CORRECTION: Final Results for the Year Ended 31...
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007
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FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
- Successful admission to PLUS in August 2007 at 3p per share, following placing of shares raising GBP595,000
- Private placing at 3p per share completed in September 2007 raising GBP106,390
- Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd (80% owned) granted an exploration licence over Block VI of the Thar Coalfield, in
the Sindh Province of Pakistan, covering 66.1 square kilometres
- Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd granted a 100 square kilometre exploration licence at the Indus East coalfield,
KhoreWah, in the Sindh Province of Pakistan
- Drilling services contract signed within budget between Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd and Pakistan-based coal
specialist, Deep Rock Drilling (PVT) Ltd, to complete the work programme at Thar and Indus East
- Work programme commenced at Indus East coalfield, KhoreWah in November 2007
POST PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS
- Work programme commenced at Block VI of Thar in February 2008 to verify recent drilling by the China NE
Geologic Bureau. The drilling will take the licence to a measured international JORC reserve with results
expected Q2 2008
- Appointment of Roderick Stead, Non-Executive Director
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
The past year has been very positive for Oracle Coalfields plc ("the Company"), with the award of two prime
licences in the Sindh Province of Pakistan to our 80% owned subsidiary, Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd. We have also
secured funding of over GBP700,000, which has served to get the Company a public listing on PLUS, and will take
our flagship project, Block VI at Thar, to a measured JORC reserve in the second quarter of 2008. Coupled with
our own progress as a Company, the industry at large has benefited from the world's increasing demands for
finite energy feedstock, resulting in the price of coal hitting record highs in the past month. This is an
exciting time for Oracle Coalfields, and it gives me great pleasure to report to shareholders on progress over
the past year and forthcoming milestones.
BACKGROUND
Oracle Coalfields PLC was formed on 5 July 2006 for the purpose of coal development and exploitation, and on 6
September 2006 entered into a joint venture agreement with a local Pakistani company, Sindh Koela Ltd, to
pursue coal development opportunities in the coal rich Sindh Province of Pakistan. As part of the agreement
with Sindh Koela Ltd, the parties formed a joint-venture company, Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd, which is 80% owned
by Oracle Coalfields and 20% owned by Sindh Koela.
THE INDUS EAST LICENCE
On 9 January 2007, Oracle Coalfields and Sindh Koela signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sindh Coal
Authority in Pakistan, and on 8 February 2007, the joint-venture company, Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd, was issued
an Exploration Licence by the Directorate General of Mines and Mineral Development, Government of Sindh, for
over 100 square kilometres of the Indus East Coalfield, at KhoreWah. In 1992 the Geological Survey of Pakistan
completed the drilling of two boreholes, KHW-1 and KHW-2, which returned a coal thickness of 3.2 metres and
0.95 metres respectively. The data available to Oracle Coalfields has led us and our coal development partners
to believe that we are targeting a sizeable coal resource. Under Oracle Coalfields' agreement with Sindh Koela,
once the development of a coal mine commences, Sindh Koela will commence the development of one or more mine-
mouth power plants with an aggregate capacity of 150MW's, which could absorb the envisaged annual coal
production.
In line with the stated strategy, drilling commenced at the Indus East project in November 2007, which saw an
initial three boreholes completed by local coal specialists, Deep Rock Drilling (PVT) Ltd ("DRD"). Upon
completion of the third hole at Indus East, it was decided that the Company's resources should focus upon Block
VI of the Thar Coalfield, which was granted in mid-November 2007. It is anticipated that drilling will resume
at Indus East in the fourth quarter of 2008.
BLOCK VI, THAR COALFIELD
On 3 November 2007, Oracle Coalfields signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sindh Coal Authority and
the Mines & Mineral Development, Government of Sindh in Pakistan and on 14 November 2007, the joint-venture
company, Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd, was issued an Exploration Licence by the Directorate General of Mines and
Mineral Development, Government of Sindh, for over 66.1 square kilometres of Block VI, Thar Coalfield, District
of Tharparkar, Sindh Province. The Thar coalfield is estimated to contain a total resource in excess of 175
billion tonnes of coal. To date, only six blocks of the coalfield have been delineated and awarded, and we were
delighted that the Mines & Mineral Development, Government of Sindh, granted us Block VI in November 2007.
Block VI covers a landmass of 66.1 square kilometres of semi-arid land, and is situated 32 kilometres from the
town of Islamkot, District of Tharparkar, Province of Sindh. In 2005 the China North East Geological Survey
Bureau completed a 35-borehole programme on Block VI, as commissioned by the Sindh Coal Authority.
The 35-borehole programme completed by the Chinese saw a total depth of 9,852 metres drilled, of which 5,986
metres was cored. All the boreholes were geophysically logged, and 273 lignite samples were analysed for
quality. Provisional indications from the Chinese drilling programme show that there is in excess of 700
million tonnes of lignite coal, focussed on a main lignite seam with a thickness varying between 9-20 metres at
a depth of less than 150 metres. The quality of the lignite coal gives a heating value of 3,250 kcal/kg, with
high moisture and low ash and sulphur contents. The quality of this lignite is suitable for coal-fired power
stations.
On 14 February 2008, our drilling contractors, DRD, commenced work on the first borehole of a seven hole
programme on Block VI of the coalfield. The purpose of this drilling programme is to validate the results
achieved by the China North East Geological Survey Bureau, in order to raise the resource to the
internationally recognised JORC standard. This validation will form the basis of an independent Competent
Persons Report (CPR), which is in line to be completed in the second quarter of 2008.
It is intended that this will be an integrated project, whereby Sindh Carbon Energy Ltd will be the producer of
the coal supply, and Oracle Coalfields together with a joint venture partner will operate a 300 MW mine-mouth
power plant. It is intended that approximately 1.5 million tonnes of coal per annum will be required as
feedstock for a 300 MW mine-mouth power plant, with the potential to increase this to 1,000 MW in the future.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
On 4 January, 2008, the Company announced the appointment of Roderick Stead as a Non-Executive director. This
was an important development for Oracle Coalfields, as Roderick brings a wealth of experience to our team. One
of Roderick's most notable strengths is his experience with project finance, having worked as leader of the
financing team for Oman LNG LLC from 1996 - 1999, prior to becoming leader of the financing team for Nigeria
LNG between 1999 - 2003. I am sure that as we move toward the stage of project financing that Roderick's
experience in this area will prove a valuable asset.
It is planned that we will further strengthen the management team, and we hope to appoint a Non-Executive
Chairman in the near future, as well as the appointment of an additional Non-Executive Director.
THE PAKISTAN POWER MARKET
Pakistan continues to experience wide spread power shortages across the country. While oil and gas currently
accounts for the majority power source, rising fuel prices make coal a cost effective long terms solution. In
2004/5 coal accounted for 1% of the total fuels (source: Pakistan Energy Yearbook) however, this figure is
estimated to rise to 17% by 2025.
THE INTERNATIONAL COAL MARKET
In my previous comments on the international coal market in September 2007, I noted that coal prices would be
set to rise over the remaining months of 2007 and rise over the course of 2008. This has been the case, and in
recent weeks coal has hit record highs. Power-station coal prices have been trading above US$135 per metric
ton, whilst thermal coal prices rose to US$90.87 per metric ton in January 2008.
The rise in coal prices have been the result of supply delays and infrastructure constraints in China,
Australia and South Africa, the large contributors of thermal coal to the international market. Inclement
weather earlier this year in Queensland left several blue chip mining houses declaring "force majeure" which
will have a significant impact on production levels for 2008. There have also been severe snowstorms in China,
adversely effecting both mines and power stations. South Africa's power shortages have been well documented as
ESKOM, the country's state owned power supplier, struggles to meet the rising demand for electricity which has
directly influenced the price for thermal coal and analysts are predicting continued strength in coal prices
for both the short and medium term which Oracle Coalfields should be well placed to take advantage of.
FINANCIALS
The financial results for the period to 31 December 2007 show a loss for Oracle Coalfields plc Group of
Companies (Group) after taxation of GBP225,960 (Company - GBP225,960). At the period end, the Group had cash at
bank and in hand of GBP357,654 (Company - GBP350,533) and total assets less current liabilities of GBP543,203
(Company - GBP525,430).
OUTLOOK
The Board is very positive about the outlook for the Company. We have developed Oracle Coalfields apace since
joining PLUS, and now have two assets in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. Drilling is in line to complete a
Competent Persons Report which will take the Block VI Thar coalfield to a JORC compliant resource. We have
strengthened the management team through the appointment of Roderick Stead and look forward to strengthening
the Board further in due course. These developments may be seen as building blocks in taking the Company from
PLUS to a listing on AIM at an appropriate time. Further announcements will be made as the Company develops
its plans.
We are pleased with the performance of the share price, which currently trades at a mid-price of 6.75p, up 125%
on our listing price of 3p in August 2007.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Board for their hard work in developing the Company, and our
loyal shareholders for their continued support. We also extend our thanks to the Mines and Mineral Development,
Government of Sindh, and the Sindh Coal Authority for their continued assistance as well as the continuing
support from our local partners, Sindh Koela Limited. The future is positive for Oracle Coalfields, and we
look forward to a year of significant development as we take the Company towards being a leading coal producer
in Pakistan and coupled with the rising global coal market believe the Company has built a strong platform.
Shahrukh Khan
Chairman
March 27, 2008
The Directors of the Issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.
ENQUIRIES:
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
SHAHRUKH KHAN, CHAIRMAN
TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 155 381 0940
EMAIL: S.KHAN@ORACLECOALFIELDS.COM
CORPORATE ADVISERS
ST HELEN'S CAPITAL PLC
BARRY HOCKEN, DIRECTOR
TELEPHONE: 020 7628 5582
EMAIL: BARRY.HOCKEN@STHELENSCAPITAL.COM
CONDUIT PR
JOS SIMSON
Telephone: 020 7429 6603
Oracle Coalfields plc
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE PERIOD 5 JULY 2006 TO 31 DECEMBER 2007
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£
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue -
Administrative expenses (237,911)
OPERATING LOSS (237,911)
Finance income 11,951
LOSS BEFORE TAX (225,960)
Tax -
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LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (225,960)
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Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (225,960)
Earnings per share expressed
in pence per share:
Basic -0.33
Diluted -0.28
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ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
FOR THE PERIOD 5 JULY 2006 TO 31 DECEMBER 2007
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£
Exchange difference on consolidation 1,744
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NET INCOME RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY 1,744
LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD (225,960)
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TOTAL RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THE PERIOD (224,216)
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Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (224,216)
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ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
31 DECEMBER 2007
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£
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible assets 120,391
Property, plant and equipment 5,170
Investments -
Loans and other financial assets 65,596
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191,157
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CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 3,981
Cash and cash equivalents 357,654
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361,635
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LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 9,589
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NET CURRENT ASSETS 352,046
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NET ASSETS 543,203
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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Called up share capital 108,546
Share premium 642,844
Retained earnings (224,216)
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527,174
Minority interests 16,029
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TOTAL EQUITY 543,203
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ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
31 DECEMBER 2007
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£
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Intangible assets -
Property, plant and equipment -
Investments 64,115
Loans and other financial assets 115,514
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179,629
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CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 3,932
Cash and cash equivalents 350,533
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354,465
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LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 8,664
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NET CURRENT ASSETS 345,801
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NET ASSETS 525,430
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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Called up share capital 108,546
Share premium 642,844
Retained earnings (225,960)
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Total shareholders equity 525,430
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TOTAL EQUITY 525,430
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
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We have audited the financial statements of Oracle Coalfields plc Group of Companies for the period ended 31
December 2007 on pages eight to twenty two. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting
policies set out therein.
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies
Act 1985. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we
are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors' responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted for use in the European Union are set
out on page four.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory
requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you whether in our opinion the
information given in the Report of the Directors is consistent with the financial statements.
In addition, we report to you if, in our opinion, the company has not kept proper accounting records, if we
have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by
law regarding directors' remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed.
We read other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it is consistent with the
audited financial statements. This other information comprises only the Report of the Directors and the
Chairman's Report. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements
or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other
information.
Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the
Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and
judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the company's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered
necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In
forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial
statements.
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
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Opinion
In our opinion:
- the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted for use in the European Union, of the state of affairs of the company and the group as at
31 December 2007 and of the loss of the group for the period then ended;
- the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985; and
- the information given in the Report of the Directors is consistent with the financial statements.
Price Bailey LLP
Richmond House
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB7 4AH
Date: 28 March 2008.
Oracle Coalfields plc
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