AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 ...
13/05/2009
GB00B23JN426/GBP/PLUS-exn
Oracle Coalfields PLC
AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008
Oracle Coalfields PLC (PLUS: ORCP) ("Oracle" or "the Company"), the UK developer of the 1.4 billion tonne Block VI coal deposit in southern Pakistan, is pleased to announce its results for the period ended 31 December 2008, a period of sustained progress that has continued into 2009.
HIGHLIGHTS
? Drilling has defined a JORC Compliant Measured Resource of 1.4 billion tonnes and a Proven Reserve of 371 million tonnes at the Block VI licence, Thar Coalfield, Tharparkar, Province of Sindh, Pakistan
? Coal is of lignite quality and suitable for combustion in power generation stations
? Private placing completed in June 2008 with Orbis Equity Partners Limited raising £453,750
? Chairman, Shahrukh Khan, presented at a World Bank and International Finance Corporation Investor Roundtable on Pakistan?s Power Sector in Washington D.C. during July 2008
POST-PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS
? In-depth commissioned research report published on Oracle Coalfields by Edison Investment Research
? Placing raising £249,400
? Work programme for a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) on the Block VI licence to commence in second quarter 2009. The Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is already underway.
Shahrukh Khan, Chairman, Oracle Coalfields PLC commented:
?I am pleased to be able to report good progress by the company in 2008 and that this has continued into 2009. In particular, our Block VI project in Pakistan?s Thar coalfield has been progressed to JORC-compliant status and we have recently raised additional funds to enable the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) to be initiated. Wardell Armstrong International, the environmental and engineering consultants, have been appointed to carry out the ESIA and commenced the first stage of the study in April.
?Over the coming months we anticipate a strong flow of news being generated as the BFS and ESIA progresses, and will also be looking to progress the planned power station component of the project.. The project is a very important component in the development of Pakistan?s economy and therefore has full support from both the provincial and central Governments.
I look forward to updating shareholders as these programmes advance?.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
The past 12 months have seen Oracle Coalfields achieve a number of important milestones from which we can develop into
a leading coal producer in Pakistan. Unquestionably, the most significant milestone was the completion of the
exploration work programme at Block VI of the Thar Coalfield, which enabled the deposit to be taken to the
internationally recognised JORC ("Joint Ore Reserve Committee") status, as announced in May 2008. Other highlights
include being given the opportunity to present at a World Bank and International Finance Corporation Investor
Roundtable on Pakistan's Power Sector in Washington D.C, USA, in July. We also completed a private placing in June that
raised £453,750 and we have raised further monies to fund the Bankable Feasibility Study since the end of the reporting
period.
Despite the current perception regarding Pakistan, the Company continues to make significant progress towards
delivering a cost-effective coal mine combined with electricity power generation. The Company has full support from
both the provincial and central governments of Pakistan.
Block VI, Thar Coalfield, Sindh Province
Our 80% owned Pakistan subsidiary, Sindh Carbon Energy Limited, was granted the 66.1 square kilometre Block VI licence
of the Thar Coalfield by the Mines and Mineral Development, Government of Sindh, in November 2007 for an initial period
of three years. The Geological Survey of Pakistan had compiled a substantial amount of information on the geology of
the Thar Coalfield since its discovery in the 1980s, and our Block VI licence was no exception.
In 2005 the China North East Geological Survey Bureau ("CNGB") completed a 35-borehole programme on Block VI, as
commissioned by the Sindh Coal Authority, drilling 9,852 metres, of which 5,986 metres was cored. Access to this data,
provided by the Sindh Coal Authority, enabled Oracle Coalfields to fast-track the project to the internationally
recognised JORC standard through a seven borehole verification programme, which were drilled to depths of 200-240
metres, four of which were open-holed to 100 metres, the other three being fully-cored. The drilling was carried out by
Deep Rock Drilling (Pvt) Ltd. of Karachi and the geophysical logging was performed by Geoscience Associates of Lahore.
These boreholes were logged using calliper, density, resistivity and radioactivity sondes. The results of the drilling
programme confirmed the results of the previous drilling done by CNGB that Block VI contains a number of lignite coal
horizons, of these, the main seam having cumulative thickness of between 20-28 metres at a depth of approximately 150
metres. The above drilling programme was overseen by the UK-based international coal consultancy, Dargo Associates
Ltd.
The results of the validation programme were announced last May, and Dargo Associates defined a JORC-compliant 1.423
billion tonnes measured resource, with a proven reserve of 371 million tonnes at phase I and phase II of the delineated
mine areas at Block VI. The results and analyses from the drilling programmes by CNGB and Sindh Carbon Energy have
shown the geology at Block VI to be simple, with no known dislocations, and confirmed the quality of the coal to be
lignite. This is ranked between peat and bituminous coal and is therefore suitable for combustion in power generation
as well as other industrial uses (e.g. cement industry). Meanwhile, the stripping ratio of phase I is estimated at
6.91:1, rising to an estimated 6.94:1 in phase II.
The coal at Block VI has an average calorific value of 3,537 kcal/kg, a moisture content of 40%, which can be reduced
to 14% by drying, a sulphur level of 1.2%, and an ash content of 7.5%, which is low when compared with typical lignite
coals. Coal tests were carried out by TES Bretby Ltd in the UK, and the Fuel Research Centre, part of Pakistan Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Karachi and Rock samples were tested by Strata Surveys Ltd of the UK.
Work in recent months has focussed on the mine plan, and it has been concluded that the southern part of Block VI is
the most suitable for open pit mining, to be carried out in two phases. There is sufficient coal resource to support a
1,100 MWe power plant in the concentrated mine area but we intend to initially develop a 300 MWe mine-mouth power
plant. Block VI can support a 2.5 million tonnes per annum open pit capable of supplying 1.75 million tonnes of lignite
coal to a 300 MWe mine-mouth power plant and a further 0.75 million tonnes to local industry. The next stage of
development at Block VI is completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study, the first stage of which commenced in April
2009. We anticipate a strong flow of news whilst the Bankable Feasibility Study is progressed toward completion, and
look forward to keeping the market informed of the results from the work programme.
Since the quality of coal at Block VI means that its principal use is as feedstock for a power plant, we are therefore
focussed on examining our options for such development. The construction and operation of a mine-mouth power plant is
key to the success of the project, and we will be keeping the market informed of our progress on this front during the
year.
During the second half of 2008, we set out a programme for a listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the
London Stock Exchange. The intention was to list on AIM in the 4th Quarter of 2008. We appointed a highly regarded
Nominated Adviser and a well-known Broker, who both visited the Block VI project in Pakistan and intended to take the
Company to AIM. Extensive due diligence was performed on the Company as part of which respected Pakistan lawyers,
Hafeez Pirzada Law Associates, were appointed under instruction from our UK lawyers, Trowers & Hamlins, to provide a
Legal Opinion on the Company and specifically on our joint-venture company, Sindh Carbon Energy Limited (SCEL). The
Legal Opinion is extensive and highlights four keys aspects that are: (a) the Company and SCEL, (b) the promoters of
SCEL, (c) the status of the exploration licences and (d) repatriation of the capital and remittance of dividends from
Pakistan. As a result of this Legal Opinion and the actions taken by SCEL and the Company on the advice of our
lawyers, SCEL and the Company have sound legal status in Pakistan. The shareholding of Oracle Coalfields PLC in SCEL
has been registered with State Bank of Pakistan as Foreign Equity Investment on Repatriable Basis with permission of
remittance of dividend/capital to Oracle Coalfields PLC as and when due. Furthermore, a Competent Person's Report was
undertaken by Dargo Associates Limited and an AIM listing document prepared which is near complete for future use.
The purpose of the AIM listing was to raise funds to proceed with the Bankable Feasibility Study. However, in the
light of deteriorating international financial markets, the Board decided to defer the AIM listing to a more
appropriate time. Our intention to move up to AIM remains as this would allow the Company to raise the necessary funds
to bring the Block VI, Thar Coal Project into production as well as developing a larger institutional investor base.
The Board will keep shareholders updated on our progress towards achieving this AIM listing.
Despite deferral of the AIM listing, we decided to proceed with the work programme by raising interim funds on the
London-based PLUS Market in order to commence the Bankable Feasibility Study, including the Environmental & Social
Impact Assessment. With these funds, we are endeavouring to complete the Bankable Feasibility Study by early 2010.
KhoreWah, Indus East, Sindh Province
In early February 2007 our subsidiary, Sindh Carbon Energy Limited, was granted an exploration licence over 100 square
kilometres of the KhoreWah coalfield in the Indus East region of the Sindh Province of Pakistan. Boreholes KHW-1 and
KHW-2, drilled by the Geological Survey of Pakistan in 1992, served as the basis for estimating an inferred coal
resource for the area, in line with the JORC Code, of 365 million tonnes, with an indicated resource of around 24
million tonnes. The depth of the coal seam is such that underground mining would be necessary in order to make the
project economic.
The granting of the more advanced and geologically attractive Block VI project in the Thar Coalfield has seen the
development of the KhoreWah licence deferred in recent months in order to utilise available funds in the Thar
Coalfield. However, whilst available resources have been focussed on the development of Block VI, it remains our
intention to further develop our KhoreWah licence at a suitable point in the future.
The Pakistan Power Market
Increasing the capacity of the national grid is of essential importance to Pakistan and to the country's future
development. Currently, the country has a total installed generating capacity of around 20 GWe. Plants fuelled by gas
and oil, account for 37% and 29% of capacity respectively, whilst hydroelectric power is the other major power source,
representing roughly one-third of capacity. Nuclear power represents only 2% and coal a mere 1% of capacity. The
Government has estimated that by 2010, the country would have to increase its generating capacity by over 50% in order
to meet the increasing demand for electricity.
There remain many rural areas in Pakistan that do not have access to electricity, whilst roughly half of the population
is not connected to the national grid. Rotating blackouts are too frequently necessary in all serviced areas of the
country. In recent years, foreign investment has increased significantly for power projects in the country, but this
has largely been directed at hydroelectric, nuclear, and renewable energy projects. The development of the Thar
Coalfield is of national importance, and the lead time from construction to commissioning for both mine and power plant
is short in comparison to that of nuclear reactors. Hence, coal offers both a near-term and long-term solution to
increasing the country's generating capacity.
Electricity consumption in Pakistan has been growing at a higher pace than the country's economic growth rate in recent
decades due to increasing urbanisation and industrialisation. From 1970 to the early 1990s, the supply of electricity
was unable to keep pace with demand that was growing consistently at 9-10% per annum. In the early 1990s, peak demand
exceeded supply capability by about 15-25%, necessitating load shedding of about 1,500-2,000MW in this period.
In the 1990s a decline in Pakistan's rate of economic growth, coupled with real increases in the price of electricity
and changes in legislation, resulted in a large increase in the self-generating capacity installed in the industrial
sector, contributing to a reduction in electricity demand on the Pakistan national grid.
But, as a result of economic reforms by the previous Government, economic growth in Pakistan rose resulting in an
increase in electricity demand on the Pakistan national grid. The Government of Pakistan has estimated 6-8% per annum
economic growth over the next two decades. At this rate, the demand for electricity would outstrip supply with a
shortfall in power generation projected from 2008 to 2020. The aggregate projected shortfall in power generation
between 2008 to 2020 is 51,796MW.
From a supply perspective, assuming maximum exploitation of Pakistan's hydroelectric resources, optimistic development
of coal resources, limited imports of gas and an indigenous moderate nuclear power programme, predictions are that by
2025, coal's contribution is to rise to 17% (2006-2007: less than 1%) This significant increase compares favourably
with oil and gas, which would see a fall in their respective market shares.
While oil and gas currently account for the majority power source, rising global fuel prices make coal a potentially
cost-effective long term solution against a backdrop of wide spread power shortages across the country.
The International Coal Market
Coal, like the majority of all hard and soft rock commodities, has suffered from falling prices. The first round of
annual contract negotiations that were completed in Japan in April, saw Xstrata and Rio Tinto seal thermal coal
contracts with Japan's Chubu Electric for the 2009/10 fiscal year at prices around 44% lower than a year ago of $70-$72
a tonne. The spot price for thermal coal is down 70% on the record-highs of $201 per tonne reached in July 2008, a
result of lower demand from the industrial sector, as the steel mill slumps have seen, coal production diverted to the
power market instead.
The price of hard coking coal, meanwhile, is also down. It is understood that in April, Nippon Steel Corp, Japan's
largest mill, agreed to pay around 67% less for its supply of coking coal than 12 months previous. In 2008 Nippon
struck a deal to buy coal at $240 a tonne, but last month agreed a price for this year of $80 a tonne.
As we have discussed before, the Company will not be dependent upon the international market spot price for coal, but
rather will be reliant upon the electricity tariff agreed with Pakistan's National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
("NEPRA"), and a supply price agreed with the mine-mouth power plant division at Block VI. Work is on-going with regard
to the electricity tariff and the planned development of the mine-mouth power plant. Initial discussions regarding the
funding of the power plant and major partner selection will commence shortly.
Principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group
Following completion of the exploration work programme at Block VI in the Thar Coalfield and commencement of the
technical studies and related Environmental & Social Impact Assessment leading to the planned completion of the
Bankable Feasibility Study by early 2010, the principal risks and uncertainties include those summarised below:
- the ability to raise sufficient funds to continue to develop Block VI
- the conclusion of production off-take agreements at requisite commercial rates to justify the project
investment
- the prompt sourcing of specialist mining equipment to ensure earliest project realization
- the stabilisation of the on-going political situation so as to ensure the vital interest and support of major
financial lenders for the project
- the maintenance of current government legislation and regulations that have so far favoured the development of
the project as a flagship foreign investment necessary to strengthen the country's economy
- infrastructure development plans for the Thar region being funded and completed by the relevant federal and/or
provincial government authorities.
- the satisfaction of environmental and social concerns and the provision of viable remedies
Financials
The financial results for the twelve months to 31 December 2008 show a loss for Oracle Coalfields Plc Group of
Companies after taxation of £452,018 (2007: £225,960) (Company: £445,819). At the period end, the Group had cash at
bank and in hand of £143,154 (Company: £140,807) and total assets less current liabilities of £530,359 (Company:
£510,673). The basic loss per share was 0.41p (2007: loss 0.33p). The loss is attributable to the development of the
Company's coal licences in Pakistan and administrative expenses.
Dividends
No dividends will be distributed for the year ended 31 December 2008.
Post Period
On 23rd March 2009 the Company announced the placing of 5,000,000 ordinary shares with investors, raising proceeds of
£150,000, which will enable the Company to commence work on the Bankable Feasibility Study for Block VI of the Thar
Coalfield. On 5th May 2009, the Company announced a further placing of 3,313,334 ordinary shares with investors,
raising proceeds of £99,400 for working capital needs and for the Bankable Feasibility Study. These placings have
essentially enabled the Company to proceed with the development of Block VI.
The Company has appointed Wardell Armstrong International Limited, a major environmental and engineering consultancy,
to do the Environmental & Social Impact Assessment which is an integral part of the Bankable Feasibility Study for the
Block VI Thar project. On a recent visit to Pakistan, Wardell Armstrong met relevant provincial government officials
and ministries, non-governmental organisations and the local Thar community. Wardell Armstrong is proceeding with the
completion of the scoping study leading to the baseline and impact study. Additional international consultants have
been identified to do the various technical studies, including hydrogeology, geotechnical and mine design. The Company
expects the technical studies as well as the initial environmental report to be produced in 4th Quarter of 2009.
Outlook
The Board is pleased with the progress made to date in its objective to take the Company towards being a leading coal
producer in Pakistan. We look forward to the coming 12 months, and believe that our confidence and enthusiasm about
Block VI, Thar Coalfield will be further confirmed as the Bankable Feasibility Study progresses. We also believe that
we will be in a position to inform the market on the progress of the planned mine-mouth power plant in the coming
months.
In spite of the recent financial market turbulence, the share price has remained steady. After reaching a previous
high of 10.5p, the share price is now trading at a mid-price of 5p, at the time of writing, still up 66% on our
original listing price.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those connected with the Company for their hard work over
the past year and the shareholders for their ongoing support. The Board also extends its thanks to the Mines and
Mineral Development, Government of Sindh, and the Sindh Coal Authority for their continued assistance as well as the
support from our local partners, Sindh Koela Limited.
We will present an update of our progress and the planned work programme for this year in our next Annual General
Meeting.
Shahrukh Khan
Chairman
May 11, 2009
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC GROUP OF COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008
Period
5/7/06
to
Year Ended
31/12/08 31/12/07
£ £
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue - -
Administrative expenses (228,944) (237,911)
OPERATING LOSS BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS (228,944) (237,911)
Exceptional items (235,669) -
OPERATING LOSS (464,613) (237,911)
Finance income 12,595 11,951
LOSS BEFORE TAX (452,018) (225,960)
Tax - -
LOSS FOR THE YEAR (452,018) (225,960)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (452,018) (225,960)
Earnings per share expressed
in pence per share:
Basic -0.41 -0.33
Diluted -0.34 -0.28
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC GROUP OF COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008
Period
5/7/06
Year Ended to
31/12/08 31/12/07
£ £
Exchange difference on consolidation 8,112 1,744
NET INCOME RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY 8,112 1,744
LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR (452,018) (225,960)
TOTAL RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR
(443,906) (224,216)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (443,906) (224,216)
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC GROUP OF COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
31 DECEMBER 2008
Period
5/7/06
Year Ended to
31/12/08 31/12/07
£ £
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible assets 409,722 120,391
Property, plant and equipment 4,678 5,170
Investments - -
Loans and other financial assets 68,029 65,596
482,429 191,157
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 25,844 3,981
Cash and cash equivalents 143,154 357,654
168,998 361,635
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 121,068 9,589
NET CURRENT ASSETS 47,930 352,046
NET ASSETS 530,359 543,203
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Called up share capital 114,046 108,546
Share premium 1,068,406 642,844
Retained earnings (668,122) (224,216)
514,330 527,174
Minority interests 16,029 16,029
TOTAL EQUITY 530,359 543,203
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 11
May 2009 and were signed on its behalf by
S Khan - Director
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC GROUP OF COMPANIES
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
31 DECEMBER 2008
Period
5/7/06
Year Ended to
31/12/08 31/12/07
as rated
£ £
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible assets 181,006 68,129
Property, plant and equipment - -
Investments 64,115 64,115
Loans and other financial assets 213,385 47,385
458,506 179,629
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 31,978 3,932
Cash and cash equivalents 140,807 350,533
172,785 354,465
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 120,618 8,664
NET CURRENT ASSETS 52,167 345,801
NET ASSETS 510,673 525,430
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Called up share capital 114,046 108,546
Share premium 1,068,406 642,844
Retained earnings (671,779) (225,960)
TOTAL EQUITY 510,673 525,430
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 11
May 2009 and were signed on its behalf by:
S Khan - Director
The above is an extract from the full financial statements. A full version of the Report and
Accounts are available on the PLUS website.
The Directors of the Issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.
ENQUIRIES:
Oracle Coalfields PLC
Shahrukh Khan, Chairman
Telephone: +44 (0) 1366500722
Email: s.khan@oraclecoalfields.com
St Helen's Capital plc
Barry Hocken
Telephone: 020 7628 5582
Email: barry.hocken@sthelenscapital.com
Lothbury Financial
Michael Padley, Ron Marshman
Telephone: 020 7011 9411
michael.padley@lothburyfinancial.com
ron.marshman@lothburyfinancial.com
WEBSITE: www.oraclecoalfields.com
About Oracle:
Oracle Coalfields plc is a London-based resource exploration and development company with
an 80 per cent owned subsidiary (Sindh Carbon Energy Limited) operating in Pakistan. The
Company's shares are quoted on the PLUS markets (symbol: ORCP).
Oracle's flagship project is the Block VI coal project located on the Thar coalfield in the
eastern Sindh province, Pakistan. Block VI hosts a JORC-compliant resource of 1.4 billion
tonnes of which 371 million tonnes are in the proven category.
The Company also owns the Indus East coal project in Pakistan where a pre-feasibility study
carried out by Dargo Associates has confirmed a JORC-compliant inferred resource of 365
million tonnes.
Oracle Coalfields plc
Oracle Coalfields plc
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