Oracle Power Regulatory News (ORCP)

30 September 2013

ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC

("Oracle" or the "Company" or the "Group")

UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE 6 MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2013

Oracle Coalfields PLC (AIM:ORCP), the developer of a lignite mineral property located in the south-eastern desert of Sindh Province, Pakistan, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2013.

Period Operational Highlights

· Environmental and Social Impact Assessment submitted to Sindh Government

· The Prefeasibility Study for a mine mouth power plant updated

Post Period Events

· Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed with China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd (CAMCE) for the development of a coal mine and power plant

Shahrukh Khan, CEO of Oracle, said, "The signing, last week, of the JDA with CAMCE, was a significant development for Oracle.

"We will be working with our Chinese partners to secure the debt financing for the project with the target to develop the mine and power plant in the second half of 2014 followed by initial coal production in 2015."

For further information:

Oracle Coalfields PLC +44 (0) 203 102 4807

Shahrukh Khan

Blythe Weigh Communications +44 (0) 207 138 3204

Tim Blythe, Halimah Hussain

Peterhouse Corporate Finance +44 (0)20 7220 9791

Charles Goodfellow

Grant Thornton UK LLP +44 (0) 207 373 5100

Salmaan Khawaja, David Hignell, Jamie Barklem

In accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies, a copy of this announcement will be made available on Oracle's website at: www.oraclecoalfields.com

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE 6 MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2013

Chairman's Statement

I am pleased to present the Company's results for the six months to the 30th June 2013.

The Company successfully raised £934,000 (gross) by the issue of new shares in the first quarter of 2013. This money is being used to continue project development, particularly to complete the necessary environmental studies and to progress negotiations with prospective contractors and strategic partners. 

At the AGM in May 2013 shareholders approved a further increase in share capital of 200 million shares, but the motion to set aside the pre-emption rights assigned to existing shareholders under the Companies Act 2006 did not receive the required 75 per cent majority. 

After an orderly national election in Pakistan in May 2013, there was a peaceful transition to a new government which has reiterated its support for the continued development of a free market economy and for our Thar coalfield project in particular.

Operational update pre and post interim results

The main activity in this period was the finalisation of the environmental studies on the mine site and the submission of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in April 2013 for approval which is expected in the final quarter of 2013. The Company also attended a Public Hearing at the Block VI site arranged by SEPA. The Public Hearing was attended by local stakeholders mainly consisting of local communities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The Public Hearing was followed by a Technical Committee Meeting with SEPA. Overall, the Company believes that there are no major impediments in progressing the project.

The Prefeasibility Study for a mine mouth power plant prepared in 2012 by Mott MacDonald UK was updated in the second quarter of 2013 to take into account the cost plus coal pricing mechanism announced by the Coal & Energy Development Department, Government of Sindh at the end of 2012.

We continue to work closely with the Thar Coal and Energy Board and the local communities in preparation for project implementation.

Summary of Results

As expected for a mining company at our stage of development our financial results for the six months to the 30 June 2013 show an operational loss for Oracle Coalfields PLC Group of Companies after taxation of £288,499 (2012: £408,423). At the period end, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of £296,009 (2012: £274,429) and total assets less current liabilities of £4,130,546 (2012: £3,818,160). The basic loss per share was 0.11p (2012: loss 0.19p).

Funding Requirements

As mentioned above, during the first quarter a further issue of equity was made in order to fund the company in 2013 and to settle a number of outstanding charges for finalisation of the feasibility study work on the mine. A total of 62,282,707 shares were issued at a price of 1.5p and raised a total of £934,000 (gross). Within this total 4,934,373 shares were subscribed by the Directors and Management of the Company.

As commented previously, the Board anticipates that it will be necessary to raise additional funds to meet the demands of working capital in preparing for the realisation of the Thar Coal project as mentioned below. The Board will revert to shareholders with a proposal in due course.

Looking Ahead

The first half of the year also saw a change of government in Pakistan. Following democratic elections, the new government of Nawaz Sharif came to power. The new government remains steadfast in dealing with the country's energy crisis, evident by addressing the country's circular debt issue with payments to the power generation companies. That said, the new government is keen to assist your Company in the development of the coal mine and power project and provides support, which is further evident by the government's representative at the Pakistan Embassy to China attending the signing of the Joint-Development agreement in Beijing, China as announced on 24 September 2013 and as mentioned below.

Post Balance Sheet events

A General Meeting of the Company was held in August 2013 and adjourned with a briefing to the shareholders on the progress of the Thar coalfield project.

As announced on 24 September 2013, Oracle signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd (CAMCE) for the development of its coal mine and power plant project. CAMCE is a subsidiary of China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH), which is a major Chinese state-owned enterprise. The JDA, which will remain in place for a period of two years from 24 September 2013, includes a package of financial and construction measures; highlights include:

· CAMCE will assist Oracle in seeking the debt financing which is likely to come from Chinese banks for the construction of the mine and power plant and the capital expenditure shall be underwritten by SINOSURE, the Chinese export and credit insurance corporation.

· Debt will be used to finance up to two thirds of construction costs.

· Subject to a competitive price being agreed, CAMCE and Oracle will sign an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for coal and power plant project under which it is expected:

o Mine and power plant development will commence in the second half of 2014,

o Production at the open pit mining operation will start in 2015; and

o The power plant will have a production capacity of 300 Mega Watts.

The Board extends its appreciation to the Coal & Energy Development, Sindh Coal Authority and Government of Sindh for their continued support. The Board also continues to be grateful for the patience and support of our shareholders.

Adrian Loader

Chairman of the Board

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

6 months to 6 months to Year ended

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

£ £ £

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue - - -

Administrative expenses (290,310) (409,548) (743,663)

OPERATING LOSS (290,310) (409,548) (743,663)

Finance costs - - -

Finance income 1,811 1,125 1,864

LOSS BEFORE TAX (288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

Tax - - -

LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

Loss attributable to:

Owners of the parent (288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

Non-controlling interests - - -

(288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

Earnings per share:

Basic loss per share (0.11p) (0.19p) (0.35p)

Diluted loss per share (0.10p) (0.17p) (0.33p)

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

6 months to 6 months to Year ended

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

£ £ £

LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Exchange difference arising on consolidation 6,820 (5,093) (10,742)

Income tax relating to components of other

comprehensive income - - -

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE PERIOD, NET OF INCOME TAX 6,820 (5,093) (10,742)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE PERIOD (281,679) (413,516) (752,541)

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the parent (281,679) (413,516) (752,541)

Non-controlling interests - - -

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 JUNE 2013

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

As at As at As at

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

Notes £ £ £

ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets 3,939,993 3,511,018 3,672,424

Property, plant and equipment 1,629 2,207 1,816

Loans and other financial instruments 60,910 61,427 60,149

4,002,532 3,574,652 3,734,389

CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables 47,584 49,918 52,016

Cash and cash equivalents 296,009 274,429 99,592

343,593 324,347 151,608

TOTAL ASSETS 4,346,125 3,898,999 3,885,997

EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Called up share capital 4 278,294 214,211 216,011

Share premium 6,898,709 6,029,702 6,070,418

Share scheme reserve 63,070 63,070 63,070

Translation reserve (12,369) (13,540) (19,189)

Retained earnings (3,113,187) (2,491,312) (2,824,688)

4,114,517 3,802,131 3,505,622

Non-controlling interest 16,029 16,029 16,029

TOTAL EQUITY 4,130,546 3,818,160 3,521,651

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 215,579 80,839 364,346

TOTAL LIABILITIES 215,579 80,839 364,346

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 4,346,125 3,898,999 3,885,997

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Share

Called up Retained Share scheme

share capital earnings premium reserve

£ £ £ £

Balance at 31 December 2011 214,211 (2,082,889) 6,029,702 63,070

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital - - - -

Total comprehensive income - (408,423) - -

Balance at 30 June 2012 214,211 (2,491,312) 6,029,702 63,070

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital 1,800 - 40,716 -

Total comprehensive income - (333,376) - -

Balance at 31 December 2012 216,011 (2,824,688) 6,070,418 63,070

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital 62,283 - 828,291 -

Total comprehensive income - (288,499) - -

Balance at 30 June 2013 278,294 (3,113,187) 6,898,709 63,070

Translation Non-controlling Total

reserve Total interest equity

£ £ £ £

Balance at 31 December 2011 (8,447) 4,215,647 16,029 4,231,676

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital - - - -

Total comprehensive income (5,093) (413,516) - (413,516)

Balance at 30 June 2012 (13,540) 3,802,131 16,029 3,818,160

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital - 42,516 - 42,516

Total comprehensive income (5,649) (339,025) - (339,025)

Balance at 31 December 2012 (19,189) 3,505,622 16,029 3,521,651

Changes in equity

Issue of share capital - 890,574 - 890,574

Total comprehensive income 6,820 (281,679) - (281,679)

Balance at 30 June 2013 (12,369) 4,114,517 16,029 4,130,546

CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

6 months to 6 months to Year ended

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

Notes £ £ £

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations 1 (482,820) (420,090) (446,246)

Exchange rate fluctuation on cash held 76 (579) (1,158)

Net cash from operating activities (482,744) (420,669) (447,404)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible fixed assets (235,435) (909,908) (1,100,872)

Purchase of tangible fixed assets - (414) (497)

Interest received 1,506 818 1,247

Net cash from investing activities (233,929) (909,504) (1,100,122)

Cash flows from financing activities

Share issue 956,908 - 42,667

Cost of share issue (43,818) - (151)

Net cash from financing activities 913,090 - 42,516

(Decrease)/Increase in cash

 and cash equivalents 196,417 (1,330,173) (1,505,010)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning

 of period 2 99,592 1,604,602 1,604,602

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 296,009 274,429 99,592

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

1. RECONCILIATION OF LOSS BEFORE TAX TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

6 months to 6 months to Year ended

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

£ £ £

Loss before tax (288,499) (408,423) (741,799)

Depreciation 83 - 166

Finance income (1,811) (1,125) (1,864)

(290,227) (409,548) (743,497)

(Increase)/Decrease in trade and

 other receivables (17,779) 41,660 39,872

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and

 other payables (174,814) (52,202) 257,379

Cash generated from operations (482,820) (420,090) (446,246)

2. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The amounts disclosed on the cash flow statement in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of the statement of financial position amounts:

Period ended 30 June 2013

(Unaudited) (Audited)

As at As at

30 June 2013 31 Dec 2012

£ £

Cash and cash equivalents 296,009 99,592

Period ended 30 June 2012

(Unaudited) (Audited)

As at As at

30 June 2012 31 Dec 2011

£ £

Cash and cash equivalents 274,429 1,604,602

Period ended 31 December 2012

(Audited) (Audited)

As at As at

31 Dec 2012 31 Dec 2011

£ £

Cash and cash equivalents 99,592 1,604,602

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in hand and balances with banks.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNAUDITED RESULTS

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

1. INFORMATION

These interim consolidated financial statements for the six month period ended 30 June 2013 have been prepared using the historical cost convention, on a going concern basis and in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") including IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and IFRS 6 ' Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources', as adopted by the European Union ("EU"). They have also been prepared on a basis consistent with the accounting policies expected to be applied for the year ending 31 December 2013, and which are also consistent with the accounting policies applied for the year ended 31 December 2012 except for the adoption of new standards and interpretations.

These interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2013 are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2012 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and filed at Companies House and the auditors' report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement made under Section 498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Reporting entity

Oracle Coalfields PLC is a company domiciled in United Kingdom. The address of the Company's registered office is Richmond House, Broad Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4AH. The Company primarily is involved in the exploration for coal.

Compliance with accounting standards

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year and the amounts reported for assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. However, the nature of estimation means that the actual outcomes could differ from those estimates.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are the measurement of any impairment on intangible assets and the estimation of share-based payment costs. The Company determines whether there is any impairment of intangible assets on an annual basis. The estimation of share-based payment costs requires the selection of an appropriate model, consideration as to the inputs necessary for the valuation model chosen and the estimation of the number of awards that will ultimately vest.

Intangible fixed assets - exploration costs

Expenditure on the acquisition costs, exploration and evaluation of interests in licences including related overheads are capitalised. Such costs are carried forward in the statement of financial position under intangible assets and amortised over the minimum period of the expected commercial production of coal in respect of each area of interest where:

a) such costs are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploration of the area of interest or alternatively by its sale;

b) exploration activities have not yet reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves and active operations in relation to the areas are continuing.

An annual impairment review is carried out by the directors to consider whether any exploration or development costs have suffered impairment in value where a site has been abandoned or confirmed as no longer technically feasible. Accumulated costs in respect of areas of interest that have been abandoned are written off to the income statement in the year in which the area is abandoned.

Exploration costs are carried at cost less any provision from impairment.

Property, plant and equipment

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Motor vehicles - 20% on reducing balance

Computer equipment - 30% on reducing balance

Investments

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost. The investments are reviewed annually and any impairment is taken directly to the income statement.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the balance sheet when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Taxation

Current taxes are based on the results shown in the financial statements and are calculated according to local tax rules, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted by the statement of financial position date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the statement of financial position date.

Foreign currencies

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the statement of financial position date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.

Profit and losses of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into sterling at the average rate for the year. The statements of financial position of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated at the rate ruling at the statement of financial position date. Differences arising from the translation of Group investments in overseas subsidiary undertakings are recognised as a separate component of equity.

Net exchange differences classified as equity are separated tracked and the cumulative amount disclosed as a translation reserve.

The principal place of business of the Group is the United Kingdom with sterling being the functional currency. Funds are advanced to Pakistan as required to finance the exploration costs which are payable in Rupees.

Share-based payment transactions

Where equity settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the income statement over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of all options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition.

Where terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the income statement over the remaining vesting period.

Where equity instruments are granted to persons other than employees, the income statement or share premium account if appropriate, are charged with the fair value of goods and services received.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the cash flow statement comprise cash and bank balances.

3. LOSS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 270,379,330 (30 June 2012 - 214,211,000 and 31 December 2012 - 214,504,260) outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of 283,910,514 (30 June 2012 - 236,841,000 and 31 December 2012 - 228,035,444) adjusted to assume the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

4. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 31 Dec 2012

£ £ £

Allotted, called up and fully paid

278,293,707 Ordinary shares of 1p each 278,294 214,211 216,011

The number of shares in issue was as follows:

Number

of shares

Balance as 31 December 2011 214,211,000

Issued during the period -

Balance at 30 June 2012 214,211,000

Issued during the period 1,800,000

Balance at 31 December 2012 216,011,000

Issued during the period 62,282,707

Balance at 30 June 2013 278,293,707