16th Mar 2010 07:38
HALF-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT
31 DECEMBER 2009
The Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial report for the half-year ended 31 December 2009 and the auditor's review report thereon:
Directors
The Directors of the Company in office during or since the end of the half-year are:
Name Period of directorship
Richard Linnell Appointed 1 August 2001
Chairman
Simon J Farrell Appointed 21 December 2000
Managing Director
Blair Sergeant Appointed 30 June 2004
Finance Director
Peter Cordin Appointed 1 December 1997
Non-Executive Director
Steve Bywater Appointed 8 February 2007
Non-Executive Director
Professor Alfred Nevhutanda Appointed 6 February 2009
Executive Director
Pierre Leonard Resigned 27 August 2009
Non-Executive Director
Kobus Verster Appointed 27 August 2009
Non-Executive Director
Shannon Coates Appointed 14 December 2007
Company Secretary
Results
For the half-year ended 31 December 2009, the consolidated entity reported an after tax loss of A$35,183,457 (2008: loss of A$1,294,334) which included an impairment to the Holfontein thermal coal project ("Holfontein Project") of A$8,692,665 (2008: A$0). Other financial investments were impaired by A$6,223,000 (2008: A$1,993,855) primarily attributable to the A$5,000,000 (2008: A$0) revaluation of the Company's Zimbabwean investment. The depreciation charge for the period was A$6,917,706 (2008: A$124,676) and the Company also incurred Take or Pay obligations of A$3,392,587 (2008: A$0) at the Matola Terminal in Maputo, Mozambique ("Matola Terminal"). Foreign exchange losses totalled A$3,615,491.
The cash balance at the end of December 2009 was A$94,042,058.
Review of Activities
Highlights
·; Placement of 59,867,731 ordinary shares on 29 October 2009 at 95 pence per share raising approximately GBP56.9 million, to fund the acquisition of Nucoal Mining (Pty) Limited ("NuCoal"), with the remainder being applied for, amongst other things, accelerated capital expenditure at CoAL's Vele coking coal project ("Vele Project") and general working capital requirements.
·; Execution of an agreement with subsidiaries of the Rio Tinto Group to formalise the Farm Swap Memorandum of Understanding, as announced on 29 October 2009.
·; Execution of formal agreements with Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ("BBBEE") partners as part of commitments to ensure compliance with South African legislative requirements for empowerment groups to hold at least 26% of mining companies by 2014, as announced on 11 December 2009.
·; Completion of the acquisition of a further 6% interest in Limpopo Coal Company (Pty) Limited ("Limpopo Coal"), the owner of the Vele Project, as announced on 23 October 2009, and extension of the agreement to acquire the remaining 20% of Limpopo Coal.
·; Completion of construction of the Company's laboratory in Polokwane, expected to reduce time delays for thermal and coking coal sample analysis.
·; Receipt of a New Order Prospecting Right ("NOPR") for coal bed methane over an area measuring 564 km2 in the Limpopo Province which includes the Makhado coking coal project ("Makhado Project") as well as neighbouring areas.
·; Appointment of Hendrik ("Kobus") Verster to the CoAL Board of Directors as ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited's ("ArcelorMittal") nominee non-executive Director and renewal of the employment contracts of the Managing Director and Finance Director.
·; Announcement of intention to de-list from AIM and the ASX and to seek admission to the Official List of the Financial Services Authority and to trade on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
·; Cash balance at the end of the period of A$94 million - the Company had no debt as at balance date.
Post-Period Highlights
·; Completion of the acquisition of NuCoal for ZAR467million, following the fulfillment of the suspensive conditions of the Share Sale Agreement signed in October 2009. The NuCoal assets and liabilities will be consolidated as part of the CoAL Group from 1 January 2010 and do not form part of the balances included in this report.
·; In February 2010, the Company was granted an unconditional New Order Mining Right ("NOMR") for the Vele Project. The NOMR granted for the Holfontein Project is conditional upon the Company delivering certain documents to the South African Department of Mineral Resources ("DMR").
·; The granting of the Vele Project NOMR satisfied the remaining suspensive condition for the acquisition of 20% of Limpopo Coal and the Company issued 5,625,750 ordinary shares as consideration.
The six months ended 31 December 2009 marked the transformation of the Company into a multiple product mining company. The progress of the Mooiplaats Project, acquisition of NuCoal and the recent granting of the Vele NOMR in early 2010 will result in the Company producing significant amounts of blending coking coal and thermal coal for the international and domestic markets. CoAL's mining assets and guaranteed access to long term port infrastructure ensure the Company is ideally positioned to take advantage of expected rising international coal prices.
Discussion of the Results
Mooiplaats Thermal Coal Project - Ermelo Coalfield (100%)
During the early part of the period, the Company undertook and finalised an extensive reassessment of the Mooiplaats thermal coal project ("Mooiplaats Project") mine plan and prevailing geological conditions. The re-assessment process resulted in a revised mining layout and the completion of vertical as well as horizontal drilling programmes to re-affirm the amended mine layout. This did not result in any material amendments to the anticipated tonnage schedules of the Mooiplaats Project's life of mine. The Company is reviewing the run of mine ("ROM") schedule for the Mooiplaats Project and will inform the market of any amendments.
During the 6 month reporting period, the remaining road and conveyor infrastructure development of the Mooiplaats Project's north shaft was completed and the lease of the Umlabo siding was finalised from where the coal will be railed to the Matola Terminal.
Mining operations at the Mooiplaats Project commenced with approximately 30,000 ROM tonnes per month of a high calorific value (>27MJ/kg), mid volatile "lean" coal. In September 2009, the Company commenced trucking the coal from the Mooiplaats Project to the Umlabo siding, with the first train loaded and railed to the Matola Terminal on 11 September 2009.
Following the reconfiguration of the mining layout as a result of geological conditions, the Company is still on track to commence production of export quality coal from the Mooiplaats Project towards the end of Q1 2010. The second module of the wash plant was commissioned during the period allowing for the processing of 200 tonnes per hour of ROM coal. As at 31 December 2009, over 47,000 tonnes of lean coal had been railed from the Umlabo siding to the Matola Terminal, with the first shipment of lean coal departing at the end of January 2010.
The Company has signed off-take agreements with Traxys Europe SA, a global mineral marketing company, and with Macquarie Bank Limited, each of whom will be entitled to market or acquire 35% of the export quality thermal coal mined at the Mooiplaats Project. The terms of these agreements offer upside over what CoAL considers standard terms in the industry. The Company will dispose of the remaining 30% of coal produced at the Mooiplaats Project on the international spot coal markets.
An application (together with an Environmental Management Plan ("EMP")) to extend the current NOMR to include the farms Klipbank and Adrianople was lodged with the DMR during the period. The extension will enable the development of the south decline shaft. The DMR is currently processing the application and the Company expects approval in Q2 2010.
Vele Coking Coal Project - Tuli Coalfield (80%as at 31 December 2009, increased to 100% in February 2010)
CoAL has determined that it will develop its Vele Project in two phases. Phase 1 will initially comprise the establishment of a modular coal treatment plant with the ability to deliver an estimated 1 million saleable tonnes (yield dependant) of coking coal per annum and expects to attain this annualised production target rate within 7 months of execution of the NOMR. The Company undertook a significant amount of preparation in anticipation of the granting of a NOMR and is ready to launch Phase 1 of the Vele Project immediately upon execution of the NOMR (which was unconditionally granted by the DMR subsequent to the reporting period in February 2010).
The preparation already completed for Phase 1 will allow for production of saleable coal within 4 months of execution of the NOMR. Wet and dry commissioning of the modular plant has been concluded and work on the supporting infrastructure is progressing according to schedule. Pending the execution of the NOMR by the DMR, it is expected the wash plant and associated infrastructure will be commissioned in Q2 of 2010. Work has commenced on the upgrading of the rail siding in Musina and is expected to be concluded by the end of Q1 of 2010.
The total capital expenditure to complete Phase 1 of the Vele Project is estimated at ZAR350 million, of which over ZAR210 million has been spent by the end of the period, with a further ZAR200 million required to double the Phase 1 capacity. An additional ZAR2.65 billion will be required to complete Phase 2 of the Vele Project, which is expected to deliver 5 million tonnes per annum ("mtpa") of saleable coking coal. The implementation of Phase 2 will be dictated by market conditions. The Letter of Intent signed with ArcelorMittal in principle provides for the potential off-take from the Company's coking coal properties priced at free on rail delivery in return for a free on board indexed price.
Initial mining will utilise opencast methods, which will contribute to lower initial mine establishment costs. A Memorandum of Understanding for the mining contract was previously signed with MCC Contracts, the appointed open-cast mining contractor, and discussions between the two parties continued during the current period. The mining contract is expected to be signed in Q2 2010.
During the period, a further 63 exploration holes, totaling over 5,200 metres, were drilled on the mine area. The exploration holes improved the drilling density and results thereof will be used to confirm the structure and composition of the coal. All cores have been geophysically logged and core samples sent to the Company's laboratory in Polokwane for analysis. The updated results of this exploration work will be released to the market in due course.
As part of its NOMR application, CoAL submitted comprehensive EMP and Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") documents to the DMR in which the Company committed itself to the highest level of environmental and social performance. Dust monitors have been erected on the Vele Project area, as well as on neighbouring farms, and the water monitoring boreholes have been drilled for the Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan for the Vele Project, which is being compiled by independent consulting engineers.
In October 2009, 1,990,000 fully paid ordinary CoAL shares were issued for 6% of Limpopo Coal and in February 2010, the Company issued a further 5,625,750 new fully paid ordinary shares in CoAL to acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Vele Project. The Company now holds a 100% interest in the Vele Project.
Makhado Coking Coal Project - Soutpansberg coal field (100%)
During the period, the Company completed an additional 65 exploration holes bringing the total drilled on the Makhado coking coal project ("Makhado Project") to over 9,000 metres. The exploration boreholes of the large diameter drilling programme provided additional cores for bulk sample analysis and assisted in delineating the southern and northern limits of the coal. The boreholes also provided additional information for the revised geological model, which will include both sedimentology as well as geological structure and will be used to update the mine model. A high level study on the processing plant required for the project has commenced and a modular wash plant similar to that built for the Vele Project is being considered.
The Company has prepared the documentation required for the NOMR application for submission to the DMR, based on the planned 5 mtpa production profile of the Makhado Project. This application will be submitted once section 102 approval in terms of the South African Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, has been granted by the DMR for the exchange of NOPR with Rio Tinto ("Farm Swap"). The Farm Swap involves the cession of ownership of certain Rio Tinto controlled NOPR that are contiguous to the Makhado Project to CoAL. In return, the Company will cede certain NOPR and interests therein to Rio Tinto controlled entities and, on satisfaction of all conditions precedent, CoAL will pay a premium of ZAR12.5million.
In July 2009, the Company submitted an application to the DMR for the extraction of a bulk sample from the Makhado Project. Approval of the application was received from the DMR in March 2010 and the sample extracted will yield 1,000 tonnes of coal for analysis by ArcelorMittal in their coking ovens. The Company expects to commence extraction of the bulk sample in Q2 of 2010.
During March 2009, CoAL reached agreement with Exxaro Coal (Pty) Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxaro Resources Limited ("Exxaro"), whereby the Company granted Exxaro an option subject to certain conditions, to acquire up to 30% of the Makhado Project for cash consideration equal to the net present value of the Makhado Project less a 20% discount. Exxaro is South Africa's largest black-controlled, diversified mining company and the fourth largest South African coal producer. At the end of December 2009, Exxaro retained its option to participate in the Makhado Project.
Holfontein Thermal Coal Project (100%)
A NOMR for the Holfontein Project was granted in February 2010, conditional upon the delivery of certain documents to the DMR. The Company continues to classify the Holfontein Project as an asset held for sale and intends to pursue a sale process on receipt of the unconditional NOMR. During the period, the Company obtained an independent valuation of the Holfontein Project which resulted in an A$8,692,665 impairment.
Nimag Group of Companies (100%)
The combined effect of cost cutting measures, an improvement in nickel prices, together with increased demand for the Nimag Group's products resulted in a net profit after tax of A$747,283 for the six months compared to a loss of A$2.4million for the same period last year. In August 2009, Paul Holmes was appointed Managing Director of the Nimag Group and has been tasked with growing the Group via the acquisition of companies with similar production profiles and the identification of new clients and products.
Acquisition of NuCoal (100%)
During October 2009, CoAL agreed to acquire 100% of NuCoal, a thermal coal producer in close proximity to CoAL's Mooiplaats Project for ZAR650 million, subject to adjustment on completion of the acquisition. On 26 January 2010, the acquisition was completed with a final adjusted price of ZAR467m. A retention of ZAR65m is currently withheld in relation to certain warranties and in accordance with the terms of the NuCoal acquisition agreement. NuCoal's Woestalleen Colliery, which is forecast to produce 2.5 mtpa of saleable coal for domestic and export markets, has a number of off-take contracts in place. At the time the acquisition was entered into, NuCoal had two beneficiation plants, and one fully operational mine producing 350,000 tonnes per month of ROM coal and in November 2009 it commenced production at a second mine. NuCoal also owns the Woestalleen Colliery which is in close proximity to Eskom's Camden power station, to which it supplies 360,000 mtpa.
NuCoal has secured a general freight rail siding used to supply its allocation at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The acquisition of NuCoal will realise rail and port synergies in the export of NuCoal product whilst utilising CoAL's existing port and logistic arrangements at the Matola Terminal. In addition, NuCoal has a number of other development projects which CoAL will evaluate in the context of the Company's overall corporate strategy.
The acquisition of NuCoal was funded using part of the proceeds of the share placement completed at the end of October 2009, which raised GBP56.9 million (ZAR731 million) and will be consolidated as part of the Company from 1 January 2010.
Black Empowerment Transaction
During the period the Company reached agreement with its BBBEE partners, ensuring CoAL takes a significant step towards compliance with South African Black Economic Empowerment ("BEE") legislation. The arrangement replaces the previous agreement, announced on 13 June 2008, with Coal Investments Limited ("CIL") pursuant to which CIL subscribed for shares and was granted an option to subscribe for 50 million CoAL shares.
The BBBEE consortium is led by Firefly Investments 163 (Pty) Limited ("Firefly") which is wholly owned and controlled by historically disadvantaged South Africans. Under the transaction, CoAL is to issue an option to Firefly to subscribe for a total of 50 million shares at 60 pence per share, representing approximately 9.53% of the Company's issued capital, exercisable between 1 November 2010 and 1 November 2014. Any shares issued on exercise of the option will be subject to a 12 month "lock-in period".
Firefly will undertake to, within a period of three months, distribute the rights under the agreement to subscribe for shares to the King of the VhaVenda, His Majesty Khosi Khulu Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, representing his constituents of the Mudimeli, Musekwa, Makushu-Musholombi and Tshivhula communities, relevant female empowerment and youth groups as well as a special purpose vehicle to promote and develop entrepreneurs and other specific community groups in the Limpopo province.
The agreement with Firefly is subject to certain regulatory approvals, including consent of the Australian Foreign Investments Review. Firefly also has the right to nominate two persons to the CoAL Board. To facilitate the BBBEE transaction, the Company's second largest shareholder, African Global Capital I, L.P., an entity associated with Mvelaphanda Holdings (Pty) Limited, Palladino Holdings Limited and OZ Management LP, and its affiliate CIL, which currently own in the aggregate 15.03% of the issued share capital of CoAL, have entered into an agreement with Firefly in terms of which amongst other provisions, they will cede their voting rights over their ordinary shares in CoAL to Firefly for a period of time.
Construction of Polokwane Analytical Laboratory
The construction of a world class analytical laboratory in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province was completed during the half year. Since coming on line, the facility has performed petrographic and thermal coal tests on samples from the Company's Vele and Makhado Projects.
By the end of the period, the Company had invested over ZAR 19 million into the Coal of Africa & ArcelorMittal Analytical Laboratory (Pty) Limited, the incorporated 50:50 laboratory joint venture with ArcelorMittal. CoAL and ArcelorMittal have reached in principle agreement regarding the joint venture and expect to conclude formal contracts in early 2010.
Safety
The Company has expended significant effort in developing and implementing an extensive and comprehensive safety and worksafe environment at all of its workplaces.
Safety management is a key focus at CoAL's projects but sadly, in July 2009, two employees of a contractor to CoAL were fatally injured in an accident resulting from the unlawful access to and use of a vehicle by an unlicensed contractor. Immediately following the accident, operations were halted for three days whilst investigations were conducted by inspectors and mine officials of the DMR. The results of the official inquiry indicated no material breaches by the Company, but suggested legal prosecution of the driver and several of the contractors' officials.
Take or Pay obligations
The Company's contractually agreed annual export allocation of 1 mtpa at the Matola Terminal is on a Take or Pay basis. As a result of the early difficulties experienced in establishing the mining operations at the Mooiplaats Project, CoAL did not meet the terms of the agreement resulting in an expense of A$3,392,587 (2008:A$0). The Company commenced meeting its Take or Pay obligations during Q1 2010.
Corporate Activity
During the period, the Company announced its intention to transfer its London listing from the AIM market to a primary listing on the Main Market. Advisers have been appointed in this regard and a further announcement will be made in due course. CoAL will look to have in place an appropriate mix of debt and equity to accelerate the development of the Company's coal and infrastructure projects. As such, the Company is currently reviewing several secured and unsecured debt opportunities.
Auditor's Independence Declaration
A copy of the auditor's independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 22.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:
________________________________
S.J. Farrell
Managing Director
Dated at Perth, Western Australia, this 15th day of March 2010.
Resource Estimation:
Resource estimations in this Half Year Financial Report have been compiled by Mr John Sparrow (Member of the South African Council of Natural Science Professions SACNASP) 400109/03, an independent geological and technical consultant with 26 years experience in the Southern African and Australian regions. Mr Sparrow has sufficient experience relevant to the assessment of this style of mineralization to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves - the JORC Code - and has compiled a number of Competent Person's reports for various organizations for the JSE, ASX and TSE. Mr Sparrow consents to the inclusion of the information in this report in the form and context in which it appears.
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
31.12.2009 A$ |
|
31.12.2008 A$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of goods |
|
11,276,036 |
|
14,880,476 |
Interest earned |
|
1,828,547 |
|
8,947,176 |
Other |
|
308,276 |
|
136,756 |
Total revenue |
|
13,412,859 |
|
23,964,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in inventory, raw materials and consumables used |
|
(8,696,137) |
|
(12,831,516) |
Consulting, accounting & professional expenses |
|
(1,798,522) |
|
(701,786) |
Employee expenses |
|
(4,459,662) |
|
(3,487,980) |
Depreciation and amortisation expenses |
|
(6,917,706) |
|
(124,676) |
Foreign exchange losses |
|
(3,615,491) |
|
- |
Diminution in investments |
|
(6,223,000) |
|
(1,993,855) |
Diminution in value of asset held for sale |
|
(8,692,665) |
|
- |
Office rent and outgoings |
|
(495,041) |
|
(538,074) |
Borrowing costs |
|
(185,001) |
|
(93,566) |
Take or Pay obligations |
|
(3,392,587) |
|
- |
Nickel inventory revaluation |
|
130,253 |
|
(2,106,820) |
Other expenses from ordinary activities |
|
(7,727,176) |
|
(3,380,469) |
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (Loss) from continuing operations before income tax |
|
(38,659,876) |
|
(1,294,334) |
Income tax (expense)/revenue |
|
3,476,419 |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
(1,294,334) |
Profit / (Loss) after income tax for the half year |
|
(35,183,457) |
|
|
Profit attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
- |
|
- |
Net profit / (loss) attributable to members of the parent entity |
|
(35,183,457) |
|
(1,294,334) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation differences |
|
(6,237,649) |
|
5,380,512 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period |
|
(41,421,106) |
|
4,086,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings/ (loss) per share for Coal of Africa Limited |
|
(8.13) cents |
|
(0.32) cents |
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings/ (loss) per share |
|
(8.13) cents |
|
(0.32) cents |
|
|
|
|
|
Headline earnings/ (loss) per share |
|
(4.48) cents |
|
(0.32) cents |
|
|
|
|
|
Headline Earnings Reconciliation |
|
|
|
|
Profit / (Loss) after income tax for the half year attributable to ordinary shareholders |
|
(35,183,457) |
|
(1,294,334) |
Diminution in value of assets and investments |
|
15,773,641 |
|
- |
Profit / (Loss) after income tax for the half year attributable to ordinary shareholders |
|
(19,409,816) |
|
(1,294,334) |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company's potential ordinary shares were not considered dilutive as the Company is in a loss position. |
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
|
|
Consolidated |
|
Consolidated |
|
Note |
31 December 2009
A$ |
|
30 June 2009
A$ |
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash assets |
|
94,042,058 |
|
87,032,875 |
Receivables |
|
11,710,081 |
|
21,525,145 |
Inventory |
|
5,974,519 |
|
8,614,773 |
Deposits |
|
15,423,674 |
|
4,423,964 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
127,150,332 |
|
121,596,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
NON CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets held for sale |
|
16,754,601 |
|
25,540,957 |
Intangibles |
|
3,487,023 |
|
3,706,781 |
Mineral interests |
|
195,594,166 |
|
186,120,103 |
Exploration Expenditure |
|
20,184,499 |
|
15,540,310 |
Other financial assets |
|
20,226,689 |
|
23,598,640 |
Property, plant and equipment |
|
134,267,786 |
|
98,894,360 |
Development Expenditure |
|
41,620,663 |
|
19,432,007 |
Logistics assets |
|
21,665,696 |
|
23,296,448 |
Long term receivables |
|
17,918,500 |
|
19,887,993 |
Deferred tax |
|
3,164,823 |
|
53,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Non Current Assets |
|
474,884,446 |
|
416,071,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
602,034,778 |
|
537,667,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables |
|
12,159,043 |
|
11,031,549 |
Provisions |
|
275,849 |
|
262,081 |
Current tax liability |
|
330,924 |
|
350,416 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
Total Current Liabilities |
|
12,765,816 |
|
11,644,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
NON CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Provisions |
|
2,972,807 |
|
2,383,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
2,972,807 |
|
2,383,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
15,738,623 |
|
14,027,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS |
|
586,296,155 |
|
523,640,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributed equity |
2 |
673,877,166 |
|
569,267,119 |
Reserves |
|
442,642 |
|
7,189,525 |
Accumulated losses |
|
(95,639,700) |
|
(60,456,243) |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL PARENT EQUITY INTEREST |
|
578,680,108 |
|
516,000,401 |
|
|
|
|
|
Non Controlling Interests |
|
7,616,047 |
|
7,639,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL EQUITY |
|
586,296,155 |
|
523,640,035 |
|
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
|
Ordinary Share Capital |
Capital Profit Reserves |
Foreign Currency Translation Reserves |
Share Options Reserve |
Retained profits/ (losses) |
Non controlling Interests |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1.7.2009 |
569,267,119 |
136,445 |
(1,823,690) |
8,876,771 |
(60,456,243) |
7,639,634 |
523,640,036 |
Options exercised during the period |
1,255,747 |
|
|
(509,235) |
|
|
746,512 |
Capital raising |
102,601,864 |
|
|
|
|
|
102,601,864 |
Share based payments |
4,139,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,139,200 |
Share issue costs |
(3,386,764) |
|
|
|
|
|
(3,386,764) |
Profit/ (Loss) attributable to members of parent entity |
|
|
|
|
(35,183,457) |
|
(35,183,457) |
Minority interests in investments |
|
|
|
|
|
(23,587) |
(23,587) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments of foreign controlled operations |
|
|
(6,237,649) |
|
|
|
(6,237,649) |
Balance at 31.12.2009 |
673,877,166 |
136,445 |
(8,061,339) |
8,367,536 |
(95,639,700) |
7,616,047 |
586,296,155 |
|
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
|
Ordinary Share Capital |
Capital Profit Reserves |
Foreign Currency Translation Reserves |
Share Options Reserve |
Retained profits/ (losses) |
Minority Equity Interests |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1.7.2008 |
533,053,006 |
136,445 |
(5,390,389) |
9,524,104 |
(45,936,267) |
3,071,250 |
494,458,148 |
Shares issued during the period |
36,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
36,000,000 |
Options exercised during the period |
1,469,752 |
|
|
(552,709) |
|
|
917,043 |
Share based payments |
1,125,000 |
|
|
273,729 |
|
|
1,398,729 |
Options issued for capital raising |
165,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
165,000 |
Share issue costs |
(3,465,984) |
|
|
|
|
|
(3,465,984) |
Profit/ (Loss) attributable to members of parent entity |
|
|
|
|
(1,294,334) |
|
(1,294,334) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to members of parent entity |
|
|
5,380,512 |
|
|
|
5,380,512 |
Balance at 31.12.2008 |
568,346,774 |
136,445 |
(9,877) |
9,245,124 |
(47,230,601) |
3,071,250 |
533,559,115 |
|
|
Consolidated 31.12.2009 A$ |
|
Consolidated 31.12.2008 A$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows used in Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash receipts in the course of operations |
|
11,234,131 |
|
16,194,689 |
Interest received |
|
1,828,547 |
|
9,015,723 |
Cash payments in the course of operations |
|
(11,419,938) |
|
(29,482,253) |
Interest paid |
|
(185,001) |
|
(93,566) |
Tax paid |
|
(19,492) |
|
(513,484) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash generated by/(used in) operating activities |
|
1,438,247 |
|
(4,878,891) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits paid on investments |
|
(11,802,283) |
|
(5,824,112) |
Proceeds from sale of equity investments |
|
1,446,416 |
|
- |
Exploration expenditure |
|
(4,644,188) |
|
(5,171,424) |
Payments for investments |
|
(10,271,719) |
|
(27,893,308) |
Payments for property, plant and equipment |
|
(68,059,625) |
|
(37,406,098) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
(93,331,399) |
|
(76,294,942) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issues of shares and options (net of transaction costs) |
|
99,961,612 |
|
34,003,641 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
99,961,612 |
|
34,003,641 |
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD |
|
8,068,460 |
|
(47,170,192) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at the beginning of the half-year |
|
87,032,875 |
|
252,004,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate adjustment |
|
(1,059,277 ) |
|
(152,878) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at the end of the half-year |
|
94,042,058 |
|
204,681,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO THE HALF YEAR REPORT ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2009
NOTE 1
(a) Basis of preparation of Half Year Report
The half-year consolidated financial statements are a general purpose financial report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, Accounting Standard AASB 134: Interim Financial Reporting, and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.
This half-year financial report does not include all the notes of the type normally included in an annual financial report. It is recommended that this half-year financial report be read in conjunction with the 30 June 2009 annual financial report and any public announcements made by the company and its controlled entities during the half-year in accordance with any continuous disclosure obligations arising under the Corporations Act 2001.
These half year consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15th March 2010.
These consolidated half-year financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as used in the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2009, except for the adoption of the following new and revised Accounting Standards.
Accounting Standards not Previously Applied |
|
The Group has adopted the following new and revised Australian Accounting Standards issued by the AASB which are mandatory to apply to the current interim period. Disclosures required by these Standards that are deemed material have been included in this financial report on the basis that they represent a significant change in information from that previously made available.
|
|
Presentation of Financial Statements |
|
AASB 101 prescribes the contents and structure of the financial statements. Changes reflected in this financial report include:
|
|
• |
the replacement of Income Statement with Statement of Comprehensive Income. Items of income and expense not recognised in profit or loss are now disclosed as components of 'other comprehensive income'; |
• |
the adoption of the single income statement approach to the presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income; and |
• |
other financial statements are renamed in accordance with the Standard |
Operating Segments |
From 1 January 2009, operating segments are identified and segment information disclosed on the basis of internal reports that are regularly provided to, or reviewed by the Board of Directors. In this regard, such information is provided using different measures to those used in preparing the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Financial Position. Reconciliations of such management information to the statutory information contained in the interim financial report have been included. |
As a result of the adoption of the revised AASB 8, certain cash generating units have been redefined having regard to the requirements in AASB 136: Impairment of Assets.
Business Combinations and Consolidation Procedures
|
|
Revised AASB 3 is applicable prospectively from 1 July 2009. Changes introduced by this Standard, or as a consequence of amendments to other Standards relating to business combinations which are expected to affect the Group, include the following:
|
|
• |
All business combinations, including those involving entities under common control, are accounted for by applying the acquisition method which prohibits the recognition of contingent liabilities of the acquiree at acquisition date that do not meet the definition of a liability. Costs incurred that relate to the business combination are expensed instead of comprising part of the goodwill acquired on consolidation. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration payable are not regarded as measurement period adjustments and are recognised through profit or loss unless the change relates to circumstances which existed at acquisition date. |
• |
Unrecognised deferred tax assets of the acquiree may be subsequently realised within 12 months of acquisition date on the basis of facts and circumstances existing at acquisition date with a consequential reduction in goodwill. All other deferred tax assets subsequently recognised are accounted for through profit or loss. |
• |
The proportionate interest in losses attributable to non-controlling interests is assigned to non-controlling interests irrespective of whether this results in a deficit balance. Previously, losses causing a deficit to non-controlling interests were allocated to the parent entity. |
• |
Where control of a subsidiary is lost, the balance of the remaining investment account shall be re-measured to fair value at the date that control is lost. |
Revenue Recognition |
Dividends received from a subsidiary, joint venture or associate shall be recognised as dividend revenue in the profit or loss irrespective of whether such dividends may have been paid out of pre-acquisition profits. Previously, such dividends were treated as a return of capital invested. Such dividends may be an indicator of impairment where the carrying amount of the investment exceeds the consolidated net assets relating to that investment or where the dividend exceeds the total comprehensive income of the respective investee in the period the dividend is declared. |
(b) Principles of consolidation
The consolidated half year financial statements comprise the financial statements of Coal of Africa Limited and its controlled entities.
A controlled entity is any entity controlled by Coal of Africa Limited. Control exists where Coal of Africa Limitedhas the capacity to dominate the decision-making in relation to the financial and operating policies of another entity so that the other entity operates with Coal of Africa Limited to achieve the objectives of Coal of Africa Limited.
All intercompany balances and transactions between entities in the economic entity, including any unrealised profits have been eliminated on consolidation. Where a controlled entity has entered or left the economic entity during the year its operating results have been included from the date control was obtained or until the date control ceases.
(c) Dividends
No dividend has been paid or is proposed in respect of the half-year ended 31 December 2009 (2008: None).
|
Consolidated 31 Dec 2009 A$ |
|
2. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
474,413,911 (30.6.2009: 411,919,636) fully paid ordinary shares |
673,877,166 |
|
|
|
|
Movements in contributed equity |
|
|
Opening balance at beginning of the half-year |
569,267,119 |
|
|
|
|
- 465,239 options exercised on 1 October 2009 |
923,912 |
|
-1,990,000 ordinary shares issued on 23 October 2009 for acquisition of 6% of the Vele Project |
4,139,200 |
|
- 59,867,731 ordinary shares issued on 30 October 2009 |
102,601,864 |
|
- 79,488 options exercised on 13 November 2009 |
156,267 |
|
- 91,817 options exercised on 26 November 2009 |
175,568 |
|
Less: share issue costs |
(3,386,764) |
|
|
|
|
Total equity at the end of the half-year |
673,877,166 |
|
Options
The following options to subscribe for ordinary fully paid shares are outstanding at balance date:
Number Issued |
Number Quoted |
Exercise Price |
Expiry Date |
9,200,000 |
- |
A$0.50 |
30 September 2011 |
250,000 |
- |
A$2.05 |
1 May 2012 |
7,000,000 |
- |
A$1.25 |
30 September 2012 |
1,000,000 |
- |
A$1.90 |
30 September 2012 |
600,000 |
- |
A$1.25 |
1 May 2012 |
1,650,000 |
- |
A$3.25 |
31 July 2012 |
5,000,000 |
- |
A$2.74 |
30 November 2014 |
636,544 options were exercised at GBP0.65 during the six months under review.
3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items mainly comprise interest or dividend-earning assets and revenue, interest bearing loans, borrowings and expenses, and corporate assets and expenses.
Business segments
The consolidated entity comprises the following main business segments:
Coal exploration and mining Mining of coal at the Mooiplaats Project and exploration activities across other coal related interests
Manufacturing Mineral processing by the Nimag Group in South Africa
Investing Equity investments in South Africa, Australia and United Kingdom
Segment performance for the six months ended 31 December 2009 |
|
|
||
Primary reporting industry |
Coal Mining & Exploration |
Manufacturing |
Investing |
Consolidated |
|
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
External sales |
- |
11,276,036 |
- |
11,276,036 |
Interest revenue |
57,465 |
10,923 |
1,760,159 |
1,828,547 |
Unallocated revenue |
- |
34,563 |
273,713 |
308,276 |
Total group revenue |
57,465 |
11,321,522 |
2,033,872 |
13,412,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
Segment net profit/ (loss) before income tax |
(8,678,084) |
1,111,879 |
(5,644,809) |
(13,211,014) |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts not included in segment result but reviewed by the board |
|
|
||
Impairment of financial assets |
- |
- |
(6,223,000) |
(6,223,000) |
Depreciation and amortisation |
(5,168,159) |
(116,535) |
(1,633,012) |
(6,917,706) |
Foreign exchange losses |
(212,648) |
(248,061) |
(3,154,782) |
(3,615,491) |
Impairment of assets held for sale |
- |
- |
(8,692,665) |
(8,692,665) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit/ (loss) before tax from continuing operations |
(14,058,891) |
747,283 |
(25,348,268) |
(38,659,876) |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets as at 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
Segment assets |
377,248,489 |
6,524,572 |
211,609,871 |
595,382,932 |
Segment asset increases for the period: |
|
|
|
|
- Capital expenditure |
68,059,625 |
- |
- |
68,059,625 |
- Acquisitions |
6,256,613 |
- |
4,006,106 |
10,262,719 |
|
74,316,238 |
- |
4,006,106 |
78,322,344 |
Reconciliation of segment assets to group assets |
|
|
|
|
Unallocated assets: |
|
|
|
|
- Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
3,164,823 |
- Intangibles |
|
|
|
3,487,023 |
Total assets from continuing operations |
|
|
|
602,034,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets as at 30 June 2009 |
|
|
|
|
Segment assets |
311,172,800 |
6,446,064 |
216,288,711 |
533,907,575 |
Segment asset increases for the period: |
|
|
|
|
- Capital expenditure |
92,436,383 |
- |
- |
92,436,383 |
- Acquisitions |
7,743,534 |
- |
11,704,052 |
19,447,586 |
|
100,179,917 |
- |
11,704,052 |
111,883,969 |
Reconciliation of segment assets to group assets: |
|
|
|
|
Unallocated assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Coal Mining & Exploration |
Manufacturing |
Investing |
Consolidated |
|
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
A$ |
|
|
|
|
|
- Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
53,526 |
- Intangibles |
|
|
|
3,706,781 |
Total assets from continuing operations |
|
|
|
537,667,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities as at 31 December 2009 |
11,105,047 |
1,671,936 |
2,961,640 |
15,738,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of segment liabilities to group liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Unallocated liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
- Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
- |
- Other liabilities |
|
|
|
- |
Total liabilities from continuing operations |
|
|
|
15,738,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Segment liabilities as at 30 June 2009 |
7,289,273 |
2,152,484 |
4,586,091 |
14,027,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of segment liabilities to group liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Unallocated liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
- Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
- |
- Other liabilities |
|
|
|
- |
Total liabilities from continuing operations |
|
|
|
14,027,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by geographical region |
|
|
Revenue attributable to external customers is disclosed below, based on the location of the external customer. |
||
|
For the six months ended 31 December 2009 |
For the six months ended 31 December 2008 |
|
A$ |
A$ |
North America |
3,833,852 |
2,227,616 |
Europe |
3,721,092 |
6,682,848 |
South East Asia and Australasia |
1,691,405 |
3,898,328 |
Africa and other areas |
2,029,687 |
2,071,684 |
Total revenue |
11,276,036 |
14,880,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets by geographical region |
|
|
The location of segment assets is disclosed below, based on the geographical location of the assets. |
||
|
Balance as at ended 31 December 2009 |
Balance as at ended 30 June 2009 |
|
A$ |
A$ |
North America |
- |
|
Europe |
2,135,028 |
30,560 |
South East Asia and Australasia |
135,384,840 |
204,900,764 |
Africa and other areas |
464,514,910 |
332,736558 |
Total assets |
602,034,778 |
537,667,882 |
|
|
|
4. BUSINESS COMBINATION (ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLED ENTITIES)
The consolidated entity acquired control over the following South African entities during the period ended 31 December 2009:
1. |
Acquisition of 100% Silkwood Trading (Pty) Limited which holds the NOPR to the 850 hectare farm Alyth located on the western border of the Company's Vele Project. |
|
|
Cash consideration paid |
A$6,256,613 |
|
|
|
2. |
Acquisition of 74% of a shelf company Freewheel Trade & Invest 34 (Pty) Limited which owns the exploration rights for coal bed methane for a 564km2 area in and around CoAL's Makhado Project. |
|
|
Cash consideration paid |
A$1,950,078 |
|
|
|
5. DISPOSAL OF CONTROLLED ENTITIES
The consolidated entity did not lose control over any entities during the half year period or the half year ended 31 December 2009.
6. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
In accordance with normal industry practice, the Company has agreed to provide financial support to its controlled entities. There are no other contingent liabilities as at 31 December 2009.
7. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE
·; Completion of the Acquisition of NuCoal Mining (Pty) Limited
At the end of January 2010, following the fulfillment of the suspensive conditions to the SSA signed in October 2009, the Company acquired 100% of NuCoal for ZAR467million after a 10% reduction to reflect the working capital position at 31 December 2009. A retention of ZAR65 million was withheld in relation to certain warranties and in accordance with the terms of the NuCoal acquisition agreement.
The acquisition was funded by proceeds of the share placement completed in October which raised GBP56.9million (ZAR731million). In accordance with the terms of the SSA, CoAL's economic interest in NuCoal commenced on 1 January 2010.
·; Granting of NOMR for Vele and Holfontein
In early February 2009 the Company announced the granting of an unconditional NOMR for its Vele Project and a conditional granting of a NOMR for the Holfontein Project. The Holfontein Project NOMR is conditional upon the Company delivering certain documents to the DMR.
·; Acquisition of remaining 20% of Limpopo Coal
The granting of the Vele NOMR satisfied the remaining suspensive condition for the acquisition of 20% of the Vele Project. During February 2009, the Company issued 5,625,750 ordinary shares as consideration for the 20% of Limpopo Coal.
There are no other matters or events which have arisen since the end of the financial period which have significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity in subsequent financial years.
COAL OF AFRICA LIMITED
DIRECTORS' DECLARATION
In the opinion of the Directors,
1. The financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
a. complying with Accounting Standard AASB 134: Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and
b. giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity's financial position as at 31 December 2009 and of its performance for the half year ended on that date.
2. There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.
________________________________
S. J. Farrell
Director
Dated at Perth, Western Australia, this 15th day of March 2010.
AUDITOR'S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
TO THE DIRECTORS OF COALOF AFRICA LIMITED
As lead auditor for the review of Coal of Africa Limited and its controlled entities for the half year ended 31 December 2009, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:
(a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the review, and
(b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the review.
This declaration is in respect of Coal of Africa Limited and its controlled entities during the period.
Suan-Lee Tan Moore Stephens
Partner Chartered Accountants
Dated in Perth, this 15thday of March 2010.
Independent auditor's review report to the members of
COAL OF AFRICA LIMITED
Report on the Half-Year Financial Report
We have reviewed the accompanying half-year financial report of Coal of Africa Limited and controlled entities (the consolidated entity) which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2009, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows for the half-year ended on that date, the accounting policies and other selected explanatory notes and the directors' declaration.
Directors' Responsibility for the Half-Year Financial Report
The directors of Coal of Africa Limited are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the half-year financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the half-year financial report that it is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the half-year financial report based on our review. We conducted our review in accordance with Auditing Standard on Review Engagements ASRE 2410: "Review of an Interim Financial Report Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity", in order to state whether, on the basis of the procedures described, we have become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the financial report is not in accordance with the Corporation Act 2001 including: giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity's financial position as at 31 December 2009 and its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and complying with Accounting Standard AASB 134: "Interim Financial Reporting" and the Corporations Regulations 2001. As the auditor of Coal of Africa Limited and its controlled entities, ASRE 2410 requires that we comply with the ethical requirements relevant to the audit of the financial report.
A review of the half-year financial report consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for the financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Matters Relating to the Electronic Presentation of the Audited Financial Report
This review report relates to the financial report of the consolidated entity for the half-year ended 31 December 2009 included on the website of Coal of Africa Limited. The directors of the company are responsible for the integrity of the website and we have not been engaged to report on its integrity. This review report refers only to the half-year financial report identified above and it does not provide an opinion on any other information which may have been hyperlinked to or from the financial report. If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications, they are advised to refer to the hard copy of the reviewed financial report to confirm the information included in the reviewed financial report presented on the company's website
Independence
In conducting our review, we have complied with the applicable independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.
Conclusion
Based on our review, which is not an audit, we have not become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the half-year financial report of Coal of Africa Limited and its controlled entities is not in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity's financial position as at 31 December 2009 and of its performance for the half-year ended on that date; and
(ii) complying with Accounting Standard AASB 134: "Interim Financial Reporting" and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Suan-Lee Tan Moore Stephens
Partner Chartered Accountants
Dated in Perth, this 15thday of March 2010.
Related Shares:
MCM.L