Empire Metals Regulatory News (EEE)

Empire Metals Limited / AIM: EEE / Sector: Natural Resources

30 June 2020

Empire Metals Limited ('Empire' or the 'Company')

Final Results

Empire Metals Limited, the AIM-quoted resource exploration and development company, announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 will be posted to shareholders today.

The annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019 are available for download on the Company's website, www.empiremetals.co.uk.

Chairman's Statement

As shareholders will be aware, our progress relating to the advancement of our Bolnisi Project in Georgia towards production was frustrated during the period under review by continuing delays by the government in Georgia regarding the extension of the exploration permit. Some of the uncertainty relating to this was somewhat alleviated shortly after the year end, in January 2020, when the Company's joint venture company, Georgian Copper & Gold JSC ('GCG'), in which Empire Metals Limited ("EEE" or "Empire Metals") holds a 50% interest, received confirmation of tenure from the National Agency of Mines ('NAM') for two key deposits in the Bolnisi Project licence area, namely Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi.

The confirmation of tenure over Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi was a significant milestone in the Company's ongoing efforts to obtain the extension to the permit in Georgia and marked the culmination of many months of work by the team and NAM. However, alongside this tenure confirmation, correspondence from NAM confirmed its intention to return the remainder of the Bolnisi Project licence area, including three further deposits identified by the Company, being Kvemo Bolnisi West, Tsitel Sopeli and Balichi, to the State. An appeal process is currently underway with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development in Georgia with the objective of GCG securing its rights to the remainder of the licence area. Further updates regarding the appeal process will be made as appropriate.

As reported in the Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2018, as a result of the previous delays to the confirmation of tenure over the Georgian exploration assets the Board determined that they did not, at that time, fully meet the capitalisation criteria under IFRS 6 and an impairment provision was recognised against these assets. As reported above, the confirmation of tenure over Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi was received post period end and as such, the impairment has not been adjusted as at year end however, it is expected that a partial write back will be reflected in the Company's interim accounts for the half year ended 30 June 2020.

Following the confirmation of tenure over Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi on 28 January 2020, the Company updated its development schedule for these assets, particularly in respect of Kvemo Bolnisi East, the target which has been the focus of much of the Company's investment to date. It had been the Company's objective to re-commence activities at Kvemo Bolnisi East as soon as possible however, partly due to the various travel and work restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, any planned recommencement of work has been postponed. Also, the necessary amendments to the licence to allow work to re-commence on these two projects are unlikely to be made whilst the current appeal process is still underway, and this has of course been further delayed by the pandemic. The Board will continue to manage and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to act in the best interests of keeping its employees, contractors and the local community safe. Further updates relating to the Company's activities in Georgia will be announced in due course.

Outside of Georgia, the Company has made progress with its strategy to identify compelling new assets through which the Company can add short term value. Post period end, Empire Metals raised £600,000 by way of an equity placing and subscription of new ordinary shares with new and existing shareholders in the Company announced on 28 February 2020, to advance this process.

The Board evaluated a large number of potential targets and narrowed its search down to a small number of opportunities which it believed met its stringent investment criteria. Following this, on 27 April 2020, EEE announced that it had entered into a Binding Heads of Agreement with ASX listed Artemis Resources Limited ("Artemis") to acquire a 41% interest in the Munni Munni Palladium Project in the West Pilbara, Western Australia and has first right of refusal on a further 29% interest in the project.

Munni Munni comprises four granted mining leases and an exploration licence covering a 64km2 tenement area. It is the largest unexploited primary PGE resource in Australia and contains the largest intrusion in the West Pilbara hosting a JORC-compliant 2004 Resource of 24Mt @ 2.9 g/t Platinum Group Element (PGE) and gold (12.4Mt Measured, 9.8Mt Indicated, and 1.4Mt Inferred), containing 1,140,000 ounces palladium, 830,000 ounces platinum, 152,000 ounces gold and 76,000 ounces rhodium. The teams at Artemis and Empire Metals are making progress toward the completion of the acquisition and in the meantime have agreed to commence with the planned drilling programme at the project in order to take advantage of the current drilling season. The programme is designed to extend primary reef mineralisation and test historical assay grades from diamond drilling using RC drilling, test for the presence of a second reef below the primary PGE reef, and generate data that may contribute to a JORC 2012 Mineral Resources Estimate in the future.

The Board is very excited about the opportunity that the Munni Munni Project offers. It satisfies Empire Metal's objective of de-risking the Company's growth strategy by diversifying away from a single jurisdiction investment, combining an exceptional project with an attractive and mature investment environment, and I look forward to updating shareholders on completion and further plans for Munni Munni in due course.

Financial Results

As an exploration and development group which has no revenue we are reporting a loss for the twelve months ended 31 December 2019 of £675,592 (31 December 2018: loss of £8,785,533).

The Group's cash position at the date of signing this report is £363,000.

Corporate

Post period end, the Company announced the appointment of David Ajemian, a prominent natural resources and growth company investor and entrepreneur, as a Non-Executive Director. At the same time, Laurie Mutch, who had held the position of Non-Executive Director since March 2017, stepped down from the Board in order to concentrate on his other business interests. During his time on the Board, Laurie was a hugely supportive force behind the business and his many contributions to the Company will be missed.

As shareholders will be aware, the Board also agreed that to reflect the Company's developing growth strategy, particularly with regard to the investment in, and advancement of, projects in new jurisdictions outside of Georgia, a change of name would be appropriate. The Company's new name - Empire Metals Limited - came into effect on 10 February 2020.

The Company's website can now be found at www.empiremetals.co.uk.

Outlook

Following the confirmation of tenure over two of the Company's key Georgian projects in January, along with the successful fundraising in February and the agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Munni Munni Project in April, the Board is positive about the future for EEE. Emerging from the difficult and frustrating year that was 2019, the Company has been strengthened both financially and corporately in 2020 and on behalf of the Board, I am optimistic about our ability to deliver on our key strategic aims this year. We are of course cognisant of the unprecedented global disruption which the COVID-19 pandemic is creating for communities and economies worldwide, however the Board has adopted a prudent and responsible approach to both our financial and operational activities and we are confident that EEE is well equipped to weather the current market downturn.

We look forward to reporting on our activities in Georgia and in new jurisdictions over the second half of 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders and my fellow directors for their continued support as we look forward to a bright future as Empire Metals Limited.

Neil O'Brien

Non-Executive Chairman

30 June 2020

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk or contact:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year ended 31 December 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2019

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2019

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2019

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. General Information

The principal activity of Empire Metals Limited (formerly Georgian Mining Corporation) ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") is to implement its mineral exploration strategy to advance projects towards defining a sufficient in-situ mineral resource to support a detailed feasibility study towards mine development and production.

The Company's shares are traded on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. The Company is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company changed its name to Empire Metals Limited on 10 February 2020.

The address of its registered office is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola, BVI.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.1 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The Group Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union applicable to companies under IFRS. The Group Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The Financial Statements are presented in UK Pounds Sterling rounded to the nearest pound.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's Accounting Policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the Financial Statements, are disclosed in Note 4.

2.2 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

(a) New and amended standards mandatory for the first time for the financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019

As of 1 January 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 Leases, IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over leases, and IAS 28 (Amendments) Long term interests in associates and joint ventures. The transition to these standards had no material impact on the Group. There were no long term operating leases in the Group as at the transition date for IFRS 16; as such no adjustments were made under this standard.

b) New standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective or not yet endorsed and not early adopted 

Standards, amendments and interpretations that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted are as follows: 

* Subject to EU endorsement 

The Group is evaluating the impact of the new and amended standards above which are not expected to have a material impact on future Group financial statementss

2.3 Basis of Consolidation

The Group Financial Statements consolidate the Financial Statements of Empire Metals Limited and the financial statements of all of its subsidiary undertakings made up to 31 December 2019.

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Where an entity does not have returns, the Group's power over the investee is assessed as to whether control is held. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Below is a summary of subsidiaries of the Group:

Inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Profits and losses resulting from intercompany transactions that are recognised in assets are also eliminated. Accounting

policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

2.4 Going Concern

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Chairman's Report from page 3. In addition, Note 3 to the Financial Statements includes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; and details of its exposure to credit and liquidity risk.

The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Although the Group's assets are not generating steady revenue streams, an operating loss has been reported and an operating loss is expected in the 12 months subsequent to 31 December 2019, the Directors believe that the Group will have sufficient funds to meet its immediate working capital requirements and undertake its targeted operating activities over the next 12 months from the date of approval of these Financial Statements. The Group has significantly reduced its working capital requirements and has ceased expenditure on exploration as existing funds are not sufficient. The amount of funding required cannot be reliably estimated at the point of approval of these Financial Statements and the Group will need to raise additional funds either via an issue of equity or through the issuance of debt.

The outbreak of the recent global COVID-19 virus will lead to short term market volatility and uncertain long term impacts which may affect the Groups ability to raise further funding. The Group has implemented business continuity plans as well as reducing working capital expenditure whilst continuing to monitor the impacts of COVID-19. The Directors' acknowledge that the market volatility may impact the ability of the Company to raise funds in the near future. The auditors have included a 'Material Uncertainty' paragraph in their audit report as a result of this uncertainty.

The Directors have, in the light of all the above circumstances, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Group Financial Statements.

2.5 Segment Reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors that makes strategic decisions.

Segment results, include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

2.6 Foreign Currencies

(a) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the Financial Statements of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the 'functional currency'). The functional currency of the Company is Sterling, the functional currency of the BVI subsidiaries is US Dollars and the functional currency of the Austrian subsidiary is Euros. The Financial Statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound, which is the Company's functional and the Group's presentation currency.

(b) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where such items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income Statement.

(c) Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group's entities (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

· assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position;

· income and expenses for each statement of comprehensive income presented are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and

· all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income where material.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities, and of monetary items receivable from foreign subsidiaries for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future, are taken to other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

2.7 Intangible Assets

Exploration and evaluation assets

The Group recognises expenditure as exploration and evaluation assets when it determines that those assets will be successful in finding specific mineral resources. Expenditure included in the initial measurement of exploration and evaluation assets and which are classified as intangible assets, relate to the acquisition of rights to explore, topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies, exploratory drilling, trenching, sampling and activities to evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource. Capitalisation of pre-production expenditure ceases when the mining property is capable of commercial production.

Exploration and evaluation assets are recorded and held at cost.

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment annually or when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset may exceed its recoverable amount. The assessment is carried out by allocating exploration and evaluation assets to cash generating units, which are based on specific projects or geographical areas. IFRS 6 permits impairments of exploration and evaluation expenditure to be reversed should the conditions which led to the impairment improve. The Group continually monitors the position of the projects capitalised and impaired.

Whenever the exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in cash generating units does not lead to the discovery of commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and the Group has decided to discontinue such activities of that unit, the associated expenditures are written off to the Income Statement.

2.8 Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful economic life on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates:

Computer equipment - 20 to 50% straight line

Field equipment - 20 to 50% straight line

Vehicles - 20% straight line

All assets are subject to annual impairment reviews. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replacement part is derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the Income Statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

The asset's residual value and useful economic lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

Gains and losses on disposal are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within 'Other net gains / (losses)' in the income statement.

2.9 Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life, for example, intangible assets not ready to use, are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units).

Non-financial assets that suffered impairment (except goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

2.10 Financial Assets

(a) Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at amortised cost including trade receivables and other financial assets at amortised cost, The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

(b) Recognition and measurement

Amortised cost

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional, unless they contain significant financing components, in which case they are recognised at fair value. The group holds the trade and other receivables with the objective of collecting the contractual cash flows, and so it measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The group classifies its financial assets as at amortised cost only if both of the following criteria are met: 

· the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows; and 

· the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principle and interest. 

(c) Impairment of financial assets

The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original EIR. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.

ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).

For trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing) and other receivables due in less than 12 months, the Group applies the simplified approach in calculating ECLs, as permitted by IFRS 9. Therefore, the Group does not track changes in credit risk, but instead, recognises a loss allowance based on the financial asset's lifetime ECL at each reporting date.

The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows and usually occurs when past due for more than one year and not subject to enforcement activity.

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit impaired. A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred.

(d) Derecognition

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity.

On derecognition of a financial asset measured at amortised cost, the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable is recognised in profit or loss. This is the same treatment for a financial asset measured at FVTPL.

2.11 Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate. All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs. The Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables.

Subsequent measurement

The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:

Trade and other payables

After initial recognition, trade and other payables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through the EIR amortisation process.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Derecognition

A financial liability is derecognised when the associated obligation is discharged or cancelled or expires.

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

2.12 Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand.

2.13 Taxation

Tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity. In this case the tax is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company's subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted, or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised, or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred income tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements, except for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Generally the group is unable to control the reversal of the temporary difference for associates. Only where there is an agreement in place that gives the group the ability to control the reversal of the temporary difference not recognised.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised on deductible temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements only to the extent that it is probable the temporary difference will reverse in the future and there is sufficient taxable profit available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities, and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

There has been no tax credit or expense for the period relating to current or deferred tax.

2.14 Share Capital, share premium and other reserves

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity, as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds provided there is sufficient premium available. Should sufficient premium not be available placing costs are recognised in the Income Statement.

Other reserves consists of the share option reserve and the foreign exchange translation reserve.

2.15 Reverse acquisition reserve

The reverse acquisition reserve arose on the acquisition of Kibe Investments No. 2 Limited in 2010. There has been no movement in the reserve since that date.

2.16 Share Based Payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled share-based schemes, under which the entity receives services from employees or third party suppliers as consideration for equity instruments (shares, options and warrants) of the Group. The Group may also issue warrants to share subscribers as part of a share placing. The fair value of the equity-settled share based payments is recognised as an expense in the income statement or charged to equity depending on the nature of the service provided or instrument issued. The total amount to be expensed or charged in the case of options is determined by reference to the fair value of the options or warrants granted:

· including any market performance conditions;

· excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example, profitability or sales growth targets, or remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period); and

· including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example, the requirement for employees to save).

In the case of shares and warrants the amount charged to the share premium account is determined by reference to the fair value of the services received if available. If the fair value of the services received is not determinable the shares are valued by reference to the market price and the warrants are valued by reference to the fair value of the warrants granted as described previously.

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options or warrants that are expected to vest. The total expense or charge is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement or equity as appropriate, with a corresponding adjustment to another reserve in equity.

When the warrants or options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the warrants or options are exercised.

2.17 Operating Leases

Leases of assets under which the short-term exemption under IFRS 16 has been taken and which a significant amount of the risks and benefits of ownership are effectively retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the respective leases.

2.18 Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognised in respect of amounts recharged to project strategic partners in accordance with their contractual terms. Revenue is also generated from management and consulting services to third parties.

The Group derives revenue from the transfer of services overtime and at a point in time in the service lines detailed below. Revenues from external customers come from consulting services.

The Group provides management services to subsidiary undertakings and joint venture entities for a fixed monthly fee. Revenue from providing services is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered. Efforts to satisfy the performance obligation are expended evenly throughout the performance period and so the performance obligation is considered to be satisfied evenly over time.

2.19 Finance Income

Finance income consists of bank interest on cash and cash equivalents which is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

3. Financial Risk Management

3.1 Financial Risk Factors

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks being market risk (including, interest rate risk, currency risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group's overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance.

Market Risk

(a) Foreign currency risks

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the USD and Euros against the UK pound. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations. The Group negotiates all material contracts for activities in relation to its subsidiary in USD and Euros. The Directors will continue to assess the effect of movements in exchange rates on the Group's financial operations and initiate suitable risk management measures where necessary.

(b) Price risk

The Group is not exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its operations, which are still in the exploration phase. Other than insignificant consulting revenue, the only revenue relates to revenue charged to the joint venture JSC Georgian Copper & Gold. The Directors will revisit the appropriateness of this policy should the Group's operations change in size or nature.

The Group has no exposure to equity securities price risk, as it has no listed equity investments.

(c) Interest rate risk

As the Group has no borrowings, it is not exposed to interest rate risk on financial liabilities. The Group's interest rate risk arises from its cash held on short-term deposit, which is not significant.

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents as well as outstanding receivables. Management does not expect any losses from non-performance of these receivables.

The amount of exposure to any individual counter party is subject to a limit, which is assessed by the Board. No credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period, and management does not expect any losses from non-performance by these counterparties.

The Group considers the credit ratings of banks in which it holds funds in order to reduce exposure to credit risk.

Liquidity Risk

In keeping with similar sized mineral exploration groups, the Group's continued future operations depend on the ability to raise sufficient working capital through the issue of equity share capital. The Directors are confident that adequate funding will be forthcoming with which to finance operations. Controls over expenditure are carefully managed. In February 2020, the Company raised £600,000 which will fund the Group for the next 12 months. See note 2.4 for further details on going concern and liquidity.

3.2 Capital Risk Management

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, in order to provide returns for shareholders and to enable the Group to continue its exploration and evaluation activities. The Group has no debt at 31 December 2019 and defines capital based on the total equity of the Company being £145,502. The Group monitors its level of cash resources available against future planned exploration and evaluation activities and may issue new shares in order to raise further funds from time to time.

4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

The preparation of the Group Financial Statements in conformity with IFRSs requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of expenses during the year. Actual results may vary from the estimates used to produce these Financial Statements.

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to:

Impairment of exploration and evaluation costs

Exploration and evaluation costs have a carrying value at 31 December 2019 of £nil (2018: £nil): refer to Note 9 for more information. The Group has a right to renew exploration permits and the asset is only depreciated once extraction of the resource commences. Management tests annually whether exploration projects have future economic value in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2.7. Each exploration project is subject to an annual review by either a consultant or senior company geologist to determine if the exploration results returned during the year warrant further exploration expenditure and have the potential to result in an economic discovery. This review takes into consideration the expected costs of extraction, long term metal prices, anticipated resource volumes and supply and demand outlook. In the event that a project does not represent an economic exploration target and results indicate there is no additional upside, a decision will be made to discontinue exploration.

In 2018, the Directors reviewed the estimated value of each project prepared by management and have concluded that the project in Georgia be impaired to £Nil. The Georgian exploration asset was impaired in full due to the ongoing exploration licence negotiations. On 28 January 2020 the Company announced that it had received confirmation of tenure from the National Agency of Mines ('NAM') for two key deposits in the Bolnisi Project licence area, namely Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi. However, alongside this tenure confirmation, correspondence from NAM confirmed its intention to return the remainder of the Bolnisi Project licence area, including three further deposits identified by the Company, being Kvemo Bolnisi West, Tsitel Sopeli and Balichi, to the State. An appeal process is currently underway with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development in Georgia with the objective of GCG securing its rights to the remainder of the licence area. See Note 9 for further update in this regard.

Share based payment transactions

The Group has made awards of options and warrants over its unissued share capital to certain Directors and employees as part of their remuneration package. Certain warrants have also been issued to shareholders as part of their subscription for shares and to suppliers for various services received.

The valuation of these options and warrants involves making a number of critical estimates relating to price volatility, future dividend yields, expected life of the options and forfeiture rates. These assumptions have been described in more detail in Note 15.

Control of Georgian Copper and Gold

Judgement is required to determine whether the Group has control over its subsidiaries. Georgian Copper and Gold is 50% owned but management are of the opinion that they no longer have control of the entity. On 18 March 2018, the Company entered into a Deed of Variation with its joint venture partner in Georgian Copper & Gold ("GCG") in relation to the ongoing operations of the operating company, future work programmes and budgets. As a result, both shareholders now have equal representation on the board of GCG and therefore, from that date, the subsidiary was derecognised and the ongoing 50% ownership accounted for as a joint venture in accordance with IFRS 11.

Carrying value of investment in and receivables from joint ventures

As above, during 2018, the Group lost control of GCG and accounted for the joint arrangement relationship as an investment in joint venture. On initial recognition on 18 March 2018, the carrying value of the investment in joint venture was £3,994,585. The equity accounting for the joint venture meant that the share of loss of the joint venture was in excess of the carrying value and as such the amount was written down to £nil (2018: £nil). No liability has been recognised for the loss in excess of the carrying value as the Group does not have an obligation to pay for these losses.

As at 31 December 2019 £109,188 (2018: £39,748) is due from GCG for services rendered in the year. Despite the ongoing license issues at the year end, this amount is considered fully recoverable. The joint venture partners are committed to additional funding to repay the liability or this would be converted to equity.

5. Segmental Information

As at 31 December 2019, the Group operates in three geographical areas, the UK, Austria and Georgia. The Parent Company operates in one geographical area, the UK. Activities in the UK are mainly administrative in nature whilst activities in Austria relate to exploration and evaluation work. As from 18 March 2018, the Group no longer has control of Georgian Copper and Gold and as a result the below segmental information only includes information from this entity up until this date. The reports used by the chief operating decision maker are based on these geographical segments.

The Group generated revenue of £111,457 during the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: £213,265).

Segment assets and liabilities are allocated based on geographical location.

A reconciliation of adjusted loss from operations per reportable segment to loss before tax is provided as follows:

6. Revenue

Operational services are recharged by European Mining Services which include salaries, sample preparation and assay costs and consulting fees. All operational services were invoiced to Georgian Copper and Gold JSC and are denominated in GBP and considered fully recoverable at year end.

7. Expenses by Nature

All employee costs incurred in the year and are included in 'Operations related costs'.

8. Property, Plant and Equipment

9. Intangible Assets

As part of the acquisition of GMC Investments Limited, the Group entered into a Shareholder Agreement with Caucasian Mining Group Limited ("CMG"), the partner in JSC Georgian Copper and Gold. The details of the agreement were such that CMG would transfer the exploration and mining licenses for the Georgian sites into Georgian Copper and Gold, which were considered to have a fair value of US$6m, while the Group would commit to paying the expenditure requirements on the operations over a two year period from the date of the licence transfer date of December 2015, which is also US$6m. As a result, the Group recognised the fair value of the licenses of US$6m, which translated to £4.2m, as an exploration and evaluation asset.

Exploration projects Georgia are at an early stage of development as at 31 December 2019, although a JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee) compliant resource estimate is available at Kvemo Bolnisi East, much of the licence area is still subject to further early stage exploration. The Directors therefore undertook an assessment of the following areas and circumstances which could indicate the existence of impairment:

• The Group's right to explore in an area has expired, or will expire in the near future without renewal.

• No further exploration or evaluation is planned or budgeted for.

• A decision has been taken by the Board to discontinue exploration and evaluation in an area due to the absence of a commercial level of reserves.

• Sufficient data exists to indicate that the book value m not be fully recovered from future development and production.

The application for the extension to the current exploration permit within the 30 year Mining Licence held by Georgian Copper and Gold JSC, was submitted in June 2018 and the renewal was still pending as at 31 December 2019. The Group, along with its JV partner Caucasian Mining Group, have continued to try to resolve the delay in being granted the exploration permit extension within our 30-year mining concession in Georgia. As a result, as at 31 December 2018, the Directors concluded that the Georgian exploration assets no longer fully meet the capitalisation criteria under IFRS 6 and an impairment provision was recognised against these assets.

As at 31 December 2019, given the Group was still awaiting an outcome on the exploration extension, the Directors determined it was reasonable to impair the asset in full until further notice. Loans totalling £97,907 were forwarded to GMC Investments during the year. These were written off as an impairment as at 31 December 2019.

On 28 January 2020 the Company announced that it had received confirmation of tenure from the National Agency of Mines ('NAM') for two key deposits in the Bolnisi Project licence area, namely Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi. However, alongside this tenure confirmation, correspondence from NAM confirmed its intention to return the remainder of the Bolnisi Project licence area, including three further deposits identified by the Company, being Kvemo Bolnisi West, Tsitel Sopeli and Balichi, to the State. An appeal process is currently underway with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development in Georgia with the objective of GCG securing its rights to the remainder of the licence area. As the confirmation of tenure over Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi was received post period end and as such, the impairment has not been adjusted as at year end however, it is expected that a partial write back will be reflected in the Group's interim accounts for the half year ended 30 June 2020.

10. Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables are all due within one year. The fair value of all receivables is the same as their carrying values stated above. These assets, excluding prepayments, are the only form of financial asset within the Group, together with cash and cash equivalents.

The carrying amounts of the Group's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable mentioned above. The Group does not hold any collateral as security. All trade and other receivables are considered fully recoverable and performing.

11. Cash and Cash Equivalents

All of the Group's cash at bank is held with institutions with an AA credit rating.

12. Trade and Other Payables

13. Share Capital and Share Premium

On 15 December 2010 the shareholders approved the removal of the Company's authorised share capital and so there is no limit on the number of shares the Company is authorised to issue. On that date the shareholders also approved the removal of the nominal value of the shares, as permitted under local company legislation. As such all amounts raised are considered to be share premium.

Issued share capital

(1) Net of issue costs of £18,700

On 23 May 2019 the Company issued and allotted 19,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at a price of 2 pence per share for gross proceeds of £380,000.

14. Other reserves

Foreign currency translation reserve - the foreign currency translation reserve represents the effect of changes in exchange rates arising from translating the financial statements of subsidiary undertakings into the Company's presentation currency.

Share option reserve - the share option reserve represents the fair value of share options and warrants in issue. The amounts included are recycled to share premium on exercise or recycled to retained earnings on expiry. Note 15 outlines the share based payments made in the year.

15. Share Based Payments

Warrants and options outstanding at 31 December 2019 have the following expiry dates and exercise prices:

The risk free rate of return is based on zero yield government bonds for a term consistent with the warrant and option life.

The movement of options and warrants for the year to 31 December 2019 is shown below:

The total fair value charged to the statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2019 and included in administrative expenses was £8,292 (2018: £12,446).

16. Other (losses)/gains - Net

17. Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was 3 (2018: 4). All employee costs were incurred in European Mining Services. Employee costs incurred in European Mining Services are included in Operation Related Costs in Note 7.

18. Directors' Remuneration

Of the above director fees, £nil (2018: £53,000) has been capitalised in accordance with IAS 38 as exploration and evaluation related costs and are shown as an intangible addition in the year.

For the year ended 31 December 2018, £47,313 in directors fees were accrued. During the current year the Board agreed these accrued fees were to be written off in full and not payable by the Company. The reversal of this accrual has been included in other gains and losses as per Note 16.

19. Taxation

The tax on the Group's loss differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to the losses of the consolidated entities as follows:

No charge to taxation arises due to the losses incurred.

The weighted average applicable tax rate of 19.08% (2018: 9.05%) used is a combination of the 19% standard rate of corporation tax in the UK, 25% Austrian corporation tax and 0% BVI corporation tax.

The Group has accumulated tax losses of approximately £5,940,000 (2018: £3,789,000) available to carry forward against future taxable profits. A deferred tax asset has not been recognised because of uncertainty over future taxable profits against which the losses may be utilised.

20. Earnings per Share

The calculation of the total basic loss per share of 0.535 pence (2018: loss 7.647 pence) is based on the loss attributable to equity owners of the group of £675,592 (2018: £8,774,021) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 126,365,211 (2018: 114,744,492) in issue during the period.

In accordance with IAS 33, basic and diluted earnings per share are identical as the effect of the exercise of share options or warrants would be to decrease the loss per share.

21. Commitments

(a) Work programme commitment

As a result of the continued delay in the renewal of the exploration permit, no work programme has been agreed by the Joint Venture partners as at 31 December 2019. The Company is committed to funding 50% of the ongoing administrative expenditure of Georgia Copper and Gold which currently totals approximately $7,000 per month.

(b) Royalty agreements

As part of the contractual arrangement with Kibe No.1 Investments Limited the Group has agreed to pay a royalty on revenue from gold sales arising from gold mines developed by Noricum Gold AT GmbH and covered by licenses acquired by Kibe No.1 Investments Limited. Under the terms of the Royalty Agreement between Kibe No.1 Investments Limited and Noricum Gold AT GmbH, the Group shall pay royalties, based on total ounces of gold sold, equal to US$1 for every US$250 of the sale price per ounce.

22. Investment in Joint Venture

On 15 March 2018, the Company entered into a Deed of Variation with its joint venture partner in Georgian Copper & Gold in relation to the ongoing operations of the operating company, future work programmes and budgets. As a result, both shareholders now have equal representation on the board of GCG and therefore, from that date, the subsidiary was derecognised and the ongoing 50% ownership accounted for as a joint venture.

The carrying value of the investment in the joint venture is determined as follows:

The joint venture listed below has share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are held by the Group and their joint venture partner Caucasian Mining Group.

Summarised financial information of joint venture

The joint venture did not generate any revenue in the year. Total costs of £305,122 (2018: £7,989,170) were incurred during the year. Total losses incurred by the joint venture entity and attributable to the Company but not recognised in the Company profit and loss are £152,556 (2018: £3,994,585).

23. Related Party Transactions

Services provided by European Mining Services Limited to JSC Georgian Copper & Gold

During the year European Mining Services Limited provided geological, technical and other professional services with a total value of £111,457 (2018: £255,428 ) to JSC Georgian Copper and Gold, the joint venture entity.

Loan from Empire Metals Ltd to Kibe No.2 Investments Limited

As at 31 December 2019 there were amounts receivable of £6,016 (2018: £4,706) from Kibe No.2 Investments Limited. No interest was charged on the loans.

Loan from Empire Metals Ltd to European Mining Services Limited

As at 31 December 2019 there were amounts receivable of £694,186 (2018: £525,028) from European Mining Services Limited.

All intra-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

Other Transactions

Heytesbury Corporate LLP, an entity in which Gregory Kuenzel is a partner, was paid a fee of £32,500 (2018: £62,440) for accounting services to the Group. At the year-end there was an outstanding balance of £6,155 (2018: £6,449).

Michael Struthers received £63,030 (2018: £66,935) through his service company, MS Mining Consulting LDA, as disclosed in Note 18.

24. Ultimate Controlling Party

The Directors believe there to be no ultimate controlling party.

25. Events after the Reporting Date

On 28 January 2020 the Company announced that it had received confirmation of tenure from the National Agency of Mines ('NAM') for two key deposits in the Bolnisi Project licence area, namely Kvemo Bolnisi East and Dambludi. However, alongside this tenure confirmation, correspondence from NAM confirmed its intention to return the remainder of the Bolnisi Project licence area, including three further deposits identified by the Company, being Kvemo Bolnisi West, Tsitel Sopeli and Balichi, to the State. An appeal process is currently underway with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development in Georgia with the objective of GCG securing its rights to the remainder of the licence area.

On 28 February 2020, the Company issued and allotted 60,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at a price of 1 pence per share raising a total of £600,000.

On 27 April 2020, the Company entered a binding heads of terms agreement with ASX-listed Artemis Resources Ltd to acquire a 41% interest in the Munni Munni palladium project in Pilbara, Australia. Should the acquisition be completed, the Company will pay consideration of £950,000 through the issue of 95 million shares at a price of 1p per share.

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic is considered to be a non-adjusting event. As outlined in Note 2.4, the Group is continuing to report on a going concern basis, and whilst this may cause difficulty in raising further funding, has not had a material impact on the Group. The unknown length of the outbreak is a source of uncertainty and the Board will continue to monitor events and to provide updates as the situation develops.

**ENDS**