Blencowe Resources: Aspiring to become one of the largest graphite producers in the world. Watch the video here.

Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Pin to quick picksOxus Gold Plc Regulatory News (OXS)

  • There is currently no data for OXS

Watchlists are a member only feature

Login to your account

Alerts are a premium feature

Login to your account

Final Results

29 May 2015 07:00

RNS Number : 5658O
Oxus Gold PLC
29 May 2015
 

Oxus Gold Plc

 

Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2014

 

29 May 2015

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

During the year under review, your Company continued to progress the UNCITRAL arbitration claim for the misappropriation by the Uzbek Government of both the Khandiza and Amantaytau Goldfields mining/exploration assets in Uzbekistan. The Tribunal hearing took place in Paris during April and May 2014.

 

 We initially hoped for a decision by the Tribunal with regard to both the merits and quantum of the claim by December 2014. I fully understand and share the frustration of shareholders at the lack of information the Company can make available to shareholders. Strict confidentiality rules govern this arbitration and heavily restrict any information which the Company is allowed to disseminate to its shareholders. It is therefore critical that the Company does not in any way breach any of the confidentiality rules pertaining to the regulations governing our claim.

 

We will continue to convey decisions on the progress and status of the arbitration when and to the extent that we can.

 

I confirm that your Company has made provision, should it be necessary, to access working capital to continue operating through this uncertain period.

 

Your directors remain confident that the outcome of the Arbitration will in due course enable all stakeholders to receive fair compensation for the blatant misappropriation of the Company's mining and exploration assets in Uzbekistan.

 

It is with sadness that I confirm that despite exploring every avenue available, your Company has not been able to secure the release from prison of Mr Said Ashurov who remains in jail in Uzbekistan on what the Company considers to be an unjust and improper conviction for seeking to remove allegedly classified information from the country.

 

I would like to thank my fellow director, management, staff, professional advisers and past employees for all their hard work and support during the past twelve months.

 

 

Richard Shead

Executive Chairman

 

28 May 2015

 

 

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

The directors present their strategic report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014.

 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND REVIEW OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

During the period under review, the principal activities of the Company and its subsidiary companies ("the Group") comprised the investment in Amantaytau Goldfields ("AGF") in Uzbekistan.

 

The Group has been unable to manage the operational affairs of AGF from January 2011 and a declaration of force majeure was made in March 2011. Since 31 August 2011 the Group has been engaged in international UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings against the Uzbek Government in order to seek appropriate compensation for the loss of its investment in AGF and for the loss of the Khandiza base metals project in 2006. In September 2012 the Group submitted its detailed Statement of Claim to the Arbitral Tribunal and the hearing by the Tribunal took place at the end of April and the beginning of May 2014.

 

Pursuant to the arbitral hearing final submissions have been presented to the Arbitral Tribunal and the Group currently awaits the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal with regards to both the merits and the quantum of the claim.

 

No operating activities are currently being undertaken.

 

RESULTS

 

The Group reports a loss for the year of $3.03 million (0.59 cents per share loss) against a loss of $4.58 million (1.01 cents per share loss) for the year ended 31 December 2013. The loss is after deducting arbitration expenses of $0.48 million (2013: $2.14 million) and financial expenses of $1.07 million (2013: $1.30 million).

 

Total Group assets decreased to $74.98 million (2013: $75.47 million) including cash and cash equivalents of $0.71 million (2013: $0.82 million).

 

CLASSIFICATION OF INVESTMENTS IN AGF

 

For the years ended 31 December 2014 and 2013 the Group has accounted for the investment in AGF as an available-for-sale financial asset under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, to reflect the loss of joint control over the investment triggered by the declaration of force majeure in March 2011.

 

PROGRESS OF ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS

 

During the year ended 31 December 2014 management has continued to pursue the arbitration proceedings seeking compensation for the Group in respect of the Amantaytau Goldfields ("AGF") and Khandiza mining assets in Uzbekistan. There are no other operating activities currently being undertaken by the Group.

 

The Group's ability to continue with the arbitration process has been significantly strengthened through financial support being provided by a litigation funding agreement and equity financing agreement.

 

The Group currently awaits the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal with regards to both the merits and the quantum of the claim.

 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

Details of the Group's policies towards financial risk management and its capital structure are disclosed in note 25 to the Financial Statements. The Group's principal risks are summarised in the going concern section below and further details given in notes 1 and 25 of the Financial Statements.

 

GOING CONCERN

 

The Group declared force majeure in March 2011 with regard to AGF and is seeking appropriate compensation through international arbitration. The Group has also included the loss of the Khandiza base metals project in 2006 within the proceedings. Compensation sought from the proceedings exceeds the book value of the AGF and Khandiza assets. However, the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets remains dependent on the outcome of the proceedings, which is uncertain (see notes 13, 15 and 16).

 

In July 2011 the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan brought a claim of $10.84 million against the Company in respect of the AGF Phase 2 Project Development Fund (the "Fund") and obtained a judgment in its favour in the Uzbek courts, which it sought to enforce in the English courts. The parties have now agreed that all proceedings in this UK court action will be stayed until after the Arbitral Tribunal has rendered its final award in the arbitral proceedings, or the arbitration is finally discontinued or disposed of. The Fund is disclosed as a contingent liability within the financial statements (see note 28).

 

In May 2008 the Company issued convertible loan notes (the "Notes") in the principal amount of $18.5 million which were repayable, if not converted, in May 2010. In January 2010 the Notes were restructured such that they are convertible at 12p per share, earn interest at UK LIBOR + 3% per annum, and were repayable, if not converted, in May 2013. In November 2010 $3.0 million in principal amount of Notes were converted. In July 2012 the Notes were further restructured such that the repayment date has been amended to the earlier of 14 December 2015, or the date on which the proceeds of an award, settlement or other realisation for value of the rights in the arbitral proceedings are received by the Company, or 60 calendar days from the date on which the proceedings conclude or terminate or a settlement is reached, in each case where no payment is receivable by the Company. The loan note holders have also agreed that interest payable under the Notes and falling due on or after 6 July 2012 shall accrue but remain unpaid, and be convertible at the option of the loan note holder at the average closing middle market price of the Company's ordinary shares for each separate 6 month interest period to which that portion of interest relates. In the year ended 31 December 2014 a further $2.5 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company. Additionally accrued interest amounting to $0.21 million was also converted into equity shares of the Company pursuant to the above arrangement. The Notes are disclosed as a current liability (see note 21). Since the year-end a further $1.0 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company and a further amount of accrued interest of $0.76 million was also converted into equity.

 

During the year the Company continued to draw funds through its Equity Financing Facility ("EFF") with Darwin Strategic Limited ("Darwin"). In the year to 31 December 2014 a further 39,877,817 ordinary shares were issued to Darwin raising $1.27 million. In January 2015 a further 12,622,672 ordinary shares amounts were issued to Darwin raising $0.4 million. On 28 January 2015 the facility was terminated by mutual agreement.

 

During the year the Company continued to receive the benefit of funding from a litigation support fund the repayment of which is contingent upon a successful outcome to the Company's dispute with the Uzbekistan Government. Amounts drawn under this arrangement at 31 December 2014 were $6.0 million (2013: £5.1 million). The Company continues to have complete control over the conduct of the proceedings, and continues to have the right to negotiate a settlement, discontinue proceedings, pursue the proceedings to trial and take any action considered appropriate to enforce judgment. The Company has given certain warranties and covenants to the funder and has agreed to pay to the funder a material portion of any final settlement of the arbitration claim. Such payment will only be payable upon a final settlement of the claim and the amount of payment is dependent upon a number of variables including the value of any settlement and the length of time taken to reach a settlement.

 

At 31 December 2014, the Group's cash resources stood at approximately $0.71 million (2013: $0.82million).

 

The future of the Group and its principal activities remain materially uncertain depending on the outcome of the dispute with the Uzbek Government. Therefore a material uncertainty exists which may cast significant doubt on the Company and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of the business. Once the outcome is known, it is currently the intention of the directors to consult the Company's shareholders as to the future direction of the Group's activities. Nevertheless after making enquiries and considering the uncertainties described above, and noting that the Group has benefitted from litigation funding and an equity financing facility, the directors have an expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

 

 

 

 

Richard Shead

Director

28 May 2015

 

 

DIRECTORS' REPORT

 

The directors present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014.

 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND REVIEW OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

During the period under review, the principal activities of the Company and its subsidiary companies ("the Group") comprised the investment in Amantaytau Goldfields ("AGF") in Uzbekistan.

 

The Group has been unable to manage the operational affairs of AGF from January 2011 and a declaration of force majeure was made in March 2011. Since 31 August 2011 the Group has been engaged in international UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings against the Uzbek Government in order to seek appropriate compensation for the loss of its investment in AGF and for the loss of the Khandiza base metals project in 2006. In September 2012 the Group submitted its detailed Statement of Claim to the Arbitral Tribunal and the hearing by the Tribunal took place in April and May 2014.

 

Pursuant to the arbitral hearing final submissions have been presented to the Arbitral Tribunal and the Group currently awaits the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal with regards to both the merits and the quantum of the claim.

 

No operating activities are currently being undertaken.

 

Further information is provided within the Strategic Report on page 3.

 

The Company's shares are quoted on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange.

 

RESULTS AND DIVIDEND

 

The results for the year are set out in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

The directors are not recommending the payment of a dividend in respect of the year under review (2013: $nil).

 

CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

 

During the year the Company issued 58,211,003 new ordinary shares, comprising 39,877,817 ordinary shares to Darwin Strategic Limited in respect of the Equity Finance Facility, 474,816 ordinary shares to professional advisers of the Company in lieu of fees, 13,020,833 ordinary shares to the holders of $2.5 million of loan notes converted in the year, and 4,837,537 ordinary shares in respect of converted interest on the loan notes.

 

Since the year-end a further 39,718,100 new ordinary shares have been issued, comprising 12,622,672 ordinary shares in respect of the Equity Finance Facility, 158,820 ordinary shares in respect of advisers, 5,208,333 ordinary shares to the holders of $1.0 million of loan notes on conversion and 21,728,275 ordinary shares in respect of converted interest on the loan notes.

 

As at 28 May 2015 the total number of shares in issue was 574,658,246.

 

DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS

 

The directors who served during the year were:

 

Richard B Shead Executive Chairman

Oliver C Prior Non-executive

 

On 28 May 2015 the directors' interests in the equity share capital of the Company were:

 

 

Ordinary Shares

Options over Ordinary Shares

 

Number

Number

 

 

 

Richard B Shead

10,944,519

3,000,000

Oliver C Prior

1,151,068

250,000

 

In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association at least one third of the directors must retire by rotation at each Annual General Meeting, and they may stand for re-appointment at the Meeting. Additionally, a director appointed during the year must stand for re-appointment at the first Annual General Meeting after such appointment. Accordingly the director retiring by rotation is Oliver C. Prior and, being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Details of the Company's share capital are disclosed in note 19 to the Financial Statements.

 

On 28 May 2015 the Company has been informed of the following holdings of 3% or more in the Company's issued share capital:

 

 

Number of shares

Percentage of the Company's issued Share Capital

A F Gibbons

42,092,132

7.32%

RAB Special Situations (Master) Fund Limited

27,034,965

4.70%

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION

 

The directors recognise the value of the UK Corporate Governance Code ("the Code") and whilst under AIM rules full compliance is not required, the directors believe that the Company applies the recommendations insofar as is practicable and appropriate for a public company of its size. The board is assisted in this regard by an Audit and Independence Committee and a Remuneration and Nominations Committee, both of which are represented by Oliver Prior, the only non-executive director. Mr Prior liaises as appropriate with the Executive Chairman of the Company and with the external auditor.

 

Details of the directors' remuneration are shown in note 8 to the Financial Statements.

 

EMPLOYEE CONSULTATION

 

The Group places considerable value on the involvement of its employees and has continued to keep them informed on matters affecting them as employees and on the various factors affecting the performance of the Group. This is achieved through formal and informal meetings and employee representatives are consulted regularly on a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests. The Group also operates an employee share option scheme.

 

The Group is committed to providing equal opportunity for individuals in all aspects of employment. The Group gives every consideration to applications for employment by disabled persons where the requirements of the job may be adequately filled by a disabled person. Where existing employees become disabled, it is the Group's policy wherever practicable to provide continuing employment under similar terms and conditions and to provide training, career development and promotion wherever appropriate.

 

DIRECTORS' INDEMNITY

 

The Company has indemnified the directors and other officers of the Company against qualifying liabilities in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

 

GOING CONCERN

 

Going concern is discussed within the Strategic report on page 3 and in note 1.

 

POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

 

Dispute with the Uzbek Government

 

The dispute with the Uzbek Government is ongoing and the Company awaits the outcome of the international arbitration proceedings. For more detail please refer to note 1.

 

Since the year-end $1.0 million of convertible loan notes and $0.76 million of accrued interest have been converted into equity,

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

The Company's fifteenth Annual General Meeting will be held at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, 5 Curzon Street, London W1J 5HE on 30 June 2015 at 11.00 a.m.

 

AUDITOR

 

Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this annual report confirms that:

 

· so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware; and

· the director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.

 

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

 

 

 

Richard Wilkins

Company Secretary

28 May 2015

 

 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and have also elected to prepare the parent Company financial statements in accordance with those standards. Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and Company for that period. The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on AIM. In preparing these financial statements the Directors are required to:

 

· select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

· make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

· state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

· prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company and the Group will continue in business.

 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's and Group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the Annual Report and Financial Statements are made available on a website.

 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements and other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. The Directors' responsibility also extends to ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

1. the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

2. the management report, which is incorporated into the Strategic Report, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

 

 

By order of the Board

 

 

 

Richard Shead

Executive Chairman

 

28 May 2015

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OXUS GOLD PLC

 

We have audited the financial statements of Oxus Gold plc for the year ended 31 December 2014 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor

 

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors. Because of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph, however, we were not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion.

 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

 

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group's and the parent Company's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the FRC's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

 

Basis for disclaimer of opinion on financial statements

 

The audit evidence available to us was limited due to restrictions placed on the scope of our work as a result of the on-going legal dispute between the Uzbekistan Government and Oxus Gold Plc.

 

As a result we did not have access to the financial records and management of Amantaytau Goldfields ("AGF"), the joint venture through which the Group has conducted its operations in Uzbekistan, and have been unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in the Group financial statements concerning:

 

· the carrying value of the $42.2 million AGF available-for-sale investments as at 31 December 2014; and

· the Group's share of any profit or loss generated in 2011 by AGF prior to the date joint control was lost in March 2011, noting that the financial statements include a figure of $nil for this period as the Group did not have access to the necessary financial records.

· the existence of the Group's drill rig held in the possession of AGF, which has a carrying value of $1.3 million;

 

In addition, as shown in note 15 to the financial statements, the Company's AGF investment has been shown net of a liability previously imposed against the Group, and upheld in the Uzbekistan courts in 2010, in respect of the AGF Phase II development fund. The carrying value of this liability at 31 December 2013 was $10.8 million and is disclosed as a contingent liability in note 28 to the financial statements The Uzbekistan Government has brought this case before the United Kingdom (UK) courts to enforce the ruling obtained in Uzbekistan but the action has been stayed pending the outcome of the international arbitration detailed in note 1.The directors are unable to provide evidence as to whether the Group has been formally released from this liability. We have been unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence as to whether the Company has been released from liability and accordingly whether the accounting treatment adopted by the Company as outlined above is in accordance with IFRS.

 

In addition in 2011 the Group has reversed a previous impairment provision of $28.5 million, relating to its investment in the Khandiza base metals project ("Khandiza"), as the related costs are included in the arbitration proceedings referred to above. The directors are unable to provide evidence of any indication that the conditions that triggered this impairment loss no longer exist and accordingly we believe that it should not have been reversed. This would reduce net assets by $28.5 million.

 

As a result of the above, we are unable to form an opinion on the carrying value of the investment in subsidiaries and loans due from AGF included within the Company balance sheet. The carrying value of these assets at 31 December 2014 was $72.8 million and $4.2 million respectively.

 

Disclaimer of opinion on financial statements

 

Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion on Financial Statements paragraph, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion. Accordingly we do not express an opinion on the financial statements.

 

Emphases of matter - going concern and recoverability of assets

 

Notwithstanding our disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements, we draw your attention to the disclosures made in note 1 to the financial statements in relation to going concern and the Company's ability to recover asset values depending on the outcome of the international arbitration described below.

 

During early 2011 the Group ceased operations in Uzbekistan and, in March 2011, declared force majeure in respect of its management obligations towards the AGF joint venture in that country. The Company subsequently entered into international arbitration with the Uzbekistan Government on 31 August 2011 asserting that the Uzbekistan Government has violated the terms of the 1993 Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Uzbekistan and the case is ongoing. At present the directors of the Company believe it is not possible to estimate reliably the outcome of the arbitration and the extent to which certain assets related to its investment in Uzbekistan may be recoverable. As disclosed in note 1, the Company is seeking compensation for the loss of its investments in AGF and Khandiza. Depending on the outcome of the arbitration the Group and Company may not be able to recover fully the carrying value of mining properties of $30.5 million, and the $42.2 million AGF available-for-sale investment as at 31 December 2011 (which is net of the $10.8 million liability related to the AGF development fund which may become due and payable). The carrying value of mining properties represents $28.5 million in respect of Khandiza and $2.0 million relating to other mining expenditure in Uzbekistan incurred by the Group. In addition, the parent company may not be able to recover fully its investments of $75.7 million and loans due from AGF of $4.2 million.

 

In July 2011, the Group submitted a claim to its insurers regarding the drill rig, with a carrying value of $1.3 million at 31 December 2014, held in the possession of AGF. Depending on the outcome of the claim, the Group may not be able to recover fully the value of the drill rig.

 

The Group's and the Company's abilities to continue as a going concern are dependent upon a favourable outcome of the international arbitration without which they may not be able to settle their liabilities as they fall due during the twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. These conditions, along with other matters explained in note 1 to the financial statements, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group and Company were unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

 

Notwithstanding our disclaimer of an opinion on the financial statements, in our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

 

Arising from the limitations on our work referred to above:

· we were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records have been kept;

· we have not obtained all the information and explanations that we require for our audit; and

· adequate returns for our audit have not been received from the AGF investment, which has not been visited by us.

 

Other than as disclosed above, we have nothing further to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

· adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company; or

· the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

· certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made.

 

 

Stephen Bullock (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of

Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

 

St Bride's House10 Salisbury SquareLondon EC4Y 8EH, UK

 

28 May 2015

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

 

Notes

Year ended

31 December 2014

US$000

Year ended

31 December 2013

US$000

 

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

 

(1,492)

(1,492)

 

 

-

-

Exceptional items:

9

 

 

Arbitration expenses

 

(474)

(2,135)

Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment

 

-

297

 

 

 

 

Total administrative expenses

 

(1,966)

(3,330)

 

 

 

 

Other operating income

 

-

45

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

6

(1,966)

(3,285)

 

 

 

 

Financial expense

10

(1,065)

(1,295)

 

 

 

 

Loss before tax

 

(3,031)

(4,580)

 

 

 

 

Taxation

11

-

-

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year and total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

(3,031)

(4,580)

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share (US cents)

12

(0.59)

(1.01)

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share (US cents)

12

(0.59)

(1.01)

 

 

All amounts related to continued operations.

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

As at

31 December 2014

As at

31 December 2013

 

Notes

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

Mining properties

13

30,538

30,538

Property, plant and equipment

14

1,296

1,528

Available-for-sale investments

15

42,245

42,245

Total non-current assets

 

74,079

74,311

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

17

194

335

Cash and cash equivalents

18

708

821

Total current assets

 

902

1,156

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

74,981

75,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

23

6,452

6,073

Loans and borrowings

21

16,445

1,026

Total current liabilities

 

22,897

7,099

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

Loans and borrowings

21

-

17,530

Total non-current liabilities

 

-

17,530

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

22,897

24,629

 

 

 

 

Total net assets

 

52,084

50,838

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Share capital

19

8,842

7,891

Share premium

 

121,559

118,519

Capital reserve

 

26,810

26,524

Merger reserve

 

34,929

34,929

Retained deficit

 

(140,056)

(137,025)

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

52,084

50,838

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

These financial statements were authorised for issue and approved by the board of Oxus Gold plc, registered in England and Wales No. 4056219, on 28 May 2015 and signed on their behalf by:

 

 

 

______________________

Richard Shead

Executive Chairman

 

 

 

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

 

As at

31 December 2014

As at

31 December 2013

 

Notes

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

14

-

-

Investment in subsidiaries

16

75,726

75,726

Loans due from AGF

17

4,248

4,248

Total non-current assets

 

79,974

79,974

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

Trade and other receivables

17

858

849

Cash and cash equivalents

18

642

800

 

 

1,500

1,649

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

81,474

81,623

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Amounts due to Group undertakings

24

48,396

48,726

Loans and borrowings

21

15,529

-

Trade and other payables

23

6,184

5,798

Total current liabilities

 

70,109

54,524

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

Loans and borrowings

21

-

17,530

Total non-current liabilities

 

-

17,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

70,109

72,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net assets

 

11,365

9,569

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Share capital

19

8,842

7,891

Share premium

 

121,559

118,519

Capital reserve

 

5,377

5,091

Retained deficit

 

(124,413)

(121,932)

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

11,365

9,569

 

 

 

 

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

These financial statements were authorised for issue and approved by the board of Oxus Gold plc, registered in England and Wales No. 4056219, on 28 May 2015 and signed on their behalf by:

 

 

 

 

_______________________

Richard Shead

Executive Chairman

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

 

Year ended

31 December

Year ended

31 December

 

 

2014

2013

 

Notes

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Loss before tax for the year

 

(3,031)

(4,580)

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

14

232

237

Finance costs

 

994

1,210

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital

 

(1,805)

(3,133)

 

 

 

 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

 

140

(102)

Increase in trade and other payables

 

379

2,157

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(1,286)

(1,078)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issue of share capital

 

1,384

1,008

Share issue expenses

 

(102)

(17)

Repayment of obligations under finance lease

 

(109)

(59)

Interest paid

 

-

(76)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

1,173

856

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(113)

(222)

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

821

1,043

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

18

708

821

 

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

 

 

Year ended

31 December

Year ended

31 December

 

 

2014

2013

 

Notes

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Loss before tax for the year

 

(2,481)

(4,400)

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

Finance costs

 

994

1,210

Depreciation

14

-

6

Cash flow used in operating activities before changes in working capital

 

(1,487)

(3,184)

 

 

 

 

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

 

35

(23)

Decrease in amounts due to subsidiary undertakings

 

286

59

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

 

(274)

1,979

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(1,440)

(1,169)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issue of share capital

 

1,384

1,008

Share issue expenses

 

(102)

(17)

Interest paid

 

-

-

Net cash used in financing activities

 

1,282

991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(158)

(178)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year

 

800

978

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year

18

642

800

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

 

Capital

 

 

Share

premium

Capital

reserve

Merger

reserve

Retained

deficit

Total

shareholders'

equity

 

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2013

7,343

118,076

26,238

34,929

(132,445)

54,141

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

(4,580)

(4,580)

Shares issued in the year

548

460

-

-

-

1,008

Share issue expenses

-

(17)

-

-

-

(17)

Equity-settled share-based payments

-

-

286

-

-

286

 

Balance at 31 December 2013

7,891

118,519

26,524

34,929

(137,025)

50,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

-

-

-

(3,031)

(3,031)

Shares issued in the year

951

3,142

-

-

-

4,093

Share issue expenses

-

(102)

-

-

-

(102)

Equity-settled share-based payments

-

-

286

-

-

286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2014

8,842

121,559

26,810

34,929

(140,056)

52,084

 

 

Share capital is the amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.

 

Share premium represents the excess of the amount subscribed for share capital over the nominal value of these shares net of share issue expenses.

 

Capital reserve represents the credit to equity in respect of share-based payments adjusted for foreign exchange movements together with reserves arising from the acquisition of minority interests, the capital proportion of convertible loans and historic adjustments arising from corporate reconstructions prior to the adoption of international accounting standards.

 

The merger reserve comprises gains arising from a Group corporate reconstruction in 2001.

 

Retained deficit represents the cumulative loss of the Group attributable to equity shareholders.

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

 

Capital

 

 

Share

premium

Capital

reserve

Retained

deficit

Total

shareholders'

equity

 

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2013

7,343

118,076

4,805

(117,532)

12,692

Total comprehensive loss for the year

-

-

-

(4,400)

(4,400)

Shares issued in the year

548

460

-

-

1,008

Share issue expenses

-

(17)

-

-

(17)

Equity-settled share-based payments

-

-

286

-

286

 

Balance at 31 December 2013

7,891

118,519

5,091

(121,932)

9,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

-

-

-

(2,481)

(2,481)

Shares issued in the year

951

3,142

-

-

4,093

Share issue expenses

-

(102)

-

-

(102

Equity-settled share-based payments

-

-

286

-

286

 

Balance at 31 December 2014

8,842

121,559

5,377

(124,413)

11,365

 

Share capital is the amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.

 

Share premium represents the excess of the amount subscribed for share capital over the nominal value of these shares net of share issue expenses.

 

Capital reserve represents the credit to equity in respect of share-based payments adjusted for foreign exchange movements together with reserves arising from the acquisition of minority interests, the capital proportion of convertible loans and historical adjustments arising from corporate reconstructions prior to the adoption of international accounting standards.

 

Retained deficit represents the cumulative loss of the Group attributable to equity shareholders.

 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

 

1. General information

 

Oxus Gold plc (the "Company") is a company incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006 and is quoted on AIM. The registered number is 4056219 and the address of the registered office is Prince Frederick House, 35-39 Maddox Street, London W1S 2PP. The Company's office and correspondence address is at 42 Upper Berkeley Street, London W1H 5QJ.The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Directors' Report and Financial Review.

These financial statements are presented in US Dollars which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 3.

 

Companies Act s408 exemption

The Company has taken advantage of the exemptions allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements. The Group loss for the year included a loss on ordinary activities after tax of $2,481,000 in respect of the Company (2013: $4,400,000). The Company had no other items of comprehensive income in the year (2013: $nil).

 

Going concern

 

The Group declared force majeure in March 2011 with regard to AGF and is seeking appropriate compensation through international arbitration. The Group has also included the loss of the Khandiza base metals project in 2006 within the proceedings. Compensation sought from the proceedings exceeds the book value of the AGF and Khandiza assets. However, the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets remains dependent on the outcome of the proceedings, which is uncertain (see notes 13, 15 and 16).

 

In July 2011 the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan brought a claim of $10.84 million against the Company in respect of the AGF Phase 2 Project Development Fund (the "Fund") and obtained a judgment in its favour in the Uzbek courts, which it sought to enforce in the English courts. The parties have now agreed that all proceedings in this UK court action will be stayed until after the Arbitral Tribunal has rendered its final award in the arbitral proceedings, or the arbitration is finally discontinued or disposed of. The Fund is disclosed as a contingent liability within the financial statements (see note 28).

 

In May 2008 the Company issued convertible loan notes (the "Notes") in the principal amount of $18.5 million which were repayable, if not converted, in May 2010. In January 2010 the Notes were restructured such that they are convertible at 12p per share, earn interest at UK LIBOR + 3% per annum, and were repayable, if not converted, in May 2013. In November 2010 $3.0 million in principal amount of Notes were converted. In July 2012 the Notes were further restructured such that the repayment date has been amended to the earlier of 14 December 2015, or the date on which the proceeds of an award, settlement or other realisation for value of the rights in the arbitral proceedings are received by the Company, or 60 calendar days from the date on which the proceedings conclude or terminate or a settlement is reached, in each case where no payment is receivable by the Company. The loan note holders have also agreed that interest payable under the Notes and falling due on or after 6 July 2012 shall accrue but remain unpaid, and be convertible at the option of the loan note holder at the average closing middle market price of the Company's ordinary shares for each separate 6 month interest period to which that portion of interest relates. In the year ended 31 December 2014 a further $2.5 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company. Additionally accrued interest amounting to $0.21 million was also converted into equity shares of the Company pursuant to the above arrangement. The Notes are disclosed as a current liability (see note 21). Since the year-end a further $1.0 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company and a further amount of accrued interest of $0.76 million was also converted into equity.

 

During the year the Company continued to draw funds through its Equity Financing Facility ("EFF") with Darwin Strategic Limited ("Darwin"). In the year to 31 December 2014 a further 39,877,817 ordinary shares were issued to Darwin raising $1.27 million. In January 2015 a further 12,622,672 ordinary shares amounts were issued to Darwin raising $0.4 million. On 28 January 2015 the facility was terminated by mutual agreement.

 

During the year the Company continued to receive the benefit of funding from a litigation support fund the repayment of which is contingent upon a successful outcome to the Company's dispute with the Uzbekistan Government. Amounts drawn under this arrangement at 31 December 2014 were $6.0 million (2013: £5.1 million). The Company continues to have complete control over the conduct of the proceedings, and continues to have the right to negotiate a settlement, discontinue proceedings, pursue the proceedings to trial and take any action considered appropriate to enforce judgment. The Company has given certain warranties and covenants to the funder and has agreed to pay to the funder a material portion of any final settlement of the arbitration claim. Such payment will only be payable upon a final settlement of the claim and the amount of payment is dependent upon a number of variables including the value of any settlement and the length of time taken to reach a settlement.

 

At 31 December 2014, the Group's cash resources stood at approximately $0.71 million (2013: $0.82million).

 

The future of the Group and its principal activities remain materially uncertain depending on the outcome of the dispute with the Uzbek Government. Therefore a material uncertainty exists which may cast significant doubt on the Company and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of the business. Once the outcome is known, it is currently the intention of the directors to consult the Company's shareholders as to the future direction of the Group's activities. Nevertheless after making enquiries and considering the uncertainties described above, and noting that the Group has benefitted from litigation funding and an equity financing facility, the directors have an expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

 

2. Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

 

Changes to accounting policies since the last period

 

The following standards, interpretations and amendments, issued by the IASB or the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), are both relevant and effective for the first time in the current financial year and have been adopted by the Group with no significant impact on its consolidated results or financial position for the current reporting period:

 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2010-2012 Cycle) - Minor amendments to various accounting standards, effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 onwards.

 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2011-2013 Cycle) - Minor amendments to various accounting standards, effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 onwards.

 

IFRS 10 'Consolidated Financial Statements'.

 

IFRS 12 'Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities'.

 

Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 'Consolidated Financial Statements, Joint Arrangements and Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: Transition Guidance'.

 

Management are also assessing the following standards, which are not a full list of those coming into effect, for the impact on the Group:

 

IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2018). This standard has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with Customers' (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2017). This standard has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure Initiative (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2016). This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2016). This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2016). This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (effective date for accounting periods from 1 January 2016). This amendment has not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2010-2012 Cycle) Minor amendments to various accounting standards, effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014 onwards. These amendments have not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2011-2013 Cycle) Minor amendments to various accounting standards, effective for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014 onwards. These amendments have not yet been endorsed for use in the EU.

 

The other standards not yet in effect will have no material impact on the Group or Company.

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

(a) Basis of accounting

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.

 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain assets and financial instruments. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for the assets. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

 

The following subsidiary undertakings have been consolidated within the financial statements:

 

Subsidiary

Country of incorporation

Holding

Operations

Oxus Holdings (Malta) Limited

Malta

100%

Holding company

Marakand Minerals Limited

Guernsey

100%

Khandiza project, Uzbekistan

The following companies are subsidiary undertakings of Oxus Holdings (Malta) Limited:

 

 

 

Oxus Resources Corporation Ltd

Malta

100%

Holding company

Oxus Mining Supplies Limited

Isle of Man

100%

Procurement of goods and services

The following companies are a subsidiary or joint venture undertaking of Oxus Resources Corporation Ltd:

 

 

 

Oxus Services Limited

England

100%

Managerial and technical services

Amantaytau Goldfields AO

Uzbekistan

50%

Mining operations

 

 

(b) Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) (together the "Group") made up to 31 December each period. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

 

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately from the Group's equity. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the non-controlling interest's share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.

 

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group. All intra group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

 

(c) Joint venture entities

 

A joint venture entity is an entity in which the Group holds a long-term interest and shares joint control over the strategic, financial and operating decisions with one or more other ventures under a contractual arrangement.

 

Jointly controlled entities are included in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, an investment in a joint venture is initially recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the joint venture. When the Group's share of losses of a joint venture exceeds the Group's interest in that joint venture (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group's net investment in the joint venture), the Group discontinues recognising its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture. Adjustments are made to the financial statements of joint ventures where necessary to comply with IFRSs.

 

Profits and losses arising on transactions between the Group and jointly controlled entities are recognised only to the extent of unrelated investors' interests in the entity. The investor's share in the jointly controlled entity's profits and losses resulting from these transactions is eliminated against the asset or liability of the joint venture arising on the transaction.

 

Where joint control of the entity ceases the investment is reclassified as a financial asset until such time that joint control is re-established.

 

The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that its investment in jointly controlled entities is impaired. The processes adopted for the impairment review are set out in accounting policy (p) below.

 

(d) Business combinations

 

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. The acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. Where the fair value of consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired the resulting difference is classified as goodwill and presented as a non-current intangible asset. Where the fair value of consideration paid is lower than the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired the difference is classified as 'negative goodwill' and recognised in income statement. Goodwill arising from business combinations is assessed for impairment (policy 'p' below).

 

The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated income statement from the date on which control is obtained.

 

Where the value of a business combination increases as a result of the purchase of all or part of a minority interest in an existing subsidiary or of an investment in an associated company which as a result of the increase in investment by the Group becomes classified as a subsidiary in the year of the increase, the purchase method as set out above is applied proportionately to the increase in investment as set out above. The relevant proportion of the results of the acquired operations is included in the consolidated income statement from the date of the relevant acquisition.

 

In accordance with the exemption in IFRS 1, where merger accounting has been used for the relevant acquisition in years prior to the transition date to IFRS of 1 July 2006, the accounting method used for the relevant acquisition has not been restated.

 

(e) Foreign currencies

 

The individual financial statements of each group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each group company are expressed in US Dollars, which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

 

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated. Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise except for:

 

· exchange differences on foreign currency borrowings relating to assets under construction for future productive use, which are included in the cost of those assets when they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs on those foreign currency borrowings;

· exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (see below under financial instruments / hedge accounting); and

· exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognised initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal or partial disposal of the net investment.

 

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (attributed to minority interests as appropriate).

 

On the disposal of a foreign operation (i.e. a disposal of the Group's entire interest in a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss of control over a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, loss of joint control over a jointly controlled entity that includes a foreign operation, or loss of significant influence over an associate that includes a foreign operation), all of the accumulated exchange differences in respect of that operation attributable to the Group are reclassified to profit or loss.

 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate.

 

(f) Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

 

Interest revenue

 

Interest income, being the only revenue generated during 2014 and 2013, is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount on initial recognition.

 

(g) Leasing

 

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 

The Group as lessee

 

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.

 

Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the Group's general policy on borrowing costs (see below). Contingent rentals are recognised as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the lease asset are consumed. Contingent rentals arising under operating leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

 

In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

 

(h) Borrowing costs

 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

 

To the extent that variable rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective cash flow hedge of interest rate risk, the effective portion of the derivative is recognised in other comprehensive income and released to profit or loss when the qualifying asset impacts profit or loss. To the extent that fixed rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective fair value hedge of interest rate risk, the capitalised borrowing costs reflect the hedged interest rate.

 

Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.

 

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

 

(i) Operating profit

 

Operating profit or loss is stated after the share of results of profit or loss from joint venture operations but before crediting or charging the share of results of associates, investment income and finance costs.

 

(j) Finance income

 

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested. Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues, using the effective interest rate method.

 

(k) Finance costs

 

Financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method and the fair-value of other financial charges.

 

(l) Taxation

 

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

 

Current tax

 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

Deferred tax

 

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available agains.t which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

 

(m) Exceptional items

 

Exceptional items are those significant items which are separately disclosed by virtue of their size and incidence to enable a full understanding of the financial performance. Transactions which may give rise to exceptional items are principally gains and losses on the sale of investments, impairment charges and reversals relating to major mining properties and investments in subsidiary undertakings, restructuring costs and the results and costs relating to litigation.

 

 

(n) Mining properties

 

Mineral rights acquired and exploration and evaluation expenditure capitalised

Mineral rights and exploration and evaluation costs arise from expenditure incurred prior to development activities and include the cost of acquiring and maintaining the rights to explore, investigate, examine and evaluate an area for mineralisation.

 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure in the relevant area of interest comprises costs which are directly attributable to:

 

· researching and analysing existing exploration data;

· conducting geological studies, exploratory drilling and sampling;

· examining and testing extraction and treatment methods; and

· compiling pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.

 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure also includes the costs incurred in acquiring mineral rights, the entry premiums paid to gain access to areas of interest and amounts payable to third parties to acquire interests in existing projects. Capitalised costs, including general and administrative costs, are only allocated to the extent that those costs can be related directly to operational activities in the relevant area of interest, and where the existence of a commercially viable mineral deposit has been established.

 

No amortisation charge is recognised in respect of these intangible assets. Mineral rights and exploration and evaluation expenditure are capitalised within intangible assets until such time that the activities have reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of commercially exploitable reserves. Once this has occurred, the respective costs previously held as intangible assets are transferred to mine development costs in property, plant and equipment.

 

Where the projects have not yet been granted a licence or are determined not to be commercially viable, the related costs are written off to the income statement.

 

Capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is assessed for impairment in accordance with the indicators set out in IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Reserves. In circumstances where a property is abandoned, the cumulative costs relating to the property are written off.

 

Mineral rights acquired through a business combination or an asset acquisition are capitalised separately from goodwill if the asset is separable or arises from contractual or legal rights and the fair value can be measured reliably on initial recognition.

 

(o) Property, plant and equipment

 

On initial recognition, land, property, plant and equipment are valued at cost, being the purchase price and the directly attributable cost of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary for the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Group.

 

Properties in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes, or for purposes not yet determined, are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group's accounting policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use and transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment.

 

Mining assets including any capitalised stripping costs and except for certain mining equipment and buildings, where economic benefits from the asset are not consumed in a pattern which is linked to the production level, are depreciated using a units of production method based on estimated economically recoverable reserves, which results in a depreciation charge proportional to the depletion of reserves. In applying the units of production method, depreciation is normally calculated using the quantity of material processed at the mine in the period as a percentage of the total quantity of material to be extracted in current and future periods based on proven and probable reserves.

 

Depreciation on all other assets is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Mining machinery and equipment

5 - 20 years

Office furniture

5 years

Computer equipment

5 years

 

Expenses incurred in respect of the maintenance and repair of property, plant and equipment are charged against income when incurred. Refurbishment and improvement expenditure, where the benefit is expected to be long lasting, is capitalised as part of the appropriate asset.

 

(p) Property, plant and equipment continued

 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in income.

 

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment is assessed annually and any impairment is charged to the statement of comprehensive income. The expected useful economic life and residual values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually.

 

(q) Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

 

At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

 

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

 

(r) Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and on demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash.

 

(s) Financial instruments

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group's balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial Assets

 

All financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the financial asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value and reclassifications from other financial asset categories which are measured initially at book value.

 

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets 'at fair value through profit or loss' (FVTPL), 'held-to-maturity' investments, 'available-for-sale' (AFS) financial assets and 'loans and receivables'. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. The Group has no financial assets treated as FVTPL or held-to-maturity.

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

Listed shares and listed redeemable notes held by the Group that are traded in an active market are classified as being AFS and are stated at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a fair-value reserve with the exception of impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest method and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, which are recognised directly in profit or loss. Financial assets reclassified from another category whose fair value cannot be reliably estimated are initially stated at book value as at the date of transfer. Where the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the investments revaluation reserve is reclassified to profit or loss.

 

The fair value of AFS monetary assets denominated in a foreign currency is determined in that foreign currency and translated at the spot rate at the balance sheet date. The foreign exchange gains and losses that are recognised in profit or loss are determined based on the amortised cost of the monetary asset. Other foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

Loans and receivables

 

Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as 'loans and receivables'. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

 

Effective interest method

 

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the debt instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition. Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments.

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

 

For listed and unlisted equity investments classified as AFS, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

 

For all other financial assets, including redeemable notes classified as AFS and finance lease receivables, objective evidence of impairment include:

 

· significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

· the existence of a significant legal dispute in respect of the financial asset or

· default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

· it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation.

 

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually are, in addition, assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables include the Group's past experience of collecting payments as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

 

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate.

 

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

 

Impairment of financial assets continued

 

With the exception of AFS equity instruments, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.

 

In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognised in profit or loss are not reversed through profit or loss. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

Derecognition of financial assets

 

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. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

 

Financial liabilities and equity

 

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.

 

Equity instruments

 

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recognised at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

 

Compound instruments

 

The component parts of compound instruments (convertible loan notes and similar instruments) issued by the Group are classified separately as financial liabilities and equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. At the date of issue, the fair value of the liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for a similar non-convertible instrument. This amount is recorded as a liability on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest method until extinguished upon conversion or at the instrument's maturity date. The equity component is determined by deducting the amount of the liability component from the fair value of the compound instrument as a whole. This is recognised and included in equity, net of income tax effects, and is not subsequently remeasured.

 

Financial liabilities

 

Financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis as described above.

 

Borrowings

 

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost and any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method as described above. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

 

Trade payables

 

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 

(t) Provisions

 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.

 

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognised as an asset only if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

 

(u) Pensions

 

The Group does not enter into any pension scheme arrangements. The Group does make payments in lieu of pensions for certain individuals; these costs are expensed as incurred and are classified as short-term benefits.

 

(v) Employee bonus

 

Employee costs include bonus payments made to certain directors and employees based upon predetermined performance targets set by the Group. Any such bonus payments directly attributable to the exploration and mining development properties or the mining properties are capitalised against the carrying values of such assets until commercial production commences where such costs are amortised on the same basis as the exploration and mining development properties. All other bonus payments are expensed in the income statement as incurred.

 

(w) Share-based payments

 

Certain employees (including directors and senior executives) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby employees render services as consideration for equity instruments ('equity-settled transactions').

 

The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted. The fair value of share options is determined by an external valuer using an appropriate pricing model. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a binomial option valuation model for options granted before 19 May 2008 and a Black-Scholes model for options granted on or after this date, both models taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted.

 

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award ('the vesting date'). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group's best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The profit or loss charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that period.

 

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognised for any modification, which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification.

 

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, and designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new awards are treated as if they were a modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph. The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of earnings per share.

 

(x) Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events whose existence will be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events beyond the control of the Group or a present obligation that is not recognised because it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation. A contingent liability also arises in extremely rare cases where there is a liability that cannot be recognised because it cannot be measured reliably. The Group does not recognise a contingent liability but discloses its existence in the financial statements.

 

A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events whose existence will be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events beyond the control of the Group. The Group does not recognise contingent assets but discloses its existence where inflows of economic benefits are probable, but not virtually certain.

 

In the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group under business combinations, contingent liabilities assumed are measured initially at their fair value at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any minority interest.

 

4. Accounting estimates and judgements

 

Certain of the amounts included in the financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to previous experience but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial statements. Information about such judgements and estimation is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the financial statements and the key areas are summarised below.

 

The key judgements in respect of the 2014 financial statements are the application of the going concern basis of accounting and the extent to which the Group's Uzbek mining properties, property, plant and equipment and AGF available-for-sale investment are recoverable, following the declaration of force majeure in March 2011 and resulting international arbitration. Further details of both of these matters are provided in note 1 of these financial statements.

 

In addition, the directors' conclusion that there is no reliable measure available to determine the fair value of the Group's investment in AGF at the date joint control was lost, as discussed in notes 13 and 15, is also a significant judgement.

 

5. Segmental analysis

 

Business segments

 

The Group has two reportable segments under IFRS 8:

 

· The Metals segment, comprising precious and base metals operations at different stages, from field exploration through to mine development and precious metals production. The Metals segment includes the Group's principal mining, development and exploration activities in Uzbekistan through its interest in AGF.

 

· The Corporate segment includes the corporate cost centre primarily serving administrative and fund raising functions to support the Metals segment.

 

The Group only operated in the United Kingdom and Malta in support of its operations in Uzbekistan and all activities are in respect of mining operations.

 

Segment information

 

Segment information about the Group's reportable segments is presented below.

 

Year ended 31 December 2014

 Metals

Corporate

Consolidated

 

US$000

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Net operating expense and exceptional items

(424)

(1,542)

(1,966)

 

 

 

 

Including:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

(231)

-

(231)

Arbitration and legal costs

-

(474)

(474)

Net finance expense

(71)

(994)

(1,065)

 

 

 

 

Segment result

(495)

(2,536)

(3,031)

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2014

 

 

 

Segment assets

73,948

1,033

74,981

Segment liabilities

(1,034)

(21,863)

(22,897)

Net assets/(liabilities)

72,914

(20,830)

52,084

 

 

Year ended 31 December 2013

 Metals

Corporate

Consolidated

 

US$000

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Net operating expense and exceptional items

(395)

(2,890)

(3,285)

 

 

 

 

Including:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

(231)

(6)

(237)

Arbitration and legal costs

-

(2,135)

(2,135)

Net finance expense

(85)

(1,210)

(1,295)

 

 

 

 

Segment result

(480)

(4,100)

(4,580)

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2013

 

 

 

Segment assets

73,529

1,938

75,467

Segment liabilities

(1,150)

(23,479)

(24,629)

Net assets/(liabilities)

72,379

(21,541)

50,838

 

 

 

 

6. Operating loss

 

Group operating loss for the year has been arrived at after charging:

 

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended 31 December

2013

 

Note

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

 

Staff costs (excluding share-based compensation)

7

374

399

Depreciation and amortisation

14

232

237

Operating lease payments

 

142

111

Foreign exchange losses/(gains)

 

96

2

Auditor's remuneration

 

 

 

- fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts

 

35

30

 

 

 

7. Staff costs

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended

31 December

2013

Group

US$000

US$000

Staff other than directors and key management personnel

 

 

Wages and salaries (including payments in lieu of pension contributions)

335

208

Social security costs

21

24

Other benefits

-

-

Share-based compensation

-

-

 

356

232

Directors and key management personnel

 

 

Group and Company

 

 

Wages and salaries (including bonus and benefits)

16

156

Social security costs

2

5

Other employee benefits

-

6

Share-based compensation

-

-

 

18

167

Group

 

 

Total staff costs

374

399

 

 

 

 

Number

Number

 

 

 

Average number of employees

6

6

 

Key management personnel are those persons having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group.

 

 

8. Directors' remuneration

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended 31 December

2013

Group and Company

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

Wages and salaries (including bonus and benefits)

16

44

Social security

2

5

 

18

49

 

Details of share options and interests in the Company's shares of each director are shown in the Directors' Report.

 

Name

Salary

Other

Total

 

 

Benefits

 

 

2014

2014

2014

 

$000

$000

$000

 

 

 

 

Richard Shead

-

-

-

Oliver Prior

16

-

16

 

16

-

16

 

Name

Salary

Other

Total

 

 

Benefits

 

 

2013

2013

2013

 

$000

$000

$000

 

 

 

 

Richard Shead

-

-

-

Oliver Prior

44

-

44

 

44

-

44

 

From 1 February 2011 Richard Shead has elected to be remunerated by bonus only, dependent on the Group recovering monies owed by AGF and / or reaching a settlement in respect of the international arbitration proceedings against the Uzbek Government. The Company offers no other benefits in kind.

 

 

9. Exceptional items

 

Arbitration expenses

 

Legal costs associated with the international arbitration against the Uzbek Government in order to seek appropriate compensation for the Group's investments in the AGF and Khandiza mining properties constituted $0.47 million (2013: $2.13 million). Since the year-end a further $0.15 million has been expended, which was paid by the litigation funder.

 

Proceeds from the sale of plant and equipment

 

Net proceeds of $nil (2013: $0.297million) arising from the sale of surplus plant and equipment.

 

 

10. Financial expense

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended

31 December

2013

 

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

Interest on convertible loan notes

708

924

Interest on obligations under finance lease

71

85

Other financial expenses

286

286

 

1,065

1,295

 

 

 

11. Taxation

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended

31 December

2013

 

US$000

US$000

Current tax

-

-

Deferred tax

-

-

Total tax charge

-

-

 

 

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit/(loss) per the income statement as follows:

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended

31 December

2013

 

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

Loss before tax

(3,031)

(4,580)

 

 

 

 

 

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 21.50% (2013: 23.25%)

(652)

(1,065)

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of:

 

 

 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

118

185

 

Other timing differences

(1)

1

 

Other income not charged to tax

-

(69)

 

Losses carried forward

535

948

 

Tax expense for the year

-

-

 

 

The Group has losses available for offset against future income of approximately $41.6 million (2013: $38.4 million), for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised as there is insufficient evidence of future taxable profits.

 

 

12. Earnings per share

 

The calculation of the basic loss per share is based on the following data:

 

 

Year ended

31 December

2014

Year ended

31 December

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (US$000)

(3,031)

(4,580)

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

512,218,172

455,271,523

Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary share (US cents)

(0.59)

(1.01)

Diluted (loss)/earnings per ordinary share (US cents)

(0.59)

(1.01)

 

 

 

 

The diluted loss per share disclosed for 2014 and 2013 is the same as the basic loss per share as the effect of the loss for the period on earnings per share is anti-dilutive. The number of potentially dilutive shares is disclosed in notes 19, 20 and 22.

 

 

 

13. Mining properties

 

Group

Amantaytau project

(Uzbekistan)

Khandiza

Project

(Uzbekistan)

Total

 

US$000

US$000

US$000

COST

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013, 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2014

2,082

28,456

30,538

 

 

 

 

IMPAIRMENT

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013, 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2014

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

NET BOOK VALUE

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013, 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2014

2,082

28,456

30,538

 

The Group tests intangible and tangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently, if there are indications that assets might be impaired.

 

The Group made a full provision against the carrying value of its investment in the Khandiza project during the year ended 31 December 2008 as, at that time, it was uncertain whether the Group would be invited to participate in the future development of this asset or would as an alternative commence international arbitration proceedings with regards to it. On 31 August 2011 the Group included the loss of the Khandiza project within the international arbitration proceedings commenced against the Uzbek Government in respect of AGF. Accordingly the carrying value of Khandiza was reinstated in 2011.

 

 

14. Property, plant and equipment

 

a. Group

 

Mining equipment

US$000

Office furniture & equipment

US$000

Total

 US$000

COST

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013

3,164

216

3,380

Additions

-

-

-

Disposals

(866)

-

(866)

At 31 December 2013

2,298

216

2,514

 

 

 

 

Additions

-

-

-

Disposals

-

-

-

At 31 December 2014

2,298

216

2,514

 

 

 

 

DEPRECIATION

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013

1,405

210

1,615

Charge for the year

231

6

237

Disposals

(866)

-

(866)

At 31 December 2013

770

216

986

 

 

 

 

Charge for the year

232

-

232

Disposals

-

-

-

At 31 December 2014

1,002

216

1,218

 

 

 

 

NET BOOK VALUE

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013

1,759

6

1,765

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2013

1,528

-

1,528

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2014

1,296

-

1,296

 

 

Included in the net book value is a drill rig carried at $1.30 million (2013: $1.53 million). In April 2010 AGF entered into an operating agreement with Oxus Resources Corporation ("ORC") whereby AGF leased a drilling rig from ORC. As a condition of this agreement AGF arranged insurance against Physical Loss of, or Damage to, the drill rig and its spares for a policy period of 12 months commencing 2 August 2010 with a sum insured of $2.37 million and ORC was a named co-insurer. On 10 May 2011, ORC wrote to AGF terminating the agreement in accordance with its provisions. AGF has not responded to this.

 

At the same time and within the policy period ORC filed a claim for physical loss of the drill rig seeking $2.37 million from the insurer, Uzbekinvest National Export-Import Insurance Company. AGF arranged the insurance of the drill rig using EOS Risq, an Uzbek insurance brokerage firm. The claim was filed via EOS Risq but to date Uzbekinvest National Export-Import Insurance Company has not responded to them. The return of the drill rig, or compensation for its physical loss, also forms part of the international arbitration proceedings.

 

b. Company

 

 

Office furniture and equipment

US$000

COST

 

At 1 January 2013

216

Additions

-

At 31 December 2013

216

Disposals

-

At 31 December 2014

216

 

 

DEPRECIATION

 

At 1 January 2013

210

Charge for the year

6

At 31 December 2013

216

Charge for the year

-

At 31 December 2014

216

 

 

NET BOOK VALUE

 

At 1 January 2013

6

 

 

At 31 December 2013

-

 

 

At 31 December 2014

-

 

 

 

15. Available-for-sale financial assets

 

 

Group

 

2014

 

US$000

COST

 

At 1 January 2013, 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2014

42,245

 

 

The amount stated represents the net investment of the Group in AGF up to the time that joint control was lost in March 2011 following the declaration of force majeure. In the view of the directors, due to the uncertainties surrounding the arbitration with the Uzbek government disclosed in note 1, there was no reliable measure available to determine the fair-value of AGF in March 2011 and they have accordingly valued their interest in AGF at that date at its historical carrying value.

 

 

16. Investment in subsidiaries

 

Subsidiary undertakings of the Company are set out in note 3. The Company's investments in its subsidiaries comprised US$75,726,000 at cost less impairment as of 31 December 2014 and 2013 and 1 January 2013.

 

The Company tests investments in subsidiaries annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that investments might be impaired. The key assumption adopted in the impairment review is the successful completion of the arbitration proceedings with regards to the Group's 50% interest in AGF as discussed in note 1.

 

17. Trade and other receivables

 

a. Group

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

Current

 

 

Prepayments for goods and services

166

33

Other debtors

28

302

 

 

 

 

194

335

b. Company

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

Non-current

 

 

Amounts due from AGF

4,248

4,248

 

 

 

Current

 

 

Prepayments

159

47

Amounts receivable from group companies

682

637

Other debtors

17

165

 

 

 

 

858

849

 

 

 

 

The trade and other receivable balances are categorised as loans and receivables. At the balance sheet date, with the exception of the amounts due from AGF, none of the trade and other receivable balances is past due but not impaired. The recoverability of the AGF receivable is dependent on successful completion of the arbitration proceedings, described in note 1.

 

 

18. Cash and cash equivalents

 

a. Group

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

Cash at bank

406

250

Bank deposits

302

571

 

 

 

 

708

821

 

 

 

 

b. Company

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

Cash at bank

340

229

Bank deposits

302

571

 

 

 

 

642

800

 

 

 

 

Cash at bank and bank deposits for both Group and Company comprise only cash.

 

19. Share capital

 

a. Authorised share capital

At the Company's Annual General Meeting held on 30 June 2010 the Articles of Association of the Company were amended to remove the concept of authorised share capital in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

 

b. Issued and fully paid share capital

 

Group and Company 2014

Number

Group and Company 2013

Number

Group and Company 2014

US$000

Group and Company 2013

US$000

 

 

 

 

 

At beginning of the year

476,729,143

441,888,995

7,891

7,343

 

 

 

 

 

Payments due to directors and senior management paid in shares

-

164,032

-

2

Payment of adviser fees paid in shares

474,816

563,388

8

9

Issued for cash

39,877,817

34,112,728

658

537

Conversion of convertible loan notes and interest

17,858,370

-

285

-

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December

534,940,146

476,729,143

8,842

7,891

 

All shares are ordinary shares of £0.01 nominal value and are equally ranked for dividends and other distributions.

 

Capital structure

 

Details of the issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company's issued share capital and details of employee share schemes are shown above and below in note 20. The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income. Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company. There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the Company's Articles of Association, the Companies Acts and related legislation. The directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company's shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. No person has any special rights of control over the Company's share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.

 

The convertible loan notes issued by the Company (note 22) could result in a maximum number of new ordinary shares being issued of 67,708,333 (see also notes 21 and 22 below for details of the potential conversion of accrued interest into up to approximately 45,950,161 ordinary shares (2013: 30,747,196 ordinary shares)).

 

Share options outstanding at 31 December 2014 could result in the issue of a maximum of 8,100,000 (2013: 8,100,000) ordinary shares and outstanding warrants a further 3,000,000 ordinary shares. These shares, if issued, will rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares.

 

 

20. Share options and other share-based payments

 

a. Share options granted under the Company's employee share option plan

 

At 31 December 2014, executives and senior employees held options over 8,100,000 ordinary shares of the Company (2013: 8,100,000), which will expire as set out below:

 

 

Group and Company 2014

Number

Expiry date

Group and Company 2013

Number

Expiry date

 

 

 

 

 

Current executives and senior employees

5,550,000

31 December 2015

5,550,000

31 December 2015

Resigned executives and senior employees

2,550,000

31 December 2015

2,550,000

31 December 2015

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2014 and 2013

8,100,000

 

8,100,000

 

 

Share options granted under the Company's employee share option plan carry no rights to dividends and no voting rights. During the year ended 31 December 2014 no share options were exercised (2013: nil) and no share options were issued (2013: nil) and no share options expired, lapsed or were cancelled (2013: nil).

 

None of the above options are exercisable at 31 December 2014 and are also conditional upon a successful completion of the arbitration proceedings being conducted by the Group.

 

The expected weighted average contractual life of the 8,100,000 options exercisable at 6 pence is 1.0 years (2013: 0.61 years).

 

The Company also has in issue 3,000,000 warrants (2013: 3,000,000) and has potentially convertible ordinary shares of 45,950,161 (2013: 30,747,196) arising from the payment of loan interest accrued and accruable in respect of its convertible loan notes.

 

The warrants are convertible into ordinary shares at 3.25 pence. The interest conversion options are based upon the average of the Company's share price for the preceding six months period and the option will continue until the latest due date of the convertible loan notes on 14 December 2015. The final share-based payment charge, also see note 22 below, will be subject to the actual amounts of interest converted for both accrued and accruable interest and the Company's future share price. The future option dates match the interest payment dates of the convertible loan notes which are also the effective 'exercisable' dates and these are six monthly periods commencing 6 January 2013. At 31 December 2014 the expected exercise price for the interest conversion options was 2.00 pence per ordinary share.

 

At 31 December 2014 the warrants are fully vested and exercisable at 3.25 pence. 'Interest conversion options' in respect of approximately 45,950,161ordinary shares are fully vested (2013: 30,747,196 ordinary shares) and exercisable at a price of approximately 2.00 pence. 8,100,000 share options are exercisable at 6 pence per share.

 

No new share options or similar financial instruments were issued in the year (2013: nil).

 

The fair-values of the options and warrants issued have been expensed or allocated as follows:

 

 

2014

2013

 

US$000

US$000

 

 

 

Financial expenses (note 10)

286

286

 

 

21. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

 

a. Group

 

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

Borrowing at amortised cost

 

 

 

Convertible loan notes (note 22)

 

15,529

17,530

Obligations under finance lease

 

916

1,026

 

 

 

 

Total borrowings

 

16,445

18,556

 

 

 

 

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

 

16,445

1,026

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

 

-

17,530

 

 

16,445

18,556

 

b. Company

 

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

Borrowing at amortised cost

 

 

 

Convertible loan notes (note 22)

 

15,529

17,530

 

 

 

 

Total borrowings

 

15,529

17,530

 

 

 

 

Amount due for settlement within 12 months

 

15,529

-

Amount due for settlement after 12 months

 

-

17,530

 

 

15,529

17,530

 

In April 2010, the Group entered into a credit agreement with Atlas Copco Customer Finance AB under the terms of which the Group leased certain of its exploration equipment under finance lease. The initial lease term was three years. The ownership title for the leased assets will be transferred to the Group at the end of the lease term for no charge. See also note 14. The net carrying value of the leased equipment is $1.30 million (2013: $1.53 million). The Company has guaranteed the lease liability which is a primary liability of AGF.

 

The Group's obligations under finance leases are secured by the lessors' title to the leased assets. Interest rates underlying all obligations under the finance lease were fixed at the contract date at 6.9% per annum.

 

The fair-value of the interest-bearing financial liabilities is not materially different from the values attributed to these items in the financial statements.

 

22. Convertible loan notes

 

In May 2008 the Company issued convertible loan notes (the "Notes") in the principal amount of $18.5 million which were repayable, if not converted, in May 2010. In January 2010 the Notes were restructured such that they are convertible at 12p per share, earn interest at UK LIBOR + 3% per annum, and were repayable, if not converted, in May 2013. In November 2010 $3.0 million in principal amount of Notes were converted. In July 2012 the Notes were further restructured such that the repayment date

has been amended to the earlier of 14 December 2015, or the date on which the proceeds of an award, settlement or other realisation for value of the rights in the arbitral proceedings are received by the Company, or 60 calendar days from the date on which the proceedings conclude or terminate or a settlement is reached, in each case where no payment is receivable by the Company.

 

It is the intention of the Board to seek an extension of this settlement date with the holders of the convertible loan notes in the event of a timing delay between a positive outcome from the Group's current arbitration proceedings and the receipt of compensation.

 

The loan note holders have also agreed that interest payable under the Notes and falling due on or after 6 July 2012 shall accrue but remain unpaid, and be convertible at the option of the loan note holder at the average closing middle market price of the Company's ordinary shares for each separate 6 month interest period to which that portion of interest relates. In the year ended 31 December 2014 a further $2.5 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company. Additionally accrued interest amounting to $0.21 million was also converted into equity shares of the Company pursuant to the above arrangement. The Notes are disclosed as a current liability (see note 21). Since the year-end a further $1.0 million of loan notes were converted into equity shares of the Company and a further amount of accrued interest of $0.76 million was also converted into equity.

 

The Notes contain two components: liability and equity elements. The equity element is presented in equity under the heading of "Capital Reserve". The effective interest rate of the liability element on initial recognition subsequent to substantial modification in January 2010 is 9.8% per annum. On 6 July 2012 the note-holders agreed to defer interest and capital repayments until the earlier of the settlement of the proceedings against the Uzbek Government or 14 December 2015. On the same date the note-holders were granted an option to convert accrued interest to ordinary shares of the Company. See note 20 above.

 

Group and Company

Principal

2014

US$000

 

Interest

2014

US$000

 

Total

2014

US$000

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2013

15,500

 

1,106

 

16,606

Interest charged

-

 

924

 

924

At 31 December 2013

15,500

 

2,030

 

17,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charged

-

 

708

 

708

Converted into equity (note 19)

(2,500)

 

(209)

 

(2,709)

At 31 December 2014

13,000

 

2,529

 

15,529

 

 

23. Trade and other payables

 

a. Group

 

 

2014

US$000

 

2013

US$000

 

 

 

 

Trade creditors

44

 

614

Other creditors

6,014

 

5,100

Accruals

394

 

359

 

6,452

 

6,073

 

 

b. Company

 

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

 

Trade creditors

 

44

603

Other creditors

 

6,014

5,100

Accruals

 

126

95

 

 

6,184

5,798

 

 

The directors consider that there is no material difference between the fair values and book values of Trade and other creditors. Trade and other creditors are within agreed payment terms. Other creditors includes amounts payable to the litigation funder of $6,014,000 (2013: $5,100,000) which are payable only on a successful outcome to the Company's dispute with the Uzbekistan Government.

 

 

24. Amounts due to group undertakings

Company:

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

 

Loan notes issued to Oxus Resource Corporation

 

36,267

36,267

Amounts payable to Oxus Resource Corporation

 

11,697

12,028

Other group liabilities

 

432

431

 

 

48,396

48,726

 

The loan notes were issued to Oxus Resources Corporation on 22 June 2007. The notes are unsecured and carry a coupon based upon six months US$ LIBOR. The loan notes are redeemable in whole or in part on or after 22 June 2008 at the Company's option or upon receiving one month's notice of redemption from the loan note holder. It is not the intention of the either the Company or Oxus Resources Corporation to redeem all or part of the loan notes in the foreseeable future.

 

25. Risk and sensitivity analysis

 

The Group and Company ("the Group") are exposed through its operations to a number of financial risks. The policy for managing these risks is set by the board and all such risks are managed at a Group level within the organisation. The policies for these risks are described further below:

 

Foreign currency risk

 

The Group is not currently exposed to any material foreign exchange risk.

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is monitored by the Group to ensure that the Group has sufficient resources to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

 

The liquidity risk of the Group is managed centrally. New borrowings are taken on where additional funds are required. Surplus funds not allocated to future investment and working capital requirements are used to repay existing loans and borrowings or are held on deposit. The Group intends to maintain a balance of funding designed to reduce liquidity risks whilst also seeking to minimise the costs of borrowing. Where appropriate the board will seek additional funds from the issue of share capital, convertible loan notes and warrants.

 

The board monitors its liquidity requirements through monthly management accounts, periodic cash flow forecasts and weekly statements of liquidity. Further details in respect of the Group's and Company's principal exposure in respect of investments, loans and trade and other receivables is set out in notes 13, 15, 16 and 17.

 

Credit risk

 

Other than the outcome of the Group's arbitration proceedings the Group is not exposed to any further credit risk.

 

Fair value and cash flow interest rate risk

 

The Group utilises or intends to utilise fixed and variable rate loans. The Group's principal variable rate borrowings are the convertible loan notes issued in the prior period. The board sets a policy for each material borrowing dependent upon the prevailing market conditions and the terms available in respect of each particular financial instrument and the interest rates attaching thereto. The board seeks to achieve an appropriate balance of exposure to these risks. An analysis of the effect of interest rate movements in respect of the Group and Company borrowings is set out in the table below.

 

 

Fair value and cash flow interest rate risk continued

 

Interest rate table

 

Change in rate

2014

Effect

US$000

2014

Change in rate

2013

Effect

US$000

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible loan notes

+0.5%

(65)

+0.5%

(88)

 

+1.0%

(130)

+1.0%

(175)

 

+1.5%

(195)

+1.5%

(263)

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible loan notes

-0.5%

65

-0.5%

88

 

-1.0%

130

-1.0%

175

 

-1.5%

195

-1.5%

263

 

 

26. Operating leases

 

Operating leases only relate to leases of office properties and certain items of office equipment with lease terms of less than one year. The Group does not have an option to purchase the leased properties at the expiry of the lease periods. Future payments under non-cancellable operating lease liabilities, which are not discounted, are as follows:

 

a. Group

 

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

Less than one year

40

136

Between one to two years

-

13

 

40

149

b. Company

 

2014

US$000

2013

US$000

 

 

 

Less than one year

40

136

Between one to two years

-

13

 

40

149

 

 

27. Capital commitments

 

The Group and the Company had no capital commitments for mining property or property, plant and equipment outstanding at 31 December 2014 (2013: nil).

 

 

28. Contingent asset

 

In May 2007 the Group disposed of its interests in Kyrgyzstan (the Jerooy project), Turkey and Romania to KazakhGold Group Limited. KazakhGold is contracted to pay additional consideration of up to $80 million conditional upon KazakhGold or a nominee acquiring a licence to mine, or acquiring a Company or entity that has the benefit of a license to mine, the Jerooy deposit and commencing development or production at this site.

 

No amounts have been recognised in these financial statements for this contingent asset. There have been no changes to this position known to the Company.

 

Contingent liability

 

AGF Phase 2 Project Development Fund

 

Since 2004 the Company has accrued the AGF Phase 2 Project Development Fund (the "Fund") in respect of an amount to be paid to the Uzbek Government. Given the current dispute with the Uzbek Government, and the fact that the AGF Phase 2 Project is unlikely to be developed by the Group, the Fund has now been reclassified as a contingent liability of approximately $10.8 million the enforcement and recognition of which is subject to the outcome of the international arbitration against the Uzbek Government (see notes 1 and 30).

 

29. Related-party transactions

 

The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries and, up to the declaration of force majeure in March 2011, AGF. Transactions between the Group entities are eliminated on consolidation and are not included in this note. Transactions with AGF and balances outstanding as receivable from this entity, which were not eliminated to the extent of the Group's interest in the then joint venture, are disclosed in the notes to these financial statements.

 

As at 31 December 2014, two shareholders of the Company had interests in the Company's convertible loan notes totalling $12.0 million (2013: $12.0 million).

 

30. Post-balance sheet events

 

Dispute with the Uzbek Government

 

The dispute with the Uzbek Government is ongoing and the Company awaits the outcome of the international arbitration proceedings. For more detail please refer to note 1.

 

Since the year-end $1.0 million of convertible loan notes and $0.76 million of accrued interest have been converted into equity.

 

 

 

Contacts:

 

Oxus Gold PLC

Richard Shead

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7907 2000

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

Nominated Adviser and Broker

Ewan Leggat/Stuart Gledhill

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
FR BLGDUCBDBGUI
Date   Source Headline
24th Feb 201612:37 pmRNSStatement re: Appointment of Administrators
3rd Feb 201610:29 amRNSChange of Registered Office
28th Jan 201610:40 amRNSResignation of Nominated Adviser
28th Jan 201610:35 amRNSAppointment of Administrators
23rd Dec 20157:30 amRNSSuspension - Oxus Gold Plc
23rd Dec 20157:00 amRNSOutcome of Arbitration and Suspension from Trading
30th Nov 201511:52 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
25th Nov 20151:08 pmRNSConversion of CLNs and Issue of Equity
20th Nov 201510:17 amRNSHolding in Company
4th Nov 201510:11 amRNSIssue of Convertible Loan Notes and Warrants
30th Oct 20157:00 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
26th Oct 20157:00 amRNSHolding in Company
22nd Oct 201512:33 pmRNSHolding in Company
21st Oct 201511:40 amRNSReplacement - Conversion of CLNs & Issue of Equity
21st Oct 201510:50 amRNSConversion of CLNs and Issue of Equity
19th Oct 20154:40 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
19th Oct 20154:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
19th Oct 20154:22 pmRNSIssue of Equity
16th Oct 201510:50 amRNSAmendments to and Conversion of CLNs
6th Oct 201510:38 amRNSConvertible loan agreement
5th Oct 20153:08 pmRNSHolding in Company
2nd Oct 201511:46 amRNSHolding in Company
30th Sep 201512:40 pmRNSHalf Yearly Report
31st Jul 20157:00 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
28th Jul 20154:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
10th Jul 201511:50 amRNSIssue of Equity
1st Jul 20159:34 amRNSResult of AGM
12th Jun 201510:45 amRNSAnnual Financial Report & Notice of AGM
29th May 201510:21 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
29th May 20157:00 amRNSFinal Results
22nd May 20159:52 amRNSHolding in Company
21st May 20154:02 pmRNSConversion of CLNs and Issue of Equity
30th Apr 20154:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
30th Apr 20158:45 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
13th Apr 201511:45 amRNSIssue of Equity
23rd Mar 201512:06 pmRNSHolding in Company
16th Mar 20153:07 pmRNSIssue of Equity
11th Feb 20153:59 pmRNSChange of Registered Office and Office Addresses
6th Feb 20155:14 pmRNSHolding in Company
5th Feb 20154:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
30th Jan 20157:00 amRNSTotal Voting Rights
28th Jan 20157:00 amRNSIssue of Equity and Termination of EFF
27th Jan 20151:03 pmRNSIssue of Equity
8th Jan 201510:35 amRNSHolding in Company
6th Jan 201512:03 pmRNSIssue of Equity
6th Jan 201511:30 amRNSHolding in Company
5th Jan 20152:23 pmRNSHolding in Company
31st Dec 201412:40 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
31st Dec 201412:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
28th Nov 20142:24 pmRNSIssue of Equity

Due to London Stock Exchange licensing terms, we stipulate that you must be a private investor. We apologise for the inconvenience.

To access our Live RNS you must confirm you are a private investor by using the button below.

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.

Quickpicks are a member only feature

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.