For immediate release
15 May 2019
Serabi Gold plc
(“Serabi” or the “Company”)
Unaudited Interim Financial Results for the three month period to 31 March 2019 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Serabi Gold (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, today releases its unaudited interim financial results for the three month period ending 31 March 2019 and at the same time has published its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the same period.
Key Financial Information
3 months to 31 March 2019 US$ | 3 months to 31 March 2018 US$ | 12 months to 31 December 2018 US$ | ||
Revenue | 17,126,040 | 13,826,851 | 43,261,743 | |
Cost of sales | (11,361,987) | (9,489,101) | (31,101,016) | |
Gross operating profit | 5,764,053 | 4,337,750 | 12,160,727 | |
Administration and share based payments | (1,449,316) | (1,408,717) | (5,867,918) | |
EBITDA | 4,314,737 | 2,929,033 | 6,292,809 | |
Depreciation and amortisation charges | (2,264,733) | (1,941,738) | (9,004,411) | |
Operating profit / (loss) before finance and tax | 2,050,004 | 987,295 | (2,711,602) | |
Profit / (loss) after tax | 1,549,962 | 10,786 | (5,754,541) | |
Earnings per ordinary share (basic) | 2.63 cents | 0.03 cents | (11.20 cents) | |
Average gold price received | US$1,287 | US$1,319 | US$1,258 | |
As at 31 March 2019 | As at 31 December 2018 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 12,133,713 | 9,216,048 | ||
Net assets | 70,163,641 | 69,110,287 | ||
Cash Cost and All-In Sustaining Cost (“AISC”) | ||||
3 months to 31 March 2019 | 3 months to 31 March 2018 | 12 months to 31 December 2018 | ||
Gold production for cash cost and AISC purposes | 10,164 | 9,188 | 37,108 | |
Total Cash Cost of production (per ounce) | US$796 | US$907 | US$821 | |
Total AISC of production (per ounce) | US$1,021 | US$1,166 | US$1,093 |
Key Operational Information
SUMMARY PRODUCTION STATISTICS TO DATE FOR 2019 AND FOR THE 2018 CALENDAR YEAR | |||||||
Qtr 1 | Qtr 1 | Qtr 2 | Qtr 3 | Qtr 4 | Total | ||
2019 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | ||
Gold production (1) (2) | Ounces | 10,164 | 9,188 | 9,563 | 8,101 | 10,256 | 37,108 |
Mined ore – Total | Tonnes | 42,609 | 39,669 | 36,071 | 42,725 | 44,257 | 162,722 |
Gold grade (g/t) | 7.47 | 7.49 | 8.12 | 6.23 | 7.45 | 7.29 | |
Milled ore | Tonnes | 43,451 | 43,145 | 38,155 | 41,405 | 45,548 | 168,253 |
Gold grade (g/t) | 7.69 | 7.04 | 7.71 | 6.11 | 7.39 | 7.06 | |
Horizontal development – Total | Metres | 1,868 | 2,353 | 2,744 | 2,814 | 2,460 | 10,371 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
OPERATIONAL and DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mike Hodgson, CEO of Serabi commented:
“The last two quarters have been excellent from an operational perspective and represent the first occasion that the Company’s operations have achieved two successive quarters with gold production in excess of 10,000 ounces. These financials results reflect the operational improvements that we have enjoyed with revenue, profit and cash generation all having significantly improved over the same quarter in 2018.
“Most pleasing, however, is to see a reduction in the unit costs of production, with a reported AISC of US$1,021 compared with US$1,166 for the same quarter in 2018 and an average AISC for the 2018 calendar year of US$1,093. Given the nature of the operations, Serabi has a fairly fixed level of monthly costs, in the form of labour, power and consumable costs. With the mine and plant producing and processing broadly consistent tonnages of ore, the key to profitability is maximising the grade of the ore mined and processed. Whilst the improvements in the last 6 months to the processed grade have been relatively small, the benefits have been quite significant.
“The financial results for the first quarter have benefitted from the high level of gold inventory held at the end of 2018 and which was sold during the quarter. A total of 12,309 ounces were sold during the period compared with production of 10,164 ounces and with inventory levels now back to more normal levels we would expect sales and production volumes to more closely track each other over the rest of the year.
“Net cash generated in the period was slightly less than US$3.0 million after taking account of mine development, exploration and other capital expenditure but again has been helped by the delayed sales carried over from the end of 2018. Provided the Company can maintain the current levels of production, I am confident that we can maintain a good cash flow for the rest of the year. The Company’s cash holdings as at 31 March 2019 were US$12.2 million.
“We are being helped by a strong gold price when looked at in Brazilian Reais, and with so much of our cost base incurred in Brazil this is the true indicator of our margin and profitability. Following the election of Jair Bolsonaro as president in November 2018, many, myself included, saw the potential for the Real to strengthen as he pursued public spending reforms and implemented business friendly policies to promote growth. To date however the exchange rate has remained in the range of BrR$3.80 to US$1.00 and the gold price in Brazilian Reais has averaged BrR$4,850 for the quarter compared with BrR$4,264 for the same period in 2018 and BrR$4,600 for the 2018 calendar year.”
A video update by Mike Hodgson on current operations can be accessed using the following link
SERABI GOLD PLC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the three months ended 31 March | |||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||
(expressed in US$) | Notes | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||
CONTINUING OPERATIONS | |||||
Revenue | 17,126,040 | 13,826,851 | |||
Cost of sales | (11,861,987) | (9,489,101) | |||
Release of inventory impairment provision | 500,000 | – | |||
Depreciation and amortisation charges | (2,289,545) | (1,992,853) | |||
Gross profit | 3,474,508 | 2,344,897 | |||
Administration expenses | (1,383,831) | (1,331,424) | |||
Share-based payments | (65,485) | (77,293) | |||
Gain on sales of assets disposal | 24,812 | 51,115 | |||
Operating profit / (loss) | 2,050,004 | 987,295 | |||
Foreign exchange (loss) / gain | (14,617) | (57,090) | |||
Finance expense | 2 | (411,105) | (590,373) | ||
Finance income | 2 | 139,059 | 34 | ||
Profit / (loss) before taxation | 1,763,341 | 339,866 | |||
Income tax expense | 3 | (213,379) | (329,080) | ||
Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations attributable to the owners of the parent(1) | 1,549,962 | 10,786 | |||
Other comprehensive income (net of tax) | |||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | |||||
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | (562,093) | (334,431) | |||
Total comprehensive profit / (loss) for the period operations attributable to the owners of the parent | 987,869 | (323,645) | |||
Profit / (loss) per ordinary share (basic) (1) (2) | 4 | 2.63 cents | 0.03 cents | ||
Profit / (loss) per ordinary share (diluted) (1) (2) | 4 | 2.49 cents | 0.03 cents |
(1) All revenue and expenses arise from continuing operations.
(2) On 19 June 2018, the Group completed a capital reorganisation with every 20 existing shares being consolidated into one new share. The total number of existing ordinary shares in issue immediately prior to the capital reorganisation was 1,175,281,440. The total number of ordinary shares in issue following the capital reorganisation was 58,764,072. For comparative purpose the weighted average ordinary shares in issue and the diluted ordinary shares in issue for the three month period ended 31 March 2018, has been adjusted to reflect the share consolidation of 20 existing shares into one new share.
SERABI GOLD PLC
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at | As at | As at | |||
31 March | 31 March | 31 December | |||
2019 | 2018 | 2018 | |||
(expressed in US$) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | ||
Non-current assets | |||||
Deferred exploration costs | 28,581,674 | 25,295,721 | 27,707,795 | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 40,766,304 | 47,736,835 | 42,342,102 | ||
Taxes receivable | 1,554,651 | 1,569,140 | 1,555,170 | ||
Deferred taxation | 2,091,031 | 2,772,101 | 2,162,180 | ||
Total non-current assets | 72,993,660 | 77,373,797 | 73,767,247 | ||
Current assets | |||||
Inventories | 6,272,053 | 6,160,750 | 8,511,474 | ||
Trade and other receivables | 1,196,042 | 1,151,999 | 758,209 | ||
Prepayments and accrued income | 4,328,718 | 3,914,034 | 4,166,916 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 12,133,713 | 6,695,525 | 9,216,048 | ||
Total current assets | 23,930,526 | 17,922,308 | 22,652,647 | ||
Current liabilities | |||||
Trade and other payables | 5,931,532 | 5,291,005 | 6,273,321 | ||
Interest bearing liabilities | 4,048,054 | 5,760,390 | 4,302,798 | ||
Acquisition payment outstanding | 11,259,277 | 5,000,000 | 10,997,757 | ||
Derivative financial liabilities | 254,134 | 754,462 | 390,976 | ||
Accruals | 342,322 | 591,830 | 372,327 | ||
Total current liabilities | 21,835,319 | 17,397,687 | 22,337,179 | ||
Net current assets | 2,095,207 | 524,621 | 315,468 | ||
Total assets less current liabilities | 75,088,867 | 77,898,418 | 74,082,715 | ||
Non-current liabilities | |||||
Trade and other payables | 971,662 | 2,590,883 | 955,521 | ||
Provisions | 1,529,318 | 2,157,944 | 1,543,811 | ||
Acquisition payment outstanding | – | 10,235,707 | – | ||
Interest bearing liabilities | 2,424,246 | 2,299,524 | 2,473,096 | ||
Total non-current liabilities | 4,925,226 | 17,284,058 | 4,972,428 | ||
Net assets | 70,163,641 | 60,614,360 | 69,110,287 | ||
Equity | |||||
Share capital | 8,882,803 | 5,555,775 | 8,882,803 | ||
Share premium reserve | 21,752,430 | 1,797,407 | 21,752,430 | ||
Option reserve | 1,428,852 | 1,111,040 | 1,363,367 | ||
Other reserves | 4,937,419 | 4,406,657 | 4,763,819 | ||
Translation reserve | (41,369,216) | (31,533,999) | (40,807,123) | ||
Retained surplus | 74,531,353 | 79,277,480 | 73,154,991 | ||
Equity shareholders’ funds | 70,163,641 | 60,614,360 | 69,110,287 |
The interim financial information has not been audited and does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Whilst the financial information included in this announcement has been compiled in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) this announcement itself does not contain sufficient financial information to comply with IFRS. The Group statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018 prepared under IFRS as adopted in the EU and with IFRS and their interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board will be filed with the Registrar of Companies following their adoption by shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting. The auditor’s report on these accounts was unqualified. The auditor’s report did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
SERABI GOLD PLC
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(expressed in US$) | |||||||
(unaudited) | Share capital | Share premium | Share option reserve | Other reserves (1) | Translation reserve | Retained Earnings | Total equity |
Equity shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2017 | 5,540,960 | 1,722,222 | 1,425,024 | 4,015,369 | (31,199,568) | 79,266,705 | 60,770,712 |
Foreign currency adjustments | — | — | — | — | (334,431) | — | (334,431) |
Profit for the period | — | — | — | — | — | 10,786 | 10,786 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | — | — | — | — | (334,431) | 10,786 | (323,645) |
Transfer to taxation reserve | — | — | — | 391,288 | — | (391,288) | — |
Shares issued in period | 14,815 | 75,185 | — | — | — | — | 90,000 |
Share options lapsed in period | — | — | (391,277) | — | — | 391,277 | — |
Share option expense | — | — | 77,293 | — | — | — | 77,293 |
Equity shareholders’ funds at 31 March 2018 | 5,555,775 | 1,797,407 | 1,111,040 | 4,406,657 | (31,533,999) | 79,277,480 | 60,614,360 |
Foreign currency adjustments | — | — | — | — | (9,273,124) | — | (9,273,124) |
Loss for the period | — | — | — | — | — | (5,765,327) | (5,765,327) |
Total comprehensive income for the period | — | — | — | — | (9,273,124) | (5,765,327) | (15,038,451) |
Transfer to taxation reserve | — | — | — | 357,162 | — | (357,162) | — |
Shares issued in period | 3,327,028 | 19,955,023 | — | — | — | — | 23,282,051 |
Share options lapsed in period | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Share option expense | — | — | 252,327 | — | — | — | 252,327 |
Equity shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2018 | 8,882,803 | 21,752,430 | 1,363,367 | 4,763,819 | (40,807,123) | 73,154,991 | 69,110,287 |
Foreign currency adjustments | — | — | — | — | (562,093) | — | (562,093) |
Profit for the period | — | — | — | — | — | 1,549,962 | 1,549,962 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | — | — | — | — | (562,093) | 1,549,962 | 987,869 |
Transfer to taxation reserve | — | — | — | 173,600 | — | (173,600) | — |
Share options lapsed in period | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Shares issued in period | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Share option expense | — | — | 65,485 | — | — | — | 65,485 |
Equity shareholders’ funds at 31 March 2019 | 8,882,803 | 21,752,430 | 1,428,852 | 4,937,419 | 41,369,216 | 74,531,353 | 70,163,641 |
SERABI GOLD PLC
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
For the three months ended 31 March | |||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||
(expressed in US$) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||
Operating activities | |||||
Operating profit / (loss) | 1,549,962 | 10,786 | |||
Net financial expense | 286,663 | 557,429 | |||
Depreciation – plant, equipment and mining properties | 2,289,545 | 1,992,853 | |||
Release of inventory impairment provision | (500,000) | — | |||
Provision for taxation | 213,379 | 329,080 | |||
Share based payments | 65,485 | 167,293 | |||
Foreign exchange | 21,851 | (68,424) | |||
Changes in working capital | |||||
Decrease / (Increase) in inventories | 2,737,810 | 1,470,683 | |||
(Increase) / increase in receivables, prepayments and accrued income | (736,605) | (499,348) | |||
Increase / (decrease) in payables, accruals and provisions | 538,494 | (129,853) | |||
Net cash inflow from operations | 6,501,626 | 3,096,929 | |||
Investing activities | |||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and assets in construction | (389,728) | (425,694) | |||
Capitalised mine development costs | (838,310) | (965,523) | |||
Geological exploration expenditure | (588,462) | (568,418) | |||
Pre-operational project costs | (439,942) | (793,430) | |||
Acquisition payment | (1,035,087) | — | |||
Proceeds from sale of assets | 35,042 | 51,115 | |||
Interest received | 2,217 | 34 | |||
Net cash outflow on investing activities | (3,389,312) | (2,701,916) | |||
Financing activities | |||||
Draw-down of secured loan | — | 3,000,000 | |||
Repayment of secured loan | — | (333,333) | |||
Repayment of finance lease liabilities | (185,605) | (283,147) | |||
Interest paid and finance charges | (152,796) | (152,420) | |||
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities | (338,401) | 2,231,100 | |||
Net increase / decrease in cash and cash equivalents | 2,873,913 | (768,093) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 9,216,048 | 4,093,866 | |||
Exchange difference on cash | 43,751 | (24,454) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 12,133,713 | 6,695,525 |
Notes
1. Basis of preparation
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are for the three month period ended 31 March 2019. Comparative information has been provided for the unaudited three month period ended 31 March 2018 and, where applicable, the audited twelve month period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the disclosures that would otherwise be required in a complete set of financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the 2018 annual report.
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and the accounting policies are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 and those envisaged for the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2019.
Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations effective in 2019
The Group has not adopted any standards or interpretations in advance of the required implementation dates.
As of 1 January 2019, IFRS “16 Leases”, became effective and requires lessees to recognise all lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for both finance leases and operating leases. The adoption of IFRS 16 has not had any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements as the operating leases held by the Group are of low value and the majority of the existing contracts either relate to service agreements or otherwise do not result in right of use assets or lease liabilities.
These financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
As at 31 March 2019 the Group had cash in hand of US$12.1 million and net assets of US$70.2 million. The Directors have reviewed the forecast cash flow of the Group for the next 12 months. Based on this forecast, which includes planned capital and exploration programmes, the Group may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to settle, in full, the deferred consideration of US$12 million payable for the acquisition of Coringa which falls due in December 2019.
The Directors believe there is a reasonable prospect of the Group securing further funds as and when required in order that the Group can meet all liabilities including the deferred consideration payable for the acquisition of Coringa as and when they fall due in the next 12 months and have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.
As at the date of this report the outcome of raising further funds remains uncertain and this represents a material uncertainty surrounding going concern. If the Group fails to raise the necessary funds the Group may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The matters explained indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group and Parent’s ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not show the adjustments to the assets and liabilities of the Group or the Parent company if this was to occur.
(ii) Use of estimates and judgements
There have been no material revisions to the nature and amount of changes in estimates of amounts reported in the 2018 annual financial statements.
(iii) Impairment
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered impairment. Prior to carrying out of impairment reviews, the significant cash generating units are assessed to determine whether they should be reviewed under the requirements of IFRS 6 - Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources or IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets. Such determination is by reference to the stage of development of the project and the level of reliability and surety of information used in calculating value in use or fair value less costs to sell. Impairment reviews performed under IFRS 6 are carried out on a project by project basis, with each project representing a potential single cash generating unit. An impairment review is undertaken when indicators of impairment arise; typically when one of the following circumstances applies:
(i) sufficient data exists that render the resource uneconomic and unlikely to be developed
(ii) title to the asset is compromised
(iii) budgeted or planned expenditure is not expected in the foreseeable future
(iv) insufficient discovery of commercially viable resources leading to the discontinuation of activities
Impairment reviews performed under IAS 36 are carried out when there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired. Such key indicators (though not exhaustive) to the industry include:
(i) a significant deterioration in the spot price of gold
(ii) a significant increase in production costs
(iii) a significant revision to, and reduction in, the life of mine plan
If any indication of impairment exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated, being 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. Such impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss for the year.
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 in profit or loss for the year.
2. Finance Costs
3 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) | 3 months ended 31 March 2018 (unaudited) | |
US$ | US$ | |
Interest expense on secured loan | (149,584) | (152,420) |
Unwinding of discount on acquisition payment | (261,521) | (237,746) |
Arrangement fee for secured loan | — | (90,000) |
Charge on revaluation of derivatives | — | (45,207) |
Amortisation of fair value of derivatives | — | (65,000) |
(411,105) | (590,373) | |
Income on revaluation of derivatives | 136,842 | — |
Interest income | 2,217 | 34 |
Net finance expense | (272,046) | (590,339) |
3. Taxation
The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset to the extent that the Group has reasonable certainty as to the level and timing of future profits that might be generated and against which the asset may be recovered. The Group has released the amount of US$145,012 as a deferred tax charge during the three month period to 31 March 2019.
The Group has also incurred a tax charge for the period in Brazil of US$68,367.
4. Earnings per share
3 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) | 3 months ended 31 March 2018 (unaudited) | |||
Profit / (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (US$) | 1,549,962 | 10,786 | ||
Weighted average ordinary shares in issue | 58,909,551 | 35,016,000 | ||
Basic profit / (loss) per share (US cents) | 2.6311 | 0.0308 | ||
Diluted ordinary shares in issue | 62,346,301 | 36,752,750 | ||
Diluted profit/ (loss) per share (US cents) | 2.4861 | 0.02935 |
(1) On 19 June 2018, the Group completed a capital reorganisation with every 20 existing shares being consolidated into one new share. For comparative purpose the weighted average ordinary shares in issue and the diluted ordinary shares in issue for the three month period ended 31 March 2018, has been adjusted to reflect the share consolidation of 20 existing shares being consolidated into one new share.
Enquiries:
Serabi Gold plc | |
Michael Hodgson | Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 |
Chief Executive | Mobile: +44 (0)7799 473621 |
Clive Line | Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 |
Finance Director | Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692 |
Email: contact@serabigold.com | |
Website: www.serabigold.com | |
Beaumont Cornish Limited Nominated Adviser and Financial Adviser | |
Roland Cornish | Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 |
Michael Cornish | Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 |
Peel Hunt LLP UK Broker | |
Ross Allister | Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 |
James Bavister | Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 |
Copies of this announcement are available from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, nor any other securities regulatory authority, has approved or disapproved of the contents of this announcement.
The Company will, in compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements, post the Unaudited Interim Financial Statements and the Management Discussion and Analysis for the three month period ended 31 March 2019 on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These documents will also available from the Company’s website – www.serabigold.com.
Serabi’s Directors Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 together the Chairman’s Statement and the Management Discussion and Analysis, are available from the Company’s website – www.serabigold.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Clive Line, Director.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of technical terms:
“Au” means gold.
“assay” in economic geology, means to analyse the proportions of metal in a rock or overburden sample; to test an ore or mineral for composition, purity, weight or other properties of commercial interest.
“development” - excavations used to establish access to the mineralised rock and other workings.
“doré – a semi-pure alloy of gold silver and other metals produced by the smelting process at a mine that will be subject to further refining.
“DNPM” is the Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral.
“grade” is the concentration of mineral within the host rock typically quoted as grammes per tonne (g/t), parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).
“g/t” means grammes per tonne.
“granodiorite” is an igneous intrusive rock similar to granite.
“igneous” is a rock that has solidified from molten material or magma.
“Intrusive” is a body of igneous rock that invades older rocks.
“on-lode development” - Development that is undertaken in and following the direction of the Vein.
“mRL” – depth in metres measured relative to a fixed point – in the case of Palito and Sao Chico this is sea-level. The mine entrance at Palito is at 250mRL.
“saprolite” is a weathered or decomposed clay‐rich rock.
“stoping blocks” – a discrete area of mineralised rock established for planning and scheduling purposes that will be mined using one of the various stoping methods.
“Vein” is a generic term to describe an occurrence of mineralised rock within an area of non-mineralised rock.
Qualified Persons Statement
The scientific and technical information contained within this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Michael Hodgson, a Director of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with over 26 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognising him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, “should” ‘‘envisage’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘will’’ or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements.
ENDS
Attachments