Anglo Asian Regulatory News (AAZ)

19 Mar 2007 07:03

Anglo Asian Mining PLC19 March 2007 For release at 7.00 a.m. on 19 March 2007 AIM:AAZ ANGLO ASIAN MINING PLC ('Anglo Asian' or 'the Company' together with its subsidiaries 'the Group') PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Highlights for the year • Drilling commenced in Q1 2006 at Gedabek • Selective exploration work carried out Gosha and Ordubad • Graham Mascall appointed as Chairman on 13 March 2006 • Gordon Lewis appointed as Chief Executive on 1 July 2006 • CIL plant dismantled, containerised and shipped to Singapore in September 2006 • JORC compliant resource estimate for Gedabek announced in December 2006 Subsequent events • Head office relocated from London to Baku, Azerbaijan in January 2007 • Scoping study for Gedabek was completed in February 2007 and determined that the optimal processing methods include open pit mining and heap leaching • Decision made to sell CIL gold processing plant as Gedabek amenable to heap leaching • Notice of Discovery and its Commerciality for Gedabek submitted to Azerbaijan government in February 2007 initiating the Development and Production period Graham Mascall, Chairman of Anglo Asian, commented: 'Significant progress wasmade during 2006 after what was a difficult start for Anglo Asian following theIPO. Exploration was concentrated at the Gedabek property which culminated in aJORC compliant resource of 702,000oz of gold plus copper and silver credits.The subsequent Scoping Study confirmed Gedabek's amenability to low cost heapleaching, also clearing the path to sell the CIL plant. The proceeds of thesale of the plant should provide a large proportion of the required capital costat Gedabek.' Mr Mascall continued 'The loss for the year was US$4.4 million, incorporatingadministration expenses of $5.2 million, offset by an exchange gain of $0.4million and interest receivable of $0.6 million. Cash in the bank at the end ofthe year was $6.4 million with the CIL plant fully paid for. A cost reductionprogramme was initiated towards the end of the year reducing the average monthlyspend to approximately $0.4 million. The appointment of Gordon Lewis in themiddle of the year added considerable mining expertise to the Board, ensuringthe progress of the Gedabek project.' Enquiries:Anglo Asian Mining PLC Numis Securities Limited Parkgreen CommunicationsGordon Lewis, Chief Executive John Harrison Justine HowarthRichard Round, Finance Director Victoria ThomasT: +994 12 4993350 T: +44 20 7776 1590 T: +44 20 7 851 7480T: + 44 1525 211988www.aamining.com PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 Chairman's statement General 2006 has been a significant year for Anglo Asian with strategic focus shiftingfrom the Ordubad region to the Gedabek project in the West of Azerbaijan whichwas considered to be the best prospect for early production. In addition, theBoard and the management team have been strengthened with individuals who have acombination of both mining and Former Soviet Union experience. This recruitmentand the retention of SRK Consulting have led to a more focused approach to theGroup's activities and prospects. The decision to primarily concentrate onGedabek has been rewarded with an upgraded resource estimate and a scoping studyconfirming the economic viability of the property. Gedebek and Gosha Drilling commenced early in 2006 initially using three rigs but increasing up tofive at the peak. One rig now remains on site investigating extensions to theore body. The drilling programme progressed well and a JORC compliant resourcewas announced in December, which was based on 15,507 metres of drilling in 129diamond core and reverse circulation drillholes. Metallurgical testworkconfirmed that the optimal treatment for Gedabek ore is a combination of openpit mining and heap leaching. This was a very positive outcome for the Companyas heap leaching requires lower capital expenditure and operating costs than theoriginally proposed conventional CIL (Carbon-in Leach) technology. The Gedabek project will now move to feasibility which is expected to becompleted in Q2 2007 with construction targeted to begin in the summer. On 26February 2007 the Company submitted a Notice of Discovery and its Commercialityfor the Gedabek property, to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Ecology and NaturalResources. Under the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement ('PSA'), thesubmission of the Notice of Discovery will initiate the 15 year Development andProduction Period, with the potential for two five year extensions. The local population and government of Gedabek continue to be very supportive ofthe Company's activities. An underground copper mine was operated by SiemensBrothers between 1849 and 1917. The Gedabek deposit remains open in a number of directions and drilling iscontinuing to further expand the resource. The current resource does notinclude the dump areas created during the previous mining operations. Limited adit sampling has been carried out at Gosha, confirming the presence alarge vein-like structure which contain grades and thicknesses in line with theSoviet data. Assessment of this resource will continue through a combination offurther sampling, geological modelling and drilling as required. Gosha isapproximately 60 kilometres from Gedabek which would allow the ore at Gosha tobe treated at Gedabek after being transported via truck from Gosha. Ordubad The drilling programme at Piyazbashi was completed in March of this year. Theresults of the drilling and the adit sampling provided confirmation of goldgrade in the veins broadly in line with the Soviet data. The final resourcemodelling and assessment need to be completed and the classification is expectedto improve. However, the Company's consultants, SRK Consulting have advisedthat the greater potential of the Gedabek property meant that focus for a firstfeasibility study should be switched to there. As previously announcedPiyazbashi will therefore not be a first priority for a feasibility study andprogression towards early production as was envisaged in the Admission Document. On completion of the drilling at Piyazbashi a diamond drill rig was moved toShakardara. Shortly after a short drilling campaign there, it was consideredthat the rig would be better utilised by speeding up the programme at Gedabekand it was therefore moved to that property. The drilling and assessment programme at Ordubad is now effectively on hold,with further work being required in order to obtain a full assessment of itspotential. CIL plant and financing The contract to dismantle, containerise and store the CIL plant within the closeproximity of the Mackay port in Australia was completed in the year and theplant was subsequently transported to Singapore. Confirmation that the optimal treatment for the Gedabek ore is heap leachingallows the Group to sell the plant and use the proceeds for the capitalrequirement of the heap leaching facility. The Directors believe that given thecurrent buoyant state of the gold mining sector, the sale of the plant will beprofitable in relation to the original cost of the plant (circa US$10 million).The proceeds from this sale will be used to finance a large proportion of therequired capital cost of developing Gedabek. Local or international banks willbe targeted to source the balance of the funding requirement. The total capitalcosts for the Gedabek project are not expected to exceed $25 million. Financial results The Group reported an audited loss for the year of $4,428,073 (Eleven monthsended 31 December 2005: $2,644,333). The operating loss resulted from thecharging of administrative expenses of $5,186,053 (2005:$3,457,520), animpairment provision against the exploration expenses incurred at Shakardara of$185,103 (2005:$nil) and crediting an exchange gain of $361,957 (2005:$208,112).The administrative expenses incorporate a charge for the cost of share basedpayments of $776,668 being the issue of options to directors and management andthe prior period results were restated to include a comparative charge of$589,569, following the first time adoption of FRS 20. The comparative periodwas eleven months and included just five months post the IPO, at which pointactivity increased substantially. The net interest credit in the period of $581,152 (2005:$613,400) arose frominterest received on deposits. Exploration and evaluation expenditure of $6,017,138 (2005:$1,626,651) wascapitalised in the year, although a provision was raised for $185,103 (2005:$nil) against capitalised exploration expenditure at the Shakardara property asthe Directors at this stage are unable to foresee that this property will entercommercial production. Further payments made to acquire, dismantle andcontainerise the CIL plant in Australia amounting to $5,923,887 (2005:$4,350,000) were capitalised in 2006. At the year end the Group retained cash balances of $6,354,102 (2005:$21,345,703) and an asset with significant value in the CIL plant with thedismantling and containerisation complete and paid for. Board and management Anglo Asian continued to strengthen the Board with individuals who possesssignificant experience in the mining sector. I joined the Group in March 2006as Chairman and Gordon Lewis joined as Chief Executive in July 2006. Gordon hasa depth of operating experience in various locations throughout the world, wherehe has taken gold mining projects through from feasibility to construction andproduction. Gordon has continued to put in place an experienced management teambased in Azerbaijan to continue the push towards early production at Gedabek.The Group has recruited in Azerbaijan a Chief Geologist, Financial Controller,Construction Manager and Procurement Manager. As part of our drive to securefurther efficiencies, the Head Office was relocated in January 2007 from Londonto Baku, Azerbaijan. During the year Robert Jeffcock and Charles Hancock resigned from the Board. Iwould like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution toAnglo Asian. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our employees fortheir hard work and dedication during the year which has put the Group in a muchstronger position. Strategy It continues to be our aim to bring Gedabek to early production and thencomplete the exploration and development programme on our other properties. Wehave made great progress in this strategy and are well placed with anexperienced team to achieve that goal. I look forward to updating the shareholders with further progress through 2007. Graham Mascall Chairman 16 March 2007 Consolidated profit and loss account Restated (Note 2) period from 1 Feb 2005 Year ended to 31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2005 Note US$ US$------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- ------------------ --- -------------------TURNOVER - - Provision for impairment of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure (185,103) - Administration expenses (5,186,053) (3,457,520) Exchange gain 361,957 208,112 ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- ------------------ --- -------------------OPERATING LOSS (5,009,199) (3,249,408) Interest receivable and similar income 581,152 613,400 Interest payable and similar charges (26) (8,325) ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- ------------------ --- -------------------LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 3 (4,428,073) (2,644,333) Tax on loss on ordinary activities - - ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- ------------------ --- -------------------LOSS FOR THE YEAR/PERIOD (4,428,073) (2,644,333)------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- ------------------ --- ------------------- Statutory basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cents) 3 (4.47) (4.09)Pro forma basic and diluted loss per ordinary share (cents) (4.47) (2.67) There is no difference between the loss on ordinary activities before taxation and the loss for the financialyear/period stated above and their historical cost equivalents. All results above are derived from continuing operations. Consolidated Statement of total recognised gains and losses Restated (Note 2) Period from 1 Feb 2005 Year ended to 31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2005 US$ US$--------------------------------------------- ------ ---- --- ------ ------------------ ---- ---------------------Loss for the year/period (2,054,764)Share-based payment charge (589,569)Loss for the year/period restated (4,428,073) (2,644,333)Exchange difference (175,616) (69,184) -------------------- ------------ ----------- --------------- ------ ------------------ ---- ---------------------TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES (4,603,689) (2,713,517)-------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ---- --------------------- Consolidated balance sheet Restated As at as at 31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2005 US$ US$ Note -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- ----------------- FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 4 54,383,948 48,551,913 Tangible assets 11,303,637 453,184 -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- ----------------- TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 65,687,585 49,005,097 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors - amounts falling due within one year 170,607 5,246,275 Cash at bank 6,354,102 21,345,703 -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- ----------------- 6,524,709 26,591,978 CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR (1,240,453) (798,213) -------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- -----------------NET CURRENT ASSETS 5,284,256 25,793,765 -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- -----------------NET ASSETS 70,971,841 74,798,862 -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- -----------------CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 1,782,605 1,782,605 Share premium account 5 30,279,301 30,279,301 Merger reserve 5 46,206,390 46,206,390 Profit and loss account 5 (7,296,455) (3,469,434) -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- -----------------CAPITAL EMPLOYED 70,971,841 74,798,862-------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------------ ----------- ----------------- Consolidated cash flow statement Period from 1 Feb 2005 Year ended to 31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2005 Note US$ US$--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- -------------------NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 6 (2,906,521) (7,461,090) RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE Interest received 581,152 613,400Interest paid (26) (8,325)--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- ------------------- NET CASH INFLOW FROM RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE 581,126 605,075 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS Purchase of tangible fixed assets (6,649,068) (486,097)Exploration and evaluation expenditure (6,017,138) (1,626,651)Purchase of subsidiary undertaking - (2,000,000)--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- ------------------- NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (12,666,206) (4,112,748) NET CASH OUTFLOW BEFORE USE OF LIQUID RESOURCES AND FINANCING (14,991,601) (10,968,763) FINANCING Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses - 30,736,901Shares issued for cash in subsidiary - 663,539Repayment of loans - (58,280) --------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- -------------------(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH FOR THE YEAR/PERIOD (14,991,601) 20,373,397--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- ------------------- RECONCILIATION OF CASH BALANCES Cash at start of year/period 21,345,703 972,306 (Decrease)/increase in cash for the year/period (14,991,601) 20,373,397 --------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- -------------------CASH AT END OF THE YEAR/PERIOD 6,354,102 21,345,703--------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------------- --- ------------------- Notes to the financial statements 1. Basis of preparation Anglo Asian Mining PLC ("Anglo Asian" or the "Company") was incorporated on 9September 2004 and its Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading on the AIMmarket of the London Stock Exchange on 29 July 2005 (the "Admission") havingbecome the new parent company of Anglo Asian Operations Limited Group on 24 June2005. Anglo Asian Operations Limited was incorporated on 5 February 2004. The Directors believe that it is necessary to prepare results on the basis thatthe Anglo Asian Group had existed from the date of incorporation of Anglo AsianOperation Limited. The Directors believe that this information reflects theongoing operations of the Group more clearly. The combination of Anglo Asianwith the Anglo Asian Operations Group has been accounted for as a groupreconstruction under the provisions of FRS 6 ("Mergers and Acquisitions") and ispresented as if the Company had been the holding company and intermediateholding company, respectively, of the Group for each period presented. The financial information set out above does not constitute the company'sstatutory accounts for the years or periods ended 31 December 2006 or 2005, butis derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2005 have been deliveredto the Registrar of Companies and those for 2006 will be delivered following thecompany's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts;their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under s.237(2) or(3) Companies Act 1985. The consolidated financial information for the Group has been prepared under thehistorical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdomaccounting standards. 2. Accounting policies and basis of consolidation (a) Accounting policies The accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in the Annual Reportand Accounts for 2005, other than: Depreciation The depreciation policy was changed in the year to bring the charge into linewith the method prescribed in the Production Sharing Agreement. The priorperiod was based on straight line and the current year is on a decreasingbalance method. If the Group had continued to use the straight line method thecharge would have been $11,442 greater. This change has not been appliedretrospectively. Share-based payments The Group has applied the requirements of FRS 20 Share-based Payment from 1January 2006. In accordance with the transitional provisions, FRS 20 has beenapplied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that wereunvested as of 1 January 2006. This has resulted in a charge of $589,569 to theloss for the prior period. The impact of this standard in the year 2006 was acharge of $776,668 to the profit and loss. The adoption of FRS 20 has had noimpact on total reserves as there is a corresponding entry to retained earnings.The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to certain employees.Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date ofgrant. The fair value determined at the date of the equity-settled share-basedpayments is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based onthe Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. Fair value ismeasured by use of the Black-Scholes pricing model. The expected lives used inthe model have been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for theeffects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behaviouralconsiderations. (b) Basis of consolidation The consolidated financial information incorporates the financial statements ofthe Company and all of its subsidiaries, being the companies that it controls.This control is normally evidenced when the Group is able to govern a company'sfinancial and operating policies so as to benefit from its activities or wherethe Group owns, either directly or indirectly, the majority of a company'sequity voting rights. The results of subsidiaries acquired or sold during the period are consolidatedfor the periods from, or to, the date on which control passed. Acquisitions areaccounted for under the acquisition method. 3. Loss per share The statutory loss per share ("EPS") calculation has been based on the weightedaverage number of shares in issue of 99,171,800 (2005:64,674,982). The pro forma loss per share ("EPS") calculation, has assumed that the number ofordinary shares in issue immediately after Admission (being 99,171,800) had beenissue from 5 February 2004. The Directors believe that this pro forma EPSprovides a more meaningful comparison of the Group's ongoing business than usingthe statutory EPS which would only reflect shares issued at the date ofAdmission. Basic and dilutive EPS are the same because the only outstandingshare options are anti-dilutive as the Group has made a loss. 4. Intangible fixed assets Exploration and Mining evaluation rights expenditure Total US$ US$ US$Cost ------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------------- --------------------- ----------------As at 1 January 2006 46,925,262 1,626,651 48,551,913 Additions during the period - 6,017,138 6,017,138Provision for impairment on Shakardara - (185,103) (185,103)------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------------- --------------------- ----------------As at 31 December 2006 46,925,262 7,458,686 54,383,948------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ---------------- --------------------- ---------------- 5. Statement of reserves Share Profit Merger Premium and loss reserve account account Total US$ US$ US$ US$ Group ---------------------------------------------- --- --- --- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ---------1 January 2006 46,206,390 30,279,301 (3,469,434) 73,016,257Share-based payment charge - - (589,569) (589,569)Recognition of share options - - 589,569 589,5691 January 2006 restated 46,206,390 30,279,301 (3,469,434) 73,016,257Loss for the year - - (4,428,073)(4,428,073)Exchange differences - - (175,616) (175,616)Share-based payment charge - - 776,668 776,668--------------------------------------------- --- --- --- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------31 December 2006 46,206,390 30,279,301 (7,296,455) 69,189,236--------------------------------------------- --- --- --- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ---------- 6. Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash flow from operating activities Restated (Note 2) Period from 1 Feb 2005 Year ended To 31 Dec 2006 31 Dec 2005 US$ US$------------- ----------- ----------------- ----- ------------------------ ------------------ ------ ------------------- Operating loss (5,009,199) (3,249,408)Depreciation 148,615 38,004Provision for impairment of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure 185,103 -Decrease/(increase) in debtors and prepayments 725,668 (5,245,136)Increase in creditors and accruals 442,240 475,065Share based payment charge 776,668 589,569Exchange differences (175,616) (69,184) ------------- ------------------------- --- ----- ------------------------ ------------------ ------ -------------------Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,906,521) (7,461,090)-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------ ------------------- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange