RNS Number : 9204Q
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Ltd
01 July 2022
 

1 July 2022

Zanaga Iron Ore Company Audited Results for the Year to 31 December 2021

2021 Highlights and post reporting period end events to June 2022

·   Zanaga Iron Ore Project (the "Project" or the "Zanaga Project") 30Mtpa staged development project (12Mtpa Stage One ("Stage One"), plus 18Mtpa Stage Two expansion ("Stage Two"))

o Initiative completed to update the cost estimates associated with Stage One, as outlined in the 2014 Feasibility Study (the "FS Review"), with results announced in May 2021

o External independent technical expert engineering firms engaged by Jumelles Limited ("Jumelles"), the joint venture company between ZIOC and Glencore, to oversee and provide input into the FS Review

o Successfully ascertained potential capital and operating costs associated with the construction of Stage One

o FS review indicated that capital and operating cost estimates for Stage One remained approximately within the guidance levels outlined in the 2014 Feasibility Study ("2014 FS")

·   Early Production Project ("EPP Project" or "EPP")

Multiple production scenarios remain under investigation on processing facilities and suitable logistics solutions, with a particular focus on an export solution through the Republic of Congo ("RoC")

Increased engagement underway with other mining project developers in RoC to explore potential collaboration opportunities, especially in relation to logistics solutions and alternatives for upgrades to existing infrastructure

·    Ore Reserve estimate re-statement

o The Zanaga Project's updated 2.1 billion tonne Ore Reserve estimate, announced in May 2021, re-stated by SRK and updated based on market pricing as of 31 December 2020, and remains based on the 30Mtpa Feasibility Study and 6.9 billion tonne Mineral Resource

·   Work programme and budget for 2022, and $1.2m Jumelles Ltd working capital loan facilty, agreed with Glencore Projects Pty Ltd ("Glencore"), a subsidiary of Glencore plc

Corporate

·   Funding update - Shard Merchant Capital Ltd ("SMC") equity subscription agreement

In 2021 SMC subscribed for 14 million shares of no par value in ZIOC, as part of the 21 million ordinary share facility signed in 2020

Proceeds of £1,141,574.94 received to date, following 18,000,000 shares being placed by SMC, with a further 3,000,000 ordinary shares remaining to be placed

Proceeds applied to general working capital, including the provision of further contributions to the Zanaga Project's operations

·   Cash balance of US$0.4m as at 31 December 2021 and a cash balance of US$0.3m as at 29 June 2022

·   Outbreak of COVID-19 has not had a material impact upon the Group although the continuing prevalence of the pandemic constrains a number of commercial activities

 

Clifford Elphick, Non-Executive Chairman of ZIOC, commented:

"During 2021 it was pleasing to conclude an updated costing exercise, using independent technical experts to evaluate the Stage One development costs. Furthermore, an update exercise was undertaken to evaluate the Ore Reserve for the Project. This resulted in the reconfirmation of the Zanaga Ore Reserve - which remains one of the largest ore reserves globally.

The Zanaga Project Team have continued to progress key initiatives at the Project. Significant work is underway to evaluate options to move the Early Production Project forward in collaboration with other projects in RoC.

The iron ore market has experienced continued strong demand from China and is benefitting from sustained strong iron ore prices, despite a recent pull back from previous highs. The Project Team have been working for some time to evaluate potential avenues to bringing the project into production, and continue to make every effort to work with local stakeholders and partners in assessing these options. We hope to report soon on the Project Team's findings"

 

The Company will post its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 ("2021 Annual Report and Accounts") to shareholders on approximately 9 July 2022.

The 2021 Annual Report and Accounts will be available on the Company's website www.zanagairon.com today.

For further information, please contact:

Zanaga Iron Ore

Corporate Development and                         Andrew Trahar

Investor Relations Manager                           +44 20 7399 1105

Liberum Capital Limited

Nominated Adviser, Financial                        Scott Mathieson, Edward Thomas

Adviser and Corporate Broker                       +44 20 3100 2000

 

About us:

Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited ("ZIOC" or the "Company") (AIM ticker: ZIOC) is the owner of 50% less one share in the Zanaga Iron Ore Project based in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) through its investment in its associate Jumelles Limited. The Zanaga Iron Ore Project is one of the largest iron ore deposits in Africa and has the potential to become a world-class iron ore producer.


Chairman's Statement

Dear Shareholder,

In these challenging times globally, iron ore prices continue to hold up and we continue to progress in-country activities of the Zanaga Project Team ("Project Team"). The efforts of Jumelles, the joint venture between the Company and Glencore, have shown much promise - particularly with regard to investigations of existing logistics solutions in country and the ability to collaborate with our neighbours to unlock the potential of Zanaga's vast resource.

Iron Ore Market

The iron ore market has experienced continued strong demand from China and is benefitting from sustained strong iron ore prices, despite a recent pull back from previous highs. Product premiums remain robust, as we had preiviously forecasted, and look set to remain in place for high quality products similar to the Zanaga Project's planned production.

30Mtpa Staged Development Project

Two key activities were completed by the Project Team in 2021 in relation to the Stage One of the 30Mtpa Project.

1)    FS review

The Project Team concluded an FS review process which involved an updated costing exercise, using independent technical experts to evaluate the Stage One Project development costs. This resulted in confirmation that the Project's 2014 FS cost estimates remain reliable in today's market environment.

2)    Ore Reserve Statement Update

The Project Team completed a process to update the Ore Reserve estimate. The Zanaga Project's 2.1 billion tonne Ore Reserve estimate was re-stated by SRK and updated based on market pricing as of 31 December 2020, and announced in May 2021.

EPP Project

The Project Team continue to undertake a process to evaluate the potential development of an EPP Project that would be quicker to construct than the larger 30Mtpa staged development project and would utilise existing road, rail and port infrastructure. After careful consideration the team have concluded that a solution contained within the Republic of Congo would be best for the Zanaga Project and hence have dedicated significant time recently to developing a clearer cost estimate and optimised engineering solution on this basis.

Engagement with other mining project developers in RoC has been increased in order to explore potential collaboration opportunities, especially in relation to logistics solutions and alternatives for upgrades to existing infrastructure.

The Project Team continue to advance study work in an effort to improve their understanding of the viability of the EPP Project. The Project Team continue to evaluate the potential for the EPP Project to operate as a standalone project, or as an initial pathway to production during the construction period of the flagship 30Mtpa Staged Development Project.

Cash Reserves and Project Funding

At 31 December 2021 the Company had cash reserves of US$0.4m. On 29 June 2022, Glencore and ZIOC have agreed a 2022 Project Work Programme and Budget for the Project of up to US$1.3m plus US$0.1m of discretionary spend. ZIOC has agreed to contribute towards this work programme and budget an amount comprising US$0.09m; the remaining budget amount will be funded via a loan facility provided directly to Jumelles Ltd by Glencore thus requiring less funding by ZIOC over the next 12 months compared to the historical levels observed. On 29 June 2022, Glencore and the group signed a side letter to the Jumelles loan facility confirming that there will be no dilution of the group's holding in Jumelles as a result of this change in funding structure.

The Company had cash reserves of US$0.3m as at 29 June 2022. In order to raise additional funding the Company entered a Subscription Agreement with SMC (as described above - see the Company's release of 26 June 2020.) The financing structure with SMC enables the Company to access funding for the costs that the Company is expected to meet in the near future. Due to the fact that SMC have 3,000,000 shares still to be placed into the market, for illustrative purposes only, if the average price at which SMC places the remaining 3,000,000 shares was 2.05 pence (being ZIOC's mid-market closing share price on 27 June 2022), the net proceeds received by ZIOC from such sales would be approximately £0.06m. Based on the current cost base at the Zanaga Project, the direct loan facility to Jumelles Ltd, the current low corporate overheads of ZIOC, the agreed cash preservation plan adopted by the Company (described on page 51 of the 2021 Annual Report), the Company's existing cash reserves and (on the basis of cautious assumptions made by the Company in its funding model) the funds expected to be obtained from the funding facility established by the Subscription Agreement with SMC, the board of directors of ZIOC (the "Board") believes that the Company will be adequately positioned to support its operations going forward in the near future. As the final cash amounts to be received for each tranche of issued shares, and the timing of this receipt, are dependent on SMC successfully selling the shares prior to transferring funds to the Company, the Board is of the view that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. However, the Board acknowledges that there is a material uncertainty which could give rise to significant doubt over the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Nevertheless, based on and taking into account the foregoing factors, the Board are satisfied the Company will have sufficient funds to meet its own working capital requirements up to, and beyond, twelve months from the approval of these accounts.

The Company continues to review the costs of its operational activities with a view to conserving its cash resources. As part of such ongoing review, and in order to preserve the cash position of the Company, it has been agreed with the Directors (since January 2019) and Management (since September 2019) that fees are deferred. Additionally, the Directors and management have indicated to the Company that they will assist the cash preservation plan of the Company. The way in which this could be achieved is being progressed.

Subscription Agreement with Shard Merchant Capital Ltd

As previously announced, on 26 June 2020 ZIOC announced that the Company had entered into a Subscription Agreement with SMC, a financial services provider.

Under the Subscription Agreement, and over the course of 2020 and 2021, the Company issued and SMC subscribed for 21 million ordinary shares of no par value in the Company ("Subscription Shares") in three tranches of 7 million shares each (First tranche in 2020 and the subsequent tranches in 2021).

As a result of such transactions, as at 24 June 2022 18,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company have been placed and the Company has received the aggregate net sum of £1,141,574.94.

As at 24 June 2022, 3,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company still remain to be placed by SMC. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, SMC has undertaken to use its reasonable endeavours to place the relevant Subscription Shares that it has subscribed for and to pay to ZIOC 95% of the gross proceeds of any such sales.

The Subscription Agreement provides a number of attractive advantages to ZIOC, which are highlighted below:

·    Relatively low level of dilution to ZIOC shareholders

·    ZIOC has the ability to repurchase any unsold Subscription Shares from SMC, subject to legal requirements - an important element of flexibility for ZIOC. Any Subscription Shares re-purchased will be cancelled, limiting dilution further

·    Low cost of capital - SMC will retain only 5% of the gross proceeds of any sale of Subscription Shares

The proceeds received by the Company from SMC pursuant to the Subscription Agreement have been and will be applied to general working capital, including the provision of further contributions to the Zanaga Project's operations.

ZIOC is pleased that a financing structure is in place which has given and continues to give the Company access to funding through a relatively low cost structure which minimises dilution to shareholders.

Outlook

Despite the significant challenges faced globally, the Project Team have progressed numerous workstreams which continue to add value to the options available for the development of the Zanaga Project.

The investigations of opportunities to unlock existing infrastructure solutions have been a key focus of the team and we hope to provide an update on these intitiatives in due course.

 

Clifford Elphick

Non-Executive Chairman

 

 


Business Review

The Zanaga Project remains uniquely positioned as an attractive tier one asset with multiple potential development options from a scale perspective. China's strong demand for iron ore, coupled with a lack of investment in the development of new iron ore mines in the last few years, has led strong iron ore prices being maintained in 2021.

The Project Team dedicated significant effort in 2021 to securing updated development costs associated with the flagship 30Mtpa project. In addition, the EPP Project remains an area of significant interest for the Project Team and work continues to explore the potential to utilise existing logistics infrastructure to enable initial production to take place, particularly through collaboration and joint infrastructure intiaitives underway investigation in RoC.

30Mtpa Staged Development Project

The Project Team's ultimate objective remains to develop the flagship 30Mtpa staged development mining project. As a reminder, the Stage One project plans to produce 12Mtpa of premium quality 66% Fe content iron ore pellet feed product at bottom quartile operating costs for more than 30 years on a standalone basis.

The Stage Two expansion of 18Mtpa is nominally scheduled to suit the project mine development, construction timing and forecast cash flow generation, and would increase the Project's total production capacity to 30Mtpa. The product grade would increase to an even higher premium quality 67.5% Fe content due to the addition of 18Mtpa of 68.5% Fe content iron ore pellet feed production, at an even lower operating cost. The capital expenditure for the additional 18Mtpa production, including contingency, could potentially be financed from the cash flows from the Stage One phase.

12Mtpa Stage One project cost review

As previously announced, the Zanaga Project Team has continually taken steps to monitor evolving improvements into its strategy for assessing the options available for the development of the Zanaga Project. The Project Team has maintained its view that high quality products will continue to achieve significant price premiums in the future and has sought to lock in this additional revenue benefit into the Project's development plan.

As a result, Jumelles commissioned a report, led by Coffey Geotechnics Ltd (a Tetra Tech Company ("Tetra Tech")), to assess the potential capital and operating costs associated with Stage One of the 30mtpa staged development project outlined in the 2014 Feasibility Study ("2014 FS"). The review of the 2014 FS cost estimates, announced in April 2021, indicated that capital and operating costs associated with the Stage One 12Mtpa project were broadly in line with the estimates provided in 2014.

The review indicated that the costs of the 12 Mtpa Stage One Project were estimated to be between 2.5% above and 2.9% below the estimate provided in the 2014 FS. Operating costs were expected to be approximately in line with the estimate provided in 2014, with an estimated variance of + or - 2%.

It was encouraging to see that the costs estimated for the construction of the Zanaga Project remained in broad alignment with the costs outlined in the 2014 FS, especially as iron ore prices had risen substantially beyond the levels seen in 2014, and continue to remain at elevated levels. It is important to recognise that these numbers have not yet been re-estimated to a high level of definition and are only estimates as to the potential costs of bringing the project into production in the current market. In order to better define these estimates the Project Team would require further work to be conducted ahead of considering a full re-estimate of the 2014 FS. Unfortunately inflation in 2022 of construction and operating costs is now being experienced due to the war in Ukraine and disruptions to global supply chains. This will need to be monitored going forward and the Project Team have been contiuously evaluation avenues to capitalise on the current high iron ore prices despite the underlying challenges to costs of operations globally.

The Project Team will continue to engage in activity to ascertain opportunities for optimisation and improvement of the 30Mtpa staged development project and will update the market as these improvements develop.

Reserves & Resource Statement

SRK Consulting (UK) Limited ("SRK") was appointed to provide consent to the re-statement of Ore Reserves for the Zanaga Project. The restatement exercise confirmed that the Ore Reserves reported in April 2021 are reported in accordance with the terms and definitions of the JORC Code and are restated to be so with an effective date of 31 December 2020.

In rendering its opinion as expressed herein, SRK concluded:

·    That the 2014 Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the terms and definitions of the "The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves published by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia, as amended (the "JORC Code (2012)"): www.jorc.org)";

·    That the 2014 Ore Reserves remain valid as of 31 December 2021

EPP Project

The Project Team continue to undertake a process to evaluate the potential development of an EPP Project that would be quicker to construct than the larger 30Mtpa staged development project and would utilise existing road, rail and port infrastructure. After careful consideration the team have concluded that a solution contained within the Republic of Congo would be best for the Zanaga Project and hence have dedicated significant time recently to developing a clearer cost estimate and optimised engineering solution on this basis.

Engagement with other mining project developers in RoC has been increased in order to explore potential collaboration opportunities, especially in relation to logistics solutions and alternatives for upgrades to existing infrastructure.

The Project Team continue to advance study work in an effort to improve their understanding of the viability of the EPP Project. The Project Team continue to evaluate the potential for the EPP Project to operate as a standalone project, or as an initial pathway to production during the construction period of the flagship 30Mtpa Staged Development Project.

Next Steps

During H2 2022, the Project Team will continue to investigate potential opportunities for smaller scale production utilising existing infrastructure while continuing work on progressing the 30Mtpa project.



 

Financial Review

Results from operations

The financial statements contain the results for the Group's eleventh full year of operations following its incorporation on 19 November 2009. The Group made a total comprehensive loss in the year of US$1.9m (2020: total comprehensive loss US$1.8m). The total comprehensive income for the year comprised:


2021
US$000

2020
US$000

General expenses

(1,214)

(1,074)

Net foreign exchange (loss)

(12)

(25)

Share of loss of associate

(672)

(724)

Loss before tax

(1,898)

(1,823)

Currency translation

-

8

Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income of associate -foreign exchange

(17)

3

Total comprehensive (loss)

(1,915)

(1,812)

General expenses of US$1.2m (2020: US$1.1m) consists of LTIP US$0.5m (2020 US$0.7m) and US$0.7m (2020: US$0.4m) of other general operating expenses.

The share of loss of associate reflected above relates to ZIOC's investment in the Project, through Jumelles, which, generated a loss of US$1.3m in the year to 31 December 2021 (2020: loss US$1.3m). During the year Jumelles spent a net US$1.3m (2020 US$1.4m) on exploration, net of a currency translation loss of US$0.34m (2020: loss US$0.17m).

Financial Position

ZIOC's Net Asset Value ("NAV") of US$37.7m (2020: US$37.6m) comprises of US$37.3m (2020: US$37.4m) investment in Jumelles, US$0.4m (2020: US$0.4m) of cash balances and US$0.08m (2020: US$0.2m) of other net current assets.

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Investment in Associate

37,269

37,354

Cash

387

352

Net current assets/(liabilities)

80

(126)

Net assets

37,736

37,580

Cost of investment

The Investment in Associate relates to the carrying value of the investment in Jumelles which as at 31 December 2021 continued to own 100% of the Project. During 2021, under the existing 2021 Funding Agreement between the Company and Glencore, the Company contributed a further US$0.6m (2020: US$0.6m). Though a long term project, in the light of currently forecast market conditions, the carrying value of the exploration asset continues to be held in Jumelles at US$80m (2020: US$80m). The Company accounts for 50% less one share of Jumelles.

As at 31 December 2021, Jumelles had aggregated assets of US$81m (2020: US$81.4m) and aggregated liabilities of US$0.6m (2020: US$0.8m). Assets consisted of US$80m (2020: US$80m) of capitalised exploration assets, US$0.8m (2020: US$1.1m) of other fixed assets, US$0.2m cash (2020: US$0.3m) and US$nil other assets (2020: US$nil). Net of a currency translation loss of US$0.34 (2020: gain US$0.17m) a net total of US$nil (2020: US$nil) of exploration costs were capitalised during the year.



 

Subscription Agreement concluded with Shard Merchant Capital Ltd

As outlined in the Chairman's Statement above, on 25 June 2020 ZIOC entered into a Subscription Agreement with SMC, a financial services provider. Subsequent to the launch of the SMC transaction, 21 million shares in ZIOC have been issued to SMC. As at 24th June 2022 18,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company have been subsequently placed by SMC and the Company has received the aggregate net sum of £1,141,574.94.

As at 24th June 2022, 3,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company still remain to be placed by SMC. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, SMC has undertaken to use its reasonable endeavours to place the relevant Subscription Shares that it has subscribed for and to pay to ZIOC 95% of the gross proceeds of any such sales.  

Cash flow

Cash balances increased by US$0.03m during 2021 (2020: decrease of US$0.4m), net of interest income US$nil (2020: US$nil) and a foreign exchange gain of US$0.02m (2020: loss of US$0.02m) on bank balances held in UK Sterling. Additional investment in Jumelles required under the 2021 Funding Agreement (outline details in Note 1 to the financial statements) utilised US$m (2020: US$0.6m) and operating activities utilised US$4m (2020: US$0.4m). The Company raised funds of US$1m from the Shard facility during the year.

Fundraising activities

The fundraising activities carried out in 2021 (2020: US$0.6) were those relating to the SMC facility which are described earlier in this announcement.



 

Reserves & Resource Statement

The Zanaga Project has defined a 6.9bn tonne Mineral Resource and a 2.1bn tonne Ore Reserve, reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012), and defined from only 25km of the 47km strike length of the orebody so far identified.

Ore Reserve Statement

The Ore Reserve estimate (announced by the Company on 5 May 2021) was prepared by independent consultants, SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd ("SRK") and is based on the 30Mtpa Feasibility Study and the 6,900Mt Mineral Resource (announced by the Company on 8 May 2014).

As stipulated by the JORC Code, Proven and Probable Ore Reserves are of sufficient quality to serve as the basis for a decision on the development of the deposit. Based on the studies performed, the mine plan as reported in the 2014 FS was reassessed in respect of the updated sales revenue, operating expenditure and capital expenditures and confirmed as at 31 December 2020 to be technically feasible and economically viable.

Ore Reserve Category

Tonnes (MtDry)

Fe (%)

SiO2 (%)

Al2O3 (%)

P (%)

Proved

774

37.3

35.1

4.7

0.04

Probable

1,296

31.8

44.7

2.3

0.05

Total

2,070

33.9

41.1

3.2

0.05

Notes:

Long term price assumptions are based on a CFR IODEX 65%Fe forecast of US$90tdry (USc138/dmtu) with adjustments for quality, deleterious elements, moisture and freight.

Discount Rate 10% applied on an ungeared 100% equity basis

Mining dilution ranging between 5% and 6%

Mining losses ranging between 1% and 5%

Note: The full Ore Reserve Statement is available on the Company's website (www.zanagairon.com)

Mineral Resource

Classification

Tonnes (Mt)

Fe (%)

SiO2 (%)

Al2O3 (%)

P (%)

Mn (%)

LOI (%)

Measured

2,330

33.7

43.1

3.4

0.05

0.11

1.46

Indicated

2,460

30.4

46.8

3.2

0.05

0.11

0.75

Inferred

2,100

31

46

3

0.1

0.1

0.9

Total

6,900

32

45

3

0.05

0.11

1.05

Reported at a 0% Fe cut-off grade within an optimised Whittle shell representing a metal price of 130 USc/dmtu. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Reserves. A revised Mineral Resource, prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code, 2012 Edition) was announced on 8 May 2014 and is available on the Company's website (www.zanagairon.com).

Note: The figures shown are rounded; they may not sum to the subtotals shown due to the rounding used.

The Mineral Resource was estimated as a block model within constraining wireframes based upon logged geological boundaries. Tonnages and grades have been rounded to reflect appropriate confidence levels and for this reason may not sum to totals stated.

Geological Summary

The Zanaga iron ore deposit is located within a North-South oriented (metamorphic) Precambrian greenstone belt in the eastern part of the Chaillu Massif in South Western Congo. From airborne geophysical survey work, and morphologically, the mineralised trend constitutes a complex elongation in the North-South direction, of about 47 km length and 0.5 to 3 km width.

The ferruginous beds are part of a metamorphosed, volcano-sedimentary Itabirite/banded iron formation ("BIF") and are inter-bedded with amphibolites and mafic schists. It exhibits faulted and sheared contacts with the crystalline basement. As a result of prolonged tropical weathering the BIF has developed a distinctive supergene iron enrichment profile.

At surface there is sometimes present a high grade ore (+60% Fe), classified as canga, of apparently limited thickness (<5m) capping a discontinuous, soft, high grade, iron supergene zone of structure-less hematite/goethite of limited thickness (<7m). The base of the high-grade supergene iron zone grades quickly at depth into a relatively thick, leached, well-weathered to moderately weathered friable hematite Itabirite with an average thickness of approximately 25 metres and grading 45-55% Fe.

The base of the friable Itabirite zone appears to correlate with the moderately weathered/weakly weathered BIF boundary, and fresh BIF comprises bands of chert and magnetite/grunerite layers.

Competent Persons

The statement in this announcement relating to Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Dr Iestyn Humphreys, FIMM, AIME, PhD who is a Corporate Consultant, and Practice Leader with SRK. He has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code (2012). The Competent Person, Dr Iestyn Humphreys, confirms that the Ore Reserve Estimate is accurately reproduced in this announcement and has given his consent to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context within which it appears.

The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources is based on information compiled by Malcolm Titley, BSc MAusIMM MAIG, of CSA Global (UK) Ltd. Malcolm Titley takes overall responsibility for the report as Competent Person. He is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy ("AUSIMM") and has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity he is undertaking, to qualify as a Competent Person in terms of the JORC Code. The Competent Person, Mr Malcolm Titley, has reviewed this Mineral Resource statement and given his permission for the publication of this information in the form and context within which it appears.

Definition of JORC Code

The Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (2012) as published by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia.



 

Principal Risks & Uncertainties

The principal business of ZIOC currently comprises managing ZIOC's interest in the Zanaga Project, including the Jumelles group, and monitoring the development of the Project and engaging in discussions with potential investors. The principal risks facing ZIOC are set out below. Risk assessment and evaluation is an essential part of the Group's planning and an important aspect of the Group's internal control system. Overall these potential risks have remained broadly constant over the past year with the exception of the implications of COVID-19 on the long term outlook for the iron ore market.

Risks relating to the agreement with Glencore and development of the Zanaga Project

The Zanaga Project is majority controlled at both a shareholder and director level by Glencore. The ability of the Company to control the Zanaga Project and its operations and activities, including the future development of the Project (including any variant such as an EPP development) and the future funding requirements of Jumelles, is therefore limited.

The future development of the mine and related infrastructure (including any variant such as an EPP development) will be determined by the Jumelles board. There can be no certainty that the Jumelles board will approve the construction of the mine and related infrastructure or any variant thereof such as an EPP development, including the taking of preparatory steps associated with the construction of the mine and related infrastructure, such as front end engineering and design, or the undertaking of work needed to assess the viability of an EPP development or any component part of an EPP development. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to future funding of the Zanaga Project

Under the Joint Venture Agreement between the Company, Glencore and Jumelles of 3 December 2009, as amended (the "JVA"), there is no obligation on the Company or Glencore to provide further funding to Jumelles. The Company and Glencore have reached agreement on a work programme and funding of the Zanaga Project for 2022. As such agreement relates to 2022, there is a risk that after 31 December 2022 Jumelles may be subjected to funding constraints and this could have an adverse impact upon the Project. Moreover, discretionary amounts are contained in the 2022 work programme and budget; these require the joint approval of ZIOC and Glencore. It is possible that as regards certain items, joint approval would not be forthcoming. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to iron ore prices, markets and products

The ability to raise finance for the Project is largely dependent on movements in the price of iron ore. Iron ore prices have historically been volatile and are primarily affected by the demand for and price of steel and the level of supply of iron ore. Such prices are also affected by numerous other factors beyond the Company's and the Jumelles group's control, including the relative exchange rate of the U.S. dollar with other major currencies, global and regional demand, political and economic conditions, production levels and costs and transportation costs in major iron ore producing regions.

While it appears to be the case that there has been some degree of stabilisation of iron ore prices in the global market for iron ore, the duration of such stabilisation remains uncertain. The level of iron ore prices in the global market for iron ore continues to be subject to uncertainty, particularly in light of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. Although the 2014 FS identifies the product from the Project and the potential demand for such product within a range of iron ore prices, there are no assurances that the demand for the Project's product will be sufficient in quantity or in price to ensure the economic viability of the Project or to enable finance for the development of the Project to be raised. Furthermore, the range of iron ore prices in the 2014 FS will need to be reviewed so as to reflect changed market conditions and changed expectations relating to the supply and demand for iron ore. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

 

 

Risks relating to an EPP

For some considerable period, an initiative has been and is being carried out to investigate the possibility of a low-cost small scale start-up, using existing infrastructure, focussing on a standard 62% Fe benchmark iron ore product or a high grade 65% Fe pellet feed iron ore product that would involve simple 'processing' applications. In conjunction with this, the possibility of a low-cost small scale start-up involving the production of a pellet feed concentrate and conventional pelletisation continues to be investigated. This initiative also involves the assessment of methods of providing the necessary power requirements as well as logistical support to enable the product to be transported to an available exit port. There will also be the need to put in place the appropriate contractual and permitting arrangements. There is a risk that such kind of start-up is found not to be viable or is not proceeded with for other reasons or is delayed. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to financing the Zanaga Project

Any decision of the Jumelles board to proceed with construction of the mine and related infrastructure (or any variant such as a low capital cost, small scale start-up EPP Project) is itself dependent upon the ability of Jumelles to raise the necessary debt and equity to finance such construction and the initial operation of the mine (or any variant such as a low-cost small scale start-up). Jumelles may be unable to obtain debt and/or equity financing in the amounts required, in a timely manner, on favourable terms or at all and should this occur, it is highly likely to pose challenges to the proposed development of the Zanaga Project and the proposed timeline for its development. Moreover, the global credit environment may pose additional challenges to the ability of Jumelles to secure debt finance or to secure debt finance on acceptable terms, including as to rates of interest. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to financing of the Company

The Company will not generate any material income until an operating stage of the Project has been constructed and mining and export of the iron ore has successfully commenced at commercial volumes. In the meantime the Company will continue to expend its cash reserves. Should the Company seek to raise additional finance, it may be unable to obtain debt and/or equity financing in the amounts required, in a timely manner, on favourable terms or at all.

If construction of the mine and related infrastructure proceeds (including any preparatory steps associated with the construction of the mine and related infrastructure) or any small scale start-up proceeds, and ZIOC elects to fund its pro rata equity share of construction capital expenditure, there is no certainty as to its ability to raise the required finance or the terms on which such finance may be available.

If ZIOC raises additional funds (including for the purpose of funding the construction of the Project or any part of the Project, including any small-scale start-up) through further issuances of securities, the holders of ordinary shares could suffer significant dilution, and any new securities that ZIOC issues could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of the holders of the ordinary shares.

If the Company fails to generate or obtain sufficient financial resources to develop and operate its business, this could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.



 

Risk relating to Ore Reserves estimation

Ore Reserves estimates include diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserve estimates are by their nature imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences and assumptions which may ultimately prove unreliable. Estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources may also have to be recalculated based on changes in iron ore or other commodity prices, further exploration or assessment or development activity and/or actual production experience. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Host country related risks

The operations of the Zanaga Project are located mainly in the RoC. These operations will be exposed to various levels of political, regulatory, economic, taxation, environmental and other risks and uncertainties. As in many other countries, these (varying) risks and uncertainties can include, but are not limited to: political, military or civil unrest; fluctuations in global economic and market conditions impacting on the economy; terrorism; hostage taking; extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates; high rates of inflation; labour unrest; nationalisation; changes in taxation; illegal mining; restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation. In addition, the RoC is an emerging market and, as a result, is generally subject to greater risks than in the case of more developed markets.

HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases are prevalent in the RoC and, accordingly, the workforce of the ZIOC group and of the Jumelles group will be exposed to the health risks associated with the country. The operating and financial results of such entities could be materially adversely affected by the loss of productivity and increased costs arising from any effect of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases on such workforce and the population at large.

Weather conditions in the RoC can fluctuate severely. Rainstorms, flooding and other adverse weather conditions are common and can severely disrupt transport in the region where the Jumelles group operates and other logistics on which the Jumelles group is dependent.

The host country related risks described above could be relevant both as regards day-to-day operations and the raising of debt and equity finance for the Project. The occurrence of such risks could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to the Project's licences and the regulatory regime

The Project's Mining Licence was granted in August 2014 and a Mining Convention has been entered into. With effect from 20 May 2016, the Zanaga Mining Convention has been promulgated as a law of the RoC, following ratification by the Parliament of the RoC and publication in the Official Gazette.

The holder of a mining licence is required to incorporate a Congolese company to be the operating entity and the Congolese Government is entitled to a free participatory interest in projects which are at the production phase. This participation cannot be less than 10%. Under the terms of the Mining Convention, there is a contingent statutory 10% free participatory interest in favour of the Government of the RoC as regards the mine operating company and a contingent option for the Government of the RoC to buy an additional 5% stake at market price.

The granting of required approvals, permits and consents may be withheld for lengthy periods, not given at all, or granted subject to conditions which the Jumelles group may not be able to meet or which may be costly to meet. As a result, the Jumelles group may incur additional costs, losses or lose revenue and its business, result of operations, financial condition and/or growth prospects may be materially adversely affected. Failure to obtain, renew, enforce or comply with one or more required approvals, permits and consents could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Mitigation of such risks is in part dependent upon the terms of the Mining Convention and compliance with its terms. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Transportation and other infrastructure

The successful development of the Project (including any low-cost small scale start-up) depends on the existence of adequate infrastructure and the terms on which the Project can own, use or access such infrastructure. The region in which the Project is located is sparsely populated and difficult to access. Central to the Zanaga Project becoming a commercial mining operation is access to a transportation system through which it can transport future iron ore product to a port for onward export by sea. In order to achieve this it will be necessary to access a port at Pointe-Indienne, which is still to be constructed, or some other exit port in the case of a low-cost small scale start-up.

The nature and timing of construction of the proposed new port are still under discussion with the government of the RoC and other interested parties. In relation to the pipeline and Project facilities at the proposed new port and (to the extent needed) other infrastructure, the necessary permits, authorisations and access, usage or ownership rights have not yet been obtained.

Failure to construct the proposed pipeline and/or facilities at the proposed new port and/or other needed infrastructure or a failure to obtain access to and use of the proposed new port and/or other needed infrastructure or a failure to do this in an economically viable manner or in the required timescale could have a material adverse effect on the Project.

In the case of a low-cost small scale start-up, failure to put in place the necessary logistical requirements (including trucking, rail transportation and port facilities) and/or other needed infrastructure or a failure to obtain access to and use of the proposed logistical requirements or a failure to do this in an economically viable manner or in the required timescale could have a material adverse effect on the Project.

The availability of reliable and continuous delivery of sufficient quantity of power to the Project at an affordable price will also be a significant factor on the costs at which iron ore can be produced and transported to any proposed exit port and will impact on the economic viability of the Project.

Reliable and adequate infrastructure (including an outlet port, roads, bridges, power sources and water supplies) are important determinants which affect capital and operating costs and the ability of the Jumelles group to develop the Project, including any low-cost small scale start-up. Failure or delay in putting in place or accessing infrastructure needed for the development of the Zanaga Project could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks associated with access to land

Pursuant to the laws of the RoC, mineral deposits are the property of the government with the ability to purchase surface rights. Generally speaking, the RoC has not had a history of native land claims being made against the state's title to land. There is no guarantee, however, that such claims will not occur in the future and, if made, such claims could have a deleterious effect on the progress of development of the Project and future production.

The Mining Convention envisages that the RoC will carry out a process to expropriate the land required by the Zanaga Project and place such land at the disposal of the holder of the Mining Licence in order to build the mine and the infrastructure, including the pipeline, required for the realisation of the Zanaga Project. This means that the rights of the Jumelles company which holds the Mining Licence to the relevant land will be subject to negotiation between the Congolese government and such company. Alternatively, if the land is not declared DUP (i.e. is expropriated by the State under its sovereign powers) then the Jumelles group will have to reach agreement with the local land owners which may be a more time consuming and costly process. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.



 

Risks relating to timing

Any delays in (i) obtaining rights over and access to land and infrastructure; (ii) obtaining the necessary permits and authorisations; (iii) the construction or commissioning of the mine, the pipeline or facilities at or offshore an exit port or power transmission lines or other infrastructure; or (iv) negotiating the terms of access to the exit port and supply of power and other infrastructure (including an offshore loading facility); or (v) raising finance to fund the development of the mine and associated infrastructure, could prevent altogether or impede the development of the Zanaga Project, including the ability of the Zanaga Project to export its future iron ore products whether on the anticipated timelines or at projected volumes and costs or otherwise. Such delays or a failure to complete the proposed infrastructure or the terms of access to infrastructure or to do this in an economically viable manner, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Environmental risks

The operations and activities of the Zanaga Project are subject to potential risks and liabilities associated with the pollution of the environment and the disposal of waste products that may occur as a result of its mineral exploration, development and production, including damage to preservation areas, over-exploitation and accidental spills and leakages. Such potential liabilities include not only the obligation to remediate environmental damage and indemnify affected third parties, but also the imposition of court judgments, administrative penalties and criminal sanctions against the relevant entity and its employees and executive officers. Awareness of the need to comply with and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations continues to increase. Notwithstanding precautions taken by entities involved in the development of the Project, breaches of applicable environmental laws and regulations (whether inadvertent or not) or environmental pollution could materially and adversely affect the financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Health and safety risks

The Jumelles group is required to comply with a range of health and safety laws and regulations in connection with its business activities (including laws and regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic) and will be required to comply with further laws and regulations if and when construction of the Project commences and the mine goes into operation. A violation of health and safety laws relating to the Jumelles group and/or the Project's operations, or a failure to comply with the instructions of the relevant health and safety authorities, could lead to, amongst other things, a temporary shutdown of all or a portion of the business activity of the Jumelles group and/or the Project's operations or the imposition of costly compliance measures. Where health and safety authorities and/or the RoC government require the business activity of the Jumelles group and/or the Project to shut down or reduce all or a portion of its activities of operations or to implement costly compliance measures, whether pursuant to applicable health and safety laws and regulations, or the more stringent enforcement of such laws and regulations, such measures could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business, prospects, reputation and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

COVID-19

The duration of COVID-19 pandemic and its potential or actual impact upon global markets, countries, populations and businesses is still uncertain. As a result of the measures taken by the government and other authorities in the RoC, the business and other activities of governmental agencies and authorities, of business enterprises and of individuals has been affected. The impact that this situation could have upon the business activities of the Jumelles group and its personnel as well as the risks, is being monitored. While the Jumelles group would seek to manage such situation and to minimise the risks, there is the possibility that the Project and the business activities of the Jumelles group could be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact upon global markets and upon countries. Such adverse effect could include there being constraints on the movement of people and goods across borders and within countries. Additionally, these factors could adversely affect and place constraints on ZIOC and its own business activities. As noted within note 17 of the financial statements, the outbreak thus far has had no material impact upon the business operation or financial situation of the Company. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to third party claims

Due to the nature of the operations to be undertaken in respect of the development of the Zanaga Project, there is a risk that substantial damage to property or injury to persons could be sustained during such development. Any such damage or injury could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business, prospects, reputation and results of operations of the Company and/or the Jumelles group. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Risks relating to outsourcing

The 2014 FS envisages that certain aspects of the Zanaga Project will be carried out by third parties pursuant to contracts to be negotiated with such third parties. Any low-cost small scale start-up is also likely to involve the undertaking of various key elements of the Project by third parties. There is a risk that agreement might not be reached with such third parties or that the terms of any such agreement are more stringent than currently anticipated; this could adversely impact upon the Project and/or the proposed timescale for carrying out the Project. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Fluctuation in exchange rates

The Jumelles group's functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, and most of its in country costs are and will be denominated in CFA francs and Euros. Consequently, the Jumelles group must translate the CFA franc and Euro denominated assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars. To do so, non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the closing exchange rate at the reporting period end date. Consequently, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro (and consequently the CFA franc) and other foreign currencies may affect the Jumelles group's financial results, including its assets and liabilities in the Jumelles group's balance sheets. These factors will affect the financial results of the Company. In addition, ZIOC holds the majority of its funds in Pounds Sterling, and incurs the majority of its corporate costs in Pounds Sterling, but its contributions to funding the Jumelles group in 2021 and 2022 are calculated in U.S. dollars. Consequently, any fluctuation in exchange rates between Pounds Sterling versus the U.S. dollar or the Euro, could also adversely affect the financial results of the Company. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

Cash resources

The Company has limited cash resources. Although the Company has taken steps to conserve and replenish its cash resources, there is a risk that a shortage of such cash resources will adversely affect the Company. Such shortage could result in further expenditure cuts being introduced by the Company, both in its internal and its external operations. Volatile and uncertain economic global conditions in means that there can be no certainty as to when the Zanaga resource is likely to be developed. The challenging economic conditions as well as difficulties of monetising this resource given its location impact upon the ability of the Jumelles group to raise new finance for the Project as well as on the Company's ability to raise new finance for itself. The Company's existing cash resources may continue to come under increasing pressure unless a more predictable investment, travel and trading climate materialises in the foreseeable future which benefits the Project and the Company can take steps which result in an improvement of its financial position. Such risk is reviewed constantly and any relevant changes considered.

 

 


 

Financial Statements

Consolidated statement of total comprehensive loss

for year ended 31 December 2021

 



2021

2020


Note

US$000

US$000

Administrative expenses


(1,226)

(1,099)

Share of loss of associate

6b

(672)

(724)

Operating loss


(1,898)

(1,823)

Loss before tax


(1,898)

(1,823)

Taxation

5

-

-

Loss for the year


(1,898)

(1,823)

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income of associate - foreign exchange translation


(17)

8

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Foreign exchange translation - foreign operations

6b

-

3

Other comprehensive (loss) / income


(17)

11

Total comprehensive loss


(1,915)

(1,812)

(Loss) per share


 


Basic (Cents)

12

(0.6)

(0.6)

Diluted (Cents)

12

(0.6)

(0.6)

 

Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company and are from continuing operations.

 

The notes form an integral part of the financial statements.



Consolidated statement of financial position

for year ended 31 December 2021

 



2021

2020


Note

US$000

US$000

Non-current assets


 


Property, plant and equipment

6a

-

-

Investment in Associate

6b

37,269

37,354



37,269

37,354

Current assets


 


Other receivables

7

233

58

Cash and cash equivalents

8

387

352



620

410

Total Assets


37,889

37,764

Current liabilities


 


Trade and other payables

9

(153)

(184)

Net assets


37,736

37,580

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company


 


Share capital

10

270,935

268,864

Accumulated deficit


(236,516)

(234,617)

Foreign currency translation reserve


3,317

3,333

Total equity


37,736

37,580

 

The notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

 

 

Mr Clifford Elphick

Director



 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for year ended 31 December 2021




Foreign





currency



Share

Accumulated

translation

Total


Capital

deficit

reserve

Equity


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

Balance at 1 January 2020

267,592

(232,794)

3,322

38,120

Issued Capital

565

 

 

 

Consideration for share-based payments

707

-

-

565

Loss for the year


(1,823)

-

707

Other comprehensive loss

-

-

-

(1,823)

Total comprehensive loss

-

(1,823)

11

11

Balance at 31 December 2020

268,864

(234,617)

3,333

37,580

Balance at 1 January 2021

268,864

(234,617)

3,333

37,580

Issued Capital

1,525

-

-

1,525

Consideration for share-based payments

546

-

-

546

Loss for the year

-

(1,898)

-

(1,898)

Other comprehensive loss

-

-

(17)

(17)

Total comprehensive loss

-

(1,898)

(17)

(1,915)

Balance at 31 December 2021

270,935

(236,516)

3,317

 

37,736



Consolidated cash flow statement

for year ended 31 December 2021

 



2021

2020


Note

US$000

US$000

Cash flows used in operating activities


 


Loss for the year


(1,898)

(1,823)

Adjustments for:


 


 (Increase in other receivables


(175)

(11)

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables


(31)

9

Share based payments


547

707

Net exchange loss


12

25

Share of Loss in associate


672

724

Net cash used in operating activities


(873)

(369)

Cash flows generated by financing activities


 

-

Proceeds from share issuance


1,524

564

Net cash flow generated by financing activities


1,524

564

Cash flows used in investing activities


 


Interest received


-

-

Investment in Associate


(604)

(578)

Net cash used in investing activities


(604)

(578)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


47

(383)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


352

755

Effect of exchange rate difference


(12)

(20)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

8

387

352

 

The notes form an integral part of the financial statements.



Notes to the financial statements

1 Business information and going concern basis of preparation

Background

Zanaga Iron Ore Company Ltd (the "Company"), was incorporated on 19 November 2009 under the name of Jumelles Holdings Limited. The Company changed its name on 1 October 2010. The Company is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands ("BVI") and the address of its registered office, is situated at 2nd Floor, Coastal Building, Wickham's Cay II, Road Town, P.O. Box 2221, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. On 18 November 2010, the Company's share capital was admitted to trading on the AIM Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange ("Admission"). The Company's principal place of business as an investment holding vehicle is situated in Guernsey, Channel Islands.

At 31 December 2010 the Company held 100% of the share capital of Jumelles Limited subject to the then Call Option.

On 14 March 2011 the Company incorporated and acquired the entire share capital of Zanaga UK Services Limited for US$2, a company registered in England and Wales which provides investor management and administrative services.

In 2007, Jumelles became the special purpose holding company for the interests of its then ultimate 50/50 founding shareholders, Garbet Limited ("Garbet") and Guava Minerals Limited ("Guava"), in MPD Congo which, owns and operates 100% of the Zanaga Project in the RoC (subject to a minimum 10% free carried interest in MPD Congo in favour of the Government of the RoC).

In December 2009 Garbet and Guava contributed their then respective 50/50 joint shareholding in Jumelles to the Company.

Guava is majority owned by African Resource Holdings Limited ("ARH"), a BVI company that specialises in the investment and development of early stage natural resource projects in emerging markets. Guava owns approximately 27.39% of the share capital of the Company.

At the time that Garbet was a shareholder in the Company, it was majority owned by Strata Limited ("Strata"), a private investment holding company based in Guernsey, which specialises in the investment and development of early stage natural resource projects in emerging markets, predominately Africa. Until 3 April 2017 Garbet owned approximately 41.49% of the share capital of the Company. Pursuant to a transaction effected on 2 April 2017 Garbet ceased to hold any shares in the Company. As part of such transaction the shares in the Company which were held by Garbet were transferred directly or indirectly to Garbet's shareholders and the shareholders of Garbet's holding company, Strata.

Jumelles has three subsidiary companies, namely Jumelles M Limited, Jumelles Technical Services (UK) Limited and MPD Congo.

Transactions involving Xstrata and Glencore

·    As a result of transactions entered into on 16 October 2009 and 3 December 2009, Xstrata acquired a majority stake in Jumelles in return for providing funding towards ongoing exploration of the Zanaga exploration licence area, the preparation of a pre-feasibility study (the "PFS") and a feasibility study (the "FS"). In addition a joint venture agreement which regulated the respective rights of the Company, Jumelles and Xstrata in relation to Jumelles was entered into. >Subsequently:

Xstrata merged with the Glencore group on 2 May 2013 to form Glencore Xstrata and the holding company of the merged group subsequently changed its name to Glencore.

the Feasibility Study was completed in March 2014 and paid for.



 

Relationship between Jumelles and its shareholders since February 2011

The Company, Jumelles and Xstrata Projects agreed to regulate their respective rights in relation to the Project following exercise of the Call Option under the terms of the joint venture agreement ("JVA"). Under the terms of the JVA (as amended), all significant decisions regarding the conduct of Jumelles' business (other than certain protective rights which require the agreement of shareholders holding at least 95% of the voting rights in Jumelles) are made by the Board of Directors.

Glencore has the right to appoint three directors to the Jumelles Board while ZIOC has a right to appoint two directors. At any Jumelles Board meeting, the directors nominated by Glencore have between them such number of votes as represents Glencore's voting rights in the general meetings of Jumelles and the directors nominated by ZIOC have between them such number of votes as represents ZIOC's voting rights in the general meetings of Jumelles.

As a consequence of the provisions of the JVA (in its original version and as subsequently amended), , Glencore controls Jumelles at both a shareholder and director level and therefore controls what was the Company's sole mineral asset, the Zanaga Project. Going forward the Company accounted for this as an Investment in Associate in respect of the Project with Glencore.

Since the acquisition by Glencore of its majority stake in Jumelles, the principal business of the Company has been to manage its 50% less one share interest in the Project and to work with Glencore and the Zanaga Project team in the promotion of the development of the Project and the raising of finance.

Future funding requirements and going concern basis of preparation

The Directors have prepared the accounts on a going concern basis. At 31 December 2021 the Company had cash reserves of US$0.4m.

On 29 June 2022, Glencore and ZIOC have agreed a 2022 Project Work Programme and Budget for the Project of up to US$1.3m plus US$0.1m of discretionary spend. ZIOC has agreed to contribute towards this work programme and budget an amount comprising US$0.09m; the remaining budget amount will be funded via a loan facility provided directly to Jumelles Ltd by Glencore thus requiring less funding by ZIOC over the next 12 months compared to the historical levels observed. On 29 June 2022, Glencore and the group signed a side letter to the Jumelles loan facility confirming that there will be no dilution of the group's holding in Jumelles as a result of this change in funding structure.

The Company had cash reserves of US$0.3m as at 29 June 2022. In order to raise additional funding the Company entered a Subscription Agreement with SMC (as described above - see the Company's release of 26 June 2020.) The financing structure with SMC enables the Company to access funding for the costs that the Company is expected to meet in the near future. Due to the fact that SMC have 3,000,000 shares still to be placed into the market, for illustrative purposes only, if the average price at which SMC places the remaining 3,000,000 shares was 2.05 pence (being ZIOC's mid-market closing share price on 27 June 2022), the net proceeds received by ZIOC from such sales would be approximately £0.06m. Based on the current cost base at the Zanaga Project, the direct loan facility to Jumelles Ltd, the current low corporate overheads of ZIOC, the agreed cash preservation plan adopted by the Company (described below), the Company's existing cash reserves and (on the basis of cautious assumptions made by the Company in its funding model) the funds expected to be obtained from the funding facility established by the Subscription Agreement with SMC, the board of directors of ZIOC (the "Board") believes that the Company will be adequately positioned to support its operations going forward in the near future. As the final cash amounts to be received for each tranche of issued shares, and the timing of this receipt, are dependent on SMC successfully selling the shares prior to transferring funds to the Company, the Board is of the view that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. However, the Board acknowledges that there is a material uncertainty which could give rise to significant doubt over the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Nevertheless, based on and taking into account the foregoing factors, the Board are satisfied the Company will have sufficient funds to meet its own working capital requirements up to, and beyond, twelve months from the approval of these accounts.

The Company continues to review the costs of its operational activities with a view to conserving its cash resources. As part of such ongoing review, and in order to preserve the cash position of the Company, it has been agreed with the Directors (since January 2019) and Management (since September 2019) that fees are deferred. Additionally, the Directors and management have indicated to the Company that they will assist the cash preservation plan of the Company. The way in which this could be achieved is being progressed.

In common with many exploration and development companies in the mining sector, the Company raises funding in phases as its project develops. As the Zanaga Project is still in the development stage and the cash resources of the Company are diminishing, the Company recognises that steps will need to be taken to raise additional investment either at the corporate level or at the Zanaga Project level, or a combination of the two. The raising of additional funds is linked to the progress that is made in relation to the development of the Zanaga Project. The initiatives that are being undertaken in relation to the development of the Zanaga Project have been described earlier in this announcement. There are a range of options for raising funds which the Company is pursuing. It is recognised that there is a risk that the Company may be unable to obtain debt and/or equity financing in the amounts required, in a timely manner, on favourable terms or at all and should this occur, it is highly likely to pose challenges for the Company and could adversely have an impact upon the proposed development of the Zanaga Project and the proposed timeline for its development.

If construction of the mine and related infrastructure proceeds (including any preparatory steps associated with the construction of the mine and related infrastructure), and the Company elects to fund its pro rata equity share of construction capital expenditure, it will need to raise further funds. There is no certainty as to the Company's ability to raise the required finance or the terms on which such finance may be available.

In addition, any decision of the Jumelles Board to proceed with construction of the mine and related infrastructure (or any variant such as a low-cost small scale start-up) is itself dependent upon the ability of Jumelles to raise the necessary debt and equity to finance such construction and the initial operation of the mine. Jumelles itself may be unable to obtain debt and/or equity financing in the amounts required, in a timely manner, on favourable terms or at all and should this occur, it is highly likely to pose challenges to the proposed development of the Zanaga Project and the proposed timeline for its development.

The Company still believes that once the proposed staged development of the Zanaga Project occurs, the Project offers high grade ore at competitive cost, thereby offering an attractive rate of return, at an acceptable level of risk. However, in order to carry out such staged development, it is still the case that substantial capital expenditure will be required both at the prospective mine site and in respect of transportation and other associated infrastructure and for working capital. Revenues from mining are dependent upon such development being financed and taking place.

At a time when the staged development of the Project takes place (or, if viable, a small-scale start-up takes place) the Company will need to obtain additional funding should it decide to elect to fund its share of any such development of the mine. If such staged development continues to be deferred due to unfavourable market conditions, the Company will need at the appropriate time to explore options to raise additional funding, pending the staged development (or, if viable, a small-scale start-up) taking place.

Volatility in currencies

Various factors, including the Brexit process and its aftermath as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on global markets has resulted in increased volatility in currency rates applicable to Pounds Sterling. Such volatility is likely to continue. As the Company's cash resources are held in Pounds Sterling, such volatility could adversely affect the Company's financial position and results where it is obliged to make payments of sums denominated in other currencies. This particularly applies to contributions made by the Company to funding the Jumelles group as these amounts are calculated in United States dollars.

2 Accounting policies

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

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("Adopted IFRS"). Adopted IFRS comprises standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") as adopted by the European Union.

The financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiary Zanaga UK Services Limited (together, the "Group") and the Company's investment in an associate which is accounted for using the equity method.

The company's presentation currency and functional currency is US dollars.

New standards, amendments and interpretations

The following IFRSs standards and amendments are effective from 1 January 2021:

·    Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16). These amendments are not expected to have any material impact upon the finan-cial statements.

The above listed standards and amendments have been adopted by the Company. The amendments do not have a material impact on the Company's business or on the Company's financial statements and as such there are no presentation or measurement changes within the financial statements. .

New and revised IFRS Standards in issue but not yet effective

The following amendments are in issue,  adopted by the European Union but are not effective for the current period:

·    Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions beyond 30 June 2021 (Amendment to IFRS 16)

·    Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3)

·    Property, Plant and Equipment - Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)

·    Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37)

·    Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020

No material impact upon the Company's financial statements are anticipated from these amendments.

Measurement convention

These financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis of accounting.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Associates

Investments in associates are recorded using the equity method of accounting whereby the investment is initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition changes in the Group's share of the net assets of the associate. The Group profit or loss and other comprehensive income includes the Group's share of the associate's profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The investment is considered for impairment annually.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from the intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the financial statements.

Foreign currency

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in equity.

Share-based payments

The Group makes equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees and similar persons as part of LTIP (a long-term incentive plan). The fair value of the equity-settled share-based payments is determined at the date of the grant and expensed, with a corresponding increase in equity, on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group estimate of the awards that will eventually vest, save for any changes resulting from any market-performance conditions.

Where awards were granted to employees of the Group's associate and similar persons, the equity-settled share-based payments were recognised by the Group as an increase in the cost of the investment with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period of the awards. In equity accounting for the Group's share of its associate, the Group has accounted for the cost of equity settled share-based payments as if it were a subsidiary.

The shares issued under the 2010 LTIP were acquired by an Employee Benefit Trust which subscribed for the shares at zero value. These shares are held by the Employee Benefit Trust until the vesting conditions have been met and the share options are exercised. During Q4 2017, all the outstanding share options were exercised and a small number of surplus shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust were distributed to beneficiaries of the Trusts. The Employee Benefit Trust has now been discontinued.

Subsequent awards of share options have been structured as standard share options and did not involve the use of an employee benefit trust.

Information on the share awards is provided in Note 11 to these financial statements.

Share-based payments to non-employees

Where the Group received goods or services from a third party in exchange for its own equity instruments and the amount of equity instruments is fixed, the equity instruments and related goods or services are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received and are recognised as the goods are obtained or the services rendered. Equity instruments issued under such arrangements for the receipt of services are only considered to be vested once provision of services is complete. Such awards are structured as standard share options.

Non-derivative financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group's consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument in accordance with IFRS 9.

Financial assets are initially recognised at their fair value, including, in the case of instruments not recorded at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs. Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) or at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) depending upon the business model for managing the financial assets and the nature of the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument.

Financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value of consideration received net of transaction costs as appropriate and subsequently carried at amortised cost.

Non-derivative financial instruments in the balance sheet comprise other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, and trade and other payables.

 (i) Impairment of financial assets

A loss allowance for expected credit losses is determined for all financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, at the end of each reporting period. The expected credit loss recognised represents a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses over the expected life of the financial instrument.

The expected credit loss allowance is determined on the basis of twelve month expected credit losses and where there has been a significant increase in credit risk, lifetime expected credit losses. Financial assets are credit impaired when there is no realistic likelihood of recovery.

(ii) Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another party.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired.

On derecognition of a financial asset/financial liability in its entirety, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset/financial liability and the sum of the consideration received and receivable/paid and payable is recognised in profit and loss.

Other receivables

Other receivables include receivables from related parties. Where financial assets are included within this line item, these are managed within a business model to collect the contract cashflows, which represent solely payments of principal and interest. Other receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are initially recognised at the fair value of consideration received net of transaction costs as appropriate and subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. These are managed within a business model to collect the contract cashflows, which represent solely payments of principal and interest These are subsequently measured at amortised cost and are determined to have a low credit risk due to being held with highly credit rated financial institutions. As such, these balances are not assessed to determine whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity.

When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a change in equity. Repurchased shares are cancelled.

Impairment of investment in associate

The carrying amounts of the Group's investment in associate are reviewed at each reporting period end to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. The investment is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that investment. If any such indication exists, the investment's recoverable amount is estimated.

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of the investment or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

(i) Calculation of recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of the Group's investments carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these financial assets).

(ii) Reversals of impairment

An impairment loss is reversed when there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.

An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Financing income and expenses

Interest income and interest payable is recognised in profit or loss as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

Taxation

Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each reporting period, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each reporting period.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

Segmental Reporting

The Group has one operating segment, being its investment in the Project, held through Jumelles. Financial information regarding this segment is provided in Note 6b.

Subsequent events

Post year-end events that provide additional information about the Group's position at the end of each reporting period (adjusting events) are reflected in the financial statements. Post year-end events that are not adjusting events are disclosed in the notes to financial statements where material. Please see note 17.

3 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the directors are required to make judgements (other than those involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key source of estimation uncertainty - Carrying value of Investment in Associate

The value of the Group's investment in Jumelles depends very largely on the value of Jumelles' interest in the Project. Jumelles assesses at least annually whether or not its exploration projects may be impaired. This assessment can involve significant estimation uncertainty as to the likelihood that a project will continue to show sufficient commercial promise to warrant the continuation of exploration and evaluation activities. It is reasonably possible, on the basis of existing knowledge, that changes in assumptions within the next financial year could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the Investment in Associate.

 

The long-term iron ore price and discount rate assumptions for the Zanaga project were $58/tonne (CFR IODEX 62% Fe forecast with adjustments for quality, deleterious elements, moisture and freight) and 11.34%, respectively. A 1.5% reduction in the long-term iron ore price or a 0.4% increase in the discount rate applied would result in the remaining carrying value being fully impaired. A movement in the opposite direction of the long-term iron ore price and discount rate by the same percentages would result in a reversal of the impairment recorded to the original carrying value of $100 million. The Group's share of these outcomes would be limited to 49.99% of the amount recognised at the Jumelles level. . It should be noted that the current 62% Fe IODEX price is $123/tonne, signifcantly higher than the price assumptions used in the estimation.

4 Note to the comprehensive income statement

Operating loss before tax is stated after charging/(crediting):

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Share-based payments (see Note 11)

547

707

Net foreign exchange loss/(gain)

(12)

(25)

Directors' fees

-

-

Auditor's remuneration

70

60

Other than the Company Directors, the Group did not directly employ any staff in 2021 (2020: nil). The Directors received a total of US$nil remuneration for their services as Directors of the Group (2020: US$nil. The amounts paid as Directors' fees are shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the 2021 Annual Report. The Directors' interests in the share capital of the Group are shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the 2021 Annual Report.

5 Taxation

The Group is exempt from most forms of taxation in the BVI, provided the Group does not trade in the BVI and does not have any employees working in the BVI. All dividends, interest, rents, royalties and other expense amounts paid by the Company, and capital gains are realised with respect to any shares, debt obligations or other securities of the Company, are exempt from taxation in the BVI.

The effective tax rate for the Group is Nil % (2020: Nil %).



 

6a Property, Plant and Equipment



Fixtures

Total

 


and fittings




US$000

US$000

Cost




Balance at 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021

 

43

43

Depreciation




Balance at 1 January 2021


43

43

Charge for period


-

-

Balance at 31 December 2021

 

43

43

Net book value




Balance at 31 December 2021

 

-

-

Balance at 31 December 2020


-

-

There are no assets held under lease contracts.

6b Investment in Associate

 

US$000

Balance at 1 January 2020

37,492

Additions

578

Share of comprehensive loss

(724)

Share of currency translation reserve

8

Balance at 31 December 2020

37,354

Balance at 1 January 2021

37,354

Additions

604

Share of post-acquisition comprehensive loss

(672)

Share of post-acquisition currency translation reserve

(17)

Balance at 31 December 2021

37,269

At 31 December 2021, the investment represents a 50% less one share shareholding in Jumelles being 2,000,000 shares of the total share capital of 4,000,001 shares. Originally recorded at cost, the investment has been adjusted for changes in the Company's share of the net assets of the associate, less impairment. The investment has been impaired down to the Company's share of the impaired value of the Project declared in the accounts of the associate.

The additions to the investment during the year were due to the additional US$0.60m of investment agreed in accordance with the 2021 Funding Agreement (2020 US$0.58m).

The Company's investment in Jumelles continues to be accounted for as an associate using the equity method of accounting as Glencore has control of the business as described in note 1.

As at 31 December 2021, Jumelles had aggregated assets of US$81m (2020: US$81.4m) and aggregated liabilities of US$0.6m (2020: US$0.8m). For the year ended 31 December 2021 there was no impairment charge (2020: US$nil) and Jumelles incurred a loss before tax of US$1.3m (2020: US$1.4m). There was no tax charge for 2021 (2020: US$nil). Currency translation of the underlying Congolese asset generated a translation loss of US$nil (2020: US$nil).

Summarised financial information in respect of the Group's associate, reflecting 100% of the underlying associate's relevant figures is set out below.

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Non-current Assets:

 


Property, plant and equipment

828

1,054

Exploration and other evaluation assets

80,000

80,000

Total non-current assets

80,828

81,054

Current Assets

202

388

Non-current Liabilities

(117)

(126)

Current Liabilities

(469)

(702)

Net current liabilities

(384)

(440)

Net assets

80,444

80,614

Share capital

293,103

293,103

Translation reserve

41,052

39,845

Translation reserve

(4,846)

(4,812)

Accumulated deficit

(248,865)

(247,522)


80,444

80,614

7 Other receivables

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Prepayments and receivables

199

24

Amounts receivable from the Jumelles group

34

34

Other receivables

233

58

8 Cash and cash equivalents

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Cash and cash equivalents

387

352

9 Trade and other payables

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Accounts payable

153

184


153

184

No amounts payable are due in more than 12 months (2020: US$nil due in more than 12 months).



 

10 Share capital

 

In thousands of shares

Ordinary

Shares

 

Ordinary

Shares

 


2021

2020

In issue at 1 January

293,034

286,304

Shares issued

14,000

7,000

In issue at 31 December 

307,034

293,034

The Company is able to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. 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. No dividends have been paid or declared in 2021 or in the current year (2020: US$nil).

Share capital changes in 2021

14,000,000 shares were issued in 2021 as part of the SMC transaction as described in note 1. There were no share repurchases.

11 Share-based payments

Employees

No awards were issued in 2021.

Awards currently in operation are as follows:

Award 1 (fully vested)

These awards vested on the publication of the results of the VEE, which was achieved in October 2011.

Award 2 (fully vested)

These awards fully vested in 2012 on the expiry of two years following Admission.

Award 6 (fully vested)

These awards have fully vested.

Award 8 (fully vested)

These awards vested on the date of grant in July 2014.

Award 9 (fully vested)

These awards have fully vested.

Details of current awards are as follows:

 


Award 1 (2010)

Award 2 (2010)

Award 6 (2014)

Award 8 (2014)

Award 9 (2014)

Total

 


Weighted


Weighted


Weighted


Weighted


Weighted


Weighted



Average


Average


Average


Average


Average


Average



Exercise Price


Exercise Price


Exercise Price


Exercise Price


Exercise Price


Exercise Price



(£)

Number

(£)

Number

(£)

Number

(£)

Number

(£)

Number

(£)

Number

At 1 January 2020 *

£0.02

2,727,345

£0.02

995,382

0.01

1,204,619

0.01

1,013,418

0.01

4,000,000

£0.01

9,940,764


(US$0.04)


(US$0.04)








(US$0.04)


Granted

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

Forfeited

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

Exercised

N/A

Nil

0.02

Nil

0.01

Nil

0.01

Nil

0.1

Nil

N/A

Nil

Lapsed

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

At 31 December 2020 *

Nil

N/A

Nil

0.01

1,002,771

N/A

Nil

0.01

2,000,000

£0.01

3,002,771














At 1 January 2021 *

£0.02

Nil

£0.02

Nil

0.01

1,002,771

0.01

Nil

0.01

2,000,000

£0.01

3,002,771


(US$0.04)


(US$0.04)








(US$0.04)


Granted

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

Forfeited

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

Exercised

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

Lapsed

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

N/A

Nil

At 31 December 2021 *

Nil

N/A

Nil

0.01

Nil

N/A

Nil

0.01

Nil

£0.01

Nil















Award 1 (2010)

Award 2 (2010)

Award 6 (2014)

Award 8 (2014)

Award 9 (2014)

Total

Range of exercise prices *

 

£0.00-£0.02
(US$0.00-US$0.04)

£0.02
(US$0.04)

£0.00-£0.01
(US$0.00-US$0.02)

£0.01

(US$0.02)

£0.01

(US$0.02)

£0.00 - £0.02
(US$0.00-US$0.04)

Weighted average fair value of share awards granted in the period *

N/A

N/A

N/A)

N/A)

N/A

N/A

Weighted average share price at date of exercise (£)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total share awards vested

2,727,345

995,382

1,137,338

1,013,418

4,000,000

8,337,685

Weighted average remaining contractual life (Days)

Nil

Nil

39

Nil

Nil

 

 

 

N/A

Expiry date

18 May 2021

18 May 2021

29 July 2024**

29 July 2024

29 July 2024

N/A

* Sterling amounts have been converted into US Dollars at the grant dates exchange rates of: Awards 1,2, US$1.547:£1.00, Subsequent awards US$ 1.6944:£1.00.

** Excepting 199,076 share options with expiry date 7 July 2023

The following information is relevant in the determination of the fair value of options granted during 2010 and 2014 which has applied option valuation principles during the year under the above equity-settled schemes:

 


Award 1 (2010)

Award 2 (2010)

Award 6 (2014)

Award 8 (2014)

Award 9 (2014)

Option pricing model used

Black-Scholes

Black-Scholes

Black-Scholes

Black-Scholes

Black-Scholes







Weighted average share price at date of grant

£1.56
 (US$2.41)

£1.56
(US$2.41)

£0.19

(US$$0.31)

£0.19

(US$$0.31)

£0.19

(US$$0.31)

Weighted average expected option life

0.7 years

1.0 years

5.0 years

4.0 years

4.6 years

Expected volatility (%)

50%

50% for less than

91%

91%

91%



1 year expected life,






55% for more than






1 year expected life




Dividend growth rate (%)

Zero

Zero

Zero

Zero

Zero

Risk-free interest rate (%)

0.51% for

0.69% for

1.75% for

1.75% for

1.75% for


6 month expected life

12 month expected life

12 month expected life

12 month expected life

12 month expected life


0.69% for

1.12% for

2.25% in excess

2.25% in excess

2.25% in excess


12 month expected life

24 month expected life

24 month expected life

24 month expected life

24 month expected life

* Sterling amounts have been converted into US Dollars at the grant dates exchange rates of: Awards 1,2, US$1.547:£1.00, Subsequent awards US$ 1.6944:£1.00.

The volatility assumption of awards 1 & 2 were measured by reference to the historic volatility of comparable companies based on the expected life of the option. Subsequent awards referenced the volatility of the Company's own history since the 2010 flotation.

Non-employees

In August 2019 the Group entered into a new incentive plan which granted share options in the Group to two non employee individuals and Harris Geoconsult Limited who all provide consulting services to the Group. On 29 August 2019, 13,633,335 options were granted under this scheme. The scheme will be settled in equity instruments of the Group and is therefore treated as an equity-settled share-based payment arrangement. The options vest in multiple tranches based on the Group achieving key performance milestone including:

(a)  The approval by Jumelles of the Early Production Project (EPP), including its potential technical and financial feasibility, as the basis for advancing the development of the Zanaga Project;

(b)  Raising finance either for the Group or separately for the development phase of the Zanaga Project; or

(c)  The completion of a significant merger or acquisition involving the Group or any member of the Jumelles Group acquiring a material interest (as determined by the Group board) in a third party or a third party acquiring a material interest (as determined by the Group board) in the Group or a member of the Jumelles Group.

All unvested options will also vest on the occurrence of certain events, such as a change of control of the Company. Once vested all options will also vest on the occurrence of certain events, such as a change of control of the Company. Once vested all options are exercisable within seven years of the grant date of award. The options have a nominal exercise price of 0.01p (one hundredth of one penny). The number of share options are as follows:

In number of shares

Number of options

2021

Number of options

2020

Granted during the year

-

-

Exercised during the year

-

-

Outstanding at the end of the year

13,633,335

13,633,335

Exercisable at the end of the year

-

-

The services to be provided in exchange for the options are unidentifiable at the date of the grant and therefore the Group has measured the fair value of the services with reference to the fair value of the options granted. The fair value is measured using a Black Scholes model. Measurement inputs and assumptions as follows:

 

 

2021

Fair value at grant date


0.09

Share price at valuation date

 

0.09

Exercise price

 

Nominal

Expected volatility (weighted average)

 

N/A

Option life (weighted average life in years)

 

2.4

Expected dividends

 

Nil

Risk-free interest rate (based on national government bonds)

 

N/A

 

As the options are effectively nil-cost options the expected volatility and risk free rate does not impact the fair value under the Black Scholes model and therefor been excluded from the model inputs. The share options are granted with a number of non-market performance conditions relating to achievement of specific performance milestones for the Group as set out above. In addition, the option holders must continue to provide consulting services to the Group as at the vesting date. Such conditions are not taken into account in the grant date value measurements of services received. The achievement of the non-market performance conditions are estimated by management to determine expected vesting period over which to spread the equity-settled share-based payment charge. As at year end the expected vesting date of each tranche of options is between 30 June 2020 and 31 December 2021 resulting in a weighted average option life of 2.4 years.

The total expenses recognised for the year relating to equity-settled share-based payments is US$547k.

In addition, there are 1,600,000 options outstanding which were issued to a consultant in 2014 at 18.5p that have vested but have not yet been exercised.

12 Loss per share


2021

2020

Profit (Loss) (Basic and diluted) (US$,000)

(1,898)

(1,823)

Weighted average number of shares (thousands)

 


Basic

 


Issued shares at beginning of period

293,034

286,034

Effect of shares issued

14,000

7,000

Weighted average number of shares at 31 December - basic

307,034

293,034

Loss per share

 


Basic (Cents)

(0.6)

(0.6)

Diluted (Cents)

(0.6)

(0.6)

There are potential ordinary shares outstanding, refer to Notes 10 and 11 for details of these potential ordinary shares. The effects of these potential shares are not considered in the calculation of diluted loss per share.

13 Financial instruments

Financial Risk Management

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk (comprising currency risk and interest rate risk). The Group seeks to minimise potential adverse effects of these risks on the Group's financial performance. The Board has overall responsibility for managing the risks and the framework for monitoring and coordinating these risks. The Group's financial risk management policies are set out below:

(a)  Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group receivables related parties. The Group has a credit policy in place and exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. At 31 December, the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk was as follows:


2021

2020


US$000

US$000

Cash and cash equivalents

387

352

Amounts receivable from Jumelles Group

34

34

Significant concentrations of credit risk manifest with the Group's banking counterparties with which the cash and cash equivalents are held, and accounts receivable from Jumelles.

 (b) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its payment obligations when due, or that it is unable, on an ongoing basis, to borrow funds in the market on an unsecured or secured basis at an acceptable price to fund actual or proposed commitments. Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and availability of adequate committed funding facilities.

The Group evaluates and follows continuously the amount of liquid funds needed for business operations, in order to secure the funding needed for business activities and loan repayments. The availability and flexibility of the financing is needed to ensure the Group's financial position, as detailed in Note 1.

The maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities based on the contractual terms is as follows:

$'000

Less than 1 months

1 month to 6 months

Greater than 6 months

Total

2020





Accounts payable

83

-

70

153

2020





Accounts payable

84

-

100

184

 

 

(c) Market risk

(i) Foreign currency risk

The functional currency of the Group is the US dollar. Currency risk is the risk of loss from movements in exchange rates related to transactions and balances in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The foreign currency denominated financial assets and liabilities are not hedged, thus the changes in their value are charged or credited to profit and loss.

As at 31 December 2021 the foreign currency denominated assets include cash balances held in Sterling of US$387,322 (2020: US$351,772), other receivables denominated in Sterling of US$232,972 (2020: US$58,440), and payables of US$153,283 (2020: US$184,459) denominated in Sterling.

The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

 


 

Reporting date


Reporting date


Average rate

spot rate

Average rate

spot rate


2021

2021

2020

2020

Against US Dollars

US$

US$

US$

US$

Pounds Sterling

1.33680

1.3532

1.3037

1. 3672

(ii) Sensitivity analysis

A 10% weakening of the following currencies against the US Dollar at 31 December 2021 would have increased/(decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This calculation assumes that the change occurred at the end of each reporting period and had been applied to risk exposures existing at that date. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other exchange rates and interest rates, remain constant.

 


Equity

Profit or loss

Equity

Profit or loss


2021

2021

2020

2020


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

Pounds Sterling

(35)

(35)

(35)

(35)

A 10% strengthening of the above currencies against the US Dollar at 31 December would have had the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

(iii) Capital management

The Board's policy is to maintain a stable capital base so as to maintain investor and market confidence. Capital consists of share capital and retained earnings. The Directors do not intend to declare or pay a dividend in the foreseeable future but, subject to the availability of sufficient distributable profits, intend to commence the payment of dividends when it becomes commercially prudent to do so.

The Company has a share incentive programme which is now administered by the Board. The share incentive programme is discretionary and the Board will decide whether to make share awards under the share incentive programme at any time. In Q4 2017 all then outstanding share options over already issued shares in the LTIP split interest scheme were exercised, a small number of surplus shares were distributed to beneficiaries of the Employee Benefit Trust involved in the scheme and the LTIP split interest scheme was then discontinued.



 

14 Commitments for expenditure

The Group had no capital commitments or off-balance sheet arrangements at 31 December 2021 (31 December 2020: nil). Subsequently, Glencore and ZIOC have agreed a 2022 Project Work Programme and Budget for the Project of up to US$1.2m plus US$0.1m of discretionary spend. ZIOC has agreed to contribute towards  this work programme and budget an amount comprising US$0.1m, the remaining funds will be provided by a Glencore loan facilty into Jumelles.

 

15 Related parties

The Group's relationships with Jumelles and Glencore are described in Note 1.

The following transactions occurred with related parties during the period:

 


Transactions for the period

 

Closing balance

(payable)/receivable


2021

2020

2021

2020


US$000

US$000

US$000

US$000

Funding:

 


 


Due from Jumelles

604

578

34

34

16 Transactions with key management personnel

 


2021

2020


US$000

US$000


 


Directors' fees

-

-

Total

-

-

 

 

The Directors have no material interest in any contract of significance subsisting during the financial year, to which the Group is a party.

 

17 Subsequent Events

Jumelles Loan Facility

On 29 June 2022, Glencore and ZIOC agreed a 2022 Project Work Programme and Budget for the Project of up to US$1.3m plus US$0.1m of discretionary spend. ZIOC has agreed to contribute towards this work programme and budget an amount comprising US$0.09m; the remaining budget amount will be funded via a loan facility provided directly to Jumelles Ltd by Glencore thus requiring less funding by ZIOC over the next 12 months compared to the historical levels observed. On 29 June 2022, Glencore and the group signed a side letter to the Jumelles loan facility confirming that there will be no dilution of the group's holding in Jumelles as a result of this change in funding structure.

 

 

 

 

 

*** End of Financial Statements ***



 

Glossary

 

AL2O3

Alumina (Aluminium Oxide)

Fe

Total Iron

JORC Code

The 2004 or 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves as published by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia.

LOI

Loss on ignition

LOM

Life of mine

Mineral Resource

A concentration or occurrence of material of intrinsic economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories.

Mn

Manganese

Ore Reserve

The economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves. A Probable Ore Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proved Ore Reserve but is of sufficient quality to serve as the basis for a decision on the development of the deposit.

P

Phosphorus

PFS

Pre-feasibility Study

SiO2

Silica

Beneficiation

The process of improving (benefiting) the economic value of the ore by removing the waste minerals, which results in a higher grade product (concentrate)

Pelletisation

The process of compressing or moulding a material into the shape of a pellet

Mtpa

Million Tonnes Per Annum

 

 

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