Last checked at 6 Oct 2023 07:00
6 October 2023
Corporate Update
Asiamet Resources Limited ("Asiamet", "ARS" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following update across various workstreams for the development of the Company's wholly owned, feasibility stage, BKM copper project located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The financing workstreams with senior bank debt and prepayment finance through copper cathode offtake are progressing on schedule and to expectations.
Highlights
Debt Finance Process
· Independent Technical Expert ("ITE"), SRK Consulting (Perth) ("SRK"), is finalising its review report post site visit and feedback from Asiamet. It is expected this report will be issued to the potential lead bank within the next 14 days. Positive feedback was provided by the ITE on various items raised in previous project reviews and addressed in the updated Feasibility Study as announced by the Company on 10 May 2023.
Independent Valuation
· Grant Samuel, Australasia's leading independent corporate adviser, is engaging with the potential lead bank and supporting ARS to finalise the financing model and associated valuation metrics.
Offtake and Prepayment Financing
· The Company has recently received an indicative term sheet from a leading international metals trading group for financing tied to copper cathode offtake ('prepayment financing') following detailed due diligence. The terms provided are consistent with typical prepayment financing arrangements.
· Asiamet is in discussions with several other commodity trading groups who remain engaged in due diligence for similar prepayment financing options. The Company will negotiate terms with the preferred prepayment financier.
BKM Project Execution
· Continued engagement with several Chinese engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and other EPC management (EPCM) groups active in Indonesia is progressing well. It is expected a decision will be made in Q4 2023 with respect to engagement of project execution partners for BKM.
Site Access
· Earthworks design for improvements necessary for the main forestry access road to the mine site and construction of a small section of new road are well advanced allowing more detailed planning of this work package to commence. Improvement of the road network is a key enabler for execution of site activities.
Forestry Use and Operational Permit
Work is ongoing to close out the final condition precedent relating to the issuance of the BKM change of forestry use operational permit (PPKH-OP). Once issued this allows activity on site with various site investigation programmes proposed to support detailed design of project infrastructure and ultimately site construction works.
Corporate Development
With a limited number of advanced copper and copper-gold projects in the region, coupled with the uncertainty of future sources of copper supply, the Company has been approached by several interested Asian companies looking to advance the BKM copper project or make a direct investment in the project/company. We are actively pursuing these opportunities to ensure fair and reasonable value for our stakeholders.
Darryn McClelland, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"We are pleased to report the appointed ITE has completed their technical review of the BKM Copper Feasibility Study update and provided their report for ARS' comment. This is going through a final review process with report to then be provided to the proposed lead bank to support their due diligence and financial modelling activities. This is a critical step in moving forward with the process to secure bank financing for BKM.
It is encouraging also to report receipt of an indicative term sheet for copper cathode offtake finance from an internationally recognised metals trading group. Whilst preliminary, and subject to various conditions precedent, this represents a significant step forward in the overall financing journey. Offtake finance remains a key part of the overall project finance package bringing considerable benefits for both the project and shareholders. Due diligence is ongoing with other potential offtake partners also hoping to secure the copper cathode units that Asiamet will bring into production.
We continue to actively explore options for project delivery, engaging in discussions with Chinese EPC contractors, dedicated design groups from China and Indonesian EPCM companies. During Q4 2023, we anticipate making a final decision on the project delivery model for BKM and appointment of our execution partners. We are also nearing completion of all aspects required to obtain the important operational stage forestry change of use designation for BKM, which will be a significant milestone for the project.
The outlook for copper remains very robust, with strong medium to long term demand forecast and a supply-side response challenged to meet demand. Notably, new copper projects in the Asian region are exceedingly scarce and the BKM copper project is strategically positioned to deliver LME grade A copper cathode into this supply constrained market. The Company's up-to-date feasibility study, which recently showcased excellent economics such as an EBITDA of US$655.3 million over the life of mine and a post-tax NPV8 of US$162.8 million, serves to highlight the inherent value of the company. In addition, since the publication of the updated feasibility study, the Company has seen heightened levels of serious interest from a range of potential Asian strategic companies looking for exposure to copper through Asiamet. Work on progressing these opportunities, based upon appropriate valuations, progresses in parallel to the financing workstream.
We are grateful for the continued support of investors and stakeholders through this period and will keep the market informed as work on the activities above progresses."
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Darryn McClelland, Chief Executive Officer
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Darryn McClelland Chief Executive Officer, Asiamet Resources LimitedEmail: darryn.mcclelland@asiametresources.com
Tony Manini Executive Chairman, Asiamet Resources LimitedEmail: tony.manini@asiametresources.com
Investor Enquiries
Sasha Sethi
Telephone: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
Email: Sasha@flowcomms.com / info@asiametresources.com
Nominated & Financial Adviser Strand Hanson Limited
James Spinney / James Dance / Rob Patrick
Telephone: +44 20 7409 3494
Email: asiamet@strandhanson.co.uk
Broker
Optiva Securities Limited Christian Dennis
Telephone: +44 20 3137 1903
Email: Christian.Dennis@optivasecurities.com
Follow us on twitter @AsiametTweets
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.