TIDMCZA
RNS Number : 6575D
Coal of Africa Limited
28 April 2017
ANNOUNCEMENT 28 April 2017
REPORT FOR THE QUARTERED 31 MARCH 2017
OBTAINING A CASH GENERATOR AND PROJECT FUNDING
Coal of Africa Limited ("CoAL" or "the Company") which operates
in South Africa, together with its subsidiaries, hereby provides
its update for the quarter ended 31 March 2017. All figures are
denominated in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. A
copy of this report is available on the Company's website,
www.coalofafrica.com.
Salient operational features
-- No lost-time injuries ("LTIs") recorded during the quarter (FY2017 Q2: nil).
-- Agreements concluded for the acquisition of the Uitkomst
Colliery from Pan African Resources Plc ("Pan African") for a
purchase price of R275 million (US$20.5million).
-- Successful placement of US$2 million by M&G Investment
Management Ltd ("M&G") and the conversion of US$9.8 million of
the Yishun Brightrise Investment PTE Limited ("YBI") US$10 million
loan to equity.
-- Successful closure of the sale of Holfontein Investment
Proprietary Limited ("Holfontein") to Taung Gold Secunda
Proprietary Limited ("Taung Gold").
-- Successful completion of a loan agreement for up to R240
million from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
("IDC") for the development of the Makhado Project.
-- Granting of an Environmental Authorisation in terms of the
National Environmental Management Act ("NEMA") (Act 107 of 1998)
and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014) to Vele
Colliery for stream diversion and associated infrastructural
activities.
Corporate and financial features
-- Available cash at period end of US$5.1 million and restricted cash of US$0.05million.
QUARTERLY COMMENTARY
Makhado Coking Coal Project ("Makhado Project") - Soutpansberg
Coalfield (100% owned - 74% post BBBEE transaction)
The Makhado Project recorded no LTIs (FY2017 Q2: nil) during the
quarter.
Makhado's 26-month construction phase is expected to begin as
soon as all regulatory approvals are in place (expected during
CY2017). This delayed start up reflects the complex environment in
which South African mining companies operate. CoAL remains
committed to ensuring that the requisite processes are completed as
efficiently as possible. Post construction, a further four month
ramp-up phase will result in the production of 5.5 million tonnes
per annum ("Mtpa") of saleable product.
During FY2016 Q2, the Company was granted a 20-year Integrated
Water Use Licence ("IWUL") for the Makhado Project. Following an
appeal to the DWS submitted by the Vhembe Mineral Resources Forum
and other parties, the IWUL was automatically suspended under
Section 148 (2) (b) of the South African National Water Act No 36
of 1998. Representation has been made to the Minister of Water and
Sanitation and the Water Tribunal to progress the final conclusion
of the appeal.
The interim court interdict to halt any mining or construction
activity issued against CoAL in respect of the Makhado Project
during Q2 FY2014 remains in place. Subsequent to this, the
Environmental Authorisation ("EA") for the Makhado Project was
transferred from CoAL to Baobab Mining and Exploration (Pty) Ltd,
the operating entity for the Makhado Project in July 2016 by the
Department of Mineral Resources ("DMR") and the Limpopo Department
of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The validity
period for the commencement of activities was also further extended
for an additional five years. This authorisation is fully
executable and will facilitate the commencement of the Makhado
Project upon resolution of the IWUL.
CoAL has successfully launched the Makhado Centre of Learning
which aims to develop skills within communities to enable access to
opportunities offered within the Makhado Project
CoAL remains committed to the sustainable development of the
Makhado Project, recognising its potential to drive significant
socio-economic transformation. The Company continues to engage with
all stakeholders to ensure the on-going implementation of a
co-existent model, seeking co-operation between mining, agriculture
and heritage land uses.
The Company is in the process of securing the surface rights for
the Makhado Project. This process in highly complicated as current
surface rights are subject to land claims and the Company needs to
ensure that due process is followed. The Project is located over
five farms.
Mooiplaats Colliery - Ermelo Coalfield (74% owned)
The Mooiplaats thermal coal colliery ("Mooiplaats Colliery") was
placed on care-and-maintenance during Q1 2014, and recorded no LTIs
during the period (FY2017 Q2: nil).
Due to the increase in coal pricing over the six months, the
Company has experienced renewed interest in the Mooiplaats Colliery
by potential buyers. Interested parties are at various stages of
financial assessment and completion of the due diligence process.
The Company is committed to delivering a successful completion of
the sale as soon as possible.
Vele Colliery - Limpopo (Tuli) Coalfield (100% owned)
The Vele coking and thermal coal colliery ("Vele Colliery")
recorded no LTIs during the quarter (FY2017 Q2: nil).
The IWUL for the Vele Colliery has been renewed for a further 20
years and has also been amended in line with the requirements for
the colliery's Plant Modification Project ("PMP").
The DMR has recently granted an EA in terms of the National
Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) and the
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014) for Vele
Colliery for the diversion of a stream and associated
infrastructural activities.
CoAL awaits the granting of an IWUL by the DWS, which is the
final approval required to complete the regulatory approvals for
the stream diversion in respect of the PMP. Once all regulatory
approvals are in place, the Company will be in a position to
consider current market pricing and off-take agreements to conclude
on an investment decision favourable to the Company.
Greater Soutpansberg Project (MbeuYashu) (74% owned)
The MbeuYashu Project recorded no LTIs (FY2017 Q2: nil) during
the period.
No other significant matters to report.
Acquisition of the Uitkomst Colliery
During the quarter, the Company announced the successful
completion of an agreement with Pan African in which CoAL will
acquire 100% of the shares in and claims against Pan African
Resources Coal Holdings Proprietary ("PAR Coal") for a purchase
price of R275 million (US$20.5 million). PAR Coal holds a 91%
shareholding in Uitkomst Colliery Proprietary Limited
("Uitkomst").
Uitkomst is a high grade thermal export quality coal deposit
with metallurgical applications, which is situated in the Utrecht
coalfields in KwaZulu Natal. Uitkomst consists of an existing
underground coal mine and a planned life-of-mine extension. The
operating mine is easily accessible and well-established. Existing
infrastructure such as power supply, water supply, buildings,
workshops, weighbridge, water storage and management facilities are
all in place. Uitkomst currently employs approximately 520
employees (including contractors).
Uitkomst had a net asset value of R209 million and made
operating profits of R21.3 million for the 6 months ended 31
December 2016 as disclosed in the interim financial statements of
Pan African.
The acquisition price of R275 million will be settled as
follows:
-- R125 million (US$9.3 million) payable in cash ("cash consideration");
-- R25 million (US$1.8 million) deferred consideration ("the
deferred consideration"). The deferred consideration can be repaid
by CoAL at any time prior to the 24 month anniversary of the
effective date of the acquisition. The deferred consideration will
bear interest at the prime rate, and shall be repaid on the second
anniversary of the effective date. CoAL shall be entitled to prepay
any amounts in respect of the deferred consideration. If not
settled after 24 months, the balance outstanding can be settled
through the issue of new CoAL shares at the 30-day volume weighted
average price as traded on the JSE on the date immediately prior to
the date on which Pan African gives its election. To the extent
that certain coal bu- in opportunities are not secured by, or with
the assistance of Pan African, within two years from the effective
date, which would result in CoAL suffering a lower economic
benefit, the deferred consideration may be reduced, subject to a
maximum of R15 million; and
-- 261 287 625 newly issued CoAL shares (equivalent to R125
million) equating to approximately 9.3% of CoAL's total issued
share capital.
The Company will fund the cash consideration through internal
cash resources and proceeds of an aggregate US$13 million equity
investment from Summer Trees Pte Ltd and M&G at a subscription
price of R0.52 (US$0.03878) per CoAL share, resulting in the issue
of 335 250 000 shares pursuant to agreements with CoAL.
The implementation of the acquisition is both subject to and
conditional on the fulfilment of conditions precedent customary for
a transaction of this nature and includes, inter alia, the
following:
-- CoAL obtaining all of the requisite shareholder, AIM, JSE and
ASX approvals to implement the acquisition and ancillary
transactions;
-- Uitkomst entering into a supply of coal agreement on terms acceptable to CoAL;
-- Uitkomst being released, in writing, from its obligations as
a guarantor in terms of Pan African facility agreements;
-- Pan African beeing released from its obligations as guarantor
from the financial provisions provided to the DMR and the guarantee
been replaced in a manner and form acceptable to CoAL;
-- Pan African and CoAL entering into a transitional services agreement;
-- The approval by the Competition Authorities under the Competition Act; and,
-- Any exchange control approval which might be required from
the Exchange Control Authorities, in terms of the Exchange Control
Regulations being obtained.
IDC Loan
During the quarter, the Company has entered into a loan
agreement with the IDC and Baobab Mining and Exploration
Proprietary Limited ("Baobab"), a subsidiary of CoAL and owner of
the mining right for the Makhado Project, in terms of which the IDC
shall advance loan funding of up to R240 million (approximately
US$17.6million) to Baobab for the Makhado Project. The Loan Funding
will be used to advance the operations and implementation of the
Makhado Project.
The loan funding is subject to the following conditions:
-- The IDC advancing to Baobab in two equal tranches of R120
million (approximately US$9.2million) upon written request from
Baobab;
-- Each Tranche having a three-year repayment period and
accruing interest at a real after-tax rate of 16% per annum;
-- Subject to the provisions of the Loan Agreement, CoAL
standing surety for Baobab's obligations to ensure repayment of the
loan amount in instances in which Baobab defaults on such
payments;
-- CoAL issuing to IDC h warrants (in respect of CoAL shares)
pursuant to each advance date as soon as the relevant shareholder
approval for the issue has been received. More details regarding
the warrants will be provided in due course;
-- Baobab and CoAL providing the IDC with warranties,
representations and undertakings which are customary in a loan
funding agreement of this nature;
-- IDC having the right to appoint one director to the Boabab
board and to be a member of Makhado Project steering committee
during the loan repayment period; and
-- Upon each advance date, Baobab issuing new ordinary shares in
Baobab to the IDC, equivalent to 5% of the entire issued share
capital of Baobab at such time. CoAL's shareholding in Baobab will
be diluted accordingly. Notwithstanding such dilution, CoAL will
retain a majority shareholding in Baobab.
Corporate
During the period under review, the Company concluded the
previously announced sale of 100% of the issued share capital in
Holfontein Investments (Pty) Ltd to Taung Gold and received the
final settlement of R25 million post quarter-end. The Section 11
transfer of the mineral rights was granted by the DMR in late March
2017.
The Company also received confirmation that Fifth Season (Pty)
Ltd is in the process of funding its full and final settlement of
the outstanding balance to CoAL regarding the disposal of the
previously announced Opgoedenhoop Mining Right. The Company remains
confident that the outstanding balance will be received in due
course. The capital balance outstanding is approximately
R15million, including VAT, but excluding accrued interest.
CoAL has continued to restructure its balance sheet and ensure
that it is well positioned to unlock shareholder value through its
flagship Makhado Project. As part of this restructuring, the
Company recognised that limited cash flow will be generated during
the Makhado pre-production phase over the next three to four years.
Therefore the Uitkomst acquisition represents a highly compelling
and attractive value proposition that CoAL believes to be value
accretive and which will provide cash flows to support CoAL as the
Company continues to progress the Makhado Project. CoAL believes
that Uitkomst will complement the Makhado Project and development
project pipeline by:
-- Creating a sustainable, multi-product mining group, with a
skilled team and excellent resources adding to the development
profile;
-- Providing positive cash flows from Uitkomst;
-- Enlarging CoAL's asset base, which provides a stronger
proposition to access the necessary funding required to pursue the
development of the enlarged group's growth opportunities; and,
-- Positioning CoAL as a potential industry consolidator, with a
management team capable of delivery
As part of the continued balance sheet restructuring, the
Company has acquired additional funding from an anchor shareholder,
M&G. An amount of US$2 million was invested during the period
and will be used for working capital. The Company has also
successfully converted the majority of the US$10 million loan to
shareholder YBI to equity during the period under review. This
conversion has a positive impact on the Company's balance sheet and
eliminates a large potential future cash outflow. These two
transaction resulted in the issue of an aggregate 289 050 199
shares at an issue price of US$0.04081 per share. The remainder of
the YBI loan will be converted to equity following shareholder
approval at the upcoming EGM,
At the end of March 2017, the Company had an outstanding balance
owing to Rio Tinto of US$8.4 million, excluding interest. The
Company had a cash balance of US5.1 million, excluding the
Holfontein receipt of R25 million (US$1.9 million) as this was only
received post quarter-end. The Company is in the process of
concluding its first drawdown of the IDC loan funding which should
yield approximately US9.2 million.
Markets
The hard coking price has once again rallied on the back of
short term supply constraints owing to disruptions caused by
weather and infrastructure problems. While we do not consider the
current prices to be sustainable in the long term, the current
price movement underpins the tightness of world supply and, as
such, is positive for longer term pricing.
David Brown, CEO commented: "The last quarter has been filled
with overdue good news for CoAL: the successful acquisition of the
Uitkomst Colliery, securing the IDC funding; and the completion of
the Holfontein Mining Right sale/transfer. The Company is making
good progress toward re-entering the market as a coal producer,
while focusing on the timeous funding and finalisation of the
regulatory and surface right requirements for the Makhado
Project".
Authorised by
David Brown
Chief Executive Officer
For more information contact:
Chief Executive +27 10 003
David Brown Officer Coal of Africa 8000
Chief Financial +27 10 003
De Wet Schutte Officer Coal of Africa 8000
+27 10 003
Celeste van Tonder Investor Relations Coal of Africa 8000
Endeavour Corporate +61 08 9316
Tony Bevan Company Secretary Services 9100
Company advisors:
Matthew Armitt/Ross Nominated Adviser Peel Hunt +44 20
Allister and Broker LLP 7418 8900
Jos Simson/Emily Financial PR +44 20
Fenton (United Kingdom) Tavistock 7920 3150
Charmane Russell/Olwen Financial PR Russell & +27 11
Auret (South Africa) Associates 880 3924
or
+27 82
372 5816
Investec Bank Limited is the nominated JSE Sponsor
About CoAL:
CoAL is an AIM/ASX/JSE listed coal exploration, development and
mining company operating in South Africa. CoAL's key projects
include the Vele Colliery (coking and thermal coal), the Greater
Soutpansberg Project /MbeuYashu, including CoAL's Makhado Project
(coking and thermal coal).
Tenements held by CoAL and its Controlled Entities
Project Name Tenement Number Location Interest Change in quarter
------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- --------- --- ------------------
Chapudi Project* Albert 686 MS- Limpopo 74%
Bergwater 712 MS-- 74%
Remaining Extent and Portion 2
of Bergwater 697 MS-- 74%
Blackstone Edge 705 MS 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Bluebell 480 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Bushy Rise 702 MS-- 74%
Castle Koppies 652 MS-- 74%
Chapudi 752 MS -- 74%
Remaining Extent, Portions 1, 3
& 4 of Coniston 699 MS-- 74%
Driehoek 631 MS-- 74%
Remaining Extent of
Dorps-rivier 696 MS-- 74%
Enfield 512 MS (consolidation
of Remaining Extent of Enfield
474 MS, Brosdoorn 682 MS &
Remaining
Extent of Grootvlei 684 MS)-- 74%
Remaining Extent and Portion 1
of 74%
Grootboomen 476 MS- 74%
Grootvlei 684 MS-- 74%
Kalkbult 709 MS 74%
Remaining Extent, Remaining
Extent of Portion 2, Remaining
Extent of Portion 3, Portions
1,
4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 of Kliprivier
692 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent of Koodoobult
664 MS- 74%
Koschade 657 MS (Was Mapani Kop
656 MS)- 74%
Malapchani 659 MS- 74%
Mapani Ridge 660 MS- 74%
Melrose 469 MS- 74%
Middelfontein 683 MS- 74%
Mountain View 706 MS- 74%
M'tamba Vlei 654 MS 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Pienaar 635 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Prince's Hill 704 MS- 74%
Qualipan 655 MS- 74%
Queensdale 707 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Ridge End 662 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Rochdale 700 MS- 74%
Sandilands 708 MS- 74%
Portions 1 & 2 of Sandpan 687
MS-- 74%
Sandstone Edge 658 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent of Portions 2
& 3 of Sterkstroom 689 MS-- 74%
Sutherland 693 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Varkfontein 671 MS-- 74%
Remaining Extent, Portion 2,
Remaining Extent of Portion 1
of Vastval 477 MS- 74%
Vleifontein 691 MS- 74%
Ptn 3, 4, 5 & 6 of Waterpoort
695 MS-- 74%
Wildebeesthoek 661 MS- 74%
Woodlands 701 MS- 74%
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------- --- ------------------
Kanowna West and M27/41 Coolgardie^ 23.68%
-------------
Kalbara M27/47 23.68%
-------------
M27/59 23.68%
M27/72,27/73 23.68%
M27/114 23.68%
M27/181 21.31%
M27/196 23.68%
M27/414,27/415 23.68%
P27/1826-1829 23.68%
P27/1830-1842 23.68%
P27/1887 23.68%
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------- --- ------------------
Abbotshall Royalty ML63/409,410 Norseman^ Royalty
------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- --------- --- ------------------
Kookynie Royalty ML40/061 Leonora^ Royalty
ML40/135,136 Royalty
------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- --------- --- ------------------
Makhado Project Fripp 645 MS Limpopo 100%(#)
Lukin 643 MS 100%(#)
Mutamba 668 MS 100%(#)
Salaita 188 MT 100%(#)
Tanga 849 MS 100%(#)
Daru 848 MS 100%(#)
Windhoek 847 MS 100%(#)
Generaal Project Beck 568 MS-- Limpopo 74%
Bekaf 650 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Boas 642 MS- 74%
Chase 576 MS- 74%
Coen Britz 646 MS- 74%
Fanie 578 MS- 74%
Portions 1, 2 and Remaining
Extent of Generaal 587 MS- 74%
Joffre 584 MS- 74%
Juliana 647 MS 74%
Kleinenberg 636 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent of Maseri Pan
520 MS- 74%
Remaining Extent and Portion 2
of Mount Stuart 153 MT-- 100%
Nakab 184 MT-- 100%
Phantom 640 MS-- 74%
Riet 182 MT-- 100%
Rissik 637 MS- 100%
Schuitdrift 179 MT- 100%
Septimus 156 MT-- 100%
Solitude 111 MT- 74%
Stayt 183 MT-- 100%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Terblanche 155 MT-- 100%
Van Deventer 641 MS- 74%
Wildgoose 577 MS- 74%
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------- --- ------------------
Mopane Project* Ancaster 501 MS-- Limpopo 100%
Banff 502 MS- 74%
Bierman 599 MS- 74%
Cavan 508 MS 100%
Cohen 591 MS-- 100%
Remaining Extent, Portions 1 &
2 of Delft 499 MS- 74%
Dreyer 526 MS-- 74%
Remaining Extent of Du Toit 563
MS- 74%
Faure 562 MS 74%
Remaining Extent and Portion 1
of Goosen 530 MS -- 74%
Hermanus 533 MS- 74%
Jutland 536 MS-- 100%
Krige 495 MS- 74%
Mons 557 MS- 100%
Remaining Extent of Otto 560 MS
(Now Honeymoon)- 74%
Remaining Extent & Portion 1 of
Pretorius 531 MS- 74%
Schalk 542 MS- 74%
Stubbs 558 MS- 100%
Ursa Minor 551 MS-- 74%
Van Heerden 519 MS-- 74%
Portions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, Remaining Extent of Portion
10, Portions 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 35, 36,
37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45,
46, 48,
49, 50, 51, 52 & 54 of Vera
815 MS 74%
Remaining Extent of Verdun 535
MS- 74%
Voorburg 503 MS-- 100%
Portions 1, 9,14,17,18,19,20 &
Mooiplaats Colliery and Remaining Extent of Mooiplaats
prospects 290 IT Mpumalanga 74%
Portion 2, 3 and Remaining
Extent of Klipbank 295 IT 74%
Portions 1, 2 and Remaining
Extent of Adrianople296 IT 74%
Portions 2 & 3 of Willemsdal
330 IT 74%
Portions 2, 3, 4 & Remaining
Extent) of De Emigratie 327 IT 74%
Remaining Extent and Portions
2, 5, 8,10 & 13 of
Buhrmansvallei 297 IT 74%
Klipfontein 442 IT 74%
Portions of Overvlakte 125 MS
(Remaining Extent, 3, 4, 5, 6,
Vele Colliery and prospect 13, 14) Limpopo 100%
Bergen Op Zoom 124 MS 100%
Semple 155 MS 100%
Voorspoed 836 MS 100%
Alyth 837 MS 100%
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------- --- ------------------
Certain portions of Unsurveyed
Tshikunda State Land known as Mutale Limpopo 60%
------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- --------- --- ------------------
Coal bed methane Adelaide 91 MT Limpopo 50%
Adieu 118 MT 50%
Alicedale 138 MT 50%
Armstice 120 MT 50%
Bergwater 697 MS 50%
Bergwater 712 MS 50%
Blackstone Edge 705 MS 50%
Bushy Rise 702 MS 50%
Chapudi 752 MS 50%
Charlotte 90 MT 50%
Chase 576 MS 50%
Cross 117 MT 50%
Doppie 95 MT 50%
Ettie 33 MT 50%
Fanie 578 MS 50%
Feskraal 85 MT 50%
Folorodwe 79 MT 50%
Fripp 645 MS 50%
Gray 189 MT 50%
Hettey 93 MT 50%
Jeannette 77 MT 50%
Joffre 584 MS 50%
Kalkbult 709 MS 50%
Laura 115 MT 50%
Lukin 643 MS 50%
Magazasand 123 MT 50%
Malapchani 659 MS 50%
Mountainview 706 MS 50%
Mount Stuart 153 MT 50%
Nakab 184 MT 50%
Naus 178 MT 50%
Neltox 92 MT 50%
Phantom 640 MS 50%
Prince's Hill 704 MS 50%
Queensdale 707 MS 50%
Riet 182 MT 50%
Rochdale 700 MS 50%
Rynie 158 MT 50%
Salaita 188 MT 50%
Schuitdrift 179 MT 50%
Septimus 156 MT 50%
Stayt 183 MT 50%
Suzette 32 MT 50%
Tanga 648 MS 50%
Telema 190 MT 50%
Terblanche 155 MT 50%
Trevenna 119 MT 50%
The Duel 186 MT 50%
Truida 76 MT 50%
Van Deventer 641 MS 50%
Wendy 86 MT 50%
Wildgoose 577 MS 50%
Windhoek 649 MS 50%
Zisaan 31 MT 50%
Ziska 122 MT 50%
Portion of Unsurveyed state
land 50%
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- --------- --- ------------------
* Form part of the Greater Soutpansberg Project
- Lapsed - Mining Right Application Lodged
-- Valid - Mining Right Application Lodged
Tenement located in the Republic of South Africa
^ Tenement located in Western Australia
(#) CoAL's interest will reduce to 74% owned on completion of
the Broad Based Economic Empowerment transaction
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
MSCIPMFTMBATMMR
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 28, 2017 03:20 ET (07:20 GMT)
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