 million and US$20 million
(the "Disposal").
The proposed terms of the Disposal replace those announced on 20
November 2023 for the sale of a 50% interest in Vanchem. The
Disposal is conditional upon consent of Orion and Competition
Commission approval. The shareholders approved the Disposal on 31
May 2024. The Disposal is expected to close in the second half of
2024.
The Vanchem CGU was written-down to
its recoverable amount during the year (see note 14). As at 31
December 2023, the Vanchem asset did not meet the criteria for held
for sale accounting in line with IFRS 5. Following the closing of
the Disposal, the assets and liabilities of Vanchem will be
derecognised and no longer form part of the consolidated results of
the Group.