AQP.L Regulatory News (AQP)

AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITED First Quarter 2015: Financial and Production Results Highlights Revenue increased by 3% to $62 million (Q1 2014: $60 million) in line withslightly higher prices On-mine EBITDA increased 138% to $14.8 million (Q1 2014: $6.3 million) Group cash balance (excluding cash in joint venture entities) at quarter end$138 million (June 2014: $137 million) with a further $19 million held in jointventure entities (June 2014: $16 million), 50% of which is attributable toAquarius; Attributable production from operating mines up 3% quarter-on-quarter and up 4%compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp) Cash costs at Kroondal remain below guidance , decreased 4% to R9,001 per PGMounce quarter-on-quarter - down 1% compared to the previous year Cash costs at Mimosa were up 1% to $815 per PGM ounce quarter-on-quarter afteradjusting for one-off voluntary retrenchment costs incurred in the previousquarter- down 3% compared to the pcp. Surface stockpile at Mimosa increased - now 184,375 tonnes Kroondal PGM basket price increased 4% on average to R13,270 per PGM ouncequarter-on-quarter - up 12% compared to the pcp Mimosa PGM basket price increased 4% on average to $1,200 per PGM ouncequarter-on-quarter - up 8% compared to the pcp The Rand weakened against the US Dollar by 1% on average quarter-on-quarter -down 7% compared to pcp Q1 2015 Operating Results Summary Kroondal Mimosa Platinum Mile 4E PGM production Total (100% basis) 112,248 57,799 1,831 Attributable 56,124 28,900 1,831 4E basket price R/oz 13,270 12,946 $/oz 1,239 1,200 1,202 Cash costs (4Ebasis) R/oz 9,001 8,789 $/oz 840 815 816 Cash margin (%) 20 41 11 Stay-in-businesscapex R/oz 915 0 $/oz 85 95 0 Commenting on the results, Jean Nel, CEO Aquarius Platinum said: The quarter under review was defined by excellent safety, production and costperformances from both our Kroondal and Mimosa operations, producing a recordcombined 85,024 attributable 4E ounces. We have in Kroondal an efficientunderground platinum mine (on a R/ton cost basis) and in Mimosa a mine that isbenefiting from the restructure implemented earlier in the year as well.Kroondal delivered its seventh consecutive production quarter of in excess of105,000 4E oz's while Mimosa continues to deliver production ahead of guidance.The results of Kroondal's cost saving and efficiency drive is worthy of aspecial mention, which I think is a really special performance. Delivering thisdisciplined cost and production performance whilst at the same timesignificantly improving safety is testimony to excellent operational managementfor which Wessel Phumo (GM at Kroondal), Peter Chimboza (Resident Director atMimosa), Rob Schroder (Group COO) and the teams deserve all the credit. The excellent operational performances and the slightly higher metal priceswhich prevailed during the quarter enabled the company to substantiallyincrease EBITDA by 138%, deliver a net profit and generate positive free cashflow. Following the successful rights issue implemented earlier in 2014 Aquarius hasa sustainable balance sheet with net cash. The Board is of a view thatretaining a sustainable level of debt on balance sheet is appropriate. The positively trending metal price during the first 2 months of the quarterreversed sharply towards quarter end and this reversal continued post quarterend with the Platinum price in particular hitting six year lows. Ourcommitment and focus on safety, production and cost discipline will remainabsolute in the low price environment. Work on our incremental growth projects continued during the quarter and anupdate is provided later in the release. The difficult environment in whichSouthern African platinum producers operate reinforces our view that projects,and concomitant production growth, is only worthy of capital allocation if itincreases margins and generates returns in excess of the cost of capital. Production by mine Quarter endedPGMs (4E) Sept 2014 June 2014 % Change Sept 2013 % Change Kroondal 112,248 106,181 6 106,441 5 Mimosa 57,799 60,818 (5) 55,110 5 Platinum Mile 1,831 - 100 3,729 (51) Total 171,878 166,999 3 165,280 4 Production by mine attributable to Aquarius (Operating mines) Quarter endedPGMs (4E) Sept 2014 June 2014 % Change Sept 2013 % Change Kroondal 56,124 53,090 6 53,220 5 Mimosa 28,900 30,409 (5) 27,555 5 Platinum Mile 1,831 - 100 3,729 (51) Total 86,855 83,499 4 84,504 3 Aquarius Group quarterly attributable production (PGM ounces) to 30 September2014 See www.aquariusplatinum.com for graph PGM markets update Platinum prices remained volatile in the context of the prolonged strike actionin the first half of the year but in September fell to intra-year lows below$1,350/oz, and continued its fall post the quarter to the lowest levels since2006. Despite c.1Moz of supply being lost during the strike, platinum pricesremained under pressure due to abundant stock levels that kept the market wellsupplied and deteriorating global economic growth expectations in the contextof weak economic data. Palladium's strong YTD momentum was partially reversed in early September, withthe metal trading broadly in line with the PGM complex which saw significantpressure in the month. Having reached 13 year highs at the beginning ofSeptember, prices slipped below $800/oz towards the end of the quarter. PGM investment demand registered record highs during the quarter. Platinum ETFholdings reached a peak of 3.07Moz in June, while palladium holdings hit arecord high of 3.12Moz in August. A supportive investor sphere has helped toboost palladium on top of favourable fundamentals, but it has struggled to liftplatinum prices even against the backdrop of severe supply disruptions. In Europe, a key auto region for platinum, the auto industry has shown gradualsigns of recovery albeit the most recent economic data suggests Europeanconditions remain tough. The implementation of Euro VI legislation being rolledout this month is expected to support demand in forthcoming months, withloadings favouring platinum particularly for smaller vehicles where thenitrogen oxides trap will be preferred. In China, dealer destocking andspeculation of purchase restrictions have slowed auto sales, however eventhough the growth rate is slower it is still positive. The South African Rand remained under pressure during the quarter and weakenedfurther by 1% quarter-on-quarter and 7% compared to the pcp. Specific PGM prices commentary The average platinum price decreased by 0.9%, while palladium increased by 5.9%and lesser traded rhodium increased by 12.9% from previous quarter. Golddecreased by 0.5% on average. Platinum closed the quarter down 11.7% at $1,304per ounce, while palladium reduced by 6.1% to $788 per ounce and rhodiumincreased by 12.2% to $1,240 in comparison to previous quarter. Gold decreased7.5% to $1,217 per ounce. 12-month individual PGM prices to 30 September 2014 (US$/oz) 12-month PGM basket prices to 30 September 2014 (US$ and ZAR per PGM basketounce) 12-month ZAR price to 30 September 2014 (ZAR/US$) See www.aquariusplatinum.com for graphs Average PGM basket prices achieved at Aquarius operations Quarter endedUS$ per PGM ounce (4E) Sept 2014 June 2014 % Change Sept 2013 % Change Kroondal 1,239 1,215 2 1,183 5 Mimosa 1,200 1,156 4 1,133 6 Platinum Mile 1,202 - n/a 1,173 2 Weighted Avg. 1,225 1,194 3 1,168 5 Financials Aquarius recorded an on-mine EBITDA profit of $14.8 million for the quarterended 30 September 2014, an increase of $8.5 million or 138% compared to theon-mine EBITDA of $6.3 million earned in the previous corresponding quarter,September 2013 (pcp). Aquarius' share of profit from joint venture entities (Mimosa & Blue Ridge) wasa profit of $6 million, an $8 million turnaround compared to the pcp. Netprofit after tax was $5 million, a $15 million turnaround compared to the pcp. The improved result compared to the pcp was due to increased production up 3%,higher PGM prices up 5% in Dollar terms, lower costs down 3% and a weaker Randdown 7%. Revenue was up 3% to $62 million, compared to $60 million in the pcp,due to increased production and improved PGM prices. In Rand terms, aggregaterevenue increased 11% compared to the pcp due to higher Dollar prices (up 5%)and the impact of a 7% depreciation in the Rand. Production for the quarter was 86,855 PGM ounces, a 3% increase compared to thepcp. Kroondal continued to excel with production up 6% quarter on quarterwhilst reducing unit costs. This is the eighth consecutive quarter thatKroondal has produced in excess of 100,000 PGM ounces. Production at PlatMileresumed in July 2014 following the end of the strike at Anglo Platinum'soperations which supplies feed to PlatMile's operations. Production at jointventure entity Mimosa remained consistent. Total cost of sales of $56 million was 10% lower compared to the pcp, despite a3% increase in production, due to a 7% weakening in the Rand/Dollar exchangerate. In Rand terms, total cost of sales were 3% lower compared to the pcp. On an ounce cash cost basis, Kroondal's cash costs per ounce in Rand termsdecreased 1% compared to the pcp and decreased by 8% in Dollar terms due to theweaker Rand. Amortisation and depreciation of $6 million was comparable to thepcp. Compared to the previous quarter ended June 2014, cash costs at Kroondaldecreased by 4% per PGM ounce in Rand terms. This decrease was driven byincreased volumes and a continued focus on operational efficiencies as well asbuilding of ore stock piles which results in an accounting adjustment loweringcosts. In Dollar terms Kroondal's cash costs were 6% lower compared to theprevious quarter ended June 2014 due to a weaker Rand and increased ore stockpile levels. Mimosa's cash costs per PGM ounce decreased 3% compared to the pcp andincreased 1% compared to the previous quarter ended June 2014 after adjustingfor one-off voluntary retrenchment costs. Administrative costs of $1.7 million were in line with the pcp maintaining costreduction initiatives taken by the Aquarius Group. Finance costs includeinterest paid on borrowings of $1.5 million, non-cash interest accretion onconvertible bonds of $1.2 million and the unwinding of the rehabilitationprovision of $1.2 million. Finance costs for the quarter were 43% lowercompared to the pcp following the $172.6 million bond buy back in May 2014. Net operating cash inflow for the quarter of $6 million comprised $53 millioninflow from sales, $48 million paid to suppliers and $1 million interestreceived. Development and capital expenditure for the quarter was $6 million.Net financing cash inflows of $3.6 million included dividends of $4.5 millionfrom Mimosa, $0.3 million interest paid and $0.6 million of transaction costspaid relating to the rights issue and bond buyback. The Group's cash balance was $138 million at the end of the quarter, held asfollows: AQP $94 million AQPSA $40 million ASACS $1 million Platmile $2 million Ridge Mining $1 million Total $138 million* * Mimosa and Blue Ridge (in which Aquarius has a 50% equity interest) areaccounted for using the equity method. Cash held in these two entities at 30September 2014 was $19 million and does not form part of the above cashbalances. Under the previous method of proportionately consolidating itsinvestment in Mimosa and Blue Ridge, 50% of this cash ($9.5 million) would havebeen included in Aquarius' Group cash balance. (The segment note provided on page 10 details the income statement for eachoperating division of the Aquarius Group.) Consolidated Income Statement Quarter ended 30 September 2014 $'000 Quarter Quarter Financial Year Ended Ended Ended Note 30/09/14* 30/09/13 30/06/14 * PGM production - Kroondal & Platmile 57,955 56,949 220,961 PGM production - Mimosa 28,900 27,555 110,681 Total PGM production 86,855 84,504 331,642 Revenue (i) 61,744 59,660 233,056 Cost of sales (including D&A) (ii) (56,453) (62,519) (231,158) Gross profit/(loss) 5,291 (2,859) 1,898 Other income 48 11 174 Administrative costs (iii) (1,658) (1,661) (7,353) Foreign exchange gain (iv) 417 1,967 1,843 Finance costs (v) (3,920) (6,828) (28,091) Impairment losses (355) - (3,084) Profit on repurchase of bonds - - 10,925 Profit on sale of assets 30 - 653 Closure, transition and rehabilitation - (12) 5,342reversal/(cost) Share of profit/(loss) from joint (vi) 6,446 (1,304) 5,055venture entities Profit/(loss) before income tax 6,299 (10,686) (12,638) Income tax benefit/(expense) (vii) (1,085) 489 (544) Net profit/(loss) 5,214 (10,197) (13,182) Net profit/(loss) is attributableto: Equity holders of Aquarius Platinum 5,106 (10,228) (13,048)Limited Non-controlling interests (viii) 108 31 (134) 5,214 (10,197) (13,182) Earnings per share Basic earnings/(loss) per share 0.55 (2.17) (1.38)(cps) * Unaudited Notes on the September 2014 Consolidated Income Statement The 3% increase in revenue reflects increased production and improved PGMprices compared to the pcp. In Rand terms aggregate revenue increased 11% dueto higher Dollar prices (up 5%) and the impact of a 7% depreciation in the Randcompared to the pcp. Lower aggregate cost of sales including D&A in Dollar terms despite a 3%increase in production was due to a 7% depreciation of the Rand compared to thepcp. In Rand terms aggregate costs decreased by 3%. Kroondal unit costs inRand terms were 1% lower after stock pile movements compared to the pcp and 8%lower in Dollar terms due to a weaker Rand. Transfers to and from stockpile hasa bearing on unit costs due to the high fixed cost element of operating costs. Administrative costs are consistent with the prior period. The foreign exchange gain of $0.4 million is attributable to revaluationadjustments on cash balances held in Rand, Australian Dollars and PoundStirling, and the revaluation of pipeline debtors in line with movements in theRand against the US Dollar. Finance costs include interest paid on borrowings of $1.5 million, non-cashinterest accretion on convertible bonds of $1.2 million and the unwinding ofthe rehabilitation provision of $1.2 million. Represents share of profit of Mimosa and Blue Ridge, the joint ventureentities. Income tax expense consists of AQPSA deferred tax. Non-controlling interests reflect the 8.3% non-controlling interest of PlatinumMile Resources (Pty) Ltd. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Quarter ended 30 September 2014 $'000 Quarter Quarter Financial Year Ended Ended Ended Note 30/09/14* 30/09/13* 30/06/14 Net operating cash inflow (i) 6,353 729 21,092 Net investing cash outflow (ii) (5,640) (4,352) (27,224) Net financing cash inflow (iii) 3,607 13,902 62,271 Net increase in cash held 4,320 10,279 56,139 Opening cash balance 136,819 77,773 77,773 Exchange rate movement on cash (3,595) 2,845 2,908 Closing cash balance (iv) 137,544 90,897 136,820 * Unaudited Notes on the September 2014 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Net operating cash flow for the quarter includes $53 million inflow from sales,$48 million paid to suppliers and $1 million interest received. Comprises $6 million of development and plant & equipment expenditure at AQPSA. Includes dividends of $4.5 million from Mimosa, $0.3 million interest paid and$0.6 million of transaction costs paid relating to the rights issue and bondbuyback completed in the 2014 financial year. Mimosa and Blue Ridge (in which Aquarius has a 50% equity interest) areaccounted for using the equity method. Cash held in these two entities at 30September 2014 was $19 million and does not form part of the above cashbalances. Under the previous method of proportionately consolidating itsinvestment in Mimosa and Blue Ridge, 50% of this cash would have been includedin the Aquarius' Group cash balance. Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 30 September 2014 $'000 As at As at Note 30/09/14* 30/06/14 Assets Cash and cash equivalents 137,544 136,820 Current receivables (i) 30,963 30,104 Other current assets (ii) 15,332 15,246 Investments in joint venture entities (iii) 225,246 230,410 Mining assets (iv) 204,002 209,211 Intangible asset (v) 50,916 54,499 Other non-current assets (vi) 37,858 41,185 Total assets 701,861 717,475 Liabilities Current liabilities (vii) 35,975 40,123 Non-current payables (viii) 1,984 2,065 Non-current interest-bearing liabilities (ix) 121,643 118,919 Other non-current liabilities (x) 78,902 82,600 Total liabilities 238,504 243,707 Net assets 463,357 473,768 Equity Issued capital 73,244 73,216 Treasury shares (25,995) (26,239) Reserves 765,750 781,692 Accumulated losses (355,345) (360,450) Total equity attributable to equity holders of Aquarius Platinum Limited 457,654 468,219 Non-controlling interests (xi) 5,703 5,549 Total equity 463,357 473,768 * Unaudited Notes on the September 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet Reflects debtors receivable on PGM concentrate sales. Reflects PGM concentrate inventory, consumables, stores and critical spares. Represents the investment in Mimosa, Blue Ridge and Sheba's Ridge. Includes Group mining assets at Kroondal, Marikana, Everest, CTRP and Platmile. Includes intangibles relating to contract value acquired on the acquisition ofequity interest in Platinum Mile Resources (Pty) Ltd. Includes the recoverable portion of the rehabilitation provision from AngloPlatinum of $9 million, investments in rehabilitation trusts of $16 million anddeferred tax asset of $12 million. Includes trade creditors of $29 million, AQPSA finance leases of $2 million andprovision for annual leave of $4 million. Includes rehabilitation obligations on P&SA1 and P&SA2 structures. Comprises convertible bonds of $119 million and AQPSA equipment leases of $3million. Includes deferred tax liabilities $16 million and provision for closure costs$63 million. Reflects the 8.3% non-controlling interest of Platinum Mile Resources (Pty)Ltd. Segment Note Quarter ended 30 September 2014 $'000 Kroondal Marikana Everest Mimosa Plat CTRP Mile Revenue 58,754 66 135 40,874 1,694 18 Cost of sales - mining, processing and administration (46,984) (373)* (1,223)* (22,500) (1,490) (10) - depreciation and amortisation (5,072) (51) (507) (4,586) (706) (51) Gross profit/(loss) 6,698 (358) (1,595) 13,788 (502) (43) Other income - - 73 - - Administrative costs - - - - - - Foreign exchange gain/(loss) 4,572 - - (26) 76 - Finance costs - - - - - - Impairment losses - - - - - - Profit on sale of assets - - - - - - Community share ownership trust - - - (1,000) - - Share of profit from joint venture entities - - - - - - Profit/(loss) before income tax 11,270 (358) (1,595) 12,835 (426) (43) Income tax (expense)/benefit - - - - - - Net profit/(loss) from ordinary activities 11,270 (358) (1,595) 12,835 (426) (43) On-mine EBITDA 16,011 (366) (1,063) 18,331 265 (10) *Consists of care and maintenance costs Segment Note Quarter ended 30 September 2014 $'000 Blue Corporate/ Segment Reconciliation Consolidated Ridge Unallocated Result to Consolidated Information Revenue 9 1,077 102,627 (40,883) 61,744 Cost of sales - mining, processing and administration (232) - (72,812) 22,748 (50,064) * - depreciation and amortisation - (1) (10,974) 4,585 (6,389) Gross profit/(loss) (223) 1,076 18,841 (13,550) 5,291 Other income 6 48 127 (79) 48 Administrative costs - (1,671) (1,671) 13 (1,658) Foreign exchange gain/(loss) - (4,089) 533 (116) 417 Finance costs - (4,929) (4,929) 1,009 (3,920) Impairment losses - (355) (355) - (355) Profit on sale of assets - 30 30 - 30 Community share ownership trust - - (1,000) 1,000 - Share of profit from joint venture entities - - - 6,446 6,446 Profit/(loss) before income tax (217) (9,890) 11,576 (5,277) 6,299 Income tax (expense)/benefit - (6,362) (6,362) 5,277 (1,085) Net profit/(loss) from ordinary activities (217) (16,252) 5,214 - 5,214 On-mine EBITDA (238) 12 32,942 (18,093) 14,849 *Consists of care and maintenance costs Operating Review Summary (all numbers on 100% basis) AQUARIUS PLATINUM (SOUTH AFRICA) (PTY) LTD (Aquarius Platinum - 100%) P&SA 1 at Kroondal (Aquarius Platinum - 50%) 12-month rolling average DIIR improved to 0.55 per 200,000 man hours from 0.73in the previous quarter Production increased 13% to 2,013,000 tonnes from 1,786,000 tonnes,quarter-on-quarter Head grade remained stable at 2.37 g/t Recoveries remained stable at 78% Volumes processed increased by 5% to 1,882,000 tonnes, quarter on quarter Stockpiles at the end of the quarter totalled approximately 167,000 tonnes PGM production increased by 6% to 112,248 PGM ounces, quarter-on-quarter Revenue in Rand terms increased by 4% to R1.24 million, quarter-on-quarter, dueto improved basket prices and higher PGM production Mining cash costs decreased by 4% to R537 per tonne, due to improved volume Unit cost per PGM ounce decreased 4% to R9,001 per PGM ounce Kroondal's cash margin for the period increased from 17% to 20% quarter onquarter See www.aquariusplatinum.com for graph Commentary Kroondal: The 12 month rolling DIIR improved from 0.73 in the previous quarter to 0.55and the 3 month DIIR rate remained stable at 0.43. This follows the continuedfocus and management of safety performance. This significantly improved safetyperformance notwithstanding, on 11 October 2014 a Kroondal employee, PedroNhabinde, lost his life in a fall of ground at Kroondal's Kwezi shaft. TheBoard and management of Aquarius express their deepest condolences to hisfamily and friends. The requisite inquiries and investigations by managementand the DMR are ongoing. The section 54 notice issued by the DMR after thefatal accident was lifted on 21 October 2014. Production for the quarter of 2 million tonnes was achieved notwithstandingdifferent non-mining challenges that were encountered at operations. Operations at K6 remained very challenging inclusive of potholes. Kwezi Shaftwas the best performing Shaft during the quarter. There was a significantreduction in the number of Lost Blasts recorded for the quarter. The ore splitproject which is designed to split the iron-rich ultramafic pegmatite (IRUP)which is situated at the bottom of the main seam from the ore and hence improverecoveries is ongoing. Kopaneng Shaft's production performance has improved drastically since theunderground workshop and the new chairlift have been commissioned. SimunyeShaft has kept production steady despite challenges relating to theavailability of equipment. Bambanani Shaft has now connected the belts fromMarikana 4 Shaft Western Trunk to the main Shaft of Bambanani at Strike 5.Personal Detection Systems are being installed at both Kopaneng and Kwezi andshould be commissioned by the end of Q2. AQPSA Operating cash costs per ounce (Rand) 4E 6E 6E net of by-products (Pt+Pd+Rh+Au) (Pt+Pd+Rh+Ir+Ru+Au) (Ni&Cu) Kroondal 9,001 7,392 7,168 Capital expenditure Kroondal (R'000 unless otherwise stated) Total Per 4E oz Ongoing establishment of infrastructure 97,351 867 Project capital (K6 shaft) 5,405 48 Mobile equipment 20,308 181 Total 123,063 1,096 Kroondal mine: reconciliation of cash costs per 4E ounce Cost per 4E ounce (Rand) Q1 2015 Q4 2014 Total operating expenditure 10,601 11,025 Less: Ongoing capital expenditure & mobile equipment (1,048) (1,332) Project capex (K6 shaft) (48) (287) Transferred from/(to) stockpile (504) (10) On mine cash costs 9,001 9,396 Development of the K6 shaft at Kroondal is almost complete with only minorsurface infrastructure snags and the permanent power construction beingcompleted during H1 of FY15. Mines on care and maintenance P&SA2 at Marikana (Aquarius Platinum - 50%) Given the continuing low Rand PGM basket prices, Marikana 4 shaft, theremaining operating shaft, and the processing plant at Marikana continue oncare and maintenance until further notice. Everest Mine Similarly, given the continuing low Rand PGM basket prices, temporarygeological problems and unstable labour relations, the Everest mine remainsplaced on care and maintenance until further notice. MIMOSA INVESTMENTS (Aquarius Platinum - 50%) 12-month rolling average DIIR was 0.05 per 200,000 man hours worked Production increased by 1% to 655,034 tonnes, quarter-on-quarter Head grade decreased by 1% to 3.64 g/t Recoveries increased by 1 % to 78% Volumes processed decreased by 2% to 635,761 tonnes Stockpiles at the end of the quarter totalled approximately 184,375 tonnes PGM production decreased by 5% to 57,799 PGM ounces quarter-on-quarter, due toa planned 4 day plant shutdown in the quarter Revenue increased by 4% to $82 million, from $79 million in the previousquarter due to higher metal prices Mining cash costs decreased by 15% to $72 per tonne, and costs per PGM ounce by10% to $815 due to a reduction in labour costs as a result of the voluntaryretrenchment exercise in the prior year. Stay-in-business capital expenditure was $95 per PGM ounce for the quarter Gross cash profit margin for the period increased from 30% to 41% See www.aquariusplatinum.com for graph Operating cash costs per ounce Unit cash costs per PGM ounce (before by-product credits) were 10% lower thanthe previous quarter due to reduction in labour costs as a result of thevoluntary retrenchment exercise in prior year. 4E 6E 4E net of by-products (Pt+Pd+Rh+Au) (Pt+Pd+Rh+Ir+Ru+Au) (Ni, Cu & Co) Mimosa 815 769 521 Capital expenditure The total capital expenditure for the first quarter amounted to $5.5 million.Expenditure was incurred mainly on mobile equipment, drill rigs and LHDs, theconveyor belt extension and down dip development. TAILINGS OPERATION Platinum Mile (Aquarius Platinum - 91.7%) Material processed was 1 million tonnes Head grade of feed material was 0.58 g/t Recoveries were 9% Production was 1,831 PGM ounces Cash costs increased was R8,789 per PGM ounce Revenue was R19 million for the quarter The cash margin for the period was 11% Commentary Platinum Mile: The Platinum Mile Operation recommenced production in July 2014 following theend of the strike at Anglo Platinum. The operation is in build up phase and isexpected to reach steady state production in the next quarter. Whilst theoperation is in build-up phase operating costs per unit will not be reliable.Present unit cash costs for this quarter of R8,789 are expected to reduce asthe plant attains steady state production. Expansion The coarse grinding mills were successfully hot commissioned during the currentquarter and the production ramp-up and plant optimisation process hasprogressed satisfactorily. The next quarter should see increased yields inrecoveries as a result. Operating cash costs per ounce 4E 6E 4E net of by-products (Pt+Pd+Rh+Au) (Pt+Pd+Rh+Ir+Ru+Au) (Ni, Cu& Co) Platinum Mile 8,789 7,576 7,068 Chromite Tailings Retreatment Plant (CTRP) (Aquarius Platinum - 50%) This operation remains on care and maintenance. CORPORATE MATTERS Board Changes Aquarius Chairman, Mr Nicholas Sibley, has advised that he will step down fromthe Board on 28 February 2015 after being a non-executive director for 15 yearsand Chairman since 2002. Mr Sibley will be replaced by Sir Nigel Rudd who willjoin the Board on 1 November 2014 and resume the Chairmanship on 1 March 2015.Sir Nigel has been involved with South African companies for over 25 years andfor the last seven has been a non-executive director of Sappi where he is theirlead director. He is a founder shareholder of Atlas Mara which has interests inbanking in Southern Africa including Zimbabwe. Potential sale of non-core assets Sale of Kruidfontein prospecting right The previously announced sale of Kruidfontein is unconditional. In terms of thecontract the gross sale proceeds of $27 million are due to Aquarius before 1December 2014. Upon receipt of the proceeds Aquarius has an obligation to paythe previous owners $10.8 million either in cash or in Aquarius shares at theprice prevailing at receipt of the principle. Shareholders will be updated inthis regard in due course. Terminated sale of 50% interest in Blue Ridge Aquarius released an announcement on 15 October 2014 in which it confirmed thatfollowing the non-fulfilment of certain conditions precedent the agreement interms of which it had conditionally disposed of its interest in the Blue Ridgemine had lapsed. Blue Ridge remains non-core to Aquarius and it will continue to assess allalternatives to extract value from its investment including a sale of the mineas a going concern or in the alternative a sale of the mine plant and assets. Growth projects As part of our year-end results presentation in August 2014, Aquarius advisedthat a number of incremental growth projects had been identified and were indifferent phases of assessment. A brief update is provided below and acomprehensive update will be provided as part of the half-year results releasein February 2015. The additional milling capacity which was installed at Plat Mile has beencommissioned and is operating to expectations; The 30% Mimosa expansion pre-feasibility study is underway and is expected tobe completed by the time our half year results are announced in February 2015; The Kroondal tailing retreatment project planning continues but execution isbeing delayed because of delays in obtaining the integrated water use license.A specific update will be included in the interim results announcement; Good progress has been made in terms of studying the alternatives available toextract value from the Everest infrastructure and discussions with a number ofentities are ongoing. Everest will not re-commence production unless the Boardis of a view that it is able to generate an appropriate return forshareholders. Balance sheet Following the successful rights issue implemented earlier in 2014 Aquarius hasa sustainable balance sheet with net cash. The Board is of a view thatretaining a sustainable level of debt on balance sheet is appropriate. Statistical information: Kroondal P&SA1 See www.aquariusplatinum.com for statistical information Statistical information: Mimosa See www.aquariusplatinum.com for statistical information Statistical information: Platinum Mile See www.aquariusplatinum.com for statistical information Aquarius Platinum LimitedIncorporated in Bermuda Exempt company number 26290 Board of Directors Nicholas Sibley Non-executive Chairman Jean Nel Chief Executive Officer David Dix Non-executive Tim Freshwater Non-executive (Senior Independent Director) Edward Haslam Non-executive Kofi Morna Non-executive Zwelakhe Mankazana Non-executive Sonja De Bruyn Sebotsa Non-executive Audit/Risk Committee David Dix (Chairman) Tim Freshwater Edward Haslam Kofi Morna Nicholas Sibley Remuneration Committee Edward Haslam (Chairman) David Dix Zwelakhe Mankazana Nicholas Sibley Nomination Committee Sonja De Bruyn Sebotsa (Chairman) Edward Haslam Tim Freshwater Kofi Morna Willi Boehm Chief Operating OfficerRobert Schroder Company Secretary Willi Boehm AQPSA Management Robert Schroder Managing Director Jean Nel Executive Director Wessel Phumo General Manager: Kroondal Mimosa Mine Management Winston Chitando Chairman Peter Chimboza Resident Director Fungai Makoni General Manager Finance & Company Secretary Platinum Mile Management Richard Atkinson Managing Director Paul Swart Financial Director Issued capital At 30 September 2014, the Company had on issue 1,464,872,899 fully paid commonshares. Substantial shareholders 30 September 2014 Number of Shares Percentage HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 131,003,316 8.94 JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 59,667,591 4.07 Primary Australian Securities Exchange Trading InformationListing: (AQP.AX) Premium London Stock Exchange (AQP.L) ISIN number BMG0440M1284Listing: Secondary JSE Limited (AQP.ZA) ADR ISIN number US03840M2089Listing: Convertible bond ISIN number XS0470482067 Broker (LSE) Broker (ASX) Sponsor (JSE) Barclays Euroz Securities5 The North Colonnade Level 18 AlluvionCanary Wharf 58 Mounts Bay Road, Rand Merchant BankLondon E14 4BB Perth WA 6000 (A division of FirstRand BankTelephone: +44 (0) 20 Telephone: +61 (0) 8 Limited)7623 2323 9488 1400 1 Merchant Place Cnr of Rivonia Rd and Fredman Drive, Sandton 2196 Johannesburg South Africa Aquarius Platinum (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd 100% owned(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration Number 2000/000341/07 1st Floor, Block C, Rosebank Office Park, 181 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, SouthAfricaPostal Address: PO Box 7840, Centurion, 0046, South Africa Telephone: +27 (0)10 001 2848 Facsimile: +27 (0)12 001 2070 Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services Pty Ltd 100% Owned (Incorporated in Australia) ACN 094 425 555 Level 4, Suite 5, South Shore Centre, 85 The Esplanade, South Perth WA 6151,Australia Postal Address: PO Box 485, South Perth, WA 6951, Australia Telephone: +61 (0)8 9367 5211 Facsimile: +61 (0)8 9367 5233 Email: info@aquariusplatinum.com For further information please visit www.aquariusplatinum.com or contact: In the United Kingdom and South Africa: In Australia:Jean Nel+27 (0)10 001 2848 Willi Boehm +61 (0) 8 9367 5211 Glossary A$ Australian Dollar Aquarius Aquarius Platinum Limitedor AQP APS Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services Pty Ltd AQPSA Aquarius Platinum (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd ASACS Aquarius Platinum (SA) Corporate Services (Pty) Ltd BEE Black Economic Empowerment BRPM Blue Ridge Platinum Mine CTRP Chrome Tailings Retreatment Operation. Consortium comprising Aquarius Platinum (SA) (Corporate Services) (Pty) Limited (ASACS), Ivanhoe Nickel and Platinum Limited and Sylvania South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SLVSA). DIFR Disabling injury frequency rate, being the number of lost-time injuries expressed as a rate per 1,000,000 man-hours worked DIIR Disabling injury incidence rate, being the number of lost-time injuries expressed as a rate per 200,000 man-hours worked DME former South African Government Department of Minerals and Energy DMR South African Government Department of Mineral Resources, formerly the DME Dollar United States Dollaror $ Everest Everest Platinum Mine Great A PGE-bearing layer within the Great Dyke Complex in ZimbabweDykeReef GoZ Government of Zimbabwe g/t Grams per tonne, measurement unit of grade (1g/t = 1 part per million) JORC Australasian code for reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reservescode JSE Johannesburg Stock Exchange Kroondal Kroondal Platinum Mine or P&SA1 at Kroondal LHD Load haul dump machine Marikana Marikana Platinum Mine or P&SA2 at Marikana Mimosa Mimosa Mining Company (Private) Limited nm Not measured pcp previous corresponding period PGE(s) Platinum group elements plus gold. Five metallic elements commonly(6E) found together which constitute the platinoids (excluding Os (osmium)). These are Pt (platinum), Pd (palladium), Rh (rhodium), Ru (ruthenium), Ir (iridium) plus Au (gold) PGM(s) Platinum group metals plus gold. Aquarius reports PGMs as comprising(4E) Pt+Pd+Rh plus Au (gold) with Pt, Pd and Rh being the most economic platinoids in the UG2 Reef PlatMile Platinum Mile Resources (Pty) Ltd P&SA1 Pooling & Sharing Agreement between AQPSA and RPM Ltd on Kroondal P&SA2 Pooling & Sharing Agreement between AQPSA and RPM Ltd on Marikana R South African Rand Ridge Ridge Mining Limited ROM Run of mine. The ore from mining which is fed to the concentrator plant. This is usually a mixture of UG2 ore and waste. RPM Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited, a subsidiary of Anglo PlatinumLimited Limited Tonne 1 metric tonne (1,000kg) TARP Trigger Action Response Procedure UG2 Reef A PGE-bearing chromite layer within the Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex