TIDMAVM
RNS Number : 4324C
Avocet Mining PLC
01 October 2018
1 October 2018
Unaudited Interim Results
for the six months ended 30 June 2018
Avocet Mining PLC ("Avocet" or "the Company") today announces
its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June
2018. These results are discussed under the section headed
operational and financial results for the first six months ended 30
June 2018 on page 3.
In the first half of 2018 management continued to pursue their
primary strategic objective: the refinancing and restructuring of
the Group.
The completion of the sale of Avocet's subsidiaries in Burkina
Faso on 8 February 2018, and of the disposal of its wholly-owned
Norwegian entity Wega Mining and its subsidiaries on 16 March 2018,
are part of this larger restructuring effort, and took place
against the background of on-going discussions between the Company
and its sole creditor Elliott Management ("Elliott") regarding the
restructuring of its overdue loans.
Following these transactions the Company's stake in the Tri-K
development is its only asset. In light of Avocet's board remaining
responsibilities and its continued efforts to minimise costs, the
size of the board was no longer considered appropriate and it was
reduced from five to two members on 19 March 2018.
On 5 September 2018, the Company has transferred a further 30
per cent of its Tri-K gold project in Guinea to Managem SA
("Managem"), a Moroccan mining group listed on the Casablanca stock
exchange, under the October 2016 agreement Avocet had entered into
with Managem.
Outlook
At the corporate level, the loans of US$29.9 million as per 30
June 2018 from Manchester Securities Corp (an affiliate of
Elliott), the Company's largest shareholder) remain an
unsustainable debt burden. Elliott's loans have been due since
2013. Discussions with Elliott regarding the restructuring of
Avocet's debts continue.
A possible outcome of these discussions could be that the Avocet
Group is broken up further in an orderly manner and eventually
wound up. If this occurs, it is expected that, given the amount of
debt owed by Avocet, there will be very minimal or no returns to
Avocet's shareholders.
At the moment Avocet has sufficient funds for at least the next
twelve months as of the date of signing of the report, at the
current and expected rate of spending, provided that the capital
and interest on the Elliott's loan will not have to be paid in that
period.
The Directors consider that, at the date of signing the Report,
the Company is a going concern. Their considerations are explained
more fully in note 1 to the financial statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Avocet Mining PLC Blytheweigh, Financial PR
Boudewijn Wentink, CEO Tim Blythe
Yolanda Bolleurs, CFO Camilla Horsfall
Megan Ray
+44 20 3709 2570 +44 207 138 3204
NOTES TO EDITORS
Avocet Mining PLC ("Avocet" or the "Company") is a gold mining
and exploration company listed on the London Stock Exchange
(ticker: AVM.L) and the Oslo Børs (ticker: AVM.OL). The Company's
principal activity is gold exploration in Guinea, West Africa: the
Tri-K project.
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE
2018
In 2018, the sales of the assets and liabilities that were held
for sale in 2017 were completed.
Burkina Faso sale
The transaction with the Balaji Group comprised the sale by Wega
Mining AS ("Wega Mining"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avocet, of
the entire issued share capital of Resolute West Africa
("Resolute") to Greater Success Global Limited, a member of the
Balaji Group, for US$ 1 in cash. As this was a sale of a distressed
company, the shares were sold on an "as is/where is" basis, i.e. no
warranties (other than with regard to title and capacity) were
given by Wega Mining in the Agreement.
Resolute was the sole shareholder of Goldbelt and the majority
shareholder in SMB, which holds the Inata mining licence. The sale
of Resolute therefore represents the disposal by the Company of all
of its assets in Burkina Faso, including the Inata goldmine.
In addition, the transaction involved the assignment by Avocet
and Wega Mining to the Balaji Group of certain receivables owed to
them by SMB and Goldbelt for a cash consideration of US$ 2,499,999,
and for a consideration of US$ 2.5 million to be satisfied by
deferred payments over a period of seven years. The obligation to
pay the deferred consideration is guaranteed by the Purchaser and
by the chairman of the Balaji Group personally. Elliott has
security over the deferred payments.
All assets and liabilities in Burkina Faso were classified at
year-end as assets held for sale, as the entities were sold in the
first quarter of 2018 and the decision to sell the entities was
taken before 31 December 2017. The assets of the disposal group are
classified as held for sale and presented separately in the
statement of financial position. Liabilities are classified as held
for sale and presented as such in the statement of financial
position.
Wega Mining sale
On 16 March 2018, the Company announced that it had completed
the disposal of one of its subsidiary companies, the wholly-owned
Norwegian entity Wega Mining AS and certain intercompany
receivables of the Group to Natholmen AS for a total consideration
of US$ 400,000 in cash - like the recent sale of its Burkina Faso
subsidiaries, the disposal of Wega Mining is part of that larger
restructuring effort - taking place against the background of
on-going discussions between the Company and its sole creditor
Elliott regarding the restructuring of its overdue loans. Elliott
agreed to the Disposal and to release its security over the shares
in Wega Mining and its subsidiaries.
Tri-K update
On 10 October 2016, Avocet announced that it had entered into an
agreement with Managem, under which Managem would ultimately hold
an interest of 70 per cent in the project conditional upon (a) an
initial payment of US$4 million for 40 per cent of the project and
related shareholder loans, (b) the completion of a US$10 million
work programme, and (c) the production of a bankable feasibility
study for an operation with a reserve of at least 1 million
ounces.
On 22 May 2017, Avocet received from Managem US$4 million for 40
per cent of the project and related shareholder loans as part of
the first closing.
On 3 August 2018, Managem sent the Company an overview of the
work programme, the costs incurred as part of that programme, and a
feasibility study indicating a reserve of approximately 1.1 million
ounces.
On 5 September 2018 the Company transferred a further 30% of
Avocet's stake in the Tri-K project to Managold as well as the
related shareholder loans. A discussion is ongoing between the
parties regarding the costs incurred as part of the work
programme.
Results for the period
The result for the first half year of 2018 was US$ 25.2 million
compared with a loss of US$5.4 million in the first half year of
2017, mainly due to Avocet's disposals in the first quarter of the
year.
2018 2017
Period ended 30 June US$000 US$000
========================================== ======= =======
Operational result excluding transactions (665) (1,995)
========================================== ======= =======
Transaction costs regarding Tri-K - (237)
========================================== ======= =======
Gain on disposal Burkina Faso assets 27,547 -
========================================== ======= =======
Loss from discontinued operations (1,000) -
========================================== ======= =======
Gain on disposal Wega Mining Group 542
========================================== ======= =======
Finance income 4 -
========================================== ======= =======
Exchange (gains) and losses (42) (923)
========================================== ======= =======
Financial expense (1) (1,150)
========================================== ======= =======
Interest for Elliott loan (1,176) (1,175)
========================================== ======= =======
Total result for Avocet Mining 25,209 (5,480)
========================================== ======= =======
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared
in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted
by the EU;
-- The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:
i) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of important events during the first six months of the
financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial
statements; and a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
ii) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being
related party transactions that have taken place in the first six
months of the current financial year and that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the entity during
that period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last annual report that could do so.
By order of the Board
BOUDEWIJN WENTINK
Chief Executive Officer
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the six months ended 30 June 2018
Six months ended
Note 30 June 2018 30 June 2017
Unaudited Unaudited
================================================ ===== ============= =============
US$000 US$000
Revenue 2 - 26,402
Cost of sales 2 - (27,499)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Gross loss - (1,097)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Administrative expenses 2 (665) (898)
Transaction costs - (237)
(Loss) from operations (665) (2,232)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Finance items
Exchange losses (42) (923)
Financial income 4 -
Finance expense (1,177) (2,325)
Loss before taxation (1,880) (5,480)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Analysed as:
(Loss) before taxation and exceptional
items (1,880) (5,243)
Exceptional items 4 - (237)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
(Loss) before taxation (1,880) (5,480)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Taxation - -
================================================ ===== ============= =============
(Loss) for the period from continuing
operations (1,880) (5,480)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Discontinued Operations
Profit/(Loss) for the period from discontinued
operations 3 27,089 -
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Profit/(Loss) for the period 25,209 (5,480)
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the parent company 25,209 (5,173)
Non-controlling interest - (307)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Profit/(Loss) for the period 25,209 (5,480)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Earnings per share from continuing and
discontinued operations:
- basic (cents per share) from continuing
operations 6 (8.99) (24.75)
- diluted (cents per share) from continuing
operations 6 (8.99) (24.75)
- basic (cents per share) from discontinued
operations 6 129.58 -
- diluted (cents per share) from discontinued
operations 6 129.58 -
Adjusted EBITDA (1) 5 (665) (1,995)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
(1) Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before exceptional
items, finance items, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and
impairments. EBITDA is not defined by IFRS but is commonly used as
an indication of underlying cash generation.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the six months ended 30 June 2018
Six months ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
=========================================== ====== ============= =============
Note Unaudited Unaudited
=========================================== ====== ============= =============
US$000 US$000
Profit/(loss) for the period 25,209 (5,480)
Total comprehensive income for the period 25,209 (5,480)
=================================================== ============= =============
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent company 25,209 (5,173)
Non-controlling interest - (307)
=================================================== ============= =============
Total comprehensive income for the period 25,209 (5,480)
=================================================== ============= =============
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 30 June 2018
30 June 2018 31 December 2017
Note Unaudited Audited
========================================== ===== ============= =================
US$000 US$000
Non-current assets
Associates 7 22 22
Deferred Loan 8 200 -
222 22
Assets classified as held for sale 10 - 22,573
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 9 34 149
Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted 11 1,832 197
1,866 346
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Total assets 2,088 22,941
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 2,073 2,749
Other financial liabilities 12 29,942 28,766
========================================== ===== ============= =================
32,015 31,515
Non-current liabilities
Provisions 102 102
========================================== ===== ============= =================
102 19,323
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Liabilities classified as held for sale 10 - 82,861
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Total liabilities 32,117 114,478
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Net liabilities (30,029) (91,537)
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Equity
Issued share capital 17,072 17,072
Share premium 146,391 146,391
Other reserves 17,895 17,895
Retained earnings (211,387) (236,596)
Total equity attributable to the parent (30,029) (55,238)
Non-controlling interest - (36,299)
========================================== ===== ============= =================
Total equity (30,029) (91,537)
========================================== ===== ============= =================
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Six months ended 30 June 2018
=====================================================================================================
Total
attributable
Share Share Other Retained to the Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserves earnings parent interest equity
============== ======== ======== ========= ========== ============= ================ =========
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
At 31
December
2017
(Audited) 17,072 146,391 17,895 (236,596) (55,238) (36,299) (91,537)
Profit for
the
period - - - 25,209 25,209 36,299 61,508
============== ======== ======== ========= ========== ============= ================ =========
At 30 June
2018
(Unaudited) 17,072 146,391 17,895 (211,387) (30,029) - (30,029)
============== ======== ======== ========= ========== ============= ================ =========
Six months ended 30 June 2017
=====================================================================================================
Total
attributable
Share Share Other Retained to the Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserves earnings parent interest equity
============== ======== ======== ========= ========== ============= ================ =========
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
At 31
December
2016
(Audited) 17,072 146,391 17,895 (211,285) (29,927) (35,675) (65,602)
Loss for the
period - - - (5,173) (5,173) (307) (5,480)
At 30 June
2017
(Unaudited) 17,072 146,391 17,895 (216,458) (35,100) (35,982) (71,082)
============== ======== ======== ========= ========== ============= ================ =========
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the six months ended 30 June 2018
Six months ended
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Note Unaudited
================================================ ===== ============================
US$000 US$000
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period from continuing operations (1,880) (5,480)
Adjusted for:
Non-operating items in the income statement
exceptional items 4 - 237
Other 1,214 2
================================================ ===== ============= =============
(666) (5,241)
Movements in working capital
Decrease in inventory - 4,757
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables 115 (1,364)
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other
payables (675) 7,482
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash generated by operations (1,226) 5,634
Interest paid - (1,149)
Taxation paid - -
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash used in discontinued operations - -
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash generated by operating activities (1,226) 4,485
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash flows from investing activities
Receipt Tri-K transaction - 3,820
Proceeds Burkina Faso transaction 2,502 -
Proceeds Wega Mining Group 400 -
Exploration and evaluation expenses - -
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash used in investing activities 2,902 3,820
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash flows from financing activities
Net loan repayments - (10,110)
Payments in respect of finance lease - (122)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash (used in) financing activities - (10,232)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Net cash movement 1,676 (1,927)
Exchange (loss)/gains (42) 923
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Total increase / (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 1,634 (1,004)
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash and cash equivalents at start of
the period 197 4,902
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,832 3,898
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash and cash equivalents at year end
for continuing operations 1,832 3,898
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash and cash equivalents included in - -
disposal group
================================================ ===== ============= =============
Cash and cash equivalents at year end
for continuing operations 1,832 3,898
================================================ ===== ============= =============
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements, which
are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted for
use in the European Union. This condensed interim report does not
include all the notes of the type normally included in an annual
financial report. Accordingly, this condensed report is to be read
in conjunction with the Annual Report for the year ended 31
December 2017, which has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as
adopted by the European Union, and any public announcements made by
the Group during the interim reporting period.
The financial information set out in this interim report does
not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 435 of the
Companies Act 2006. The unaudited condensed financial statements
for the six months ended 30 June 2018 have been drawn up using
accounting policies and presentation expected to be adopted in the
Group's full financial statements for the year ending 31 December
2018. The accounting policies are not different to those set out in
note 1 to the Group's audited financial statements for the year
ended 31 December 2017, with the exception of certain amendments to
accounting standards or new interpretations issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board, which were applicable
from 1 January 2018. These have not had a material impact on the
Group.
The Company's statutory financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2017 are available on the Company's website
www.avocetmining.com. The auditor's report on consolidated
financial statements contained a disclaimer of opinion. The
auditors have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit
evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these financial
statements.
The company also received an unmodified audit opinion relating
to the Company's statutory financial statements.
Going Concern
Continued financial support from Elliott
The Company has loans totalling US$30.5 million on 30 September
2018, due to an affiliate of Elliott Associates, its largest
shareholder. These loans are described in detail in Note 12
below.
Since 2014, the cashflow shortages resulting from gold prices
and lower production at the Inata mine meant the Company has relied
primarily on loan financing from Elliott in order to meet its
running costs of its head office and Guinea administrative
functions.
These loans represent short-term facilities with high interest
rates (between 11% and 14%). In order to become financially secure,
the Company will need to negotiate a restructuring of these loans
with Elliott.
Accordingly, the Company is reliant on the continuing support of
the Elliott Lender.
In addition, the interest burden of the Elliott Loans, which is
in excess of US$200k per month, cannot currently be met out of
Company funds and therefore it will be necessary to restructure
these loans in order to put the Company on a sustainable financial
footing. Negotiations with Elliott are ongoing, as any solution
will need to take into consideration the investment of any external
financier who may be interested in investing in some or all of the
Group's assets.
Notwithstanding the need to restructure the terms of these
loans, the Company believes funds generated through its interest in
Tri-K to be the most likely means of repaying its debts to Elliott.
It is not yet possible to be certain as to the means through which
this repayment might be achieved, however possibilities
include:
-- the raising of significant external finance for the
construction of Tri-K (in order to avoid dilution of Avocet's 30%
interest), which might allow a restructuring of the current debt
facilities with Elliott;
-- Use of proceeds of the sale of Avocet's interest in the project to repay Elliott;
-- Application of intra-group loans and dividend payments from
Tri-K once it enters into production.
Should Elliott request the repayment of these loans, the Company
would be obliged at short notice to seek alternative funding, which
would be a considerable challenge. However, management continues to
have ongoing dialogue around the debt and do not believe that
Elliott currently intends to demand repayment of their loans within
the next 12 months.
Head office creditors
Head office creditors are primarily related to the Elliott loans
and general Head Office costs.
The Company relied until April 2017 on management fees out of
the Inata mine, however as the mine experienced operational and
cashflow issues, the funds were not available to settle management
fees. The Company needed to rely on the money received from the
Tri-K transaction in May 2017 and the subsequent transactions in
2018. The Company has funds available to fund Head Office costs in
the next twelve months provided that the capital and the interest
on the Elliott loan will not have to be paid in that period.
Tri-K project
A feasibility study report has been published indicating
approximately 1.1 million ounces of Gold. The next step is the
raising funding for construction. This is likely to include a
portion of debt, with the equity contribution to be shared pro rata
between Managem and Avocet. Under the terms of the agreement,
Avocet has the right to decline to contribute its percentage of
this cost, which would then require Managem to contribute all of
the equity, diluting Avocet's interest proportionately.
Gold price
The Tri-K project financial projections use US$ 1,250 per ounce.
The sensitivities of Tri-K's cashflows to different gold prices are
determined in the Feasibility Study Report, however, as with any
gold mine, its profitability and value are heavily dependent on the
gold price.
It is clear that a sustained fall in the gold price would
threaten the economic viability of the Tri-K project - as well as
the Avocet Group as a whole.
Conclusion
The above areas of risk represent material uncertainties that
may cast significant doubt over the ability of the Group to
continue as a Going Concern and that it may be unable to realise
its assets and discharge all of its liabilities. Nevertheless, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that these risks can be
managed, or will not come to pass and accordingly the Financial
Statements have been prepared on a Going Concern basis and do not
include the adjustments that would result if the Group were unable
to continue as a Going Concern.
Estimates
Certain amounts included in the condensed consolidated interim
financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or
estimation. These are based on management's best knowledge of the
relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior
experience. However, judgements and estimations regarding the
future are a key source of uncertainty and actual results may
differ from the amounts included in the financial statements.
In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the
significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's
accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty
were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, with the exception
of those highlighted in the exceptional items and impairments notes
to these financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Avocet Mining PLC is exposed to a variety of risks and
uncertainties which may have a financial, operational or
reputational impact on the Group.
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group at the
year-end were set out in detail in the Directors and Governance
section of the Annual Report 2017 (page 10), and no further risks
have been identified since.
Key headline risks relate to the following:
-- Continued financial support from Elliott
-- Tri-K project
-- Gold prices
-- Civil unrest and terrorism
The Annual Report 2017 is available on the Group's website
www.avocetmining.com.
2. Segmental reporting
The segment information reported does not include any amounts
for discontinued operations and only includes the UK for 2018.
For the six months ended 30 June 2018
(unaudited) UK Total
======================================== ======== ========
US$000 US$000
INCOME STATEMENT
Revenue - -
======================================= ======== ========
Cost of Sales - -
======================================= ======== ========
Gross loss - -
Administrative expenses and share
based payments (665) (665)
Loss from operations (665) (665)
Exchange losses (42) (42)
Net finance items (1,173) (1,173)
======================================== ======== ========
Loss before taxation (1,880) (1,880)
Taxation - -
======================================= ======== ========
Loss for the period (1,880) (1,880)
======================================== ======== ========
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of parent
company (1,880) (1,880)
======================================== ======== ========
Non-controlling interest - -
Loss for the period (1,880) (1,880)
======================================== ======== ========
At 30 June 2018 (unaudited) UK Total
================================= ========= =========
US$000 US$000
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Non-current assets 222 222
Trade and other receivables 34 34
Cash and cash equivalents 1,832 1,832
Total assets 2,088 2,088
================================== ========= =========
Current liabilities (32,015) (32,015)
Non-current liabilities (102) (102)
================================== ========= =========
Total liabilities (32,117) (32,117)
================================== ========= =========
Net (liabilities)/assets (30,029) (30,029)
================================== ========= =========
For the six months ended 30 June 2017 Burkina
(unaudited) UK Faso Guinea Total
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
INCOME STATEMENT
Revenue - 26,402 - 26,402
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Cost of Sales (1) (27,231) (267) (27,499)
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Gross loss (1) (829) (267) (1,097)
Administrative expenses and share
based payments (898) - - (898)
Transaction cost (237) - - (237)
Share based payments - - - -
Impairment of mining and exploration - - - -
assets
Loss from operations (1,136) (829) (267) (2,232)
Exchange (gains)/losses 153 (1,076) - (923)
Net finance items (1,181) (1,144) - (2,325)
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Loss before taxation (2,164) (3,049) (267) (5,480)
Taxation - - - -
======================================= ======== ========= ======= =========
Loss for the period (2,164) (3,049) (267) (5,480)
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of parent
company (2,164) (2,742) (267) (5,173)
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Non-controlling interest - (307) - (307)
Loss for the period (2,164) (3,049) (267) (5,480)
======================================== ======== ========= ======= =========
Burkina
At 30 June 2017 (unaudited) UK Faso Guinea Total
================================= ========= ========= ======= ==========
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Non-current assets - - 18,781 18,781
Inventories - 10,606 6 10,612
Trade and other receivables 464 5,217 233 5,914
Cash and cash equivalents 1,884 2,010 4 3,898
Total assets 2,348 17,833 19,024 39,205
================================== ========= ========= ======= ==========
Current liabilities (32,128) (58,516) (320) (90,964)
Non-current liabilities (71) (19,252) - (19,323)
================================== ========= ========= ======= ==========
Total liabilities (32,199) (77,768) (320) (110,287)
================================== ========= ========= ======= ==========
Net (liabilities)/assets (29,851) (59,935) 18,704 (71,082)
================================== ========= ========= ======= ==========
3. Result of discontinued operations
The Company entered in two sales agreements to dispose of 1) the
assets in Burkina Faso, including the Inata gold mine, together
with certain receivables of the Company, 2) the wholly-owned
Norwegian entity Wega Mining AS, together with certain intercompany
receivables. Both disposals were completed in the first quarter of
2018. The fair value less costs to sell of the two businesses is
higher than the aggregate carrying amount of the related assets and
liabilities. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognised as at 31
December 2017.
The result relating to the two agreements is:
Result on disposal 30 June 2018
Unaudited
US$000
Property Plant & Equipment 2,500
Inventories 14,587
Trade and other receivables 4,002
Cash at bank and in hand - restricted 1,484
================================================== =============
Total assets classified as held for sale 22,573
================================================== =============
Trade and other payables 41,614
Other financial liabilities 23,576
Provisions 17,085
Deferred tax 1,586
================================================== =============
Total liabilities classified as held for sale 83,861
================================================== =============
Total net liabilities 61,288
================================================== =============
Total consideration received in cash 2,902
Total consideration received in deferred loan
at fair value 200
Cash and cash equivalents disposed of (2)
Reversal of non-controlling interest on disposal
of Burkina Faso assets (36,299)
================================================== =============
Total gain on disposal 28,089
================================================== =============
Result for the period on discontinued operations
30 June 2018
Unaudited
US$000
Revenue -
Cost of sales -
==================================================== =============
Gross sales -
==================================================== =============
Administrative expenses (1,000)
==================================================== =============
(Loss) from discontinued operations (1,000)
==================================================== =============
Net finance items -
==================================================== =============
(Loss) before taxation (1,000)
==================================================== =============
Tax -
==================================================== =============
(Loss) for the period from discontinued operations (1,000)
==================================================== =============
Total gain on disposal 28,089
==================================================== =============
Total gain from discontinued operations 27,089
==================================================== =============
4. Exceptional items
30 June 2017 (six months) Unaudited 30 June 2016
(six months)
Unaudited
======================= ===================================== ==============
US$000 US$000
Transactional costs - 237
Exceptional gain/loss - 237
======================= ===================================== ==============
Exceptional items in the first half of 2017 contain costs for
advisors relating to the Standstill agreement in SMB and will be
part of a settlement once a deal is completed.
No impairments were recognised during the six months to June
2018 and 2017.
5. Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA) represents profit before depreciation/amortisation,
interest and taxes, as well as excluding any exceptional items.
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
(six months) (six months)
Unaudited Unaudited
US$000 US$000
Loss before taxation (1,880) (5,480)
Exceptional items in note 4 - 237
Exchange loss 42 923
Net finance expense 1,173 2,325
=========================================== ============== ==============
Adjusted EBITDA for continuing operations (665) (1,995)
=========================================== ============== ==============
6. Earnings per Share
Earnings per share are analysed in the table below.
30 June 2018 30 June 2017
(six months) (six months)
Unaudited Unaudited
================================================================================ =============== ===============
Shares Shares
Weighted average number of shares in issue for the period
- number of shares with voting rights 20,905,470 20,905,470
- effect of share options in issue - -
================================================================================ =============== ===============
- total used in calculation of diluted earnings per share 20,905,470 20,905,470
================================================================================ =============== ===============
US$000 US$000
Earnings per share for continuing and discontinued operations
Earnings/(Loss) for the period 25,209 (5,480)
Adjustments:
Adjusted for non-controlling interest - (307)
================================================================================ =============== ===============
Profit (Loss) for the period attributable to equity shareholders of the parent 25,209 (5,173)
================================================================================ =============== ===============
Profit /(Loss) per share
- basic (cents per share) 120.59 (24.75)
- diluted (cents per share) 120.59 (24.75)
================================================================================ =============== ===============
US$000 US$000
Earnings per share for continuing operations
(Loss) for the period (1,880) (5,480)
Adjustments:
Adjusted for non-controlling interest - (307)
========================================================================= ======== ========
(Loss) for the period attributable to equity shareholders of the parent (1,880) (5,173)
========================================================================= ======== ========
(Loss) per share
- basic (cents per share) (8.99) (24.75)
- diluted (cents per share) (8.99) (24.75)
========================================================================= ======== ========
As the strike price of all share options in issue was below the
market share price, in calculating the diluted earnings per share
the effect of share options in issue has been ignored for the 6
months ended 30 June 2018 and for the 6 months ended 30 June
2017.
7. Associates
Manacet Total
============================ ======= ======
US$000 US$000
At 1 January 2018 (audited) 22 22
Movement - -
============================ ======= ======
At 30 June 2018 (unaudited) 22 22
============================= ======= ======
The Company applied the equity method as described in IAS28. At
the moment of first closing of the transaction, the Company holds
60% of equity with a total value of US$ 22,200.
Manacet SA has been established in 2017 to acquire Société des
Mines de Mandiana SA. The company acquired as part of first closing
effectively 60% of the Manacet shares in May 2017. At the
acquisition date (First Closing) Manacet (including SMM) held
US$34.8 million exploration intangible assets and current
liabilities for the same amount. Managem have indicated they have
spent at least US$ 10 million as per period end, although
management have not been provided with sufficient information to
verify this claim.
Based on its own calculations, management expects that at 30
June 2018 US$ 3.5 million interest owed to Avocet Mining plc and
Managold needs to be included on top of the US$10 million
expenditure and any interest owed to Managem, so that that
non-current assets would be at least US$48.3 million, and current
liabilities US$48.3 million.
In line with the group's accounting policy on the capitalisation
of borrowing costs, management considers it reasonable that this
interest is capitalised under IAS23 "Borrowing Costs" as the loans
are a critical part of the finance of developing the Tri-K
asset.
Whilst management have limited information, given Manacet was
still in the exploration phase as at period end and, in accordance
with the group's accounting policy, all applicable costs are
capitalised in accordance with IFRS6 "Exploration for and
Evaluation of Mineral Resources", management believe Manacet's
overall result for the half year were not material.
On 5 September 2018 the Company announced that it had
transferred a further 30% of Avocet's stake in the Tri-K project to
Managold as well as the related shareholder loans. A discussion is
ongoing between the parties regarding the costs incurred as part of
the work programme.
8. Deferred loan
The Deferred loan was entered into as part of the transaction
regarding the Burkina Faso assets. The loan was valued at fair
value upon recognition in Wega Mining AS. Management estimated that
the fair value is around US$0.2 million. The loan was subsequently
assigned to Avocet.
This loan is a non-derivative financial asset with fixed
payments that are not quoted in an active market. The loan is
valued at fair value at initial recognition of US$ 0.2 million. The
loan has a nominal value of US$ 2.5 million to be satisfied by
deferred payments over a period of seven years. The obligation to
pay the deferred consideration is guaranteed by the purchaser and
by the chairman of the Balaji Group personally.
Elliott has security of the deferred payments.
On 3 September Avocet gave notice to the Balaji Group that an
Event of Default (as defined in the loan documentation) had
occurred. The Balaji Group has not remedied this Event of Default
within the period and therefore the Event of Default continues,
following which a notice of acceleration has been sent.
9. Trade and other receivables
31 December
30 June 2018 2017
Unaudited Audited
US$000 US$000
Payments in advance and deposits 1 19
VAT 17 77
Prepayments 16 53
================================== ============= ============
34 149
================================== ============= ============
10. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale
The Company entered in two sales agreements to dispose of 1) the
assets in Burkina Faso, including the Inata gold mine, together
with certain receivables of the Company, 2) the wholly-owned
Norwegian entity Wega Mining AS, together with certain intercompany
receivables. Both disposals were completed in the first quarter of
2018. The fair value less costs to sell of the two businesses was
higher than the aggregate carrying amount of the related assets and
liabilities. Therefore, no impairment loss was recognised as at 31
December 2017. The major classes of assets and liabilities of both
businesses at the end of the reporting period are as follows:
31 December
30 June 2018 2017
Unaudited Audited
US$000 US$000
Property Plant & Equipment - 2,500
Inventories - 14,587
Trade and other receivables - 4,002
Cash at bank and in hand - restricted - 1,484
========================================== ============== ============
Total assets classified as held for sale - 22,573
========================================== ============== ============
31 December
30 June 2018 2017
Unaudited Audited
US$000 US$000
Trade and other payables - 41,614
Other financial liabilities - 22,576
Provisions - 17,085
Deferred tax - 1,586
=============================================== ============== ============
Total liabilities classified as held for sale - 82,861
=============================================== ============== ============
11. Cash and cash equivalents
31 December
30 June 2018 2017
Unaudited Audited
US$000 US$000
Cash at bank and in hand - unrestricted 1,832 197
Cash and cash equivalents 1,832 197
========================================= ============= ============
12. Other financial liabilities
30 June 31 December
2018 2017
Unaudited Audited
US$000 US$000
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing debt 29,942 28,766
Total current other financial
liabilities 29,942 28,766
================================ =========== ============
Interest-bearing debt
Interest-bearing debt includes US$29.9 million in respect of
loans due to an affiliate of Elliott Associates, the Company's
largest shareholder.
Elliott loan
At 30 June 2018 the Company had debts totalling US$29.9 million
(30 June 2017: US$27.6 million) due to Manchester Securities Corp,
an affiliate of Elliott Management (the 'Elliott loans'). The
Elliott Loan balance is made up of three individual loans, which
are the subject of separate loan agreements, with different
interest rates and security, as summarised in the table below:
First Loan Second Loan Third Loan Total
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
=============================================== =========== ============ =========== =======
Principal at 1 January 2018 15,000 3,050 2,450 20,500
Accrued interest at 1 January 2018 6,605 958 703 8,266
=============================================== =========== ============ =========== =======
Total Elliott loans due at 1 January 2018 21,605 4,008 3,153 28,766
Loans drawn down in period - - - -
Accrued interest in period 818 212 146 1,176
Principal at 30 June 2018 15,000 3,050 2,450 20,500
Accrued interest at 30 June 2018 7,423 1,170 849 9,442
=============================================== =========== ============ =========== =======
Total Elliott loans due at 30 June 2018 22,423 4,220 3,299 29,942
=============================================== =========== ============ =========== =======
First Loan
The First Loan was entered into in March 2013. The original
repayment date was 31 December 2013. However, the Company was
unable to meet this repayment obligation and since this time, the
loan has been in default and therefore repayable on demand. The
interest rate applicable to this loan is 11 per cent per annum.
Second Loan
The Second Loan began as a US$1.5 million loan that was drawn
down in January 2015. This facility was increased by US$0.75
million in January 2016 and again by US$0.8 million in April 2016
in order to provide working capital for corporate and head office
activities during 2016. The last tranche of this facility was drawn
down on 25 July 2016.
The Second Loan has an interest rate of 14 per cent per annum,
is unsecured and is repayable on demand.
Third Loan
The Third Loan was entered into in April 2015 and comprises
three tranches, all of which have been fully drawn down in respect
of an aggregate amount of US$2.4 million. The loan is secured over
the deferred loan relating to the sale of the Burkina Faso
assets.
The Third Loan has an interest rate of 12 per cent per annum and
is repayable on demand.
13. Related party transactions
The table below sets out charges in the six month period and
balances at 30 June 2018 between the Company (Avocet Mining PLC)
and Group companies that were not wholly owned, in respect of
management fees and interest on loans.
Avocet Mining PLC
=================================================================================
Charged in six months Balance at
ended 30 June 2018 30 June 2018
========================================== ====================== ==============
US$000 US$000
Société des Mines de Mandiana
SA (60% in 85% = 51%) 997 23,000
========================================== ====================== ==============
On 5 September 2018 the Company announced that it had
transferred a further 30% of Avocet's stake in the Tri-K project to
Managold. Avocet now holds 30% in Manacet SA. The shareholder loans
have been transferred as part of this and Avocet now holds
approximately US$ 11.5 million in shareholder loans.
The interest on the loans and the loans are fully provided
for.
14. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities at 30 June 2018 and at 30
June 2017.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR SDEFUSFASEDU
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 01, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
Avocet Mining (LSE:AVM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2024 to Jan 2025
Avocet Mining (LSE:AVM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jan 2024 to Jan 2025
