Half-year Report

RNS Number : 0411Q
Atalaya Mining PLC
07 September 2017
 

7 September 2017

Atalaya Mining Plc.

("Atalaya" or the "Company")

Q2 and H1 2017 Interim Financial Statements

 

Atalaya Mining Plc. (AIM: ATYM; TSX: AYM) is pleased to announce its unaudited quarterly results for the three and six months ended 30 June 2017, together with the unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Operational Highlights

Proyecto Riotinto

·      Copper production during Q2 2017 was 9,058 tonnes, 3% higher than copper production in the previous quarter of 8,805 tonnes. Copper production during H1 2017 was 17,863 tonnes compared with 8,489 tonnes during H1 2016.

·      Ore processed during the quarter was 2,154,907 tonnes in line with previous quarter when ore processed was 2,196,299 tonnes. During H1 2017 ore processed was 4,351,206 tonnes compared with 2,442,728 tonnes during H1 2016.

·      Copper recovery during the quarter was 85.16% slightly above the previous quarter of 84.63%. Copper recovery for H1 2017 averaged 84.90% representing an improvement over 82.20% during H1 2016.

·      The Company maintains its copper production guidance for Proyecto Riotinto of 34,000 to 40,000 tonnes for 2017.

 

Expansion of Proyecto Riotinto

·      In June 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the commencement of a study to demonstrate the feasibility of increasing mining and processing capacity beyond the current 9.5 Mtpa, to a maximum of 15.0 Mtpa at Proyecto Riotinto. If proven feasible, copper production would reach approximately 50,000 tonnes per year.

 

Proyecto Touro

·      In February of this year the Company announced the exercise of an option to acquire an initial 10% stake in Proyecto Touro. The agreement is based on a staged earn-in process to acquire up to 80% of the project. Proyecto Touro is located in Galicia, north-west Spain.

·      The Company has also signed an option agreement to acquire exploration concessions that cover 122.7 km2 immediately surrounding Proyecto Touro, where mineralised copper occurrences are documented.

·      Permitting of Proyecto Touro is progressing according to schedule. Metallurgical test-work has demonstrated that high grade clean concentrates and high recovery rates can be achieved.

·      A technical report is at an advanced stage of development and is expected to be at a pre-feasibility level. Completion is anticipated during Q4 2017.

 

Financial Highlights

·      Revenues of €53.4 million for Q2 2017 compared with €17.7 million in Q2 2016. Similarly, revenues for H1 2017 were €79.1 million compared with €22.6 million for the same period of 2016.

·      Cash costs during Q2 2017 were $2.07/lb of payable copper, increased from cash costs of $1.83/lb of payable copper in Q1 2017. The increase was due to the expensing of a higher proportion of stripping costs as well as one off maintenance costs in the milling area during the quarter. All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") during Q2 2017 amounts to $2.30/lb of payable copper, also increased from $2.15/lb of payable copper during Q1 2017. Cash costs for H1 2017 were $1.97/lb payable copper versus $2.31/lb payable copper during H1 2016. AISC amounted to $2.22/lb payable copper during H1 2017 against $2.74/lb payable copper for H1 2016.

·      Positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation ("EBITDA") of €11.9 million in Q2 2017 compared with a negative EBITDA of €1.1 million in Q2 2016. The increase of €13.0 million in EBITDA was a result of the increase in the volume of copper concentrate sold, lower cash costs and higher realised copper prices. On acumulative basis EBITDA during H1 2017 was €24.5 million compared with a negative EBITDA of €3.6 million in H1 2016.

·      Q2 2017 profit after tax amounted to €5.7 million (or €4.8 cents per share on a fully diluted basis) compared with a loss for Q2 2016 of €3.2 million (or -€2.8 cents per share on a fully diluted basis). Profits after tax for H1 2017 were €10.9 million versus a loss of €6.5 million during H1 2016.

·      Inventories of concentrate at 30 June 2017 amounted to €1.6 million.

·      Working capital deficit has consistently improved over the last two quarters as a result of cash generated from operations. At the end of Q2 2017 working capital deficit was €14.1 million from €20.0 million at the end of Q1 2017 and €25.4 million at 31 December 2016. Unrestricted cash balances as at 30 June 2017 amounted to €1.6 million.

·      Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital were €11.7 million for Q2 2017 compared with a negative cash flow of €1.2 million during Q2 2016. Cumulative for H1 2017, cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital were €24.0 million for H1 2017 compared with a negative cash flow of €3.7 million during H1 2016.

·      Net cash flows used in operating activities after changes in working capital were negative €4.3 million for Q2 2017 compared with a cash flow of €7.4 million during Q2 2016. Net cash flows from operating activities after changes in working capital were €10.0 million for H1 2017 compared with of €8.9 million during H1 2016.

 

Corporate Highlights

·      On 25 April 2017, Atalaya and Astor applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. On 11 August 2017, the Court of Appeal granted permission to both parties to appeal (although it rejected three of Astor's seven grounds). The Appeal is anticipated to take place by July 2018.

 

Alberto Lavandeira, CEO commented:

"I am pleased to report on a successful six months for Atalaya. Proyecto Riotinto is performing well, having produced 9,058 tonnes of copper in concentrate in the quarter. Approved studies to assess the viability of an expansion of the mine are progressing as planned and we look forward to updating the market with the results in due course. Operational and financial performance at Proyecto Riotinto gives us the confidence to reiterate our full year production guidance of 34,000-40,000 tonnes copper. Progress at Proyecto Touro is promising and we look forward to the prospect of bringing this mine in to commercial production in the near future."

 

About Atalaya Mining Plc

Atalaya is an AIM and TSX listed operational and development company which produces copper concentrates and silver by-product at its fully owned Proyecto Riotinto site in southwest Spain. In addition, the Company has a phased, earn-in agreement for up to 80% ownership of Proyecto Touro, a brownfield copper project in the northwest of Spain which is currently in the permitting stage. For further information, visit www.atalayamining.com

 

This announcement contains information which, prior to its publication constituted inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.

Contacts:

Newgate Communications (Financial PR)

Charlie Chichester / James Ash / James Browne

+44 20 7680 6550

Canaccord Genuity (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Martin Davison / Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / James Asensio

+44 20 7523 8000

BMO Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Jeffrey Couch / Neil Haycock / Tom Rider

+44 20 7236 1010

 

 

 

 

ATALAYA MINING PLC

MANAGEMENT'S REVIEW AND

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

30 June 2017

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Notice to Reader

The accompanying unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements of Atalaya Mining Plc have been prepared by and are the responsibility of Atalaya Mining Plc's management. The unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements have not been reviewed by Atalaya's auditors.

Introduction

This report provides an overview and analysis of the financial results of operations of Atalaya Mining Plc and its subsidiaries, to enable the reader to assess material changes in the financial position between 31 December 2016 and 30 June 2017 and results of operations for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and 2016.

This report has been prepared as of 7 September 2017. The analysis, hereby included, is intended to supplement and complement the unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto ("Financial Statements") as at and for the six months ended 30 June 2017. The reader should review the Financial Statements in conjunction with the review of this report and with the audited, consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, and the unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2016. These documents can be found on the Atalaya website at www.atalayamining.com.

Atalaya prepares its Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs"). The currency referred to in this document is the Euro, unless otherwise specified.

Forward-looking statements

This report may include certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are based include that all required third party regulatory and governmental approvals will be obtained. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Atalaya and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in market conditions and other risk factors discussed or referred to in this report and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities. Although Atalaya has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Atalaya undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

 

1.       Description of the business

Atalaya is a Cyprus based copper producer with mining interests in Spain. The Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange ("AIM") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX").

Proyecto Riotinto, fully owned by the Company's subsidiary Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L., is located in Huelva, Spain. The Company operates the Cerro Colorado open-pit mine and its associated processing plant of 9.5Mtpa where copper in concentrate and silver by-product are produced.

The Company has an initial 10% stake in Cobre San Rafael, S.L., the owner of Proyecto Touro, as part of an earn-in agreement which will enable the Company to acquire up to 80% of the copper project. Proyecto Touro is located in Galicia, north-west Spain.

2.       Overview of operational results

Proyecto Riotinto

The following table presents a summarised statement of operations of Proyecto Riotinto for the three and six months ended 30 June 2017. Note that commercial production was declared in February 2016.

 

 

Units expressed in accordance with the international system of units (SI)

 

 

 

Unit

Three months

 ended

30 June

2017

Three months ended

30 June

2016

Six months ended

30 June 2017

Six months ended

30 June 2016*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ore mined

t

2,265,785

1,340,492

4,578,375

2,474,253

Ore processed

t

2,154,907

1,308,780

4,351,206

2,442,728

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper ore grade

%

0.49

0.44

0.49

0.44

Copper concentrate grade

%

22.77

21.43

22.34

21.38

Copper recovery rate

%

85.16

80.46

84.90

82.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper concentrate

t

39,772

20,727

79,954

39,897

Copper contained in concentrate

t

9,058

4,442

17,863

8,489

Payable copper contained in concentrate

t

8,660

4,287

17,063

8,283

Cash cost

$/lb payable

2.07

2.36

1.97

2.31

All-in sustaining cost

$/lb payable

2.30

2.92

2.22

2.74

Note: The numbers in the above table may differ slightly between them due to roundings.

* Commercial production started in February 2016.

Three months operational review

Production of copper contained in concentrate in Q2 2017 was 9,058 tonnes significantly above 4,442 tonnes in Q2 2016 when the processing plant was still ramping up throughput. In terms of payable copper in concentrate, Q2 2017 production was 8,660 tonnes compared to 4,287 tonnes of payable copper in Q2 2016. Production of payable copper during Q2 2017 also improved with respect to Q1 2017 production of 8,403 tonnes of payable copper. The Company maintains its copper production guidance of 34,000 to 40,000 tonnes for 2017.

Ore mined in Q2 2017 was 2,265,785 tonnes well above 1,340,492 tonnes during Q2 2016 and slightly below 2,312,590 tonnes during Q1 2017. The mining contractor has launched a replacement programme for the mining fleet. New loaders and trucks are expected to be delivered to site over the next two quarters in anticipation of a potential increase in mining rates.

Ore processed in Q2 2017 was 2,154,907 tonnes also above 1,308,780 tonnes in Q2 2016 and in line with 2,196,299 tonnes in Q1 2017. Modifications to the primary milling circuit, which includes a pebble crusher in closed circuit with the primary mill, have reported better milling efficiencies.

Ore grade averaged 0.49% Cu in Q2 2017 compared to 0.44% Cu in Q2 2016. Copper recovery during the quarter was 85.16% slightly above the previous quarter of 84.63%.

During Q2 2017, the Company sold 55,574 tonnes of concentrates, compared to 22,701 tonnes in Q2 2016. Concentrate production in Q2 2017 amounted to 39,772 tonnes, compared to 20,727 tonnes for the same period in 2016. As at 30 June 2017, the Company had 2,277 tonnes of copper concentrates in inventories. The Company has not been impacted by the severe disruptions reported at ports across Spain due to strikes.

 

 

Six months operational review

Production of copper contained in concentrate during H1 2017 was 17,863 tonnes, compared to 8,489 tonnes in the same period of 2016. For comparative purposes commercial production was only declared in February 2016. Payable copper in concentrates was 17,063 tonnes compared to 8,283 tonnes of payable copper in H1 2016.

Ore mined in H1 2017 was 4,578,375 tonnes compared to 2,474,253 tonnes during H1 2016. Ore processed was 4,351,206 tonnes versus 2,442,728 tonnes in H1 2016.

Ore grade during H1 2017 was 0.49% Cu compared to 0.44% Cu in H1 2016. Copper recovery was 84.90% versus 82.20% in H1 2016. Concentrate production amounted to 79,954 tonnes significantly above H1 2016 production of 39,897 tonnes.

Study to increase copper production

In June 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the commencement of a study to demonstrate the feasibility of increasing the mining and processing capacity beyond the current 9.5 Mtpa to a maximum of 15.0 Mtpa.  This translates into an increase in copper production to approximately 50,000 tonnes per annum.

The study will revisit existing geological modelling and resource and reserve estimates with a view to maintaining life of mine in the range of 12 - 14 years. Mine planning and the existing mining fleet will be re-assessed.  Processing capacity will be maximised and complemented with additional crushing and milling equipment. Flotation and concentrate handling modifications are not expected to be significant. Tailings storage facilities and auxiliary infrastructure will be re-evaluated.

Should the Board approved the expansion project, an indicative construction period is estimated to be 18-24 months after the investment has been approved.

Exploration and Geology

Near-mine exploration drilling continued from the previous quarter with a programme to test the lateral extension of Filon Sur. With the programme now essentially complete the exploration block model has been updated with results to be part of the resources and reserves update that will form part of the studies related to the Expansion to 15 Mtpa Project.

In-fill drilling exploration at Cerro Colorado was mainly centred in the north-western extension of the pit where better than anticipated mineralised intervals and grades have been discovered. This campaign is targeting inferred resources with the objective of increasing confidence levels and potential reclassification.

Proyecto Touro

The Company signed an option agreement to acquire exploration concessions that cover 122.7 km2 immediately surrounding Proyecto Touro, where mineralised copper occurrences are documented. An ambitious exploration programme is under elaboration.

Permitting of Proyecto Touro is progressing according to schedule. Studies and applications were submitted at the end of the quarter to the regional authorities for review and evaluation. Consultations with different administrative bodies have been held and local and regional stakeholders have been engaged in the process, with positive feedback received.

As previously reported, two important milestones have been achieved at Proyecto Touro: the first was the successful completion of metallurgical test-work which has demonstrated that high grade clean concentrates and high recovery rates can be achieved. The second was the completion of 26,557 m of exploration and in-fill drilling which will provide the basis of an NI 43-101 technical report.

The technical report is progressing ahead of schedule and is at an advanced stage of development. It is expected to be at a pre-feasibility level of detail in the near future, with completion brought forward to the beginning of Q4 from the original estimate of the end of FY 2017.

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR")

As part of the Company's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives a significant archaeological programme was launched in June 2017 to study a number of archaeological sites including Cortalago, a Roman mining settlement of relevance. The programme is expected to last for 12 months. During Q2 2017, the discovery of a number of gold coins at the site attracted significant media interest, and included a formal presentation of the discovery at the Minas de Riotinto town Foundation.

3.       Outlook

The forward-looking information contained in this section is subject to the risk factors and assumptions contained in the cautionary statement on forward-looking statements included in the introduction note of this report.

Operational guidance

Proyecto Riotinto operational guidance for 2017 remains as follows:

 

 

Range

 

Unit

2017

Ore processed

t million

9.5

Concentrate

dmt

150,000 - 180,000

Contained copper

t

34,000 - 40,000

Copper head grade for 2017 was budgeted to average between 0.49% and 0.51% Cu, with a recovery rate of approximately 79% to 82%. Cash operating cost for 2017 is expected to be in the range of $1.90/lb - $2.10/lb. All-in sustaining cost for 2017 is expected to be in the range of $2.00/lb - $2.10/lb.

4.       Overview of the financial results

The following table presents summarised consolidated income statements for the three and six months ended 30 June 2017, with comparatives for the three and six months ended 30 June 2016.

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended

30 June 2017

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

 

Six months ended

30 June 2017

 

Six

months ended

30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

53,426

 

17,723

 

79,074

 

22,619

Total operating costs

(41,014)

 

(15,891)

 

(52,522)

 

(20,339)

Corporate expenses

(220)

 

(2,398)

 

(1,628)

 

(5,206)

Exploration expenses

(313)

 

(517)

 

(446)

 

(679)

Other income

1

 

15

 

5

 

25

EBITDA

11,880

 

(1,068)

 

24,483

 

(3,580)

Depreciation/amortisation

(3,740)

 

(1,912)

 

(8,135)

 

(2,521)

Net foreign exchange loss

(511)

 

(183)

 

(785)

 

(277)

Net finance cost

(846)

 

(45)

 

(1,679)

 

(81)

Tax charge

(1,109)

 

(6)

 

(2,967)

 

(12)

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of the parent

5,674

 

(3,214)

 

10,917

 

(6,471)

 

Three months financial review

Revenues for the three-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €53.4 million (Q2 2016: €17.7 million). Higher revenues, compared to the same quarter in the previous year, were driven by higher volumes of concentrate sold and an increase in copper prices.

Realised prices of $2.61/lb copper during Q2 2017 compared to $2.11/lb copper in Q2 2016. Concentrates were sold under offtake agreements in place. The Company did not enter into any hedging agreements in Q2 2017.

 

 

Operating costs for the three-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €41.0 million, compared to €15.9 million in Q2 2016. The increase was mainly due to higher mining and processing variable costs directly attributable to increase in copper production.

Cash costs of $2.07/lb payable copper during Q2 2017 compares to $2.36/lb payable copper in the same period last year. Cash costs were impacted by the expensing of a higher proportion of stripping costs during Q2 2017 compared to Q1 2017 as well as one-off maintenance costs in the milling area during the quarter. Capitalised stripping costs during Q2 2017 amounted to €1 million compared to €4.5 million in Q1 2017. All-in sustaining costs in the reporting quarter were $2.30/lb payable copper compared to $2.92/lb payable copper in Q2 2016 and to $2.15/lb payable copper in Q1 2017. The increase in AISC compared to Q1 2017 was mainly related to the one-off maintenance cost.

Sustaining costs for Q2 2017 amounted to €2.2 million compared to €nil in Q2 2016. Sustaining costs accounted for development programmes at the tailings storage facilities, flotation circuit and environmental measures.

Corporate expenses amounting to €0.2 million (Q2 2016: €2.4 million) include non-operating costs of the Cyprus office, corporate legal and consultancy costs, on-going listing costs, officers and directors' emoluments, and salaries and related costs of the corporate office. Corporate costs were partially offset by legal costs paid by Astor to the Company as a result of the Court ruling during Q2 2017.

Exploration costs at Proyecto Riotinto for the three-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €0.3 million compared to €0.5 million in Q2 2016. All exploration costs at Proyecto Touro are capitalised.

EBITDA for the three months ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €11.9 million as a result of the increase in copper concentrate sold and higher realised copper prices, as compared to a negative EBITDA in Q2 2016 of €1.1 million.

The main item below the EBITDA line is depreciation and amortisation of €3.7 million (Q2 2016: €1.9 million). Net financing costs for Q2 2017 amounted to €0.9 million, including accretion cost of the discounted debt for Astor and interest cost for the Transamine prepayment.

Six months financial review

Revenues for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €79.1 million (H1 2016: €22.6 million). Commercial production at Proyecto Riotinto was declared in February 2016.

Copper concentrate production during the six months period ended on 30 June 2017 was 79,954 tonnes (H1 2016: 39,897 tonnes), 77,677 tonnes of copper concentrates were sold in the same period (H1 2016: 35,228 tonnes). Inventories of concentrates as at the reporting date were 2,277 tonnes (2016: 11,212 tonnes), with no inventories held as at 31 December 2016.

Realised price for the six months period in 2017 was $2.55/lb copper compared to $2.06/lb copper in the same period of 2016. Concentrates were sold under offtake agreements in place. The Company did not enter into any hedging agreements in 2017.

Operating costs for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €52.5 million, compared to €20.3 million in H1 2016. The increase was mainly due to higher mining and processing variable costs directly attributable to increase of copper production and the impact of the pre-stripping cost, as previously indicated in this report.

Cash costs of $1.97/lb payable copper during H1 2017 compares to $2.31/lb payable copper in the same period last year. All-in sustaining costs in the reporting quarter were $2.22/lb payable copper compared to $2.74/lb payable copper in H1 2016.

Sustaining costs for the six-month period amounted to €2.7 million, compared to €nil in the same period in the previous year. Sustaining costs accounted for improvements in the water supply systems, modifications to the processing flowsheet, upgrades at the main incoming substation and development programmes at the tailings storage facilities, flotation circuit and environmental measures.

Corporate costs for the first six months of 2017 were €1.6 million, compared to €5.2 million in H1 2016. Corporate costs mainly include Company overhead expenses as described before in this report.

Exploration costs related to Proyecto Riotinto for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €0.5 million, compared to €0.7 million in H1 2016. All exploration costs relating to Proyecto Touro during 2017 have been capitalized.

EBITDA for the six months ended 30 June 2017 amounted to €24.5 million, compared to a negative EBITDA in the same period of last year of €3.6 million.

Depreciation and amortisation amounted to €8.1 million for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017 (H1 2016: €2.5 million). The increase in depreciation was mainly driven by increase in production as all mining assets are depreciated per unit of production.

Net finance costs for the period of €1.7 million (H1 2016 €0.1 million) mainly relate to the unwinding of the net present value of the deferred consideration for Astor. In addition, the Company has also incurred interest costs for the Transamine prepayment and the Social Security debt.
 

Realised copper prices

The average prices of copper for the three and six months ended 30 June 2017 and 2016 are summarised below:

 

 

 

 

(USD)

Three months ended

30 June 2017

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

Six months ended

30 June 2017

Six months ended

30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realised copper price per lb

2.61

 

2.11

2.55

2.06

Market copper price per lb (period average)

2.65

 

2.21

2.61

2.16

Realised copper prices for the reporting period noted above have been calculated using payable copper and including provisional invoices and QPs together, compared to previous quarter, where QPs were included individually. As a result, the realised copper price per pound payable of copper in the reporting period was similar to the market average copper price as the Company had no hedges during the six-month period ended 30 June 2017.

5.       Non-GAAP Measures

Atalaya has included certain non-IFRS measures including "EBITDA", "Cash Cost per pound of payable copper" and "realised prices" in this report. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardised meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for indicators prepared in accordance with IFRS.

EBITDA includes gross sales net of penalties and discounts and all operating costs, excluding finance, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses.

Cash Cost per pound of payable copper includes cash operating costs, including treatment and refining charges ("TC/RC"), freight and distribution costs net of by-product credits. Cash Cost per pound of payable copper is consistent with the widely accepted industry standard established by Wood Mackenzie and is also known as the C1 cash cost.

Realised prices per pound of payable copper is the value of the copper payable included in the concentrate produced including the penalties, discounts, credits and other feature governed by the offtake agreements of the Company and all discounts or premium provided in commodity hedge agreements with financial institutions, expressed in USD per pound of payable copper. Realised price is consistent with the widely accepted industry standard definition.

6.       Liquidity and capital resources

Atalaya monitors factors that could impact its liquidity as part of Atalaya's overall capital management strategy. Factors that are monitored include, but are not limited to, the market price of copper, foreign currency rates, production levels, operating costs, capital and administrative costs.

The following is a summary of Atalaya's cash position as at 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2016 and cash flows for the three and six months ended 30 June 2017 and 2016.

 

 

Liquidity information

(Euro 000's)

 

30 June 2017

31 December 2016

 

 

 

 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents

 

1,631

885

Restricted cash

 

250

250

Working capital deficit

 

(14,106)

(25,382)

 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June 2017 increased to €1.6 million from €0.9 million at 31 December 2016. Increase in cash balances is the result of net cash flow incurred in the period. Cash balances are unrestricted and include balances at operational and corporate level.

Restricted cash remains at €0.3 million as at 30 June 2017 and mainly relates to deposit bond guarantees.

As of 30 June 2017, Atalaya reported a working capital deficiency of €14.1 million, compared with a working capital deficit of €25.4 million at 31 December 2016. The main liability of the working capital is trade payables. The trade payable account relates to the main contractor where the Company has reached certain agreements to reduce its deficit progressively during 2017 and 2018. The Company expects the deficit to be reduced over the next months with cash generated by operations.

In June 2017, the Company completed repayment of €16.9 million to the Social Security's General Treasury in Spain. The debt liability was incurred by the former owners of the assets. Repayment was completed according to the agreed repayment schedule.

During Q2 2017, the Company filed a formal claim in the Administrative Court relating to the previously announced government grant of €8.8 million.  No amount has been recognised in the financial statements.

Overview of the cash flows of the Company

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended

30 June 2017

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

Six months ended

30 June 2017

Six months ended

30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in)/from operating activities

(4,286)

 

7,415

9,989

8,889

Cash flows used in investing activities

(3,844)

 

(8,784)

(9,243)

(17,061)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

(8,130)

 

(1,369)

746

(8,172)

 

Three months cash flows review

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by €8.1 million during the three months ended 30 June 2017. This was due to cash used in operating activities amounting to €4.3 million and cash used in investing activities amounting to €3.8 million.

Cash generated from operating activities before working capital changes was €11.7 million. Atalaya reduced its trade receivables in the period by €13.0 million and its trade payables by €11.9 million and increased its inventory levels by €9.3 million.

Investing activities during the quarter consumed €3.8 million, relating mainly to the deferred mining costs.

Six months cash flows review

Cash and cash equivalents increased by €0.7 million during the six months ended 30 June 2017. This was due to cash from operating activities amounting to €10.0 million and cash used in investing activities amounting to €9.2 million.

Cash generated from operating activities before working capital changes was €24.0 million. Atalaya decreased its trade payables in the period by €4.8 million, as well as its inventory levels and its trade receivable balances by €3.8 million and €4.7 million, respectively.

Investing activities during the six-month period amounted to €9.3 million, relating mainly to the deferred mining costs.

Foreign exchange

Foreign exchange rate movements can have a significant effect on Atalaya's operations, financial position and results. Atalaya's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars ("USD"), while Atalaya's operating expenses, income taxes and other expenses are denominated in Euros ("EUR"), and to a much lesser extent in British Pounds ("GBP").

 

 

Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rates can potentially impact the results of operations and carrying value of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

During the three and six months ended 30 June 2017, Atalaya recognised a foreign exchange loss of €0.5 million and €0.8 million respectively.

The following table summarises the movement in key currencies versus the EUR:

 

 

 

Three months ended               30 June 2017

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

 

Six months ended               30 June 2017

Six months ended

30 June 2016

Average rates for the periods

 

 

 

 

 

 

   GBP - EUR

0.8611

 

0.7868

 

0.8606

0.7788

   USD - EUR

1.1021

 

1.1292

 

1.0830

1.1159

Spot rates as at

 

 

 

 

 

 

   GBP - EUR

0,8793

 

0.8265

 

0,8793

0.8265

   USD - EUR

1,1412

 

1.1102

 

1,1412

1.1102

 

In February 2017, the Company entered into certain foreign exchange hedging contracts to offset the agreements in force as at 31 December 2016. During Q2 2017, Atalaya did not have any currency hedging agreements.

Further information on the hedging agreements is disclosed in the unaudited, condensed interim consolidated financial statements that follow (Note 15).

7.       Deferred consideration

Astor Case

On 6 March 2017, judgment in the case (the "Astor Case") brought by Astor Management AG ("Astor") was handed down in the High Court of Justice in London (the "Judgment"). On 31 March 2017, declarations were made by the High Court which gave effect to the Judgment. The High Court found that the deferred consideration under the master agreement entered into between the Company, Astor and others (the "Master Agreement") did not start to become payable when permit approval was granted for the Rio Tinto Copper Project ("Proyecto Riotinto"). Accordingly, the first instalment of the deferred consideration had not fallen due.

While the Court confirmed that the Company was not in breach of any of its obligations, the Master Agreement and its provisions remain in place.

As a consequence, the Judgment requires that, in accordance with the Master Agreement, Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L.U. must apply any excess cash, (after payment of operating expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, any senior debt service requirements and up to US$10 million (for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses), to pay approximately €43.9 million of the deferred consideration due to Astor under the Master Agreement and the amount of €9.1 million payable under the loan assignment early.

Accordingly, the Company recorded the liability of €53 million at fair value, using a discount rate on an estimated excess cash flow of Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L.U.

On 25 April 2017, Atalaya and Astor applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. On 11 August 2017, the Court of Appeal granted permission to both parties to appeal (although it rejected three of Astor's seven grounds). The Appeal is anticipated to take place by July 2018.

More details on the Astor Case are included in Note 14 of the unaudited, condensed interim consolidated financial statements that follow.

8.       Risk factors

Due to the nature of Atalaya's business in the mining industry, the Company is subject to various risks that could materially impact the future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to Atalaya. Readers are encouraged to read and consider the risk factors detailed in Atalaya's audited, consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.

 

 

9.       Critical accounting policies, estimates and accounting changes

The preparation of Atalaya's Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes. There is a full discussion and description of Atalaya's critical accounting policies in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.

10.     Other information

Additional information about Atalaya Mining Plc. is available at www.atalayamining.com

 

 

 

Condensed interim consolidated income statements

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

 

 

 

 

Notes

Three months ended

30 June 2017

Three months ended

30 June 2016

Six months ended

30 June 2017

Six   months ended

30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross sales

 

53,426

17,723

79,074

22,619

Realised gains on derivative financial instruments held for trading

 

-

-

-

-

Sales

 

53,426

17,723

79,074

22,619

Operating costs and mine site administrative expenses

 

(40,994)

(15,891)

(52,492)

(20,339)

Mine site depreciation and amortisation

 

(3,740)

(1,908)

(8.132)

(2,513)

Gross income/(loss)

 

8,692

(76)

18,450

(233)

Corporate expenses

 

(211)

(2,364)

(1,613)

(5,138)

Corporate depreciation

 

-

(4)

(3)

(8)

Share based benefits

 

(29)

(34)

(45)

(68)

Exploration expenses

 

(313)

(517)

(446)

(679)

Operating profit/(loss)

 

8,139

(2,995)

16,343

(6,126)

Other income

 

1

15

5

25

Net foreign exchange loss

 

(511)

(183)

(785)

(277)

Net finance costs

4

(846)

(45)

(1,679)

(81)

Profit / (loss) before tax

 

6,783

(3,208)

13,884

(6,459)

Tax charge

 

(1,109)

(6)

(2,967)

(12)

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of the parent

 

5,674

(3,214)

10,917

(6,471)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings/(loss) per share from operations attributable to equity holders of the parent during the period :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (expressed in cents per share)

5

4.9

(2.8)

9.4

(5.5)

Fully diluted earnings/(loss) per share (expressed in cents per share)

 

4.8

(2.8)

9.2

(5.5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

5,674

(3,214)

10,917

(6,471)

Other comprehensive (loss)/income:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in value of available-for-sale investments

 

(6)

161

(40)

193

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent

 

 

5,668

 

(3,053)

 

10,877

 

(6,278)

 

 

The notes on pages 15 to 29 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position

(unaudited)

 

(Euro 000's)

 

Note

30 June  2017

 

31 December 2016

Assets

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

6

192,910

 

191,380

Intangible assets

7

59,581

 

59,715

Trade and other receivables

 

211

 

206

Deferred tax asset

 

12,141

 

12,196

 

 

264,843

 

263,497

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Inventories

8

10,028

 

6,195

Trade and other receivables

9

34,520

 

29,850

Available-for-sale investments

 

221

 

261

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,881

 

1,135

 

 

46,650

 

37,441

Total assets

 

311,493

 

300,938

Equity and liabilities

 

 

 

 

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

 

 

 

 

Share capital

10

11,632

 

11,632

Share premium

10

277,238

 

277,238

Other  reserves

11

6,122

 

5,667

Accumulated losses

 

(95,508)

 

(105,975)

Total equity

 

199,484

 

188,562

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

12

95

 

115

Provisions

13

5,623

 

5,092

Deferred consideration

14

45,535

 

44,346

 

 

51,253

 

49,553

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

12

57,827

 

62,592

Taxation

 

2,929

 

16

Derivative instruments

 

-

 

215

 

 

60,756

 

62,823

Total liabilities

 

112,009

 

112,376

Total equity and liabilities

 

311,493

 

300,938

 

 

The notes on pages 15 to 29 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Condensed interim consolidated statements of changes in equity

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

 

Share   capital

 

Share premium

Other reserves

Accumulated

losses

 

 

 

Total

 

At 1 January 2016

 

11,632

 

277,238

 

5,508

 

(118,012)

 

 

176,366

Loss for the period

 

 

 

(6,471)

 

(6,471)

Change in value of available-for-sale investment

-

-

193

-

 

193

Bonus shares issued in escrow

-

-

63

-

 

63

Recognition of share based payments

-

-

68

-

 

68

At 30 June 2016

11,632

277,238

5,832

(124,483)

 

170,219

Profit  for the period

-

-

-

18,508

 

18,508

Change in value of available-for-sale investment

-

-

(234)

-

 

(234)

Bonus shares issued in escrow

-

-

-

-

 

-

Recognition of share based payments

-

-

69

-

 

69

At 31 December 2016

11,632

277,238

5,667

(105,975)

 

188,562

Profit for the period

-

-

-

10,917

 

10,917

Change in value of available-for-sale investment

-

-

(40)

-

 

(40)

Depletion factor

-

-

450

(450)

 

-

Recognition of share based payments

-

-

45

-

 

45

At 30 June 2017

11,632

277,238

6,122

(95,508)

 

199,484

 

 

The notes on pages 15 to 29 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Notes

Three  months ended

30 June

2017

Three

months ended

30 June

2016

Six months ended

30 June

2017

Six

months ended

30 June

2016

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Profit /(loss) before tax

 

6,783

(3,208)

13,884

(6,459)

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

6

2,875

1,712

6,401

2,207

Amortisation of intangibles

7

865

200

1,734

314

Recognition of share-based payments

11

29

34

45

68

Bonus shares issued in escrow

11

-

31

-

63

Interest income

4

(3)

(4)

(19)

(18)

Interest expense

4

424

25

665

52

Interest on deferred consideration

4

605

-

1,189

 

Rehabilitation cost

4

25

24

49

47

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

-

(1)

-

(1)

Unrealised foreign exchange loss on financing activities

 

129

-

54

-

Cash inflows/(outflows) from operating activities before working capital changes

 

 

11,732

 

(1,187)

 

24,002

 

(3,727)

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

8

9,406

(3,464)

(3,833)

(10,965)

Trade and other receivables

9

(13,034)

(119)

(4,675)

4,956

Trade and other payables

12

(11,935)

12,234

(4,785)

18,724

Derivative instruments

 

(215)

-

(215)

-

Provisions

 

(25)

(24)

(49)

(47)

Cash flows from operations

 

(4,071)

7,440

10,445

8,941

Interest paid

 

(215)

(25)

(456)

(52)

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities

 

(4,286)

7,415

9,989

8,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

6

(3,378)

(8,788)

(7,672)

(17,079)

Purchase of intangible assets

7

(469)

-

(1,600)

-

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

-

1

10

1

Interest received

4

3

3

19

17

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,844)

(8,784)

(9,243)

(17,061)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(8,130)

(1,369)

746

(8,172)

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

At beginning of the period

 

10,011

11,815

1,135

18,618

At end of the period

 

1,881

10,446

1,881

10,446

 

The notes on pages 15 to 29 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements
For the three and six months to 30 June 2017 and 2016 - (Unaudited) 

 

1.   General information

Country of incorporation

Atalaya Mining Plc and its subsidiaries ("Atalaya" and/or the "Company"), was incorporated in Cyprus on 17 September 2004 as a private company with limited liability under Companies Law, Cap. 113 and was converted to a public limited liability company on 26 January 2005. Its registered office is at 1 Lampousa Street, Nicosia, Cyprus. The Company has offices in Minas de Riotinto in Spain and in Nicosia, Cyprus. The Company was listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2005 and on the TSX on 20 December 2010.

Change of name and share consolidation

Following the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") on 13 October 2015, the change of name from EMED Mining Public Limited to Atalaya Mining Plc became effective on 21 October 2015. On the same day, the consolidation of ordinary shares came into effect, whereby all shareholders received one new ordinary share of nominal value Stg £0.075 for every 30 existing ordinary shares of nominal value Stg £0.0025.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries is to operate the recently commissioned Rio Tinto Copper Project ("Proyecto Riotinto") and to explore and develop metal production operations in Europe, with an initial focus on copper. The strategy is to evaluate and prioritise metal production opportunities in several jurisdictions throughout the well-known belts of base and precious metals mineralisation in the European region.

2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). IFRSs comprise the standards issued by the International Accounting Standard Board ("IASB"), and IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRICs") as issued by the IASB. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union (EU), using the historical cost convention.

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited and include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. They have been prepared using accounting bases and policies consistent with those used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Company for the year ended 31 December 2016. These condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required for annual financial statements, and accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other information set out in the Company's 31 December 2016 Annual Report. The accounting policies are unchanged from those disclosed in the annual consolidated financial statements.

The Directors have formed a judgment at the time of approving the financial statements that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Company have adequate available resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern which assumes that the Company will realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Management has carried out an assessment of the going concern assumption and has concluded that the Company's will generate sufficient cash and cash equivalents to continue operating for the next twelve months.

Fair value estimation

The fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts at the reporting date.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets, such as publicly traded trading and available‑for‑sale financial assets is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the current bid price. The appropriate quoted market price for financial liabilities is the current ask price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Company uses a variety of methods, such as estimated discounted cash flows, and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at the reporting date.

 

 

2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies (continued)

Fair value measurements recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

·      Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·      Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

·      Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 June 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale financial assets

221

-

-

 

221

Total

221

-

-

 

221

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 December 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale financial assets

261

-

-

 

261

Total

261

-

-

 

261

 

Use and revision of accounting estimates

The preparation of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires the making of estimations and assumptions that affect the recognised amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

The Company has adopted all the new and revised IFRSs and International Accounting Standards (IASs) which are relevant to its operations and are effective for accounting periods commencing on 1 January 2017. The adoption of these Standards did not have a material effect on the condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts at the reporting date. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are unchanged from those disclosed in the annual consolidated financial statements.

Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

 

 

3.   Business and geographical segments

Business segments

The Company has only one distinct business segment, being that of mining operations, mineral exploration and development.

Geographical segments

The Company's mining and exploration activities are located in Spain and its administration is based in Cyprus.

(Euro 000's)

Cyprus

Spain

Other

 

Total

 

Three months ended 30 June 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

53,426

-

-

 

53,426

 

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

50,839

(38,944)

(15)

 

11,880

 

Depreciation/amortisation charge

-

(3,740)

-

 

(3,740)

 

Net finance cost

(697)

(149)

-

 

(846)

 

Foreign exchange loss

(119)

(392)

-

 

(511)

 

Profit/(loss) for the period before taxation

50,023

(43,225)

(15)

 

6,783

 

Tax charge

 

 

 

 

(1,109)

 

Net profit for the period

 

 

 

 

5,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

79,074

-

-

 

79,074

 

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

74,573

(50,084)

(6)

 

24,483

 

Depreciation/amortisation charge

(3)

(8,132)

-

 

(8,135)

 

Net finance cost

(508)

(1,171)

-

 

(1,679)

 

Foreign exchange loss

(411)

(374)

-

 

(785)

 

Profit/(loss) for the period before taxation

73,651

(59,761)

(6)

 

13,884

 

Tax charge

 

 

 

 

(2,967)

 

Net profit for the period

 

 

 

 

10,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

19,025

291,695

773

 

311,493

 

Total liabilities

(11,980)

(99,995)

(34)

 

(112,009)

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

(3)

(6,398)

-

 

(6,401)

 

Amortisation of intangible assets

-

(1,734)

-

 

(1,734)

 

Total net additions of non-current assets

-

9,293

-

 

9,293

 

Three months ended 30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

17,723

-

-

 

17,723

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

(647)

(417)

(4)

 

(1,068)

Depreciation/amortisation charge

(4)

(1,908)

-

 

(1,912)

Finance cost

-

(45)

-

 

(45)

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain

(247)

64

-

 

(183)

Loss for the period before taxation

(898)

(2,306)

(4)

 

(3,208)

Tax charge

 

 

 

 

(6)

Net loss for the period

 

 

 

 

(3,214)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

22,619

-

-

 

22,619

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA)

(1,625)

(1,947)

(8)

 

(3,580)

Depreciation/amortisation charge

(8)

(2,513)

-

 

(2,521)

Finance cost

-

(81)

-

 

(81)

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain

(343)

66

-

 

(277)

Loss for the period before taxation

(1,976)

(4,475)

(8)

 

(6,459)

Tax charge

 

 

 

 

(12)

Net loss for the period

 

 

 

 

(6,471)

3.  Business and geographical segments (continued)

Geographical segments (continued)

(Euro 000's)

Cyprus

Spain

Other

 

Total

 

Total assets

4,327

232,448

5

 

236,780

Total liabilities

(9,080)

(57,422)

(59)

 

(66,561)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

8

2,199

-

 

2,207

Amortisation of intangible assets

-

314

-

 

314

Total net additions of non-current assets

-

17,079

-

 

17,079

 

4. Net finance cost

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended               30 June 2017

 

Three months ended               30 June 2016

 

Six months ended               30 June 2017

 

Six months ended

30 June 2016

Interest expense :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt to department of social security and other interest

171

 

25

 

343

 

52

Interest on copper concentrate prepayment

37

 

-

 

106

 

-

Interest on early payment

216

 

 

 

216

 

 

Deferred consideration

605

 

-

 

1,189

 

-

Interest income

(3)

 

(4)

 

(19)

 

(18)

Rehabilitation cost (Note 13)

25

 

24

 

49

 

47

Net foreign exchange

(205)

 

 

 

(205)

 

 

 

846

 

45

 

1,679

 

81

 

5. Basic and fully diluted profit/(loss) per share

The calculation of the basic and fully diluted profit/(loss) per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the parent is based on the following data:

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended               30 June 2017

 

Three months ended               30 June 2016

 

Six months ended               30 June 2017

 

Six months ended

30 June 2016

Parent

(496)

 

(730)

 

(1,363)

 

(1,379)

Subsidiaries

6,170

 

(2,484)

 

12,280

 

(5,092)

Profit/(loss) attributable to the ordinary holders of the parent

5,674

 

(3,214)

 

10,917

 

(6,471)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic profit/(loss) per share (000's)

 

116,680

 

 

116,680

 

 

116,680

 

 

116,680

Basic profit/(loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic profit/(loss) per share (cents)

4.9

 

(2.8)

 

9.4

 

(5.5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted number of ordinary shares for the purposes of fully diluted profit/(loss) per share (000's)

 

118,445

 

 

116,680

 

 

118,445

 

 

116,680

Fully diluted profit/(loss) per share (cents) :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fully diluted profit/(loss) per share (cents)

4.8

 

(2.8)

 

9.2

 

(5.5)

 

6. Property, plant and equipment

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Land and buildings

Plant and machinery

Mineral rights

Assets under construction

 

Deferred mining costs(2)

Other assets(3)

 

Total

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2016

39,061

23,046

950

94,525

10,334

1,026

 

168,942

Additions

46

16,994

-

-

-

39

 

17,079

Reclassifications

-

46,935

-

(41,731)

(5,204)

-

 

-

Reclassifications - intangibles

 

-

 

1,614

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

1,614

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

(5)

 

(5)

At 30 June 2016

39,107

88,589

950

52,794

5,130

1,060

 

187,630

Additions/(correction)

1,075(1)

(1,011)

-

-

13,848

125

 

14,037

Reclassifications

6

57,352

-

(52,228)

(5,130)

-

 

-

Reclassifications - intangibles

 

-

 

-

 

(50)

 

-

 

-

 

(247)

 

 

(297)

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

(37)

 

(37)

Written off

-

-

(900)

-

-

(63)

 

(963)

At 31 December 2016

40,188

144,930

-

566

13,848

838

 

200,370

Additions

334

-

-

2,852

4,754

-

 

7,940

Reclassifications

400

99

-

(499)

-

-

 

-

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

(53)

 

(53)

At 30 June 2017

40,922

145,029

-

2,919

18,602

785

 

208,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2016

-

-

-

-

-

518

 

518

Charge/(correction) for the period

 

658

 

1,652

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(103)

 

 

2,207

Disposal

-

-

-

-

-

(5)

 

(5)

At 30 June 2016

658

1,652

-

-

-

410

 

2,720

Charge for the period

1,078

3,280

-

-

1,758

320

 

6,436

Reclassifications

-

141

-

-

-

(141)

 

-

Reclassifications -intangibles

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(81)

 

 

(81)

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

(20)

 

(20)

Impairment

-

-

900

-

-

3

 

903

Written off

-

-

(900)

-

-

(68)

 

(968)

At 31 December 2016

1,736

5,073

-

-

1,758

423

 

8,990

Charge for the period

1,139

4,097

-

-

1,116

49

 

6,401

Disposals

-

-

-

-

-

(44)

 

(44)

At 30 June 2017

2,875

9,170

-

-

2,874

428

 

15,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 June 2017

38,047

135,859

-

2,919

15,728

357

 

192,910

At 31 December 2016

38,452

139,857

-

566

12,090

415

 

191,380

 

(1) Rehabilitation provision

(2) Stripping costs

(3) Includes motor vehicles, furniture, fixtures and office equipment which are depreciated over 5-10 years.

The above property, plant and equipment is located in Cyprus and Spain.

 

7. Intangible assets

 

(Euro 000's)

Permits of Rio Tinto Project

 

Licences, R&D and software

 

Goodwill

 

 

Total

Cost

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2016

20,158

-

9,333

 

29,491

Reclassifications - property, plant and equipment

(1,589)

-

-

 

(1,589)

At 30 June 2016

18,569

-

9,333

 

27,902

Additions

42,244(1)

1,334

-

 

43,578

Reclassifications - property, plant and equipment

(25)

297

-

 

272

Other reclassifications

(28)

54

-

 

26

At 31 December 2016

60,760

1,685

9,333

 

71,778

Additions

-

1,600

-

 

1,600

At 30 June 2017

60,760

3,285

9,333

 

73,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation

 

 

 

 

 

On 1 January 2016

-

-

9,333

 

9,333

Charge for the period

114

-

-

 

114

At 30 June 2016

114

-

9,333

 

9,447

Charge for the period

2,493

42

-

 

2,535

Reclassifications - property, plant and equipment

-

81

-

 

81

At 31 December 2016

2,607

123

9,333

 

12,063

Charge for the period

1,706

28

-

 

1,734

At 30 June 2017

4,313

151

9,333

 

13,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 June 2017

56,447

3,134

-

 

59,581

At 31 December 2016

58,153

1,562

-

 

59,715

(1)         This addition relates to the deferred consideration as at 1 February 2016 (Note 14)

The useful life of the intangible assets is estimated to be not less than 16 ½ years according to the revised Reserves and Resources statement released in July 2016. The ultimate recoupment of balances carried forward in relation to areas of interest or all such assets including intangibles is dependent on successful development, and commercial exploitation, or alternatively sale of the respective areas. The Company conducts impairment testing on an annual basis unless indicators of impairment are present at the reporting date.

In considering the carrying value of the assets at Proyecto Riotinto, including the intangible assets and any impairment thereof, the Company assessed the carrying values having regard to (a) the current recovery value (less costs to sell) and (b) the net present value of potential cash flows from operations. In both cases, the estimated net realisable values exceeded current carrying values and thus no impairment has been recognised.

Goodwill amounting to €9,333,000 arose on the acquisition of the remaining 49% of the issued share capital of Atalaya Riotinto Minera S.L.U. ("ARM") back in September 2008. This amount was fully impaired on acquisition, in the absence of the mining license back in 2008.

8. Inventories

(Euro 000's)

30 June 2017

 

31 Dec 2016

Finished products

1,633

 

-

Materials and supplies

7,221

 

5,647

Work in progress

1,174

 

548

 

10,028

 

6,195

 

 

 

9. Trade and other receivables

(Euro 000's)

30 June 2017

 

31 Dec 2016

 

 

 

 

Non-current

 

 

 

Deposits

211

 

206

 

211

 

206

Current

 

 

 

Trade receivables

14,255

 

15,082

Receivables from related parties (Note 17.3 ii)

69

 

68

Receivables from shareholders (Note 17.3 iii)

3,661

 

2,024

Deposits and prepayments

720

 

522

VAT

14,648

 

11,187

Other receivables

1,167

 

967

 

34,520

 

29,850

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate to their carrying amounts as presented above.

10. Share capital and share premium

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

000's

Share Capital

Stg£'000

Share premium

Stg£'000

 

 

Total

Stg£'000

Authorised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary shares of Stg £0.075 each*

 

200,000

15,000

-

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

000's

Euro 000's

Euro 000's

 

Euro 000's

 

Issued and fully paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017

 

116,680

11,632

277,238

 

288,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     

Authorised capital

The Company's authorised share capital is 200,000,000 ordinary shares of Stg £0.075 each.

Issued capital

2017

No shares were issued in the period from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017.

Warrants

The Company has issued warrants to advisers to the Company. Warrants, noted below, expire three or five years after the grant date and have exercise prices ranging from Stg £1.425 to Stg £3.150.

 

Details of share warrants outstanding as at 30 June 2017:

 

 

 

Number of warrants

Outstanding warrants at 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017

 

365,354

 

             

 

Some of the warrants above expired during July and August 2017. Refer to Note 21.

 

 

11. Other reserves

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Share option

Bonus share

 

Depletion factor

Available-for-sale investment

 

 

Total

At 1 January 2016

6,247

145

-

(884)

 

5,508

Change in value of available-for-sale investment

-

-

-

193

 

193

Bonus shares issued in escrow

-

63

-

-

 

63

Recognition of share based payments

68

-

-

-

 

68

At 30 June 2016

6,315

208

-

(691)

 

5,832

Change in value of available-for-sale investment

-

-

-

(234)

 

(234)

Recognition of share based payments

69

-

-

-

 

69

At 31 December 2016

6,384

208

-

(925)

 

5,667

Change in value of available-for-sale investments

-

-

-

(40)

 

(40)

Recognition of share based payments

45

-

-

-

 

45

Recognition of the Depletion factor

-

-

450

-

 

450

At 30 June 2017

6,429

208

450

(965)

 

6,122

Share options

On 23 February 2017, the Company granted 900,000 incentive share options to Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMRs") and management in accordance with the Company's Share Option Plan 2013.

The share options expire five years from the date of grant, have an exercise price of £144.0 pence per share, based on the minimum share price in the five days preceding the grant date and vest in three equal tranches - one third on grant, one third on the first anniversary of the original grant date and one third on the second anniversary of the original grant date.

Details of share options outstanding as at 30 June 2017:

 

 

 

Number of share options 000's

Outstanding options at 1 January 2017

 

500

      -  Issued during the reporting period

 

900

Outstanding options at 30 June 2017

 

1,400

12. Trade and other payables

(Euro 000's)

30 June 2017

 

31 Dec 2016

Non-current

 

 

 

Land options

95

 

115

 

95

 

115

Current

 

 

 

Trade payables

51,343

 

49,309

Payable to shareholders (Note 17.3 iii)

-

 

12

Copper concentrate prepayment

1,720

 

8,684

Social Security*

-

 

1,741

Land options and mortgage

791

 

790

Accruals

3,760

 

1,826

Other

213

 

230

 

57,827

 

62,592

The fair values of trade and other payables due within one year approximate to their carrying amounts as presented above.

* On 25 May 2010 ARM recognised a debt with the Social Security's General Treasury in Spain amounting to €16.9 million that was incurred by a previous owner in order to stop the execution process by Public Auction of the land over which Social Security had a lien. 

Originally payable over 5 years, the repayment schedule was subsequently extended until June 2017. As of 30 June 2017 the debt was fully repaid to the Social Security.
 

13. Provisions

 

(Euro 000's)

 

Legal costs

Rehabilitation costs

 

 

Total costs

1 January 2016

-

3,971

 

3,971

Revision of discount rate

-

732

 

732

Revision of estimates

-

296

 

296

Accretion expense

-

93

 

93

At 31 December 2016

-

5,092

 

5,092

Additions

-

269

 

269

Charge to profit and loss as operating costs

213

-

 

213

Charge to profit and loss as finance cost

-

49

 

49

At 30 June 2017

213

5,410

 

5,623

 

(Euro 000's)

30 June 2017

 

31 Dec 2016

Non-current

5,623

 

5,092

Current

-

 

-

Total

5,623

 

5,092

Rehabilitation provision represents the accrued cost required to provide adequate restoration and rehabilitation upon the completion of production activities. These amounts will be settled when rehabilitation is undertaken, generally over the project's life.

The Company has been named a defendant in several legal actions in Spain, the outcome of which is not determinable as at 30 June, 2017. Management has reviewed individually each case and provided a provision of €213 thousand for these claims, which has been reflected in these financial statements.

14. Deferred consideration

In September 2008, the Company moved to 100% ownership of ARM (and thus full ownership of Proyecto Riotinto) by acquiring the remaining 49% of the issued capital of ARM. At the time of the acquisition, certain companies in the Company signed a master agreement with Astor (the "Master Agreement") which includes the potential payment of deferred consideration of €43.8 million (the "Deferred Consideration") and up-tick payments of up to €15.9 million depending on the price of copper (the "Up-tick Payments"). These potential payments are in consideration of (a) all parties to the Master Agreement accepting the legal structure of ARM (formerly Emed Tartessus); (b) the parties agreeing to waive claims and rights under various agreements relating to ARM and Proyecto Riotinto entered into prior to the Master Agreement; and (c) the provision of indemnities by Astor and its related parties in favour of the Company and Atalaya MinasdeRiotinto (UK) Ltd, and the agreement by Astor and its related parties not to pursue litigation against the Company or ARM.

The obligation to pay the Deferred Consideration and the Up-tick Payments is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions (the "Conditions"): (a) all authorisations to restart mining activities in Proyecto Riotinto having been granted by the Junta de Andalucía ("Permit Approval"); and (b) the Company securing senior debt finance and related guarantee facilities for a sum sufficient to restart mining operations at Proyecto Riotinto ("Senior Debt Facility") and being able to draw down funds under the Senior Debt Facility.

Subject to satisfaction of the Conditions, the Deferred Consideration and the Up-tick Payments are payable over a period of six or seven years (the "Payment Period").  In addition to the satisfaction of the Conditions, the Up-tick Payments are only be payable if, during the relevant period, the average price of copper per tonne is US$6,614 or more (US$3.00/lb).

 

 

14. Deferred consideration (continued)

The Company has also entered into a credit assignment agreement with a related company of Astor, Astor Resources AG (previously Shorthorn AG), pursuant to which the benefit of outstanding loans were assigned to the Company in consideration for the payment of €9.1 million to Astor Resources (the "Loan Assignment"). Payment under the Loan Assignment is also subject to satisfaction of the Conditions and is payable in instalments over the Payment Period.

As security, inter alia, for the obligation to pay the Deferred Consideration, the Up-tick Payments and the Loan Assignment, Atalaya MinasdeRiotinto (UK) Ltd (previously EMED Holdings (UK) Limited) has granted pledges to Astor Resources over the issued capital of ARM and the Company has provided a parent company guarantee.

As at the date of this report, the Condition relating to Permit Approval has been satisfied. However, the Company has not entered into arrangements in connection with a Senior Debt Facility and, in the absence of drawdown of funds by the Company pursuant to a Senior Debt Facility, the Conditions have not been satisfied.

On 6 March 2017, judgment in the Astor Case was handed down in the High Court of Justice in London.  On 31 March 2017 declarations were made by the High Court which gave effect to the Judgment.

In summary, the High Court found that the Deferred Consideration did not start to become payable when Permit Approval was granted. In addition, the intra-company loans by which funding for the restart of mining operations was made available to ARM did not constitute a Senior Debt Facility so as to trigger payment of the Deferred Consideration. Accordingly, the first instalment of the Deferred Consideration has not fallen due.

Astor failed to show that there had been a breach of the all reasonable endeavours obligation contained in the Master Agreement to obtain a Senior Debt Facility or that the Company had acted in bad faith in not obtaining a Senior Debt Facility. While the Court confirmed that the Company was not in breach of any of its obligations, the Master Agreement and its provisions remain in place.  Accordingly, other than up to US$10 million a year which may be required for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses, ARM cannot make, declare or pay any dividend, distribution or any repayment of the money lent to it by companies in the Company until the consideration under the Master Agreement (including the Deferred Consideration) has been paid in full.

As a consequence, the Judgment requires that, in accordance with the Master Agreement, ARM must apply any excess cash (after payment of operating expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, any senior debt service requirements and up to US$10 million (for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses)) to pay the consideration due to Astor (including the Deferred Consideration and the amount of €9.1 million payable under the Loan Assignment) early. The Court confirmed that the obligation to pay consideration early out of excess cash does not apply to the Up-tick Payments and the Judgment notes that the only situation in which the Up-tick Payments could ever become payable is in the unlikely event that mining operations stop at Proyecto Riotinto and a Senior Debt Facility is then secured for a sum sufficient to restart mining operations.

While the Judgment confirms that the cash sweep provisions of the Master Agreement require ARM to repay the Loan Assignment early, it does not extend to the credit assignment agreement which is governed by Spanish law.  The Judgment therefore does not provide any clarity on whether the Conditions have been met in respect of payment of Loan Assignment and there remains significant doubts concerning the legal obligation to pay the Loan Assignment pursuant to the terms of the credit assignment agreement.

Before the Judgment dated 6 March 2017, the Company had not recognised the Deferred Consideration on the basis that the payment of the amounts was not considered probable. The Judgment required the Company to revisit its estimates and assumptions as at and for the year ended 31 December 2016. Accordingly, the Company recorded the liability at fair value using a discount rate on an estimated excess cash flow of ARM.

As at 30 June 2017, the Company has not generated any excess cash and, consequently, no consideration has been paid.

As at the reporting date, the Company has updated the estimation of the excess cash flows and the fair value of the Deferred Consideration. The main assumptions of the net present value are as follows:

Gross amount:        €53,000,000

Discount rate:          5.5%

Net present value: €45,535,587

 

 

14. Deferred consideration (continued)

The fair values disclosed are provisional as of 30 June 2017 due to the complexity of the Master Agreement, and the inherently uncertain nature of the assumptions to calculate the future cash flows of ARM.

When determining the net present value of the Deferred Consideration, the Company has used historical facts and future assumptions, based on opinions and estimates on the excess cash to be generated at ARM.

Many of these assumptions are based on factors such as commodities prices, cost of operations, future settlements on current and future trade creditors and debtors and other events that are not within the control of Atalaya.

On 25 April 2017, Atalaya and Astor applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. On 11 August 2017 the Court of Appeal granted permission to both parties to appeal (although it rejected three of Astor's seven grounds). The Appeal is to take place by July 2018.

15. Derivative instruments

15.1. Foreign exchange contract

As at 31 December 2016, Atalaya had certain short term foreign exchange contracts with the following relevant information:

Foreign exchange contracts - Euro/USD

Period

Contract type

Amount in USD

Contract rate

Strike

June 2016  - June 2017

FX Forward - Put

5,000,000

1.0955

n/a

 

FX Forward - Call

10,000,000

1.0955

1.0450

The counter parties of the foreign exchange agreements are third parties.

In February 2017, the Company entered into certain foreign exchange hedging contracts to offset the agreements noted above before its expiration date. The contracts were signed with the same financial institution.

During the three month period ended 30 June 2017 the Company had not entered into any short term foreign exchange contract.

15.2. Commodity contract

During the six month period ended 30 June 2017, the Company had not entered into any hedging contract.

16. Acquisition, incorporation and disposal of subsidiaries

During the six months ended 30 June 2017, the Company announced the exercise of the option to acquire 10% of Proyecto Touro. Further details are given in Note 20.

On 10 March 2017, Atalaya Touro (UK) Limited was incorporated. Atalaya Mining Plc is its sole shareholder. In July 2017, Atalaya Touro (UK) Limited executed the option and acquired 10% of Cobre San Rafael, S.L. the Company which owns the mining rights of Proyecto Touro (Note 20).

 

17. Related party transactions

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

17.1 Compensation of key management personnel

The total remuneration and fees of Directors (including Executive Directors) and other key management personnel was as follows:

 

 

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended

30 June 2017

 

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

 

Six months ended

30 June 2017

 

Six months ended

30 June 2016

Directors' remuneration and fees

179

 

 

175

 

359

 

350

Share option-based benefits to directors

4

 

 

14

 

6

 

28

Bonus shares issued to director, in escrow

-

 

 

31

 

-

 

63

Key management personnel remuneration

120

 

 

95

 

213

 

190

Share option-based and other benefits to key management personnel 

13

 

 

8

 

22

 

16

 

316

 

323

 

600

 

647

17.2 Share-based benefits

The directors and key management personnel have been granted 900,000 options during the six month period.

17.3 Transactions with related parties/shareholders

i) Transaction with shareholders

 

 

(Euro 000's)

Three months ended

 30 June 2017

 

 

Three months ended

30 June 2016

 

 

Six months ended

30 June 2017

 

Six

months ended

30 June 2016

Trafigura PTE LTD ("Trafigura") - Sales of goods (pre commissioning sales offset against the cost of constructing assets)

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

2,452

Trafigura- Sales of goods

 

 

 

6,497

 

 

13,008

 

11,393

Orion Mine Finance (Master) Fund I LP ("Orion") - Sales of goods

-

 

 

-

 

 

(4)

 

-

 

 

 

 

6,497

 

 

13,004

 

13,845

ii) Period-end balances with related parties

 

 

(Euro 000's)

 

30 June 2017

 

 

31 Dec 2016

Receivables from related parties:

 

 

 

Fundacion Atalaya Riotinto

13

 

12

Recursos Cuenca Minera S.L.

56

 

56

Total (Note 9)

69

 

68

The above debtor balance arising from sales of goods bears no interest and is repayable on demand

iii) Period-end balances with shareholders

 

 

(Euro 000's)

 

30 June 2017

 

 

31 Dec 2016

 

 

 

 

Trafigura - Debtor balance (Note 9)

3,661

 

2,024

Orion - Creditor balance (Note 12)

-

 

(12)

The above debtor balance arising from the pre-commissioning sales of goods bear no interest and is repayable on demand.

18. Contingent liabilities

Judicial and administrative cases

In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings, claims and assessments. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Legal fees for such matters are expensed as incurred and the Company accrues for adverse outcomes as they become probable and estimable.

ARM has been notified for certain industrial discharges from the Tailing Management Facility ("TMF"). A full description of each notification from the Authorities and its resolution have been included in the 2016 financial statements. As of June 2017, all notifications related to discharges dated September 2010, January 2014 and February 2015 were either ruled by a Court in favour of ARM or lapse without any further notification from the Authorities.

 

19. Commitments

There are no minimum exploration requirements at Proyecto Riotinto. However, the Company is obliged to pay municipal land taxes which currently are approximately €235,000 per year in Spain and Atalaya is required to maintain the Riotinto site in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

As part of the consideration for the purchase of land from Rumbo, ARM has agreed to pay a royalty to Rumbo subject to commencement of production of $250,000 in each quarter where the average price of LME copper or the average copper sale price achieved by the Company is at least $2.60/lb. No royalty is payable in respect of any quarter where the average copper price for that quarter is below this amount and in certain circumstances any quarterly royalty payment can be deferred until the following quarter. The royalty obligation terminates 10 years after commencement of production. No payments were made in 2016 (2015 - nil). Commencement of production is defined as being the first to occur of processing of ore at a rate of nine million tonnes per annum for a continuous period of six months or the date that is 18 months after the first product sales from Proyecto Riotinto. No payments have been made during the six months ended 30 June 2017.

ARM has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Rumbo to evaluate and exploit the potential of the class B resources in the tailings dam and waste areas at Proyecto Riotinto (mainly residual gold and silver in the old gossan tailings). Under the joint venture agreement, ARM will be the operator of the joint venture, will reimburse Rumbo for the costs associated with the application for classification of the Class B resources and will fund the initial expenditure of a feasibility study up to a maximum of €2 million. Costs are then borne by the joint venture partners in accordance with their respective ownership interests. Half of the costs paid by ARM in connection with the feasibility study can be deducted from any royalty which may fall due to be paid.

 

 

20. Significant events

Proyecto Touro

On 23 February 2017, the Company announced that it had exercised an option to acquire 10% of the share capital of Cobre San Rafael S.L., ("CSR"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Explotaciones Gallegas S.L. ("EG"), part of the F. GOMEZ Company. This is part of an earn-in agreement (the "Agreement"), which will enable the Company to acquire up to 80% of CSR.

Following the acquisition of the initial 10% of CSR's share capital, the agreement included the following four phases:

·      Phase 1 - The Company paid €0.5 million to secure the exclusivity agreement and will continue to fund up to a maximum of €5 million to get the project through the permitting and financing stages.

·      Phase 2 - When permits are granted, the Company will pay €2 million to earn-in an additional 30% interest in the project (cumulative 40%).

·      Phase 3 - Once development capital is in place and construction is underway, the Company will pay €5 million to earn-in an additional 30% interest in the project (cumulative 70%).

·      Phase 4 - Once commercial production is declared, the Company will purchase an additional 10% interest in the project (cumulative 80%) in return for a 0.75% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty, with a buyback option.

The Agreement has been structured so that the various phases and payments will only occur once the project is de-risked, permitted and in operation.

On July 2017, the Company executed the acquisition of 10% of CSR.

Study to increase copper production at Proyecto Riotinto

The Board of Directors of the Company approved in June 2017 a study to demonstrate the feasibility of increasing copper production to 50,000 - 55, 000 tonnes per annum.

As of the date of this report, the study is underway and it is expected to be concluded during Q4 2017.

21. Events after the reporting period

Subsequent to the reporting date, the following warrants were expired:

Equity instrument

Grant date

Expired date

Number of warrants

Ex price

Warrants

2 July 2012

2 July 2017

33,332

3.15

Warrants

22 August 2012

22 August 2017

69,453

2.55

 

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 13 July 2017, the shareholders approved all resolutions.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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