Full Year 2023 Results

Centamin PLC
21 March 2024
 

21 March 2024

Centamin plc

("Centamin" or "the Company")

(LSE:CEY, TSX:CEE)

 

Full year 2023 results

Audited results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2023

 

MARTIN HORGAN, CEO, commented: "2023 is the third consecutive year that we have safely delivered on our production guidance, reflecting the operational improvements and flexibility from our three-year reinvestment plan. Despite ongoing local inflationary pressures, we reduced our AISC by $194/oz versus 2022, beating the lower end of our guidance range. With the reinvestment programme ending in 2024, Sukari has been repositioned towards consistently delivering 500,000 ounces per annum over the long-term, with further growth and cost saving opportunities identified.

Looking ahead to 2024, the grid connection project will continue our recent success in taking costs out of the business whilst delivering into our near-term decarbonisation targets of reducing our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030. We will continue to advance the organic growth opportunities within our portfolio of assets by aggressively following up on the recent exploration success with our Eastern Desert Exploration drilling programme ("EDX") and proceed towards an investment decision at Doropo in Cote d'Ivoire following the publication of the DFS later this year."

HIGHLIGHTS

9.5 million hours worked at the Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari") with zero lost time injuries ("LTI"). The Group lost time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") of 0.08 was an 83% improvement on the 3-year trailing average. Total recordable injury frequency rate ("TRIFR") of 2.83, a 24% improvement on the 3-year trailing average.

Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions "GHG" reduced by 7% since 2021 base year, driven primarily by the 21.5 million litre reduction in diesel consumption during the first full year of solar power generation.

Gold production of 450,058 ounces ("oz"), a 2% increase on 2022, delivered in line with 2023 guidance.

All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of US$1,205/oz sold, a 14% improvement on 2022, beating 2023 guidance.

Increased adjusted EBITDA by 25% to US$398 million, at a 45% margin, up from 40% in 2022.

Annual capital expenditure ("capex") of US$204 million below guidance of US$272 million: due to cost savings, lower capitalisation of costs and changes to equipment rebuild schedules.

Sukari cash contribution of US$121m, including US$45 million in cost recovery and US$112 million of profit share, net of US$36 million capex funded from corporate. Government profit share and royalties totalled US$139 million.

Group free cash flow of US$49 million, up from -US$18 million in 2022.

Robust balance sheet with cash and liquid assets of US$153 million, as at 31 December 2023, and total liquidity of US$303 million including the undrawn US$150 million sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.

Final dividend of 2.0 US cents per share, equating to US$23 million, subject to approval at the annual general meeting on 21 May 2024. Total dividend for full year 2023 of 4.0 US cents per share or US$46 million.

GROUP FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

FY 2023

FY 2022(2)

% Δ

H2-2023

H1-2023

Gold sold (oz)

456,625

438,638

4%

237,271

219,354

Cash costs (US$/oz produced)

875

913

-4%

901

849

AISC (US$/oz sold)

1,205

1,399

-14%

1,184

1,228

Realised gold price (US$/oz)

1,948

1,794

9%

1,963

1,936

Revenue (US$000)

891,262

788,424

13%

465,650

425,612

Adjusted EBITDA (US$000)

398,175

319,015

25%

205,250

192,925

Profit before tax (US$000)

195,140

171,001

14%

80,336

114,804

Profit after tax attrib. to the parent (US$000) (1)

92,284

72,490

27%

34,916

57,368

Basic EPS (US cents) (1)

7.97

6.29

27%

3.02

4.96

Gross capex (US$'000)

204,111

283,543

-28%

95,850

108,261

Operating cash flow(US$'000)(2)

353,600

292,524

21%

181,834

171,767

Adjusted free cash flow(US$'000) (2)

48,995

-17,551

379%

29,633

19,362

 

1.      The profit after tax attributable to the parent and the Basic EPS for H1 2023 was updated after the reconciliation of the profit attributable to the Non-Controlling Interest (due to EMRA) for both H1 2023 and H2 2023 was completed at year end.

2.      The comparatives in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been restated to reflect an increase of cash generated from operating activities of $2.5m, interest paid of $1.9m and a reduction of the effect of foreign exchange rate changes of $0.6m, resulting in the net restatement of the Operating cash flow and the adjusted free cash flow figures by an increase of US$0.6m

2024 OUTLOOK

Guidance unchanged

Gold production guidance range of 470,000 to 500,000 oz per annum with a minor weighting towards H2

Cost guidance:

 

Cash cost guidance range of US$700-850/oz produced

 

AISC guidance range of US$1,200-1,350/oz sold

 

Guidance reflects a range of diesel prices from 75-90 US cents per litre

Adjusted capex guidance is $215m, including:

 

US$112m of sustaining capex

 

US$103m of non-sustaining capex, of which US$58m is allocated to growth projects that are funded from Centamin treasury under the Sukari Concession Agreement and cost recovered over three years

 

Adjusted capex excludes US$91m of sustaining deferred stripping reclassified from operating costs

2024 KEY MILESTONES

Doropo Project, Cote d'Ivoire, completed DFS (mid-2024)

Accelerated waste-stripping programme completion (mid-2024)

EDX exploration update (H2 2024)

Sukari 50MW grid connection project construction (H2 2024)

Completion of Solar Expansion Study (H2 2024)

WEBCAST PRESENTATION

The Company will host a webcast presentation today, Thursday 21 March, at 08.30 GMT, to discuss the results with investors and analysts, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Please find below the required participation details. A recording will be made available on the Company website.

To join the webcast: https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/Centamin/events/0995e3c5-b8c1-46ed-ac98-de2fa708e250

Please allow a few minutes to register.

PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION of the results: www.centamin.com/investors/results-reports/

 

About Centamin

Centamin is an established gold producer, with premium listings on the London Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the Sukari Gold Mine ("Sukari"), Egypt's largest and first modern gold mine, as well as one of the world's largest producing mines. Since production began in 2009 Sukari has produced 5.7 million ounces of gold, and today has a projected mine life to 2034.

Through its large portfolio of exploration assets in Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire, Centamin is advancing an active pipeline of future growth prospects, including the Doropo project in Côte d'Ivoire, and over 3,000km2 of highly prospective exploration ground in Egypt's Arabian Nubian Shield.

Centamin practices responsible mining activities, recognising its responsibility to deliver operational and financial performance and create lasting mutual benefit for all stakeholders through good corporate citizenship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit the website www.centamin.com or contact:

Centamin plc

Michael Stoner, Head of Corporate

investor@centaminplc.com  

FTI Consulting

Ben Brewerton / Sara Powell / Nick Hennis

+442037271000

centamin@fticonsulting.com

 

 

ENDNOTES

Guidance

The Company actively monitors the global geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomics, such as global inflation, and guidance may be impacted if the supply chain, workforce or operation are disrupted.  

Financials

Full year financial data points included within this report are audited.

Non-GAAP measures

This statement includes certain financial performance measures which are not GAAP measures as defined under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These include EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, Cash costs of production, AISC, Cash and liquid assets, Free cash flow and adjusted Free cash flow. Management believes these measures provide valuable additional information for users of the financial statements to understand the underlying trading performance. An explanation of the measures used along with reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measures is provided in the Financial Review.

Profit after tax attributable to the parent

Centamin profit after the profit share split with the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Royalties

Royalties are accrued and paid six months in arrears.

Cash and liquid assets

Cash and liquid assets include cash, bullion on hand and gold sales receivables and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Movements in inventory

Movement in inventory on ounces produced is the movement in mining stockpiles and ore in circuit while the movement in inventory on ounces sold is the net movement in mining stockpiles, ore in circuit and gold in safe inventory.

Gold produced

Gold produced is gold poured and does not include gold-in-circuit at period end.

Dividend

All dividends are subject to final Board approval and final dividends are subject to shareholder approval at the Company's annual general meeting.



 

Forward-looking Statements

This announcement (including information incorporated by reference) contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including statements with respect to future financial or operating performance. Such statements include "future-oriented financial information" or "financial outlook" with respect to prospective financial performance, financial position, EBITDA, cash flows and other financial metrics that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts" and "anticipates" and include production outlook, operating schedules, production profiles, expansion and expansion plans, efficiency gains, production and cost guidance, capital expenditure outlook, exploration spend and other mine plans. Although Centamin believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Centamin can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the management of Centamin about future events and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition, there are a number of factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; the risks and uncertainties associated with direct or indirect impacts of COVID-19 or other pandemic, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the results of exploration activities and feasibility studies; assumptions in economic evaluations which prove to be inaccurate; currency fluctuations; changes in project parameters; future prices of gold and other metals; possible variations of ore grade or recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; climatic conditions; political instability; decisions and regulatory changes enacted by governmental authorities; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or completing development or construction activities; and discovery of archaeological ruins. Financial outlook and future-ordinated financial information contained in this news release is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently available. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook or future-ordinated financial information contained or referenced herein may not be appropriate and should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments at the date hereof, and represent, to the best of management's knowledge and opinion, the Company's expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. 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 information or statements, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, the risks and uncertainties associated with the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this announcement and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

LEI: 213800PDI9G7OUKLPV84                                                     

Company No: 109180

 



 

CEO Statement

I am pleased to report that 2023 was the third consecutive year of delivery into our production guidance while beating our all-in sustaining cost and capex forecasts. Our focus on operation delivery, alongside a strong gold price environment enabled the Company to generate robust cash flows, supporting the continued investment in our operations without the need to draw down on our sustainability-linked loan.

2023 was the last full-year of our operational reset plan as we unlock the full potential of the Company's portfolio, at the Sukari mine we have focused on the optimisation of the operations and we published a new Life of Mine Plan. The plan maximises the production opportunity and returns the mine to a 500,000 ounce annual production run rate in the long-term while simultaneously focussing on cost and operational efficiencies that will position the mine in the lower half of the industry cost curve and, when combined with the increased gold production, deliver a sustainable improvement in cashflows. 

Alongside Sukari, we have made encouraging progress across our EDX portfolio with the identification of potential satellite feed targets in close proximity to the Sukari mine, whilst in Côte d'Ivoire, we have delivered a Pre-Feasibility Study for our Doropo project.

Having delivered on our commitments during 2023, we enter 2024 with confidence and the potential to realise further opportunity across our portfolio, supported by a strong balance sheet. With the investment in resetting our operations now pivoting to investment in growth we believe we are at an inflection point that will soon see us rewarded for the multi-year investment programme, with stronger free cash flow enabling us to deliver that growth while maintaining our track record of dividend payments.

EGYPT

It was a challenging year within the broader North Africa and Middle East region as a result of multiple conflicts across the region alongside the ongoing impact of the global inflationary environment. Despite these challenges, the Company was well positioned to navigate the operating environment with limited impact on our business. We believe that the risk management processes developed through COVID-19 have enabled the Company to continue to better identify and therefore mitigate risks.  For example, to minimise disruption to operations the Sukari mine carries higher levels of inventory which are sourced from a more diversified supply chain, helping to minimise any potential interruption to our business in 2023.  We continue to monitor the state of the broader Egyptian economy as it navigates short term pressures and note that as a "Dollar functional business" Centamin has been largely insulated from many of these pressures.

We recognise the importance of the Sukari Gold Mine and our exploration blocks to our host nation, Egypt. Through Royalties and profit share payments we have returned US$139m to the government in 2023 while indirectly contributing US$686m through employment and local procurement. The Sukari mine is an important employer within Egypt with over 4,400 jobs at the mine site through direct and contractor employment. 

Given mining's current and potential contribution to the broader Egyptian economy, I am pleased to note that the modernisation of the Egyptian mining industry continued during 2023, with an in-principle agreement around the terms of a new Model Mining Exploitation Agreement (MMEA) with EMRA and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources. The successful completion of two years of negotiation between an industry group and the government lays the foundation for a balanced economic outcome between state and industry that sits within a robust development framework that is in-line with international practices. The new MMEA unlocks untapped potential of the Arabian Nubian Shield in Egypt and we have been able to leverage off our previous success at Sukari to be one of the first movers in Egypt's Eastern Desert and despite only starting drilling in 2023, we have already enjoyed drilling success which we will build on in 2024.

Sukari Gold Mine

We view safety performance as a good proxy for management capability - 2023 saw continued improvement with only a single LTI recorded within the period and an improvement across LTIRF and TRIFR metrics relative to the three year trailing average. Following an ISO audit we are pleased to have been certified for ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety management systems, giving external validation to the strength of our safety systems and processes and external validation of the work completed by the team at Sukari over the last few years.

Our work on sustainability continued with a focus on defining and delivering our decarbonisation roadmap, staffing across gender diversification, training and management promotion. We also developed a roadmap for Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ("GISTM") conformance with the Engineer of Record (Epoch) to manage our tailings facilities - targeting conformance by 2025 for SGM across the TSFs we operate.

This year was the first full year that Sukari benefited from the cost savings and decarbonisation impact of the 30MWAC solar plant commissioned in 2022. The facility achieved design specifications in terms of reduction in diesel consumption and hence carbon abatement and it is pleasing to see that we are already delivering into our carbon reduction targets.  Given the success of this facility we are assessing the solar expansion project which would provide further cost and decarbonisation benefits by generating all our power requirements from full solar power during daylight hours.  In parallel our grid connection project offers further carbon abatement and significant cost benefits following the planned implementation in 2025 with the aim of displacing diesel completely from power generation at Sukari on a combined basis.

2023 saw the publication of the updated Life of Mine Plan ("LoM plan") which confirms Sukari's status as a Tier 1 asset based on the forecast production and cost profile over the next decade of operations. We have demonstrated a fully engineered plan that sees production return to 500,000 ounces per year, costs in the lower half of the industry cost curve and a mine life in excess of ten years. The plan is centred around the lowering of operating risk through the use of improved data and technical understanding, underpinning a more robust planning process that incorporates operational contingency to address unforeseen issues that arise from time to time.

Despite the excellent progress already made, we are continually searching for continuous improvement opportunities. We have already identified areas to refine and improve this plan. During 2024 we will continue to investigate these opportunities and seek further opportunity for growth and optimisation.

In addition to articulating our long term vision for the Sukari mine, we also maintained our focus on delivery into guidance.  Our production was in the lower end of the guidance range which given the unscheduled, preventative maintenance completed in the milling circuit during the third quarter was pleasing and highlighted the contingency in the operating plan.  The focus on cost control and prudent budgeting continued through 2023, enabling us to beat the all-in sustaining cost guidance while we further improved cash flow through capex savings associated with a change in our rebuild strategy alongside some deferrals on project spend.

Since 2020 we have placed a significant focus on our geological understanding of our assets and 2023 saw continued progress delivering Resource and Reserve growth at the operation, driven by underground exploration success and a redesign of the open pit and underground mining areas in the new LoM Plan. 

Operationally, the open pit performed well with the planned waste movement being achieved while the team mined 44% more ore compared to 2022 due to mining in the northerly stage 7 area of the pit which saw significant waste to ore conversion resulting from a lack of drill coverage due to steep terrain - it is not anticipated that this will continue into 2024 or beyond.  The underground achieved the targeted volume growth with one million tonnes of ore hauled to surface by our mining fleet, up from 625,000 tonnes in 2020 when underground mining was carried out by a contractor.  We remain on track to achieve 1.4Mt per annum by 2026 as per the new LoM plan. Despite the unscheduled mill maintenance issue, the processing facility achieved 12Mt milled with metallurgical recoveries at the top end of the targeted performance range which was an excellent outcome.

In respect of our tailings facilities, further progress was made with our work to bring Centamin in line with the requirements of the GISTM and we have developed a roadmap of work streams that will see the company conforming by end-2025 - our facilities are in a good position at this time and the work being completed at Sukari will ensure we continue to work in line with international standards around tailings facilities.

On the workforce front, we continued to make good progress around our gender diversity targets and as 2023 saw a further increase in female employment at the Sukari mine - this initiative is a key priority for the Company and performance in this area is embedded in both our corporate lending facility and management performance metrics relating to remuneration.  While gender diversification lends itself to new employees, it has not come at the cost of our existing workforce - our Employee Development Pathway training programme continued to make good progress since commencement in 2021 and last year we introduced the Leadership Development Pathway focussing on the identification and development of talented individuals and providing a framework for them to reach their full potential. 

Looking forward to 2024, we expect to see continued Resource and Reserve development resulting from our focused geological exploration efforts, maintain our upward trajectory in regards to production growth and retain a focus on cost control to drive improved cash flow through delivering such outcomes as the grid connection and potential solar expansion.

Eastern Desert Exploration ("EDX")

It was a landmark year for our Egyptian exploration activities outside of the Sukari Mining Concession.  In 2020, with the launch of Egypt's EDX bid round and vision for a new modern mining industry, Centamin applied for a number of exploration licences across the Eastern Desert - both adjacent to the Sukari mine and more remote from the operations.  Since being successfully awarded approximately 3,000km2 of ground, Centamin has embarked on both field work to generate drill targets while simultaneously working with the government of Egypt and an industry group to finalise the terms of the new model mining exploitation agreement (MMEA).

In mid-2023, negotiations between government and industry were concluded to set out the final terms of a comprehensive legal and fiscal framework applicable to any future discovery in the EDX blocks that compliments the agreed exploration terms finalised in 2021. Following agreement of the terms, the MMEA will be submitted to Parliament for approval as a special law. The MMEA terms represent a balanced and equitable outcome for stakeholders (government / industry / local communities) while providing a robust legal framework in line with the internationally accepted standards required by the industry for the long-term investment horizons associated with mining projects.  It also places Egypt in a competitive position compared to other mining jurisdictions as it seeks to unlock its untapped geological potential.

In parallel with the negotiation process, Centamin continued exploration field work across our portfolio with an initial focus on the areas immediately adjacent to the Sukari mine.

During 2022 and the first half of 2023, a series of drill targets in the Nugrus Block were identified by our team with some eight zones of interest all within 30km of Sukari. H2 2023 saw the mobilisation of an RC rig to undertake an initial 16,216 meter scout drilling campaign across these targets. The results were released in early 2024 showing promise at two of the eight targets - Little Sukari and Um Majal - where potentially commercial zones of mineralisation were identified.

In parallel, soil sampling was completed across the Um Rus block some 50km north of Sukari with the aim of testing geological structures for potential gold mineralisation that could be developed into drill targets.  Late in the year field work commenced at the Nadj block, some 100km north of Sukari with the timing aimed at seeking to work in the cooler winter and spring months ahead of the summer. 

2024 will see an aggressive follow up to the success seen in Nugrus at Little Sukari and Um Majal. Further mapping, IP surveys and an extended drilling campaign are planned to further define the potential of both targets. Work will continue at Um Rus and Nadj blocks with the potential to generate drill targets that can be tested in late 2024 and into 2025, subject to successful outcomes.

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Doropo

Good progress was achieved across our Côte d'Ivoire portfolio with a specific focus on the advancement of the Doropo project in northern Côte d'Ivoire.  The Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") demonstrated a viable project with an attractive scale of gold production at a competitive cost profile in line with capital cost intensity as seen across the region. Based on the PFS outcomes the project currently meets Centamin's hurdles for scale, quality and financial metrics which supported the decision to commence a full Feasibility Study and associated ESIA for Doropo which will be completed in mid-2024.

The development plan is technically simple in terms of robust geology, supporting relatively shallow open pit mining across multiple sites which feed into an industry standard process facility - the main challenge with the project relates to its interaction with and impacts on local communities during the construction and operation phases.

As such, a significant effort has been completed in respect of mapping and understanding the baseline social and environmental setting of the project area and importantly ensuring that this data is utilised in the project design phase to minimise impacts on local communities by following a hierarchy of: Avoid / Minimise / Mitigate / Compensate. This has led to changes in project design to accommodate this strategy and ultimately deliver a more robust outcome for all stakeholders.

The delivery of the Doropo PFS has enabled Centamin to publish our first non-Sukari reserve and has been one of the key drivers of the Company exceeding its stated aim of growing the Group Reserves by more than 3Moz over the three years from 2021 to 2023, having now delivered 3.5Moz of Reserve growth.

Building on the success of the PFS, the Company launched the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") and associated ESIA in mid-2023 with aim of submitting a mining licence application in mid-2024. In parallel, we have started to assess the funding options for the construction phase of Doropo with the aim of reaching a final investment decision point in late 2024 with a fully funded construction package in place alongside the requisite in-country permits required to enable the Board to make an informed decision on the construction phase.

2024 OUTLOOK

In 2024 we look to continue our track record of delivery and building on the platform for growth that has been established by the reinvestment programme at Sukari. We are forecasting increased production of 470,000 to 500,000 ounces and are targeting all-in sustaining costs of US$1,200-1,350 per ounce sold.

This year capex at Sukari will be US$215m, plus US$91m of sustaining deferred stripping reclassified from operating costs. This includes the final phase of contracted waste-stripping programme which is expected to be completed during the middle of the year. Other investments include the grid power connection project, fleet expansion and underground expansion which will combine to support long-term production rates of around 500,000 ounces per year and improved margins.

We will follow up on our initial success at EDX to assess the potential for satellite feed to be trucked to the Sukari mine and complete the Doropo Definitive Feasibility Study. In respect of Government interaction we will look to finalise the MMEA signature and have this ratified by Parliament and progress the work on our 15 year Tax Exemption Renewal for Sukari  to take effect from March 2025.

After a successful year of excellent progress across our portfolio, I would like to thank all our stakeholders who have made this progress possible. From the dedication and hard work of our workforce across our portfolio, through to our host governments and local stakeholders, it is their support and engagement that has enabled us to continue the journey at Centamin across 2023 and set us up for further success into 2024 and beyond

Martin Horgan

Chief Executive Officer



 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The last three years have been about delivering the bold capital reinvestment plans required to sustain our business and drive both higher production and improved margins for the next decade and beyond.  We exit this reinvestment period with a much improved business which is well set for the future.

The significance of having a tier one asset is evident when faced with economic challenges. Inflation was the one common threat that had an impact across the whole industry in 2023. Despite these pricing pressures and persisting global supply-side issues, our focus was firmly on what we could control. We did this through rigorous planning and disciplined execution on plans, and supported by a robust risk and opportunity assessment to ensure we were always striving to improve.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Centamin delivered a resilient financial performance that was in line with our expectations and guidance for the year. The Company's strong operational performance throughout the year was supported by the healthy gold price environment, which remained robust in 2023.

The Group's results are significantly affected by movements in the gold price, input costs, particularly in consumables and fuel, and to a lesser degree foreign exchange rates. All of which are external factors of which we need to minimise the impact. We have protected our exposure to the gold price through the gold price protection programme from July 2023 through to June 2024 (240,000 ounces at a $1,900 gold price per ounce) to match the remaining significant capital investment period which ends in H1 2024.

Revenues increased year-on-year by 13% to US$891 million, generated from annual gold sales of 456,625 ounces, up 4%, at an average realised price of US$1,948 per ounce, up 9% year-on-year. A total of 6,915 ounces of unsold gold bullion was held onsite at year end, due to the timing of gold shipments across the year end.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 25% to US$398 million, at a 45% EBITDA margin, principally driven by;

a 2% increase in gold production, as scheduled, at an average realised gold price that was 9% higher as compared to last year;

cost of sales (excluding the effect of depreciation and amortisation) remaining flat year on year which was due to a 5% decrease in the combined open pit and underground material mined at a slightly higher cost per tonne, part of this cost has been capitalised to mining properties as a waste stripping asset.

 

Profit before tax increased by 14% to US$195 million, due to;

a 13% increase in revenue of US$103 million as compared to 2022, in line with both increased gold sales and gold prices,

a 10% increase in cost of sales driven by a marginal change in mine production costs, however a 25% movement of mining inventory (decrease) against a 35% movement depreciation and amortisation costs (increase), accounts for the net change,

a 240% increase in interest income due to higher interest rates on amounts placed in interest bearing deposit products in 2023 as compared to deposit yields in 2022,

a 12% decrease in other income, mainly driven by foreign exchange movements during the year,

a 40% increase in other operating costs of US$20 million mainly due to a non-cash US$4 million inventory write off, a US$3 million increase in royalties (due to the higher gold sales) and an US$9 million non-cash loss on asset disposals.

The Group implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system, SAP (S4 HANA) during the year. As part of the implementation and migration from the legacy system, an extensive review process of the fixed assets was performed as part of the fixed asset register and operational records clean up. Consequently, assets that were identified as not being in use and/or had been previously replaced by other assets (e.g. mobile equipment rebuilds) had their carrying values derecognised from the statement of financial position resulting in a US$9 million loss on asset disposals.

a 6% increase in greenfield exploration and evaluation expenditure.

 

As expected, and in line with our three-year reinvestment plans, Centamin's cash flows and earnings were positively impacted in 2023 by higher gold production and sales, offset by higher costs.

Cashflows

Operational cash flow increased by 21% to US$354 million. Cash flows from investing activities were impacted mainly by gross capital expenditure of US$204 million, predominantly invested in sustaining the long-term production from Sukari.

During 2023 each partner received profit share distributions of US$112 million (2022: US$36 million (EMRA) and US$46 million (Centamin).

In addition to the profit share distributions, Centamin also received cost recovery payments totalling US$45 million from SGM.

Centamin financed growth projects of US$36 million into Sukari, spent US$31 million in greenfield exploration related costs, advancing of our organic growth pipeline at our exploration projects Doropo, EDX and ABC, plus paid for our corporate activities.

COST MANAGEMENT

Our approach to forecasting and stringent cost management meant we were able to counter some of the global inflationary cost pressures last year and delivered costs either below or as stated in our guidance (albeit that the ounce profile was at the lower end of the range).

Continued good progress was made during the year on the cost savings programme. At 31 December 2023 we had extracted US$185 million of sustainable cost savings from the business over the period of the programme. We remain motivated to find further opportunities, initiatives included the solar plant, light weight truck trays, re-ripping of dump leach material and appointment of a new underground drilling contractor.

The most significant future opportunity remains the national grid power tie in. The tender for connection to the national grid was successfully completed, and the Sukari leadership is busy drafting a definitive agreement with the winning bidder, with an estimated energisation date at the beginning of 2025.

Programme 2020 -2023

31 Dec 2023

Cost savings achieved per year

US$'000

  2020

44,000

  2021

28,870

  2022

43,273

  2023

68,777

Cumulative total cost savings since start of initiative

184,920

 

Cash costs of production were US$875 per ounce produced, down 4%, reflecting a 5% decrease in total open pit material mined tonnes, and a 2% decrease in tonnes processed, offset by a 36% year on year increase in total underground mined tonnes and a 2% increase in gold ounces produced.

AISC was US$1,205 per ounce sold, down 14%, mainly due to a 63% decrease in other sustaining capital expenditure, partially offset by a 12% increase in royalties on gold sales paid to the Egyptian government, a 36% increase in corporate administration costs which was driven by a number of one off projects. This was also complemented by a 4% increase in gold ounces sold (which was as scheduled and in line with guidance).

FUEL PRICES

Major macroeconomic and geopolitical events influenced the oil price throughout 2023 with rising interest rates and the risks of recessions weighing on oil price demand outlooks.

Oil price is the most significant commodity assumption materially affecting the cost base of our business. The average price realised for the 2023 year was US$0.80 per litre which was below actual spend and what we had budgeted for and resulted in savings of US$15m despite using 2.3 million litres more than budgeted (actual fuel used in 2023 was 165m litres) with majority being used in the underground operations due to increased activity.

Total diesel consumption across the Sukari operation in 2024 is expected to be 160m litres equating to US$145 million at US$0.90/litre. The solar plant performance has resulted in a significant reduction in diesel consumption compared to historical averages, while the mining contractor's diesel consumption is reduced by 50% as the waste mining contract comes to an end by June 2024.

Further fuel savings are expected beyond 2024 with the Grid Connection Project and solar expansion opportunities. Refer to our Decarbonisation Roadmap for more information on the initiatives underway to fully displace the use of diesel oil for power generation at Sukari.

IMPACT OF FOREX

Some of Egypt's more long-standing challenges have intersected with multiple global shocks causing a foreign exchange crisis, historic inflation, and pressures to worsen the already-stretched fiscal and external accounts.

While triggered by the global polycrisis, the rising macroeconomic imbalances in Egypt reflect pre-existing domestic challenges, including the sluggish non-oil exports and FDI, constrained private sector activity and job-creation, as well as the elevated and rising government debt. Egypt's overall macroeconomic environment during FY2023/24 is expected to be undermined by the concurrent global shocks and domestic macroeconomic imbalances and regional instability, before starting to improve over the medium-term as the country continues to push ahead with stabilisation and structural reforms.

The three pillars of Egypt's path forward focus on foreign exchange management, inflation targeting at the central bank, and private sector development / State Owned Enterprises ("SOE") reform. There remain notable opportunities for Egypt to attract foreign capital and investment which will drive much-needed sustainable inflows for a medium-term solution to the current economic imbalances. A significant step forward was made on the reform programme when the Egyptian Pound ("EGP") was free floated on 6 March 2024.

Our business is primarily USD denominated so largely protected against the EGP devaluation, but local supply chain costs and availability of goods becomes challenging. The workforce in Egypt were awarded two sets of increases during 2023 with a 15% increase in January 2023 and a further 30% increase in October 2023. We continue to focus on and manage these challenges as a business to ensure that our EGP component cost base remains well managed (circa 15% of the Group spend) and anticipate that while inflation remains a challenge in the short term, expect it to settle over the longer term.

CAPITALISATION OF OPEN PIT WASTE-STRIPPING

The largest investment in 2023 was on the accelerated waste-stripping (deferred waste-stripping) which added US$90 million to our balance sheet, US$89 million was included in non-sustaining capital expenditure and related specifically to the work done by the waste-mining contractor, with the balance of US$1 million allocated to sustaining capital expenditure, which was waste material mined by the Centamin fleet above the life of mine strip ratio. Some deferred waste-stripping has already been amortised in the year based on ore extracted from the areas mined.

Refer to note 2.10 to the financial statements for further information.

STRONG BALANCE SHEET

Centamin closed the 2023 financial year with cash and liquid assets of US$153 million.

As announced on 22 December 2022, we secured the first piece of corporate debt and on 13 March 2023, all conditions precedent were met regarding the US$150 million sustainably linked revolving credit facility ("RCF"), significantly increasing the Company's financial flexibility to fund growth projects across the portfolio. Initially, the focus will be Sukari. Under the terms of our Concession Agreement growth capital invested and funded by Centamin, is recovered over three years, making these investments ideally suited for the structure of the RCF. Due to the strong operational performance supported by the gold price we were able to manage our investments without drawing on the RCF facility during 2023.

APPROACH TO CAPITAL ALLOCATION

Capital allocation continues to be disciplined and closely qualified against value creation. The Company continues to exercise a balanced approach to responsibly maximising operating cash flow generation, reinvesting for future growth and prioritising sustainable shareholder returns. The Company's liquidity and strength of the balance sheet is fundamental to the longevity of the business and is a key consideration when assessing capital allocation.

Centamin has an active growth pipeline through results-driven exploration and continually assesses inorganic growth opportunities. Our organic projects are self-funded but before capital is allocated, they are routinely ranked based on results against our development criteria and prospective returns.

In 2023, a key focus was on improving operational efficiencies to achieve consistent operational performance with US$88 million spent on sustaining capital expenditure and US$116 million on non-sustaining, or 'growth' capital expenditure.

Impressive progress was made on project delivery as we achieved several further important milestones, most notable the successful implementation of the SAP (S4 HANA) ERP system which will greatly assist in centralising our accounting and internal control systems across the Group and will enable faster and more efficient reporting.

ACCELERATING BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION:

2023 has been pivotal in our ongoing digital transformation journey, marking a significant step in enhancing operational efficiency and financial oversight across our Group. 

The successful implementation of SAP across our key operational areas -finance, procurement, human resources, and maintenance, marks a transformative step in our commitment to operational efficiencies, financial excellence and strategic growth.

Enhanced Financial Oversight

Integrating SAP's financial management solutions has started and will continue to evolve and transform our approach to fiscal operations, centralising financial activities across all our entities, enabling real-time, integrated financial reporting and providing greater transparency and control. This streamlined financial consolidation will facilitate strategic decision-making, particularly in cost management, and is a good foundation for robust financial governance.

Revitalising Procurement and Supply Chain Management

SAP's advanced procurement solutions are expected to significantly enhance our procurement and supply chain management processes. This will lead to increased time and cost efficiencies and strengthened supplier relationships, further bolstering our supply chain resilience and strategic purchasing capabilities.

Human Resources 

The SAP suite has brought a new dimension to our human resources management. By automating and streamlining HR processes, we will enhance employee engagement and efficiency, whilst aligning our workforce strategy with our broader business objectives.

Transforming Maintenance Operations

A notable addition to our SAP integration is through our maintenance teams. The SAP Maintenance module will                improve how we manage and optimise our maintenance activities. This integration ensures more efficient scheduling, tracking, and execution of maintenance tasks, and is expected to significantly reduce downtime and increase operational reliability. The enhanced visibility and control over maintenance operations will improve asset longevity and contribute to overall operational cost savings.

Future Proofing our Business

The strategic implementation of SAP solutions across our diverse operational areas signifies our commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable and scalable growth. This comprehensive digital transformation enhances our day-to-day operations, long-term strategic planning and execution capabilities.

As we move forward, the SAP implementation will continue to support the redefinition of our business processes and will be instrumental in driving our success whilst maintaining our commitment to excellence within our sector.

2023 DIVIDEND

Stakeholder, and specifically shareholder returns, are central to our Company strategy. We have built a ten-year track record of returning cash to shareholders, based on our policy linked to free cash flow generation before growth investment. Our dividend policy makes firm commitments on capital allocation, meaning shareholder interests are always at the centre of what we do.

Consistent with the Company's commitment to returning cash to shareholders, and recognising 2023 as the final full year of reset of Sukari, the Board proposes a 2023 final dividend, for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 2.0 US cents per share (circa.US$23 million), bringing the proposed total dividend for 2023 to 4 US cents per share (circa.US$46 million):

Interim 2023 dividend paid: 2.0 US cents per share

Final 2023 dividend proposed: 2.0 US cents per share

 

The final 2023 dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 21 May 2024 and following approval would be paid on 19 June 2024.

MANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

In an unpredictable world, due to increasing macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, you can see below in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties some of the main areas we consider to enable more effective decision making that supports the delivery of our objectives and improves our performance as a responsible mining company.

OUTLOOK

We are fully focused on managing the bottom line of the business so that we can maximise the value at Sukari and deliver growth and diversification combined with sustainable stakeholder returns.

We have budgeted for similar costs in 2024 as 2023, accounting for rising input costs, driven by higher consumer price inflation within our operating countries, supply chain pressures on fuel, consumables and shipping costs and tighter labour markets. We have prudently decided not to budget any offsetting impacts of our ongoing cost-savings and improving operating efficiencies and productivity gains until we have a better sense of the longer-term inflationary environment.

 

Ross Jerrard

Chief Financial Officer

 

PRIMARY STATEMENTS HIGHLIGHTS


Year ended 31 December 2023
US$'000

Year ended 31 December 2022
US$'000

Revenue

891,262

788,424

 

Revenue from gold and silver sales for the year increased by 13% year-on-year to US$891 million (2022: US$788 million) with the year-on-year average realised gold price also increasing by 9% to US$1,948 per ounce sold (2022: US$1,794 per ounce sold) complimented by a 4% increase in gold ounces sold of 456,625 ounces (2022: 438,638 ounces).

 


Year ended 31 December 2023
US$'000

Year ended 31 December 2022
US$'000

Cost of sales

(596,836)

(544,075)

 

Cost of sales represents the cost of mining, processing, refining, transport, site administration, depreciation, amortisation and movement in production inventories. Cost of sales is up 10% year-on-year to US$597 million, mainly as a result of:

35% increase (US$51 million) in depreciation and amortisation charge which increased from US$146 million to US$197 million (+ve), primarily due to the following drivers:


increase in the depreciation and amortisation base from new fixed assets capitalised during the year in addition to increased charges due to additional volumes moved; and importantly


SAP (S4 HANA) was implemented during the year, an extensive review process of the fixed asset components and useful lives was performed as part of the implementation and migration from the legacy system to the new SAP fixed asset register, this accelerated the depreciation of some assets resulting in a higher depreciation charge in the year as asset categories were depreciated at a much more granular component level.

 


Year ended 31 December 2023
US$'000

Year ended 31 December 2022
US$'000

Dividend paid non-controlling interest in SGM

(112,000)

(35,492)

 

The profit share payments during the year are reconciled against SGM's audited financial statements. Any variation between payments made during the year (which are based on the Company's estimates) and the audited financial statements, may result in a balance due and payable to EMRA or advances to be offset against future distributions. SGM's 30 June 2023 financial statements have been audited and signed off.

Refer to note 1.2.1.2 in the notes for details of the treatment and disclosure of the EMRA profit share.

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

The following table provides a breakdown of the total capital expenditure of the Group:


Year ended
31 December 2023
US$'000

Year ended
31 December 2022
US$'000

Underground exploration

9,225

8,636

Underground mine development

32,350

32,107

Other sustaining capital expenditure

46,241

124,162

Total sustaining capital expenditure

87,816

164,905

Non-sustaining exploration expenditure

2,947

3,539

Other non-sustaining capital expenditure(1)

113,348

115,099

Total gross capital expenditure

204,111

283,543

Less:

 


Sustaining element of waste stripping capitalised(2)

(843)

(51,527)

Capitalised Right of Use Assets

(1,216)

(7,746)

Adjusted capital expenditure (after reclassification)

202,052

224,270

 

(1)  Non-sustaining capital expenditure included further spend on the solar plant, underground paste-fill plant and the Capital Waste Stripping. Non-sustaining costs are primarily those costs incurred at 'new operations' and costs related to 'major projects at existing operations' that will materially benefit the operation.

(2)  Reclassified from operating expenditure.

 

EXPLORATION EXPENDITURE

The following table provides a breakdown of the total exploration expenditure of the Group:


Year ended
31 December 2023
US$'000

Year ended
31 December 2022
US$'000

Greenfield exploration

 

 

Burkina Faso

869

2,928

Côte d'Ivoire

25,226

25,120

Egypt - Eastern Desert exploration

5,558

1,675

Total greenfield exploration expenditure

31,653

29,723

Brownfield exploration

 


Sukari Tenement

12,172

12,175

Total brownfield exploration expenditure

12,172

12,175

Total exploration expenditure

43,825

41,898

 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure comprises expenditure incurred for exploration activities primarily in Côte d'Ivoire and in the new Egypt greenfield permit areas. Greenfield exploration and evaluation costs (excluding Burkina Faso) increased by US$2 million or 6% as more exploration and evaluation work specifically drilling and assaying at the two Côte d'Ivoire sites was done in 2023 as compared to 2022 as well as the expansion of exploration work in the Eastern Desert Exploration area under the new Egypt permit areas. The brownfield capitalised exploration costs on the Sukari Mining Concession area remained flat year on year.

The spend in Burkina Faso was on key services, wind down procedures and other regulatory obligations to formally exit the country. The process to formally exit and wind-up the in country incorporated entities is at an advanced stage. 

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As referred to in note 5.3 of the Group Consolidated Financial Statements, subsequent to the year end, the Board proposed a final dividend for 2023 of 2.0 US cents per share. Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 21 May 2024, the final dividend will be paid on 19 June 2024 to shareholders on record date of 31 May 2024.

Other than as noted above, there were no other significant events occurring after the reporting date requiring disclosure in the financial statements.

NON‑GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

1)  EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is a non‑GAAP financial measure, which excludes the following from profit before tax:

Finance costs

Finance income

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

Management considers EBITDA a valuable indicator of the Group's ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flows to fund working capital needs and capital expenditures. EBITDA is also frequently used by investors and analysts for valuation purposes whereby EBITDA is multiplied by a factor or 'EBITDA multiple' that is based on an observed or inferred relationship between EBITDA and market values to determine a company's approximate total enterprise value. EBITDA is intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts and does not have any standardised definition under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared under IFRS.

EBITDA excludes the impact of depreciation and amortisation, income from financing activities and taxes, and therefore is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Other companies may also calculate EBITDA differently. The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA to profit for the year before tax.

Adjusted EBITDA removes the effect of transactions that are not core to the Group's main operations, like adjustments made to normalise earnings, for example fair value movements on derivative financial instruments, profit on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairments of property, plant and equipment, non-current mining stockpiles and exploration and evaluation assets.

Reconciliation of profit before tax to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:


31 December 2023
US$'000

31 December 2022
US$'000

Profit for the year before tax

195,140

171,001

Finance income

(4,127)

(1,214)

Finance costs

3,526

2,459

Depreciation and amortisation

198,127

146,769

EBITDA

392,666

319,015

Add back:

 


Net fair value loss on derivative financial instruments

5,509

-

Adjusted EBITDA

398,175

319,015

 

2) Cash cost of production per ounce produced and sold and all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") per ounce sold calculation

Cash cost of production and AISC are non-GAAP financial measures. Cash cost of production per ounce is a measure of the average cost of producing an ounce of gold, calculated by dividing the operating costs in a period by the total gold production over the same period. Operating costs represent total operating costs less sustaining administrative expenses, royalties, depreciation and amortisation. Management uses this measure internally to better assess performance trends for the Company as a whole. Management considers that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use such non-GAAP information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Management considers that these measures provide an alternative reflection of the Group's performance for the current year and are an alternative indication of its expected performance in future periods. Cash cost of production is intended to provide additional information, does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. This measure is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

During June 2013 the World Gold Council ("WGC"), an industry body, published a Guidance Note on the 'all in sustaining costs' metric, which gold mining companies can use to supplement their overall non-GAAP disclosure. AISC is an extension of the existing 'cash cost' metric and incorporates all costs related to sustaining production and in particular recognising the sustaining capital expenditure associated with developing and maintaining gold mines. In addition, this metric includes the cost associated with developing and maintaining gold mines. This metric also includes the cost associated with corporate office structures that support these operations, the community and rehabilitation costs attendant with responsible mining and any exploration and evaluation costs associated with sustaining current operations. AISC US$/oz is arrived at by dividing the dollar value of the sum of these cost metrics, by the ounces of gold sold (as compared to using ounces produced which is used in the cash cost of production calculation).

On 14 November 2018 the World Gold Council published an updated Guidance Note on 'all-in sustaining costs' and 'all-in costs' metrics. Per their press release it was expected that companies would choose to use the updated guidance from 1 January 2019 or on commencement of their financial year if later. The Group has applied the updated guidance from 1 January 2019 with no impact on our results or comparatives.

Reconciliation of cash cost of production per ounce produced:



31 December 2023

31 December 2022

Mine production costs (note 2.3)

US$'000

412,827

408,543

Less: Refinery and transport

US$'000

(1,871)

(2,324)

Movement of inventory(1)

US$'000

(17,133)

(3,673)

Cash cost of production - gold produced

US$'000

393,823

402,546

Gold produced - total (oz.)

oz

450,058

440,974

Cash cost of production per ounce produced

US$/oz

875

913

 

(1)    The movement in inventory on ounces produced is only the net movement in mining stockpiles and ore in circuit while the movement in ounces sold is the net movement in mining stockpiles, ore in circuit and gold in safe inventory.

 

 

 

 

A reconciliation has been included below to show the cash cost of production metric should gold sold ounces be used as a denominator.

Reconciliation of cash cost of production per ounce sold:



31 December 2023

31 December 2022

Mine production costs (note 2.3)

US$'000

412,827

408,543

Royalties

US$'000

26,682

23,842

Movement of inventory(1)

US$'000

(9,536)

(6,789)

Cash cost of production - gold sold

US$'000

429,973

425,596

Gold sold - total (oz.)

oz

456,625

438,638

Cash cost of production per ounce sold

US$/oz

942

970

 



31 December 2023(1)

31 December 2022(1)

Movement in inventory




Movement in inventory - cash (above)

US$'000

(9,536)

(6,789)

Effect of depreciation and amortisation - non-cash

US$'000

22,855

17,448

Movement in inventory - cash & non-cash (note 2.3)

US$'000

13,319

10,659

 

(1)  The movement in inventory on ounces produced is only net the movement in mining stockpiles and ore in circuit while the movement in ounces sold is the net movement in mining stockpiles, ore in circuit and gold in safe inventory.

 

Reconciliation of AISC per ounce sold:



31 December 2023

31 December 2022

Mine production costs (note 2.3)

US$'000

412,827

408,543

Movement in inventory

US$'000

(9,536)

(6,789)

Royalties (note 2.3)

US$'000

26,682

23,842

Corporate administration costs

US$'000

33,110

24,282

Rehabilitation provision interest expense - unwinding of discount

US$'000

1,333

588

Sustaining underground development and exploration

US$'000

41,575

40,743

Other sustaining capital expenditure

US$'000

46,241

124,162

By‑product credit

US$'000

(1,878)

(1,503)

All‑in sustaining costs(1)

US$'000

550,354

613,868

Gold sold - total (oz.)

oz

456,625

438,638

AISC per ounce sold

US$/oz

1,205

1,399

 

(1)    Includes refinery and transport.

(3)           Cash and cash equivalents, bullion on hand, gold and silver sales debtor and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Cash and cash equivalents, bullion on hand, gold and silver sales debtor is a non-GAAP financial measure of the available cash and liquid assets at a point in time. Management uses this measure internally to better assess performance trends for the Company as a whole. Management considers that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use such non-GAAP information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow and the measure is intended to provide additional information.

This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. This measure is not necessarily indicative of cash and cash equivalents as determined under GAAP and other companies may calculate it differently.

Reconciliation to cash and cash equivalents, bullion on hand, gold and silver sales debtor and financial assets

at fair value through profit or loss:


31 December 2023
US$'000

31 December 2022
US$'000

Cash and cash equivalents (note 2.17(a))

93,322

102,373

Bullion on hand (valued at the year-end spot price)

14,261

24,440

Gold and silver sales debtor (note 2.8)

44,917

29,832

Derivative financial instruments

654

-

Cash and cash equivalents, bullion on hand, gold and silver sales debtor            and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

153,154

156,645

 

The majority of funds have been invested in international rolling short-term interest money market deposits.

(4)           Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Free cash flow is a measure of the available cash after distributions to the Non-Controlling Interest ("NCI") in SGM, being EMRA, that the Group has at its disposal to use for capital reinvestment and to distribute to shareholders of the parent. Free cash flow is intended to provide additional information, does not have any standardised meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. This measure is not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP and other companies may calculate this measure differently.


31 December 2023
US$'000

31 December 2022
US$'000(1)

Net cash generated from operating activities

353,600

292,524

Less:

 


Net cash used in investing activities

(198,768)

(274,583)

Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM

(112,000)

(35,492)

Free cash flow

42,832

(17,551)

Add back:

 


Transactions completed through specific available cash resources(2)

6,163

-

Adjusted free cash flow

48,995

(17,551)

 

(1)    The comparatives in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been restated to reflect an increase of cash generated from operating activities of $2.5m, interest paid of $1.9m and a reduction of the effect of foreign exchange rate changes of $0.6m.

(2)    Adjustments made to free cash flow, for example the cost of the put options under the gold price protection programme, acquisitions and disposals of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, which are completed through specific allocated available cash reserves.

CORPORATE GOVERNACE UPDATE

The Board understands the benefits of refreshing its composition, committee structures as well as planning for future succession. The changes to the committee structures illustrate the Company's commitment to continue to evolve and strengthen our governance model. 

BOARD APPOINTMENTS, RETIREMENT AND COMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING

The following disclosures are made in accordance with LR 9.6.11:

Dr Ibrahim Fawzy, Non-Executive Director, will not stand for re-election at the upcoming AGM in 2024 and will therefore retire from the Board effective from the close of the AGM on 21 May 2024.

Following the appointment of Iman Naguib on 10 January 2024 as a Non-Executive Director, Iman will join the Remuneration Committee as a member in addition to being a member of the Audit & Risk Committee,

Following the appointment of Hoda Mansour on 10 January 2024 as a Non-Executive Director, Hoda will join the Audit and Risk Committee as a member in addition to being a member of the Sustainability Committee.

Hennie Faul will step down as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee but will continue as Chair of the Technical Committee and as a member of the Nomination Committee and Sustainability Committee.

 

Committee membership following the AGM:

At the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, the Centamin Board has approved the following planned Committee membership to take effect following the AGM on 21 May 2024:

 

 

 

Audit & Risk

Remuneration

Nomination

Sustainability

Technical

Jim Rutherford

NEC


Member

Chair



Dr Sally Eyre

SID


Chair

Member


Member

Mark Bankes

NED



Member


Member

Marna Cloete

NED

Chair

Member


Member


Dr Catharine Farrow

NED

Member



Chair

Member

Hennie Faul

NED

 

 

Member

Member

Chair

Hoda Mansour

NED

Member

 

 

Member

 

Iman Naguib

NED

Member

Member

 

 

 

Following the AGM on 21 May 2024, the Board will be made up of the Chair, Senior Independent Director plus six Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

PRINCIPAL RISKS

For the current reporting period we have identified 16 principal risks and 3 emerging risks, which means there is no change from the 2022 Annual Report. Further detail on the Principal Risks which could affect Centamin are shown below with a description of the nature of the risk, mitigation measures and ongoing strategy to manage the risk.

 

Principal Risk

Nature of Risk

Mitigation Measures

Ongoing Strategy

GEOPOLITICAL 

 

 

Future political, security and social changes in the countries in which we operate may impact on the Group.

The future investment framework, stability and business conditions in our operating locations could change with governments adopting different laws, regulations and policies that may impact on the ownership, development and operation of our mineral resources projects. The Company continues to adapt to the changing regional security in our development and exploration projects in Côte d'Ivoire. Outside of our host countries we are monitoring the ongoing conflicts in the Ukraine, Gaza and the Red Sea to ensure we can mitigate where possible the potential wider impact of this on the Company.

Government policies have developed over the past years in host countries to incentivise foreign direct investment and the development of local mining industries. Centamin deploys a proactive approach to government and stakeholder liaison and actively monitors - on an ongoing basis - legal, fiscal, regulatory and political developments in its host countries.

The terms of the Sukari Concession Agreement, (including the applicable tax regime and rights of tenure), were issued and ratified under special Law No. 222 of 1994 and can, therefore, only be amended by the passing of a further law. We continue to closely monitor the situation through our own security, local and national government contacts, national security and external advisors.

To maintain a detailed and up to date understanding of the investment framework and operating conditions as well as a constructive relationship with all concerned stakeholders including host governments and local partners, such as EMRA.

The Company undertakes to abide by the spirit and letter of the Concession Agreement as well as local laws/regulations in Egypt including around the areas of exploration and furthermore where our development and exploration activities are taking place in Côte d'Ivoire. 

LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 

 

 

The Group's structure includes mining exploitation and exploration licences in Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire held through companies in Australia, Jersey and the United Kingdom. As a result, the Group is subject to various legal and regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions, including cross jurisdictional taxation, related party transactions, antibribery and corruption.

Ongoing legal, fiscal and regulatory changes may impact project permitting, tenure, taxation, exchange rates, environmental protection, labour relations, and the ability to repatriate income and capital. These measures may also impact the ability to import key supplies, export gold production and repatriate revenues.  

Centamin deploys a proactive approach to government and stakeholder liaison and actively monitors - on an ongoing basis - legal, fiscal, regulatory and political developments in its host countries.

In Egypt we have the Sukari Concession Agreement which was passed as a law and can only be amended by means of another law amending this law, so we have the right to export gold, repatriation of funds, the Tax Exemption and further considerations.

The Group engages with the relevant regulatory authorities. In addition, on an ongoing basis, the Group seeks appropriate advice to ensure compliance with all relevant regulation and legislation. Examples would be the global tax strategy in place which ensures all taxes are paid at an operational level and further tax requirements are met through the holding structure in addition to added protection afforded by double tax and bilateral investment treaties in Australia and the United Kingdom. Further to this the negotiation of the Mining Model Exploitation Agreement (MMEA) provides a new legal and fiscal framework for any new EDX commercial discoveries. Appropriate monitoring procedures are in place, and we ensure that we manage legal and regulatory compliance where required.  

The Company seeks to ensure that it complies with all relevant regulation and legislation including its environmental and operational commitments set out in the relevant permits/authorisations and local laws/regulations.  

LITIGATION 

 

 

Centamin's ability to operate and conduct its business may be adversely affected by current and any future dispute resolution and/or litigation proceedings. Centamin was party to a single legal action in Egypt. The details of this litigation, which relates to the Sukari Concession Agreement, are given on our website in the update issued on the 29 November 2023. This challenge to the Sukari Concession Agreement could have affected the Company's ability to operate the mine. 

In order to mitigate this risk Centamin had (a) retained reputable legal advisers and continues to actively pursue its legal rights with respect to this case; and (b) maintained regular contact with its Egyptian legal advisers who actively monitored developments in both court and local media for signs of any legislative or similar developments that related to this litigation or which may have otherwise threatened its operations, finances or prospects. 

The potential for serious impact was further mitigated by:

• Centamin's adherence to local laws and agreements; the Egyptian government's continued support on the constitutionality of Law No. 32 of 2014, which restricts the ability of third parties to challenge contractual agreements between the Egyptian government and investors such as Centamin; the investment protections and dispute resolution provisions set out in the Sukari Concession Agreement and the bilateral investment treaty between Australia (PGM's place of incorporation) and the Arab Republic of Egypt

• On 14 of January 2023 there was a ruling by the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court which held that Law No. 32 of 2014 was constitutional. This was upheld in the final judgement by the Egyptian Supreme Administrative Court setting aside the 2011 third party challenge to the validity of the Sukari Gold Mine exploitation licence issued under the Sukari Concession Agreement. Further detail is given on our website in the update issued on the 29 November 2023. 

To minimise exposure to litigation and reduce the impact of actions by complying with all relevant laws and regulations and to defend and/or bring any actions necessary to protect the Company's assets, rights and reputation.

GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS 

 

 

Economies across the world negatively impacted by COVID-19 have been further impacted by ongoing conflicts in the Ukraine, Gaza and the Red Sea plus wider macroeconomic developments globally. From 2021 we saw increases in operating costs and greater inflationary pressures, together with a shortage of critical consumables and equipment. We expect this uncertainty to continue in 2024. This situation could create an adverse impact on our operations, costs, sales and profits. 

 

We monitor price movements and market dynamics using primarily third-party analysis and forecasts in order to support our financial projections and cash management strategies. Prices will continue to influence budget considerations in areas such as development, exploration and the timing of certain capital expenditures. We focus on cost efficiencies and capital discipline to deliver competitive all-in sustaining cost. 

The Group must continue with the disciplined approach to managing operating costs, continual investigation and implementation of cost saving opportunities to counter inflation and improve margins. Further to this we have established increased levels of stores and inventory which will be maintained in the short to medium term to reduce uncertainty alongside continual engagement with our partners to assist with support of managing our supplies in a timely manner.  

We will continue to allow for financial flexibility when budgeting and forecasting using a measured approach to the potential fluctuations in gold price, inflationary pressures and the increasing costs across our capital expenditure and operational needs. Initiatives to manage these external pressures include the RCF, Gold Price Protection Programme, the solar plant, Grid Connection Project and potential solar plant extension at Sukari.

 

GOLD PRICE 

 

 

The extent of the Company's financial performance is due in part to the price of gold, over which the Company has no influence. Revenues from gold sales are in US dollars and Centamin has exposure to costs in other currencies including Egyptian pounds, Australian dollars and sterling. 

Centamin manages its exposure to gold price by keeping operating costs as low as possible, has in place the Gold Price Protection Programme and continues to consider other options where these would be viewed as beneficial for our commitment to stakeholder returns. 

The Group continues to be exposed to the gold price; however, in 2023 we introduced the Gold Price Protection Programme and the cash costs of the Sukari Gold Mine remain within our budget, which is conservatively based on the long-term gold price as modelled by external advisors. This often means we can take advantage of any changes in the gold price, alongside retaining an element of downside protection, which have been positive over the course of 2023 with a realised average price of $1,948. 

We will continue to allow for financial flexibility when budgeting and forecasting using a measured approach to the potential fluctuations in gold price. This includes ensuring that we can manage within the boundaries and margins that the price of gold and the impacts to our cost base allow. 

CAPITAL ALLOCATION AND LIQUIDITY 

 

 

Centamin targets a capital structure to provide sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility to meet the Company's current and future financial commitments, while balancing that with sustainable stakeholder returns.  

The capital requirements to develop Sukari, to deliver key projects, which in 2024 is a focus on the potential development of Doropo, future gold prices and operating costs are all factors which need to be considered alongside the external pressures, as highlighted in the Global Macroeconomic Developments risk. 

 

We monitor price movements and market dynamics using primarily third-party analysis and forecasts in order to support our financial projections and cash management strategies. Prices will continue to influence budget considerations in areas such as exploration and the timing of certain capital expenditures. We focus on cost efficiencies and capital discipline to deliver competitive all-in sustaining cost. Additional optionality could be generated through the use or extension of the RCF.

The Group must continue with the disciplined approach to managing operating costs, continual investigation and implementation of cost saving opportunities to counter inflation and improve margins with recent examples including delivery of the solar plant, competitive tendering on operational contracts and the project allowing for connection to the grid due to start in 2024. Further options being considered include a solar plant extension, underground operational expansion and proactive management of the supply chain to meet our operational needs.

We have a robust investment approval process involving the management and the Board as required.

We will continue to allow for financial flexibility when budgeting and forecasting using a measured approach to the potential fluctuations in gold price, inflationary pressures and the increasing costs across our capital expenditure and operational needs. This includes ensuring that we can manage within the boundaries and margins that the impacts to our cost base allow.

Distribution of free cash flow to stakeholders will continue to be managed in a balanced and sustainable manner that allows for both growth and returns.

DIVERSIFICATION 

 

 

Sukari currently constitutes Centamin's main mineral resource providing production and revenue. We recognise until further production growth beyond the core Sukari asset is identified there is the challenge of diversification. 

Sukari has a number of measures to increase operational and financial resilience including, two distinct ore sources (open pit and underground), the processing plant has two separate circuits and there are two separate power stations. These factors and the investment in opening up multiple mining areas during 2021-23 results in improved operational flexibility. The commissioning of the Solar Farm, the project allowing for connection to the grid and further opportunities to reduce operating costs all act to improve margins at Sukari, and therefore strengthen the Group's balance sheet.  

The Group's organic growth opportunities progressed in 2023 with the delivery of a positive update on the pre-feasibility study for Doropo, with additional updates on the EISA and DFS planned for mid-2024. We also started fieldwork on the highly prospective Eastern Desert exploration ground in Egypt with an update available on our website dated the 9 January 2024 on the encouraging maiden EDX drill results. 

Our existing assets offer longevity and organic growth which stands to deliver diversification over time. Outside of this, where opportunities would provide the correct asset quality and meet returns criteria, we would also consider further expansion to the portfolio through acquisitions. 

 

We are therefore actively looking to diversify the portfolio at all development stages. From the earliest stage targeting exploration ground which could build our long-term development programme, to considering the acquisition of production and development assets. These opportunities are subject to strict investment criteria and a robust investment approval process involving the Management Team and the Board, as required. 

The exploration projects across the business provide a well-balanced project pipeline, with potential to add incremental shareholder value by increasing production. Further information will be provided through 2024 in updates on the development and exploration activities including the release of the latest position for Doropo. 

 

CONCESSION GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 

 

 

SGM is 50:50 jointly owned by PGM (the Company's wholly owned subsidiary who operate Sukari) and EMRA, with equal board representation from both parties. The board of SGM operates by way of simple majority. Further to this with the award of the EDX concession areas we need to adhere with the agreed terms. 

Should a dispute arise, or decision making become deadlocked which cannot otherwise be amicably resolved then time-consuming and costly arbitration or other dispute resolution proceedings may need to be initiated. 

It is of key importance for Centamin to maintain a healthy and transparent working relationship with its 50% partner, EMRA, through adherence to the Sukari Concession Agreement. With the onset of profit sharing, the proper application of the cost recovery, net profit share payment provisions and SGM protocols under the Concession Agreement, has become a key priority. 

It is a key focus to maintain good working relations with EMRA, other relevant ministries and the wider government to ensure successful operation of the Sukari Gold Mine including our appointment of external PR consultants. The Group has regular meetings with officials from EMRA and invests time in liaising with the relevant ministry and other governmental representatives. This investment is shown by the wider commitment to Egypt through the EDX Exploration investment. 

 

A key objective of the Company is to maintain its licence to operate in its host countries. In Egypt, this is achieved through active and ongoing co-operation, regular meetings and correspondence with EMRA and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, as well as making sure that the terms and conditions of the Concession Agreement and applicable laws are complied with as well as the terms of the EDX concessions. Ongoing monitoring and review of this is key and is an activity which we will continue to give the required focus to. A key focus in 2024 will be the engagement with EMRA and the Government on the Tax Exemption Renewal for the Sukari Concession.

 

LICENCE TO OPERATE 

 

 

Centamin is committed to building and operating our mines in a safe and responsible manner. To do this, we seek to build trust-based partnerships with host governments and local communities to protect our licence to operate and ability to grow. We should only advance our business interests where this protects people, fosters socio-economic development and safeguards the environment, and leaves a positive legacy for our host communities. 

Ensure that we act in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner. This includes establishing clear performance standards that meet both industry good practice and local expectations within our areas of operation.  

Confirming compliance with applicable regulatory requirements by maintaining an up-to-date compliance register for each asset and routinely review our performance against these commitments and obligations.  

Sustain broad-based support to our investment plans through informed consultation and participation with stakeholders.  

Establish baseline environmental and social conditions that provide a robust science-based assessment of risks and impacts at the earliest stage in the project cycle.  

The government in Côte d'Ivoire have recognised the Doropo Project as a strategic priority for the country, we will ensure we continue to engage with the appointed Technical Committee on the progress of the EIS and DFS. 

 

Acting in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner is fundamental to realising the significant business benefits gained from building trusted and constructive relationships with all our stakeholders, and to maintaining our  
socio-political licence to operate.  

We will continue to reinforce our sustainability performance framework - policies, standards, and management assurance - to support growth. 

Further information is shown in our 2023 Sustainability Report. 

PEOPLE
(
Attract, develop and retain skilled people)

 

 

Our accomplishments as a Company rely on our ability to attract, develop and retain talented people as they are the foundation of our business. 

It is imperative that we support our people to develop a shared understanding of the critical behaviours and skills required for successful performance and provide them with the opportunity to progress to more senior positions within the Company. Otherwise, we face the risk of elevated rates of turnover and knowledge loss.  

Valuing diversity and promoting inclusion is an ethical imperative for a sustainable business. 

The Company will provide professional and personal development opportunities that empower employees to fulfil their potential and operate at a proficient level, including succession planning.  

All employees participate in an annual performance appraisal and objective setting process that defines their expectations and the support required for further development. 

We ensure that we raise workplace awareness of our organisational Values and the critical behaviours required for successful performance. 

We provide visible leadership to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace supported by target setting to increase female representation. 

 

Reinforce awareness of our Code of Conduct, sustain training and professional development programmes and reinforce leadership to overcome barriers to diversity and inclusion.  

 

STAKEHOLDER ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS 

 

 

Elevated expectations on sustainability, including stakeholder scrutiny, third-party assurance, reporting and disclosure, regulatory requirements and application of good industry practice. 

Recent high-profile external events have put a spotlight on the need for increased levels of corporate accountability on matters including tailings management, climate change, biodiversity, water management, responsible supply chains, diversity and inclusion. 

 

The Company will engage with industry groups, investors and regulators to understand their expectations. 

We have established clear performance standards that meet both industry good practice and local expectations within our areas of operation. Key industry standards include the RGMPs, GISTM, TCFD and the emergence of the Integrated Reporting Framework (IFRS). 

We have defined environmental and social objectives and set targets to drive continuous improvement. We measure, evaluate, report and disclose on our sustainability performance.  

We shall continue to build the capacity of our asset-level HSES specialist teams to meet our performance standards including the development of operational management systems aligned to ISO standards. 

 

Ensuring we continue to monitor the emergence of new industry standards and their application to Centamin's business. Reinforce our Sustainability Performance Framework - policies, standards and management assurance - and its integration into asset-level management systems and practice.  

Continue to build the capacity and awareness of our asset-level teams to integrate environmental and social risks and opportunities into operational activities.  

Further information is shown in our 2023 Sustainability Report

 

Decarbonisation 

 

 

We recognise transition to a net zero carbon economy is expected to profoundly affect our business model over the medium and/or long term due to factors including: capital investment and access to new technology, the pricing of carbon emissions; availability and costing of commodities and consumables; changing market and investor sentiment. 

The most significant opportunity for decarbonisation is the ability to reduce and potentially remove fossil fuel-generated electricity from gold mining's sources of power. 

 

We will focus on execution of our 2030 Decarbonisation Roadmap to reduce emissions, from the existing business, by 30% versus a 2021 base-year. This target is underpinned by: (i) a 50MWAC connection to the national grid and (ii) a 15MWAC expansion of the existing solar PV plant.

The Company continues to investigate other carbon abatement opportunities including electrification of our mining fleet and energy efficiency programmes. 

We have completed scenario analysis of climate-related transition risks and opportunities over the long term and assess the impact of these risks on business strategy. We will systematically review our climate-related transition risks and opportunities on an annual basis, including application to growth projects. 

 

Continued execution of our 2030 Decarbonisation Roadmap including assessing other carbon abatement opportunities to a higher level of detail. 

Integration of the results of the scenario analysis for climate-related transition risks into our business model and life of mine planning as appropriate. 

Further information on our Climate Change Governance, Strategy, Risks, Metrics and Targets are given in our 2030 Decarbonisation Roadmap

SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING 

 

 

It is an inherent risk in our industry that incidents due to unsafe acts or conditions, or the failure of our equipment or infrastructure could lead to injuries or fatalities. Remote and rostered work also has potential to impact the mental health and wellbeing of our workers. 

Our workforce faces potential risks from hazards such as fire, explosion and electrocution, as well as risks specific to the mine site and development project. These include potential slope failures or collapse in the underground, mobile plant collisions and incidents involving hazardous materials. Continuing focus on the risks associated with mining companies' tailings facilities also means we continue to monitor this risk, completing regular internal and external technical reviews. 

Protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of employees, contractors, local communities and other stakeholders is a fundamental responsibility for Centamin. We seek continuous improvement of our safety and health management system and practices including assurance processes, with particular focus on the early identification of risks and the prevention of incidents.  

We have defined our OHS objectives and set targets to drive continuous improvement. These are supported by a process to measure, evaluate, report and disclose on our safety performance.  

We have continued to reinforce our critical risk and control standards, review and test our crisis management plan, and enhanced employee benefits including delivery of a Health & Wellbeing plan. We continue to build the awareness and capacity of senior management teams to operationalise our critical risks standards. Our OHS management system at Sukari is now certified to ISO 45001. 

 

Ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of our workforce is directly aligned with our first Value, to Protect, 

and is a moral imperative. This requires a focus on zero harm whilst constituting a direct investment in the 

productivity of the business and the physical integrity of our operations. 

A safe and healthy workforce translates into an engaged, motivated and productive workforce that mitigates operational stoppages, and reduces potential incidents or harm. We will ensure we sustain visible leadership in the achievement of a zero-harm workplace. Further information in relation to our commitments and standards to Safety, Health and Wellbeing is given in the 2023 Sustainability Report. 

EXPLORATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 

 

 

Exploration activities by their very nature are highly speculative with an inherent degree of risk. Centamin strives to make new discoveries, growth and value-creation opportunities through our exploration programme.  

Whilst Egypt continues to represent a significant opportunity through brownfield and greenfield exploration around the Sukari Concession and highly prospective ground in Egypt's Eastern Desert, we also recognise our potential growth projects in Côte d'Ivoire.

 

Before undertaking any exploration activities a risk-based approach is undertaken to filter projects considering a number of factors. 

There is a structured approach established with the exploration team who undertake systematic work programmes which reduce the risk and gradually increase the certainty of exploration discoveries that allows a focussed spending strategy. This is supported by independent advice and an investment in technology. 

2023 delivered a positive update on the finalisation of the pre-feasibility study for Doropo with additional updates on the EISA and DFS planned for mid-2024, we started fieldwork on the highly prospective and underexplored ground in Egypt with an update available on our website dated the 9 January 2024. During 2023 we invested a total of US$31M in greenfield exploration and development activities, with further expenditure on brownfield exploration provided in the Financial Review. An initial US$9M is budgeted for exploration expenditure at EDX and US$14M on project development at Doropo in 2024. 

 

Ensuring we have an effective and efficient exploration and development programme to meet our strategic targets, long-term production and reserves goals. During the first half of 2024, we will release the results of the maiden drilling campaign across our Egyptian exploration portfolio and will also aim to publish the updated reserve numbers for Doropo. 

 

MAXIMISING OUR GEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL 

 

 

Geological uncertainty is an inherent risk which all mining companies face.  

Understanding of the geology and associated grade distribution can be influenced by a number of factors which can impact the size, orientation and shape of the ore and the potential grade expected by the mining operations. 

As these estimations are used to inform our operations and the wider business strategy we need to ensure that we can make this process as accurate as possible. 

The Mineral Resource Management team is focused on developing the geological and structural framework in which mineralisation is hosted.  This has brought about a clear understanding of the structural and lithological controls on mineralisation and the development of a predictive model which is being used to expand the Mineral Resource and Reserve base for the company. 

Orebody stewardship ensures geology and the geologist are at the forefront of all mining and extraction process decision-making.  This has allowed improved long and short-term planning, timing of grade control, material movement, blending and processing requirements to maximise return on investment. A specific example would be the change in drilling strategy for 2024, with a focus on grade control and infill drilling to support short- and medium-term operational planning as well as the introduction of underground RC grade control drilling. 

Detail on increases in the Group Resource and Reserves was issued on the 24 January 2024.

 

To achieve an accurate estimation based on geology, that informs improved mine planning and operations to deliver results. This will be supported by the near-term roadmap to 475 - 500koz pa and updated Life of Mine Plan for Sukari issued in 2023 including average guidance issued to 2034.

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND PLANNING 

 

 

 

By their nature, mineral resources and reserves are estimates based on a range of assumptions, including geological, metallurgical, technical and economic factors. Other variables include expected costs, inflation rates, gold price, grade downgrades and production outputs. 

Unplanned operational stoppages can impact our production. An inability to shift the volumes of waste required, drops in our operational capacity in mining, contractor management, supply chain disruption or ground stability are examples of potential risks. 

Accurate and complete planning is pivotal to informing production estimates, grade quality and provide greater clarity to corporate/operational decision making. We then need to deliver against our targets by analysis of our data to inform the right decisions.  

Over 2021 and 2022 the Company focused on improving mining flexibility, delivering growth and building consistency alongside other improvements.

During 2023 we extended our track record of meeting production guidance to a third year, commissioned the underground paste plant, updated the market on the new Life of Mine (LOM) Plan, issued estimated average guidance until 2034, continued with accelerated waste-stripping due to complete in mid-2024, started the grid connection project and provided a Group Resource & Reserve update. We also had a change in drilling strategy, to further reinforce operational delivery in the near term.

The LOM should deliver increased gold production, lower operational costs, reduce operational risk and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Further details can be found in the announcements we have made to the market and most recently in the Q4 report on the 18 January 2024.  

To achieve reliable and consistent production, whilst optimising the potential of the operation. The Company provides timely and accurate information to the market on production levels and forecasts. The mining sector continues to face operating cost inflation, including labour costs, energy costs and the natural impact of ore-grade deterioration over time which we are looking to manage where possible.

In order to deliver our growth strategy and to maintain and improve our competitive position, the Group must continue with the disciplined approach to managing operating costs, continual investigation and implementation of cost saving opportunities and maintain consistent operational delivery 

EMERGING RISKS

Emerging risks are defined as circumstances or trends that could significantly impact the Company's financial strength, competitive position or reputation within the next three years or over a longer term. Emerging risks may prove difficult to quantify as they are often influenced by external factors and difficult to predict. Emerging risks are considered as part of the Company's strategic discussions through all levels of the Group.

 

Cyber security

Cybersecurity risks, such as data breaches, cyber-attacks, phishing, and compliance challenges, pose significant threats to our operational integrity. These require proactive and flexible risk management strategies. These risks can cause disruptions to our data and systems, undermining their security and integrity. This can potentially lead to operational difficulties and a decrease in stakeholder confidence. The Company is committed to increasing its investment in cybersecurity. This involves strengthening our resilience and advancing our technology infrastructure through a comprehensive digital transformation initiative, ensuring robust defence against emerging threats.

Infectious Disease

Potential of a regional/global outbreak of a new disease bringing medical, economic and social challenges. We continue to recognise the potential impacts of a global pandemic similar to COVID-19 as a threat bringing potential risks to our people and business. Learning from COVID-19 and other infectious disease management, we developed a dynamic action plan to safeguard the health of our people and minimise any business impact. This will continue to adapt and evolve to ensure we are in the best place to manage and respond as required, during 2023 we have continued to manage the ongoing macroeconomic and supply chain shocks with minimal impact to the business.

Climate Change

Understanding of the Physical and Transition risks associated with Climate Change and the required adaptation to these are given in greater detail in the 2023 Sustainability Report. At an emerging risk level, our operations and projects are expected to face physical risks in the medium to longer term alongside the wider systemic challenges within our countries of operation and globally. Risks associated with the global transition to a low carbon economy to reduce global warming could also affect the economic performance of the company. We have undertaken modelling of the potential physical and transition risks to the Sukari asset, and when practical will do for our other projects, to ensure that we can respond accordingly. Financial modelling of key transition related risks and opportunities under a 'Net Zero by 2050' climate scenario assessed Centamin to remain financially viable over the Life of Mine. 

 



 


DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

For the year ended 31 December 2023

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable Jersey law and International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for:

selecting suitable accounting policies and then applying them consistently;

stating whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

making judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

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

 

The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the financial statements comply with The Companies (Jersey) Law, 1991 and safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group's auditors are unaware, and each Director has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Group's auditors are aware of that information.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced, and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group's position and performance, business model and strategy.

The Directors have undertaken a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks impacting the Company. The assessment identified strategic and operational risks at a corporate level and principal risks impacting our operations in Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire. Details of the risk assessment can be found in the Audit and Risk Committee Report and the risk management and principal risks section of the Strategic Report.

The Directors are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group.

On behalf of the Board:

 

 

 

Martin Horgan

Ross Jerrard


Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer


Director

Director


21 March 2024

21 March 2024


 



Audited financial statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 31 December 2023


Note

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

Revenue

2.2

891,262

788,424

Cost of sales

2.3

(596,836)

(544,075)

Gross profit


294,426

244,349

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

2.1

(31,653)

(29,723)

Other operating costs

2.3

(68,542)

(49,003)

Other income

2.3

5,817

6,623

Finance income

2.3

4,127

1,214

Finance costs

2.3

(3,526)

(2,459)

Fair value loss on derivative financial instruments

2.4

(5,509)

-

Profit for the year before tax


195,140

171,001

Tax

2.6

(255)

(226)

Profit for the year after tax


194,885

170,775

Profit for the year after tax attributable to:


 


-   the owners of the parent


92,284

72,490

-   non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

102,601

98,285

Total comprehensive income for the year


194,885

170,775

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:


 


-   the owners of the parent


92,284

72,490

-   non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

102,601

98,285

Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent:


 


Basic (US cents per share)

6.4

7.970

6.287

Diluted (US cents per share)

6.4

7.817

6.203

 

The above audited consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 31 December 2023


Note

31 December

 

2023

 

US$'000

31 December

 

 2022

 

US$'000

Non-current assets




Property, plant and equipment

2.10

1,084,019

1,086,649

Exploration and evaluation asset

2.11

24,809

24,809

Inventories

2.12

103,121

94,773

Other receivables

2.8

1,014

1,372

Total non-current assets


1,212,963

1,207,603

Current assets


 


Inventories

2.12

149,457

134,065

Trade and other receivables

2.8

49,443

35,628

Prepayments

2.9

17,404

13,864

Derivative financial instruments

2.4

654

-

Cash and cash equivalents

2.17(a)

93,322

102,373

Total current assets


310,280

285,930

Total assets


1,523,243

1,493,533

Non-current liabilities




Other payables

2.13

8,264

11,801

Provisions

2.14

40,039

37,425

Total non-current liabilities


48,303

49,226

Current liabilities


 


Trade and other payables

2.13

94,248

99,395

Tax liabilities

2.6

102

249

Provisions

2.14

1,984

3,256

Total current liabilities


96,334

102,900

Total liabilities


144,637

152,126

Net assets


1,378,606

1,341,407

Equity


 


Issued capital

2.15

673,432

670,994

Share option reserve

2.16

10,124

6,082

Accumulated profits


681,912

641,794

Total equity attributable to owners of the parent


1,365,468

1,318,870

Non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

13,138

22,537

Total equity


1,378,606

1,341,407

 

 

 

 

The above audited consolidated statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

The audited consolidated financial statements were authorised by the Board of Directors for issue on 21 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

                               

Martin Horgan

Ross Jerrard


Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer


Director

Director


21 March 2024

21 March 2024



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the year ended 31 December 2023


Note

 

Issued

capital

US$'000

Share option

reserve

US$'000

 

Accumulated

profits

US$'000

 

 

Total

US$'000

Non-controlling

interests

US$'000

 

Total

equity

US$'000

Balance as at 1 January 2023


670,994

6,082

641,794

1,318,870

22,537

1,341,407

Profit for the year after tax


92,284

92,284

102,601

194,885

Total comprehensive income for the year


92,284

92,284

102,601

194,885

Own shares acquired

2.15

(245)

(245)

(245)

Net recognition of share-based payments

2.16

6,725

6,725

Transfer of share-based payments

2.16

2,683

(2,683)

Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

(112,000)

(112,000)

Dividend paid - owners of the parent


(52,166)

(52,166)

(52,166)

Balance as at 31 December 2023


673,432

10,124

681,912

1,365,468

13,138

1,378,606

 

 


Note

 

Issued

capital

US$'000

Share option

reserve

US$'000

 

Accumulated

profits

US$'000

 

 

Total

US$'000

Non-controlling

interests

US$'000

 

Total

equity

US$'000

Balance as at 1 January 2022


669,531

4,975

655,508

1,330,014

(40,256)

1,289,758

Profit for the year after tax


72,490

72,490

98,285

170,775

Total comprehensive income for the year


72,490

72,490

98,285

170,775

Net recognition of share-based payments

2.16

2,570

2,570

2,570

Transfer of share-based payments

2.16

1,463

(1,463)

Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

(35,492)

(35,492)

Dividend paid - owners of the parent


(86,204)

(86,204)

(86,204)

Balance as at 31 December 2022


670,994

6,082

641,794

1,318,870

22,537

1,341,407

 

The above audited consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the year ended 31 December 2023

 

Note

31 December 2023

US$'000

 

31 December 2022*

US$'000 (restated)

Cash flows from operating activities




Cash generated from operating activities

2.17(b)

356,195

294,625

Income tax paid


(402)

(230)

Interest paid


(2,193)

(1,871)

Net cash generated from operating activities


353,600

292,524

Cash flows from investing activities




Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment


(190,723)

(263,622)

Brownfield exploration and evaluation expenditure


(12,172)

(12,175)

Finance income

2.3

4,127

1,214

Net cash used in investing activities


(198,768)

(274,583)

Cash flows from financing activities




Cash element of share-based payments


(583)

(523)

Own shares acquired


(245)

Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM

2.5

(112,000)

(35,492)

Dividend paid - owners of the parent

3.2.2

(52,166)

(86,204)

Net cash used in financing activities


(164,994)

(122,219)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(10,163)

(104,278)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


102,373

207,821

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


1,112

(1,170)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

2.17(a)

93,322

102,373

 

* The comparatives in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been restated to reflect an increase of cash generated from operating activities of $2.5m, interest paid of $1.9m and a reduction of the effect of foreign exchange rate changes of $0.6m.

 

The above audited consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2023

 

BASIS OF PREPARATION

These financial statements are denominated in US dollars ("US$"), which is the presentation currency of Centamin plc. All companies in the Group use the US$ as their functional currency. All financial statements presented in US$ have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and interpretations issued from time to time by the IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRS IC") and which are mandatory for reporting as at 31 December 2023 and the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. The Group has not early adopted any other amendments, standards or interpretations that have been issued but are not yet mandatory or effective.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention, as modified by financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative) instruments which are measured at fair value.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 were authorised by the Board of Directors of the Company for issue on 21 March 2024.

Going concern

The Directors have assessed the going concern status of the Group, considering the period to 31 December 2025.

Management prepares consolidated group budgets for each upcoming financial period, the 2024 budget model has been used as the base case for the going concern analysis. Management also prepares a financial model over the life of mine which covers a period of twelve years and this model has been used as the base case for the viability assessment for the years beyond the going concern assessment period. Further detailed analyses and forecasts are then applied to the base case models to assess the economic impact of various downside scenarios from a going concern and viability perspective.

The Group continues to benefit from a strong balance sheet with a large cash balance and no debt. At 31 December 2023 the Group had cash and cash equivalents of US$93 million. As part of assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, management performed various downside stress testing scenarios to assess the impact on liquidity headroom. The scenarios were considered without applying any mitigating actions over the assessment period, as well as assuming that the US$150 million revolving credit facility which was available as of 13 March 2023, will not be drawn down. An example of mitigating actions would involve assessing capital expenditures and focussing on critical items only. The assessment covers a period of 24 months from 1 January 2024 and therefore 21 months from the date of signing the consolidated financial statements.

Key assumptions underpinning the base case forecast include:

A consistently applied fuel price of US$0.90/litre;

A consistently applied processing plant recovery rate of 88.4%

A consistently applied gold price of US$1,900/oz.; and

Production volumes and grades in line with 2024 guidance and in-line with the 2025 forecast.

 

Management considered the potential impact of climate-related physical and transition risks including modelling potential carbon pricing scenarios, in the context of the disclosures included in the Strategic Report. Based on this current assessment modelling plausible scenarios, climate-related risks are not assessed to have a material financial impact on the going concern assessment. 

The base case and downside scenarios for the going concern assessment are as follows:

Base case: 2024 budget/24-month forward plan run against opening cash balance at 1 January 2024;

Gold price reduced to US$1,600 per ounce consistently applied through the assessment period;

Fuel price increase to US$1.25/litre;

Open pit ore mined reduction by 10%;

Open pit ore mined grade reduction by 15%;

Underground ore mined reduction by 10%;

Underground ore mined grade reduction by 15%;

Processing capacity reduction by 20%; and

Processing plant recovery rate reduction to 85.0%.

 

In all the above scenarios, liquidity was maintained throughout the going concern period. We also note that a scenario run with a combination of all the above factors consistently applied for a full 24-month period would still maintain liquidity after mitigating measures within management's control are applied.

The sensitivities applied were informed by internal and external data sources, were identified as scenarios that could have the most significant impact on the Group's available liquidity and are the primary drivers of the Group's profitability.

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is contingent on the ongoing viability of the Group, principally the Sukari operations. The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through its available cash balances. The Group continues to closely monitor its major cost drivers e.g., fuel and other key consumables and reagents as well as key operational KPIs that may have an impact on going concern and take mitigating actions where necessary. The Group continues to benefit from a strong ungeared balance sheet and a gold price protection programme with put option contracts in place until 30 June 2024, refer to note 2.4. The Group also has US$150 million of liquidity through the undrawn RCF which can be accessed at any time.

The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its available cash balances and will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence throughout the assessment period and that currently there are no material uncertainties regarding going concern.

Therefore, having assessed the Group's principal risks, a detailed cash flow forecast prepared by management and the various downside scenarios outlined above, the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing its consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, which contemplate the realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities during the normal course of operations.

Accounting policies

This note provides a list of the other potentially material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements to the extent that they have not already been disclosed above. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

1. Current reporting period amendments

1.1 Changes in policies and estimates

Certain new accounting standards, amendments to accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2023 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group.

New or amended accounting standards

a.   Adoption of new accounting standards 

The following accounting standards, amendments and interpretations became effective in the current year:

IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts  

Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)

Disclosure of Accounting Policies - Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2

Definition of Accounting Estimates - Amendments to IAS 8

International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12)

 

The application of these standards and interpretations effective for the first time in the current year has had no significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements.

b.   Accounting standards issued but not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations, which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective. It is expected that where applicable, these standards and amendments will be adopted on each respective effective date. None of these standards are expected to have a significant impact on the Group. 

 

Amendments to IFRSs 

Effective date

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback

(Amendments to IFRS 16)

Annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current

(Amendments to IAS 1)

Annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024

Non-current Liabilities with Covenants

(Amendments to IAS 1)

Annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024

Supplier Finance Arrangements

(Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7)

Annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024

Lack of Exchangeability

(Amendments to IAS 21)

Annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025

 

1.2 Critical judgements and estimates in applying the entity's accounting policies

The following are the critical judgements and estimates that management has made in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. Management has discussed its critical accounting judgements and estimates and associated disclosures with the Company's Audit and Risk Committee.

The critical accounting judgements are as follows:

 

 

1.2.1 JUDGEMENT: CONTROL

1.2.1.1 Judgement: Accounting treatment of the Sukari Gold Mining Company ("SGM")

Pharaoh Gold Mines NL ("PGM") (the holder of an Egyptian branch) and EMRA are 50:50 partners in SGM. However, SGM is fully consolidated within the Group as if it were a subsidiary due to it being a controlled entity, reflecting the substance and economic reality of the Concession Agreement ("CA") (see note 4.1 to the financial statements).

IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements defines control as encompassing three distinct principles, which, if present, identify the existence of control by an investor over an investee, hence forming a parent-subsidiary relationship. The principles are:

power over the investee;

exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns.

 

An investor has power over an investee when the investor has existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities (i.e., the activities that significantly affect the investee's returns).

The Company's control of SGM, through PGM

PGM is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company, through PGM, has the right to appoint or remove the managing director of SGM under the terms of the CA and in doing so controls the activities in relation to the operation of SGM that most significantly affect the returns of SGM. These are all illustrated in the sections that follow:

a) The duties of PGM

PGM controls the appointment of the General Manager ("GM") at the Sukari Gold Mine;

By controlling the appointment of the GM and directing their activities, the GM will make all day-to-day decisions to allow the mine to operate in a manner that aligns with the Company's objectives which involve:

preparing SGM's work programmes through determination of the daily and longer-term mine plans, the budgets covering the operations to be carried out throughout the life of the mine ("LOM") and approval of the same;

managing capital expenditure, procurement, cost control and treasury;

conducting exploration, development, production, and marketing operations;

co-ordinating SGM operations and activities, including its dealings with all contractors and subcontractors;

bearing ultimate responsibility for all costs and expenses required in carrying out any and all operations under the CA;

funding the operations of SGM and recovering costs and expenses throughout the LOM (i.e., exploration, development, and production phases);

funding additional exploration and expansion programmes within the mine during the production phase;

taking custody of SGM's stock and management of its funds;

selling and shipping of all gold and associated metals produced; and

entering into and managing gold sales or hedging contracts and forward sale agreements

 

b) The duties of EMRA

EMRA must, under the terms of the CA, provide the required approvals to allow the mine to operate.

c) The duties, role, and function of the board of SGM:

The board of SGM has six board members:

three of whom are appointed by the Company, through PGM; and

three of whom are appointed by EMRA:

the executive chairman, as one of the three EMRA appointed board members, is a representative of EMRA and is appointed by the Egyptian Ministry of Finance.

The board of SGM convenes twice a year to:

facilitate a forum for sharing information between the owners of SGM;

provide a mechanism to scrutinise the timing and amounts of expenses; rather than as a decision-making body over SGM's most significant relevant activities;

consider, review, and approve all the following in relation to SGM:

the budget;

the annual financial statements;

the cost recovery position; and

other compliance matters.

 

The board of SGM is not allowed to unreasonably withhold approval of any of the above.

 

If there is a disputed matter or deadlock position at an SGM board level, it is resolved as follows:

through open discussion at board level;

the executive chairman does not have a veto or casting vote;

where matters cannot be agreed upon, an ad-hoc committee is appointed with each party having equal representation. This committee will then recommend an appropriate course of action to the board with the best interest of all shareholders in mind; and

should the board still not agree on a course of action, there is a provision for final and binding arbitration

 

The board of SGM cannot appoint or remove the GM, this right belongs solely to the Company, through PGM, under the terms of the CA;

EMRA and/or the Egyptian government have no downside risk in their share of SGM. If SGM were to become loss making or insolvent, these costs are absorbed in their entirety by the Company, through PGM, in accordance with the CA.

The Company, through PGM, is therefore exposed to the variable returns of SGM, has the ability to affect the amount of those returns, has power over SGM through its ability to direct its relevant activities and therefore meets all the criteria of control to consolidate SGM's results within the Group to reflect the substance and economic reality of the CA.

As the Company, through PGM, is determined to be the controlling party, it should consolidate SGM, and should apply consolidation procedures, combining balance sheet and profit and loss items line by line as well as applying the rest of the consolidation procedures set out in IFRS 10 App B para B86. The Group therefore prepares consolidated financial statements on this basis.

1.2.1.2 Judgement: Treatment and disclosure of EMRA profit share

 

EMRA holds 50% of the shares in the Group controlled entity, SGM, which are not attributable to the Company, and it is entitled to receive net proceeds from the operations of SGM on a residual basis in accordance with their specified shareholding per the CA (this distribution is in accordance with the profit share mechanism and not as a consequence of accumulated profits as defined by accounting standards). Therefore, the Group recognises a Non-Controlling Interest ("NCI") in SGM to represent EMRA's participation.

In terms of the CA, the NCI's rights to any profit share payments (dividend distributions) is only triggered after the cost recovery of all amounts invested (or spent during operations) during the exploration, construction and development stages have been repaid to PGM. The profit share mechanism was only triggered in November 2016 (after all amounts due to be cost recovered were complete). Until that time the NCI had no rights to claim any distribution of accumulated profits or profit share.

It is important to note that the availability of cash in SGM for distribution to its shareholders as profit share is under the control of the Company, through PGM, by the decisions made on SGM's strategic direction and day-to-day operational requirements of running the mine. This is regarded as discretionary and exposes the Company to variable returns.

Distributions to shareholders in SGM:

once all expenditure requirements, including current cost recovery payments due, have been met, excess cash reserves, if any, are distributed to both SGM shareholders:

distributions are always made simultaneously to both shareholders;

the split of the distribution is in accordance with the ratchet mechanism (i.e. the standard profit share ratios of 60/40 (first two years from 1 July 2016), 55/45 (second two years from 1 July 2018) and 50/50 (from 1 July 2020) to PGM and EMRA respectively) as governed by the CA; but:

distributions are not mandatory, they are entirely discretionary and are only done if there are excess funds;

distributions are paid in advance on a weekly or fortnightly basis by mutual agreement between shareholders;

 

at the end of the SGM reporting period, final profits are determined, externally audited, and then approved by the SGM board:

final profit distributions become payable within 60 days of the financial year end, SGM is unable to avoid payment at this point and the amount payable is recorded as equity attributable to the NCI until paid;

the CA is merely a shareholder agreement specifying how and when profits from SGM will be distributed to shareholders and is typical of a minority shareholder protection mechanism

 

The Group should attribute the profit or loss for the year after tax and each component of other comprehensive income for the year to the owners of the parent and to the NCI in SGM. The entity shall also attribute total comprehensive income for the year to the owners of the parent and to NCI even if this results in the NCI having a deficit balance (IFRS 10 App B para B94). The CA only contemplates the distribution of profit to shareholders.

The NCI would only have a deficit balance where advance distributions paid during the year have exceeded final distributions payable after the year-end financial statements have been prepared and audited. This deficit would be entirely funded by the Company, through PGM, and would first be redeemed from future excess cash before regular distributions to both parties resume. SGM has no claw back provision for advance profits paid to the NCI. We note that annual dividend payments, after approval of audited financial statements, is a standard feature of transactions with an NCI and that such payments are not normally treated as non‑discretionary payments triggering a liability in the consolidated statement of financial position of the parent.

Any losses generated by SGM will be entirely funded by the Company, through PGM, but attributed to both shareholders. These losses will first be recovered before further profit share distributions commence.

In the Group statement of financial position, all the accumulated profits of SGM are attributable to the Company as EMRA have already received their share through the advance profit distribution payments made, therefore NCI is usually disclosed in the financial statements as nil unless there is an outstanding distribution payable to, or deficit due from EMRA due to timing differences of the cash sweep.

SGM and Centamin have non-coterminous year ends and the audit of the profit share and cost recovery mechanism and numbers is performed by EMRA for each half year period ended 30 June and 31 December. There are inherent uncertainties that may arise in the determination of amounts due to EMRA from profit share and therefore, in some periods, additional amounts than would have been paid to EMRA may become due and payable, creating additional liabilities. The process may also determine that more profit share than was due to EMRA was paid in which case this will create a receivable from EMRA which will be offset against future profit share amounts. Please refer to note 2.5 for further information.

1.2.2 JUDGEMENT: IMPAIRMENT TRIGGER ASSESSMENT - SUKARI

IFRS requires management to test for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a finite life asset may not be recoverable. Considering the requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets an impairment trigger assessment has been performed.

Group operating assets

As part of the impairment trigger assessment, management has also considered movements in the key assumptions which have historically been used in impairment assessments and is satisfied that there have not been any changes that would constitute an impairment trigger.

These include changes to:

forecast gold prices, considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors;

discount rates;

operating performance which includes production and sales volumes;

exploration potential and reserves and resources report;

operating costs, taking into consideration the impact of the solar plant on those costs and emissions targets;

recovery rates; and significant changes to the mine plan with an impact on the mine's cost of mineral extraction

share price; sustained decline in share price which is not consistent with industry peers.

 

Management has considered a number of factors as listed above when concluding on whether an impairment trigger existed as at 31 December 2023. Notwithstanding the fact that the carrying value of the Group's net assets exceeded its market capitalisation at some points during 2023, management noted that both the fall in the share price at those points and the general movement in the Company's share price was consistent with an industry-wide trend, and that there have not been significant Group specific operational issues at any of its locations in the year that may have a bearing on the share price movement.

The Group achieved its annual production guidance, with costs in line with forecasts.

On review, management concluded that there were no impairment triggers affecting the Group's fixed assets as at 31 December 2023.

Consideration of climate change risks

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors have considered the potential impact of climate-related physical and transitional risks for the Group's operating assets, in the context of the TCFD disclosures. The Directors recognise that climate-related risks have the potential to impact the carrying value of assets through their effect on future cash flow projections and impairments on the useful life of assets. The financial statements also consider the opportunities arising from our transition to a low carbon future and achievement of our target for reducing Greenhouse Gas "GHG" emissions.

 

In particular, the Directors have applied qualitative and quantitative methods to stress test the financial and strategic viability of the business for various climate scenarios (including 'Net Zero by 2050'), to the likely impact of climate-related transitional and physical risks in respect of the following areas:

 

Cash flow forecasts considering carbon, diesel and utility pricing increases on operating and procurement costs;

Effects on property, plant and equipment, arising from acute extreme weather events and chronic shifts in climate patterns including precipitation, temperature and sea-level rise;

Capital expenditure over the short, medium and long term, arising from the adoption/deployment of low carbon technology; and

Going concern and viability of the Group to decreases in gold price arising from market and investor uncertainty.

 

The Directors have made judgements and assumptions using available internal and external information to assess the impact of climate-related risks on the future cash flows and operations of the business and are aware of the uncertainty around how climate-related transition risks will affect global and national economies over the medium and longer term, and more specifically: gold price, carbon pricing, other regulatory mechanisms and the availability of low carbon technology of relevance to our operations.

 

In the case of climate-related transition risks under a Net Zero by 2050 scenario, preliminary modelling indicated that the introduction of carbon pricing on our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in Egypt and domestic supply chain predicted that it could have an impact on the Group during the Sukari Life of Mine, however this is still being assessed. A review of the regulatory landscape relevant to our assets noted that Egypt does not have any carbon mechanisms in place and there is no indication of when one may be implemented. As a consequence, carbon pricing is not expected to have a material impact on the carrying values of assets or liability of the Group in the short term. If we conservatively assume that Egypt was to start developing ambitious (i.e. 'Net Zero by 2050') climate policies over the short term, these are not predicted to impact the business until the medium term and beyond. We will regularly review the development of climate policy and the timing of its potential impact on the business.

 

In the case of gold price, the nature and extent of impact arising from climate-related risk is uncertain taking into consideration the role of gold in low-carbon technologies, gold as a traditional investment asset or downstream consumption patterns. We have been unable to reference any credible data sources of gold price for future climate scenarios and therefore have not performed a quantitative assessment of climate-related impacts. Separately the impact of fluctuations in gold to the business is assessed in note 3.1.1(d).

 

Under the scope of our existing target for GHG emissions reductions, capital expenditure related to the adoption/deployment of low carbon technology is assessed to be financially material in the short term, however the technology is commercially available and the expenditure is value accretive in the medium term and beyond. At Sukari, our planned extension to the solar plant and grid connection are forecast to provide a positive return on investment within the life of the asset.

 

We have assessed the physical risks to our operations under future emissions scenarios. Our business was assessed to be resilient to physical risks for the near-term predictions indicating that adaptation specifically to mitigate the effects of climate change is not required for the operational life of Sukari. The useful life of the Sukari asset is not expected to be reduced by climate-related physical risks.

 

The Group will monitor and routinely test climate-related risk against judgements and estimates made in preparation of the Group's financial statements. Climate-related transitional and physical risks as well as carbon pricing is not expected to have a material impact on the carrying values of assets or liability of the Group during the Sukari Life of Mine and there is no expectation that climate change will impact any of the useful economic lives of the Sukari fixed assets.

 

The Group's critical estimates and assumptions are as follows:

1.2.3 ESTIMATE: MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE STATEMENT IMPACT ON ORE RESERVES

Ore reserves and mineral resource estimates are estimates of the amount of ore that can be economically and legally extracted from the Group's mining properties. The Group's Mineral Reserve and Resource statement for SGM with an effective date of 30 June 2023 is contained in the supplementary section of the 2023 Annual Report. The information on the Mineral Resources and Reserves statement was prepared by Qualified Persons as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when new information becomes available. Estimates of recoverable quantities of reserves include assumptions on commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates and production costs for future cash flows. It also involves assessment and judgement of complex geological models. The economic, geological, and technical factors used to estimate ore reserves may change from period to period.

Ore reserves are integral to the recognised amounts of depreciation and amortisation and the valuation of inventory because of the unit of production ("UOP") amortisation method. Therefore, changes to ore reserves may impact the Group's reported financial position and results in the following way:

The carrying value of mine development properties, which incorporates the rehabilitation obligation assets may be affected due to changes in estimated future cash flows. The recoverable amount of mine development properties is directly linked to the quantities of the economically recoverable reserves of the mine and therefore with other factors held constant, a significant decrease in the reserves might result in an impairment loss on the asset and have a negative impact on the carrying values;

Capitalised stripping costs recognised in the statement of financial position, as either part of mine development properties or inventory or charged to profit or loss, may change due to changes in stripping ratios;

Depreciation and amortisation charges in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income may change where such charges are determined using the UOP, or where the useful life of the related assets change. The Group's mine development properties asset category, incorporating the deferred stripping asset and rehabilitation obligation assets is amortised using the UOP method; and

Provisions for rehabilitation and environmental provisions may change where reserve estimate changes affect expectations about when such activities will occur and the associated cost of these activities.

 

Production forecasts from the underground mine at Sukari are partly based on estimates regarding future resource and reserve growth. It should be specifically noted that the potential quantity and grade from the Sukari underground mine is conceptual in nature and that it is uncertain if exploration will result in further targets being delineated as a mineral resource. Please refer to the Mineral Reserve and Resource statement impact on ore reserves sensitivity, note 3.1.1(h).

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2.4 ESTIMATE: RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION PROVISION

Management performed a reassessment of the restoration and rehabilitation plan for Sukari to determine the Company's obligation as at 31 December 2023. This follows an extensive review process of the plan and provision in the prior year's assessment which involved an external third party to verify the assumptions and methodology used in the restoration and rehabilitation plan. On the financial side, the restoration and rehabilitation plan and provision assessment resulted in an increase of the provision by US$1.3 million (2022: US$ 5.8 million decrease) to US$40 million as at 31 December 2023, see note 2.14.

The marginal US$1.3 million increase in the provision from the December 2023 reassessment, other than the unwinding of interest was due to a number of factors and assumptions affecting the inputs to the model e.g. a small increase in the inflation rate to 2.40% in 2023 from 2.37% in 2022 and an increase in the undiscounted provision amount by US$6.2 million, partially offset by the increase in the discount rate from 3.63% in 2022 to 4.01% in 2023. The undiscounted cost base for various components of the expected rehabilitation activities also increased by a net amount of US$6.2 million. The key drivers for the cost base increase were mainly due to the following changes:

Waste Rock Dumps a US$1.3 million increase ( 2022: Nil) in the rehabilitation cost of the surface area requiring regrading of slopes and batters;

Mine services area a US$1.4 million increase (2022: Nil), in the costs related to the dismantling, grading of surfaces and restoration of contours within the mine services area;

North and West Dump Leach   a US$0.9 million increase (2022: US$0.4 million increase) in the cost of loading and hauling waste rock to create a cover over the tailings surface;

TSF2 a US$2.1 million increase (US$ 3 million decrease) in the cost of loading and hauling and spreading the waste rock over the tailings surface and regrading of embankments. Increase was mainly due to a revision of the unit cost of the closure activities; and

US$0.8 million increase (2022: US$1.5 million increase) in cost of mine closure planning and design related work.

 

Estimates in the process include the unit costs used in calculating the provision e.g., ripping and grading, hauling and application, regrading slopes, construction of bunds and demolition of buildings and certain fixed costs, including labour and dismantling of equipment. Management has assessed the compliance costs relating to Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ("GISTM") and this was concluded to be immaterial.

For rehabilitation activities measured in tonnes, the unit costs range between US$0.30/t to US$0.77/t and for those measured in cubic metres and for surface areas measured in metres, the unit cost used are as follows:

 

Load and haul waste rock by mass (average haul distance of 2km)

US$0.30/t

Load and haul waste rock by mass (average haul distance of 6km)

US$0.75/t

Load and haul waste rock by volume (average haul distance of 2km)

US$0.64/m3

Spread waste rock to create cover

US$2.70/m3

Load and haul demolition waste for on-site landfill

US$1.92/m3

Demolish concrete foundations (medium reinforced)

US$53.00/m3

Regrade slopes and batters     

US$1.35/m2

Rip and grade compacted surfaces

US$0.71/m2

Demolish buildings (mix of prefabricated, steel and blockwork)

US$8.00/m2

 

The range of the estimated unit costs as outlined above is primarily driven by the level of the work required for each work area requiring restoration and rehabilitation activity, the extent of the mine areas and/or infrastructure or equipment requiring such work as well as the expected mix of the resources to execute the activities i.e., either internally sourced, contracted third party, other specialist resource or a combination of the three.

Sukari has a life of mine which runs through to 2034 and while generally the majority of restoration and rehabilitation work will be undertaken when the economically viable resources of the mine are depleted at the end of the life of mine, the actual estimated timing of cash outflows for the restoration and rehabilitation work may be different and, in some cases, significantly different due to various factors, including the discovery of more resources that increase the quantities of economically recoverable resources and therefore, extend the life of mine. The ore reserves available for economic extraction, the extent of the area they are located and the timeframe within which they are reasonably expected to be depleted and consequently for rehabilitation activities to commence therefore, have a significant impact on the estimation process of the restoration and rehabilitation provision amount.

Some of the unit rates have changed from prior year, with a few of them having only a marginal change and there are also other unit rates with no movement from prior year. As the rehabilitation and restoration work will be done in-country, management has considered the year-on-year inflation in Egypt and particularly the devaluation of the Egyptian currency, EGP against the USD in the year over the last two years and concluded that maintaining the unit rates largely within the same range as the prior year would be reasonable in the estimation process for the current year provision.

Management has performed sensitivity analyses of reasonably possible changes in the significant assumptions which are primarily the unit costs of the rehabilitation activities above as well as the discount and inflation rates.

 

 

The sensitivity results below are based on illustrative percentage changes, however the estimates may vary by greater amounts. The provision for restoration and rehabilitation may also change where reserve estimate changes affect expectations about when such activities will occur and therefore the associated cost of these activities.

The reported provision and corresponding asset amount would change as shown below should there be a change in the estimated unit cost rates, discount rates and inflation rate assumptions on the basis that all the other factors that can potentially change remain constant:

A 10% increase in these estimated unit and fixed costs elements would result in a US$3.3 million increase (2022:US$3.1 million) in the provision and corresponding asset amounts, while a 10% decrease would result in a US$3.3 million decrease (2022:US$3.1 million).

A 10% increase in the discount rate would result in a US$1.8 million decrease (2022: US$1.4 million) in the provision and corresponding asset amounts, while a 10% decrease would result in a US$1.9 million increase (2022: US$1.4 million).

A 10% increase in the inflation rate would result in a US$1.1 million increase (2022: US$0.9 million) in the provision and corresponding asset amounts, while a 10% decrease would result in a US$1.1 million decrease (2022: US$0.9 million).

 

The above scenarios resulted in increases of the restoration and rehabilitation provision ranging from US$1.1 million (2022: US$0.7 million) to US$3.3 million (2022: US$3.1 million) and decreases of the similar ranges. All the scenarios would have an insignificant effect on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, through immaterial movements in the interest cost on the liability and reduced rehabilitation asset amortisation charge. Refer to note 2.14 for additional information on the restoration and rehabilitation provision movements.

The sensitivities analysed above reflect reasonably possible changes in the provisions in response to changes in the underlying assumptions.

1.3 OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.3.1 PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements are prepared by combining the financial statements of all the entities that comprise the consolidated group, being the Company (the parent entity) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control, as defined in IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements. Consistent accounting policies are employed in the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements include the information and results of each subsidiary and controlled entity from the date on which the Company obtains control and until such time as the Company ceases to control such entities. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, all intercompany balances and transactions, and unrealised profits arising within the consolidated group, are eliminated in full.

2. How numbers are calculated

2.1 Segment reporting

The Group is engaged in the business of exploration for and mining of precious metals, which represents three operating segments, two in the business of exploration and one in the mining of precious metals. The Board is the Group's chief operating decision-maker within the meaning of IFRS 8 Operating segments. Management has determined the operating segments based on the information reviewed by the Board for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors.

The Board considers the business from a geographic perspective and a mining of precious metals versus exploration for precious metals perspective. Geographically, management considers separately the performance in Egypt, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Corporate (which includes Jersey, United Kingdom, and Australia). From a mining of precious metals versus exploration for precious metals perspective, management separately considers the Egyptian mining of precious metals from the Egyptian and Côte d'Ivoire exploration for precious metals in these geographies. The Egyptian mining operations derive revenue from the sale of gold while Côte d'Ivoire and the new Egyptian entities are currently only engaged in precious metal exploration and do not produce any revenue.

The Board assesses the performance of the operating segments based on profits and expenditure incurred as well as exploration expenditure in each region. Egypt is the only operating segment with one of its entities, SGM, mining precious metals and therefore has revenue and cost of sales whilst the remaining operating segments do not. All operating segments are reviewed by the Board as presented and are key to the monitoring of ongoing performance and assessing plans of the Company.

The Burkina Faso incorporated legal entities are currently at an advanced stage of being formally wound-up and costs incurred in the year relate to various aspects of that process. Costs incurred up to the time the Burkina Faso entities' wind-up process is formally concluded will continue to be disclosed within exploration costs and under Burkina Faso in the segment reporting disclosures. 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS, INCLUDING FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY COUNTRY:

31 December 2023

 

Total

US$'000

 

Egypt

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

 

Corporate

US$'000

Non-current assets (excl. financial assets)

1,211,949

1,210,391

537

1,021

Non-current assets (financial instruments)

1,014

927

2

85

Total non-current assets

1,212,963

1,211,318

2

622

1,021

 

 

31 December 2022

 

Total

US$'000

 

Egypt

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

 

Corporate

US$'000

Non-current assets (excl. financial assets)

1,206,231

1,204,956

826

449

Non-current assets (financial instruments)

1,372

1,270

20

82

Total non-current assets

1,207,603

1,206,226

20

908

449

 

Additions to non-current assets mainly relate to Egypt and are disclosed in note 2.10.

 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSTION BY OPERATING SEGMENT:

 

31 December 2023

 

Total

US$'000

Egypt Mining

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

 

Corporate

US$'000

Total assets

1,523,243

1,434,074

4,391

30

6,149

78,600

Total liabilities

(144,637)

(133,177)

(787)

(2,596)

(8,077)

Net assets

1,378,606

1,300,897

3,604

30

3,553

70,523

 

 

31 December 2022

Total

 

US$'000

Egypt Mining

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

Corporate

 

US$'000

Total assets

1,493,533

1,413,266

4,057

40

4,074

72,096

Total liabilities

(152,126)

(142,556)

(533)

(470)

(3,421)

(5,146)

Net assets/(liabilities)

1,341,407

1,270,710

3,524

(430)

653

66,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY OPERATING SEGMENT:

For the year ended 31 December 2023

 

Total

US$'000

Egypt Mining

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

Corporate

US$'000

Revenue

891,262

891,262

Cost of sales

(596,836)

(596,836)

Gross profit

294,426

294,426

Exploration and evaluation costs

(31,653)

(869)

(25,226)

Other operating costs(1)

(68,542)

(39,069)

(377)

1,221

(127)

(30,190)

Other income

5,817

6,058

99

102

1,686

(2,128)

Finance income

4,127

1,475

2,652

Finance costs

(3,526)

(1,681)

(42)

2

(75)

(1,730)

Net fair value loss on derivatives

(5,509)

(5,509)

Profit/(loss) for the year before tax

195,140

261,209

(5,878)

456

(23,742)

(36,905)

Tax

(255)

(220)

(21)

(14)

Profit/(loss) for the year after tax

194,885

260,989

(5,878)

456

(23,763)

(36,919)

Profit/(loss) for the year after tax attributable to:







-   the owners of the parent(2)

92,284

158,388

(5,878)

456

(23,763)

(36,919)

-   non-controlling interest in SGM(2)

102,601

102,601

 

(1)    The US$1.2m gain in the Burkina Faso segment relates to intercompany loans due to Centamin West Africa Holdings Limited (included as an expense within the Corporate segment) that were written off in the year. These amounts are fully eliminated on consolidation, therefore do not impact the overall Group results. 

(2)    Please note that the cost recovery model on which profit share is based under the Concession Agreement is different to the accounting results presented above due to various adjustments and as such the share of profit disclosed above is not reflective of the 55%:45% split that was in place from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2020 and 50%:50% split from 1 July 2020 onwards that occurs in practice, refer to the statement of cash flows by operating segment below for further information.

For the year ended 31 December 2022

 

Total

US$'000

Egypt Mining

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

Corporate

US$'000

Revenue

788,424

788,424

Cost of sales

(544,075)

(544,075)

Gross profit

244,349

244,349

Exploration and evaluation costs

(29,723)

(1,675)

(2,928)

(25,120)

Other operating costs

(49,003)

(27,299)

(116)

(506)

(326)

(20,756)

Other income

6,623

8,039

196

(168)

(666)

(778)

Finance income

1,214

99

1,115

Finance costs(1)

(2,459)

(1,098)

(19)

(2)

(58)

(1,282)

Impairment of intra-group loans

140,623

(140,623)

Profit/(loss) for the year before tax

171,001

224,090

(1,614)

137,019

(26,170)

(162,324)

Tax

(226)

(226)

Profit/(loss) for the year after tax

170,775

223,864

(1,614)

137,019

(26,170)

(162,324)

Profit/(loss) for the year after tax attributable to:







the owners of the parent(1)

72,490

125,579

(1,614)

137,019

(26,170)

(162,324)

non-controlling interest in SGM(1)

98,285

98,285

 

(1)       Please note that the cost recovery model on which profit share is based under the Concession Agreement is different to the accounting results presented above due to  various adjustments and as such the share of profit disclosed above is not reflective of the 55%:45% split that was in place from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2020 and 50%:50% split from the 1 July 2020 onwards that occurs in practice, refer to the statement of cash flows by operating segment below for further information.

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS BY OPERATING SEGMENT:

For the year ended 31 December 2023

 

Total

US$'000

Egypt Mining

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

 

Corporate

US$'000

Statement of cash flows







Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

353,600

419,210

(395)

54

(1,384)

(63,885)

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

(198,768)

(200,631)

(512)

(276)

2,651

Net cash used in financing activities

(164,994)

(232,994)

68,000

Own shares acquired

(245)

(245)

Cash component of share-based payments

(583)

(583)

Dividend paid non-controlling interest in SGM

(112,000)

(112,000)

Dividend paid intercompany

(120,994)

120,994

Dividend paid owners of the parent

(52,166)

(52,166)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(10,163)

(14,416)

(907)

54

(1,660)

6,766

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

102,373

27,373

1,971

1

1,422

71,606

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

1,112

729

100

(25)

1,782

(1,474)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

93,322

13,686

1,164

30

1,544

76,898

 

 

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Total

US$'000

(restated)

Egypt Mining(1)

US$'000

Egypt Exploration

US$'000

Burkina Faso

US$'000

Côte d'Ivoire

US$'000

 

Corporate(1)

US$'000

Statement of cash flows







Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

292,524

321,542

1,912

(2,644)

1,673

(29,959)

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

(274,583)

(274,120)

(976)

(595)

1,108

Net cash used in financing activities

(122,219)

(35,492)

(86,727)

Cash element of share-based payments

(523)

(523)

Dividend paid non-controlling interest in SGM

(35,492)

(35,492)

Dividend paid owners of the parent

(86,204)

(86,204)

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

(104,278)

11,930

936

(2,644)

1,078

(115,578)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

(207,821)

13,609

935

5

859

192,413

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

(1,170)

1,834

100

2,640

(515)

(5,229)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

102,373

27,373

1,971

1

1,422

71,606

 

1)      The comparatives in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been restated to reflect an increase of cash generated from operating activities of $2.5m, interest paid of $1.9m and a reduction of the effect of foreign exchange rate changes of $0.6m.

 

 

 

2.2 Revenue

An analysis of the Group's revenue for the year, is as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Gold sales

889,384

786,921

Silver sales

1,878

1,503


891,262

788,424

 

All gold and silver sales up to 30 June 2023 were made to a single customer in North America, Asahi Refining Canada Ltd ("Asahi"). Asahi's contract expired on 30 June 2023 and effective 1 July 2023, all gold and silver sales were made to another single customer in Switzerland, MKS PAMP SA ("MKS").

ACCOUNTING POLICY: REVENUE

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods in the normal course of business.

Sale of goods

Under IFRS 15, revenue from the sale of mineral production is recognised when the Group has passed control of the mineral production to the buyer (the performance obligation), it is probable that economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group, the sales price can be measured reliably, and the Group has no significant continuing involvement and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. 

Up to 30 June 2023, with the Asahi contract, the performance obligation was satisfied when the doré bars were packaged and collected by the approved carrier with the appropriate required documentation at the gold room and the approved carrier accepted control of the shipment by signature. After receipt of the shipment at the refinery, 98% of the amounts due are paid within five working days, with the balance being paid within four working days thereafter. Effective 1 July 2023, a new contract was signed with MKS and based on management's assessment of the contract, SGM's performance obligations for the determination of timing of revenue recognition have not changed, and revenue continues to be recognised on satisfaction of the performance obligations as outlined above.

Where an adjustment to the sales price based on a survey of the mineral production by the buyer (for instance an assay for gold content) is done, recognition of the revenue from the sale of mineral production is based on the most recently determined estimate of product specifications.

Royalty

The Arab Republic of Egypt ("ARE") is entitled to a royalty of 3% of net sales revenue (revenue net of freight and refining costs) as defined from the sale of gold and associated minerals from SGM. This royalty is calculated and recognised on receipt of the final certificate of analysis document received from the refinery. Due to its nature, this royalty is not recognised in cost of sales but rather in other operating costs.

 

 

 

 

2.3 Profit before tax

Profit for the year before tax has been arrived at after crediting/(charging) the following gains/(losses) and income/(expenses):


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Other income

 

 

Net foreign exchange gains

5,641

6,559

Other income

176

64


5,817

6,623

Finance cost - net



Finance income

4,127

1,214

Finance costs

(3,526)

(2,459)


601

(1,245)

Net fair value loss on derivative financial instruments

(5,509)

Expenses



Cost of sales*



Mine production costs

(412,827)

(408,543)

Movement in inventory

13,319

10,659

Depreciation and amortisation

(197,328)

(146,191)


(596,836)

(544,075)

Other operating costs



Corporate compliance

(3,961)

(2,869)

Fees payable to the external auditors                                                                                            6.5

(1,080)

(895)

Corporate consultants fees

(4,301)

(2,697)

Salaries and wages

(12,434)

(11,979)

Other administration expenses

(4,026)

(3,272)

Employee equity settled share-based payments

(7,308)

(2,570)

Corporate costs (sub-total)

(33,110)

(24,282)

Other provisions

1,182

1,180

Inventory written-off

(3,721)

(1)

Net movement on provision for stock obsolescence

4,004

(579)

Other non-corporate operating expenses

        (10,215)

(1,479)

Royalty - attributable to the ARE government

(26,682)

(23,842)

Other operating costs (total)

(68,542)

(49,003)

 

* Inventories recognised as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income during the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to US$ 597 million (2022: US$544 million) and these were included in 'cost of sales'.

 

 



 

ACCOUNTING POLICY: FINANCE INCOME, OTHER INCOME AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES

FINANCE INCOME

Finance income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount.

Finance income is generated mainly from treasury activities (e.g., income on surplus funds invested for the short term) and therefore is separately disclosed outside of the Group's operating profit in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and disclosed as a separate line under investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The individual financial statements of each Group entity are presented in its functional currency being the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each entity are expressed in US dollars, which is the functional currency of all companies in the Group and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the reporting date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the date when the fair value was determined.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated. Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: FINANCE COSTS

FINANCE COSTS

Finance costs for the Group will normally include:

Costs that are 'borrowing costs for the purposes of IAS 23 Borrowing Costs:


interest expense calculated using the effective interest rate method as described in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments;


interest in respect of lease liabilities; and


exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs.

the unwinding of the effect of discounting provisions.

 

Borrowing and finance costs which are generally incurred in the Group's ordinary activities are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the period in which they are incurred, and the Group would also include foreign exchange differences on directly attributable borrowings as borrowing costs capable of capitalisation to the extent that they represented an adjustment to interest costs. These finance costs are separately disclosed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as required by IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and disclosed under operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Even though exploration and evaluation assets can be qualifying assets, they generally do not meet the 'probable economic benefits' test therefore any related borrowing costs incurred during this phase are generally recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the period in which they are incurred.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Salary costs are absorbed within cost of sales and other operating costs. Short term employee benefits are recognised when an employee has rendered service to the Group in the accounting period, and bonus plans are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and the obligation can be reliably measured.

2.4 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

On 14 June 2023, the Company entered into put option contracts whereby it purchased a series of gold put option contracts (the "commodity contracts"). A total of US$2.5 million, was paid to BMO, the counterparty as a premium on entering into six put option contracts for a total of 120,000 ounces representing, 20,000 ounces for each month beginning 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 at a strike price of US$1,900/oz as part of the Gold Price Protection Programme. As part of the same programme, on 20 July 2023, the Company entered into a second series of six put option contracts for a total of 120,000 ounces representing, 20,000 ounces for each month beginning 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024 at a strike price of US$1,900/oz and a total of US$3.6 million, was paid to HSBC, the counterparty as a premium on entering into the contracts. By entering into these contracts, the Company was able to ensure it can reasonably protect the Group's cash flows by initiating a gold price protection program for the contracted ounces at these prices over the six-month period to year end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The details of the commodity contracts opened and expired during the year and those outstanding as at 31 December 2023, are as follows:

Commodity       contract

Type purchased

Quantity (1) (Oz)

Contract Term

Strike price per Oz (1)(2)

 

$US

Premium Paid

 

 

$US'000

Mark-to-Market (MtM)

 

 

$US'000

Unrealised loss recognised

(Open            Contracts)

$US'000

Realised loss                recognised

(Settled

Contracts) 

$US'000

Gold put options

120,000

1 Jul 23 to 31 Dec 23

1,900

2,538

(2,538)

Gold put option

20,000

1 Jan 24 to 31 Jan 24

1,900

604

(604)

Gold put option

20,000

1 Feb 24 to 29 Feb 24

1,900

604

22

(582)

Gold put option

20,000

1 Mar 24 to 31 Mar 24

1,900

604

76

(528)

Gold put option

20,000

1 Apr 24 to 30 Apr 24

1,900

604

123

(481)

Gold put option

20,000

1 May 24 to 31 May 24

1,900

604

185

(419)

Gold put option

20,000

1 Jun 24 to 30 Jun 24

1,900

604

248

(357)

Total

240,000

 

 

6,162

654

(2,971)

(2,538)

 

1.      Quantities and strike prices do not fluctuate by month within each calendar year

2.      Contracts are exercisable based on the average price for the month being below the strike price of the put

 

The resulting fair values of the outstanding commodity contracts at 31 December 2023 as shown in the table above, have been recognised, in derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of financial position. These derivative financial instruments were not designated as hedges by the Company and are marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period with the mark-to-market adjustment recorded in the consolidated profit or loss.

 

The commodity contracts are marked-to-market using a valuation model which uses quoted observable inputs and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. During the year ended 31 December 2023, a total of US$5.5m, made up of US$2.5m realised fair value loss and US$3.0m unrealised fair value loss on the put options was recognised in the consolidated profit or loss.

 

2.5 Non-controlling interest in SGM

EMRA is a 50% shareholder in SGM and is entitled to a share of 50% of SGM's net production surplus which can be defined as 'revenue less payment of the fixed royalty to the ARE and recoverable costs'.

Earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest in SGM (i.e., EMRA) are pursuant to the provisions of the CA and are recognised as profit attributable to the non-controlling interest in SGM in the attribution of profit section of the statement of comprehensive income of the Group. The profit share payments during the year will be reconciled against SGM's audited financial statements. SGM's financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 have been audited and signed off at the date of this report.

Certain terms of the CA and amounts in the cost recovery model may also vary depending on interpretation and management and the Board making various judgements and estimates that can affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

(A) STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION IMPACT


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Statement of comprehensive income



Profit for the year after tax attributable to the non-controlling interest in SGM(1)

102,601

98,285

Statement of financial position



Total equity attributable to non-controlling interest in SGM(1) (opening)

22,537

(40,256)

Profit for the year after tax attributable to the non-controlling interest in SGM(1)

102,601

98,285

Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM

(112,000)

(35,492)

Total equity attributable to non-controlling interest in SGM(1) (closing)

13,138

22,537

 

(1)  Profit share commenced during the third quarter of 2016. The first two years was a 60:40 split of net production surplus to PGM and EMRA respectively. From 1 July 2018 this changed to a 55:45 split for the next two-year period until 30 June 2020, after which all net production surpluses have been split 50:50.

Any variation between payments made during the year (which are based on the Company's estimates) and the SGM audited financial statements, may result in a balance due and payable to EMRA or advances to be offset against future distributions and included within the non-controlling interest in SGM balance on the statement of financial position and statement of changes in equity.

 

 

 

 

(b) Statement of cash flows impact


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Statement of cash flows



Dividend paid - non-controlling interest in SGM(1)

(112,000)

(35,492)

 

(1)  Profit share commenced during the third quarter of 2016. The first two years was a 60:40 split of net production surplus to PGM and EMRA respectively. From 1 July 2018 this changed to a 55:45 split for the next two-year period until 30 June 2020, after which all net production surpluses will be split 50:50.

EMRA and PGM benefit from advance distributions of profit share which are made on a weekly or fortnightly basis and proportionately in accordance with the terms of the CA. Future distributions will consider ongoing cash flows, historical costs that are still to be recovered and any future capital expenditure. All profit share payments will be reconciled against SGM's audited June financial statements for current and future periods.

2.6 Tax

The Group operates in several countries and, accordingly, it is subject to the various tax regimes applicable in such countries. From time to time the Group is subject to changes in tax laws and/or a review of its related tax regime and filings. Disputes can arise with the tax authorities over the interpretation or application of applicable tax laws, regulations and/or rules to the Group's business. If the Group is unable to resolve any of these matters favourably, there may be an adverse impact on the Group's financial performance, cash flows or results of operations. If management's estimate of the future resolution of these matters' changes, the Group will recognise the effects of the changes in its consolidated financial statements in the period that such changes occur.

Tax exemptions

In Egypt, Pharaoh Gold Mines NL ("PGM") has entered into a Concession Agreement ("CA") with EMRA and the Government of Egypt represented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources. The CA was issued under special law no. 222 of 1994. Under the CA, income generated by SGM's activities is granted a tax exemption (as described below) from all taxes imposed in Egypt (as at the date of the CA and any new taxes imposed under a different name since such date), other than the fixed 3% royalty attributable to the Egyptian government, rental income on property and interest income on cash and cash equivalents. PGM and SGM have further tax exemptions for the duration of the CA from certain other taxes.

The CA grants certain tax exemptions, including the following:

Article III(e) of the CA provides for a 15-year exemption from any taxes imposed by the Egyptian government on the revenues generated from SGM for the period 10 March 2010 (being the date of commencement of commercial production) to 9 March 2025. SGM will in due course have to file an application with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources to extend the tax-free period for a further 15 years to 9 March 2040. ("Tax Exemption Renewal") Under the CA, EMRA is obliged to support the application for the Tax Exemption Renewal so long as (i) there is no tax dispute with Government at SGM level or its equity holders (PGM & EMRA) and (ii) exploration activities in the licence areas have been planned and agreed by all parties. Preparatory works have already commenced on the application for the Tax Exemption Renewal and the Group intends for SGM to submit the application in the near future but no later than Q3 2024. If granted, the extension should be on the same terms (as it is an extension). Albeit there is no guarantee that the Government will agree to grant the renewal or on the same basis, the Group believes that all requisite requirements are and will have been complied with for such renewal. Should the Tax Exemption renewal not be granted, then SGM will be subject to previously exempted taxes, such as, for example, the prevailing 22.5% corporate income tax rate applicable in Egypt. 

 

Article XI of the CA provides for PGM and SGM to be exempt for the duration of the CA from custom taxes and duties with respect to the importation of machinery, equipment and consumable items required for the purpose of exploration and mining activities at SGM. The exemption shall only apply if there is no local substitution with the same or similar quality to the imported machinery, equipment, or consumables. Such exemption will also be granted if the local substitution is more than 10% more expensive than the imported machinery, equipment, or consumables after the addition of the insurance and transportation costs. To this end, PGM's contractors and subcontractors are - under the same provision - also entitled to import machinery, equipment, and consumable items under the 'Temporary Release System' which provides exemption from Egyptian customs duty.

Under Article XIX of the CA, PGM, EMRA and SGM and their respective buyers will for the duration of the CA be exempt from any duties or taxes on the export of gold and associated minerals produced from SGM. PGM is at all times free to transfer in US$ or other freely convertible foreign currency, any cash of PGM representing its share of net proceeds and recovery of costs, without any Egyptian government limitation, tax or duty.

Under Article VIII of the CA legal title of all operating assets of PGM will pass to EMRA when cost recovery is completed at the end of the life of mine. PGM is exempted from all custom, duties, excise, stamps and sale taxes on the transfer of such assets to EMRA. The right of use of all fixed and movable assets, however,  remains with PGM and SGM.

 

 

 

 

 

RELEVANCE OF TAX CONSOLIDATION TO THE CONSOLIDATED ENTITY

In Australia, Centamin Egypt Limited and Pharaoh Gold Mines NL, both wholly owned Australian resident entities within the Group, have elected to form a tax-consolidated group from 1 July 2003 and therefore are treated as a single entity for Australian income tax purposes. The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is Centamin Egypt Limited. Pharaoh Gold Mines NL, which has a registered Egyptian branch, benefits from the 'branch profits exemption' whereby foreign branch income will generally not be subject to Australian income tax. Ampella Mining Limited (in Liquidation) is a single entity for Australian income tax purposes.

NATURE OF TAX FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS AND TAX-SHARING AGREEMENTS

Entities within the Australian tax-consolidated group have entered into a tax funding arrangement and a tax-sharing agreement with the head entity. Under the terms of the tax-funding agreement, Centamin Egypt Limited and each of the entities in the tax-consolidated group have agreed to pay a tax-equivalent payment to or from the head entity, based on the current tax liability or current tax asset of the entity. Such amounts are reflected in amounts receivable from or payable to other entities in the tax‑consolidated group.

The tax-sharing agreement entered between members of the tax-consolidated group provides for the determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations. No amounts have been recognised in the financial statements in respect of this agreement as payment of any amounts under the tax-sharing agreement is considered remote.

Tax recognised in profit is summarised as follows:

TAX EXPENSE


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Current tax



Current tax expense in respect of the current year

(255)

(226)

Deferred tax

Total tax expense

(255)

(226)

 

The tax expense for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Profit for the year before tax

195,140

171,001

Tax expense calculated at 0%(1) (2022: 0%)(1) of profit for the year before tax

Tax effect of:



Other

(255)

(226)

Tax expense

(255)

(226)

 

(1)  The tax rate used in the above reconciliation is the corporate tax rate of 0% payable by Jersey corporate entities under the Jersey tax law (2022: 0%). There has been no change in the underlying corporate tax rates when compared with the previous financial period.

 

Tax recognised in the balance sheet is summarised as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Current tax liabilities

102

249

 

 

 

Global implementation of OECD Pillar Two model rules

In December 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") published Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy - Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (Pillar Two): Inclusive Framework on BEPS, hereafter referred to as the 'OECD Pillar Two model rules' or 'the rules'. The rules are designed to ensure that large multinational enterprises within the scope of the rules pay a minimum level of tax on the income arising in a specific period in each jurisdiction where they operate. In general, the rules apply a system of top-up taxes that brings the total amount of taxes paid on an entity's excess profit in a jurisdiction up to the minimum rate of 15%.

The rules need to be passed into national legislation based on each country's approach. The Pillar Two legislation has not yet been enacted in Jersey, however, the treasury minister of Jersey, the Company's country of incorporation, announced the intentions in relation to Pillar Two implementation, they intend to implement an Income Inclusion Rule ("IIR") and domestic minimum tax from 2025, while continuing to monitor global implementation. The rules will impact current income tax when the legislation comes into effect.

When enacted, applying the OECD Pillar Two model rules and determining their impact on the Group's financial statements is complex and poses a number of practical challenges. However, since the Pillar Two legislation was not effective at the reporting date, the Group has no related current tax exposure. 

The Group could be in scope of the OECD Pillar Two model rules from 2025 onwards in either Jersey or Australia based on current forecasts of revenue and is currently in the process of performing an assessment of the potential impact of this on the Group. The Group currently has an effective tax rate of approximately 0%, albeit it makes substantial profit share payments to EMRA, an Egyptian government body, refer to note 2.5 for further information on the profit attributable to the NCI. There is uncertainty around how the OECD Pillar Two model rules will be applied to the Group, and the position is currently being worked through with the relevant tax advisors.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: TAXATION

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. It is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognised directly in equity or in OCI.

CURRENT TAX

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other periods and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

DEFERRED TAX

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

2.7 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

INTEREST BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

US$150 million Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF")

On 22 December 2022, the Company entered into an agreement for a US$150 million RCF with a syndicate of four banks: Bank of Montreal (London Branch), HSBC Bank plc, ING Bank N.V. (Amsterdam Branch) and Nedbank Limited (London Branch).

As at 31 December 2023, there were no drawdowns on the facility and therefore no interest expense on borrowings was recognised in the period, however, in accordance with the RCF, commitment fees are charged on the US$150 million undrawn commitment and the total commitment fees charged on this undrawn commitment during the year ended 31 December 2023 was US$1.6 million (2022: US$ Nil)and this was recognised in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in period. The commitment fee is charged and paid on a quarterly basis at an annual rate of 1.4%.

The terms of the facility imposes certain financial covenants on the Company in respect of each Relevant Period that has an outstanding borrowing as outlined below i.e., the Company shall ensure that:

a)  Interest Cover: Interest Cover in respect of any Relevant Period shall not be less than the ratio of 4:1;

b)  Leverage: Leverage in respect of any Relevant Period shall not exceed the ratio of 3:1;

c)  Liquidity: Liquidity shall at all times exceed US$50,000,000; and

d)  Reserve Tail: at each Scheduled Reserves Assessment Date, the Reserve Tail Ratio is not less than thirty per cent.

As at 31 December 2023, although there was no drawdown on the facility, the Company was in full compliance with all the requirements and obligations in respect of financial covenants and financial conditions as stipulated in the agreement.

The Relevant Period is defined as each period of twelve months ending on or about the last day of the Financial Year and each period of twelve months ending on or about the last day of each Financial Quarter.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement as defined below. Financial liabilities are recognised in the Group's balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

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

DERECOGNITION OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

FINANCIAL ASSETS

CLASSIFICATION

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through OCI or through profit or loss); and

those to be measured at amortised cost.

 

The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or OCI. For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Group has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at Fair Value through other Comprehensive Income ("FVOCI").

RECOGNITION AND DERECOGNITION

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, it continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

MEASUREMENT

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at Fair Value through Profit or Loss ("FVPL"), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset and trade receivables are initially recognised at transaction price unless they have a significant financing component. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.

Subsequent to initial recognition, investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost in the Company's financial statements. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

EFFECTIVE INTEREST METHOD

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AT AMORTISED COST

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

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

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

 

This category of financial assets is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

Financial assets, other than those at fair value through profit or loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. In accordance with paragraph 5.5.1 of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, with respect to recognition of expected credit losses, a loss allowance shall be recognised for expected credit losses on a financial asset that is measured in accordance with paragraphs 4.1.2 or 4.1.2A, a lease receivable, a contract asset or a loan commitment and a financial guarantee contract to which the impairment requirements apply in accordance with paragraphs 2.1(g), 4.2.1(c) or 4.2.1(d).

The objective of the impairment requirements is to recognise lifetime expected credit losses for which there have been significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, whether assessed on an individual or collective basis, considering all reasonable and supportable information, including that which is forward-looking.

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

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

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

2.8 Trade and other receivables

 

For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Non-current



Other receivables deposits

1,014

1,372

Current



Gold and silver sales debtor

44,917

29,832

Other receivables

4,526

5,796


49,443

35,628

 

Trade and other receivables are classified as financial assets subsequently measured at amortised cost.

All gold and silver sales during the first half of the year were made to a single customer in North America, Asahi Refining Canada Ltd, and there is no recognised receivable balance from this customer as at year end. In the second half of the year, all gold and silver sales were made to a single customer in Switzerland, MKS PAMP SA, and there were no receivables past due from this customer.

The average age of the total receivables is 20 days (2022: 16 days) while that of gold and silver sales only which make up the significant part of the debtors is an average of 9 days (2022: 9 days), see not 2.2 above and expected credit losses ("ECL") are considered immaterial and therefore, no ECL have been recognised in these financial statements. No interest is charged on the receivables. Of the trade receivables balance, the gold and silver sales debtor is all receivable from MKS PAMP SA. The amount due has been received in full after year end. Other receivables represent GST and VAT owing from various jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their fair value, therefore no expected credit loss is recognised within this note, see note 3.1.1 for the risk assessment related to trade receivables.

2.9 Prepayments


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Current



Prepayments (1)

17,404

13,864


17,404

13,864

 

(1)  The prepayments balance above mainly consists of warehouse inventories paid for in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.10 Property, plant, and equipment


Office equipment

US$'000

Buildings

US$'000

Plant and equipment

US$'000

Mining

equipment

US$'000

Mine

development

properties

US$'000

Capital

work in

progress

US$'000

Total

US$'000

Year ended 31 December 2023 cost








Balance at 1 January 2023

8,151

21,701

635,376

383,521

1,009,754

78,804

2,137,307

Additions

76

290

44

402

189,911

190,723

Additions: IFRS 16 right of use assets

1,150

66

1,216

Increase in rehabilitation asset

1,310

1,310

Transfers from capital work in progress

890

3,216

74,033

29,233

123,599

(230,971)

Transfers from exploration and evaluation asset

12,172

12,172

Transfers between categories

515

31,782

(26,266)

(6,031)

Disposals

(1,464)

(52)

(9,373)

(87,350)

(98,239)

Disposals: IFRS 16 right of use assets

(1,311)

(279)

(1,590)

Balance at 31 December 2023

8,168

56,776

673,601

319,775

1,146,835

37,744

2,242,899

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation








Balance at 1 January 2023

(6,634)

(3,573)

(308,034)

(288,521)

(443,896)

(1,050,658)

Depreciation and amortisation

(1,387)

(3,001)

(63,511)

(43,986)

(86,242)

(198,127)

Transfers between categories

(522)

(19,412)

15,589

4,345

Disposals

1,467

1,018

9,620

77,800

89,905

Balance at 31 December 2023

(7,076)

(24,968)

(346,336)

(250,362)

(530,138)

(1,158,880)

Year ended 31 December 2022 cost








Balance at 1 January 2022

 9,243

 13,823

 625,077

 359,467

 816,224

85,003

1,908,837

Additions

127

1,041

526

281

261,647

263,622

Additions: IFRS 16 right of use assets

2,342

1,399

4,005

7,746

Decrease in rehabilitation asset

(5,839)

(5,839)

Transfers from capital work in progress

508

6,587

10,808

63,201

186,742

(267,846)

Transfers from exploration and evaluation asset

12,627

12,627

Disposals

(1,727)

(1,019)

(2,434)

(43,294)

(48,474)

Disposals: IFRS 16 right of use assets

(1,073)

(139)

(1,212)

Balance at 31 December 2023

8,151

21,701

635,376

383,521

1,009,754

78,804

2,137,307

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation








Balance at 1 January 2022

(7,543)

(3,026)

(275,640)

(288,323)

(378,088)

(952,620)

Depreciation and amortisation

(818)

(2,221)

(34,467)

(43,455)

(65,808)

(146,769)

Disposals

1,727

1,674

2,073

43,257

48,731

Balance at 31 December 2022

(6,634)

(3,573)

(308,034)

(288,521)

(443,896)

(1,050,658)

Net book value








As at 31 December 2023

1,092

31,808

327,265

69,413

616,697

37,744

1,084,019

As at 31 December 2022

1,517

18,128

327,342

95,000

565,858

78,804

1,086,649

 

Included within the depreciation charge in relation to depreciation of ROU assets is US$1.0 million within the buildings asset class (2022: US$1 million), US$0.3 million within plant and equipment (2022: US$0.3 million) and US$0.8 million related to mining equipment (2022: US$ 0.9 million).

 

The net book value of the assets in the note above includes the following amounts relating to ROU assets on leases; US$2.1 million (2022: US$1.8 million) within buildings, US$0.9 million (2022: US$1.1 million) within plant and equipment and US$2.4 million (2021: US$3.2 million) within mining equipment.

An impairment trigger assessment was performed in 2023 on all Cash Generating Units ("CGUs") including the Sukari Mine, refer to note 1.2.2 above, however no impairment triggers on property, plant and equipment were identified in the assessment.

Deferred stripping assets of US$90 million (2022: $141 million) were recognised in the year ended 31 December 2023 and have been included within mine development properties. An amortisation charge of US$35 million (2022: US$26 million) has been recognised in the year relating to the deferred stripping assets.

Assets that have been cost recovered under the terms of the Concession Agreement ("CA") in Egypt are included on the statement of financial position under property, plant and equipment as the Company will use them until the expiration of the CA.

None of the Group's property, plant and equipment items is pledged as security and the Group had US$54 million capital expenditure commitments as at 31 December 2023 (2022: US$19 million).

The Group implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system, SAP (S4 HANA) during the year. As part of the implementation and migration from the legacy system, an extensive review process of the fixed assets was performed as part of the fixed asset register and operational record clean up and consequently assets that were identified as not being in use and/or had been previously replaced by other assets (e.g. mobile equipment rebuilds) had their carrying values derecognised from the statement of financial position. The fixed assets derecognised as part of this process, which are included within disposals in the above table, had a total cost of US$61 million, accumulated depreciation of US$53 million and a carrying value of US$8 million which was recognised as a loss in the profit or loss statement within the other operating costs line. In addition, where assets were identified as being classified in incorrect asset categories, reclassification adjustments were made to correct this in the current year, see the PPE note above. The Directors have concluded that these adjustments are qualitatively immaterial to these financial statements given the small proportion of the overall property, plant and equipment balance impacted, and the quantum of the impact in the profit or loss statement.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ("PPE")

PPE is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. PPE includes capitalised development expenditure. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the item and the estimated cost of abandonment. In the event that settlement of all or part of the purchase consideration is deferred, cost is determined by discounting the amounts payable in the future to their present value as at the date of acquisition. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial year in which they are incurred. The cost of PPE includes the estimated restoration costs associated with the asset.

Depreciation is charged on PPE, except for capital work in progress. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis so as to write off the net cost or other revalued amount of each asset over its expected useful life to its estimated residual value. Depreciation on capital work in progress commences on commissioning of the asset and transfer to the relevant PPE category.

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each annual financial year, with the effect of any changes recognised on a prospective basis. The following estimated useful lives are used in the calculation of straight-line basis depreciation:

Plant and equipment:

220 years

Office equipment:

37 years

Mining equipment:

213 years

Buildings:

420 years

      

Where the assets relate to an active mine site, the shorter of the above periods or remaining life of mine are used.

Freehold land is not depreciated, and all other depreciable assets are depreciated over their useful life or the life of mine whichever is shorter.

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

RIGHT OF USE ASSETS

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability.

any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received.

any initial direct costs.

restoration costs

 

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset's useful life.

 

 

 

MINE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES

Where mining of a mineral reserve has commenced, the accumulated costs are transferred from exploration and evaluation assets to mine development properties.

Amortisation is first charged to new mine development ventures from the date of first commercial production. Amortisation of mine properties is on a unit of production basis resulting in an amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the proven and probable ore reserves. The unit of production is on an ore tonne depleted basis for open pit mining property assets and an ounce depleted basis for underground mining property assets.

Capitalised underground development costs incurred to enable access to specific ore blocks or areas of the underground mine, and which only provide an economic benefit over the period of mining that ore block or area, are depreciated on a unit of production basis, whereby the denominator is estimated ounces of gold in proven and probable reserves within that ore block or area where it is considered probable that those reserves will be extracted economically.

IFRIC 20 'STRIPPING COSTS IN THE PRODUCTION PHASE OF A SURFACE MINE'

IFRIC 20 provides clarity on how to account for and measure the removal of mine waste materials which provide access to mineral ore deposits. Within Sukari's open pit operations, removal of mine overburden or waste material is routinely necessary to gain access to mineral ore deposits and this waste removal activity is known as 'stripping'. There can be two benefits accruing to the entity from the stripping activity:

usable ore that can be used to produce inventory; and

improved access to further quantities of material that will be mined in future periods.

 

The costs of stripping activity are required to be accounted for in accordance with the principles of IAS 2 Inventories to the extent that the benefit from the stripping activity is realised in the form of inventory produced. The costs of stripping activity which provides a benefit in the form of improved access to ore is recognised as a non-current 'stripping activity asset' where the following criteria are met:

it is probable that the future economic benefit (improved access to the ore body) associated with the stripping activity will flow to the entity;

the entity can identify the component of the ore body for which access has been improved; and

the costs relating to the stripping activity associated with that component can be measured reliably.

 

When the costs of the stripping activity asset and the inventory produced are not separately identifiable, production stripping costs are allocated between the inventory produced and the stripping asset by using an allocation basis that is based on a relevant production measure. A stripping activity asset is accounted for as an addition to, or as an enhancement of, an existing asset and classified as tangible or intangible according to the nature of the existing asset of which it forms part.

A deferred stripping asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost or its revalued amount less depreciation or amortisation and impairment losses. A stripping asset is depreciated or amortised on a systematic basis, over the expected useful life of the identified component of the ore body that becomes more accessible as a result of the stripping activity. The stripping activity asset is depreciated using a unit of production method based on the total ounces to be produced for the component over the life of the component of the ore body.

Capitalised deferred stripping costs are included in 'Mine Development Properties', within property, plant, and equipment. These form part of the total investment in the relevant cash generating unit, which is reviewed for impairment if events or a change in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Amortisation of deferred stripping costs is included in cost of sales.

The stripping costs associated with the current period operations are expensed during that period and any stripping activity cost associated with producing future benefit is deferred on the balance sheet and amortised over the period that the benefit is received i.e., is classified as capital expenditure, creating a Deferred Stripping asset.

The pit components are the separate stages of the open pit mine. For each component, the stripping ratio is determined, and costs are capitalised if the stripping ratio in the year for that component is greater than the overall LOM stripping ratio for that component. Based on the calculations performed the amount capitalised to the balance sheet for 2023 is US$90 million (2022: US$141 million).

Impairment of assets (other than exploration and evaluation and financial assets)

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which they potentially generate largely independent cash inflows (cash generating units).

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value loss 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 assessment of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of a cash generating unit ("CGU") is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the cash generating unit is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only to the extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the cash generating unit in prior years.

 

A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of an impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

2.11 Exploration and evaluation asset


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Balance at the beginning of the year

24,809

25,261

Expenditure for the year

12,172

12,175

Transfer to property, plant, and equipment

(12,172)

(12,627)

Balance at the end of the year

24,809

24,809

 

The exploration and evaluation asset relates to the drilling, geological exploration and sampling of potential ore reserves and can all be attributed to Egypt, within the brownfield site at Sukari (US$24.8 million (2022: US$24.8 million)).

In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of assets ("IAS 36") and IFRS 6 Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources ("IFRS 6") exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances (as defined in IFRS 6) suggest that the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets may exceed its recoverable amount.

An impairment trigger assessment was performed on the SGM's exploration and evaluation assets, and no impairment triggers were noted and therefore no formal impairment test has been performed.           

ACCOUNTING POLICY: EXPLORATION, EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE

Exploration and evaluation expenditures in relation to each separate area of interest are differentiated between greenfield and brownfield exploration activities in the year in which they are incurred.

The greenfield and brownfield terms are generally used in the minerals sector and have been adopted to differentiate high risk remote exploration activity from near-mine exploration activity:

(a)

greenfield exploration refers to territory, where mineral deposits are not already developed and has the goal of establishing a new mine requiring new infrastructure, regardless of it being in an established mining field or in a remote location. Greenfield exploration projects can be subdivided into grassroots and advanced projects embracing prospecting, geoscientific surveys, drilling, sample collection and testing, but excludes work of brownfields nature, pit and shaft sinking and bulk sampling; and

(b)

brownfield exploration, also known as near-mine exploration, refers to areas where mineral deposits were previously developed. In brownfield exploration, geologists look for deposits near or adjacent to an already operating mine with the objective of extending its operating life and taking advantage of the established infrastructure.

 

Greenfield exploration costs are expensed as incurred and are not capitalised to the balance sheet until definitive feasibility studies have been completed for the project that would allow for the application and successful receipt of a mining license. Brownfield exploration costs continue to be capitalised to the statement of financial position. Brownfield exploration and evaluation expenditures in relation to each separate area of interest are recognised as an exploration and evaluation asset in the year in which they are incurred where the following conditions are satisfied:

The rights to tenure of the area of interest are current; and

At least one of the following conditions is also met:


the exploration and evaluation expenditures are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploration of the area of interest, or alternatively, by its sale; or


exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not at the reporting date reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are continuing.

Exploration and evaluation assets are initially measured at cost and include acquisition of rights to explore, studies, exploration drilling, trenching, and sampling and associated activities. General and administrative costs are only included in the measurement of exploration and evaluation costs where they are related directly to operational activities in a particular area of interest.

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances (as defined in IFRS 6) suggest that the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets may exceed its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of the exploration and evaluation assets (or the cash generating unit(s) to which it has been allocated, being no larger than the relevant area of interest) is estimated to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only to the extent 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 in previous years. The E&E asset's recoverable amount which is the higher of the amount to be recovered through use of the asset and the amount to be recovered through sale of the asset is determined based on the provisions of IAS 36.

In accordance with IFRS 6, the full balance of the Group's E&E assets which do not currently generate cash inflows is allocated to a producing mine's cash-generating unit (CGU) for the purpose of assessing and testing the assets for impairment as this is considered the most appropriate level of reporting reflecting the way the Groups' operations are managed. Management considers an operation actively mining precious metals as a distinct CGU and only E&E expenditure on such active mining operations is capitalised. Any E&E expenditure on operations exploring for precious metals is expensed.

The application of the Group's accounting policy for E&E expenditure requires judgement to determine whether future economic benefits are likely from either future exploitation or sale, or whether activities have not reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves.

In addition to applying judgement to determine whether future economic benefits are likely to arise from the Group's E&E assets or whether activities have not reached a stage that permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves, the Group has to apply a number of estimates and assumptions. The determination of the Group's ore reserves and mineral resource estimates is itself an estimation process that involves varying degrees of uncertainty depending on how the resources are classified (i.e., measured, indicated or inferred), refer to note 1.2.3. The estimates directly impact when the Group reclassifies E&E expenditure to mine development properties. The reclassification process requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions about future events and circumstances, particularly, when a decision is made to proceed with development in respect of a particular exploration area to start the economic extraction operation of the ore. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after expenditure is capitalised, information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of expenditure is unlikely, the relevant capitalised amount is written off to the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in the period when the new information becomes available.

Where a decision is made to proceed with development in respect of a particular area of interest based on the commercial and technical feasibility, the relevant exploration and evaluation asset is tested for impairment, reclassified to mine development properties, and then amortised over the life of the reserves associated with the area of interest once mining operations have commenced.

Mine development expenditure is recognised at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. When commercial production has commenced, the associated costs are amortised over the estimated economic life of the mine on a units of production basis. Changes in factors such as estimates of proved and probable reserves that affect the unit of production calculations are dealt with on a prospective basis.

All revenues recognised after the commencement of commercial production are recognised in accordance with the Revenue Policy stated in note 2.2.

The commencement date of commercial production is determined when stable and sustained production capacity has been achieved.

2.12 INVENTORIES

The treatment and classification of mining stockpiles within inventory is split between current and non-current assets. Priority is placed on the higher-grade ore, accordingly, stockpiles which will not be consumed within the next twelve months based on mining and processing forecasts have been classified to non-current assets. The volume of ore extracted from the open pit in the year exceeded the volume that could be processed, which has caused an increase in the volume and value of the mining stockpiles.

The carrying value of the non-current asset portion is assessed at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The long-term gold price would have to reduce to approximately US$1,475 per ounce for the net realisable value to fall below carrying value.


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Non-current



Mining stockpiles

103,121

94,773




Current



Mining stockpiles, ore in circuit, doré supplies

45,807

40,836

Stores inventory

106,150

99,733

Provision for obsolete stores inventory

(2,500)

(6,504)


149,457

134,065

 

The calculation of weighted average costs of mining stockpiles is applied at a detailed level of ore grade categories. The open pit ore on the run-of-mine ("ROM") is split into seven different grade categories and the underground ore is treated as a single high-grade category. Each grade category is costed individually on a weighted average basis applying costs specifically related to extracting and moving that grade of ore to and from the ROM pad. The grade categories range from high-grade underground and open pit ore to low-grade open pit ore. Costs per contained ounce differ between the various cost categories.

 

 

Currently at Sukari, low-grade (0.4 to 0.5g/t) open pit stockpile material above the cut-off grade of 0.4g/t has been classified as follows on the statement of financial position:

Current assets (ore tonnes scheduled to be processed within the next twelve months): None

Non-current assets (ore tonnes not scheduled to be processed within the next twelve months): 15.2Mt at an average grade of 0.45g/t

 

 

 

ACCOUNTING POLICY: INVENTORIES

Inventories include mining stockpiles, gold in circuit, doré supplies and stores and materials. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value ("NRV"). The cost of mining stockpiles and gold produced is determined principally by the weighted average cost method using related production costs.

The cost of mining stockpiles includes costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling, such as mining and grade control costs, but excludes future costs of production. Ore extracted is allocated to stockpiles based on estimated grade, with grades below defined cut-off levels treated as waste and expensed. Material piled on the ROM pad is accounted for in their separate grade categories. While held in physically separate stockpiles, the Group blends the ore from selected stockpiles when feeding the processing plant to achieve the resultant gold content. In such circumstances, lower and higher-grade ore stockpiles each represent a raw material, used in conjunction with each other, to deliver overall gold production, as supported by the relevant feed plan.

The processing of ore in stockpiles occurs in accordance with the LOM processing plan and is constantly being optimised based on the known Mineral Reserves, current plant capacity and mine design. Ore tonnes contained in the stockpiles which exceed the annual tonnes to be milled as per the mine plan in the following year, are classified as non-current in the statement of financial position.

Costs of gold inventories include all costs incurred up until production of an ounce of gold such as milling costs, mining costs and directly attributable mine general and administration costs but excludes transport costs, refining costs and royalties. NRV is determined with reference to estimated contained gold and market gold prices, less estimated refining and transport costs.

Stores and materials consist of consumable stores and are valued at weighted average cost after appropriate impairment of redundant and slow-moving items. Consumable stock for which the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are brought onto the statement of financial position as current assets.

2.13 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Non-current



Other creditors (1)(2)

8,264

11,801




Current



Trade payables

27,637

43,493

Other creditors and accruals (2)(3)

66,611

55,902


94,248

99,395

 

(1)    Included within non-current other creditors is US$4.8m (2022: US$7.3m) in relation to the remaining instalments of a US$17.6m settlement agreement signed with EMRA in 2021. By its nature, elements of the cost recovery mechanism within the Concession Agreement are subject to interpretation and ongoing audits by EMRA. It is possible that future settlement agreements may be agreed with EMRA in relation to historic items. The Directors have assessed that it is not probable that any additional settlements with EMRA will be required as at 31 December 2023, and therefore no additional provisions have been recognised within these financial statements, therefore, this has been disclosed under contingent liabilities, refer to note 5.1.

(2)    Lease liabilities - finance lease liabilities relating to some of the Group's property, plant and equipment of US$1.7m (2022: US$1.9m) are included in the current portion of other creditors and accruals balance and US$3.4m (2022: US$4.5m) is included in the non-current other creditors balance.

(3)    The current portion of the EMRA settlement agreement referred to in (1) above of US$4.9m (2022: US$4.9m) is included in the current other creditors and accruals balance above. Also included within the current other creditors and accruals are stock accruals of US$35m (2022: US$17m) and non-stock items accruals of US$25m (2022: US$32m).

Trade payables principally comprise the amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 17 days (2022: 29 days). Trade payables are interest free for periods ranging from 30 to 180 days. Thereafter interest is charged at commercial rates.

The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit timeframe. Other creditors and accruals relate to various accruals that have been recognised due to amounts known to be outstanding for which the related invoices have not yet been received.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximate their fair value.

Accounting policy: Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within twelve months after the reporting period. They are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.14 Provisions


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Current



Employee benefits (1)

1,054

2,276

Other current provisions (2)

930

980


1,984

3,256

Non-current



Restoration and rehabilitation (3)

40,039

37,396

Other non-current provisions

29


40,039

37,425

Movement in restoration and rehabilitation provision



Balance at beginning of the year

37,396

42,647

Increase/(Decrease) in provision

1,310

(5,839)

Interest expense - unwinding of discount

1,333

588

Balance at end of the year

40,039

37,396

 

(1)  Employee benefits relate to annual, sick, and long service leave entitlements and bonuses.

(2)  Provision for customs, rebates and withholding taxes.

(3)  The provision for restoration and rehabilitation has been discounted by 4.01% (2022: 3.63%) using a US$ applicable rate and inflation applied at 2.40% (2022: 2.37%). The annual review undertaken as at 31 December 2023 has resulted in a US$1.3 million increase in the provision (2022: US$5.8 million decrease). The key assumptions used to determine the provision are disclosed in note 1.2.4.

The Group recognises the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) and is committed to full implementation of the GISTM at all its tailings storage facilities (TSFs). The standard sets a high bar and contains 77 requirements integrating social, environmental, local economic and technical considerations; with the aim to eliminate harm to people and the environment.

The Group manages two TSFs at Sukari, both of which are active. The TSFs are designed, constructed and operated to a rigorous set of standards and are carefully managed and monitored through a layered assurance system by internal specialists and independent external third-party reviews, with mechanisms in place for reporting risk and tracking mitigation measures. The GISTM guides and supports the Group's tailings management framework.

In 2023, the Group made significant progress to align its tailings management framework to the GISTM and is able to report its level of conformance against each principle of the standard. This did not have a material impact on the provision recognised during the year. Overall, the Group's tailings management and governance system was assessed to be in conformance with approximately 80 to 85% of the GISTM requirements. The Group has put in place a clear action plan and roadmap to fully conform with the GISTM by end-2025. We will monitor and report on our progress towards full conformance. 

The Group publishes an annual disclosure report on its tailings facilities on its website. In 2024, the content of this disclosure will be updated to align with Principle 15 of the GISTM.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION

A provision for restoration and rehabilitation is recognised when there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of exploration, development and production activities undertaken, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount of the provision can be measured reliably. The estimated future obligations include the costs of dismantling and removal of facilities, restoration, and monitoring of the affected areas. The provision for future restoration costs is the best estimate of the present value of the expenditure required to settle the restoration obligation at the reporting date in accordance with the requirements of the Concession Agreement. Future restoration costs are reviewed annually and any changes in the estimate are reflected in the present value of the restoration provision at each reporting date.

The provision for restoration and rehabilitation represents the present value of the Directors' best estimate of the future outflow of economic benefits that will be required to decommission infrastructure, restore affected areas by ripping and grading of compacted surfaces to blend with the surroundings, closure of project components to ensure stability and safety at the Group's sites at the end of the life of mine. This restoration and rehabilitation estimate has been made based on benchmark assessments of restoration works required following mine closure and after considering the projected area disturbed to date.

 

Discount rates to present value the future obligations are determined by reference to risk free rates for periods which approximate the period of the associated obligation.

The initial estimate of the restoration and rehabilitation provision relating to exploration, development and mining production activities is capitalised into the cost of the related asset and amortised on the same basis as the related asset, unless the present obligation arises from the production of the inventory in the period, in which case the amount is included in the cost of production for the period. Changes in the estimate of the provision of restoration and rehabilitation are treated in the same manner, except that the unwinding of the effect of discounting on the provision is recognised as a finance cost within the income statement rather than capitalised to the related asset.

 

 

2.15 Issued capital


31 December 2023

31 December 2022


Number

US$'000

Number

US$'000

Fully paid ordinary shares

 





Balance at beginning of the year

1,156,450,695

670,994

1,156,450,695

669,531

Own shares acquired during the year (1)

(245)

 

Employee share option scheme - newly issued shares

1,982,000

Transfer from share option reserve

2,683

1,463

Balance at end of the year

 

1,158,432,695

673,432

1,156,450,695

670,994

 

(1) The US$ 0.2 million (2022: US$ Nil ) represents the cost of shares in Centamin plc purchased on the market and held by the Centamin plc Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy share awards under the Group's share options plans.

The authorised share capital is an unlimited number of no-par value shares.

Pursuant to the plan rules, at 31 December 2023, the trustee of the deferred bonus share plan and Centamin incentive plan held 656,764 ordinary shares (2022: 1,187,779 ordinary shares).

Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share and carry the right to dividends. See note 6.3 for more details of the share awards.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: ISSUED CAPITAL

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Where the Company or other members of the consolidated Group purchase the Company's equity share capital, the consideration paid is deducted from the total shareholders' equity of the Group and/or of the Company as treasury shares until they are cancelled. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders' equity of the Group and/or the Company.

 

2.16 Share option reserve


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Share option reserve



Balance at beginning of the year

6,082

4,975

Share-based payments expense

6,725

2,570

Transfer to issued capital

(2,683)

(1,463)

Balance at the end of the year

10,124

6,082

 

The share option reserve arises on the grant of share options to employees under the employee share option plan. Amounts are transferred out of the reserve and into issued capital when the options and warrants are exercised/vested. Amounts are transferred out of the reserve into accumulated profits when the options and warrants are forfeited.

 



 

2.17 Cash flow information

(A) RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and at bank and deposits.


 For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Cash and cash equivalents

93,322

102,373

 

Most funds have been invested in international rolling short-term fixed interest money market deposits.

The Company secured an RCF on 22 December 2022 and the facility is secured by certain financial covenants on the Company (see note 2.7). The covenant specific to the Company's cash assets states that:

•    Liquidity shall at all times exceed US$50 million and as 31 December 2023, the Company was in compliance with this financial covenant requirement.

The carrying amounts of financial assets pledged as security for the facility, being the cash is included in 2.17 above.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Investments normally only qualify as cash equivalent if they have a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition.

(B) RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAX FOR THE YEAR TO CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022(1)

US$'000 (restated)

Profit for the year before tax

195,140

 

171,001

 

Adjusted for:



Depreciation/amortisation of property, plant, and equipment

198,127

 

146,769

 

Inventory written off

3,721

2

Inventory obsolescence provision

(4,004)

579

Net fair value movements on derivative financial instruments

5,509

-

Foreign exchange gains, net

(5,682)

 

(6,559)

 

Share-based payments expense

7,306

 

2,570#

Finance income

(4,127)

 

(1,214)

 

Finance costs

3,526

2,459

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

9,415

899

Changes in working capital during the year:



Increase in trade and other receivables

(13,815)

 

(3,049)

 

Increase in inventories

(19,737)

 

(35,940)

 

Increase in prepayments

(3,181)

 

(7,172)

 

Purchase of derivative financial instruments

(6,163)

-

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables

(9,901)

 

25,053

 

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

61

 

(773)

 

Cash flows generated from operating activities

356,195

294,625

 

(1)    The comparatives as at 31 December 2022 have been restated to reflect finance costs of US$2.5m, now added back to cash flows from operating activities.

(C) NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES

During the year there have been no non-cash financing and investing activities other than in relation to leases accounted for under IFRS 16 Leases.

3. Group financial risk and capital management

3.1 Group financial risk management

3.1.1 Financial instruments

(a) Group risk management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities within the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the cash and equity balances. The Group's overall strategy remains unchanged from the previous financial year.

The Group has no debt and thus is not geared at the year end or in the prior year. However, on 22 December 2022, the Company entered into an agreement for a US$150 million revolving credit facility ("RCF") with four banks. The facility will introduce debt and gearing to the Company when drawn down. As at 31 December 2023, there were no draw downs on the facility and there were also no drawdowns during the year.

The capital structure currently consists of cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital and reserves as disclosed in notes 2.15 and 2.16. The Group operates in Australia, Jersey, United Kingdom, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire and is currently winding down its project in Burkina Faso. None of the Group's entities are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

The Group utilises inflows of funds towards the ongoing exploration and development of SGM in Egypt and the exploration projects in both Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt.

Categories of financial assets and liabilities


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Financial assets



Non-current



Other receivables - deposits

1,014

1,372

Current



Cash and cash equivalents

93,322

102,373

Trade and other receivables (1)

45,214

33,848

Derivative financial instruments

654


140,204

137,593

Financial liabilities



Non-current



Other payables

8,264

11,801

Current



Trade and other payables

94,248

99,395


102,512

111,196

 

1.    The prior year amount for Trade and other receivables has been restated to exclude an amount relating to taxes receivable.

 

(b) Financial risk management and objectives

The Group's overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential risk adverse effects and ensure that net cash flows are sufficient to support the delivery of the Group's financial targets whilst protecting future financial security. The Group continually monitors and tests its forecast financial position against these objectives.

 

 

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market, commodity, credit, liquidity, foreign exchange, and interest rate. These risks are managed under Board approved directives through the Audit and Risk Committee. The Group's principal financial instruments comprise interest bearing cash and cash equivalents. Other financial instruments include trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from operations.

It is, and has been throughout the period under review, Group policy that no speculative trading in financial instruments be undertaken.

(c) Market risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the Australian dollar, Great British pound, and Egyptian pound. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is not the entity's functional currency. The risk is measured by regularly monitoring, forecasting and performing sensitivity analyses on the Group's financial position.

Financial instruments denominated in Great British pounds, Australian dollars and Egyptian pounds are as follows:


Great British pound

Australian dollar

Egyptian pound

31 December 2023

  US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

Financial assets







Cash and cash equivalents

728

622

261

343

1,486

837


728

622

261

343

1,486

837

Financial liabilities







Trade and other payables

 3,464

2,084

 13,139

11,751

 15,383

37,218


 3,464

2,084

 13,139

11,751

 15,383

37,218

Net exposure

 (2,736)

(1,462)

 (12,878)

(11,408)

 (13,897)

(36,381)

 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at the reporting date to movements in the exchange rate of the Great British pound, Egyptian pound, and Australian dollar to the US dollar, with all other variables held constant. The sensitivities are based on reasonably possible changes over a financial year, using the observed range of actual historical rates.


Impact on profit

Impact on equity

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

31 December 2023

US$'000

 31 December 2022

US$'000

US$/GBP increase by 10%

 389

482

US$/GBP decrease by 10%

 (476)

(590)

US$/AUD increase by 10%

 (342)

98

US$/AUD decrease by 10%

 417

(119)

US$/EGP increase by 20% (2022:10%)

 833

(2,816)

US$/EGP decrease by 20% (2022:10%)

 (1,249)

3,443

 

The amounts shown above are the main currencies to which the Group is exposed. The Group also has small deposits in Euro US$443,522 (2022: US$335,586) and West African Franc US$1,496,766 (2022: US$1,422,704), and net payables in Euro US$4,285,177 (2022: US$5,277,783) and in West African Franc US$3,024,139 (2022: US$3,064,019). A movement of 10% up or down in these currencies would have a negligible effect on the assets/liabilities.

The Group has not entered into forward foreign exchange contracts. Natural hedges are utilised wherever possible to offset foreign currency liabilities. The Company maintains a policy of not hedging its currency positions and maintains currency holdings in line with underlying requirements and commitments.

The 20% used for the EGP in the current year is in line with the average devaluation of the EGP against the USD during the year.

(d) Commodity price risk

The Group's future revenue forecasts are exposed to commodity price fluctuations, in particular gold that it produces and sells into the global market and fuel prices. The market prices of gold is the key driver of the Group's capacity to generate cash flow. The Group has not entered into any forward gold or fuel hedging contracts, it has however, entered into a series of gold put option contracts during the year, refer to note 2.4 for further details.

Gold price

The table below summarises the impact of increases/decreases of the average realised gold price on the Group's profit after tax for the year. The analysis assumes that the average realised gold price per ounce of US$1,948/oz (2022: US$1,794/oz) had increased/decreased by 10% with other variables held constant.


Impact on after tax profit

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

After tax profit

194,885

170,775

After tax profit with impact of increase by 10% US$/oz

281,155

247,106

After tax profit with impact of decrease by 10% US$/oz

108,615

94,444

 

The table above is considered before factoring in the impact of the Group's gold price protection programme. Should the gold price per ounce drop to below US$1,900/oz, the gold put option contracts will pay out to the Group the difference between the realised average price per ounce and US$1,900/oz. Therefore, a 10% decrease on the average realised gold price during the year would result in all the six contracts for the 2023 financial year with a total of 120,000 ounces paying out approximately US$18 million. Refer to note 2.4 for further details on the gold price protection programme.

Fuel price

Any variation in the fuel price has an impact on the mine production costs and the table below summarises the impact of increases/decreases of the average fuel price on the Group's mine production costs. The analysis assumes that the average fuel price of US$ 0.80 per litre (2022: US$ 0.88 per litre) had increased/decreased by 10% per litre with all other variables held constant.


Impact on mine production costs

31 December 2023

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

Mine production costs

(412,827)

(408,543)

 

Mine production costs with impact of increase by 10% US$/litre

14,910

16,943

 

Mine production costs with impact of decrease by 10% US$/litre

(14,910)

(16,943)

 

 

(e) Interest rate risk and liquidity risk

The Group's main interest rate risk arises from cash and short-term deposits. Given the size of these balances and that the Group does not have any debt instruments, interest rate risk is not considered to be material. Cash deposits are placed on a term period of no more than 30 days at a time.

The financial instruments exposed to interest rate risk and the Group's exposure to interest rate risk as at the balance sheet date were as per the table below. The table analyses the Group's financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their expected settlement profiles for all non-derivative financial liabilities. The amounts disclosed in the table are the undiscounted expected cash flows. A separate line for lease liabilities has been presented in the maturity analysis of the Group's financial liabilities in the table below.

The Group's liquidity position is managed to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet its financial commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. The RCF requires a minimum liquidity level at all times of US$50 million.

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board, which has established an appropriate management framework for the management of the Group's funding requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash reserves and management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group's liquidity based on expected cash flows. The tables in section (a) to (c) of this note above reflect a balanced view of cash inflows and outflows and show the implied risk based on those values. Trade payables and other financial liabilities originate from the financing of assets used in the Group's ongoing operations. These assets are considered in the Group's overall liquidity risk. Management continually reviews the Group's liquidity position including cash flow forecasts to determine the forecast liquidity position and maintain appropriate liquidity levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Weighted average

effective interest rate %

Less than one month

US$'000

Between                                       1 and 12 months

US$'000

Between                 1 and 2 years

US$'000

Between                     2 and 5 years

US$'000

Over 5 years

US$'000

Total

US$'000

31 December 2023








Financial assets








Fixed interest rate instruments

3.99%

31,868

33,775

65,643

Non-interest bearing


77,775

77,775



109,643

33,775

143,418

Financial liabilities








Non-interest bearing

0%

95,112

2,500

2,500

2,500

102,612

Lease liabilities


165

1,629

1,662

1,962

378

5,795



95,277

4,129

4,162

4,462

378

108,407

 


Weighted average

effective interest rate %

Less than one month

US$'000

Between                                       1 and 12 months

US$'000

Between                 1 and 2 years

US$'000

Between                     2 and 5 years

US$'000

Over 5 years

US$'000

Total

US$'000

31 December 2022








Financial assets








Fixed interest rate instruments

1.04%

21,394

54,998

76,392

Non-interest bearing

61,610

61,610



83,004

54,998

138,002

Financial liabilities








Non-interest bearing

0%

97,716

2,500

2,500

5,000

107,716

Lease liabilities


234

1,929

1,750

2,587

549

7,049



97,950

4,429

4,250

7,587

549

114,765

 

(f) Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral or other security where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group measures credit risk on a fair value basis. The Group's credit risk is concentrated in one entity, the refiner Asahi Refining Canada Ltd, up to 30 June 2023 and thereafter MKS PAMP SA, but the Group has good credit control on its customer and none of the trade receivables from the customer have been past due. Also, the cash balances held in all currencies are held with financial institutions with a high credit rating.

The gross carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk without taking account of the value of collateral or other security obtained.

(g) Fair value

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements represents their respective fair values, other than in relation to lease liabilities, principally as a consequence of the short-term maturity thereof.

(h) Mineral reserve and resource statement impact on ore reserves

The following disclosure provides information to help users of the financial statements understand the judgements made about the future and other sources of estimation uncertainty. The key sources of estimation uncertainty described in note 1.2.3 above and the range of possible outcomes are described more fully below.

Depreciation of capitalised underground mine development costs

Depreciation of capitalised underground mine development costs at SGM is based on reserve estimates. Management believe that these estimates are both realistic and conservative, based on current information. The sensitivity analysis assumes that the reserve estimate has increased/decreased by 25% with all other variables held constant.

 

 

Decrease by 25%

US$'000

31 December 2023

US$'000

Increase by 25%

US$'000

Amortisation of rehabilitation asset (within mine development properties)

(3,452)

(2,589)

(1,942)

Amortisation of mine development properties (remainder)

(111,537)

(83,653)

(62,740)

Mine development properties - net book value

587,950

616,697

638,258

Property, plant, and equipment - net book value*

1,055,272

1,084,019

1,105,580

 

*     Reflects the impact on the overall property, plant and equipment carrying amount at the reporting date from the movements in mine development amortisation above.

 

Decrease by 25%

US$'000

31 December 2022

US$'000

Increase by 25%

US$'000

Amortisation of rehabilitation asset (within mine development properties)

(3,978)

(2,984)

(2,238)

Amortisation of mine development properties (remainder)

(83,766)

(62,824)

(47,118)

Mine development properties - net book value

549,761

571,697

588,149

Property, plant, and equipment - net book value*

1,070,553

1,092,489

1,108,941

 

*     Reflects the impact on the overall property, plant and equipment carrying amount at the reporting date from the movements in mine development amortisation above.

The sensitivity analysis presented above includes the impact on the amortisation amounts of the capitalised deferred stripping asset. The deferred stripping asset and the rehabilitation asset are included within the Mine Development Properties category in the Group's property, plant and equipment.

(i) Loan covenants

On 22 December 2022, the Company entered into an agreement for a US$150 million RCF with four banks: Bank of Montreal (London Branch), HSBC Bank plc, ING Bank N.V. (Amsterdam Branch) and Nedbank Limited (London Branch) (see note 2.7).

The terms of the facility impose certain financial covenants on the Company in respect of each Relevant Period that has an outstanding borrowing, refer to note 2.7 for further information on the covenant requirements. As at 31 December 2023, the Company was in compliance with all the RCF's financial covenants requirements however, there were no drawdowns on the facility yet.

3.2 Capital management

3.2.1 RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to:

safeguard their ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and

maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

 

To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to owners of the parent, return capital to owners of the parent or issue new shares.

3.2.2 DIVIDENDS TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Ordinary shares



Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of 2.5 US cents per share

29,100

57,740

(2022: Q1 Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 5.0 US cents per share)



Q2 Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 2.0 US cents per share

23,065

28,464

(2022: Q2 Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of 2.5 US cents per share)


 

Total dividends provided for or paid

52,166

86,204

 

 

Dividends to owners of the parent:

 



Paid in cash

 

52,166

 

86,204

 



4. Group structure

4.1 Subsidiaries and controlled entities

The parent entity of the Group is Centamin plc, incorporated in Jersey, and details of its subsidiaries and controlled entities are as follows:


Nature of

activity

Country of incorporation

Ownership interest

31 December 2023

%

31 December 2022

%

Centamin Egypt Limited

Holding company

Australia(1)

100

100

Pharaoh Gold Mines NL (holder of an Egyptian branch)

Holding company

Australia(1)

100

100

Sukari Gold Mining Company (*)

Mining company

Egypt(2)

50

50

Centamin Group Services UK Limited

Services company

UK(3)

100

100

Centamin West Africa Holdings Limited

Holding company

UK(3)

100

100

Centamin Group Services Limited

Services company

Jersey(4)

100

100

Centamin Holdings Limited

Holding company

Jersey(4)

100

100

MHA Limited

Holding company

Jersey(4)

100

100

Ampella Mining Limited (in Liquidation)

Holding company

Australia(1)

100

100

Ampella Mining Gold SARL (in Liquidation)

Exploration company

Burkina Faso(5)

100

100

Ampella Mining SARL (in Liquidation)

Exploration company

Burkina Faso(5)

100

100

Ampella Resources Burkina Faso (in Liquidation)

Exploration company

Burkina Faso(5)

100

100

Konkera SA (in Liquidation)

Mining company

Burkina Faso(5)

100

100

Ampella Mining Côte d'Ivoire

Exploration company

Côte d'Ivoire(6)

100

100

Centamin Côte d'Ivoire

Exploration company

Côte d'Ivoire(6)

100

100

Ampella Mining Exploration CDI

Exploration company

Côte d'Ivoire(6)

100

100

Centamin Exploration CI

Exploration company

Côte d'Ivoire(6)

100

100

Centamin Egypt Investments 1 (UK) Limited

Holding company

UK(7)

100

100

Centamin Egypt Investments 2 (UK) Limited

Holding company

UK(7)

100

100

Centamin Egypt Investments 3 (UK) Limited

Holding company

UK(7)

100

100

Centamin Mining Services Egypt LLC

Services company

Egypt(8)

100

100

Centamin Central Mining SAE

Exploration

Egypt(8)

100

100

Centamin North Mining SAE

Exploration

Egypt(8)

100

100

Centamin South Mining SAE

Exploration

Egypt(8)

100

100

 

(*)   Sukari Gold Mining Company is fully consolidated within the Group under IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements as if it were a subsidiary due to it being a controlled entity, reflecting the substance and economic reality of the Concession Agreement ("CA") (see note 1.2.1).

(1)   Address of all Australian entities: Suite 8, 7 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant, WA 6153.

(2)   Address of all Egypt entities (except the new exploration entities in (11) and (12): 361 El-Horreya Road, Sedi Gaber, Alexandria, Egypt.

(3)   Address of all UK entities: Hill House, 1 Little New Street, London, EC4A 3TR.

(4)   Address of all Jersey entities: 2 Mulcaster Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3NJ.

(5)   Address of all Burkina Faso entities: Ampella Resources Burkina Faso: 11 BP 1974 Ouaga 11. Ampella Mining SARL: 01 BP 1621 Ouaga 01. Ampella Mining Gold SARL: 11 BP 1974 CMS 11 Ouaga 11. Konkera SA: 11 BP 1974 Ouaga CM11.

(6)   Address of all Côte d'Ivoire entities: Cocody II Plateaux Les Vallons, En face de la Résidence Bertille Lot 1557, Ilot 149

(7)   Address of all the UK holding companies of the new Egypt exploration companies; Hill House, 1 Little New Street, London, EC4A 3TR.

(8)   Address of the new Egypt exploration companies: F-1-5 ,Agora Mall, EL Nasr St. , 5th settlement, Cairo..

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, PGM, the Company entered into the Concession Agreement ("CA") with EMRA and the ARE granting PGM and EMRA the right - through SGM as Operating Company - to explore, develop, mine and sell gold and associated minerals in specific concession areas located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The CA came into effect under Egyptian law on 13 June 1995.

In 2005 PGM, together with EMRA, were granted an exploitation lease over 160 km2 surrounding the Sukari Gold Mine site. The exploitation lease was signed by PGM, EMRA and the Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and gives tenure for a period of 30 years, commencing 24 May 2005 and extendable by PGM for an additional 30 years upon PGM providing reasonable commercial justification.

In 2006 SGM was incorporated under the laws of Egypt. SGM was formed to conduct exploration, development, exploitation, and marketing operations in accordance with the CA. Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the project rests with the general manager, who is appointed by PGM.

The fiscal terms of the CA require that PGM solely funds SGM. PGM is however entitled to recover from sales revenue recoverable costs, as defined in the CA. EMRA is entitled to a share of SGM's net production surplus or profit share (defined as revenue less payment of the fixed royalty to ARE and recoverable costs). During 2016, payments to EMRA commenced as advance profit share distributions. Any payment made to EMRA pursuant to these provisions of the CA are recognised as dividend paid to the non-controlling interest in SGM.

5. Unrecognised items

5.1 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Refer to note 2.13 for additional information on the EMRA position with respect to provisions.

Other than as highlighted above, there were no contingent liabilities at year end.

Contingent assets

There were no contingent assets at year-end, and none in 2022.

5.2 Dividends per share

The dividends paid in 2023 were US$52 million and are reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year (2022: US$86 million).

A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2023 of 2.0 US cents per share, totalling approximately US$23 million has been proposed by the Board of Directors and is subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 21 May 2024. These financial statements do not reflect the dividend payable.

As announced on 9 January 2017, the update to the Company's dividend policy sets a minimum payout level relative to cash flow while considering the financial condition of, and outlook for, the Company. When determining the amount to be paid, the Board will take into consideration the underlying profitability of the Company and significant known or expected funding commitments. Specifically, the Board will aim to approve an annual dividend of at least 30% of the Company's net cash flow after sustaining capital costs and following the payment of profit share due to the government of Egypt.

5.3 Subsequent events

As referred to in note 5.2, subsequent to the year end, the Board proposed a final dividend for 2023 of 2.0 US cents per share. Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 21 May 2024, the final dividend will be paid on 19 June 2024 to shareholders on record date of 31 May 2024.

Other than as noted above, there were no other significant events occurring after the reporting date requiring disclosure in the financial statements.

6. Other information

6.1 Related party transactions

(A) EQUITY INTERESTS IN RELATED PARTIES

Equity interests in subsidiaries

Details of the percentage of ordinary shares held in subsidiaries are disclosed in note 4.1.

(B) KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Key management personnel are persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any Director (executive or otherwise) of the Group.

The aggregate compensation made to key management personnel of the consolidated entity is set out below:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$

Short-term employee benefits

9,212,369

10,261,960

Post-employment benefits

1,320

Share-based payments

3,352,786

1,949,569


12,565,155

12,212,849

 

(C) KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EQUITY HOLDINGS

The details of the movement in key management personnel equity holdings of fully paid ordinary shares in Centamin plc during the financial year ended 31 December 2023 are as follows:

For the year ended
31 December 2023

Balance at
1 January 2023

Granted as remuneration ("DBSP")

Granted as remuneration ("PSP")

Net other change - share plan lapse(1)

Net other change(2)

Balance at
31 December 2023(3)

M Horgan

2,326,193

835,800

(217,710)

(76,013)

2,868,270

R Jerrard

2,348,000

667,300

(143,910)

53,000

2,924,390

J Rutherford

250,000

250,000

S Eyre

15,000

15,000

M Bankes

319,000

319,000

M Cloete

15,000

15,000

C Farrow

30,000

30,000

I Fawzy

140,000

140,000

H Faul

G Du Toit

1,442,000

400,000

1,842,000

A Hassouna

697,931

400,000

1,097,931

C Barker

771,000

375,000

1,146,000

M Stoner

314,000

295,000

609,000

H Bills

980,000

375,000

(73,800)

(59,433)

1,221,767

P Cannon

627,000

295,000

922,000

C Murray

911,000

295,000

(73,800)

1,132,200

A Carse

856,688

295,000

(29,520)

(36,332)

1,085,836

D Le Masurier

677,300

250,000

(24,908)

(42,593)

859,799

R Nel

607,306

295,000

(18,450)

(48,216)

835,640

 

(1)   'Net other change - share plan lapse' relates to awards that have lapsed following partial vesting of the 2020 grant.

(2)   'Net other change' relates to the on-market acquisition or disposal of fully paid ordinary shares.

(3)   Balance includes unvested grants under the Company's performance share plan.

 

 

Since 31 December 2023 to the date of this report there have been no transactions notified by the Company in accordance with the requirements of Article 19 of the UK Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation (EU) 596/2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The details of the movement in key management personnel and non-executive director's equity holdings of fully paid ordinary shares in Centamin plc during the financial year ended 31 December 2022 are as follows:

For the year ended
31 December 2022

Balance at
1 January 2022

Granted as remuneration ("DBSP")

Granted as remuneration ("PSP")

Net other change - share plan lapse(1)

Net other change(2)

Balance at
31 December 2022(3)

M Horgan

1,281,405

979,000

65,788

2,326,193

R Jerrard

2,077,000

821,000

(617,000)

67,000

2,348,000

J Rutherford

250,000

250,000

S Eyre

15,000

15,000

M Bankes

289,000

30,000

319,000

M Cloete

15,000

15,000

C Farrow

30,000

30,000

I Fawzy

140,000

140,000

H Faul

G Du Toit

950,000

492,000

1,442,000

A Hassouna

236,931

492,000

(31,000)

697,931

C Barker

300,000

471,000

771,000

M Stoner

314,000

314,000

H Bills

500,000

480,000

980,000

P Cannon

250,000

377,000

627,000

C Murray

474,000

461,000

(24,000)

911,000

A Carse

648,688

377,000

(169,000)

856,688

D Le Masurier

517,300

287,000

(127,000)

677,300

R Nel

401,973

332,000

(110,000)

(16,667)

607,306

 

(1)   'Net other change - share plan lapse' relates to awards that have lapsed due to the full performance conditions not being met on the 2019 grant.

(2)   'Net other change' relates to the on-market acquisition or disposal of fully paid ordinary shares.

(3)   Balance includes unvested grants under the Company's performance share plan.

 

(D) KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHARE OPTION HOLDINGS

There were no options held, granted, or exercised during the year by Directors or senior management in respect of ordinary shares in Centamin plc.

(E) OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023 are summarised below:

•    salaries, superannuation contributions, bonuses, LTIs, consulting and Directors' fees paid to Directors during the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to US$4,439,649 (31 December 2022: US$3,918,404), with pension contributions amounting to US$51,753 (2022: US$16,670).

(F) TRANSACTIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT

Royalty costs attributable to the government of Egypt of US$26,681,717 (2022: US$23,842,287) were incurred in 2023. Profit share to EMRA of US$112,000,000 (2022: US$ 35,492,459) was incurred in 2023.

(G) TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER RELATED PARTIES

Other related parties include the parent entity, subsidiaries, and other related parties as disclosed in 4.1 above.

All amounts advanced to related parties are unsecured. No expense has been recognised in the year for bad or doubtful debts in respect of amounts owed by related parties.

Transactions and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries were eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

 

 

6.2 Contributions to Egypt

(a) Gold sales agreement

On 27 March 2023, SGM and the Central Bank of Egypt ("CBE") amended their 20 December 2016 agreement with respect to SGM's facilitation of the purchase of refined gold bullion for the CBE from its refiner. The amended agreement provides that the parties may elect, on a monthly basis, for the CBE to supply SGM with its local Egyptian currency requirements for that month to a maximum value of EGP130 million (2022: EGP80 million). In return, SGM facilitates the purchase of refined gold bullion for the CBE from SGM's refiner, Asahi Refining Canada Ltd up to 30 June 2023 and thereafter, MKS PAMP SA. This transaction has been entered into as SGM requires local currency for its operations in Egypt (it receives its revenue for gold sales in US dollars). The values related to these transactions are as follows:

 

For the year ended
31 December 2023
US$'000

For the year ended
31 December 2022
US$'000

Gold purchased

34,124

50,497

Refining costs

17

28

Freight costs

43

56


34,184

50,581





For the year ended
31 December 2023
Oz

For the year ended
31 December 2022
Oz

Gold purchased

17,520

27,907

 

At 31 December 2023 the amount receivable from CBE is approximately US$25,045 (2022: US$23,681 net receivable).

(B) UNIVERSITY GRANT

During 2018, the Group together with Sami El-Raghy and the University of Alexandria Faculty of Science initiated a sponsored scholarship agreement, the Michael Kriewaldt Scholarships, to outstanding geology major students to enrol at the postgraduate research programme of the geology department of the University for their MSc and/or PhD in mining and mineral resources. An amount of EGP10,000,000 was deposited with an Egyptian bank as a nucleus of the scholarship fund in a fixed deposit account, with contributions of EGP7,330,000 from PGM and EGP2,670,000 from Sami El-Raghy. The interest earned on the account will be put towards the cost of the scholarships and will be administered by the University on the conditions set out in the agreement. This amount was accounted for under donations expense in profit and loss and any interest earned on the deposit is also accounted for under donations expense.

6.3 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

The Company's shareholder approved Performance Share Plan ("PSP") allows the Company the right to grant awards (as defined below) to employees of the Group. Awards may take the form of either conditional share awards, where shares are transferred conditionally upon the satisfaction of performance conditions; or share options, which may take the form of nil cost options or have a nominal exercise price, the exercise of which is again subject to satisfaction of applicable performance conditions.

The awards granted in April 2023 will vest following the passing of three years. Vesting will be subject to the satisfaction of the performance conditions (and for Executive Directors a full two-year post-vesting holding period). Awards will vest based upon a blend of three-year relative TSR, cash flow and production targets, full details of which are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report. These measures are assessed by reference to current market practice and the Remuneration Committee will have regard to current market practice when establishing the precise performance conditions for awards.

To date, the Company has granted the following conditional awards to employees of the Group:

June 2020 awards

Of the 2,582,500 awards granted on 5 June 2020 under the PSP, 1,153,153 vested to eligible participants (nine in total)

April 2021 awards

Of the 5,945,000 awards granted on 30 April 2021 under the PSP, 5,330,000 awards remain granted to eligible participants (28 in total) applying the following performance criteria:

50% of the award shall be assessed by reference to a target total shareholder return;

25% of the award shall be assessed by reference to compound growth in adjusted free cash flow; and

25% of the award shall be assessed by reference to compound growth in gold production.

 

May 2022 awards

Of the 9,042,000 contingent share awards granted on 20 May 2022 under the Incentive Share Plan ("ISP"), 8,982,000 awards remain granted to eligible participants (33 in total) applying the following performance criteria:

50% of the award shall be assessed by reference to a target total shareholder return;

25% of the award shall be assessed by reference to compound growth in adjusted free cash flow; and

25% of the award shall be assessed by reference to compound growth in gold production.

 

Conditional share awards and options together constitute 'awards' under the plan and those in receipt of awards are 'award holders'.

A detailed summary of the scheme rules is set out in the 2022 AGM Notice which are available at www.centamin.com. In brief, awards will vest following the passing of three years from the date of the award and vesting will be subject to satisfaction of performance conditions. The above measures are assessed by reference to current market practice and the Remuneration Committee will have regard to market practice when establishing the precise performance conditions for future awards.

Where the performance conditions have been met, in the case of conditional awards awarded to certain participants, 50% of the total shares under the award will be issued or transferred to the award holders on or as soon as possible following the specified vesting date, with the remaining 50% being issued with a two year restriction on trading.

April 2023 awards

Performance share plan awards granted during the year:

Grant date

ISP 2023

25 April 2023

Number of instruments

1,903,100

TSR: fair value at grant date GBP(1)

0.59

TSR: fair value at grant date US$(1)

0.74

Adjusted free cash flow, gold production and decarbonisation targets: fair value at grant date GBP(1)

1.04

Adjusted free cash flow, gold production and decarbonisation targets: fair value at grant date US$(1)

1.29

Vesting period (years)

3

Holding period applicable to the award (years)

2

Expected volatility (%)

41.52%

Expected dividend yield (%)

4.89%

Number of instruments

4,537,500

TSR: fair value at grant date GBP(1)

0.59

TSR: fair value at grant date US$(1)

0.74

Adjusted free cash flow, gold production and decarbonisation targets: fair value at grant date GBP(1)

1.04

Adjusted free cash flow, gold production and decarbonisation targets: fair value at grant date US$(1)

1.29

Vesting period (years)

3

Holding period applicable to the award (years)

0

Expected volatility (%)

41.52%

Expected dividend yield (%)

4.89%

 

(1)  The vesting of 50% of the awards granted under this plan are dependent on a TSR performance condition. As relative TSR is defined as a market condition under IFRS 2 Share-based payments, this requires that the valuation model used considers the anticipated performance outcome. We have therefore applied a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The simulation model considers the probability of performance based on the expected volatility of Centamin and the peer group companies and the expected correlation of returns between the companies in the comparator group. The remaining 50% of the awards are subject to adjusted free cash flow , decarbonisation targets and gold production performance conditions. As these are classified as non-market conditions under IFRS 2 they do not need to be considered when determining the fair value. The fair value calculated was then converted at the closing GBP:US$ foreign exchange rate on grant date.

RESTRICTED SHARE AWARDS ("RSA")

Under the Company's Incentive Share Plan ("ISP"), the Company has restricted share awards, which are a long-term share incentive arrangement for senior management (but not Executive Directors) and other employees (participants).

The RSA awards shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the ISP and shall ordinarily vest in three equal tranches on the anniversary of the grant date, conditional upon the continued employment with the Group.

RSA awards granted during the year:

Grant date

RSA 2023

25 April 2023

Number of instruments

3,069,000

Fair value at grant date - tranches 1 to 3 £(1)

1.04

Fair value at grant date - tranches 1 to 3 US$(1)

1.29

Vesting period Tranche 1 (years)(2)

1

Vesting period Tranche 2 (years)(2)

2

Vesting period Tranche 3 (years)(2)

3

Expected dividend yield Tranche 1 (%)

4.87%

Expected dividend yield Tranche 2 (%)

4.88%

Expected dividend yield Tranche 3 (%)

4.89%

 

(1)   The fair value of the shares awarded under the RSA were calculated by using the closing share price on grant date, converted at the closing GBP:US$ foreign exchange rate on that day. No other factors were considered in determining the fair value of the shares awarded under the RSA.

(2)   Variable vesting dependent on one to three years of continuous employment.

ACCOUNTING POLICY: SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity settled share-based payments with employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at grant date. Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes model. Where share-based payments are subject to market conditions, fair value is measured using a Monte-Carlo simulation. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity settled share-based payments is expensed over the vesting period, based on the consolidated entity's estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity settled share-based transactions with other parties are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, except where the fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

including any market performance conditions (for example, an entity's share price);

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

including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example, the requirement for employees to save or holding shares for a specific period).

 

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations. Further details on how the fair value of equity settled share-based transactions has been determined can be found above. At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss over the remaining vesting period, with corresponding adjustment to the equity settled employee benefits reserve.

6.4 EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US cents per share

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US cents per share

Basic earnings per share

7.970

6.287

Diluted earnings per share

7.817

6.203

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

The earnings and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share are as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Earnings used in the calculation of basic EPS

92,284

72,490





For the year ended
31 December 2023

Number of shares

For the year ended
31 December 2022

Number of Shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic EPS

1,157,933,122

1,152,960,534

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTED TO OWNERS OF THE PARENT

The earnings and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share are as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Earnings used in the calculation of diluted EPS

92,284

72,490

 


For the year ended

31 December 2023

Number of shares

For the year ended

31 December 2022

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic EPS

1,157,933,122

1,152,960,534

Shares deemed to be issued for no consideration in respect of employee options

22,654,848

15,597,563

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of diluted EPS

1,180,587,971

1,168,558,097

 

No potential ordinary shares were excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share.

6.5 AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

The analysis of the auditors' remuneration is as follows:


For the year ended

31 December 2023

US$'000

For the year ended

31 December 2022

US$'000

Fees payable to the Company's auditors and their associates for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements



Audit fee for the current year audit(1)

790

630

Fees payable to the Company's auditors and their associates for other services to the Group



Audit fee of the Company's subsidiaries

225

126

Total audit fees

1,015

756

Non-audit fees:



Audit related assurance services - interim review

151

139

Total non-audit fees

151

139

 

(1)  The audit fee amount disclosed in note 2.3 is for the Jersey, UK and Australian companies only, the note above is for all the Group entities.

The audit fees for the corporate entities are billed in GBP and were translated at an average foreign exchange rate for the year ended 31 December 2023 of US$1.25:GB£1 (rate on 31 December 2022: US$1.23:GB£1). Not included within the above amounts are auditors' expenses (recharged to the Company) of US$31k (2022: US$19k).

6.6 General information

Centamin plc (the "Company") is a listed public company, incorporated and domiciled in Jersey and operating through subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities operating in Egypt, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, United Kingdom, Jersey and Australia. It is the Parent Company of the Group, comprising the Company and its subsidiaries and joint arrangements.

Registered office and principal place of business:

Centamin plc
2 Mulcaster Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3NJ

The nature of the Group's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Governance Report and the Strategic Report of the 2023 Annual Report.

 

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