19th Sep 2012 07:00
19 September 2012
Paragon Diamonds Limited
("Paragon" or the "Company")
(AIM: PRG)
Interim accounts for the six months to 30 June 2012
Paragon Diamonds, the AIM quoted, African focused diamond production and development company, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six month ending 30 June 2012.
A copy of the report is being posted to shareholders shortly and will be available from the Company's website - www.paragondiamonds.com
For further information:
Paragon Diamonds Limited Francesco Scolaro - Chairman Simon Retter - Finance Director www.paragondiamonds.com | +44 (0) 20 7099 1940
|
|
|
Fox-Davies Capital Ltd (Nomad and Broker) Jonathan Evans Simon Leathers | +44 (0) 20 3463 5010
|
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to present the interim financial statements for Paragon Diamonds Limited (the "Company" or the "Group") for the six month period to 30 June 2012 and report on the developments of the Group during what has been an exciting period. The Group has focussed on continuing the bulk sampling programme at its flagship Lemphane Kimberlite in Lesotho whilst simultaneously conducting a rapid exploration programme at its newly awarded Motete Dyke Licence in close proximity to Lemphane.
Lemphane - Lesotho
The bulk sampling on the Lemphane Kimberlite has been progressed steadily over the period with only a temporary break whilst the plant was reconfigured to process the sample from the Motete Dyke. The sampling programme at Lemphane has restarted again since conclusion of the Motete activities and will continue over the coming weeks and months. A total of over 4,700 tonnes of kimberlite has been processed to date and a grade of 2.20 cpht recovered. Seven diamonds ranging from 2.0-6.3 carats and twenty two diamonds greater than one carat in weight have been recovered. A provisional diamond size distribution indicates that 56% of carats are present in stones of 1 carat or greater, 34% of carats are present in stones of 2 carats or greater and 14% of carats are in stones of 5 carats or greater. The results at Lemphane are significant as they correlate closely with the results seen at other prominent Lesotho kimberlites at the same exploration-development stage. Relatively low grades but exceptionally large diamond sizes are encountered at both Letšeng-la-Terae and Mothae diamond mines, where the overall value is highly influenced by the presence of large, high value stones.
Motete - Lesotho
Since the Motete Dyke licence was awarded in December 2011, the Group has embarked on a rapid exploration programme to evaluate the property. The Group has undertaken a large microdiamond sampling programme; predicting a modelled grade of 90 cpht at the smallest screen size. In subsequent bulk sampling a recovered grade of 55 cpht was observed using the existing Lemphane plant that was not configured to recover the numerous smaller stones. The tailings are being sent to a laboratory to confirm the presence of smaller stones which will ultimately be taken in to consideration when determining the proposed make up of the final plant. Drilling has been undertaken which confirms the width of the dyke to be consistently in the order of 1.4m wide at depth which will greatly facilitate underground mining. It also confirmed the presence of approximately 1.1 Mt of kimberlite with the potential for more should further drilling be undertaken. A scoping study is underway which is expected to be completed over the coming weeks along with a maiden resource statement for the Dyke. The Company has submitted four new applications for exploration licences covering 100km2 over what it deems to be highly prospective ground surrounding the existing Motete licence. A memorandum of understanding has been agreed for the 15% shareholder of the Lesotho subsidiaries to provide up to $10 million to project finance the Dyke, which is expected to be sufficient to bring it into production. The mine plan for the Dyke involves underground mining with the majority of the kimberlite to be mined by overhead tunnelling.
Sierra Leone
The Group's operations in Sierra Leone have remained on care and maintenance since August 2011, with a minimal cost base in order to protect the assets and the few remaining staff in country.
Financial Results
The Group reported a loss of £1.4 million for the period (2011restated: £2.2 million) which comprised mainly administration costs and depreciation. Excluding depreciation the Group reported a £1.1 million loss for the first six months of the year. The net assets of the Group were £35.8 million at the period end (2011 restated: £45.5 million) which included £3.5 million attributable to minority interest (2011: £3.8 million). The exploration portfolio is £41.3 million (2011 restated: £38.9 million) and fixed assets comprising the plant and equipment and the mine in Sierra Leone £4.9 million (2011:£15.0 million). The Group completed a fund raising of £1.7 million during the period by issuing 5,948,275 new ordinary shares at a price of 29 pence per share. The Group completed the acquisition of the remaining 1.5% interest in International Diamond Consultants during the period and issued 970,588 new ordinary shares as consideration. Paragon held cash balances of £1.6 million at the period end (2011: £3.7 million). The capital expenditure on the dyke project will not commence until the scoping study, resource statement, mining licence and $10 million project financing are all in place.
Outlook
The Company is at an exciting point in its development with its maiden resource statement and scoping study due at Motete in the near future. The continuing results from the Lemphane bulk sampling programme are also important to the Group and I look forward to reporting the progress made in these areas over the coming months.
Francesco Scolaro
Chairman
18 September 2012
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Six Months to 30 June | Six Months to 30 June | Year to 31 December | ||
Notes | 2012 (Unaudited)
| 2011 (Unaudited) Restated | 2011 (Audited)
| |
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
Revenue | - | 687 | 731 | |
Operating expenses | (216) | (1,465) | (1,610) | |
OPERATING LOSS | (216) | (778) | (879) | |
Impairment of property, plant and equipment | 6 | - | (4,410) | (14,704) |
Administration costs | (852) | (575) | (1,571) | |
Gain on acquisition of subsidiary | - | 4,192 | 4,186 | |
Depreciation | 6 | (263) | (605) | (1,029) |
Finance income | - | 3 | 4 | |
Finance costs | (21) | (24) | (51) | |
LOSS BEFORE TAXATION | (1,352) | (2,197) | (14,044) | |
Taxation | - | - | - | |
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD | (1,352) | (2,197) | (14,044) | |
Attributable to: | ||||
Owners of the parent | (1,352) | (2,197) | (13,950) | |
Non-controlling interest | - | - | (94) | |
(1,352) | (2,197) | (14,044) | ||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
(317) | (480) | 1,184 | |
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD |
(1,669) | (2,677) | (12,860) | |
Attributable to: | ||||
Owners of the parent | (1,621) | (2,677) | (12,945) | |
Non-controlling interest | (48) | - | 85 | |
(1,669) | (2,677) | (12,860) | ||
LOSS PER SHARE | ||||
Basic and diluted (pence) | 4 | (0.70) | (1.38) | (8.11) |
The loss arises from the Group's continuing operations.
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share capital | Share premium | Foreign exchange reserve | Share based payment reserve | Retained deficit | Total | Non-controlling Interests | Total equity | |
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
At 1 january 2011 | 1,427 | 27,955 | 646 | 20 | (1,138) | 28,910 | - | 28,910 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (2,197) | (2,197) | - | (2,197) |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | - | - | (480) |
- | - | (480) | - | (480) |
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | (480) |
- | (2,197) | (2,677) | - | (2,677) |
Issue of shares | 455 | 15,014 | - | - | - | 15,469 | - | 15,469 |
Expenses on issue of shares | - | (25) | - | - | - | (25) | - | (25) |
Share based payment | - | - | - | 48 | - | 48 | - | 48 |
Acquisition of subsidiary | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,782 | 3,782 |
At 30 JUNE 2011 (RESTATED) | 1,882 | 42,944 | 166 | 68 | (3,335) | 41,725 | 3,782 | 45,507 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (11,753) | (11,753) | (94) | (11,847) |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | - | - | 1,485 |
- | - | 1,485 |
179 | 1,664 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | 1,485 |
- | (11,753) | (10,268) |
85 | 10,183 |
Share based payment | - | - | - | 248 | - | 248 | - | 248 |
At 31 december 2011 | 1,882 | 42,944 | 1,651 | 316 | (15,088) | 31,705 | 3,867 | 35,572 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (1,352) | (1,352) | - | (1,352) |
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | - | - | (269) |
- | - | (269) |
(49) | (318) |
Total comprehensive income for the period | (269) |
- | - | (1,621) |
(49) | (1,670) | ||
Issue of shares | 69 | 1,938 | - | - | - | 2,007 | - | 2,007 |
Share based payment | - | - | - | 163 | - | 163 | - | 163 |
Acquisition of minority interest | - | - | - | - | 81 | 81 | (354) | (273) |
Transfer of share based payment charge on cancelled options | - | - | - |
(13) | 13 | - |
- | - |
At 30 june 2012 | 1,951 | 44,882 | 1,382 | 466 | (16,346) | 32,335 | 3,464 | 35,799 |
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
30 June 2012 (Unaudited) | 30 June 2011 (Unaudited) Restated | 31 December 2011 (Audited) | ||||
Notes | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
ASSETS | ||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||
Intangible exploration and evaluation assets | 5 | 41,256 | 38,919 | 41,147 | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 6 | 4,903 | 15,022 | 5,337 | ||
Total non-current assets | 46,159 | 53,941 | 46,484 | |||
Current assets | ||||||
Trade and other receivables | 14 | 31 | 30 | |||
Inventory | 66 | 9 | 67 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,586 | 3,653 | 1,238 | |||
Total current assets | 1,666 | 3,693 | 1,335 | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | 47,825 | 57,634 | 47,819 | |||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Trade and other payables | (173) | (542) | (180) | |||
Loans | (1,944) | (2,067) | (2,048) | |||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | (2,117) | (2,609) | (2,228) | |||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||
Site restoration provision | (461) | (406) | (469) | |||
Deferred tax liability | (9,448) | (9,112) | (9,550) | |||
Total non-current liabilities | (9,909) | (9,518) | (10,019) | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | (12,026) | (12,127) | (12,247) | |||
NET ASSETS | 35,799 | 45,507 | 35,572 | |||
EQUITY | ||||||
Share capital | 7 | 1,951 | 1,882 | 1,882 | ||
Share premium | 8 | 44,882 | 42,944 | 42,944 | ||
Foreign exchange reserve | 1,382 | 166 | 1,651 | |||
Share based payment reserve | 466 | 68 | 316 | |||
Retained deficit | (16,346) | (3,335) | (15,088) | |||
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent | 32,335 | 41,725 | 31,705 | |||
Non-controlling interests | 3,464 | 3,782 | 3,867 | |||
TOTAL EQUITY | 35,799 | 45,507 | 35,572 |
Approved by the board and authorised for issue on 18 September 2012
Francesco Scolaro Simon Retter
Executive Chairman Finance Director
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
Six months to June 2012 Unaudited | Six months to June 2011 Unaudited Restated | Year ended December 2011 | ||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Loss before taxation | (1,352) | (2,197) | (14,044) | |||
Adjustment for: | ||||||
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment | - | - | (15) | |||
Gain on acquisition of subsidiary | - | (4,192) | (4,186) | |||
Depreciation of plant and equipment | 263 | 605 | 1,029 | |||
Impairment | - | 4,410 | 14,704 | |||
Interest expense | 21 | 24 | 51 | |||
Foreign exchange losses | 23 | 123 | 7 | |||
Share based payment charge | 163 | 48 | 296 | |||
Decrease in trade and other receivables | 16 | 324 | 325 | |||
Decrease in inventory | 1 | 188 | 130 | |||
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables | (9) | (125) | (159) | |||
NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATIONS | (874) | (792) | (1,862) | |||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (35) | (200) | (584) | |||
Purchase of investments | - | (124) | (121) | |||
Expenditure on mining licences | (354) | (94) | (719) | |||
Proceeds of disposal of property, plant and equipment | - | - | 95 | |||
Net cash outflow from investing activities | (389) | (418) | (1,329) | |||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||
Proceeds from issue of share capital | 1,725 | 2,890 | 2,890 | |||
Expenses of issue of share capital | - | (25) | (25) | |||
Repayment of loan from parent | (114) | 22 | (428) | |||
Net cash inflow from financing activities | 1,611 | 2,887 | 2,437 | |||
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 348 | 1,677 | (754) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,238 | 1,989 | 1,989 | |||
Effects of foreign exchange | - | (13) | 3 | |||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT end of period | 1,586 | 3,653 | 1,238 |
Notes to the interim financial statements
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The interim financial statements of Paragon Diamonds Limited are unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months to 30 June 2012. These include unaudited comparatives for the six month period to 30 June 2011 and those audited for the year ended 31 December 2011. The prior year comparatives for the six month period to 30 June 2011 have been restated to reflect subsequent changes to the fair value of assets acquired and associated gain on acquisition of the subsidiary that was completed in May 2011.
2. significant accounting policies
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those found in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011.
3. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The operations of the Group are located in Lesotho, Zambia, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. Head office costs are incurred in Guernsey.
The Group's primary reporting segments are geographical segments, being West Africa and Southern and East Africa.
The following tables show the segment analysis of the Group's loss before tax for the period, net assets and other segment information:
Six months ended 30 June 2012 | ||||
Production - West Africa | Exploration - South and East Africa | Total | ||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
Income statement | ||||
Revenue | - | - | - | |
Administration expenses | - | (25) | (25) | |
Operating expenses | (216) | - | (216) | |
Depreciation | (263) | - | (263) | |
Segmental result | (480) | (25) | (525) | |
Head office administration costs | (826) | |||
Interest income | (21) | |||
Loss after tax | (1,352) | |||
NET ASSETS | ||||
Assets | 4,305 | 41,972 | 46,277 | |
Liabilities | (1,986) | (9,995) | (11,981) | |
Segment net assets | 2,319 | 31,977 | 34,297 | |
Unallocated assets | 1,548 | |||
Unallocated liabilities | (45) | |||
Net assets | 35,800 | |||
Other segment information | ||||
Capital expenditure: | ||||
Property, plant and equipment | - | 35 | 35 | |
Intangible exploration and evaluation assets | - | 470 | 470 |
Six months ended 30 June 2011 | ||||
Production - Sierra Leone | Exploration - Tanzania | Exploration - Southern Africa | Total | |
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
Income statement | ||||
Revenue | 687 | - | - | 687 |
Operating expenses | (1,465) | - | - | (1,465) |
Depreciation | (605) | - | - | (605) |
Impairment | (4,410) | - | - | (4,410) |
Interest expense | (24) | - | - | (24) |
Segmental result | (5,817) | - | - | (5,817) |
Head office administration costs | (575) | |||
Gain on acquisition of subsidiary | 4,192 | |||
Interest income | 3 | |||
Loss after tax | (2,197) | |||
NET ASSETS | ||||
Assets | 14,921 | 2,438 | 36,725 | 54,084 |
Liabilities | (2,636) | - | (346) | (2,982) |
Deferred tax liability | - | - | (9,112) | (9,112) |
Segment net assets | 12,285 | 2,438 | 27,267 | 41,990 |
Unallocated assets | 3,550 | |||
Unallocated liabilities | (33) | |||
Net assets | 45,507 | |||
Other segment information | ||||
Capital expenditure: | ||||
Property, plant and equipment | - | - | 124 | 124 |
Intangible exploration and evaluation assets |
- | - | 36,215* | 36,215 |
* includes intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition of International Diamonds Consultants.
Year ended 31 December 2011 | ||||
Production -West Africa | Exploration - South and East Africa | Total | ||
£000 | £000 | £000 | ||
Income statement | ||||
Revenue | 731 | - | 731 | |
Administration expenses | (162) | (542) | (704) | |
Operating expenses | (1,610) | - | (1,610) | |
Impairment | (14,704) | - | (14,704) | |
Depreciation | (1,029) | - | (1,029) | |
Segmental result | (16,774) | (542) | (17,316) | |
Head office administration costs | - | - | (867) | |
Interest expense | - | - | (51) | |
Interest income | - | - | 4 | |
Profit on acquisition of subsidiary | - | - | 4,186 | |
Loss after tax | (14,044) | |||
NET ASSETS | ||||
Assets | 4,615 | 41,971 | 46,586 | |
Liabilities | (2,083) | (10,086) | (12,169) | |
Segment net assets | 2,532 | 31,885 | 34,417 | |
Unallocated assets | 1,233 | |||
Unallocated liabilities | (78) | |||
Net assets | 35,572 | |||
Other Segment information | ||||
Capital expenditure: | ||||
Property, plant and equipment | - | 676 | 676 | |
Intangible exploration and evaluation assets |
- | 36,949 | 36,949 |
4. LOSS PER SHARE
Basic loss per share is based on the net loss for the period of £1,352,000 (2011: £2,197,000) attributable to equity holders of the parent divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period of 193,462,871 (2011: 158,925,808).
5. INTANGIBLE EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS
Exploration licences | |||
£000 | |||
Cost and book value at 1 JANUARY 2011 | 2,524 | ||
Acquisition of subsidiary | 36,166 | ||
Exploration costs capitalised | 94 | ||
Foreign exchange differences | 185 | ||
Cost and book value at 30 June 2011 | 38,919 | ||
Exploration costs capitalised | 739 | ||
Foreign exchange differences | 1,489 | ||
Cost and book value at 31 december 2011 | 41,147 | ||
Exploration costs capitalised | 470 | ||
Foreign exchange differences | (361) | ||
Cost and book value at 30 june 2012 | 41,256 |
The above value of intangible assets represents the cash and non-cash consideration paid by the Group at the time of acquisition.
Impairment
The Directors have considered the following factors when undertaking their impairment review of the intangible assets:
a) Geology and lithology on each licence as outlined in the most recent CPRs (independent Competent Person's Reports)
b) The expected useful lives of the licenses and the ability to retain the license interests at renewal
c) Comparable information for large mining and exploration companies in the vicinity of each of the licences
d) History of exploration success in the regions being explored
e) Local infrastructure
f) Climatic and logistical issues
g) Geopolitical environment
After considering these factors, the Directors have not made any impairment for the period to 30 June 2012.
6. PROPERTY, plant and equipment
Camp buildings | Motor vehicles | Mining equipment | Mine | Total | |
Cost | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 |
At 1 january 2011 | 73 | 45 | 1,996 | 18,697 | 20,811 |
Additions in period | - | - | 200 | - | 200 |
Acquired with subsidiary | 88 | - | 4 | - | 92 |
Foreign exchange differences | (3) | (2) | (72) | (635) | (711) |
At 30 JUNE 2011 | 158 | 43 | 2,128 | 18,061 | 20,391 |
Additions in period | 47 | - | 337 | - | 384 |
Disposals in period | - | - | (143) | - | (143) |
Foreign exchange differences | (5) | 2 | 74 | 658 | 729 |
AT 31 DECEMBER 2011 | 200 | 45 | 2,396 | 18,720 | 21,361 |
Additions in period | 35 | - | - | - | 35 |
Foreign exchange differences | (7) | - | (45) | (38) | (90) |
AT 30 JUNE 2012 | 228 | 45 | 2,351 | 18,682 | 21,306 |
Depreciation | |||||
At 1 january 2011 | (3) | (3) | (133) | (215) | (354) |
Charge for the period | (8) | (9) | (382) | (206) | (605) |
Impairment | - | - | - | (4,410) | (4,410) |
At 30 JUNE 2011 | (11) | (13) | (515) | (4,831) | (5,369) |
Charge for the period | (8) | (10) | (367) | (39) | (424) |
Impairment | - | - | - | (10,294) | (10,294) |
Disposals | - | - | 63 | - | 63 |
AT 31 DECEMBER 2011 | (19) | (22) | (819) | (15,164) | (16,024) |
Charge for the period | (53) | (10) | (316) | - | (379) |
Impairment | - | - | - | - | - |
Disposals | - | - | - | - | - |
AT 30 JUNE 2012 | (72) | (32) | (1,135) | (15,164) | (16,403) |
Net book value | |||||
At 1 JANUARY 2011 | 70 | 42 | 1,863 | 18,482 | 20,457 |
At 30 June 2011 | 148 | 31 | 1,612 | 13,231 | 15,022 |
At 31 December 2011 | 181 | 23 | 1,577 | 3,556 | 5,337 |
At 30 June 2012 | 156 | 13 | 1,216 | 3,518 | 4,903 |
Impairment
The Directors have considered the following factors when undertaking their impairment review of the tangible mining assets:
a) Geology and lithology on each licence as outlined in the most recent CPRs (independent Competent Person's Reports)
b) The expected useful lives of the licenses and the ability to retain the license interests at renewal
c) Comparable information for large mining and exploration companies in the vicinity of each of the licences
d) History of exploration success in the regions being explored
e) Local infrastructure
f) Climatic and logistical issues
g) Geopolitical environment
After considering these factors, the Directors have not made any impairment for the period to 30 June 2012.
7. SHARE CAPITAL
Number | £000 | |||
Authorised: | ||||
Ordinary shares of £0.01 each | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
Allotted, issued and fully paid ordinary shares of £0.01 each: | ||||
AT 1 JANUARY 2011 | 142,682,819 | 1,427 | ||
Issued in the period | 45,494,235 | 455 | ||
AT 30 JUNE 2011 | 188,177,054 | 1,882 | ||
Issued in the period | - | - | ||
AT 31 DECEMBER 2011 | 188,177,054 | 1,882 | ||
Issued in the period | 6,918,863 | 69 | ||
AT 30 JUNE 2012 | 195,095,917 | 1,951 |
Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share and carry rights to dividends.
On 25 January 2012 the Company issued 5,948,275 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 29 pence per share raising gross proceeds of £1,725,000.
On 25 April 2012 the Company issued 970,588 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 34 pence per share as consideration for the acquisition of the remaining interest in International Diamond Consultants.
8. SHARE PREMIUM ACCOUNT
£000 | ||
At 1 JANUARY 2011 | 27,955 | |
Premium on issue of shares | 15,013 | |
Expenses on issue of shares | (25) | |
At 30 JUNE 2011 | 42,944 | |
Premium on issue of shares | - | |
Expenses on issue of shares | - | |
AT 31 DECEMBER 2011 | 42,944 | |
Premium on issue of shares (see note 7) | 1,938 | |
Expenses on issue of shares | - | |
AT 30 JUNE 2012 | 44,882 |
Related Shares:
PRG.L