1 May 2024
Kazera Global
plc
("Kazera"
or "the
Company")
Heavy Mineral Sands Project
Update
Kazera Global plc (AIM: KZG), the AIM-quoted
investment company, is pleased to provide an update on operations
at its Whale Head Minerals Pty Ltd ("WHM") Heavy Mineral Sands
Project in Alexander Bay, South Africa.
HMS Plant
The Company is pleased to confirm
that all mechanical commissioning work has now been completed at
the WHM heavy mineral sands plant. This includes building
reinforced concrete slabs, reassembling machinery, and building and
connecting conveyors, bins and pumps . Final electrical
commissioning work is now underway and is expected to be completed
within the next few weeks.
National Nuclear Regulator
Permit
The Company has been advised that
WHM's submission for a nuclear permit has been reviewed by the
National Nuclear Regulator ("NNR") but that recent changes within
the NNR now requires companies to provide
additional information as to how they will meet
financial obligations associated with any nuclear authorisation
granted.
These financial obligations are not
expected to be of a material nature for WHM, will be funded from
cashflow, and underwritten by the Company. The Company has now
provided the NNR with all required additional information and
awaits a response. It is anticipated that the appropriate permit
will be issued soon, which will allow heavy mineral sands
production and sales to commence.
Dennis Edmonds, CEO of Kazera Global commented:
"The recent
changes to the National Nuclear Regulator Act are frustrating but,
we believe, very much a box ticking exercise in Whale Head
Mineral's case in light of our strong forecasted cash flows.
With the requested additional information now lodged, our
team is now focussed on completing the electrical work and on final
commissioning. At that point, and assuming there are no further
delays in the granting of the nuclear permits, we look forward to
commencing production and sales."
**ENDS**
Kazera Global
plc
Dennis Edmonds, CEO
|
kazera@stbridespartners.co.uk
|
Cavendish Capital Markets Ltd
(Nominated Adviser and Broker)
Derrick Lee / Pearl Kellie
(Corporate Finance)
|
Tel: +44 (0)207 220
0500
|
St Brides
Partners (Financial
PR)
Paul Dulieu / Isabel
de Salis
|
kazera@stbridespartners.co.uk
|
About Kazera
Global plc
Kazera is a global investment company focused
on leveraging the skills and expertise of its Board of Directors to
develop early-stage mineral exploration and development assets
towards meaningful cashflow and production. Its three principal
investments are as follows:
Alluvial diamond mining through Deep
Blue Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South Africa
Kazera currently has a 90% direct interest in
Deep Blue Minerals, of which 64% is held beneficially by Kazera and
26% is held on behalf of Black Economic Empowerment
partners.
Heavy Mineral Sands mining
(including ilmenite, monazite, rutile, and zircon) through
Whale Head Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South
Africa.
Kazera currently has a 60% direct beneficial
interest in Whale Head Minerals.
Tantalite mining in South-East
Namibia (divestment in progress)
As announced on 20 December 2022, Kazera has
agreed to dispose of African Tantalum (Pty) Ltd ("Aftan") for a cash consideration of
US$13 million plus a debenture payment of 2.5% of the gross sales
of produced lithium and tantalum for life-of-mine. Completion of
the sale is subject to receipt of full consideration proceeds.
Aftan has been deconsolidated from the Company's financial
statements with effect from 4 January 2023 because in accordance
with the terms of the sale agreement, it has relinquished control
of the Aftan in favour of the purchaser, Hebei Xinjian Construction
Close Corp ("Hebei
Xinjian") with effect from that date. Kazera retains the
right to cancel the transaction and retain all amounts paid to date
in the event of default by Hebei Xinjian.
The Company will consider additional investment
opportunities as appropriate, having regard to the Group's future
cash flow requirements.