RE: RNS27 Jun 2023 07:08
In our ongoing discussions with stakeholders of the Amapá Project, including shareholders of Cadence, there has been concerns expressed in relation to the timing of the development of the project as we would have originally expected to be in production at this point in time.
The extension of the development timeline is primary attributable to the almost two and half year delay in reaching a settlement with the secured bank creditors, this was substantially more than we had all expected. Given that a representative of the secured bank creditors indicated that they would be amenable to being paid from the cashflow after operations had started. However, it transpired that the secured bank creditors were seeking payment from the iron ore stockpiles and as such alongside our joint venture partners we negotiated a substantial reduction if the amounts payable delivering substantial long term cash savings to the project.
In the absence of a settlement, as per the investment agreement with our joint venture partners, Cadence did not want to risk capital in the project and therefore did not invest any substantial monies until this matter had been resolved. It was only at this point in February 2022 that investment in the project and could start in earnest.