TIDMFAR

RNS Number : 9314L

Ferro-Alloy Resources Limited

11 September 2023

11 September 2023

Ferro-Alloy Resources Limited

("Ferro-Alloy" or "the Company" or "the Group")

2023 Interim Results

Ferro-Alloy Resources Limited (LSE:FAR), the vanadium producer and developer of the large Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit in Southern Kazakhstan, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Overview

Feasibility Study

-- Feasibility study ongoing with completion of Stage 1 of the study expected in April 2024 and Stage 2 later in 2024:

o Ore resource for ore-body 1 was revised upwards during the period by SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) to 32.9m tonnes at a mean grade of 0.62%, giving an increase of 35.4% in the resource and 23% in contained V(2) O(5) .

o Drilling of ore-bodies 2, 3 and 4 has been completed with the exception of an area which is difficult to access. The Company is awaiting assays for these ore-bodies which are expected to provide the feed for the larger Stage 2 development of the deposit.

o Metallurgical test-work is nearing completion.

Operations

-- Final planned improvements completed at the Existing Operation (where the Group processes secondary materials and recovers the contained vanadium, molybdenum and nickel for sale to third parties) including:

o The conversion of the fuel used for the various roasting ovens from diesel to natural gas.

o A further press filter and tanks to allow a second pulpation process to give a further recovery of vanadium.

o A further press filter and tanks to allow for recrystallisation of ammonium metavanadate, an essential step in producing a high purity product as required for electrolyte purposes.

o Improved molybdenum processes to increase recovery to around 90% depending on the raw-material treated.

o Various additional equipment to contain production emissions.

-- Following poor availability of concentrate supply in Q1, Q2 achieved best production by the Group to date in terms of both tonnes of concentrates treated and tonnes of metal recovered across all product lines, however, H1 production constrained by a lack of raw materials caused by continuing defaults of certain of the Group's suppliers.

-- The Group has subsequently made changes to suppliers and has secured future deliveries to allow full production from mid-late September 2023.

Financial

-- Total revenues of US$3.3m for the period (H1 2022: US$3.9m) reflecting the reduced volumes of raw materials delivered to the existing plant for processing during the first quarter of the year.

   --      Overall loss for the period of US$1.5m (2022: loss of US$0.7m). 

Corporate

-- Post period, launched the first tranche of a new Kazakhstan exempt offer bond programme in July 2023. The proceeds of the Programme will be used to strengthen the Company's balance sheet and provide working capital, allowing the acceleration of the project's development as far as possible.

Commenting on the interim financial results, Nick Bridgen, CEO of Ferro-Alloy Resources said:

"I am pleased to report the good progress with the feasibility study. With the completion of the expansion of the existing process plant, and the improved raw-material supply position, I look forward to much better operational performance from the fourth quarter of this year onwards."

- Ends -

   For further information,   visit   www.ferro-alloy.com   or   contact: 
 
 Ferro-Alloy Resources        Nick Bridgen (CEO)        info@ferro-alloy.com 
  Limited                      / William Callewaert 
                               (CFO) 
 Shore Capital                Toby Gibbs/Lucy Bowden 
  (Joint Corporate Broker)                              +44 207 408 4090 
  Liberum Capital Limited      Scott Mathieson/Kane 
  (Joint Corporate Broker)     Collings                  +44 20 3100 2000 
 
 
 St Brides Partners 
  Limited 
  (Financial PR & IR    Catherine Leftley/Ana 
  Adviser)               Ribeiro                 +44 207 236 1177 
 

Operations Review

Balasausqandiq feasibility study

The Company is currently undertaking a comprehensive bankable feasibility study on the Balasausqandiq project, with completion of Stage 1 of the study expected in April 2024 and Stage 2 later in the year. Although a full mineral resource estimate has only been completed for ore-body 1 ("OB1"), indications are that Balasausqandiq will be one of the largest vanadium operations in the world.

The ore resource for OB1 was revised upwards during the period by SRK Consulting (Kazakhstan) Limited, the author of the feasibility study, to 32.9m tonnes at a mean grade of 0.62%, giving an increase of 35.4% in the resource and 23% in contained V(2) O(5) .

The drilling of ore-bodies 2, 3 and 4 has been completed with the exception of an area which is difficult to access. This is planned to be drilled closer to the time of mining when access has been developed. The Company is awaiting assays for these ore-bodies which are expected to provide the feed for the larger Stage 2 development of the deposit.

The metallurgical test-work is nearing completion. The Company's metallurgical process was previously tested in a pilot plant and the process parameters are now being rigorously tested in independent laboratory conditions by SGS Canada Inc under the direction of Tetra Tech Limited, who are carrying out the metallurgical section of the feasibility study.

Other parts of the study are also nearing completion and the overall study for Stage 1 is expected to be announced in April 2024, as noted above.

The existing operation

The existing operation was developed from the original 15,000 tonnes per year ore-treatment test plant which was used to develop and pilot the proposed treatment process of the Balasausqandiq ore. The plant was subsequently adapted to treat purchased concentrates. The most common raw material is the loaded catalysts used in refineries to remove the metal impurities from crude oil. The Group buys these secondary materials and recovers the contained vanadium, molybdenum and nickel for sale to third parties.

During the first half of 2023, the final planned improvements were made to the plant, including:

   1.     The conversion of the fuel used for the various roasting ovens from diesel to natural gas; 

2. A further press filter and tanks to allow a second pulpation process to give a further recovery of vanadium, taking the average overall recovery of vanadium from catalysts treated to over 90%;

3. A further press filter and tanks to allow for recrystallisation of ammonium metavanadate ("AMV"), an essential step in producing a high purity product as required for electrolyte purposes;

4. Improved molybdenum processes to increase recovery to around 90% depending on the raw material treated; and

   5.     Various additional equipment to contain production emissions. 

The Group received grant funding from the Kazakhstan National Scientific Council to develop the process and install equipment for the production of various oxides of vanadium suitable for use in electrolyte for vanadium redox flow batteries. The development work is in association with the Physical-Technical Institute of Almaty (part of the Satbayev University) who are building a laboratory in which a battery will be installed and electrolyte produced from the Group's oxides for test purposes.

Production

The second quarter of the year achieved the best production by the Group to date in terms of both tonnes of concentrates treated and tonnes of metal recovered across all product lines.

By comparison, production for the first quarter of the year was severely constrained by the availability of concentrate supply to the existing plant and is reflected in the corresponding production figures.

 
            2023           2022           2023               2022               2023            2022 
 Quarter       Tonnes         Tonnes           Tonnes             Tonnes           Tonnes          Tonnes 
             of vanadium    of vanadium    of molybdenum**    of molybdenum**    of nickel***    of nickel*** 
             pentoxide*     pentoxide* 
           -------------  -------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Q1                 31.3           81.1                6.5               11.3             9.7            25.1 
           -------------  -------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Q2                141.4           91.7               14.1               10.4            50.8            32.2 
           -------------  -------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------  -------------- 
 H1                172.7          172.8               20.6               21.7            60.5            57.3 
           -------------  -------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

* contained in AMV

** contained in ferro-molybdenum

*** contained in nickel concentrate

Outlook

The first half of 2023's output was constrained by a lack of raw materials, caused by continuing defaults of certain of the Group's suppliers. The Group responded by signing several new long-term and spot supply contracts but further delays to delivery were experienced. In response, the Group has made yet further changes to its suppliers and signed new contracts to secure future deliveries. The indications are that more material is being offered to the Group, allowing the Group to select the more reliable counterparties. Despite these setbacks, sufficient volumes of raw materials have been purchased and are en route to the Group's plant site to allow full production from mid to late September. Winter transport delays may impact on winter deliveries, albeit to a lesser extent than previously experienced.

Corporate

The Company's previously issued and outstanding bonds, amounting to US$1.1m at 31 December 2022, were redeemed at maturity during March 2023.

Subsequently, the Company launched a new Kazakhstan US$20m exempt offer bond programme ("the Programme") in July 2023. Cash proceeds generated by the Programme will be used, in general, to strengthen the Company's balance sheet and provide working capital for the existing operation.

The key features of the Programme are as follows:

- the Programme can comprise of one or more tranches of bonds, each listed on the Astana International Exchange ("AIX");

   -       the total nominal value of all tranches issued under Programme will not exceed US$20m; 

- only accredited investors resident in Kazakhstan will be eligible to invest in the Programme;

- bonds issued under the Programme will be denominated in either US dollars or Kazakhstan tenge;

   -       all bonds issued will rank as unsecured debt obligations of the Company; 

- the applicable coupon rate, duration, issue price and other relevant terms of any bonds issued under the Programme will be defined and determined by the terms and conditions of each tranche of bonds issued; and

- the Programme is governed by the laws and regulations of the Astana International Finance Centre and is valid until 31 July 2033.

Following the launch of the Programme, the Company listed the first tranche of bonds on the AIX on 27 July 2023 with the ability to raise an initial US$3 million. As at the date of this report, the first tranche of bonds has been materially sold and the cash proceeds received.

The Company is preparing to list a second tranche of bonds on the AIX during the course of September / October with the ability to raise a further US$5 million. The cash proceeds from the second tranche will be deployed to accelerate the development of the project, including front-end engineering.

Product prices in the period

Vanadium pentoxide

At the start of 2023, the price of vanadium pentoxide was around US$9.30/lb, rising slightly to between US$10.00/lb and US$10.50/lb for the period January to March inclusive, after which the price dropped to US$6.85/lb during June before recovering to around US$7.50/lb at the period end.

Ferro-molybdenum

At the start of 2023, the price of ferro-molybdenum was around US$79/kg rising sharply to a period high of US$101/kg in February before gradually falling to a period low of US$42/kg in April, after which prices stabilised at around US$50/kg for the balance of the period.

Earnings and cash flow

The Group generated total revenues of US$3.3m for the period (H1 2022: US$3.9m). The reduction in revenue reflects the reduced volumes of raw materials delivered to the existing plant for processing during the first quarter of the year.

The cost of sales for the period under review was US$3.6m in line with the first six months of 2022 (US$3.5m).

Administrative expenses for the period were US$1.3m (2022: US$1.2m).

The Group made a loss before and after tax of US$1.5m (2022: loss of US$0.7m).

Net cash outflows used in operating activities were US$1m (2022: cash outflow of US$0.5m). Net cash used in investing activities during the period was US$2.3m, an increase of US$0.6m in comparison to the prior period, reflecting the Group's continued investment in the Balasausqandiq feasibility study and planned upgrades to the plant at the existing processing operation. Net cash used in financing activities increased by US$1.1m between the periods due to the maturity and repayment of the Company's outstanding bonds in issue during March 2023.

Balance sheet review

At the period end, non-current assets totalled US$11.9m (2022: US$8.0m) reflecting the continued capitalisation of expenses incurred by the Group on the development of the Balasausqandiq feasibility study (as an exploration and evaluation asset) and capital additions made to the plant at the existing processing operation.

Current assets, excluding cash balances, totalled US$5.0m at the period end compared to US$4.8m for the prior period.

The Group held an aggregate cash balance of US$0.6m at the period end (2022: US$0.5m). As at the date of this report, the Group held an aggregate cash balance of US$1.8m.

The Group did not hold any significant or material non-current liabilities at the period end.

With respect to current liabilities, the reduction in the overall balance from US$4.2m at 30 June 2022 to US$3.0m at the period end can be attributed, in the main, to the repayment of the Company's outstanding bonds.

Environmental, social and governance

Both the existing operation and the planned process plant for Balasausqandiq will have a strongly positive environmental impact. The vanadium from production will benefit energy storage in both vanadium redox flow batteries, the front-running technology for fixed ground long-term energy storage, but also potentially in certain technologies for mobile batteries used in electric vehicles.

Furthermore, in both operations we are aiming to leave little or no residues from processing operations, since all the components of the ore are potentially useful. The CO(2) emissions created by our production at Balasausqandiq are expected to be a fraction of most other producers which generally require concentration and high-temperature roasting to liberate the vanadium. The carbon concentrate which we plan to market as a replacement for carbon black is produced without burning hydrocarbons, as is the usual production process.

Description of principal risks, uncertainties and how they are managed

   (a)   Current processing operations 

Current processing operations make up a small part of the Company's expected future value but are expected to provide useful cash flows in the near term and allow the Group to gain valuable experience of the vanadium industry. The principal risks of this operation are the prices of its products (vanadium, molybdenum and nickel), availability of vanadium bearing concentrates and the efficiency of recovery of products from those concentrates.

The Group is constantly reviewing the market opportunities for supplies of vanadium bearing concentrates. The Group aims to extract all the useful components of the raw materials so that no residues remain on site and so maximum value is obtained from each tonne treated. By this means, we aim to be one of the most efficient and lowest cost secondary vanadium treatment plants so that our competitive position reduces the danger of high prices for raw materials making the operation uneconomic.

   (b)   Balasausqandiq project 

The Balasausqandiq project is a much larger contributor to the Company's value than the current processing operation and is primarily dependent on long-term vanadium prices.

The project is dependent on raising finance to meet projected capital costs (see below) and the successful construction and commissioning of the project's proposed mine processing facilities. It is not unusual for new mining projects to experience unforeseen problems, incur unexpected costs and be exposed to delays during construction, commissioning, and initial production, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial position. The Company has taken steps to mitigate such potential adverse effects by engaging globally recognised engineers and consultants to assist with the development and design of the key elements of the project in addition to the Group's own highly qualified workforce.

   (c)    Geopolitical situation 

The Directors remain vigilant of the situation created by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The continued main risk of the conflict is to the Group's transport routes, many of which involve transit through Russia. Whilst these are currently operating without issue, sanctions have been made against Russian and Belorussian vehicles transiting through Europe (but not against vehicles registered in other jurisdictions in the region such as Kazakhstan). There is a risk that further sanctions might prevent transit through Russia. The Company continues to review alternative transit routes for raw material imports and product exports through the West of Kazakhstan, either via the Caspian Sea or overland south of the Caspian Sea. Routes to China are working normally.

With respect to the global sanctions imposed on certain Russian entities and individuals, the Group monitors the implications of those sanctions on the Group's trading activities on an ongoing basis.

   (d)   Financing risk 

The Balasausqandiq project will require substantial funds to be raised in debt and possibly further equity which will be dependent upon market conditions at the time and the successful completion of the Stage 1 feasibility study.

The existing operation is fully developed and operating well and, subject to the uncertainty over vanadium bearing concentrate availability, prices and costs, is forecast to make profits going forward.

In March of 2021 the Company signed an investment agreement with Vision Blue Resources Limited ("Vision Blue"). Under the terms of this agreement and in addition to Vision Blue's participation in the 2022 equity fundraise, investments totalling US$14.3m have already been made and Vision Blue has the right to subscribe a further US$2.5m at the original deal price of 9 pence per share at any time up to two months after the announcement of the Stage 1 feasibility study. Vision Blue also has further options to subscribe up to US$30m at higher prices to partially finance the construction of the Balasausqandiq project.

The favourable financial and other characteristics of the project determined by studies so far completed give the Directors confidence that the outcome of the Stage 1 feasibility study will be successful. Initial discussions with potential providers of debt finance have been encouraging.

   (e)   Climate change risk 

The Group has not identified any particular climate change related scenarios that would likely have a significant impact on the Balasausqandiq project or the existing operation. The existing operation already functions in an environment that is subject to extreme weather conditions and is, therefore, considered to have a strong resilience to existing and future climate-related scenarios.

   (f)    Risks associated with the developing nature of the Kazakh economy 

According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan has transitioned from lower-middle-income to upper-middle-income status in less than two decades. Kazakhstan's regulatory environment has similarly developed and the Company believes that the period of rapid change and high risk is coming to an end. Nevertheless, the economic and social regulatory environment continues to develop and there remain some areas where regulatory risk is greater than in developed economies.

   (g)   Commodity price risk 

As already noted above, the success of the Company is dependent upon the long-term prices of the products to be produced by the planned mine processing facilities. As a result of there being no formally established trading markets for the Company's principal products from the project, there is a risk that price fluctuations and volatility for these products may have an adverse impact on the Company's future financial performance

Condensed unaudited Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                                                      Unaudited 
                                                                      six-month 
                                                                     period ended 
                                                                       30 June 
                                                   Unaudited          2022 $000 
                                                                                          Audited 
                                                    six-month                               year 
                                                     period 
                                                      ended                                 ended 
                                                     30 June                             31 December 
                                                      2023                                  2022 
                                           Note       $000                                  $000 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
Revenue from customers (pricing 
 at shipment)                               2           3 ,410              4,327            6 , 773 
    Other revenue ( adjustments 
     to price after delivery and 
     fair value changes)                    2           ( 9 6)              (417)              (502) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
Total revenue                               2           3 ,314              3,910              6,271 
                                                                          ( 3,541            ( 7,516 
Cost of sales                               3          (3,565)                  )                  ) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
Gross (loss) / profit                                    (251)                369            (1,245) 
Other income                                4               13                 12                 77 
                                                                                             ( 2,545 
Administrative expenses                     5          (1,337)            (1,154)                  ) 
Distribution expenses                                     (66)             ( 52 )            ( 265 ) 
Other expenses                              6             (47)                  -              (426) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
                                                                                             ( 4,404 
Loss from operating activities                         (1,688)            ( 825 )                  ) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
Net finance income                          8              158                131                118 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
                                                                                           ( 4 , 286 
Loss before income tax                                 (1,530)            ( 694 )                  ) 
                                                 =============      =============      ============= 
 
  Income tax                                                 -                  -                  - 
                                                                    ============= 
                                                                                           ( 4 , 286 
Loss for the period                                    (1,530)            ( 694 )                  ) 
                                                                    ============= 
 
      Other comprehensive income / (loss) 
  Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
               to profit or loss 
Exchange differences arising 
 on translation of foreign 
 operations                                                496              (834)              (541) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
Total comprehensive loss 
 for the period                                        (1,034)            (1,528)            (4,827) 
                                                 =============      =============      ============= 
Loss per share (basic and 
 diluted)                                  16        (0.0 0 3)          (0.0 0 2)            (0.011) 
                                                 -------------      -------------      ------------- 
 

These condensed unaudited financial statements were approved by the directors on 8 September 2023 and signed by:

_____________________________

William Callewaert

Director

Condensed unaudited Statement of Financial Position

for the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                            Unaudited       Unaudited 
                                                                                      Audited 
                                             3 0 June        3 0 June               31 December 
                                               2023            2022                    2022 
                                 Note          $000            $000                     $000 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment     9          6,072           4,624                    5,434 
Exploration and evaluation 
 assets                          10          5,581           2,819                    4,208 
Intangible assets                11            20              19                       19 
Prepayments                      14           185             575                     1,273 
                                                           ---------- 
      Total non-current assets                 11,858        8,037                    10,934 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                      12             2,015           2,422                 1,628 
                                              1 , 8 9 
Trade and other receivables      1 3                2           1,356                 1,151 
Prepayments                      14             1,115           1,043                  911 
     Cash and cash equivalents   15               606             542                 4,331 
                                                           ---------- 
          Total current assets                  5,628           5,363                 8,021 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
Total assets                                  17, 486          13,400                 18,955 
                                           ==========      ==========              ============ 
 
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
Equity 
Share capital                    16          50,827            41,252                 50,827 
Convertible loan notes           16          4,019              4,019                 4,019 
Additional paid-in capital                    397                 397                  397 
Share-based payment reserve                    5                    -                   5 
Foreign currency translation 
 reserve                                    (3,665)           (4,454)                (4,161) 
Accumulated losses                          (37,204)         (32,082)                (35,674) 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
Total equity                                   14,379           9,132                 15,413 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Provisions                                         33              45                   33 
                                                           ---------- 
Total non-current liabilities                      33              45                   33 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
 
Current liabilities 
Loans and borrowings             17            -                1,390                 1,108 
Trade and other payables         18          3, 074             2,404                 2,383 
Payables at FVTPL                19            -                  405                   - 
Interest payable                 17            -                   24                   18 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
Total current liabilities                      3, 074           4,223                 3,509 
                                           ----------                              ------------ 
Total liabilities                              3, 107           4,268                 3,542 
                                           ----------      ----------              ------------ 
                                             1 7 , 
Total equity and liabilities                   486             13,400                 18,955 
                                           ==========      ==========              ============ 
 

Condensed unaudited Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30 June 2023

 
                                                                   Foreign 
                                        Additional  Share-based    currency 
                  Share    Convertible    paid in     payment     translation     Accumulated 
                  capital   loan notes    capital     reserve       reserve          losses         Total 
                   $000        $000        $000         $000         $000             $000           $000 
                 --------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------------  ------- 
Balance at 1 
 January 2022      41,252        4,019         397            -       (3,620)            (31,388)   10,660 
Loss for the 
 year                   -            -           -            -             -             (4,286)  (4,286) 
Other 
comprehensive 
expenses 
Exchange 
 differences 
 arising on 
 translation 
 of foreign 
 operations             -            -           -            -         (541)                   -    (541) 
                 --------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------------  ------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 loss for the 
 year                   -            -           -            -         (541)             (4,286)  (4,827) 
                 --------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------------  ------- 
Transactions 
with owners, 
recorded 
directly in 
equity 
Shares issued, 
 net of issue 
 costs              9,575            -           -            -             -                   -    9,575 
Other 
 transactions 
 recognised 
 directly 
 in equity              -            -           -            5             -                   -        5 
                                                    ----------- 
Balance at 30 
 June 2022         41,252        4,019         397            -       (4,454)            (32,082)    9,132 
                 ========  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ==================  ======= 
Balance at 31 
 December 2022     50,827        4,019         397            5       (4,161)            (35,674)   15,413 
                 ========  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ==================  ======= 
Balance at 1 
 January 2023      50,827        4,019         397            5       (4,161)            (35,674)   15,413 
Loss for the 
 period                 -            -           -            -             -             (1,530)  (1,530) 
Other 
comprehensive 
expenses 
Exchange 
 differences 
 arising on 
 translation 
 of foreign 
 operations             -            -           -            -           496                   -      496 
                 --------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------------  ------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 loss for the 
 period                 -            -           -            -           496             (1,530)  (1,034) 
                 --------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------------  ------- 
Transactions 
with owners, 
recorded 
directly in 
equity 
Shares issued,                                   - 
net of issue 
costs                   -            -                        -             -                   -        - 
Other                                            - 
transactions 
recognised 
directly 
in equity               -            -                        -             -                   -        - 
                                                    ----------- 
Balance at 30 
 June 2023         50,827        4,019         397            5       (3,665)            (37,204)   14,379 
                 ========  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ==================  ======= 
 
 
Condensed unaudited Statement 
 of Cash Flows for the six months 
 ended 30 June 2023 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
                                                     Unaudited         Unaudited 
                                                     six-month          six-month      Audited 
                                                                         period 
                                                    period ended          ended       year ended 
                                                                         30 June      31 December 
                                                    30 June 2023          2022           2022 
                                                        $000              $000           $000 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
Cash flows from operating activities       Note 
Loss for the period                                      (1,530)            (694)         (4,286) 
Adjustments for: 
                                            3, 
Depreciation and amortisation                5               210              269             505 
Write-off of property, plant 
 and equipment                                                 -                -              54 
Write-down of inventory to net 
 realisable value                                              -                -             160 
Share-based payment expense                                    -                -               5 
Net finance gains                           8              (158)            (131)           (118) 
                                                  -------------- 
Cash used in operating activities 
 before changes in working capital                       (1,478)            (556)         (3,680) 
Change in inventories                                      (387)            (516)             312 
Change in trade and other receivables                  ( 7 4 1 )          (1,256)         (1,035) 
Change in prepayments                                        884            (137)           (584) 
Change in trade and other payables                         6 8 3            1,583           1,555 
Change in receivables / payables 
 at FVTPL                                                      -              419               - 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
Net cash used in operating activities                    (1,039)            (463)         (3,432) 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of property, plant 
 and equipment                              9              (773)            (361)         (1,466) 
Acquisition of exploration and 
 evaluation assets                          10           (1,481)          (1,385)         (2,871) 
Acquisition of intangible assets            11               (1)              (1)             (1) 
Proceeds on fixed asset disposal                               -                -              36 
                                                  -------------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                    (2,255)          (1,747)         (4,302) 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of share 
 capital                                    16                 -                -          10,000 
Transaction costs on shares subscription    16                 -                -           (425) 
Repayment of borrowings                     17           (1,112)                -           (300) 
Interest paid                               17              (32)             (41)            (82) 
                                                  -------------- 
Net cash used in financing activities                    (1,144)             (41)           9,193 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
 
Net (decrease) / increase in 
 cash and cash equivalents                               (4,438)          (2,251)           1,459 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 the beginning of the period                15             4,331            2,810           2,810 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
Effect of movements in exchange 
 rates on cash and cash equivalents                          713             (17)              62 
                                                  --------------      -----------   ------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at 
 the end of the period                                       606              542           4,331 
                                                  ==============      ===========   ============= 
 

Notes to the Condensed unaudited Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2023

   1          (a) Basis of preparation 

These Condensed unaudited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS") on a going concern basis.

The same accounting policies and basis of preparation have been followed as adopted in the annual financial statements of the Group which were published on 27 April 2023.

(b) Going concern

The Directors have reviewed the Group's cash flow forecasts for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements, together with sensitivities and mitigating actions. In addition, the Directors have given specific consideration to the continued risks and uncertainties associated with the geopolitical situation with respect to Russia and Ukraine.

The Group has the plant facilities and capacity in place to operate profitably and although the amount of those profits available to fund the Stage 1 feasibility study and investment programme may vary with metal prices and other factors, the Directors are confident that the Company has sufficient resources to continue as a going concern for at least the next 12 months.

(c) Use of estimates and judgements

Preparing the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Carrying value of processing operations

The Directors have tested the existing operation's property, plant and equipment ("PP&E") for impairment (Note 9) at 30 June 2023. In doing so, net present value cash flow forecasts were prepared using the value in use method which required key estimates including vanadium pentoxide, ferro-molybdenum and nickel prices, production including the impact of ongoing PP&E maintenance costs and an appropriate discount rate. Key estimates included:

-- Production volumes of 64 tonnes per month of vanadium pentoxide (as AMV), 6 tonnes of molybdenum (as ferro-molybdenum) and 41 tonnes of nickel (as nickel concentrate).

-- Average prices of vanadium pentoxide of US$7.5/lb, ferro-molybdenum of US$50/kg and nickel of US$20/kg in 2023 and thereafter, reflecting management estimates having consideration of market commentary less a discount, and used by the Company as a long-term assumption for other planning purposes.

   --    Discount rate of 10% post tax in real terms. 

Based on the key assumptions set out above, the recoverable amount of PP&E (US$31.8m) exceeds its carrying amount (US$6.1m) by US$25.7m and, therefore, PP&E has not been impaired.

Inventories (Note 12)

The Group holds material inventories which are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. The assessment of net realisable value requires consideration of future cost to process and sell and spot market prices at the period end less applicable discounts. The estimates are based on market data and historical trends.

Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 10)

The Group holds material exploration and evaluation assets and judgement is applied in determining whether impairment indicators exist under the Group's accounting policy. In determining that no impairment indicator exists management have considered the Competent Person's Report on the asset, the strategic plans for exploration and future development and the status of the Subsoil Use Agreement ("SUA"). Judgement was required in determining that a current application for deferral of obligations under the SUA will be granted and management anticipate such approvals being provided given their understanding of the Kazakh market and plans for the asset.

(d) Unaudited status

These Condensed unaudited Financial Statements have not been audited or reviewed by the Group's auditor.

   2          Revenue 
 
                                      Unaudited             Unaudited             Audited 
                                      six-month             six-month            year ended 
                                     period ended          period ended          31 December 
                                                                                    2022 
                                       30 June             30 June 2022             $000 
                                         2023 
                                         $000                  $000 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       -------------- 
 Sales of vanadium products            2,340                 3,343                 5,163 
 Sales of ferro-molybdenum              955                   897                  1,509 
 Sales of nickel products               109                    87                   86 
 Service revenue                         6                     -                    15 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       -------------- 
 Total revenue from customers 
  under IFRS 15                             3,410            4,327                 6,773 
                                  ===============       ===============       ============== 
 Other revenue (adjustments to 
  price after delivery and fair 
  value changes)                             (96)            (417)                 (502) 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       -------------- 
 Total revenue                              3,314            3,910                 6,271 
                                  ===============       ===============       ============== 
 

Vanadium products

Under certain sales contracts the single performance obligation is the delivery of products to the designated delivery point at which point possession, title and risk on the product transfers to the buyer. The buyer makes an initial provisional payment based on volumes and quantities assessed by the Company and market spot prices at the date of shipment. The final payment is received once the product has reached its final destination with adjustments for quality / quantity and pricing. The final pricing is based on the historical average market prices during a quotation period based on the date the product reaches the port of destination and an adjusting payment or receipt will be made to the revenue initially received. Where the final payment for a shipment made prior to the end of an accounting period has not been determined before the end of that period, the revenue is recognised based on the spot price that prevails at the end of the accounting period.

Other revenue related to the change in the fair value of amounts receivable and payable under the sales contracts between the date of initial recognition and the period end resulting from market prices are recorded as other revenue.

   3          Cost of sales 
 
                                       Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                       six-month           six-month           Audited 
                                      period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                              31 December 
                                      30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                          $000                $000               $000 
                                    --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Materials                                    2,651               2,738              5,863 
Wages, salaries and related taxes              538                 451                937 
Depreciation                                   190                 254                406 
Electricity                                     42                  74                111 
Other                                          144                  24                199 
                                    --------------      --------------      ------------- 
                                             3,565               3,541              7,516 
                                    ==============      ==============      ============= 
 
   4          Other income 
 
                                Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                six-month           six-month           Audited 
                               period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                       31 December 
                               30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                   $000                $000               $000 
                             --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Currency conversion gain                  8                   8                 41 
Other (sales of equipment)                5                   4                 36 
                                         13                  12                 77 
                             ==============      ==============      ============= 
 
   5          Administrative expenses 
 
                                           Unaudited           Unaudited            Audited 
                                           six-month            six-month          year ended 
                                          period ended           period            31 December 
                                                                  ended               2022 
                                          30 June 2023           30 June              $000 
                                                                  2022 
                                              $000                $000 
                                       ---------------       ------------       -------------- 
 Wages, salaries and related taxes                 867                633            1,619 
 Professional services                              61                163                  263 
 Taxes other than income tax                         -                  -                   15 
 Listing and reorganisation expenses                97                 13                  162 
 Audit                                             126                 57                  111 
 Materials                                          24                 43                   37 
 Rent                                               17                 18                   53 
 Depreciation and amortisation                      20                 15                   99 
 Insurance                                           2                  2                   44 
 Bank fees                                          12                 15                   23 
 Travel expenses                                    13                 10                   16 
 Security                                            -                  7                    - 
 Communication and information 
  services                                           8                  6                   12 
 Other                                              90                172                   91 
                                       ---------------       ------------       -------------- 
                                                 1,337              1,154                2,545 
                                       ===============       ============       ============== 
 
   6          Other expenses 
 
                                    Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                    six-month           six-month           Audited 
                                   period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                           31 December 
                                   30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                       $000                $000               $000 
                                 --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Currency conversion loss                     27                   -                204 
Write-down of inventory to net 
 realisable value                             -                   -                160 
Write-down of obsolete assets                 -                   -                 54 
Share-based payment expense                   -                   -                  5 
Other                                        20                   -                  3 
                                 --------------      --------------      ------------- 
                                             47                   -                426 
                                 ==============      ==============      ============= 
 
   7          Personnel costs 
 
                                       Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                       six-month           six-month           Audited 
                                      period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                              31 December 
                                      30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                          $000                $000               $000 
                                    --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Wages, salaries and related taxes            1,610               1,083              2,569 
                                             1,610               1,083              2,569 
                                    ==============      ==============      ============= 
 

Personnel costs of US$495,000 (2022: US$421,000) have been charged to cost of sales, US$867,000 (2022: US$633,000) to administrative expenses and US$248,000 (2022: US$29,000) were charged to cost of inventories which were not yet sold as at the end of the period.

   8          Finance costs 
 
                                               Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                               six-month           six-month           Audited 
                                              period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                                      31 December 
                                              30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                                  $000                $000               $000 
                                            --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Net foreign exchange gain                            (175)               (172)              (195) 
Interest expense on financial liabilities 
 (bonds)                                                17                  41                 77 
Net finance income                                   (158)               (131)              (118) 
                                            ==============      ==============      ============= 
 
   9          Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                Land and   Plant and                               Construction 
                                buildings   equipment  Vehicles  Computers  Other   in progress   Total 
                                  $000        $000       $000       $000     $000      $000        $000 
                               ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----  ------------  ------- 
Cost 
Balance at 1 January 2022           2,060       2,639       509         39    102         2,632    7,981 
Additions                              35          85         -          1     11           229      361 
Disposals                               -           -      (17)          -      -             -     (17) 
Foreign currency translation 
 difference                         (150)       (194)      (36)        (3)    (8)         (196)    (587) 
                               ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----  ------------  ------- 
Balance at 30 June 2022             1,945       2,530       456        3 7    105         2,665    7,738 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
Balance at 31 December 2022         1,959       2,723       458         43    174         3,448    8,805 
Additions                          -              254     -              1      8           510      773 
Transfers                         255              46     -              -      -         (301)        - 
Disposals                          -              (4)         -          -    (5)             -      (9) 
 Foreign currency translation 
                   difference          35          51     10             -      3            64      163 
                               ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----  ------------  ------- 
Balance at 30 June 2023             2,249       3,070       468     44        180         3,721    9,732 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Depreciation 
 
 
Balance at 1 January 2022             688       2,028       327         28     47       -          3,118 
Depreciation for the period            34         186        17          3      5       -            245 
Disposals                               -           -      (17)          -      -       -           (17) 
Foreign currency translation 
 difference                          (51)       (152)      (23)        (2)   (4)        -          (232) 
                               ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----  ------------  ------- 
Balance at 30 June 2022               671       2,062       304         29     48       -          3,114 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
Balance at 31 December 
 2022                                 708     2 , 256       322         28     57       -        3 , 371 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
Balance at 1 January 2023             708     2 , 256       322         28     57       -        3 , 371 
Depreciation for the period            45         165        16          2      7       -            235 
Disposals                               -         (4)         -          -    (5)       -            (9) 
Foreign currency translation 
 difference                            12          41         7          1      2       -             63 
                               ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----  ------------  ------- 
Balance at 30 June 2023               765       2,458       345         31     61       -          3,660 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
Carrying amounts 
At 1 January 2022                   1,372         611       182         11     55     2,632        4,863 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
At 30 June 2022                     1,274         468       152          8     57         2,665    4,624 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
At 31 December 2022                 1,251         467       136         15    117         3,448    5,434 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
At 30 June 2023                     1,484         612       123         13    119         3,721    6,072 
                               ==========  ==========  ========  =========  =====  ============  ======= 
 

Depreciation expense of US$190,000 (2022: US$254,000) has been charged to cost of sales, excluding cost of finished goods that were not sold at the period end, US$20,000 (2022: US$15,000) to administrative expenses, and US$67,000 has been charged to cost of finished goods that were not sold at the end of the period (2022: US$21,000).

Construction in progress relates to upgrades to the processing plant associated with the expansion of the facility.

   10        Exploration and evaluation assets 

The Group's exploration and evaluation assets ("E&EA") relate to the Balasausqandiq deposit. During the six month period ended 30 June 2023, the Group capitalised the cost of geotechnical drilling work, technical design, sample assaying and project management costs, all relating to the Company's Stage 1 feasibility study. As at 30 June 2023, the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets was US$5.6 m (2022: US$2.8m).

 
                                             Unaudited           Unaudited 
                                             six-month           six-month           Audited 
                                            period ended        period ended        year ended 
                                                                                    31 December 
                                            30 June 2023        30 June 2022           2022 
                                                $000                $000               $000 
                                          --------------      --------------      ------------- 
Balance at 1 January                               4,208               1,434              1,434 
Additions (Stage 1feasibility study)               1,481               1,653              2,871 
Foreign currency translation difference            (108)               (268)               (97) 
Balance at 30 June / 31 December                   5,581               2,819              4,208 
                                          ==============      ==============      ============= 
 
   11        Intangible assets 
 
                                 Mineral                  Computer 
                                  rights    Patents        software     Total 
                                   $000       $000           $000        $000 
                                --------   --------      ----------   -------- 
 Cost 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2022                             88         33              3          124 
 Additions                          -          1              -           1 
 Foreign currency translation 
  difference                       (6)        (3)             -          (9) 
                                --------   --------      ----------   -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 
  2022                             82         31              3          116 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2022                             83         32              3          118 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2023                             83         32              3          118 
 Additions                          -          1              -           1 
 Foreign currency translation 
  difference                        1          1              -           2 
                                --------   --------      ----------   -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 
  2023                             84         34              3          121 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 
 
   Amortisation 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2022                             88         12              3          103 
 Amortisation for the 
  year                              -          1              -           1 
 Foreign currency translation 
  difference                       (6)        (1)             -          (7) 
                                --------   --------      ----------   -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 
  2022                             82         12              3          97 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2022                             83         13              3          99 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2023                             83         13              3          99 
 Amortisation for the 
  year                              -          1              -           1 
 Foreign currency translation 
  difference                        1          -              -           1 
                                --------   --------      ----------   -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 
  2023                             84         14              3          101 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 
 Carrying amounts 
 At 1 January 2022                  -         21              -          2 1 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 At 30 June 2022                    -         19              -          19 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 At 31 December 2022                -         19              -          19 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 At 30 June 2023                    -         20              -          20 
                                ========   ========      ==========   ======== 
 
 

During the six months ended 30 June 2023 and 2022, amortisation of intangible assets was charged to administrative expenses.

   12        Inventories 
 
                                       Unaudited 
                                                                              Audited 31 
                                      30 June 2023                           December 2022 
                                                           Unaudited 
                                                          30 June 2022 
                                          $000                $000                $000 
                                    --------------      --------------      -------------- 
Raw materials and consumables                1,422               2,223               1,379 
Finished goods                                 584                 192                 216 
Work in progress                                 9                   7                  33 
                                             2,015               2,422               1,628 
                                    ==============      ==============      ============== 
 
 

During the six months ended 30 June 202 3 , inventories expensed to profit and loss amounted to US$2.7m (six month period ended 30 June 2022:US$2.8m).

   13        Trade and other receivables 
 
  Current                             Unaudited             Unaudited             Audited 
                                                                                31 December 
                                                                                   2022 
                                     30 June 2023          30 June 2022 
                                         $000 
                                  --------------- 
                                                              $000                 $000 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       ------------- 
 Trade receivables from 
  third parties                               920                   351                  65 
 Due from employees                            55                    44                  50 
 VAT receivable                               920                   976               1,062 
 Other receivables                             64                    20                  10 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       ------------- 
                                          1 , 959                 1,391               1,187 
 Expected credit loss provision 
  for receivables                            (67)                  (35)                (36) 
                                  ---------------       ---------------       ------------- 
                                          1 , 892                 1,356               1,151 
                                  ===============       ===============       ============= 
 

The expected credit loss provision for receivable relates to credit impaired receivables which are in default and the Group considers the probability of collection to be remote given the age of the receivable and default status.

   14        Prepayments 
 
                                 Unaudited             Unaudited            Audited 31 
                                                                           December 2022 
                                30 June 2023          30 June 2022              $000 
                                    $000                  $000 
                             ---------------       ---------------       --------------- 
 Non-current 
  Prepayments                            185                   575                 1,273 
                             ---------------       ---------------       --------------- 
                                         185                   575                 1,273 
                             ===============       ===============       =============== 
 Current 
 Prepayments for goods and 
  services                             1,115                 1,043                   911 
                             ---------------       ---------------       --------------- 
                                       1,115                 1,043                   911 
                             ===============       ===============       =============== 
 
   15        Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                                   Unaudited           Unaudited             Audited 
                                                                           31 December 
                                                                              2022 
                                    30 June           30 June 2022             $000 
                                      2023 
                                      $000                $000 
                                 -----------       ---------------       ------------- 
 Cash at current bank accounts           592                   529               1,010 
 Cash at bank deposits                    13                    13               3,321 
 Petty cash                                1                     -                   - 
                                 -----------       ---------------       ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents               606                   542               4,331 
                                 ===========       ===============       ============= 
 
   16        Equity 
   (a)       Share capital 

Number of shares unless otherwise stated Ordinary shares

 
                                   Unaudited            Unaudited                  Audited 31 
                                  30 June 2023         30 June 2022               December 2022 
                                --------------  -------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Par value                             -                                -                          - 
 Outstanding at beginning of 
  period / year                   449,702,150                 377,676,799                377,676,799 
 Shares issued                         -                                -                 72,025,351 
                                --------------  -------------------------  ------------------------- 
 Outstanding at end of period 
  / year                          449,702,150                 377,676,799                449,702,150 
                                ==============  =========================  ========================= 
 

Ordinary shares

All shares rank equally. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.

The Company did not issue any ordinary shares during the period (2022: no ordinary shares issued during the period).

Convertible loan notes

Convertible loan notes are considered as equity as the conditions that are set out in the Convertible Loan Note agreement provide for conversion into equity in all circumstances except certain conditions that the Directors do not consider probable. In particular, the conditions required to be fulfilled before conversion takes place include an obligation on the Company to receive certain consents from the regulatory authorities and avoidance of the possibility of triggering a requirement for the issue of a prospectus.

Reserves

Share capital: Value of shares issued less costs of issuance.

Convertible loan notes: Further investment rights at issue price.

Additional paid in capital: Amounts due to shareholders which were waived.

Share-based payment: Share options issued during the period.

Foreign currency translation reserve: Foreign currency differences on retranslation of results from functional to presentational currency and foreign exchange movements on intercompany balances considered to represent net investments which are considered as permanent equity.

Accumulated losses: Cumulative net losses.

   (b)       Dividends 

N o dividends were declared for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (2022: US$ Nil).

   (c)       Loss per share (basic and diluted) 

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share has been based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding. There are no convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock, so basic and diluted losses are equal.

   (i)        Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (basic and diluted) 
 
                                         Unaudited           Unaudited          Audited year 
                                                                                   ended 
                                         six-month            six-month          31 December 
                                                                                    2022 
                                        period ended           period               $000 
                                                                ended 
                                        30 June 2023           30 June 
                                                                2022 
                                            $000                $000 
                                     ---------------       ------------       -------------- 
 Loss for the period, attributable 
  to owners of the Company               (1,530)                  (694)              (4,286) 
                                     ---------------       ------------       -------------- 
 Loss attributable to ordinary 
  shareholders                           (1,530)                  (694)              (4,286) 
                                     ===============       ============       ============== 
 
   (ii)       Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (basic and diluted) 
 
 Shares                                   Unaudited        Unaudited      Audited year 
                                          six-month        six-month          ended 
                                         period ended        period        31 December 
                                         30 June 2023        ended             2022 
                                                            30 June 
                                                              2022 
                                                        --------------   -------------- 
 Issued ordinary shares at 1 January 
  (after subdivision)                     449,702,150      377,676,799      377,676,799 
 Effect of shares issued (weighted)                 -                -       21,410,276 
                                       --------------   --------------   -------------- 
 Weighted-average number of ordinary 
  shares at period / year end            449,702,150       377,676,799      399,087,075 
                                       ==============   ==============   ============== 
 
 Loss per share of common stock 
  attributable to the Company: 
  (Basic and diluted / US$)                (0.003)             (0.002)          (0.011) 
                                       --------------   --------------   -------------- 
 
 
   17        Loans and borrowings 

In prior periods, the Company had issued unsecured three year term corporate bonds with varying effective interest rates that were listed on the AIX.

All of the Company's issued bonds in circulation at 1 January 2023 were redeemed by the Company on 24 March 2023.

 
 Current liabilities 
  Bonds payable (early repayment 
  rights)                               -     1,390     1,108 
 Interest payable                       -        24        18 
                                   ------  --------  -------- 
      -                                       1,414     1,126 
 ======                                    ========  ======== 
 

Non-cash transactions from financing activities are shown in the reconciliation of liabilities from financing transactions below.

 
 
 
                                               Unaudited              Unaudited 
                                               six-month              six-month              Audited year 
                                                                                           ended 31 December 
                                                                                                 2022 
                                              period ended           period ended                 $000 
                                                30 June              30 June 2022 
                                                  2023 
                                                  $000                   $000 
                                          ----------------       ----------------       -------------------- 
 At 1 January                                        1,127                  1,427                      1,427 
 Cash flows: 
 -Interest paid                                       (32)                   (41)                       (82) 
 -Repayment of loans and borrowings                (1,112)                      -                      (300) 
                                          ----------------       ----------------       -------------------- 
 Total                                                (17)                  1,386                      1,045 
                                          ================       ================       ==================== 
 
   Non-cash flows 
 
   *    Interest accruing in the period                 17                     41                         82 
                                          ----------------       ----------------       -------------------- 
 At 30 June / 31 December                                -                  1,427                      1,127 
                                          ================       ================       ==================== 
 
   18        Trade and other payables 
 
                                        Unaudited           Unaudited          Audited 31 
                                                                              December 2022 
                                       30 June 2023          30 June               $000 
                                                               2022 
                                           $000                $000 
                                    ---------------       -----------       --------------- 
 Trade payables                               2,550             2,130                 1,889 
 Debt to directors/key management 
  (Note 22)                                      11                75                   214 
 Debt to employees                              154                73                    99 
 Other taxes                                    225               116                   171 
 Advances received                              134                10                    10 
                                    ===============       ===========       =============== 
                                            3 , 074             2,404                 2,383 
 
   19        Payables at FVTPL 
 
                        Unaudited           Unaudited          Audited 31 
                                                              December 2022 
                       30 June 2023          30 June               $000 
                                               2022 
                           $000                $000 
                    ---------------       -----------       --------------- 
 Payables at FVTPL                -               405                     - 
                    ---------------       -----------       --------------- 
                                  -               405                     - 
                    ===============       ===========       =============== 
 
   20        Contingencies 
   (a)       Insurance 

The insurance industry in the Kazakhstan is in a developing state and many forms of insurance protection common in other parts of the world are not yet generally or economically available. The Group does not have full coverage for its plant facilities, business interruption or third party liability in respect of property or environmental damage arising from accidents on Group property or relating to Group operations. There is a risk that the loss or destruction of certain assets could have a material adverse effect on the Group 's operations and financial position.

   (b)       Taxation contingencies 

The taxation system in Kazakhstan is relatively new and is characterised by frequent changes in legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions which are often unclear, contradictory and subject to varying interpretations by different tax authorities. Taxes are subject to review and investigation by various levels of authorities which have the authority to impose severe fines, penalties and interest charges. A tax year generally remains open for review by the tax authorities for five subsequent calendar years but under certain circumstances a tax year may remain open for longer.

These circumstances may create tax risks in Kazakhstan that are more significant than in other countries. Management believes that it has provided adequately for tax liabilities based on its interpretations of applicable tax legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions. However, the interpretations of the relevant authorities could differ and the effect on these consolidated financial statements, if the authorities were successful in enforcing their interpretations, could be significant.

There are no tax claims or disputes at present.

   21        Segment reporting 

The Group's operations are split into three segments based on the nature of operations: processing, subsoil operations (being operations related to exploration and mining) and corporate segment for the purposes of IFRS 8 Operating Segments. The Group's assets are primarily concentrated in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Group's revenues are derived from operations in, and connected with, the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 
Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 
 2023 
                           Processing  Subsoil  Corporate   Total 
                              $000       $000      $000      $000 
                           ----------  -------  ---------  ------- 
Revenue                         3,314        -          -    3,314 
                                                           ( 3,565 
Cost of sales                 (3,565)        -          -        ) 
Other income                        8        -          5       13 
                                                           ( 1,337 
Administrative expenses       ( 402 )   ( 24 )    ( 911 )        ) 
Distribution & other 
 expenses                     ( 113 )        -          -  ( 113 ) 
Finance costs                    (40)        -        198      158 
                                                    ( 708 
Loss before tax                 (798)   ( 24 )          )  (1,530) 
                           ==========  =======  =========  ======= 
 
  Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2022 
                           Processing  Subsoil  Corporate   Total 
                              $000       $000      $000      $000 
                           ----------  -------  ---------  ------- 
Revenue                         3,910        -          -    3,910 
                              ( 3,541                      ( 3,541 
Cost of sales                       )        -          -        ) 
Other income                       12        -          -       12 
                                                           ( 1,154 
Administrative expenses       ( 466 )   (2 9 )    ( 659 )        ) 
Distribution & other 
 expenses                      ( 52 )        -          -   ( 52 ) 
Finance costs                     596        -    ( 465 )      131 
                           ----------  -------  ---------  ------- 
Loss before tax                   459     (29)    (1,124)    (694) 
                           ==========  =======  =========  ======= 
 
  Audited year ended 31 December 
  2022 
                           Processing  Subsoil  Corporate   Total 
                              $000       $000      $000      $000 
                           ----------  -------  ---------  ------- 
Revenue                         6,271        -          -    6,271 
                              ( 7,516                      ( 7,516 
Cost of sales                       )        -          -        ) 
Other income                       73        -          4       77 
                                                  ( 1,758  ( 2,545 
Administrative expenses       ( 763 )   ( 24 )          )        ) 
Distribution & other 
 expenses                     ( 691 )        -          -  ( 691 ) 
Finance costs                     531        -    ( 413 )      118 
                           ----------  -------  ---------  ------- 
Loss before tax               (2,095)     (24)    (2,167)  (4,286) 
                           ==========  =======  =========  ======= 
 

Included in revenue arising from processing are revenues of US$3.1m (2022: US$3.7m) which arose from sales to three of the Group' largest customers. No other single customer contributes 10 per cent or more to the Group's revenue.

All of the Group's assets are attributable to the Group's processing operations.

Sales to the Group's largest customers during the six months ended 30 June 2023 were as follows:

   Customer A        US$ 1.5m (46%) (2022:US$ 1.9m) 
   Customer B        US$ 1.5m (47%) (2022: US$1.1m) 
   Customer C        US$ 0.1m (4%) (2022: US$ 0.7m) 
   22        Related party transactions 

Transactions with management and close family members

Management remuneration

Key management personnel received the following remuneration during the year, which is included in personnel costs (see Note 7):

 
                                 Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                  six-month     six-month      year ended 
                                   period      period ended    31 December 
                                    ended      30 June 2022     2022 $000 
                                   30 June         $000 
                                    2023 
                                    $000 
                                -----------  --------------  ------------- 
 Wages, salaries and related 
  taxes                                 474             360            986 
                                ===========  ==============  ============= 
 

The amount of wages and salaries outstanding at 30 June 2023 is equal to US$11,000 (2022: US$75,000).

Other

The Company is party to a sub-let agreement between Turian Sports Horses Limited as head lessee and NH Limited as landlord for the rental of office space in Guernsey. Turian Sports Horses Limited is wholly owned by James Turian, one of the Company's directors and NH Limited is owned by James Turian and Sharon Turian, equally. Sums paid to NH Limited during the six months ended 30 June 2023 were US$10,667 (2022: US$7,445).

   23        Subsequent events 

On 27 July 2023, the Company launched a phased Kazakhstan US$20 million exempt offer bond programme valid until 31 July 2033.

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END

IR SSDFLUEDSEIU

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 11, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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