TIDMSML

RNS Number : 8682N

Strategic Minerals PLC

28 September 2023

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 until the release of this announcement.

28 September 2023

Strategic Minerals plc

("Strategic Minerals", "SML", the "Group" or the "Company")

Interim Results

Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDY), a producing mineral company actively developing critical minerals focused projects, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim profit for the half year ended 30 June 2023.

Financial Highlights

-- Maintained operating profitability with interim six-month pre-tax profit of US$54,000 (H1 2022: US$248,000) despite reduced sales in the period.

-- Continued after tax profit for the interim six months of US$38,000 (H1 2022: US$127,000) consistent with the drop in sales and tight control of overheads being maintained.

-- Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited ("CRL"), the Company lodged claims with the Deep Digital Cornwall project for US$114,000, with US$45,000 received in the first week of July.

-- US$347,000 invested in development projects during the period - Leigh Creek Copper Mine ("LCCM") US$188,000 and Redmoor Tin and Tungsten Mine ("Redmoor") US$159,000.

-- Unrestricted cash at 30 June 2023 was US$129,000 (31 Dec 2022: US$341,000), prior to the receipt of the US$45,000 DDC claim in the first week of July.

Corporate Highlights

In light of the reduced income from Cobre, management and Directors' cash remunerations have continued to be adjusted to ensure maintenance of cash balances at prudent operating levels. Currently, cash balances at the end of September are expected to be in line with the 30 June 2023 balance but to ensure these balances remain at reasonable operating levels for the remainder of the year, the Board is in advanced discussions with at least one supportive counterparty to provide a short-term working capital facility.

During the quarter, Shipleys LLP assumed the role of the Company's auditor after Jeffreys Henry vacated the position, due to staffing losses. This situation impacted a number of our AIM peers. However, the Company, with a highly organised and professional effort from Shipleys, was able to complete the audit before 30 June and meet the standard regulatory deadline.

As reported in the last quarterly RNS, Jeff Harrison, Non-Executive Board member, retired as a Board member at the end of April 2023 with no replacement appointed yet.

June Quarter Cobre Sales

In line with the "Update on Projects" released on 14 July 2023, there will be no June Quarter report this year, or in the future. However, to maintain reporting to shareholders on the sales at Cobre, s ales comparisons on quarterly and annual periods to 30 June 2023, along with associated volume details, are shown in the table below:

 
                          Tonnage                              Sales (US$'000) 
                                                                                      --- 
   Year      3 months to June      12 months to          3 months to      12 months to 
                                    June                  June             June 
   2023           4,162            23,856                   367             1,898 
   2022           10,711           38,825                   666             2,429 
   2021           12,130           48,964                   740             2,890 
 
 

Commenting, John Peters, Managing Director of Strategic Minerals, said:

"The Company continues to respond to the impact on Cobre sales from the dip in US economic growth. In line with this, the Company has maintained a tight control on overheads and is looking to source short term funding to ensure adequate cash balances are available for planned operations, thus avoiding unnecessary dilution.

" The recent significant investment secured by Cornish Lithium ("CL") has focused attention on the revival in Cornish mining and helps to highlight the underlying value of the Redmoor project. CRL continues to work together with CL on the Deep Digital Cornwall project, we congratulate them and look forward to continuing collaborations with them.

"Despite the disappointment of not achieving grant funding on the first attempt, the CRL team made a significant, credible submission which has provided valuable experience for its subsequent application. Engagement continues with both Cornwall Council and other local stakeholders. Recent encouraging discussions with various parties leave us confident of progress.

"The sterling effort of our auditors, Shipleys, and of our CFO, Karen Williams, in masterfully executing the Company's audit, despite substantial time constraints, should be applauded.

"The Board looks forward to a more active period of news flow during the final quarter of 2023."

 
For further information, please contact: 
 
                                                         +61 (0) 414 727 
Strategic Minerals plc                                    965 
John Peters 
Managing Director 
Website:       www.strategicminerals.net 
Email:         info@strategicminerals.net 
 
Follow Strategic Minerals on: 
Vox Markets:   https://www.voxmarkets.co.uk/company/SML/ 
Twitter:       @SML_Minerals 
LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-minerals-plc 
 
 
                                                         +44 (0) 20 3470 
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP                            0470 
Nominated Adviser and Broker 
Matthew Johnson 
Charlie Bouverat 
 
 

NOTES TO EDITORS

Strategic Minerals is an AIM-quoted, profitable operating minerals company actively developing projects tailored to materials expected to benefit from strong demand in the future. It has an operation in the United States of America along with development projects in the UK and Australia. The Company is focused on utilising its operating cash flows, along with capital raisings, to develop high quality projects aimed at supplying the metals and minerals likely to be highly demanded in the future.

In September 2011, Strategic Minerals acquired the distribution rights to the Cobre magnetite tailings dam project in New Mexico, USA, a cash-generating asset, which it brought into production in 2012 and which continues to provide a revenue stream for the Company. This operating revenue stream is utilised to cover company overheads and invest in development projects aimed at supplying the metals and minerals likely to be highly demanded in the future.

In May 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with New Age Exploration Limited and, in February 2017, acquired 50% of the Redmoor Tin/Tungsten project in Cornwall, UK. The bulk of the funds from the Company's investment were utilised to complete a drilling programme that year. The drilling programme resulted in a significant upgrade of the resource. This was followed in 2018 with a 12-hole 2018 drilling programme has now been completed and the resource update that resulted was announced in February 2019. In March 2019, the Company entered into arrangements to acquire the balance of the Redmoor Tin/Tungsten project which was settled on 24 July 2019 by way of a vendor loan which was fully repaid on 26 September 2020.

In March 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of the Leigh Creek Copper Mine situated in the copper rich belt of South Australia and brought the project temporarily into production in April 2019. In July 2021, the project was granted a conditional approval by the South Australian Government for a Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) in relation to mining of its Paltridge North deposit and processing at the Mountain of Light installation. In late September 2022, an updated PEPR, addressing the conditions associated with the July 2021 approval, was approved.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

It is well documented that 2022 and the first half of 2023 has been a difficult time on AIM. Despite this uncertainty, I am pleased that the Company has been able to maintain profitable trading, despite a significant drop in sales at Cobre. This is a particularly challenging period for markets, and the world, but I have faith that Strategic Minerals is well placed to weather this storm and that the Board and Management will help the Company capitalise on the valuable assets it has secured and developed.

Financial results

The Company continued its underlying profitable performance in the first half of 2023, when many businesses succumbed to cash flow and profitability impacts arising from the pandemic overhang, Ukraine war and evaporation of funding support on the AIM market.

With the drop in sales at Cobre and coupled with a challenging equity market environment, the Company's ability to secure funding to progress its development projects and general development processes have been impacted. Adjustments to operations have been made with the Company successfully reducing overheads by 13% in the first half of the year before allowing for capitalisation of director fees associated with projects.

Unrestricted cash on hand at 30 June 2023 was US$129,000 with a further US$45,000 re-imbursement from the DDC project dropping into the Company's account in the first week of July. However, in acknowledging the need to maintain prudent cash flow, the Company is seeking short-term debt financing. It is considered that this is the least dilutive approach to maintain prudent operating cash levels, at this time.

Strategic Focus

The current drop in sales at Cobre has caused a greater focus on bringing strategic investors (Joint venture/purchasers) to the table in relation to both Redmoor and LCCM. Significant efforts have been made in this area for over a year and more recent interactions have been particularly positive in relation to Redmoor.

Cobre Operations

During the first six months of 2023, sales at Cobre were still profitable despite a significant fall in sales compared to prior periods, due to its major client suspending orders. Adjustments were made in personnel hours and SMG continues to deal with enquiries in relation to its magnetite product, although increased transport costs, caused by higher oil prices, does impact potential new sales.

The first half of the year also saw the receiver for CV Investments making progress towards the first distribution in relation to the Receivership, however, it now appears that any payment to SMG will not be a material amount.

Leigh Creek Copper Mine ("LCCM")

Currently, the Company is working with two unrelated parties who have expressed an interest in the sulphide exploration potential of the project. These parties have signed confidentiality agreements, accessed our data room and have undertaken their own due diligence, although no site visit has been undertaken as yet.

Additionally, we have recently been approached by a party that is proposing an alternative approach to treating the copper oxide and we are currently investigating the feasibility of this approach.

Redmoor Tin-Tungsten Project ("Redmoor")

After feedback received on our comprehensive application for grant funds from the Shared Prosperity Fund ("SPF"), the CRL team, under tight time frame requirements, resubmitted a revised grant application which is currently being assessed, alongside other applications, by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Council ("CIoS").

During the second half of 2023, the team at Redmoor have/are intending to undertake:

-- Historic relogging and sampling on Redmoor's library of 14,000m of drill core which is expected to add to the understanding of the geology and mineral resource at Redmoor and potentially add to the existing JORC (2012) resource through additional sampling and modelling, without the need for expensive drilling.

-- Follow-up and expansion on work completed as part of Deep Digital Cornwall, with target generation and infill sampling underway.

-- Continued research and negotiation in consolidating and expanding CRL's mineral rights footprint in the highly prospective Cornwall region

   --      Collaboration with other parties on agreements which will utilise CRL's expertise and IP 

-- To work with an interested party currently accessing the CRL data room, answering further questions and providing requested information.

-- Follow up on the revised grant funding application lodged in early August and prepare for the proposed scope of works, and work to maximise the potential for a positive funding decision.

-- Attendance, by CRL's Project Manager and Senior Geologist, at the Society of Economic Geologists ("SEG") Conference in London and hosting the SEG field trip afterwards to Redmoor, as part of a wider Cornwall field trip of industry professionals.

-- Attendance, by CRL's Project Manager and Senior Geologist, at the Cornish Mining Conference in Falmouth and hosting a related site visit by industry professionals.

-- Hosting, in September 2023, a visit from HM Treasury which is part of a wider south west England visit to UK mining projects. The objective is to feedback to Government a better understanding of the extent of mining activities in the UK, as well as how best the Government can assist in the development of the returning industry.

   --      Hosting a local community update event in October 2023. 

Safety

The Company has a strong focus on safety issues and continues to maintain a high level of performance when it comes to safety. In the first half of 2023, there was an incident involving an employee receiving a "jolt" from a pothole at the Cobre pit. As a precaution, the employee was sent home for the afternoon and returned to work the next morning.

Again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Directors, our management and staff in New Mexico, South Australia and Cornwall, along with our advisers, for their support and hard work on our behalf during the period. Additionally, I would like to thank our clients, contractors, suppliers and partners for their continued backing.

I look forward to further progressing our key strategic goals in 2023 and pushing onto a brighter 2024.

Alan Broome AM

Non-Executive Chairman

28 September 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                                           6 months       6 months 
                                                                 to             to        Year to 
                                                            30 June        30 June    31 December 
                                                               2023           2022           2022 
                                                        (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                                              $'000          $'000          $'000 
 
 Continuing operations 
 
 Revenue                                                        782          1,329          2,446 
 Raw materials and consumables used.                          (137)          (256)          (494) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Gross profit                                                   645          1,073          1,952 
 
 Other income                                                     1              -             13 
 Overhead expenses                                            (457)          (637)        (1,252) 
 Amortisation                                                 (116)          (139)          (278) 
 Depreciation                                                   (8)           (16)           (16) 
 Share based payment                                              -           (12)           (12) 
 Foreign exchange gain/(loss)                                   (6)            (5)           (17) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Profit from operations                                          59            264            390 
 
 Finance expense                                                               (4)              - 
 Lease Interest                                                 (5)           (12)           (18) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Profit/ (loss) before taxation                                  54            248            372 
 
 Income tax (expense)/credit                                   (16)          (121)          (288) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 Profit for the period attributable 
  to: 
 Owners of the parent                                            38            127             84 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Exchange gains/(losses) arising 
  on translation 
  of foreign operations                                          22          (902)        (1,027) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Total comprehensive (loss)/income 
  attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent                                            60            775          (943) 
                                                          _________      _________      _________ 
 
 
 Profit/ (loss) per share attributable to the ordinary equity 
  holders of the parent: 
 Continuing activities - Basic                                c0.02          c0.08          c0.05 
                                          - Diluted           c0.02          c0.08          c0.05 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL        6 months       6 months 
  POSITION                                        to             to                                                Year to 
                                             30 June        30 June                                            31 December 
                                                2023           2022                                                   2022 
                                         (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)                                              (Audited) 
                                               $'000          $'000                                                  $'000 
 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible Asset                                533            553                                                    544 
 Deferred Exploration and evaluation 
  costs                                        5,367          4,886                                                  4,983 
 Other Receivables                               133            139                                                    136 
 Property, plant and equipment                 8,203          7,301                                                  8,223 
 Right of Use Assets                             469            568                                                    544 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
                                              14,705         13,447                                                 14,470 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                       5              2                                                      5 
 Trade and other receivables                     391            435                                     319 
 Income Tax prepaid                               13              -                                                     88 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       129            430                                                    341 
 Prepayments                                       -              1                                                     25 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
                                                 538            868                                                    779 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
 
 Total Assets                                 15,243         14,315                                                 15,248 
                                           _________      _________                                             ____ _____ 
 
 Equity and liabilities 
 Share capital                                 2,916          2,916                                                  2,916 
 Share premium reserve                        49,387         49,397                                                 49,387 
 Share options reserve                             -              -                                                      - 
 Merger reserve                               21,300         21,300                                                 21,300 
 Warrant Reserve                                   -            153                                                      - 
 Foreign exchange reserve                    (1,312)        (1,209)                                                (1,334) 
 Other reserves                             (23,023)       (23,023)                                               (23,023) 
 Accumulated loss                           (36,365)       (36,512)                                               (36,403) 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
 
 Total Equity                                 12,903         13,012                                                 12,843 
                                           _________      _________                                             ____ _____ 
 Liabilities 
 Non-Current Liabilities 
 Lease Liabilities                               230            317                                                    305 
 Provisions                                    1,166            405                                                  1,191 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
                                               1,396            722                                                  1,496 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
 Current liabilities 
 Income Tax Payable                              148              6                                                    261 
 Trade and other payables                        580            309                                                    366 
 Lease Liabilities                               216            266                                                    282 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
                                                 944            581                                                    909 
                                           _________      _________                                              _________ 
 Total Liabilities                             2,340          1,303                                                  2,405 
                                           _________      _________                                             ____ _____ 
 
 Total Equity and Liabilities                 15,243         14,315                                                 15,248 
                                           _________      _________                                             ____ _____ 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

 
                                             6 months 
                                                   to    6 months to        Year to 
                                              30 June        30 June    31 December 
                                                 2023           2022           2022 
                                          (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                                $'000          $'000          $'000 
 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 Profit/ (loss) after tax                          38            127             84 
 Adjustments for: 
 
 Depreciation of property, plant, 
  and equipment                                     8             16             16 
 Amortisation of Right of Use 
  asset                                           116            139            278 
 Finance expense                                    -              4              - 
 Income Tax expense                                16            121            288 
 (Increase) / decrease in inventory                 -              2            (1) 
 (Increase) / decrease in trade 
  and other receivables                         (149)             12            212 
 (Increase) / decrease in prepayments              25              3           (19) 
 Increase / (decrease) in trade 
  and other payables                              213             48           (42) 
 Increase /(decrease) in prepaid 
  income tax                                       75              -           (25) 
 Income tax paid                                 (53)           (52)           (27) 
 Share based payment expense                        -             12             11 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 Net cash flows from operating 
  activities                                      289            432            775 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Investing activities 
 Increase in PPE Development 
  Asset                                         (188)          (253)          (490) 
 Increase in PPE                                    -              -              - 
 Increase in deferred exploration 
  and evaluation asset                          (159)          (201)          (226) 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                                    (347)          (454)          (717) 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Financing activities 
 Net proceeds from issue of 
  equity share capital                              -              -              - 
 Lease Payments                                 (146)          (151)          (320) 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Net cash from financing activities             (146)          (151)          (320) 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Net increase / (decrease) 
  in cash and cash equivalents                  (204)          (173)          (262) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning of period                             341            611            611 
 Exchange gains / (losses) on 
  cash and cash equivalents                       (7)            (8)            (8) 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                                129            430            341 
                                            _________      _________      _________ 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                             Share                 Warrant    Share      Initial        Foreign 
                  Share       premium   Merger      Warrant    options   Re-structure    Exch.     Retained    Total 
                   capital    reserve    Reserve    Reserve    reserve   Reserve         reserve    earnings    equity 
                  $'000      $'000      $'000      $'000      $'000      $'000          $'000      $'000       $'000 
 
 Balance at 
  1 January 
  2022               2,916     49,387     21,300        153         97       (23,023)      (307)    (36,748)    13,775 
                   _______    _______    _______    _______    _______        _______    _______     _______   _______ 
 
 Profit for 
  the year               -          -          -          -          -              -          -          84        84 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  translation            -          -          -          -          -              -    (1,027)           -   (1,027) 
                                                                                         _______     _______   _______ 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss) 
  for the year           -          -          -          -          -              -    (1,027)          84     (943) 
 
 Share based 
  payments               -          -          -          -         11              -          -           -        11 
 
 Transfer                -          -          -      (153)      (108)              -          -         261         - 
 
                   _______    _______    _______    _______    _______        _______    _______     _______   _______ 
 Balance at 
  31 December 
  2022               2,916     49,387     21,300          -          -       (23,023)    (1,334)    (36,403)    12,843 
 
 Profit for 
  the period             -          -          -          -          -              -          -          38        38 
 Foreign 
  exchange 
  translation            -          -          -          -          -              -         22           -        22 
                                                                                         _______     _______   _______ 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -          -          -          -          -              -         22          38        60 
 
 
                   _______    _______    _______    _______    _______        _______    _______     _______   _______ 
 Balance at 
  30 June 2023       2,916     49,387     21,300          -          -       (23,023)    (1,312)    (36,365)    12,903 
                   _______    _______    _______    _______    _______        _______    _______     _______   _______ 
 

All comprehensive income is attributable to the owners of the parent Company.

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   1.   General Information 

Strategic Minerals Plc ("the Company") is a public company incorporated in England and Wales. The consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2023 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

   2.   Significant accounting policies 

Basis of preparation

In preparing these financial statements the presentational currency is US dollars. As the entire Group's revenues and majority of its costs, assets and liabilities are denominated in US dollars it is considered appropriate to report in this currency.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Standards and UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas where significant judgments and estimates have been made in preparing the financial statements and their effect are disclosed in note 2.

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the acquisition of LCCM and the valuation of certain investments which have been measured at fair value, not historical cost.

Going concern basis

The Directors have given careful consideration to the Group and Parent Company's (together "the Group") ability to continue as a going concern through review of cash flow forecasts prepared by management for the period to 31 March 2025, and a review of the key assumptions on which these are based and sensitivity analysis.

The Group's forward commitments include corporate overhead, which is actively managed in line with cash generated from the Cobre asset and costs associated with keeping exploration licences and mining leases current.

Group forecasts are based on Management's expectations of a recovery in sales, in the second half of 2023 and 2024, to 2021 levels. For the purposes of the consideration of the Group's ability to operate as a going concern, only non-discretionary expenditure on projects is included in the cash flow forecasts.

The Company forecasts that in order to have sufficient funds to meet all operating costs until March 2025, the Group is reliant on cash being generated from the Cobre asset in line with forecast and a funding by way of debt/equity or a combination of both would be required in the last quarter of 2023.

However, the Board considers additional funds will be required to progress the development of the Leigh Creek Copper Mine and Redmoor projects. It is the intention of the group that the LCCM asset will be developed during Q1 2024 and management are actively pursuing such funding and envisage that this will be sourced at the asset level.

These conditions indicate a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt as to the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

If further funds are required, the Directors have reasonable expectation based on the ability of the Company to raise funds in the past that the Group will have access to sufficient resources by way of debt or equity markets to meet all non-discretionary expenditure. Consequently, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The financial report does not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Group not continue as a going concern.

New standards, interpretations, and amendments effective 1 July 2023:

There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods and which have not been adopted early.

Investment in joint arrangements

The Group is a party to a joint arrangement when there is a contractual arrangement that confers joint control over the relevant activities of the arrangement to the group and at least one other party. Joint control is assessed under the same principles as control over subsidiaries.

The group classifies its interests in joint arrangements as either:

   --      Joint ventures: where the group has rights to only the net assets of the joint arrangement. 

-- Joint operations: where the group has both the rights to assets and obligations for the liabilities of the joint arrangement.

In assessing the classification of interests in joint arrangements, the Group considers:

   --      The structure of the joint arrangement 
   --      The legal form of joint arrangements structured through a separate vehicle 
   --      The contractual terms of the joint arrangement agreement 
   --      Any other facts and circumstances (in any other contractual arrangements). 

The Group accounts for its interests in joint ventures initially at cost in the consolidated statement of financial position. Subsequently joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method where the Group's share of post-acquisition profits and losses and other comprehensive income is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income (except for losses in excess of the Group's investment in the associate unless there is an obligation to make good those losses).

Profits and losses arising on transactions between the Group and its joint ventures are recognised only to the extent of unrelated investors' interests in the joint venture. The investor's share in the joint ventures' profits and losses resulting from these transactions is eliminated against the carrying value of the joint venture.

Any premium paid for an investment in a joint venture above the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is capitalised and included in the carrying amount of the investment in joint venture. Where there is objective evidence that the investment in a joint venture has been impaired the carrying amount of the investment is tested for impairment in the same way as other non-financial assets.

The Group accounts for its interests in joint operations by recognising its share of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in accordance with its contractually conferred rights and obligations. In accordance with IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, the Group is required to apply all of the principles of IFRS 3 Business Combinations when it acquires an interest in a joint operation that constitutes a business as defined by IFRS 3.Where there is an increase in the stake of the joint venture entity from an associate to a subsidiary and the acquisition is considered as an asset acquisition and not a business combination in accordance with IFRS3, this step up transaction is accounted for as the purchase of a single asset and the cost of the transaction is allocated in its entirety to that asset with no gain or loss recognised in the income statement. The step-up acquisition of CRL in 2019 has been accounted for as a purchase of a single asset and the cost of the transaction is allocated in its entirety to that balance sheet.

   3.   Critical accounting estimates and judgements 

The Group makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Estimates

   (a)      Carrying value of intangible assets 

Management assesses the carrying value of the exploration and evaluation assets for indicators of impairment based on the requirements of IFRS 6 which are inherently judgemental. This includes ensuring the Group maintains legal title, assessment regarding the commerciality of reserves and the clear intention to move the asset forward to development.

i) The Redmoor projects are early-stage exploration projects and therefore Management have applied judgement in the period as to whether the results from exploration activity provide sufficient evidence to continue to move the asset forward to development. There are no indicators of impairment for the Redmoor project in the period to 30 June 2023.

   (b)      Share based payments 

The fair value of share-based payments recognised in the statement of comprehensive income is measured by use of the Black Scholes model after taking into account market-based vesting conditions and conditions attached to the vesting and exercise of the equity instruments. The expected life used in the model is adjusted based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. The share price volatility percentage factor used in the calculation is based on management's best estimate of future share price behaviour based on past experience.

   (c)      Carrying value of amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings. 

IFRS9 requires the parent company to make certain assumptions when implementing the forward- looking expected credit loss model. This model is required to be used to assess the intercompany loan receivables from its subsidiaries for impairment. Arriving at an expected credit loss allowance involved considering different scenarios for the recovery of the intercompany loan receivables, the possible credit losses that could arise and probabilities for these scenarios.

The following were considered: the exploration project risk, the future sales potential of product, value of potential reserves and the resulting expected economic outcomes of the project.

   (d)      Carrying Value of Development Assets 

Management assesses the carrying value of development assets for indicators of impairment based on the requirements of IAS36 which are inherently judgemental.

The following are the key assumptions used in this assessment of Carrying value.

   i)    Mineable reserves over life of project 
   ii)   Forecasted Copper pricing 
   iii)   Capital and operating cost assumptions to deliver the mining schedule 

iv) Foreign exchange rates

   v)   Discount rate 

vi) Estimated project commencement date.

If the carrying amount of the Development asset exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired. The Group will reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its recoverable amount and recognise an impairment loss. The assessment is carried out twice per year - end of half year reporting period and end of annual reporting period.

   (e)      Determination of incremental borrowing rate for leases 

Under IFRS 16, where the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined the incremental borrowing rate is used. The incremental borrowing rate is defined as the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow, over a similar term and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the cost of the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment.

Judgements

   (a)      Investments in subsidiaries 

Investment in subsidiaries comprises of the cost of acquiring the shares in subsidiaries.

If an impairment trigger is identified and investments in subsidiaries are tested for impairment, estimates are used to determine the expected net return on investment. The estimated return on investment takes into account the underlying economic factors in the business of the Company's subsidiaries including estimated recoverable reserves, resources prices, capital investment requirements, and discount rates among other things.

   (b)      Contingent consideration as part of Asset acquisition 

Judgement was required in determining the accounting for the contingent consideration payable as per of the CRL acquisition. The group has an obligation to pay A$1m on net smelter sales arising from CRL production reaching A$50m and a further A$1m on net smelter sales arising from CRL production reaching A$100m.

Whilst a possible obligation exists in relation to the consideration payable, given the early stage of the project it was concluded that at reporting date it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

   4.   Segment information 

The Group has four main segments during the period:

-- Southern Minerals Group LLC (SMG) - This segment is involved in the sale of magnetite to both the US domestic market and historically transported magnetite to port for onward export sale.

-- Head Office - This segment incurs all the administrative costs of central operations and finances the Group's operations. A management fee is charged for completing this service and other certain services and expenses.

-- Development Asset - This segment holds the Leigh Creek Copper Mine Development Asset in Australia and incurs all related operating costs.

-- United Kingdom - The investment in the Redmoor project in Cornwall, United Kingdom is held by this segment.

Factors that management used to identify the Group's reportable segments.

The Group's reportable segments are strategic business units that carry out different functions and operations and operate in different jurisdictions.

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the board and management team which includes the Board and the Chief Financial Officer.

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss, assets, and liabilities

The Group evaluates segmental performance on the basis of profit or loss from operations calculated in accordance with International Accounting Standards.

Segment assets exclude tax assets and assets used primarily for corporate purposes. Segment liabilities exclude tax liabilities. Loans and borrowings are allocated to the segments in which the borrowings are held. Details are provided in the reconciliation from segment assets and liabilities to the Group's statement of financial position.

 
                                                                            Intra 
6 Months to 30 
 June 2023                              Head                              Segment 
                                                United  Development 
 (Unaudited)                    SMG   Office   Kingdom        Asset   Elimination    Total 
                              $'000    $'000     $'000        $'000         $'000    $'000 
 
Revenues                        782        -         -            -             -      782 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
Gross profit                    782        -         -            -             -      782 
 
Other Income                      1        -         -            -             -        1 
Raw materials/consumables     (137)        -         -            -             -    (137) 
Overhead expenses             (242)    (215)         -            -             -    (457) 
Management fee 
 income/(expense)             (200)      197                      -             3        - 
Share based payments              -        -         -            -             -        - 
Amortisation                  (116)        -         -            -             -    (116) 
Depreciation                    (8)        -         -            -             -      (8) 
Foreign exchange 
 gain/(loss)                      -       78         -            -          (84)      (6) 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Segment profit 
 /(loss) from operations         80       60         -            -          (81)       59 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Lease Interest                  (4)                (1)                                 (5) 
Finance Expense                   -        -         -            -             -        - 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
Segment profit 
 /(loss) before 
 taxation                        76       60       (1)            -          (81)       54 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
 
                                                                            Intra 
6 Months to 30 
 June 2022                              Head                              Segment 
                                                United  Development 
 (Unaudited)                    SMG   Office   Kingdom        Asset   Elimination    Total 
                              $'000    $'000     $'000        $'000         $'000    $'000 
 
Revenues                      1,329        -         -            -             -    1,329 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
Gross profit                  1,329        -         -                          -    1,329 
 
Raw materials/consumables     (256)        -         -            -             -    (256) 
Overhead expenses             (281)    (380)       (6)            -            30    (637) 
Management fee 
 income/(expense)             (200)      206                      -           (6)        - 
Share based payments              -     (12)         -            -             -     (12) 
Amortisation                  (139)        -         -            -             -    (139) 
Depreciation                   (16)        -         -            -             -     (16) 
Foreign exchange 
 gain/(loss)                      -       63         -            -          (68)      (5) 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Segment profit 
 /(loss) from operations        437    (123)       (6)            -          (44)      264 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Lease Interest                 (10)                (2)                                (12) 
Finance Expense                   -        -         -          (4)             -      (4) 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
Segment profit 
 /(loss) before 
 taxation                       427    (123)       (8)          (4)          (44)      248 
                            _______  _______   _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
 
                                                                                Intra 
Year to 31 December 
 2022                                   Head                                  Segment 
                                                    United  Development 
 (Audited)                      SMG   Office       Kingdom        Asset   Elimination    Total 
                              $'000    $'000         $'000        $'000         $'000    $'000 
 
  Revenues                    2,446        -             -            -             -    2,446 
                            _______  _______       _______      _______       _______  _______ 
Total Revenue                 2,446        -             -                          -    2,446 
 
Othe Revenue                      -        -            13            -             -       13 
Raw Materials/Consumables     (494)        -             -            -             -    (494) 
Overhead expenses             (563)    (684)          (33)            -            29  (1,251) 
Management fee 
 income/(expense)             (250)      253                          -           (3)        - 
Share based payments              -     (11)             -            -             -     (11) 
Amortisation- right 
 of use asset                 (278)        -             -            -             -    (278) 
Depreciation                   (16)        -             -            -             -     (16) 
(Loss)/ gain on 
 intercompany loans               -    (707)             -            -           707        - 
Foreign exchange 
 gain/(loss)                      -     (65)             -            -            46     (19) 
                            _______  _______       _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Segment profit 
 /(loss) from operations        845  (1,214)          (20)            -           779      390 
                            _______  _______       _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
Lease Interest                 (16)        -           (2)            -             -     (18) 
Finance Expense                   -        -             -            -             -        - 
                            _______  _______       _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
  Segment profit 
  /(loss) before 
  taxation                      829  (1,214)          (22)            -           779      372 
                            _______  _______       _______      _______       _______  _______ 
 
 
As at 30 June 2023                            Head 
 (Unaudited)                          SMG   Office  United Kingdom  Development Asset    Total 
                                    $'000    $'000           $'000              $'000    $'000 
 
Additions to non-current assets         -        -             159                188      347 
                                  _______  _______         _______             ______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment assets             901       42           5,517              8,783   15,243 
                                  _______  _______         _______             ______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment liabilities        690      359              86               1205     2340 
                                  _______  _______         _______            _______  _______ 
 
 
As at 30 June 2022                            Head 
 (Unaudited)                          SMG   Office  United Kingdom  Development Asset    Total 
                                    $'000    $'000           $'000              $'000    $'000 
 
Additions to non-current assets         -        -             201                253      454 
                                  _______  _______         _______             ______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment assets           1,181      160           5,068              7,906   14,315 
                                  _______  _______         _______             ______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment liabilities        651      172              31                449    1,303 
                                  _______  _______         _______            _______  _______ 
 
 
As at 31 December 2022                         Head 
 (Audited)                            SMG    Office  United Kingdom  Development Asset    Total 
                                    $'000     $'000           $'000              $'000    $'000 
 
Additions to non-current assets         -         -             226                490      717 
                                  _______   _______         _______            _______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment assets           1,166        84           5,185              8,813   15,428 
                                  _______   _______         _______            _______  _______ 
 
Reportable segment liabilities        910       220              41              1,233    2,405 
                                  _______   _______         _______            _______  _______ 
 
 
                     External revenue by       Non-current assets 
                     location of customers              by 
                                                location of assets 
                       30 June      30 June     30 June     30 June 
                          2023         2022        2023        2022 
                         $'000        $'000       $'000       $'000 
 
 United States             782        1,329         535         648 
 United Kingdom              -            -       5,387       4,905 
 Australia                   -            -       8,783       7,894 
                       _______      _______     _______     _______ 
                           782        1,329      14,705      13,447 
                       _______      _______     _______     _______ 
 

Revenues from Customer A totalled $273,114 (2022: $188,315), which represented 35% (2022: 14%) of total domestic sales in the United States, Customer B totalled $nil (2022: $506,503) which represented 0% (2022: 38%) and Customer C totalled $417,642 (2022: $ 436,587) which represented 53% (2022: 33%).

   5.   Operating Loss 
 
                                             6 months        6 months 
                                                   to              to        Year to 
                                              30 June         30 June    31 December 
                                                 2023            2022           2022 
                                          (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                                $'000           $'000          $'000 
 
 Operating gain/loss is stated 
  after charging/(crediting): 
 
 Other Income                                     (1)               -           (13) 
 
 Directors' fees and emoluments                    86             197            276 
 Equipment rental                                   2               2              3 
 
 Equipment maintenance                             13              12             33 
 Fees payable to the company's 
  auditor for the                                   -               -             74 
 audit of the parent company and 
  consolidated financial statements 
 Non- Audit Services                                -               -             15 
 Salaries, wages, and other staff 
  related costs                                   203             248            485 
 Legal, professional and consultancy 
  fees                                             82              96            198 
 Other Expenses                                    71              82            168 
                                              _______         _______        _______ 
 Overhead Expenses                                457             637          1,252 
                                              _______         _______        _______ 
 
 
 Lease Interest                                     5              12             18 
 Finance Fee                                        -               4              - 
 Foreign exchange                                   6               5             18 
 Amortisation of Right of use 
  assets                                          116             139            278 
 Depreciation                                       8              16             16 
 Share based payments                               -              12             11 
 
                                              _______         _______        _______ 
 Total                                            591             825          1,580 
                                              _______         _______        _______ 
 
   6.   Intangible assets - exploration and evaluation costs 
 
                                            6 months        6 months 
                                                  to              to        Year to 
                                             30 June         30 June    31 December 
                                                2023            2022           2022 
                                         (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                               $'000           $'000          $'000 
 
 Cost 
 
 Opening balance for the period                4,983           5,228          5,228 
 
 Additions for the period                        236             201            400 
 Grant Reimbursement                            (69)           (123)          (174) 
 Research and development incentive              (8)               -              - 
 Foreign exchange difference                     225           (420)          (471) 
                                             _______         _______        _______ 
 
 Closing balance for period                    5,367           4,886          4,983 
                                             _______         _______        _______ 
 
   7.   Property, plant and equipment 
 
                                    Development    Plant and 
                                          Asset    Machinery      Total 
                                          $'000        $'000      $'000 
 
 Group 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2022 (audited)              7,027          746      7,773 
 Additions                                  253            -        253 
 Foreign exchange difference              (403)         (18)      (421) 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 At 30 June 2022 (unaudited)              6,877          728      7,605 
 
 
 Additions for period                       237            -        237 
 Bond Uplift                                797                     797 
 Foreign exchange difference              (104)          (5)      (109) 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 At 31 December 2022 (audited)            7,807          723      8,530 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 Additions                                  188            -        188 
 Foreign exchange difference              (193)          (7)      (200) 
                                        _______     ________   _______- 
 
 At 30 June 2023 (Unaudited)              7,802          716      8,518 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 January 2022 (audited)                  -        (288)      (288) 
 Charge for the period                        -         (16)       (16) 
 Foreign exchange difference                                          - 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 At 30 June 2022 (unaudited)                  -        (304)      (304) 
 
 Charge for the period                        -            -          - 
 Foreign exchange difference                  -          (3)        (3) 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 At 31 December 2022 (audited)                -        (307)      (307) 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 Charge for the period                        -          (8)        (8) 
 Foreign exchange difference                  -            -          - 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2023(unaudited)                -        (315)      (315) 
 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 Carrying Value 
 
 As at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)           7,802          401      8,203 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 As at 31 December 2022(audited)          7,807          416      8,223 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2022 (unaudited)           6,877          424      7,301 
                                       ________     ________   ________ 
 
   8.   Leases 

The Group has leases for an office, plant and machinery and a vehicle. Each lease is reflected on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The Group classifies its right-of-use assets in a consistent manner to its property, plant and equipment.

 
                                   Office Lease   Plant, Machinery 
                                                      and Vehicles        Total 
                                          $'000              $'000        $'000 
 
 Right of Use Assets                      $'000              $'000        $'000 
 
 
 As at 1 January 2022 (audited)              20                697          717 
 
 Additions                                    -                  -            - 
 Amortisation(capitalised)                  (9)                (1)         (10) 
 Amortization                                 -              (139)        (139) 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2022 (unaudited)              11                557          568 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 
 Additions                                    -                167          167 
 Amortisation(capitalised)                    -                (2)          (2) 
 Amortization                              (10)              (139)        (149) 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 As at 31 Dec 2022 (Audited)                  1                583          584 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 
 Additions                                    -                  -            - 
 Amortisation(capitalised)                    -                  -            - 
 Amortization                               (1)              (115)        (116) 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)         -                      469          469 
                                       ________           ________     ________ 
 
 
                                   Office Lease   Plant, Machinery 
                                                      and Vehicles      Total 
 
 
 Lease Liabilities 
 As at 1 January 2022 (audited)              22                700        722 
 
 Additions                                    -                  -          - 
 Interest Payments                            1                 11         12 
 Lease Payments                             (5)              (146)      (151) 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2022 (unaudited)              18                565        583 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 
 Additions                                    -                167        167 
 Interest Payments                            1                  6          7 
 Lease Payments                            (15)              (155)      (170) 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 As at 31 Dec 2022 (Audited                   4                583        587 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 
 Interest Payments                            -                  5          5 
 Lease Payment                              (4)              (142)      (146) 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 
 As at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)         -                      446        446 
                                       ________           ________   ________ 
 
 
 Lease Liability        June       June   December 
                        2023       2022       2022 
 
 Current                 216        266        282 
 Non-Current             230        317        305 
                    ________   ________   ________ 
 
                         446        583        587 
 
                    ________   ________   ________ 
 
   9.   Dividends 

No dividend is proposed for the period.

10. Earnings per share

Earnings per ordinary share have been calculated using the weighted average number of shares in issue during the relevant financial year as provided below.

 
                                    6 months 
                                          to     6 months to         Year to 
                                     30 June         30 June     31 December 
                                        2023            2022            2022 
                                 (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)       (Audited) 
                                       $'000           $'000           $'000 
 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares - Basic               1,593,558,030   1,593,558,030   1,593,558,030 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares - Diluted             1,593,558,030   1,593,558,030   1,593,558,030 
 
 Earnings for the period             $38,000        $127,000         $84,000 
 
 Earnings per share in the 
  period - Basic                       c0.02           c0.08           c0.05 
 Earnings per share in the 
  period - Diluted                     c0.02           c0.08           c0.05 
 

11. Share capital and premium

 
                              30 June        30 June         30 June        30 June 
                                 2023           2023            2022           2022 
                                   No          $'000              No          $'000 
 
 Allotted, called up 
  and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares        2,015,964,616         52,303   2,015,964,616         52,303 
                         ____________   ____________    ____________   ____________ 
 

Share options and warrants

As at 30 June 2023 all share options and warrants have expired.

Copies of this interim report will be made available on the Company's website, www.strategicminerals.net.

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IR UBAARORUKUAR

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 28, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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