REG-Bisichi Plc: Final Results
26/04/2024 07:15
BISICHI PLC
Results for the year ended 31 December 2023
Summary:
Reported EBITDA: £3.4million (2022: £40.0million)
Adjusted EBITDA: £2.6million (2022: £39.4million)
Profit before tax £0.6million (2022: £38.0million)
Earnings per share 2.43p (2022: 164.96p)
* The decrease in group earnings for the year mainly attributed to lower
export sales, due to the performance of Transnet, the South African state rail
provider and lower coal prices achievable by Sisonke Coal Processing, the
Group’s South African coal processing operation.
* Earnings were further impacted by difficult mining conditions and low mining
production at Black Wattle Colliery, the Group’s coal mining asset.
* Lower cost mining area opened in the second quarter of 2023 at Black Wattle
Colliery resulting in a significant improvement in coal production and lower
mining costs.
* Directors propose a total year-end dividend per share of 4p (2022: 12p).
This takes the total dividends per share for the year to 7p (2022: 22p).
Executive Chairman, Andrew Heller, comments:
“2023 was a challenging year for your company and its South African
operations. However, looking forward, we continue to see the benefits, both in
terms of mining cost and production, from the new mining area opened at Black
Wattle. In addition, we have seen a stabilisation of coal prices in our
markets and an improved performance from Transnet in 2024 to date. We remain
confident in the Group’s ability to achieve significant value from our South
African operations. On behalf of the Board and shareholders, I would like to
thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication during the course of
the year”
For further information, please call:
Andrew Heller or Garrett Casey, Bisichi PLC 020 7415 5030
Bisichi PLC (Company Registration No. 00112155)
Annual Report 2023
A TRIBUTE TO
CHRISTOPHER JOLL
Director 2001-2024
It was with great sadness that the Board of Bisichi announced the death of our
senior non-executive Director, Christopher Joll, on 18th April 2024, at the
age of 75 years old.
Christopher was a director of Bisichi for 23 years. As well as maintaining a
keen eye on the running of the company, Christopher was a very active
participant in Board meetings, always requesting forecasts and projections
from the Executive Directors. He was the most articulate member of the Board,
rewriting and improving anything that had been drafted. His extremely wise
counsel, integrity, communication skills and enthusiasm for the company will
be sorely missed.
Christopher attended Oxford University and spent seven years in The Life
Guards, including completing four tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
Christopher built his career in financial PR which is where Bisichi first came
across him. He was also a British military historian, author of an incredible
fifteen books and manager of the British Military Tournament. Christopher was
the essence of an English gentleman and board meetings will not be the same
without him.
Strategic report
The Directors present the Strategic Report of the company for the year ending
31 December 2023. The aim of the Strategic Report is to provide shareholders
with the ability to assess how the Directors have performed their duty to
promote the success of the company for the collective benefit
of shareholders.
Strategic report
Chairman’s Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2023, your company made a profit before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £3.4million (2022:
£40.0million) and an operating profit before depreciation, fair value
adjustments and exchange movements (Adjusted EBITDA) of £2.6million (2022:
£39.4million).
2023 was a challenging year for your company and its South African operations.
The lower earnings for the Group, compared to 2022, are mainly attributable to
lower export sales, due to the performance of Transnet, the South African
state rail provider, and lower prices for our coal sold by Sisonke Coal
Processing, the Group’s South African coal processing operation. In
addition, earnings were further impacted by difficult mining conditions and
low mining production at our coal mining asset, Black Wattle Colliery.
During 2022, the Group benefited from significantly higher prices of Free on
Board (FOB) coal from Richards Bay Coal Terminal (API4 price). However, during
2023, the weekly API4 price averaged US$120 compared to US$273 in 2022. In
addition to the weaker international coal price, constraints in transporting
coal for export on the South African rail network, which were beyond our
control, significantly impacted the Group’s export sales during the period.
Due to the lack of available rail capacity, the Group exported 134,000 metric
tonnes in 2023, compared to 262,000 metric tonnes in 2022 and 320,000 in 2021.
This, in turn, had a further impact on earnings during the period, as coal
allocated for export was eventually sold into the domestic market at prices
that were significantly lower than the export price achievable by rail through
Richards Bay. Transnet, the South African state rail operator, and the wider
South African coal industry, are working hard to collectively implement
measures to increase rail capacity. We are pleased to report that, in 2024 to
date, we have seen an improved performance in our railed coal export volumes
compared to 2023. We remain optimistic that the measures, once fully
implemented, will have a significant positive impact on both the export and
domestic prices achievable for our coal.
At Black Wattle, difficult mining conditions impacted profitability during the
period. For the majority of 2023, geological issues reduced the production
from our opencast mining area as well as increasing related mining and
blasting costs. In order to mitigate these issues, the mine opened a lower
cost second mining area in the third quarter of 2023. Since the commencement
of this new mining area, we have seen a significant improvement in mining
production and lower operating costs and we expect the improved performance at
Black Wattle to continue throughout 2024.
The low coal production levels at Black Wattle in 2023 had a knock-on effect
on overall levels of coal processed at Sisonke Coal Processing. The Group sold
1.031million metric tonnes during the year compared to 1.287million metric
tonnes in 2022. The decrease in the Group’s mining revenue during the period
to £49.3million (2022: £95.1million) can mainly be attributable to the lower
prices achievable for our coal and the lower overall quantity of coal sold,
particularly into the export market.
Looking forward into 2024, we will continue to see the benefits, both in terms
of mining cost and production, from the new mining area at Black Wattle. In
addition, we have seen a stabilisation in coal prices in both the export and
domestic market and an improved performance by Transnet. We remain confident
in the Group’s ability to achieve significant value from our South African
operations.
The Group recognises the need for, and is committed to, the diversification of
its future business activities. The Group is continually looking at
alternative mining, commodity and renewable energy related opportunities, as
well as new opportunities to add to our existing UK property and listed equity
related investment portfolios. In the interim, we continue to work closely
with Vunani Mining, our BEE partner in Black Wattle and Sisonke Coal
processing, to ensure that we are responsible stewards of our legacy coal
operations taking into account the climate-related risks outlined in our
climate report on page 11 and the impact these risks may have on all our
stakeholders.
During the period the Group’s total non-current and current listed equity
related investments held at fair value through profit and loss increased to
£15.0million (2022: £13.5million). The Group achieved dividend income from
investments during the period of £0.56million (2022: £0.59million) and a
gain in value from investments of £0.8million (2022: £1.0million). The
Group’s listed equity related investment portfolios comprise primarily of
listed equities and listed equity related funds involved or invested in
extractive and energy related business activities, including entities involved
in the extraction of commodities needed for the clean energy transition.
In the UK, we have seen rental revenue from our retail property portfolio
improve in 2023. The Group billed revenue from our directly owned property
portfolio of £1.3million (2022: £1.11million) during the year. The Group
continues to hold its joint venture development investment in West Ealing,
with London & Associated Properties PLC and Metroprop Real Estate Ltd. As
previously reported, we obtained a resolution to grant planning consent for 56
flats and four retail units at the end of 2020. During 2023 the joint venture
has been finalising detailed designs for the project and working with
contractors and designers to improve building efficiency and maximise
potential returns. Currently, the joint venture is working toward developing
the project to completion. Detailed negotiations to finance construction are
underway with the intention of commencing work in the second half of 2024.
Finally, in light of the challenging year, your directors propose a final
year-end dividend of 4p (2022: 12p) per share. The final dividend proposed
will be payable on Friday 26 July 2024 to shareholders registered at the close
of business on 5 July 2024. This takes the total dividends per share for the
year to 7p (2022: 22p).
On behalf of the Board and shareholders, I would like to thank all of our
staff for their hard work and dedication during the course of the year.
Andrew Heller
Executive Chairman & Managing Director
22 April 2024
Strategic Report
Principal activity, strategy & business model
The company carries on business as a mining company and its principal activity
is coal mining and coal processing in South Africa. The company’s strategy
is to create and deliver long term sustainable value to all our stakeholders
through our business model which can be broken down into three key areas:
1 Acquisition & investment
The Group continues to oversee responsibly its existing mining and processing
operations in South Africa as well as actively to seek and evaluate new
alternative mining, commodity and renewable energy related opportunities. The
Group aims to achieve this through new commercial arrangements.
In addition, we seek to balance the high risk of our mining operations with a
dependable cash flow from our UK property investment operations and listed
equity related investment portfolios. The company primarily invests in retail
property across the UK as well as residential property development. The UK
Retail property portfolio is managed by London & Associated Properties PLC
whose responsibility is to actively manage the portfolio to improve rental
income and thus enhance the value of the portfolio over time. The Group’s
listed equity related investment portfolios comprise primarily of listed
equities and listed equity related funds involved or invested in extractive
and energy related business activities, including entities involved in the
extraction of commodities needed for the clean energy transition.
2 Production & sustainability
The Group strives to mine its remaining South African coal reserves in an
economical and sustainable manner that delivers value to all our stakeholders.
3 Processing & marketing
The Group seeks to achieve value from its South African coal processing
infrastructure through the washing, transportation and marketing of coal into
both the domestic and export markets.
Strategic Report
Mining review
2023 was a difficult year in terms of performance for our South African coal
mining and processing operations. A lack of rail capacity for export and lower
international coal prices significantly impacted the profitability of the
Group. With more stability in the coal market going into 2024, management will
be focussing on improving production levels and keeping operating costs low.
Production and operations
Geological issues in areas mined at Black Wattle, our South African mining
operation, had a significant impact on production, particularly in the first
half of 2023. The geological issues related to both the coal seams mined and
the overburden removed. This, in turn, impacted the rate of extraction and
overall cost per tonne of coal mined. In the third quarter of 2023, management
took the decision to transition both our mining contractors to a new mining
area. After overcoming temporary water issues in the last quarter of 2023,
mining of this new area has steadily progressed going into 2024. Overall, the
mine achieved production of 807,000 metric tonnes (2022: 824,000 metric
tonnes) during the year. In 2024 to date, we have seen a significant
improvement in mining production and lower operating costs compared to the
previous mining area. We expect the improved performance at Black Wattle to
continue throughout 2024.
We continue to work closely with Vunani Mining, our BEE partner in Black
Wattle and Sisonke Coal processing, to ensure that we are responsible stewards
of our legacy coal operations, which have a life of mine of six years, taking
into account the climate related risks outlined in our climate report on page
11 and the impact these risks may have on all our stakeholders.
Main trends/markets
The stabilisation of global energy markets in 2023, compared to 2022, had a
significant impact on prices achievable for our coal over the year. In the
international market the average weekly price of Free On Board (FOB) Coal from
Richard Bay Coal Terminal (API4 price) averaged $120 in 2023 compared to $273
in 2022.
The lower prices, offsetting a stronger US Dollar compared to the South
African Rand, resulted in the Group achieving an average Rand price of R1,357
per tonne of export coal sold from the mine in 2023, compared to R3,770 in
2022. The Group’s export sales are via Richards Bay Coal Terminal, primarily
under the Quattro programme which allows junior black-economic empowerment
coal producers direct access to the coal export market via the terminal.
During the second half of the year exports continued to be limited by
constraints in transporting coal for export on the South African rail network,
leading to a decrease in exports volumes from our South African operations
during the year to 134,000 metric tonnes compared to 262,000 metric tonnes in
2022. Transnet, the South African state rail operator, and the wider South
African coal industry, are working hard to collectively implement measures to
increase rail capacity. Feedback to date on the application of these measures
has been promising and we are pleased to report that, in 2024 to date, we have
seen an improved performance in our railed coal export volumes compared to
2023.
In light of the export constraints, the Group supplied a higher proportion of
coal into the South African domestic market in 2023, compared to 2022, at
prices that were significantly lower than the export price achievable by rail
through Richards Bay. For the year, the Group achieved an average domestic
price of R938 per tonne coal sold compared to R774 in 2022. The average price
increase in the domestic market in 2023, compared to 2022, was attributable to
an increase in higher quality coal, destined for the export market, being sold
domestically due to the lack of export rail capacity available. Domestic sales
volumes from our South African operations decreased during the year to
0.90million metric tonnes (2022: 1.03million metric tonnes).
In 2023, the Group achieved an average overall Rand price per tonne of coal
sold of R992 compared to R1,384 in 2022. The decrease in Group revenue in 2023
can mainly be attributed to the lower export coal prices achieved and lower
volumes of coal sold, particularly into the export market. Further details on
the financial performance of the Group’s mining segment can be found in the
Financial & performance review on page 24 of this report.
Looking forward to 2024, we have seen coal prices remain stable in both our
markets and we remain optimistic about a continued improvement in the
provision of coal export rail capacity by Transnet.
Sustainable development
The Group’s South African operations continue to strive to conduct business
in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible manner. Some highlights of
our Health, Safety and Environment performance in 2023:
* The Group’s South African operations recorded 2 Lost time Injuries during
2023 (2022: Two).
* One case of Occupational Diseases was recorded.
* One claim for the Compensation for Occupational Diseases was submitted.
In South Africa, the new government regulated Broad-Based Socio-Economic
Empowerment Charter for the Mining and Minerals Industry, 2020 (New Mining
Charter) came into force from March 2020. The New Mining Charter is a
regulatory instrument that facilitates sustainable transformation, growth and
development of the mining industry. The Group is committed to fully complying
with the New Mining Charter and providing adequate resources to this area in
order to ensure opportunities are expanded for historically disadvantaged
South Africans (HDSAs) to enter the mining and minerals industry. In addition,
we are pleased to report that Black Wattle has achieved a level 3 Broad Based
Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) verification certificate for 2024 and we
continue to adhere and make progress in terms of our Social and Labour Plan
and our various Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”) initiatives. A fuller
explanation of these can be found in our Sustainable Development Report
on page 7.
Prospects
Management would like to thank all our South African employees and
stakeholders for their significant contribution to the Group’s performance
in 2023. Going forward, your management are optimistic that 2024 will be a
successful year for our South African operations.
Strategic Report
Sustainable development
The Group is fully committed to ensuring the sustainability of both our UK and
South African operations and delivering long term value to all our
stakeholders.
Social, community and human rights issues
The Group believes that it is in the shareholders’ interests to consider
social and human rights issues when conducting business activities both in the
UK and South Africa. Various policies and initiatives implemented by the Group
that fall within these areas are discussed within this report.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
The Group is committed to creating a safe and healthy working environment for
its employees and the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost
importance.
HSE performance in 2023:
* One case of Occupational Diseases was recorded.
* One claim for the Compensation for Occupational Diseases was submitted.
* No machines operating at Black Wattle exceeded the regulatory noise level.
* The Group’s South African operations recorded 2 Lost Time Injuries during
2023.
In addition to the required personnel appointments and assignment of direct
health and safety responsibilities on the mine, a system of Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessments has been designed, implemented and
maintained at Black Wattle and at Sisonke Coal Processing. Health and Safety
training is conducted on an ongoing basis. We are pleased to report all
relevant employees to date have received training in hazard identification and
risk assessment in their work areas.
A medical surveillance system is also in place which provides management with
information used in determining measures to eliminate, control and minimise
employee health risks and hazards and all occupational health hazards are
monitored on an ongoing basis.
Various systems to enhance the current HSE strategy have been introduced as
follows:
* In order to improve hazard identification before the commencing of tasks,
mini risk assessment booklets have been distributed to all mine employees and
long term contractors on the mine.
* Dover testing is conducted for all operators. Dover testing is a risk
detection and accident reduction tool which identifies employees’
problematic areas in their fundamental skills in order to receive appropriate
training.
* A Job Safety Analysis form is utilised to ensure effective identification of
hazards in the workplace.
* In order to capture and record investigation findings from incidents, an
incident recording sheet is utilised by line management and contractors.
* Black Wattle Colliery utilises ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method).
* On-going training on first aid is being conducted with all employees
involved with this discipline.
Looking forward into 2024, Black Wattle intends to enhance the safety of our
employees and contractors onsite through the sourcing and procurement of a
Proximity Detection System (“PDS”) solution for the mine. The PDS solution
comprises a sensing device that detects the presence of another person,
vehicle or object and a sophisticated interface that provides an audible and
visual alarm. These systems warn both the vehicle operator and the pedestrian
of the imminent danger of a potential collision.
The Group continues to monitor and adhere to all of the South African
government’s guidelines and regulations including all updates and advice
from the National Department of Health and the Department of Minerals
Resources and Energy.
Black Wattle Colliery Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and Community Projects
Black Wattle Colliery is committed to true transformation and empowerment as
well as poverty eradication within the surrounding and labour providing
communities.
Black Wattle is committed to providing opportunities for the sustainable
socio-economic development of its stakeholders, such as:
* Employees and their families, through Skills Development, Education
Development, Human Resource Development, Empowerment and Progression
Programmes.
* Surrounding and labour sending communities, through Local Economic
Development, Rural and Community Development, Enterprise Development and
Procurement Programmes.
* Empowering partners, through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)
and Joint Ventures with Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA) new
mining entrants and enterprises.
* The company engages in on going consultation with its stakeholders to
develop strong company-employee relationships, strong company-community
relationships and strong company-HDSA enterprise relationships.
The key focus areas in terms of the detailed SLP programmes were updated as
follows:
* Implementation of new action plans, projects, targets and budgets were
established through regular workshops with all stakeholders.
* A comprehensive desktop socio-economic assessment was undertaken on baseline
data of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) and Nkangala District
Municipality (NDM).
* Through engagements with the Department of Education and STLM regarding the
Local Economic Development projects for the current SLP year cycle
(2022-2026). The department endorsed the Khulunolwazi School Project in late
2023. The project is currently in a planning phase for the implementation of
the project in various phases. At present, drawing plans for the school are
being finalised, which requires approval from the local municipality.
Black Wattle has implemented various community initiatives including:
* A community training environmental project, where local community members
are trained to safely cut and remove non-indigenous vegetation. Thereafter the
vegetation is utilised in the making, bagging and sales of charcoal.
* A waste management project at Uitkyk community, nearby to Black Wattle,
involving the collection and recycling of waste from their community.
* Certain community members have been identified for training in areas
regarding mining and beneficiation. These areas include but are not limited
to: * conveyor maintenance;
* operation of mining machinery;
* training in environmental waste management;
* drivers licenses; and
* security officer training
* One HDSA female completed her University studies in the 2023 academic year.
* Various upgrades were initiated at the Evergreen School nearby to Black
Wattle.
Black Wattle continues to support Care for Wild, a globally recognized local
conservation organization dedicated to preserving endangered species and
safeguarding the precious biodiversity of our planet. As the largest orphaned
rhino sanctuary in the world, Care for Wild specialise in the rescue,
rehabilitation, rewilding, and protection of orphaned and injured rhinos.
However, their mission extends far beyond rhinos alone, they are deeply
committed to the preservation of endangered species that play vital roles in
their ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.
The Group recognizes the critical importance of this goal in safeguarding
biodiversity and aspire to play a significant role in its realization through
our sponsorship of three Rhinos as well as various related community gardening
initiatives at the sanctuary.
Environment & environment management programme
South Africa
Under the terms of the mine’s Environmental Management Programme approved by
the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (“DMRE”), Black Wattle
undertakes a host of environmental protection activities to ensure that the
approved Environmental Management Plan is fully implemented. In addition to
these routine activities, Black Wattle regularly carries out environmental
monitoring activities on and around the mine, including evaluation of ground
water quality, air quality, noise and lighting levels, ground vibrations, air
blast monitoring, and assessment of visual impacts. In addition to this Black
Wattle also performs quarterly monitoring of all boreholes around the mine to
ensure that no contaminated water filters through to the surrounding
communities.
Black Wattle is fully compliant with the regulatory requirements of the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and has an approved water use
licence.
Black Wattle Colliery has substantially improved its water management by
erecting and upgrading all its pollution control dams in consultation with the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
A performance assessment audit was conducted to verify compliance to our
Environmental Management Programme and no significant deviations were found.
United Kingdom
The Group’s UK activities are principally retail property investment as well
as residential property development whereby we provide or develop premises
which are rented to retail businesses or sold on to end users. We seek to
provide tenants and users in both these areas with good quality premises from
which they can operate or reside in an environmentally sound manner.
Procurement
In compliance with the Mining Charter and the Mineral and Petroleum Resource
Development Act, the Group’s South African operations has implemented a
BBBEE-focussed procurement policy which strongly encourages our suppliers to
establish and maintain BBBEE credentials. We are very pleased to report that
Black Wattle has a achieved a level 3 BBBEE certificate for 2024. At present,
88 percent of the companies utilised by Black Wattle for equipment and
services are BBBEE companies.
Mining Charter
In South Africa, the new government regulated Broad-Based Socio-Economic
Empowerment Charter for the Mining and Minerals Industry, 2020 (New Mining
Charter) came into force from March 2020. The New Mining Charter is a
regulatory instrument that facilitates sustainable transformation, growth and
development of the mining industry. The Group’s mining operation is expected
to reach various levels of compliance to the New Mining Charter over a period
of five years from March 2020. The Group is committed to providing adequate
resources to this area in order to ensure full compliance to the New Mining
Charter is achieved over the period. As part of Black Wattle’s commitment to
the New Mining Charter, the company seeks to:
* Expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs),
including women and youth, to enter the mining and minerals industry and
benefit from the extraction and processing of the country’s resources;
* Utilise the existing skills base for the empowerment of HDSAs; and
* Expand the skills base of HDSAs in order to serve the community.
Employment & diversity
In the UK, the Board of Bisichi PLC at 31 December 2023 comprised of:
Number of board members Percentage of the board Number of senior positions on the board Number in executive management Percentage of Executive management
Men 7 100% 2 3 100%
Women 0 0% 0 0 0%
Not specified/prefer not to say 0 0% 0 0 0%
Number of board members Percentage of the board Number of senior positions on the board Number in executive management Percentage of Executive management
White British or other White (including minority white groups) 6 86% 2 3 100%
Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups 0 0% 0 0 0%
Asian/Asian British 1 14% 0 0 0%
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British 0 0% 0 0 0%
Other ethnic group, including Arab 0 0% 0 0 0%
The above data has been collected through self-reporting by the Board members.
Questions asked include gender identity or sex and ethnic background.
The Company notes the diversity targets included in the Listing Rules, being:
* at least 40% of the individuals on the Board are women;
* at least one of the specified senior positions is held by a woman; and
* at least one individual on the Board is from a minority ethnic background.
At 31 December 2023 the Company did not meet the target of at least 40% of the
individuals on its board of directors are women and at least one of the senior
positions on the Board are held by a women. Should the Board look to appoint
further directors in the future, the Company will give due consideration to
how it may achieve the diversity targets while ensuring the appropriate
structure of the Board and mix of skills and expertise relevant to the
Company’s operations. As part of its recruitment processes, the Company
gives careful consideration to all potential applicants however has a
particular regard to those with knowledge and experience of the mining and
extractives sector and in particular the South African market. This necessary
focus narrows considerably the pool of potential applicants and poses
potential challenges in both recruitment and meeting the diversity targets.
The Company will keep this under ongoing review.
Given the Company’s current organizational structure and limited headcount
in the United Kingdom, and its highly regulated obligations in South Africa
under the Employment Equity Act, New Mining Charter, SLP and BBBEE regulations
in South Africa, the Board considers that a formal diversity policy, would not
be practicable for the Company to develop over and above its extensive
policies and procedures already implemented in South Africa. The Company and
the Board already integrates equality and diversity in all aspects of the
Company’s business and all decisions are made on merit and without regard to
protected characteristics. Where appropriate and practicable for the Company,
the Company considers and implements positive actions to enable the Company to
provide additional support. This can include, for example, making adjustments
to assist staff and ensuring that, to the extent possible, all relevant
perspectives are included in decision making on an ongoing basis. The Group is
committed to improving upon its gender and diversity targets at all employment
levels within the Group through a required build-up of sufficient talent
pools, training up of employees and targeted recruitment policies.
The Company will keep the requirement for a formal diversity policy under
review and will give serious consideration to the adoption of a policy,
tailored to the nature of the Company’s business, its operations and
resources at the appropriate point.
The Group’s South African operations are committed to achieving the goals of
the South African Employment Equity Act and is pleased to report the
following:
* Black Wattle Colliery has exceeded the 10 percent women in management and
core mining target.
* Black Wattle Colliery has achieved over 15 percent women in core mining.
* 95 percent of the women at Black Wattle Colliery are HDSA females.
In terms of directors, employees and gender representation, at the year end
the Group had 9 directors (8 male and 2 from a minority ethnic or HDSA
Background, 1 female from a minority ethnic or HDSA Background), 5 senior
managers (5 male and 2 from a minority ethnic or HDSA Background) and 212
other employees (143 male and 118 from a minority ethnic or HDSA Background,
69 female and 66 from a minority ethnic or HDSA Background).
Black Wattle Colliery has successfully submitted their annual Employment
Equity Report to the Department of Labour. In terms of staff training some
highlights for 2023 were:
* One employee was trained in ABET (Adult Basic Educational Training) on
various levels;
* An additional eight disabled HDSA women continued their training on ABET
levels one to four;
* Four HDSA persons were enrolled for apprenticeships in 2023 categorised as
follows: * One HDSA female employee;
* Two HDSA females from the local community; and
* One HDSA male from the local community.
* Two HDSA persons continued their internships in 2023; these are categorised
as follows: * One HDSA female from the local community continued her studies
in Safety Management.
* One HDSA female from the local community continued her studies as a Safety
Officer (COMSOQ1).
Further to the above, we confirm that one HDSA Female completed her bursary
studies in 2023, while two HDSA females continued their bursary studies in
2023.
Highlights for 2023 for Sisonke Coal Processing:
* One employee was trained in ABET (Adult Basic Educational Training) on
various levels
Employment terms and conditions for our employees based at our UK office and
at our South African mining operations are regulated by and are operated in
compliance with all relevant prevailing national and local legislation.
Employment terms and conditions provided to mining staff meet or exceed the
national average. The Group’s mining operations and coal washing plant
facility are labour intensive and unionised. During the year no labour
disputes, strikes or wage negotiations disrupted production or had a
significant impact on earnings. The Group’s relations to date with labour
representatives and labour related unions continue to remain strong.
Anti-slavery and human trafficking
The Group is committed to the prevention of the use of forced labour and has a
zero tolerance policy for human trafficking and slavery. The Group’s
policies and initiatives in this area can be found within the Group’s
Anti-slavery and human trafficking statement found on the Group’s website at
www.bisichi.co.uk.
Climate Change reporting
The Group recognises that climate change represents one of the most
significant challenges facing the world today and supports the goals of the
Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Our aim is to:
* minimize our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions;
* to consider and plan for the physical and transitional risks of climate
change on our operations; and
* to work with stakeholders, including local government and communities, to
mitigate the impact of climate-related challenges.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
Bisichi is committed to managing the impact of its operations on the planet
and the impact of climate change on its operations, particularly to ensure
continued operational and financial resilience in a changing world and
marketplace. Bisichi understands the importance of these matters to its
investors, partners, and regulatory authorities and, as required by the
Listing Rules, has adopted the Task Force on Climate-related Disclosure’s
framework for communicating climate related financial risks.
The Group’s primary operations are coal mining and processing in South
Africa. Hydrocarbons are a key source of energy and heat for the foreseeable
future and the Company’s operations have contributed to meeting market
demand for coal, particularly in South Africa. However, the Group’s
operations form part of a wider energy and natural resources market which is
in the process of transitioning, in conjunction with the published government,
national and supra-national policies, to net-zero.
In the current year, the Group has aligned its climate disclosures in this
Strategic Report to the four Task force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (“TCFD”) recommendations and the 11 recommended disclosures as
outlined below. This is the second year the Group has published a report in
line with the TCFD Recommendations and the Group has endeavoured to make
disclosures consistent with the TCFD recommended disclosures taking into
consideration the short to medium term life of its South African coal
operation and the size and complexity of the Group as a whole. The Group
continues to develop and enhance its infrastructure, strategies, structures,
resources and tools to manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate
change and to ensure its ongoing climate change reporting disclosure is fully
consistent in all areas with the TCFD recommended disclosures.
TCFD Pillar TCFD Bisichi PLC
Recommended Disclosure
Governance Board’s oversight of climate risk and opportunities. The Board has ultimate responsibility for the monitoring and development of the Group’s approach to climate risk and opportunities. In light of the size of the Group, ESG
matters are considered as part of the Group’s regular board meetings and at other appropriate points during the year. The Board has developed and implemented a Climate
Change Policy and monitor the content, effectiveness and implementation of this Policy on a regular basis. The Group’s Climate Change Policy can be found on the Group’s
website at www.bisichi.co.uk. Short, medium and long term strategic decisions, including those on capital allocation and portfolio management, are considered by Group
management who make recommendations to the Board. Climate related issues and policy are included as significant factors for consideration in the decision making process,
both in the management recommendation and in the Board’s consideration of the relevant issue. On-going climate related issues are integrated into the Group’s business
risk management process and reporting thereof to the Board and Audit Committee. The Group has regard to best practice in its area of operations, its health and safety and
environmental obligations and seeks to ensure high standards of business conduct in its operations. It will review compliance with the TCFD Recommendations on an ongoing
basis, and report on its performance on a yearly basis.
Governance Management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities. Responsibility for the application of this Policy rests with, but is not limited to, all employees and contractors engaged in relevant activities under the Group’s
operational control. The Group’s managers are responsible for promoting and ensuring compliance with this Policy and any related individual site-level policies and
practices. At our South African operations, management have engaged with key stakeholders in order to ensure awareness of our climate change policy as well as the
potential impact of climate change on our environment and operations. We continue our collaboration with our contractors on GHG Emission Reporting, and we are actively
looking for opportunities to partner with our stakeholders to drive the uptake of carbon neutral solutions. For material strategic or financial decisions, the Group may
consider procuring expert advice from third party consultants on the impact in the short, medium and long term of the decision, and ensure that such information is fully
considered as part of the evaluation of the relevant matter.
TCFD Pillar TCFD Bisichi PLC
Recommended Disclosure
Strategy Climate-related risks and opportunities the Group has identified over the short, medium, and long run. The Group considers the current life of mine of its South African operations to fall within a short to medium term horizon. Within this horizon, climate change transition
risks may impact our South African coal mining and processing operations. Risks include: * coal price and demand volatility;
* availability and cost of financing and third party services such as insurance;
* delays or restrictions to regulatory approvals; early retirement of our coal processing and mining operations; and
* Carbon pricing and taxes, that may create additional costs through the value chain.
The Group have assessed physical climate risk profiles produced by the World Bank, particularly in relation to our South African operations. The Group considers the
physical risks of variations in climate over the current life of mine of our South African operations to be mainly limited to an increased risk of seasonal flooding that
may impact the operating efficiency, costs and revenues of our mining and processing operations. In a longer term horizon, and in a scenario where the useful life of our
South African operations is extended, the above short to medium term transitional risks are expected to continue to apply. In addition, in a scenario, such as the
International Energy Association’s (“IEA”) Pathway to Net Zero by 2050 (“NZE 2050”), where climate policies are effectively implemented that support a transformation to
net zero emissions by 2050 and limiting the rise of global temperatures to 1.5°C by the end of the century, policies will lead to significant coal demand decline over the
longer term. This in turn will impact the carrying value and long term viability of our South African coal operations as well as the stakeholders and communities reliant
on our operations. Extreme weather events, over the long term in South Africa, such as floods, and droughts, as well as changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and
storm frequency will also affect the operating efficiency, costs and revenues of our mining and processing operations, supply chains and impact the communities living
close to our operations. Clean coal research and technology initiatives such as carbon capture may result in opportunities to increase the useful life of our South
African coal mining and processing operations. In addition, the clean energy transition provides opportunities for the Group to diversify its business activities and
equity investment portfolio into renewable and extractive industries that will benefit from and are critical to the transition to a clean energy system The main sources
of scope 1 & 2 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions for the Group have been associated with our South African coal mining and processing operations, namely due to fuel
combustion and electricity usage. Improvements in the cost competitiveness of lower emission sources of energy provide opportunities to lower overall operating costs at
our operations as well as reduce overall GHG Emissions. In the UK we have identified the following material physical and transitional risks related to our UK Retail
portfolio: * Long term physical risk through changes in climate, flood risk and extreme weather; and
* Short-term transition risk from emerging regulation related to energy performance (“EPC”) and enhanced disclosures.
TCFD Pillar TCFD Bisichi PLC
Recommended Disclosure
Strategy Impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on businesses, strategy, and financial planning. Management have incorporated and regularly review the following strategies and procedures in relation to it South African coal operations: * Review of the impact of
climate change and the global transition to clean energy, particularly in relation to the current life of mine of the Group’s coal operations;
* Regular research and analysis of the coal market demand outlook;
* Regular research and analysis on the outlook of the South African coal mining industry and climate change regulation including mining regulation, energy procurement and
licensing, and carbon taxing;
* Regular communication with financial service providers and suppliers on any future changes to availability and cost of services;
* Regular research and analysis on the progress of clean coal technology and related regulatory initiatives; and
* Regular dialogue and seeking collaboration with governments and local communities and other stakeholders on climate change-related challenges.
The Board has identified the need to mitigate GHG emission heavy sources of electricity usage at our coal washing plant. Management continue to evaluate opportunities to
reduce these emissions taking into particular consideration the financial viability and long term sustainability of the projects. The Board has identified the need to
mitigate GHG emission in its mining process and rehabilitation activities at Black Wattle. The below areas have been identified where GHG emissions can be further reduced
through: * Minimising land clearance for new project facilities;
* Adoption of mitigation strategies for preserving integrity of environment;
* Minimising tree felling;
* The use of modern, energy and fuel efficient equipment;
* The inclusion of the impact of GHG emissions as an evaluation criteria in the selection of mining contractors, suppliers and equipment. Particular consideration will be
given to the choice of vehicles used for the mine fleet, employee transportation and the haulage fleet. Where possible energy and fuel efficiency will be a factor in the
selection of vehicles as this will not only reduce GHG emissions but also reduce operating costs. In addition to the efficiency of the fleet itself, opportunities will be
sought for improving the use of the vehicles.
* Scheduling of excavation and haulage activities to optimise activities and avoid double handling, where this is operationally practical; and
* The upgrading of energy-intensive machinery over time will be used to improve efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions compared to machinery that has been removed.
In addition to the above, Black Wattle has been actively engaged with the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (“STLM”) to mitigate GHG emissions in its rehabilitation
activities by finding alternative uses for unrehabilitated mining voids on the mine. Discussions are progressing to transfer certain unrehabilitated mining voids to STLM
in order for the areas to be developed into a “Waste Eco Park”. The proposed development will include the licensing and development of a proposed landfill for waste
disposal, recycling facilities, and a general waste management facility. The proposed Waste Management Facility will be a state-of-the-art treatment and resource
beneficiation facility inclusive of final disposal to landfill. Further environmental screening studies are currently being undertaken by STLM. Any significant
developments will be reported to shareholders in due course. Potential water scarcity has increased management focus on opportunities to increase the usage efficiency of
our existing water supply and water recycling systems. The introduction of a closed loop filter press system for coal fines in 2019 and additional other work concluded or
planned on our water recycling systems at our coal processing facility will result in a lowering of our overall cost of water and the environmental footprint of our
operations. Increased risks of flooding have been incorporated at planning stage in new opencast mining areas that have been opened. Transition and physical risks related
to climate change are regularly discussed at Board level, particularly those related to the long term viability of the Group’s South African coal operations and the
future allocation of capital. The Board regularly considers the need for coal as an energy source both globally and in South Africa over the life of mine of our
operations and in its long term planning. The Board is committed to responsible stewardship of our legacy South African coal assets taking into account the impact climate
change related risks may have on all our local stakeholders. We recognise the need to collaborate with government, employees and communities, to ensure a just transition
for our stakeholders through the transition to a low carbon economy. The Board regularly evaluates and continues to seek opportunities to diversify its business
activities and equity investment portfolio, particularly into renewable and extractive industries that predominantly mine commodities identified by the IEA as critical in
the transition to a clean energy system. Any significant developments will be reported to shareholders in due course. The Board continue to monitor and regularly review
adherence by the Group to changes to UK EPC. The Group have incorporated the ongoing impact of EPC regulatory standards into its decision making process.
TCFD Pillar TCFD Bisichi PLC
Recommended Disclosure
Strategy Resilience of strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario. Management have incorporated climate scenarios into our strategic operational planning and review process. We have assessed the resilience of our coal operations compared
to the IEA’s NZE2050 Scenario, which sets out what additional measures would be required over the next ten years to put the world as a whole on track for net zero
emissions by mid-century. The Scenario indicates a significant coal demand decline over the longer term impacting the potential commercial longevity of the Group’s South
African operations. In addition we have assessed physical climate risk profiles for our South African operations obtained via the World Bank Group’s Climate Change
Knowledge Portal. The outcomes of scenario testing and physical climate profiling have been incorporated into the long term strategic planning and decision making
processes of the Group. Over the short to medium term, considering the potential impact of transitional climate risks on the Group’s South African operations, the Group’s
climate strategy and policy is regularly scrutinised by senior management and the Board in regard to any changes in coal demand outlook and climate regulatory policy that
may impact our operations over the current life of mine. A recent example being the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (“JET IP”) announced by the South African
Government for 2023-2027. The Board encourages senior and local management to assess principal and emerging climate-related risks on a regular basis. Risks identified are
to be reported to and discussed at Board level and incorporated into the strategy and planning of the Group.
Risk Management Processes for identifying and assessing climate related risks. The Group’s risk management processes are developed, implemented and reviewed by the Board, who retain ultimate responsibility for them. In addition to the Group’s
management of its principal risks and uncertainties, climate change impacts are mainly considered from two environmental perspectives, the impact of our South African
coal mining and processing operations on the climate and the effect of global climate change on our operations and stakeholders. Heavy sources of GHG emissions have been
identified from our annual Greenhouse Gas emissions recording and reporting. The Board and Senior management remain in regular communication with local regulatory bodies,
climate research providers, coal market analysts, suppliers, and services providers to ensure climate related risks and changes in regulatory policy are identified and
assessed on a regular basis. Senior and local management in South Africa are encouraged by the Board to identify local climate related risks and changes in regulatory
policy that may impact our South African coal operations. Management continually engage with governments and local communities and other stakeholders on climate change
-related challenges impacting the local area and the South African coal industry at large.
Risk Management Processes for managing climate-related risks. The Board and Senior management co-ordinate the Group’s analysis and planning of the effects of climate change on our business. The Board regularly discusses the impact
of any risks identified through the organisation, particularly in relation to material matters that may impact the viability of the Group’s coal operations. The Board
regularly reviews and analyses coal market and outlook research, particularly in relation to targets set out in local climate policy such as JET IP and global climate
scenarios such as NZE 2050. The mitigation of GHG emissions and identification of climate related risks has been integrated into our corporate policy, project and
procurement evaluation criteria at our South African operations to ensure it is consistently applied and managed. The Group continuously monitors and reports key
performance indications relating to environmental matters, including the location of CO2 emissions, their levels and intensity. On an ongoing basis, the Group assesses
the impact of carbon pricing, climate regulation and taxation on going concern assumptions, the Group’s current and future strategy and operations.
Risk Management Processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the overall risk management. New or evolving climate change risks identified by both senior and local management are to be reported to and discussed at Board level and incorporated into the strategy,
planning and climate policy of the Group. Where possible, plans to mitigate the effect of climate change on our operations and our local communities will be integrated
into the mines regulatory environmental management and social and labour plans.
TCFD Pillar TCFD Bisichi PLC
Recommended Disclosure
Metrics and Targets Metrics used by the Group to assess climate related risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process. A financial segmentation of the Group’s South African coal mining and processing assets that are impacted by the climate related risks and opportunities outlined above
can be found on page 80. The Group recognises that its ability to reduce overall carbon emissions is constrained at present by the main segment of it business activities,
being coal mining and processing in South Africa. The Group has, however, sought to appropriately target its emission reduction strategy to the elements of its operations
where a meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can be effected, and this will be reflected in the targets set by the Group in due course. The Group measures and
report our CO2 emissions across the Group including a breakdown of UK and South African coal operations. See below for disclosure of emissions during the year.
Metrics and Targets Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the related risks. The Group is committed to measuring and reporting our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, see below for disclosure of emissions during the year. Scope 3 emissions are
not currently measured given the size and life of mine of the Group’s South African coal operations and the uncertainty and impracticality in accurately measuring such
emissions throughout the value chain. The Group will continue to assess the above approach as part of its continued review of compliance with the TCFD Recommendations and
taking into account any material changes in future business activities.
Metrics and Targets Targets used by the Group to manage climate-related risks and opportunities and performance against targets. Over 99% of the Group’s GHG Emissions relate to our South African coal operations which has a current life of mine of 6 years. In the short term, the Group’s continues to
evaluate areas where GHG emissions can be further reduced, particularly scope 2 emissions related to the heavy sources of electricity usage at our coal washing plant.
Once the Group has identified the scope of further potential reductions, their time, capital cost and practicability of implementation, short term targets for the Group
will be reassessed. Over the long term, as part of the Group’s business strategy, the Board continues to evaluate opportunities to diversify its business activities. In
turn, targets related to GHG emissions will be re-evaluated in line with any future changes in the Group’s planned operating activities.
Green House Gas reporting
We have reported on all of the emission sources required under the Companies
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) Regulations.
The data detailed in these tables represent emissions and energy use for which
Bisichi PLC is responsible. To calculate our emissions, we have used the main
requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard and a
methodology adapted from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2019),
along with the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting
2023.
Any estimates included in our totals are derived from actual data which have
been extrapolated to cover the full reporting periods. Our reporting includes
our energy use and emissions associated with our UK office, which are minimal
(1.2 tonnes of CO2e).
The Group’s carbon footprint: 2023CO2e Tonnes 2022
CO2e Tonnes
Emissions source:
Emissions from the combustion of fuel or the operation of any facility including fugitive emissions from refrigerants use 39,709 39,564
Emissions resulting from the purchase of electricity, heat, steam or cooling by the company for its own use (location based) 7,601 12,267
Total gross emissions 47,310 51,831
Of which:
UK 1 3
South Africa 47,309 51,828
Intensity:
Tonnes of CO2 per £ sterling of revenue 0.0010 0.0005
Tonnes of CO2 per tonne of coal produced 0.0587 0.0629
kWh kWh
Energy consumption used to calculate above emissions 90,218,230 87,292,816
Of which UK 7,601 12,341
Principal risks & uncertainties
PRINCIPAL RISK PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE RISK
COAL PRICE AND VOLUME RISK
The Group is exposed to coal price risk as its future revenues will be derived based on contracts or agreements with physical off-take partners at prices that will be determined by reference to market prices of coal at delivery date.The Group’s South African mining and coal processing operational earnings are significantly dependent on movements in both the export and domestic coal price. The price of export sales is derived from a US Dollar-denominated export coal price and therefore the price achievable in South African Rands can be influenced by movements in exchange rates and overall global demand and supply. The volume of export sales achievable can be influenced by rail capacity and export quota constraints at Richards Bay Coal Terminal under the Quattro programme.The domestic market coal prices are denominated in South African Rand and are primarily dependant on local demand and supply.In the short term, disconnections in global energy markets and global economic volatility may result in additional price volatility in both the export and domestic market due to fluctuations in both demand and supply.Longer term both the demand and supply of coal in the domestic and global market may be negatively impacted by climate related risks such as regulatory changes related to climate change and governmental CO2 emission commitments. The Group primarily focuses on managing its underlying production and processing costs to mitigate coal price volatility as well as from time to time entering into forward sales contracts with the goal of preserving future revenue streams. The Group has
not entered into any such contracts in 2022 and 2023. The Group’s export and domestic sales are determined based on the ability to deliver the quality of coal required by each market together with the market factors set out opposite. Volumes of export
sales achieved during the year were primarily dependent on the Group’s ability to produce the higher quality of coal required for export, obtaining adequate rail capacity and utilising allowable export quotas under the Quattro programme. The volume of
domestic market sales achieved during the year were primarily dependant on local demand and supply as well as the Group’s ability to produce the overall quality of coal required. The Group continues to assess on an ongoing basis its dependence on the above
factors and evaluate alternative means to ensure coal sales and prices achieved are optimised.The Group assesses on an ongoing basis the impact of volatility in global energy markets, economic volatility and climate change related risks may have on the
Group’s mining operations and future investment decisions as outlined in the Group’s climate change reporting on page 11.
MINING RISK
As with many mining operations, the reserve that is mined has the risk of not having the qualities and accessibility expected from geological and environmental analysis. This can have a negative impact on revenue and earnings as the quality and quantity of coal mined and sold by our mining operations may be lower than expected. This risk is managed by engaging independent geological experts, referred to in the industry as the “Competent Person”, to determine the estimated reserves and their technical and commercial feasibility for extraction. In addition, management engage
Competent Persons to assist management in the production of detailed life of mine plans as well as in the monitoring of actual mining results versus expected performance and management’s response to variances. The Group continued to engage an independent
Competent Person in the current year. Refer to page 5 for details of mining performance.
CURRENCY RISK
The Group’s operations are sensitive to currency movements, especially those between the South African Rand, US Dollar and British Pound. These movements can have a negative impact on the Group’s mining operations revenue as noted above, as well as operational earnings. The Group is exposed to currency risk in regard to the Sterling value of inter-company trading balances with its South African operations. It arises as a result of the retranslation of Rand denominated inter-company trade receivable balances into Sterling that are held within the UK and which are payable by South African Rand functional currency subsidiaries. The Group is exposed to currency risk in regard to the retranslation of the Group’s South African functional currency net assets to the Sterling reporting functional currency of the Group. A weakening of the South African Rand against Sterling can have a negative impact on the financial position and net asset values reported by the Group. Export sales within the Group’s South African operations are derived from a US Dollar-denominated export coal price. A weakening of the US Dollar can have a negative impact on the South African Rand prices achievable for coal sold by the Group’s South
African mining operations. This in turn can have a negative impact on the Group’s mining operations revenue as well as operational earnings as the Group’s mining operating costs are Rand denominated. In order to mitigate this, the Group may enter into
forward sales contracts in local currencies with the goal of preserving future revenue streams. The Group has not entered into any such contracts in 2023 and 2022. Although it is not the Group’s policy to obtain forward contracts to mitigate foreign
exchange risk on inter-company trading balances or on the retranslation of the Group’s South African functional currency net assets, management regularly review the requirement to do so in light of any increased risk of future volatility.Refer to the
‘Financial Review’ for details of significant currency movement impacts in the year.
PRINCIPAL RISK PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE RISK
NEW RESERVES AND MINING PERMISSIONS
The life of the mine, acquisition of additional reserves, permissions to mine (including ongoing and once-off permissions) and new mining opportunities in South Africa generally are contingent on a number of factors outside of the Group’s control such as approval by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and other regulatory or state owned entities. In addition, the Group’s South African operations are subject to the government Mining Charter with the New Mining Charter which came into force from March 2020. Failure to meet existing targets or further regulatory changes to the Mining Charter, could adversely affect the mine’s ability to retain its mining rights in South Africa. The work performed in the acquisition and renewal of mining permits as well as the maintenance of compliance with permits includes factors such as environmental management, health and safety, labour laws and Black Empowerment legislation (such as the New
Mining Charter); as failure to maintain appropriate controls and compliance may in turn result in the withdrawal of the necessary permissions to mine. The management of these regulatory risks and performance in the year is noted in the Mining Review on
page 5 as well as in the Sustainable Development report on page 7 and in this section under the headings environmental risk, health & safety risk and labour risk. Additionally, in order to mitigate this risk, the Group strives to provide adequate resources
to this area including the employment of adequate personnel and the utilisation of third party consultants competent in regulatory compliance related to mining rights and mining permissions.
POWER SUPPLY RISK
The current utility provider for power supply in South Africa is the government run Eskom. Eskom continues to undergo capacity problems resulting in power cuts and lack of provision of power supply to new projects. Any power cuts or lack of provision of power supply to the Group’s mining operations may disrupt mining production and impact on earnings. The Group’s mining operations have to date not been affected by power cuts. However the Group manages this risk through regular monitoring of Eskom’s performance and ongoing ability to meet power requirements. In addition, the Group continues to assess the
ability to utilise diesel generators as an alternative means of securing power in the event of power outages.
FLOODING RISK
The Group’s mining operations are susceptible to flooding which could disrupt mining production and impact on earnings. Management monitors water levels on an ongoing basis and various projects have been completed, including the construction of additional dams, to minimise the impact of this risk as far as possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
The Group’s South African mining operations are required to adhere to local environmental regulations. Any failure to adhere to local environmental regulations, could adversely affect the mine’s ability to mine under its mining right in South Africa. In line with all South African mining companies, the management of this risk is based on compliance with the Environment Management Plan. In order to ensure compliance, the Group strives to provide adequate resources to this area including the employment
of personnel and the utilisation of third party consultants competent in regulatory compliance related to environmental management. To date, Black Wattle is fully compliant with the regulatory requirements of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
and has an approved water use licence. Further details of the Group’s Environment Management Programme are disclosed in the Sustainable development report on page 7.
HEALTH & SAFETY RISK
Attached to mining there are inherent health and safety risks. Any such safety incidents disrupt operations, and can slow or even stop production. In addition, the Group’s South African mining operations are required to adhere to local Health and Safety regulations. The Group has a comprehensive Health and Safety programme in place to mitigate this risk. Management strive to create an environment where Health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. Our Health & Safety programme provides clear guidance
on the standards our mining operation is expected to achieve. In addition, management receive regular updates on how our mining operations are performing. Further details of the Group’s Health and Safety Programme are disclosed in the Sustainable
Development report on page 7.
CLIMATE CHANGE RISK
Climate change is a material issue that can affect our South African coal business through: - changes in carbon pricing, taxes, and coal mining regulation; - extreme climatic events; - access to capital and services and allocation thereof; and - reduced demand and prices for coal. Transition and physical risks related to climate change are regularly discussed and acted upon at Board and management levels, particularly those related to the viability of the Group’s South African coal operations and the future allocation of capital.
Further details of the Group’s performance and management of climate change related risk is set out in the Group’s climate change report on page 11.
LABOUR RISK
The Group’s mining operations and coal washing plant facility are labour intensive and unionised. Any labour disputes, strikes or wage negotiations may disrupt production and impact earnings. In order to mitigate this risk, the Group strives to ensure open and transparent dialogue with employees across all levels. In addition, appropriate channels of communication are provided to all employment unions at Black Wattle to ensure effective and
early engagement on employment matters, in particular wage negotiations and disputes. Refer to the ‘Employment & diversity’ section on page 9 for further details.
PRINCIPAL RISK PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE RISK
SOCIO-ECONOMIC, POLITICAL INSTABILITY & REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT RISK
The Group is exposed to a wide range of political, economic, regulatory, social and tax environments, particularly in South Africa. Regulation applicable to resource companies can often be subject to adverse and unexpected changes. Environmental, social, economic and tax regulatory codes can be complex and uncertain in their application. The Group may be impacted by adverse actions and decisions by governments including operational delays, delays or loss of permits or licenses to operate. Laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate may change or be implemented in a manner that may have a materially adverse effect on the Group. Our operations may also be affected by political, economic and unemployment instability, including terrorism, civil disorder, violent crime, war and social unrest. The Group actively engages with governments, regulators and other stakeholders within the countries in which it operates. The Group endeavours to operate its businesses according to high legal, ethical, social and human rights standards and comply with all
applicable environmental, social and tax laws and regulations. The Group’s assets and investments are diversified across various countries which reduces the Group’s exposure to any particular country. The Board regularly assesses the political and socio
-economic environment and related risks of the countries it operates and invests in.
CASHFLOW RISK
Commodity price risk, currency volatility and the uncertainties inherent in mining may result in favourable or unfavourable cashflows. In order to mitigate this, we seek to balance the high risk of our mining operations with a dependable cash flow from our UK property investment operations which are actively managed by London & Associated Properties PLC and our equity investment
portfolio. Due to the long term nature of the leases, the effect on cash flows from property investment activities are expected to remain stable as long as tenants remain in operation. Refer to Financial and Performance review on page 24 for details of the
property and investment portfolio performance.
PROPERTY VALUATION RISK
Fluctuations in property values, which are reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement and Balance Sheet, are dependent on an annual valuation of the Group’s commercial and residential development properties. A fall in UK commercial and residential property can have a marked effect on the profitability and the net asset value of the Group as well as impact on covenants and other loan agreement obligations.The economic performance of the United Kingdom, including counter inflationary regulatory measures, as well as the current economic performance and trends of the UK retail market, may impact the level of rental income, yields and associated property valuations of the Group’s UK property assets including its investments in Joint Ventures. The Group utilises the services of London & Associated Properties PLC whose responsibility is to actively manage the portfolio to improve rental income and thus enhance the value of the portfolio over time. In addition, management regularly monitor banking
covenants and other loan agreement obligations as well as the performance of our property assets in relation to the overall market over time. Management continues to monitor and evaluate the impact of counter inflationary regulatory measures and the
current economic performance of the UK retail market on the future performance of the Group’s existing UK portfolio. In addition, the Group assesses on an ongoing basis the performance of the UK retail market on the Group’s banking covenants, loan
obligations and future investment decisions. Refer to page 28 for details of the property portfolio performance.
Strategic Report
Financial & performance review
The movement in the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA from £39.4million in 2022 to
£2.6million in 2023 can mainly be attributed to the performance of the
Group’s South African operations. Lower volumes of coal sold, lower export
coal prices and a lower proportion of sales into the export market at Sisonke
Coal Processing had a significant impact on the Group’s revenue in 2023.
EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and mining production are used as key performance
indicators for the Group and its mining activities as the Group has a
strategic focus on the long term development of its existing mining reserves
and the acquisition of additional mining reserves in order to realise
shareholder value. Mining production can be defined as the coal quantity in
metric tonnes extracted from our reserves during the period and held by the
mine before any processing through the washing plant. Whilst profit/(loss)
before tax is considered as one of the key overall performance indicators of
the Group, the profitability of the Group and the Group’s mining activities
can be impacted by the volatile and capital intensive nature of the mining
sector. Accordingly, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are primarily used as key
performance indicators as they are indicative of the value associated with the
Group’s mining assets expected to be realised over the long term life of the
Group’s mining reserves. In addition, for the Group’s property investment
operations, the net property valuation and net property revenue are utilised
as key performance indicators as the Group’s substantial property portfolio
reduces the risk profile for shareholders by providing stable cash generative
UK assets and access to capital appreciation. Certain key performance
indicators below are not Generally Accepted Accounting Practice measures and
are not intended as a substitute for those measures, and may or may not be the
same as those used by other companies.
Key performance indicator
The key performance indicators for the Group are: 2023 2022 £’000
£’000
For the Group:
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 2,647 39,363
EBITDA 3,354 39,980
Profit before tax 610 38,014
For our property investment operations:
Net property valuation 10,610 10,465
Net property revenue 1,268 1,108
For our mining activities:
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 1,380 38,126
EBITDA 1,222 37,856
Tonnes‘000 Tonnes ‘000
Mining production 807 824
Quantity of coal sold 1,031 1,287
The key performance indicators of the Group Mining £’000 Property £’000 Other £’000 2023£’000
can be reconciled as follows:
Revenue 47,424 1,268 561 49,253
Transport and loading cost (2,812) - - (2,812)
Mining and washing costs (35,808) - - (35,808)
Other operating costs excluding depreciation (7,424) (557) (5) (7,987)
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 1,380 711 556 2,647
Exchange movements (158) - - (158)
Fair value adjustments - 145 - 145
Gains on investments held at fair value through profit and loss (FVPL) - - 759 759
Operating profit excluding depreciation 1,222 856 1,315 3,393
Share of loss in joint venture - (39) - (39)
EBITDA 1,222 817 1,315 3,354
Net interest movement (960) (291) - (1,251)
Depreciation (1,493) - - (1,493)
Profit before tax (1,231) 526 1,315 610
The key performance indicators of the Group Mining £’000 Property £’000 Other £’000 2022£’000
can be reconciled as follows:
Revenue 93,413 1,108 590 95,111
Transport and loading cost (5,201) - - (5,201)
Mining and washing costs (38,008) - - (38,008)
Other operating costs excluding depreciation (12,078) (456) (5) (12,539)
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 38,126 652 585 39,363
Exchange movements (270) - - (270)
Fair value adjustments - (60) - (60)
Gains on investments held at fair value through profit and loss (FVPL) - - 1,036 1,036
Operating profit excluding depreciation 37,856 592 1,621 40,069
Share of loss in joint venture - (89) - (89)
EBITDA 37,856 503 1,621 39,980
Net interest movement (663) (210) - (873)
Depreciation (1,093) - - (1,093)
Profit before tax 36,100 293 1,621 38,014
Adjusted EBITDA is used as a key indicator of the operating trading
performance of the Group and its operating segments representing operating
profit before the impact of depreciation, fair value adjustments,
gains/(losses) on disposal of other investments and foreign exchange
movements. The Group’s operating segments include its South African mining
operations and UK property. The performance of these two operating segments
are discussed in more detail below.
The Group achieved an EBITDA for the year of £3.4million (2022:
£40.0million). The movement compared to the prior year can mainly be
attributed to the decreased EBITDA from our mining activities of £1.2million
(2022: £37.9million). In addition, the Group’s fair value gain, related to
our UK property was £0.15million (2022: loss £0.1million) and gains related
to investments held at fair value through profit and loss were £0.8million
(2022: £1.0million).
The Group reported a profit before tax of £0.6million (2022: £38.0million)
for the year resulting in a decrease in taxation for the year to £0.3million
(2022: £11.9 million). This resulted in the Group achieving an overall profit
for the year after tax of £0.3million (2022: £26.1million), of which
£0.26million (2022: £17.6million) was attributable to equity holders of the
company.
South African mining operations
Performance
The key performance indicators of the Group’s South African mining
operations are presented in South African Rand and UK Sterling as follows:
South African Rand UK Sterling
2023R’000 2022 R’000 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Revenue 1,087,690 1,886,276 47,422 93,413
Transport and loading costs (64,497) (105,023) (2,812) (5,201)
Mining and washing costs (821,307) (767,490) (35,808) (38,008)
Operating profit before other operating costs and depreciation 201,886 1,013,763 8,802 50,204
Other operating costs (excluding depreciation) (7,422) (12,078)
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 1,380 38,126
Exchange movements (158) (270)
EBITDA 1,222 37,856
2023‘000 2022 ‘000
Mining production in tonnes 807 824
2023R 2022 R
Net Revenue per tonne of mining production 1,268 2,162
Mining and washing costs per tonne of mining production (1,018) (931)
Operating profit per tonne of mining production before other operating costs and depreciation 250 1,231
Net Revenue per tonne of mining production can be defined as the revenue price
achieved per metric tonne of mining production less transportation and loading
costs.
A breakdown of the quantity of coal sold and revenue of the Group’s South
African mining operations are presented in metric tonnes and South African
Rand as follows:
Domestic‘000 Export‘000 2023‘000 Domestic ‘000 Export ‘000 2022 ‘000
Quantity of coal sold in tonnes 897 134 1,031 1,025 262 1,287
DomesticR’000 ExportR’000 2023R’000 Domestic R’000 Export R’000 2022 R’000
Revenue 843,218 244,472 1,087,690 795,132 1,091,144 1,886,276
R R R R R R
Net Revenue per tonne of coal sold 938 1,357 992 774 3,770 1,384
Mining and washing costs per tonne of coal sold (797) (596)
Operating profit per tonne of coal sold before other operating costs and depreciation 196 788
The quantity of coal sold can be defined as the quantity of coal sold in
metric tonnes by the Group in any given period. Net Revenue per tonne of coal
sold can be defined as the revenue price achieved less transportation and
loading costs per metric tonne of coal sold.
Total net revenue per tonne of coal sold for the Group’s mining and
processing operations decreased for the year from R1,384 per tonne of coal
sold in 2022 to R992 in 2023, mainly attributable to the average price
decreases per tonne in the export market. This offset the average price
increases in the domestic market. The average price increases in the domestic
market were attributable to an increase in higher quality coal, destined for
the export market, being sold domestically due to the lack of export rail
capacity available.
A decrease in mining production from Black Wattle and a decrease in buy-in
coal processed during the year offset a decrease in coal inventories at the
end of the year resulting in the quantity of coal sold for the year decreasing
to 1.031million tonnes (2022: 1.287million tonnes).
Overall, revenue from the Group’s South African mining operations decreased
during the year to R1.088billion (2022: R1.886billion) mainly due to the lower
coal export prices achievable and a decrease in overall coal volumes sold,
particularly into the export market due to a lack of available export rail
capacity.
Mining and washing costs per tonne of coal sold during the year increased from
R596 per tonne in 2022 to R797 per tonne in 2023 mainly due to an increases in
mining costs per tonne from Black Wattle as outlined in the Mining Review on
page 5. This resulted in an increase in total mining and washing costs for the
Group to R821.3million (2022: R767.4million).
Other operating costs (excluding depreciation) of £7.4million (2022:
£12.08million) include general administrative costs and administrative
salaries and wages related to our South African mining operations that are
incurred both in South Africa and in the UK. These costs are not significantly
impacted by movements in mining production and coal processing. The decrease
during the year can mainly be attributed to higher salaries and wages costs of
the Group in 2022 due to the financial performance in the same period. Overall
costs in South Africa were in line with management’s expectations and local
inflation.
In summary, the movement in the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA from £39.4million
in 2022 to £2.6million in 2023 can mainly be attributed to the performance of
the Group’s South African mining and coal processing operations outlined
above. A further explanation of the mines operational performance can be found
in the Mining Review on page 5.
UK property investment
Performance
The Group’s portfolio is managed actively by London & Associated Properties
plc. Rental performance levels improved in 2023. Net property revenue
(excluding joint ventures and service charge income) across the portfolio
increased during the year to £1.26million (2022: £1.11million). The property
portfolio was externally valued at 31 December 2023 and the value of UK
investment properties attributable to the Group at year end increased
marginally to £10.610million (2022: £10.465million).
Joint venture property investments
The Group holds a £0.6million (2022: £0.6million) joint venture investment
in Dragon Retail Properties Limited, a UK property investment company. The
open market value of the company’s share of investment properties included
within its joint venture investment in Dragon Retail Properties decreased
marginally during the year to £1.015million (2022: £1.019million).
The Group continues to hold a £0.4million (2022: £0.4million) 50% joint
venture investment in West Ealing Projects Limited, a UK unlisted property
development company. West Ealing Projects Limited’s only asset is a property
development in West Ealing, London. The carrying value of the Group’s share
of the trading property inventory included within this development is valued
at £4.4million (2022: £4.1million). The joint venture has obtained planning
consent for a residential development of 56 flats and four retail units.
During 2023 the joint venture has been finalising detailed designs for the
project and working with contractors and designers to improve building
efficiency and maximise potential returns. Currently, the joint venture is in
detailed negotiations to finance construction of this development and intend
to commence work in the second half of 2024. We look forward to updating
shareholders further in due course.
The Group continues to hold a one third joint venture investment in
Development Physics Limited, a UK unlisted property development company. The
remaining two thirds is held equally by London & Associated Properties PLC and
Metroprop Real Estate Ltd. The company was set up with the purpose of
delivering a residential development of 44 flats and 4 town houses in Purley,
London. Development Physics acquired a series of options on the site and
registered for planning permission for its development. A planning application
submitted in 2023 for 44 flats and 4 town houses was rejected in January 2023
despite being recommended for approval by the planning officer. Our appeal,
although we won on design and construction matters, was ultimately
unsuccessful on a legal technicality and we are currently considering whether
to submit a new application. At year end, the negative carrying value of the
investment held by the Group was £24,000 (2022: £14,000).
Overall, the Group achieved net property revenue of £1.4million (2022:
£1.2million) for the year which includes the company’s share of net
property revenue from its investment in joint ventures of £113,000 (2022:
£108,000).
Other Investments
During the year the Group’s non-current investments held at fair value
through profit and loss increased from £12.6million in 2022 to £14.3million
due to net additions during the year of £0.8million (2022: £8.2million) and
gains from investments of £0.9million (2022: £0.7million). The investments
comprise of £6.8million (2022: £6.8million) of investments listed on stock
exchanges in the United Kingdom and £7.4million (2022: £5.8million) of
investments listed on overseas stock exchanges. The Group’s listed
investments continue to comprise primarily listed equities involved in
extractive and energy related business activities, including entities involved
in the extraction of commodities needed for the clean energy transition.
Cashflow
The following table summarises the main components of the consolidated cashflow for the year: Year ended31 December2023£’000 Year ended 31 December 2022 £’000
Cash flow generated from operations before working capital and other items 2,647 39,768
Cash flow from operating activities 1,778 30,698
Cash flow from investing activities (6,701) (16,584)
Cash flow from financing activities (2,874) (7,206)
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents (7,797) 6,908
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 7,365 482
Exchange adjustment 140 (25)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December (292) 7,365
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December comprise:
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the balance sheet 3,242 10,590
Bank overdrafts (secured) (3,534) (3,225)
(292) 7,365
Cash flow generated from operating activities decreased compared to the prior
year to £1.8million (2022: £30.7million). This can mainly be attributed to
the decrease in operating profit during the year to £1.9million (2022:
£39.0million). The decrease in operating profit can mainly be attributed to
the weaker overall performance of the Group’s South African coal mining and
processing operations.
Investing cashflows primarily reflect the net acquisitions of listed equity
investments of £0.8million (2022: £8.1million) and capital expenditure
during the year of £5.9million (2022: £8.5million) which can mainly be
attributable to mine development costs at Black Wattle. As at year end the
Group’s mining reserves, plant and equipment had a carrying value of
£18.8million (2022: £16.4 million) with capital expenditure being offset by
depreciation of £1.4million (2022: £1.1milion) and exchange translation
movements of £2.0million (2022: £0.6million) for the year.
Cash outflows from financing activities includes a net decrease in borrowings
of £0.5million (2022: increase £0.5million). In addition, dividends were
paid during the year to equity shareholders of £2.3million (2022:
£0.6million).
Overall, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents decreased during the year by
£7.8million (2022: increase of £6.9million). The Group’s net balance of
cash and cash equivalents (including bank overdrafts) at year end was negative
£0.3million (2022: £7.4million).
The Group has considerable financial resources available at short notice
including cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank overdrafts) of
£3.2million (2022: £10.6 million) and listed investments of £15.0million
(2022: £13.5million) as at year end. The above financial resources totalling
£18.2million (2022: £24.1million).
The net assets of the Group reported as at year end were £33.6million (2022:
£35.6million) and total assets at £59.8million (2022: £63.8million).
Liabilities decreased from £28.2million to £26.2million during the year
primarily due to an decrease in trade and other payables from £13.3million to
£11.6million offsetting an increase in tax payable from £4.3million to
£5.2million.
Further details on the Group’s cashflow and financial position are stated in
the Consolidated Cashflow Statement on page 69 and the Consolidated Balance
Sheet on page 66 and 67.
Loans
South Africa
The Group has a structured trade finance facility with Absa Bank Limited for
R85million held by Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited, a 100% subsidiary of
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited. This facility comprises of an R85million
revolving facility to cover the working capital requirements of the Group’s
South African operations. The facility is renewable annually and is secured
against inventory, debtors and cash that are held in the Group’s South
African operations.
United Kingdom
The Group holds a 5 year term facility of £3.9m with Julian Hodge Bank
Limited at an initial LTV of 40%. The loan is secured against the company’s
UK retail property portfolio. The amount repayable on the loan at year end was
£3.9million. The overall interest cost of the loan is 4.00% above the Bank of
England base rate. The loan is secured by way of a first charge over the
investment properties in the UK which are included in the financial statements
at a value of £10.6million. The debt package has a five year term and is
repayable at the end of the term in December 2024. The Group intends to renew
or refinance the loan prior to the end of its term. No banking covenants were
breached by the Group during the year.
Statement regarding Section 172 of the UK Companies Act
Section 172 of the UK Companies Act requires the Board to report on how the
directors have had regard to the matters outlined below in performing their
duties. The Board consider the Group’s customers, employees, local
communities, suppliers and shareholders as key stakeholders of the Group.
During the year, the Directors consider that they have acted in a way, and
have made decision that would, most likely promote the success of the Group
for the benefit of its members as a whole as outlined in the matters below:
• The likely consequences of any decision in the long term: see
Principal activity, strategy & business model on page 4 and Principal Risks
and Uncertainties on page 20;
• The interests of the Group’s employees; ethics and compliance;
fostering of the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers
and others; and the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and
environment: see Sustainability report on page 7;
• The need to act fairly between members of the Company: see the
Corporate Governance section on page 35.
Future prospects
In the first quarter of the 2024, we have seen improved production from Black
Wattle, our coal mining operation. In our South African coal markets, coal
prices have stabilised and the availability of rail for export has improved
for the year to date in comparison to 2023. In light of this, management will
be focussing on sustaining production levels, maintaining a diversified sales
market and keeping operating costs low.
The Group continues to seek and evaluate opportunities to transition into
alternative mining, commodity and renewable energy related opportunities
through new commercial arrangements.
In the UK, management is looking forward to progressing its property
development opportunities in West Ealing and Development Physics as well as
seeking other opportunities to expand upon on its property and equity
investment portfolios. This is in line with the Group’s overall strategy of
balancing the high risk of our mining operations with a dependable cash flow
and capital appreciation from our UK property investment operations and equity
investments.
To date, the Group’s financial position has remained strong and at present,
the Group has adequate financial resources to ensure the Group remains viable
for the foreseeable future and that liabilities are met. A full going concern
and viability assessment can be found in the Directors report on page 39.
Further information on the outlook of the company can be found in both the
Chairman’s Statement on page 2 and the Mining Review on page 5 which form
part of the Strategic Report.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
Garrett Casey
Finance Director
22 April 2024
Governance
Management team
* Andrew R Heller MA, ACA
(Chairman & Managing Director)
Garrett Casey CA (SA)
(Finance Director)
Robert Grobler Pr Cert Eng
(Director of Mining)
O * John A Sibbald BL
(Non-executive)
Jonh Sibbald has been a Director since 1988. After qualifying as a
Chartered Accountant he spent over 20 years in stockbroking, specialising in
mining and international investment.
John Wong ACA, CFA
(Non-executive)
John Wong was appointed a Director on 15 October 2020. After
training as a Chartered accountant he has worked in the fund management
industry for over 20 years and has extensive experience in investment
management, in particular within the mining sector.
John A Heller LLB, MBA (Appointed 29 March 2023)
(Non-executive)
John Heller was appointed a Director on 29 March 2023. John Heller
is the Chairman and Chief Executive of London & Associated Properties PLC
which holds a 41.6% stake in Bisichi. John Heller has extensive knowledge and
experience in property investment and management.
* Member of the nomination committee
O Member of the audit, nomination and remuneration committees.
Other directors and advisors
Secretary and registered office
Garrett Casey CA (SA)
12 Little Portland Street
London W1W8BJ
Black Wattle Colliery and Sisonke Coal Processing Directors
Andrew Heller (Managing Director)
Ethan Dube
Robert Grobler
Garrett Casey
Millicent Zvarayi
Company Registration
Company registration No. 00112155 (Incorporated in England and Wales)
Website
www.bisichi.co.uk
E-mail
admin@bisichi.co.uk
Auditor
Kreston Reeves LLP, London
Principal bankers
United Kingdom
Julian Hodge Bank Limited
Santander UK PLC
Investec PLC
South Africa
ABSA Bank (SA)
First National Bank (SA)
Corporate solicitors
United Kingdom
Ashfords LLP, London
Fladgate LLP, London
Olswang LLP, London
Wake Smith Solicitors Limited, Sheffield
South Africa
Beech Veltman Inc, Johannesburg
Brandmullers Attorneys, Middelburg
Cliffe Decker Hofmeyer, Johannesburg
Herbert Smith Freehills, Johannesburg
Natalie Napier Inc, Johannesburg
Tugendhaft Wapnick Banchetti and Partners, Johannesburg
Stockbrokers
Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited
Registrars and transfer office
Link Group
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL
UK telephone:
0371 664 0300
International telephone:
+44 (0) 371 664 0300
Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider.
Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable
international rate. The helpline is open between 8.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.,
Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.
Website:
https://www.linkgroup.eu
Email: shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk
Company registration number: 341829 (England and Wales)
Governance
Five year summary
2023£’000 2022£’000 2021 £’000 2020 £’000 2019 £’000
Consolidated income statement items
Revenue 49,253 95,111 50,520 29,805 48,106
Operating profit /(loss) 1,900 38,976 3,403 (4,493) 3,658
Profit/(Loss) before tax 610 38,014 2,501 (5,196) 3,027
Trading profit /(loss) before tax (255) 37,127 1,559 (3,881) 4,493
Revaluation and impairment profit /(loss) before tax 865 887 942 (1,315) (1,466)
EBITDA 3,354 39,980 5,849 (2,387) 5,868
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements (adjusted EBITDA) 2,647 39,363 5,028 (1,111) 7,457
Consolidated balance sheet items
Investment properties 10,610 10,465 10,525 10,270 11,565
Other non-current investments 15,260 13,631 4,761 3,001 1,629
25,870 24,096 15,286 13,271 13,194
Current Investments held at fair value 734 886 685 833 1,119
26,604 24,982 15,971 14,104 14,313
Other assets less liabilities less non-controlling interests 5,386 8,820 1,541 1,969 5,619
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders 31,990 33,802 17,512 16,073 19,932
Net assets per ordinary share (attributable) 299.6p 316.6p 164.0p 150,5p 186.7p
Dividend per share 7.00p 22.00p 6.00p 0p 1.00p
Financial calendar
18 June 2024 Annual General Meeting
Late August 2024 Announcement of half-year results to 30 June 2024
Late April 2025 Announcement of results for year ending 31 December 2024
Governance
Directors’ report
The directors submit their report together with the audited financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Review of business, future developments and post balance sheet events
The Group continues its mining activities. Income for the year was derived
from sales of coal from its South African operations. The Group also has an
equity investment portfolio, a property investment portfolio for which it
receives rental income and joint venture investments in two UK residential
property developments.
The results for the year and state of affairs of the Group and the company at
31 December 2023 are shown on pages 64 to 113 and in the Strategic Report on
pages 2 to 30. Future developments and prospects are also covered in the
Strategic Report and further details of any post balance sheet events can be
found in note 32 to the financial statements. Over 98 per cent of staff are
employed in the South African coal mining industry – employment matters and
health and safety are dealt with in the Strategic Report.
The management report referred to in the Director’s responsibilities
statement encompasses this Directors’ Report and Strategic Report on pages 2
to 30.
Corporate responsibility
Environment
The environmental considerations of the Group’s South African coal mining
operations are covered in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 30.
The Group’s UK activities are principally property investment whereby
premises are provided for rent to retail businesses and a joint venture
investment in a UK residential property development in West Ealing.
The Group seeks to provide those tenants with good quality premises from which
they can operate in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Wherever
possible, improvements, repairs and replacements are made in an
environmentally efficient manner and waste recycling arrangements are in place
at all the company’s locations.
Climate Change Reporting and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Group’s climate change report and details on its greenhouse gas
emissions for the year ended 31 December 2023 can be found on page 11 of the
Strategic Report.
Employment
The Group’s policy is to attract staff and motivate employees by offering
competitive terms of employment. The Group provides equal opportunities to all
employees and prospective employees including those who are disabled. The
Strategic Report gives details of the Group’s activities and policies
concerning the employment, training, health and safety and community support
and social development concerning the Group’s employees in South Africa.
Dividend policy
As outlined in the Strategic report on page 3 the directors are proposing the
payment of a final dividend of 4p (2022: 4p) and a special dividend of 0p
(2022: 8p) per share for 2023. An interim dividend for 2023 of 3p (Interim
2022: 10p) has been paid on 2 February 2024.
The total dividend per ordinary share for 2023 will therefore be 7p (2022:
22p) per ordinary share.
Investment properties and other properties
The investment property portfolio is stated at its open market value of
£10,610,000 at 31 December 2023 (2022: £10,465,000) as valued by
professional external valuers. The open market value of the company’s share
of investment properties and development property inventory held at cost
included within its investments in joint ventures is £5,176,000 (2022:
£4,812,000).
Financial instruments
Note 22 to the financial statements sets out the risks in respect of financial
instruments. The Board reviews and agrees overall treasury policies,
delegating appropriate authority to the managing director. Treasury operations
are reported at each Board meeting and are subject to weekly internal
reporting.
Following the year under review, the Company made an investment into a fund in
which John Wong (an independent non-executive director) is linked by virtue of
his engagement as the fund manager and having a material interest in the fund.
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Company’s articles of
association and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, John Wong
recused himself from discussions relating to the proposed investment and the
Board resolved to impose certain conditions on John Wong given his interests
including, but not limited to, restricting the availability of information to
John Wong and to exclude him from discussions and voting on matters relating
to the investment and its ongoing review in line with the Company’s treasury
policies. In accordance with the requirements of the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules, the Company released an announcement containing the
prescribed information on 3 April 2024.
Directors
The directors of the company for the year were Sir Michael Heller (ceased to
be a director on 30 January 2023), A R Heller, G J Casey, C A Joll (ceased to
be a director on 18 April 2024), R J Grobler (a South African citizen), J A
Sibbald , J Wong and J Heller (appointed 29 March 2023).
Mr J Heller was appointed as a non-executive director by the Board on 29 March
2023. Mr J Heller is the Chairman and Managing Director of London & Associated
Properties PLC which holds a 41.6% stake in Bisichi. Mr J Heller has extensive
& valuable experience in property investment and management.
The directors retiring by rotation are Mr AR Heller, Mr RJ Grobler and Mr J
Wong, each of whom offer themselves for re-election.
Mr A R Heller has been an executive director of the company since 1998. He is
a Chartered Accountant and has been employed by the Group since 1994 under a
contract of employment determinable at three months’ notice. The Board
recommends the re-election of Mr AR Heller.
Mr R J Grobler was appointed as General Mine Manager by Black Wattle Colliery
(Proprietary) Ltd on 1 May 2000. He was appointed to the Board of Bisichi PLC
as Director of Mining on 22 August 2008. He has over 40 years’ experience in
the South African coal mining industry. The board recommends the re-election
of RJ Grobler.
Mr J Wong is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Financial
Analyst with extensive experience in the insurance and investment management
industries. As noted on page 34, Mr J Wong is linked to an investment made by
the Company and the Board has put in place certain measures to restrict access
to information and exclude Mr J Wong from discussions and voting on matters
relating to such investments. As such, the Board considers that Mr J Wong
remains independent and, following the steps taken by the Board, can fulfil
his duties to the Company notwithstanding his outside interests. The Board
recommends the re-election of Mr J Wong.
Other than noted above, no director had any material interest in any contract
or arrangement with the company during the year other than as shown in this
report.
Directors’ shareholdings
The interests of the directors in the shares of the company, including family
and trustee holdings where appropriate, are shown on page 43 of the Annual
Remuneration Report.
Substantial interests
The following have advised that they have an interest in 3 per cent. or more
of the issued share capital of the company as at 31 December 2023:
London & Associated Properties PLC – 4,432,618 shares representing 41.6 per
cent. of the issued capital (The Heller family is a shareholder of London &
Associated Properties PLC).
The Heller Family – 330,117 shares representing 3.09 per cent. of the issued capital.
A R Heller – 785,012 shares representing 7.35 per cent. of the issued capital.
Stonehage Fleming Investment Management Ltd – 1,916,154 shares representing 17.95 per cent. of the issued share capital.
Disclosure of information to auditor
The directors in office at the date of approval of the financial statements
have confirmed that as far as they are aware that there is no relevant audit
information of which the auditor is unaware. Each of the directors has
confirmed that they have taken all reasonable steps they ought to have taken
as directors to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to
establish that it has been communicated to the auditor.
Indemnities and insurance
The Articles of Association and Constitution of the company provide for them
to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, directors and officers
(excluding the Auditor) of the companies, including officers of subsidiaries,
and associated companies against liabilities arising from the conduct of the
Group’s business. The indemnities are qualifying third-party indemnity
provisions for the purposes of the UK Companies Act 2006 and each of these
qualifying third-party indemnities was in force during the course of the
financial year ended 31 December 2023 and as at the date of this Directors’
report. No amount has been paid under any of these indemnities during the
year.
The Group has purchased directors’ and officers’ insurance during the
year. In broad terms, the insurance cover indemnifies individual directors and
officers against certain personal legal liability and legal defence costs for
claims arising out of actions taken in connection with Group business.
Corporate Governance
The Board acknowledges the importance of good corporate governance. The
paragraphs below set out how the company has applied this guidance during the
year.
Principles of corporate governance
The Group’s Board appreciates the value of good corporate governance not
only in the areas of accountability and risk management, but also as a
positive contribution to business prosperity. The Board endeavours to apply
corporate governance principles in a sensible and pragmatic fashion having
regard to the circumstances of the Group’s business. The key objective is to
enhance and protect shareholder value.
Board structure
The Board currently comprises the joint executive chairman and managing
director, two other executive directors and four non-executive directors.
Their details appear on page 31. The Board is responsible to shareholders for
the proper management of the Group. The Directors’ responsibilities
statement in respect of the accounts is set out on page 53. The non-executive
directors have a particular responsibility to ensure that the strategies
proposed by the executive directors are fully considered.
To enable the Board to discharge its duties, all directors have full and
timely access to all relevant information and there is a procedure for all
directors, in furtherance of their duties, to take independent professional
advice, if necessary, at the expense of the Group. The Board has a formal
schedule of matters reserved to it and meets bi-monthly.
The Board is responsible for overall Group strategy, approval of major capital
expenditure projects and consideration of significant financing matters.
The following Board committees, which have written terms of reference, deal
with specific aspects of the Group’s affairs:
* In 2023, the nomination committee comprised of two non-executive directors C
A Joll (Chairman) (ceased to be a director on 18 April 2024) and JA Sibbald as
well as the executive chairman. The committee is responsible for proposing
candidates for appointment to the Board, having regard to the balance and
structure of the Board. In appropriate cases recruitment consultants are used
to assist the process. Each director is subject to re-election at least every
three years.
* The remuneration committee is responsible for making recommendations to the
Board on the company’s framework of executive remuneration and its cost. The
committee determines the contractual terms, remuneration and other benefits
for each of the executive directors, including performance related bonus
schemes, pension rights and compensation payments. The Board itself determines
the remuneration of the non-executive directors. During 2023, the committee
comprised of two non-executive directors C A Joll (Chairman) ) (ceased to be a
director on 18 April 2024) and JA Sibbald. The company’s executive chairman
is normally invited to attend meetings. The report on directors’
remuneration is set out on pages 40 to 49.
* In 2023, the audit committee comprised of two non-executive directors C A
Joll (Chairman) (ceased to be a director on 18 April 2024) and JA Sibbald. Its
prime tasks are to review the scope of external audit, to receive regular
reports from the company’s auditor and to review the half-yearly and annual
accounts before they are presented to the Board, focusing in particular on
accounting policies and areas of management judgment and estimation. The
committee is responsible for monitoring the controls which are in force to
ensure the integrity of the information reported to the shareholders. The
committee acts as a forum for discussion of internal control issues and
contributes to the Board’s review of the effectiveness of the Group’s
internal control and risk management systems and processes. The committee also
considers annually the need for an internal audit function. It advises the
Board on the appointment of external auditors and on their remuneration for
both audit and non-audit work, and discusses the nature and scope of the audit
with the external auditors. The committee, which meets formally at least twice
a year, provides a forum for reporting by the Group’s external auditors.
Where such directors were not members of the relevant committee, meetings are
also attended, by invitation of the committee, by the Company’s executive
chairman and finance director.
The audit committee also undertakes a formal assessment of the auditors’
independence each year which includes:
* a review of non-audit services provided to the Group and related fees;
* discussion with the auditors of a written report detailing consideration of
any matters that could affect independence or the perception of independence;
* a review of the auditors’ own procedures for ensuring the independence of
the audit firm and partners and staff involved in the audit, including the
regular rotation of the audit partner; and
* obtaining written confirmation from the auditors that, in their professional
judgement, they are independent.
The audit committee report is set out on page 50 and 51.
Performance evaluation – board, board committees and directors
The performance of the board as a whole and of its committees and the
non-executive directors is assessed by the executive chairman and is discussed
with the senior independent director. Their recommendations are discussed at
the nomination committee prior to proposals for re-election being recommended
to the Board. The performance of executive directors is discussed and assessed
by the remuneration committee. The senior independent director meets regularly
with the executive chairman and both the executive and non-executive directors
individually outside of formal meetings. The directors will take outside
advice in reviewing performance but have not found this necessary to date.
Independent directors
The senior independent non-executive director during 2023 was Christopher Joll
(ceased to be a director on 18 April 2024). The other two independent
non-executive directors are John Sibbald and John Wong.
Christopher Joll was a non-executive director of the company for over twenty
years, John Sibbald has been a non-executive director for over thirty years
and John Wong was appointed to the Board on 15 October 2020. The Board
encourages the non-executive directors to act independently. The Board
considers that their length of service does not, and has not, resulted in
their inability or failure to act independently. In the opinion of the Board,
Christopher Joll and John Sibbald continued to fulfil their role as
independent non-executive directors during the year. The Board considers that
as a result of the systems and controls the Company has put in place,
notwithstanding his outside business interests, including in relation to
certain funds in which the Company has invested, John Wong remains
independent.
The independent directors regularly meet prior to Board meetings to discuss
corporate governance issues.
Internal control
The directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and
review of its effectiveness annually. The Board has designed the Group’s
system of internal control in order to provide the directors with reasonable
assurance that its assets are safeguarded, that transactions are authorised
and properly recorded and that material errors and irregularities are either
prevented or would be detected within a timely period. However, no system of
internal control can eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business
objectives or provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or
loss.
The key elements of the control system in operation are:
* the Board meets regularly with a formal schedule of matters reserved to it
for decision and has put in place an organisational structure with clearly
defined lines of responsibility and with appropriate delegation of authority;
* there are established procedures for planning, approval and monitoring of
capital expenditure and information systems for monitoring the Group’s
financial performance against approved budgets and forecasts;
* UK property and financial operations are closely monitored by members of the
Board and senior managers to enable them to assess risk and address the
adequacy of measures in place for its monitoring and control. The South
African operations are closely supervised by the UK based executives through
daily, weekly and monthly reports from the directors and senior officers in
South Africa. This is supplemented by regular visits by the UK based finance
director to the South African operations which include checking the integrity
of information supplied to the UK; and
* as required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Company
has in place systems and controls to identify and classify related party
transactions and to ensure the Company complies with its obligations in
relation to such transactions.
The directors are guided by the internal control guidance for directors issued
by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. During the
period, the audit committee has reviewed the effectiveness of internal control
as described above. The Board receives periodic reports from its committees.
Board and board committee meetings
The number of meetings during 2023 and attendance at regular Board meetings
and Board committees was as follows:
Meetings Meetings Attended
held
Sir Michael Heller (ceased to be a director on 30 January 2023) Board Nomination committee Audit committee 1 - 1 ---
A R Heller Board Audit committee 5 2 5 2
G J Casey Board Audit committee 5 2 5 2
R J Grobler Board 5 1
C A Joll (ceased to be a director on 18 April 2024) Board Audit committee Nomination committee Remuneration committee 5 2 1 1 3 1 1 1
J A Sibbald Board Audit committee Nomination committee Remuneration committee 5 2 1 1 4 2 1 1
J Wong Board 5 4
J A Heller (appointed 29 March 2023) Board 3 3
There were no significant issues identified during the year ended 31 December
2023 (and up to the date of approval of the report) concerning material
internal control issues. The directors confirm that the Board has reviewed the
effectiveness of the system of internal control as described during the
period.
Communication with shareholders
Communication with shareholders is a matter of priority. Extensive information
about the Group and its activities is given in the Annual Report, which is
made available to shareholders. Further information is available on the
company’s website, www.bisichi.co.uk. There is a regular dialogue with
institutional investors. Enquiries from individuals on matters relating to
their shareholdings and the business of the Group are dealt with informatively
and promptly.
Takeover directive
The company has one class of share capital, ordinary shares. Each ordinary
share carries one vote. All the ordinary shares rank pari passu. There are no
securities issued in the company which carry special rights with regard to
control of the company. The identity of all substantial direct or indirect
holders of securities in the company and the size and nature of their holdings
is shown under the “Substantial interests” section of this report above.
A relationship agreement dated 15 September 2005 (the “Relationship
Agreement”) was entered into between the company and London & Associated
Properties PLC (“LAP”) in regard to the arrangements between them whilst
LAP is a controlling shareholder of the company. The Relationship Agreement
includes a provision under which LAP has agreed to exercise the voting rights
attached to the ordinary shares in the company owned by LAP to ensure the
independence of the Board of directors of the company.
Other than the restrictions contained in the Relationship Agreement, there are
no restrictions on voting rights or on the transfer of ordinary shares in the
company. The rules governing the appointment and replacement of directors,
alteration of the articles of association of the company and the powers of the
company’s directors accord with usual English company law provisions. Each
director is re-elected at least every three years. The company is not party to
any significant agreements that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change
of control of the company following a takeover bid. The company is not aware
of any agreements between holders of its ordinary shares that may result in
restrictions on the transfer of its ordinary shares or on voting rights.
There are no agreements between the company and its directors or employees
providing for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs
because of a takeover bid.
The Bribery Act 2010
The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on 1 July 2011, and the Board took the
opportunity to implement a new Anti-Bribery Policy. The company is committed
to acting ethically, fairly and with integrity in all its endeavours and
compliance with the policy is closely monitored.
Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of the company The annual general meeting of the
company (“Annual General Meeting”) will be held at Meeting Room 2, 12
Charles II Street, St James, London SW1Y 4QU on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 at 11.00
a.m. Resolutions 1 to 9 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions. More than 50
per cent. of shareholders’ votes cast must be in favour for those
resolutions to be passed.
The directors consider that all of the resolutions to be put to the meeting
are in the best interests of the company and its shareholders as a whole. The
Board recommends that shareholders vote in favour of all resolutions.
Please note that the following paragraph is a summary of resolution 9 to be
proposed at the Annual General Meeting and not the full text of the
resolution. You should therefore read this section in conjunction with the
full text of the resolutions contained in the notice of Annual General
Meeting.
Directors’ authority to allot shares (Resolution 9)
In certain circumstances it is important for the company to be able to allot
shares up to a maximum amount without needing to seek shareholder approval
every time an allotment is required. Paragraph 9.1.1 of resolution 9 would
give the directors the authority to allot shares in the company and grant
rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, shares in the company
up to an aggregate nominal value of £355,894. This represents approximately
1/3 (one third) of the ordinary share capital of the company in issue
(excluding treasury shares) at 22 April 2024 (being the last practicable date
prior to the publication of this Directors’ Report). Paragraph 9.1.2 of
resolution 9 would give the directors the authority to allot shares in the
company and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into,
shares in the company up to a further aggregate nominal value of £355,894, in
connection with a pre-emptive rights issue. This amount represents
approximately 1/3 (one third) of the ordinary share capital of the company in
issue (excluding treasury shares) at 22 April 2024 (being the last practicable
date prior to the publication of this Directors’ Report).
Therefore, the maximum nominal value of shares or rights to subscribe for, or
convert any security into, shares which may be allotted or granted under
resolution 9 is £711,788. Resolution 9 complies with guidance issued by the
Investment Association (IA).
The authority granted by resolution 9 will expire on 31 August 2025 or, if
earlier, the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the company. The
directors have no present intention to make use of this authority. However, if
they do exercise the authority, the directors intend to follow emerging best
practice as regards its use as recommended by the IA.
Donations
No political donations were made during the year (2022: £nil).
Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect
its future development are set out in the Chairman’s Statement on the
preceding page 2, the Mining Review on pages 5 to 6 and its financial position
is set out on page 24 of the Strategic Report. In addition Note 22 to the
financial statements includes the Group’s treasury policy, interest rate
risk, liquidity risk, foreign exchange risks and credit risk.
In South Africa, a structured trade finance facility with Absa Bank Limited
for R85million is held by Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited, a 100%
subsidiary of Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited. This facility comprises of
a R85million revolving facility to cover the working capital requirements of
the Group’s South African operations. The facility is renewable annually and
is secured against inventory, debtors and cash that are held in the Group’s
South African operations. The Directors do not foresee any reason why the
facility will not continue to be renewed at the next renewal date, in line
with prior periods and based on their banking relationships.
Significant investments have been made in opening new mining areas at Black
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd and production in 2024 to date has improved. The
directors expect that coal market conditions for the Group’ will remain at a
stable and profitable level through 2024. The directors therefore have a
reasonable expectation that the mine will achieve positive levels of cash
generation for the Group in 2024. As a consequence, the directors believe that
the Group is well placed to manage its South African business risks
successfully.
In the UK, forecasts demonstrate that the Group has sufficient resources to
meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least the next 12 months, from
the approval of the financial statements, including those related to the
Group’s UK Loan facility outlined below.
The Group holds a 5 year term facility of £3.9m with Julian Hodge Bank
Limited at an initial LTV of 40%. The loan is secured against the company’s
UK retail property portfolio. The amount repayable on the loan at year end was
£3.9million. The overall interest cost of the loan is 4.00% above the Bank of
England base rate. The debt package has a five year term and is repayable at
the end of the term in December 2024. The Group intends to renew or refinance
the loan prior to the end of its term. All covenants on the loan were met
during the year and in the period since the year end. The directors have a
reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate financial resources at
short notice, including cash and listed equity investments, to ensure the
existing facility’s covenants are met on an ongoing basis or to repay the
loan if the loan cannot be renewed or refinanced by the end of its term.
Dragon Retail Properties Limited (“Dragon”), the Group’s 50% owned joint
venture, holds a Santander bank loan of £0.95million secured against its
investment property, see note 14. The bank loan is secured by way of a first
charge on specific freehold property at a value of £2.03 million. The
interest cost of the loan is 4.2 per cent above the bank’s base rate. A
refinancing of this loan is currently underway. The loan originally expired in
September 2020, but has been extended to July 2024. Santander have indicated
that they are willing to provide a new term loan and we expect to complete
this in the near future.
Detailed budget and cash flow forecasts for the Group’s operations
demonstrated that the Group has sufficient resources to meet its liabilities
as they fall due for at least the next 12 months from the approval date of
these financial statements. As a result of the banking facilities held as well
as the acceptable levels of cash expected to be held by the Group over the
next 12 months, the Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that the
Group is well placed to manage its business risks. Thus they continue to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial
statements.
By order of the board
G.J Casey
Secretary
12 Little Portland Street
London W1W8BJ
22 April 2024
Governance
Statement of the Chairman of the remuneration committee
The remuneration committee presents its report for the year ended 31 December
2023. The report is presented in two parts in accordance with the remuneration
regulations.
The first part is the Annual Remuneration Report which details remuneration
awarded to Directors and non-executive Directors during the year. The
shareholders will be asked to approve the Annual Remuneration Report as an
ordinary resolution (as in previous years) at the AGM in June 2024. During the
year, in light of the performance of the Group, the board determined to award
bonuses to certain executive directors of the Group.
The second part is the Remuneration Policy which details the remuneration
policy for Directors, and can be found at www.bisichi.co.uk. The current
remuneration policy was subject to a binding vote which was approved by
shareholders at the AGM in June 2023.The approval will continue to apply for a
3 year period commencing from then. The committee reviewed the existing policy
and deemed that no changes were necessary to the current arrangements. The
remuneration committee considered the overall performance of the group as well
as of each director in the year ended 31 December 2023 and remuneration
including bonuses were awarded in line with the performance conditions of the
remuneration policy.
Both of the above reports have been prepared in accordance with The Large &
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment)
Regulations 2013.
The company’s auditors, Kreston Reeves LLP are required by law to audit
certain disclosures and where disclosures have been audited they are indicated
as such.
Christopher Joll
Chairman – remuneration committee
12 Little Portland Street
London W1W8BJ
12 April 2024
Governance
Annual remuneration report
The following information has been audited:
Single total figure of remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2023:
Salaries and Fees Benefits Bonuses Long Term Incentive Awards £’000 Pension Notional Value of Vesting Share Options Total2023 £’000 Total Fixed Remuneration£’000 Total Variable Remuneration£’000
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Executive Directors
Sir Michael Heller (ceased to be a director on 30 January 2023) 17 - - - - - 17 17 -
A R Heller 850 49 - - 85 - 984 984 -
G J Casey 300 17 75 - 30 - 422 347 75
R Grobler 203 16 - - 18 - 237 237 -
Non–Executive Directors
C A Joll* 80 21 - - - - 101 101 -
J A Sibbald* 3 3 - - - - 6 6 -
J Wong 85 - - - - - 85 85 -
J Heller (appointed on 29 March 2023) - 9 - - - - 9 9 -
Total 1,538 115 75 - 133 - 1,861 1,786 75
*Members of the remuneration committee for the year ended 31 December 2023
A R Heller has an entitlement to an employer pension contribution of £85,000
for 2023. He has elected for this not to be paid at this time.
Single total figure of remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2022:
Salaries and Fees Benefits Bonuses Long Term Incentive Awards £’000 Pension Notional Value of Vesting Share Options Total2022£’000 Total Fixed Remuneration£’000 Total Variable Remuneration£’000
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Executive Directors
Sir Michael Heller 200 - 580 - - - 780 200 580
A R Heller 495 42 1,100 - - 273 1,910 537 1,373
G J Casey 194 17 575 - 19 273 1,078 230 848
R Grobler 218 17 356 - 19 - 610 254 356
Non–Executive Directors
C A Joll* 52 - - - - - 52 52 -
J A Sibbald* 3 3 - - - - 6 6 -
J Wong 55 - - - - - 55 55 -
Total 1,217 79 2,611 - 38 546 4,491 1,334 3,157
*Members of the remuneration committee for the year ended 31 December 2022
The notional value of vesting share options are based on the value of the
share options at grant. The awards are not subject to performance in line with
the scheme terms.
Summary of directors’ terms Date of contract Unexpired term Notice
period
Executive directors
A R Heller January 1994 Continuous 3 months
G J Casey June 2010 Continuous 3 months
R J Grobler April 2008 Continuous 3 months
Non-executive directors
C A Joll (ceased to be a director on 18 April 2024) February 2001 Continuous 3 months
J A Sibbald October 1988 Continuous 3 months
J Wong October 2020 Continuous 3 months
J Heller March 2023 Continuous 3 months
Pension schemes and incentives
Three (2022: Two) directors have benefits under money purchase pension
schemes. Contributions in 2023 were £133,410 (2022: £37,869), see table
above. Under his contract of employment, A R Heller was entitled to a regular
employer contribution (currently £85,000 a year) but has elected to defer the
payment into his pension scheme. There are no additional benefits payable to
any director in the event of early retirement.
Scheme interests awarded during the year
During the year no share options were granted under share option schemes.
Share option schemes
The company currently has only one Unapproved Share Option Scheme which is not
subject to HM revenue and Customs (HMRC) approval. The 2012 scheme was
approved by the remuneration committee of the company on 28 September 2012.
Number of share options
Option price* 1 January 2022 Options granted/ (Surrendered) in 2022 31 December 2022 Exercisable from Exercisable to
The 2012 Scheme
A R Heller 352.00p - 380,000 380,000 01/09/2022 31/08/2032
G J Casey 352.00p - 380,000 380,000 01/09/2022 31/08/2032
*Middle market price at date of grant
No consideration is payable for the grant of options under the 2012 Unapproved
Share Option Scheme. There are no performance or service conditions attached
to the 2012 Unapproved Share Option scheme. No part of the award was
attributable to share price appreciation and no discretion has been exercised
as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation. During the year,
there were no changes to the exercise price or exercise period for the
options.
Payments to past directors
No payments were made to past directors in the year ended 31 December 2023
(2022: £nil).
Payments for loss of office
No payments for loss of office were made in the year ended 31 December 2023
(2022: £nil).
Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interest
Directors’ interests
The interests of the directors in the shares of the company, including family
and trustee holdings where appropriate, were as follows:
Beneficial Non-beneficial
31.12.2023 1.1.2023 31.12.2023 1.1.2023
Sir Michael Heller (ceased to be a director on 30 January 2023) 148,783 148,783 181,334 181,334
A R Heller 785,012 785,012 - -
R J Grobler - - - -
G J Casey 40,000 40,000 - -
C A Joll - - - -
J A Sibbald - - - -
J Wong - - - -
J A Heller (appointed 29 March 2023) - - - -
There are no requirements or guidelines for any director to own shares in the
Company.
The following graph illustrates the company’s performance compared with a
broad equity market index over a ten year period. Performance is measured by
total shareholder return. The directors have chosen the FTSE All Share Mining
index as a suitable index for this comparison as it gives an indication of
performance against a spread of quoted companies in the same sector.
The middle market price of Bisichi PLC ordinary shares at 31 December 2023 was
127.5p (2022: 305p). During the year the share price ranged between 100p and
310p.
Remuneration of the Managing Director over the last ten years
The table below demonstrates the remuneration of the holder of the office of
Managing Director for the last ten years for the period from 1 January 2014
to 31 December 2023.
Year Managing Director Managing Director Single total figure of remuneration £’000 Annual bonus payout against maximum opportunity* % Long-term incentive vesting rates against maximum opportunity* %
2023 A R Heller 850 0% N/A
2022 A R Heller 1,637 74% N/A
2021 A R Heller 929 27% N/A
2020 A R Heller 551 0% N/A
2019 A R Heller 1,035 34% N/A
2018 A R Heller 1,073 34% N/A
2017 A R Heller 898 25% N/A
2016 A R Heller 850 22% N/A
2015 A R Heller 912 22% N/A
2014 A R Heller 862 22% N/A
Bisichi PLC does not have a Chief Executive so the table includes the
equivalent information for the Managing Director.
Percentage change in remuneration and Company performance
The table below represents the change in remuneration of the directors in
comparison to company performance:
Executive Non-executive Employee remuneration on a full-time equivalent basis:
2023 Sir Michael Heller£’000 A R Heller£’000 G J Casey£’000 R Grobler£’000 C A Joll£’000 J A Sibbald£’000 J Wong£’000 J Heller£’000 Employees of the Company (4)
Base Salary (92%) 72% 55% (7%) 54% 0% 55% N/A(3) (20%)
Benefits 0% 17% 0% (6%) N/A(1) 0% 0% N/A(3) 0%
Bonuses (100%) (100%) (87%) (100%) 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) (94%)
2022
Base Salary 141% 0% 5% 6% 30% 0% 10% N/A(3) 47%
Benefits 0% 24% 0% 55% 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) 0%
Bonuses N/A(1) 175% 188% 102% 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) 478%
2021
Base Salary 0% 0% 20% 6% 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) 8%
Benefits 0% (39%) (10%) 3% 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) (26%)
Bonuses 0% N/A(1) N/A(1) N/A(1) 0% 0% 0% N/A(3) N/A(1)
2020
Base Salary 0% 0% 3% (7%) 5% 0% N/A(2) N/A(3) 1%
Benefits 0% 40% 18% (17%) 0% 0% N/A(2) N/A(3) 33%
Bonuses (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) 0% 0% N/A(2) N/A(3) (100%)
(1) Bonus and benefit changes are disclosed as not applicable if a bonus
or benefit was awarded in the current year and no bonus or benefit were
awarded to the director in the prior year.
(2) Mr J Wong was appointed as a non-executive Director on 15 October
2020 so the annual change is not applicable for 2020 and was apportioned for
2021.
(3) Mr J Heller was appointed as a non-executive Director on 29 March
2023 so the annual change is not applicable.
(4) The comparator group chosen is all UK based employees as the
remuneration committee believe this provides the most accurate comparison of
underlying increases based on similar annual bonus performances utilised by
the Group.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The total expenditure of the Group on remuneration to all employees (see Notes
29 and 9 to the financial statements) is shown below:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Employee remuneration 7,270 11,991
Distribution to shareholders (see note below) 747 2,348
The distribution to shareholders in the current year is subject to shareholder
approval at next the Annual General Meeting.
Statement of implementation of remuneration policy
The remuneration policy was approved at the AGM on 6 June 2023. The policy
took effect from the conclusion of the AGM and will apply for 3 years unless
changes are deemed necessary by the remuneration committee. The company may
not make a remuneration payment or payment for loss of office to a person who
is, is to be, or has been a director of the company unless that payment is
consistent with the approved remuneration policy, or has otherwise been
approved by a resolution of members. During the year, there were no deviations
from the procedure for the implementation of the remuneration policy as set
out in the policy.
Consideration by the directors of matters relating to directors’
remuneration
The remuneration committee considered the executive directors remuneration and
the board considered the non-executive directors remuneration in the year
ended 31 December 2023. The Company did not engage any consultants to provide
advice or services to materially assist the remuneration committee’s
considerations.
Shareholder voting
At the Annual General Meeting on 6 June 2023, there was an advisory vote on
the resolution to approve the remuneration report, other than the part
containing the remuneration policy. In addition, on 6 June 2023 there was a
binding vote on the resolution to approve the current remuneration policy. The
results of which are detailed below:
% of votes for % of votes against No of votes withheld
Resolution to approve the Remuneration Report (6 June 2023) 75.13% 24.87% -
Resolution to approve the Remuneration Policy (6 June 2023) 73.18% 26.82% 600,000
The remuneration committee and directors have considered the percentage of
votes against the resolutions to approve the remuneration report and policy.
Reasons given by shareholders, as known by the directors, have been the level
of remuneration awarded and the general remuneration policy itself. The
remuneration committee consider the remuneration policy and performance
conditions within remain appropriate and therefore no further action has been
taken.
Service contracts
All executive directors have full-time contracts of employment with the
company. Non-executive directors have contracts of service. No director has a
contract of employment or contract of service with the company, its joint
venture or associated companies with a fixed term which exceeds twelve months.
Directors notice periods (see page 42 of the annual remuneration report) are
set in line with market practice and of a length considered sufficient to
ensure an effective handover of duties should a director leave the company.
All directors’ contracts as amended from time to time, have run from the
date of appointment. Service contracts are kept at the registered office.
Remuneration policy table
The remuneration policy table below is an extract of the Group’s current
remuneration policy on directors’ remuneration, which was approved by a
binding vote at the 2023 AGM. The approved policy took effect from 6 June
2023. A copy of the full policy can be found at www.bisichi.co.uk.
Element Purpose Policy Operation Opportunity and performance conditions
Executive directors
Base salary To recognise: Skills Considered by remuneration committee on appointment. Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain motivate and reward the right individuals. Reviewed annually Paid monthly in cash No individual director will be awarded a base salary in excess of £1,200,000 per annum. No specific
Responsibility performance conditions are attached to base salaries.
Accountability
Experience
Value
Pension To provide competitive retirement benefits Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of overall remuneration package. The contribution payable by the company is included in the director’s contract of employment. Paid into money purchase schemes Company contribution offered at up to 10% of base salary as part of overall remuneration package. No
specific performance conditions are attached to pension contributions.
Benefits To provide a competitive benefits Contractual benefits can include but are not limited to: Car or car allowance The committee retains absolute discretion to approve changes in contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or where factors outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. medical inflation) The costs associated with benefits offered are closely controlled and reviewed on an annual basis. No
package Group health cover director will receive benefits of a value in excess of 30% of his base salary. No specific performance
Death in service cover conditions are attached to contractual benefits. The value of benefits for each director for the year
Permanent health insurance ended 31 December 2023 is shown in the table on page 41.
Annual Bonus To reward and incentivise In assessing the performance of the executive team, and in particular to determine whether bonuses are merited the remuneration The remuneration committee determines the level of bonus on an annual basis applying such performance conditions and performance measures as it considers appropriate The current maximum bonus opportunity will not exceed 200% of base salary in any one year, but the
committee takes into account the overall performance of the business. Bonuses are generally offered in cash remuneration committee reserves the power to award up to 300% in an exceptional year. There is no
formal framework by which the company assesses performance and performance conditions and measures
will be assessed on an annual basis by the remuneration committee. In determining the level of the
bonus, the remuneration committee will take into account internal and external factors and
circumstances that occur during the year under review. The performance measures applied may be
financial, non-financial, corporate, divisional or individual and in such proportion as the
remuneration committee considers appropriate to the prevailing circumstances. The company does not
consider, given the company’s size, nature and stage of operations that a formal framework is
required.
Share Options To provide executive directors with a long-term interest in the company Granted under existing schemes (see page 42) and new schemes Offered at appropriate times by the remuneration Entitlement to share options is not subject to any specific performance conditions. Share options will
committee be offered by the remuneration committee as appropriate taking into account the factors considered
above in the decision making process in determining remuneration policy. The aggregate number of
shares over which options may be granted under all of the company’s option schemes (including any
options and awards granted under the company’s employee share plans) in any period of ten years, will
not exceed, at the time of grant, 10% of the ordinary share capital of the company from time to time.
In determining the limits no account shall be taken of any shares where the right to acquire the
shares has been released, surrendered, lapsed or has otherwise become incapable of exercise. The
company currently has one Share Option Scheme (see page 42). For the 2012 scheme the remuneration
committee has the ability to impose performance criteria in respect of any new share options granted,
however there is no requirement to do so. There are no performance conditions attached to the options
already issued under the 2012 scheme, the options vest on issue and there are no minimum hold periods
for the resulting shares issued on exercise of the option. The Board is authorised under this policy
to enter into agreements with holders of options over ordinary shares in the capital of the Company to
cancel or surrender the Options in consideration of the payment by the Company to the holder of the
Option of cash up to a maximum of the difference between the exercise price of the Option and the
closing market price on the business day immediately prior to the day on which the Company enters into
that agreement with the relevant holder of the Options.
Non-executive directors
Base salary To recognise: Skills Considered by the Reviewed annually No individual director will be awarded a base salary in excess of £125,000 per annum. No specific
Experience board on appointment. Set at a level considered appropriate to attract, retain and motivate the individual. Experience and time required for the role are considered on appointment. performance conditions are attached to base salaries.
Value
Pension No pension offered
Benefits No benefits offered except The committee retains the discretion to The costs associated with the benefit offered is closely controlled and reviewed on an annual basis.
for health approve changes in contractual benefits in exceptional circumstances or No director will receive benefits of a value in excess of 30% of his base salary or £10,000 whichever
cover (see annual remuneration report where factors outside the control of the Group lead to increased costs (e.g. medical inflation) is the higher. No specific performance conditions are attached to contractual benefits.
page 41)
Share Options Non-executive directors do not participate in the share option schemes
In order to ensure that shareholders have sufficient clarity over director
remuneration levels, the company has, where possible, specified a maximum that
may be paid to a director in respect of each component of remuneration. The
remuneration committee consider the performance measures outlined in the table
above to be appropriate measures of performance and that the KPI’s chosen
align the interests of the directors and shareholders. Details of remuneration
of other company employees can be found in Note 29 to the financial
statements. Any differences in the types of remuneration available for
directors and other employees reflect common practice and market norms. The
bonus targets for general employees of the Group are more focused on annual
targets that further the company’s interests. The maximum bonus opportunity
for employees and directors alike is based on the seniority and responsibility
of the role undertaken.
Governance
Audit committee report
The committee’s terms of reference have been approved by the board and
follow published guidelines, which are available from the company secretary.
The audit committee comprised of two non-executive directors during the year,
Christopher Joll (chairman), an experienced financial PR executive and John
Sibbald, a retired chartered accountant.
The Audit Committee’s prime tasks are to:
* review the scope of external audit, to receive regular reports from the
auditor and to review the half-yearly and annual accounts before they are
presented to the board, focusing in particular on accounting policies and
areas of management judgment and estimation;
* monitor the controls which are in force to ensure the integrity of the
information reported to the shareholders;
* assess key risks and to act as a forum for discussion of risk issues and
contribute to the board’s review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk
management control and processes;
* act as a forum for discussion of internal control issues and contribute to
the board’s review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control
and risk management systems and processes;
* consider each year the need for an internal audit function;
* advise the board on the appointment of external auditors and rotation of the
audit partner every five years, and on their remuneration for both audit and
non-audit work, and discuss the nature and scope of their audit work;
* participate in the selection of a new external audit partner and agree the
appointment when required;
* undertake a formal assessment of the auditors’ independence each year
which includes: * a review of non-audit services provided to the Group and
related fees;
* discussion with the auditors of a written report detailing all relationships
with the company and any other parties that could affect independence or the
perception of independence;
* a review of the auditors’ own procedures for ensuring the independence of
the audit firm and partners and staff involved in the audit, including the
regular rotation of the audit partner; and
* obtaining written confirmation from the auditors that, in their professional
judgement, they are independent.
Meetings
The committee meets prior to the annual audit with the external auditors to
discuss the audit plan and again prior to the publication of the annual
results. These meetings are attended by the external audit partner, executive
chairman, director of finance and company secretary. Prior to bi-monthly board
meetings the members of the committee meet on an informal basis to discuss any
relevant matters which may have arisen. Additional formal meetings are held as
necessary.
During the past year the committee:
* met with the external auditors, and discussed their reports to the Audit
Committee;
* approved the publication of annual and half-year financial results;
* considered and approved the annual review of internal controls;
* decided that due to the size and nature of operation there was not a current
need for an internal audit function;
* agreed the independence of the auditors and approved their fees for both
audit related and non-audit services as set out in note 5 to the financial
statements.
Financial reporting
As part of its role, the Audit Committee assessed the audit findings that were
considered most significant to the financial statements, including those areas
requiring significant judgment and/or estimation. When assessing the
identified financial reporting matters, the committee assessed quantitative
materiality primarily by reference to profit before tax. The Board also gave
consideration to:
* the carrying value of the Group’s total assets, given that the Group
operates a principally asset based business;
* the value of revenues generated by the Group, given the importance of coal
production and processing;
* Adjusted EBITDA, given that it is a key trading KPI, when determining
quantitative materiality; and
* Going concern, given the potential impact of macro-economic activity on the
Group’s operations.
The qualitative aspects of any financial reporting matters identified during
the audit process were also considered when assessing their materiality. Based
on the considerations set out above we have considered quantitative errors
individually or in aggregate in excess of approximately £700,000 to £800,000
to be material.
External Auditors
Kreston Reeves LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office and
a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting. In the United Kingdom the company is provided with extensive
administration and accounting services by London & Associated Properties PLC
which has its own audit committee and employs a separate team of external
auditors from Kreston Reeves LLP. BDO South Africa Inc. acts as the external
auditor to the South African companies, and the work of that firm was reviewed
by Kreston Reeves LLP for the purpose of the Group audit.
Christopher Joll
Chairman – audit committee
12 Little Portland Street
London W1W8BJ
12 April 2024
Governance
Valuers’ certificates
To the directors of Bisichi PLC
In accordance with your instructions we have carried out a valuation of the
freehold property interests held as at 31 December 2023 by the company as
detailed in our Valuation Report dated 31 January 2024.
Having regard to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the open market
value as at 31 December 2023 of the interests owned by the company was
£10,610,000 being made up as follows:
£’000
Freehold 8,395
Leasehold 2,215
10,610
Leeds Carter TowlerRegulated by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
31 January 2024
Directors’ responsibilities statement
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each
financial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare the Group
financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The
directors have elected to prepare the company financial statements in
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United
Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the
directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and
company and of the profit or loss for the Group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
* select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
* make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
* state with regard to the Group financial statements whether they have been
prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
* state with regard to the parent company financial statements, whether
applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
* prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the company and the Group will continue in
business; and
* prepare a director’s report, a strategic report and director’s
remuneration report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act
2006.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies
Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, international
accounting standards. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of
the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are responsible for
ensuring that the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, are fair,
balanced, and understandable and provides the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.
Website publication
The directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial
statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are published
on the company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United
Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements,
which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and
integrity of the company’s website is the responsibility of the directors.
The directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the
financial statements contained therein.
Directors’ responsibilities pursuant to DTR4
The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:
* the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Group.
* the annual report includes a fair review of the development and performance
of the business and the financial position of the Group and the parent
company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties
that they face.
Governance
Independent auditor report to the shareholders of Bisichi Plc for the year
ended 31 December 2023
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Bisichi PLC (the ‘parent
company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31
December 2023 which comprise the consolidated income statement, consolidated
statement of other comprehensive income, consolidated and company balance
sheets, consolidated and company statements of changes in equity, consolidated
cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary
of significant Group accounting policies. The financial reporting framework
that has been applied in their preparation of the group financial statements
is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the
parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
* the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the
Group’s and of the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of
the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
* the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance
with UK adopted international accounting standards;
* the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
* the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the
audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of
the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our
audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical
Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe
that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors'
use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the
financial statements is appropriate.
Our evaluation of the directors assessment of the Group and Parent companies
ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting including
the following:
* Gained an understanding of the systems and controls around managements’
going concern assessment, including for the preparation and review process for
forecasts and budgets.
* Evidence obtained that management have undertaken a formal going concern
assessment, including sensitivity analysis on cash flow forecasts, clear
consideration of significant external factors including the impact of the war
in Ukraine and the potential liquidity impact such factors on cash balances
including available facilities.
* Analysed the financial strength of the business at the year end date and
considered key trends in balance sheet strength and business performance over
the last three years.
* Confirmations gained that operation of the business, including mine
production and sale at Black Wattle Colliery have not been disrupted in the
period by any external or internal factors.
* Testing the mechanical integrity of forecast model by checking the accuracy
and completeness of the model, including challenging the appropriateness of
estimates and assumptions with reference to empirical data and external
evidence.
* Based on our above assessment we performed our own sensitivity analysis in
respect of the key assumptions underpinning the forecasts.
* We performed stress-testing analysis on the core cash generating units of
the business to confirm cash inflow levels needed to maintain minimal
liquidity required to meet liabilities as they fall due.
* We considered post year end performance of the business, comparing this to
budget as well as considering the development of key liquidity ratios in the
business.
* The group's banking facility documentation was reviewed to ensure that any
covenants in place have not been breached.
* We reviewed the adequacy and completeness of the disclosure included within
the financial statements in respect of going concern.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material
uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the entity's ability to continue
as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the
financial statements are authorised for issue.
In relation to the Group and Parent Company’s reporting on how they have
applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or
draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial
statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to
going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. However,
because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement
is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statement in relation
to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate
Governance Statement relating to the Group’s and Parent Company’s
compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified
for our review.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each
of the following elements of the Corporate Governance Statement is materially
consistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained during the
audit:
* Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the
going concern basis of accounting and any material uncertainties identified
set out on page 39;
* Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the company’s prospects,
the period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate set out
on page 33;
* Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of
the emerging and principal risks set out on pages 20 to 23;
* The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness
of risk management and internal control systems set out on page 36 and
* The section describing the work of the Risk and Audit Committee set out on
page 35.
An overview of the scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the
risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we
looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in
respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions
and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our
audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls,
including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that
represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
Our application of materiality
Group financial statements Parent company financial statements
Materiality £1,005,000 (2022: £711,200) £816,700 (2022: £710,000)
Basis for determining materiality ~3% of net assets ~3% of net assets
Rationale for benchmark applied The group's principal activity of that of an exploration and mining operation and investment property holdings. To this end the business is highly asset focused. The company’s principal activity is that of a holding company for the group and as such has no direct trade. It does hold investments balances with subsidiaries. Therefore a benchmark for materiality based on the net assets of the company is considered to be appropriate.
Therefore a benchmark for materiality based on the net assets of the group is considered to be appropriate.
Performance materiality £703,500 (2022: £533,400) £571,600 (2022: £533,500)
Basis for determining performance materiality 70% of materiality 70% of materiality
Rationale for performance materiality applied On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment and the business being listed on the LSE, our judgement was On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the company’s overall control environment and the company being listed on the LSE, our judgement was that performance materiality was 70% of our planning materiality. In assessing the appropriate level, we consider the nature, the number and impact of the audit differences identified in the
that performance materiality was 70% of our planning materiality. In assessing the appropriate level, we consider the nature, the number and impact of the audit previous year’s audit.
differences identified in the previous year’s audit.
Triviality threshold £50,200 (2022: £35,560) £40,800 (2022: £35,500)
Basis for determining triviality threshold 5% of materiality 5% of materiality
We reported all audit differences found in excess of our triviality threshold
to the directors and the management board.
For each Group company within the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a
materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of
materiality allocated across each Group company was between £571,600 and
£19,600. The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of
materiality as we set certain quantitative thresholds for performance
materiality and use these thresholds as a consideration tool to help to
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our
audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and
disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually
and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
We determined component materiality for the parent company to be capped at
below group materiality. This was also the case for group subsidiaries
registered outside of the UK. For the lower risk UK-registered trading
subsidiaries, 4% of those subsidiary’s net assets were used. Performance
materiality was set in the range of 70-80% of each individual materiality.
Coverage overview
Group revenue Group profit before tax Group net assets
Totals at 31 December 2023: £49,452,801 £610,242 £33,594,091
Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves and BDO) £49,452,801 (100%) £595,457 (97.6%) £33,492,433 (99.7%)
Limited procedures £Nil £14,785 (2.4%) £101,658 (0.3%)
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work
to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking
into account the structure of the Group and the parent company, the accounting
processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.
Our scoping considerations for the Group audit were based both on financial
information and risk. As noted above limited assurance audit work – which is
to say the audit of balances and transactions material at a group level –
was only applied in respect of a small element of the group. The below table
summarises for the parent company, and its subsidiaries, in terms of the level
of assurance gained:
Group component Level of assurance
Bisichi PLC Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves)
Mineral Products Limited Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves)
Bisichi (Properties) Limited Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves)
Bisichi Northampton Limited Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves)
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited Full statutory audit (Kreston Reeves)
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited Full statutory audit (BDO)
Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited Full statutory audit (BDO)
All other group undertakings Limited assurance (Kreston Reeves)
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were
of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current
period and include the most significant assessed risks of material
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, including those
which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation
of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not
provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of
all risks identified by our audit.
Revenue recognition: £49,452,801 (2022: £95,110,894)
Significance and nature of key riskRevenue is a key performance indicator for users in assessing the group’s financial statements. Revenue generated has a significant impact on cash inflows and profit before tax for the group. As such revenue is a key determinant in profitability and the group’s ability to generate cash. Revenue comprises two key revenue streams: the sale of coal and property rental income. Coal revenue is recognised when the customer has a legally binding obligation to set tle under the terms of the contract. Rental income is recognised in the Group income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. How our audit addressed the key riskSales of coal and coal processing services in the period were tested from the trigger point of the sale to the point of recognition in the financial statements, corroborating this to contract sales or service terms and
the recognition stages detailed in IFRS 15. Rental income revenue was recalculated based on the terms included in signed lease agreements. Again, the recognition stages detailed the relevant standards were carefully considered to ensure revenue recognised
was in line with these. This substantive testing covered 100% of total property rental revenues. Revenue streams were further analytically reviewed via comparison to our expectations. Expectations were based on a combination of prior financial data/budgets
and our own assessments based on our knowledge gained of the business. Cut-off of revenue was reviewed by analysing sales recorded during the period just before and after the financial year end and determining if the recognition applied was appropriate.
Walkthrough testing was performed to ensure that key systems and controls in place around the revenue cycle operated as designed. The accuracy of revenue disclosures in the accounts were confirmed to be consistent with the revenue cycle observed and
audited. The completeness of these disclosures was confirmed by reference to the full disclosure requirements as detailed in IFRS 15.
Key observations communicated to the Risk and Audit CommitteeWe have no concerns over the material accuracy of revenue recognised in the financial statements.
Valuation/impairment of investment properties: £10,818,441 (2022: £10,635,000)
Significance and nature of key riskInvestment properties comprise freehold and long leasehold land and buildings. Investment properties are carried at fair value in accordance with IAS 40. Investment properties are revalued annually by professional external surveyors and included in the balance sheet at their fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair values of assets are recognised in the consolidated income statement in the period to which they relate. In accordance with IAS 40, investment properties are not depreciated. The fair value of the head leases is the net present value of the current head rent payable on leasehold properties until the expiry of the lease. How our audit addressed the key riskAppropriate classification of investment properties under IAS 40 was considered, especially in relation to long leasehold land and buildings. External valuation reports were obtained and vouched to stated fair values.
The competence and independence of the valuation experts was carefully considered to ensure that the reports they produce can be relied upon. The key assumptions made within these reports were reviewed and considered for reasonableness, including rental
yield analysis. We have further performed our own separate impairment considerations to consider if events/factors in place at year end present material impairment indicators.
Key observations communicated to the Risk and Audit CommitteeWe have no concerns over the material accuracy of investment property values recognised in the financial statements.
Valuation/impairment of mining reserves and development: £18,722,439 (2022: £16,177,515)
Significance and nature of key riskThe purpose of mine development is to establish secure working conditions and infrastructure to allow the safe and efficient extraction of recoverable reserves. Depreciation on mine development costs is not charged until production commences or the assets are put to use. On commencement of full commercial production, depreciation is charged over the life of the associated mine reserves extractable using the asset on a unit of production basis. The unit of production calculation is based on tonnes mined as a ratio to proven and probable reserves and also includes future forecast capital expenditure. The cost recognised includes the recognition of any decommissioning assets related to mine development. How our audit addressed the key riskThe accounting requirements of IFRS 6 and IAS 16 were considered to ensure capitalisation of costs to mine development under IAS 16 was appropriate. In considering impairment indicators, as governed by IAS 36, the life
of mine assessment was obtained. All significant input variables were considered and stress-tested to assess headroom between modelling and the value of mine development. Consideration was given to the competence and independence of the technical expert
involved with the production of historic technical reports on which the life of mine assessment is partially built. Depreciation of mine development was recalculated based on the unit of production basis to ensure accurately recorded. This basis was also
considered for reasonableness by reference to the accounting policies of industry peers. The accuracy and appropriateness of mine development disclosures in the accounts were confirmed to be consistent with the mine development accounting cycle observed
and audited.
Key observations communicated to the Risk and Audit CommitteeWe have no concerns over the material accuracy of mining reserves and development values recognised in the financial statements.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report
other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The
directors are responsible for the other information contained within the
annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the
other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial
statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to
determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial
statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Our opinion on the Remuneration Report
Kreston Reeves has audited the Annual remuneration report set out on pages 41
to 49 of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023. The directors
of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the
Remuneration Report in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. Kreston
Reeves’ responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report,
based on our audit conducted in accordance with International Accounting
Standards. In Kreston Reeves’ opinion, the Remuneration Report of the Group
for the year, complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Our consideration of climate change related risks
The financial impacts on the Group of climate change and the transition to a
low carbon economy (“climate change”) were considered in our audit where
they have the potential to directly or indirectly impact key judgements and
estimates within the financial statements.
The Group continues to develop its assessment of the potential impacts of
climate change. Climate risks have the potential to materially impact the key
judgements and estimates within the financial report. Our audit considered
those risks that could be material to the key judgement and estimates in the
assessment of the carrying value of non-current assets and closure and
rehabilitation provisions.
The key judgements and estimates included in the financial statements
incorporate actions and strategies, to the extent they have been approved and
can be reliably estimated in accordance with the Group’s accounting
policies. Accordingly, our key audit matters address how we have assessed the
Group’s climate related assumptions to the extent they impact each key audit
matter. Our audit procedures were performed with the involvement of our
climate change and valuation specialists.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
* the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report
for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is
consistent with the financial statements; and
* the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in
accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the Group and parent
company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not
identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’
report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to
which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
* adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or
returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not
visited by us; or
* the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns; or
* certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not
made; or
* we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our
audit
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement (set
out on page 53), the directors are responsible for the preparation of the
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair
view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for
assessing the Group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using
the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to
liquidate the Group or parent company or to cease operations, or have no
realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to
fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on
the basis of these financial statements.
Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the group and industry, and through discussion
with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards),
we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and
regulations related to health and safety, anti-bribery and employment law. We
considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on
the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that
have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as
the Companies Act 2006. We communicated identified laws and regulations
throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance
throughout the audit. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities
for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of
override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related
to: posting inappropriate journal entries to increase revenue or reduce
expenditure, management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of
the financial statements such as the valuation of investment properties. Audit
procedures performed by the group engagement team and component auditors
included:
* We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are
applicable to the Group and determined that the most significant are those
that relate to the reporting framework and the relevant tax compliance
regulations in the jurisdictions in which Bisichi PLC operates. In addition,
we concluded that there are certain significant laws and regulations that may
have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, mainly relating to health and safety, employee matters,
bribery and corruption practices, environmental and certain aspects of company
legislation recognising the regulated nature of the Group’s mining
activities and its legal form.
* Detailed discussions were held with management to identify any known or
suspected instances of non- compliance with laws and regulations.
* Identifying and assessing the design effectiveness of controls that
management has in place to prevent and detect fraud.
* Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant
accounting estimates, including assessing the capabilities of the property
valuers and discussing with the valuers how their valuations were calculated
and the data and assumptions they have used to calculate these.
* Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected
relationships, including related party transactions, that may indicate risks
of material misstatement due to fraud.
* Confirmation of related parties with management, and review of transactions
throughout the period to identify any previously undisclosed transactions with
related parties outside the normal course of business.
* Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing
correspondence with relevant tax and regulatory authorities.
* Performing integrity testing to verify the legitimacy of banking records
obtained from management.
* Review of significant and unusual transactions and evaluation of the
underlying financial rationale supporting the transactions.
* Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any manual entries
made at the year end for financial statement preparation.
* We ensured our global audit team (including Kreston Reeves and BDO) has deep
industry experience through working for many years on relevant audits,
including experience of mining and investment property management. Our audit
planning included considering external market factors, for example
geopolitical risk, the potential impact of climate change, commodity price
risk and major trends in the industry.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will
not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material
misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation.
This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is
removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial
statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of
non-compliance.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional
judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures
responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a
material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions,
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order
to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s
internal control.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the
reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the
directors.
* Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern
basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a
material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast
significant doubt on the Group’s or the parent company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty
exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the
related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit
evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future
events or conditions may cause the Group or the parent company to cease to
continue as a going concern.
* Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial
statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements
represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves
fair presentation.
* Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial
information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express
an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for
the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain
solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other
matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit
findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we
identify during our audit.
Other matters which we are required to address
We were reappointed by the audit committee in the year to audit the financial
statements. Our total uninterrupted period of engagement is 3 years, covering
the years ended 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2023.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not
provided to the group or the parent company and we remain independent of the
group and the parent company in conducting our audit.
During the period under review, agreed upon procedures were completed in
respect of a number of the group’s service charge accounts.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit
committee.
Use of our Report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work
has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have
formed.
Anne Dwyer BSc(Hons) FCA (Senior Statutory
Auditor)
For and on behalf of
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
London
Date: 23 April 2024
Financial statements
Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Notes 2023Trading£’000 2023Revaluations and 2023Total£’000 2022 Trading £’000 2022 Revaluations and 2022 Total £’000
impairment£’000 impairment £’000
Group revenue 1 49,253 - 49,253 95,111 - 95,111
Operating costs 3 (46,606) - (46,606) (55,748) - (55,748)
Operating profit before depreciation, fair value adjustments and exchange movements 1 2,647 - 2,647 39,363 - 39,363
Depreciation 1 (1,493) - (1,493) (1,093) - (1,093)
Operating profit before fair value adjustments and exchange movements 1 1,154 - 1,154 38,270 - 38,270
Exchange losses (158) - (158) (270) - (270)
Increase/(Decrease) in value of investment properties 4 - 145 145 - (60) (60)
Gain on investments held at fair value - 759 759 - 1,036 1,036
Operating profit 1 996 904 1,900 38,000 976 38,976
Share of loss in joint ventures 14 (31) (8) (39) - (89) (89)
Profit before interest and taxation 965 896 1,861 38,000 887 38,887
Interest receivable 222 - 222 174 - 174
Interest payable 7 (1,473) - (1,473) (1,047) - (1,047)
Profit before tax 5 (286) 896 610 37,127 887 38,014
Taxation 8 (47) (253) (300) (11,878) (30) (11,908)
Profit for the year (333) 643 310 25,249 857 26,106
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the company (384) 643 259 16,755 857 17,612
Non-controlling interest 27 51 - 51 8,494 - 8,494
Profit for the year (333) 643 310 25,249 857 26,106
Profit per share – basic 10 2.43p 164.96p
Profit per share – diluted 10 2.43p 164.96p
Trading gains and losses reflect all the trading activity on mining and
property operations and realised gains. Revaluation gains and losses reflects
the revaluation of investment properties and other assets within the Group and
any proportion of unrealised gains and losses within Joint Ventures. The total
column represents the consolidated income statement presented in accordance
with IAS 1.
Financial statements
Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2023
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Profit for the year 310 26,106
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Items that may be subsequently recycled to the income statement:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (675) (43)
Other comprehensive income for the year net of tax (675) (43)
Total comprehensive income for the year net of tax (365) 26,063
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders (210) 17,593
Non-controlling interest (155) 8,470
(365) 26,063
Financial statements
Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 December 2023
Notes 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Assets
Non-current assets
Investment properties 11 10,818 10,635
Mining reserves, plant and equipment 12 18,896 16,377
Investments in joint ventures accounted for using equity method 13 1,002 1,041
Other investments at fair value through profit and loss (“FVPL”) 13 14,258 12,590
Deferred tax asset 23 318 -
Total non-current assets 45,292 40,643
Current assets
Inventories 16 2,579 5,199
Trade and other receivables 17 7,934 6,437
Investments in listed securities held at FVPL 18 734 886
Cash and cash equivalents 3,242 10,590
Total current assets 14,489 23,112
Total assets 59,781 63,755
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Borrowings 20 (7,461) (3,795)
Trade and other payables 19 (11,589) (13,282)
Current tax liabilities (5,191) (4,256)
Total current liabilities (24,241) (21,333)
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 20 (22) (3,930)
Provision for rehabilitation 21 (1,614) (1,715)
Lease liabilities 31 (310) (344)
Deferred tax liabilities 23 - (872)
Total non-current liabilities (1,946) (6,861)
Total liabilities (26,187) (28,194)
Net assets 33,594 35,561
Notes 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Equity
Share capital 24 1,068 1,068
Share premium account 258 258
Translation reserve (3,028) (2,559)
Other reserves 25 1,112 1,112
Retained earnings 32,580 33,923
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders 31,990 33,802
Non-controlling interest 27 1,604 1,759
Total equity 33,594 35,561
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board
of directors on 22 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
A R Heller G J
Casey Company
Registration No. 00112155
Director Director
Financial statements
Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Sharecapital£’000 SharePremium£’000 Translationreserves£’000 Otherreserves£’000 Retainedearnings£’000 Total£’000 Non-controlling interest£’000 Totalequity£’000
Balance at 1 January 2022 1,068 258 (2,540) 707 18,019 17,512 323 17,835
Profit for the year - - - - 17,612 17,612 8,494 26,106
Other comprehensive expense - - (19) - - (19) (24) (43)
Total comprehensive expense for the year - - (19) - 17,612 17,593 8,470 26,063
Dividend (note 9) - - - - (1,708) (1,708) (7,034) (8,742)
Share options cancelled - - - (142) - (142) - (142)
Share options issued - - - 547 - 547 - 547
Balance at 1 January 2023 1,068 258 (2,559) 1,112 33,923 33,802 1,759 35,561
Profit for the year - - - - 259 259 51 310
Other comprehensive income - - (469) - - (469) (206) (675)
Total comprehensive income for the year - - (469) - 259 (210) (155) (365)
Dividend (note 9) - - - - (1,602) (1,602) - (1,602)
Balance at 31 December 2023 1,068 258 (3,028) 1,112 32,580 31,990 1,604 33,594
Financial statements
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Year ended31 December2023£’000 Year ended 31 December 2022 £’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit 1,900 38,976
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 1,493 1,093
Unrealised loss/(gain) on investment properties (145) 60
Share based payment expense - 405
Gain on investments held at FVPL (759) (1,036)
Exchange adjustments 158 270
Cash flow before working capital 2,647 39,768
Change in inventories 2,046 (4,009)
Change in trade and other receivables (2,026) 2,307
Change in trade and other payables 113 1,114
Cash generated from operations 2,780 39,180
Interest received 222 175
Interest paid (1,361) (728)
Income tax paid 137 (7,929)
Cash flow from operating activities 1,778 30,698
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of reserves, property, motor vehicles, plant and equipment (5,944) (8,480)
Disposal of reserves, property, motor vehicles, plant and equipment - 20
Disposal / (Acquisition) of other investments (757) (8,124)
Cash flow from investing activities (6,701) (16,584)
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings drawn 99 524
Borrowings and lease liabilities repaid (624) (55)
Equity dividends paid (2,349) (641)
Minority dividends paid - (7,034)
Cash flow from financing activities (2,874) (7,206)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (7,797) 6,908
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 7,365 482
Exchange adjustment 140 (25)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December (292) 7,365
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December comprise:
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the balance sheet 3,242 10,590
Bank overdrafts (secured) (3,534) (3,225)
(292) 7,365
Financial statements
Group accounting policies
for the year ended 31 December 2023
General information
Bisichi PLC (“the Company”) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the
UK. The policies have been applied consistently to all years presented, unless
stated. The group's registered office and principal address can be found on
page 31
Basis of accounting
The results for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. In applying the Group’s
accounting policies and assessing areas of judgment and estimation materiality
is applied as detailed on page 50 and 51 of the Audit Committee Report. Key
judgements and estimates are disclosed below on page 73. The principal
accounting policies are described below.
The Group financial statements are presented in £ sterling and all values
are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£000) except when otherwise
stated.
The functional currency for each entity in the Group, and for joint
arrangements and associates, is the currency of the country in which the
entity has been incorporated. Details of which country each entity has been
incorporated can be found in note 15 for subsidiaries and note 14 for joint
arrangements and associates.
The exchange rates used in the accounts were as follows:
£1 Sterling: Rand £1 Sterling: Dollar
2023 2022 2023 2022
Year-end rate 23.3014 20.5785 1.2732 1.2102
Annual average 22.9364 20.1929 1.2389 1.2967
Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost
basis, except for the following items (refer to individual accounting policies
for details):
* Financial instruments – fair value through profit and loss
* Investment property
Going concern
The Group has prepared cash flow forecasts which demonstrate that the Group
has sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least
the next 12 months from date of signing.
In South Africa, a structured trade finance facility with Absa Bank Limited
for R85million is held by Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited, a 100%
subsidiary of Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited. This facility comprises of
a R85million revolving facility to cover the working capital requirements of
the Group’s South African operations. The facility is renewable annually and
is secured against inventory, debtors and cash that are held in the Group’s
South African operations. The Directors do not foresee any reason why the
facility will not continue to be renewed at the next renewal date, in line
with prior periods and based on their banking relationships.
Significant investments have been made in opening new mining areas at Black
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd and production in 2024 to date has improved. The
directors expect that coal market conditions for the Group’ will remain at a
stable and profitable level through 2024. The directors therefore have a
reasonable expectation that the mine will achieve positive levels of cash
generation for the Group in 2024. As a consequence, the directors believe that
the Group is well placed to manage its South African business risks
successfully.
In the UK, forecasts demonstrate that the Group has sufficient resources to
meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least the next 12 months, from
the approval of the financial statements, including those related to the
Group’s UK Loan facility outlined below.
The Group holds a 5 year term facility of £3.9m with Julian Hodge Bank
Limited at an initial LTV of 40%. The loan is secured against the company’s
UK retail property portfolio. The amount repayable on the loan at year end was
£3.9million. The overall interest cost of the loan is 4.00% above the Bank of
England base rate. The debt package has a five year term and is repayable at
the end of the term in December 2024. The Group intends to renew or refinance
the loan prior to the end of its term. All covenants on the loan were met
during the year. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group
has adequate financial resources at short notice, including cash and listed
equity investments, to ensure the existing facility’s covenants are met on
an ongoing basis or to repay the loan if the loan cannot be renewed or
refinanced by the end of its term.
Dragon Retail Properties Limited (“Dragon”), the Group’s 50% owned joint
venture, holds a Santander bank loan of £0.95million secured against its
investment property, see note 14. The bank loan is secured by way of a first
charge on specific freehold property at a value of £2.03 million. The
interest cost of the loan is 4.2 per cent above the bank’s base rate. A
refinancing of this loan is currently underway. The loan originally expired in
September 2020, but has been extended to July 2024. Santander have indicated
that they are willing to provide a new term loan and we expect to complete
this in the near future.
As a result of the banking facilities held as well as the acceptable levels of
cash expected to be held by the Group over the next 12 months, the Directors
believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future and that the Group is well placed to
manage its business risks. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis
of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (adopted IFRS)
The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) that are
relevant to its operations and effective for accounting periods beginning 1
January 2023. New standards and interpretations that are relevant to the Group
are summarised below:
Standard Overview Impact
Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 – Making Materiality Judgements – Disclosure of Accounting Policies The amendments to IAS 1 require an entity to disclose material accounting policies. No significant impact
Amendments to IAS 8 – Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors The amendments introduce a definition for accounting estimates which is ‘monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertainty’. Measurement uncertainty will arise when monetary amounts required to apply an accounting policy cannot be observed directly. In such cases, accounting estimates will need to be developed using judgements and No significant impact
assumptions.
Amendments to IAS 12 – Income Taxes - Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction This amendment to IAS 12 Income Taxes introduces an exception to the “initial recognition exemption” when the transaction gives rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences. No significant impact
Amendments to IAS 12 – Income Taxes - International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules This amendment to IAS 12 Income Taxes introduces disclosures to help investors better understand a company’s exposure to income taxes arising from the reform, particularly before legislation implementing the rules is in effect. No significant impact
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have
been issued but are not yet effective for the Group. The Group has not adopted
any Standards or Interpretations in advance of the required implementation
dates. New standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet
effective that are relevant to the Group are summarised below:
Standard Overview Potential Impact
Amendments to IAS 1 - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current Effective date: 1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted). The standard has been amended to clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current should be based on rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. No significant impact expected
Amendments to IAS 1 - Non-current Liabilities with Covenants Effective date: 1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted). The standard confirms that only those covenants with which an entity must comply on or before the end of the reporting period affect the classification of a liability as current or non-current. No significant impact expected
Amendments to IFRS 16- Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback Effective date: 1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted). The amendments address the accounting that should be applied by a seller-lessee in a sale and leaseback transaction when the leaseback contains variable lease payments, that do not depend on an index or rate. No significant impact expected
Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 Effective date: 1 January 2024 (early adoption permitted). The amendments require an entity to disclose information about its supplier finance arrangements to enable users of financial statements to assess the effects of those arrangements on the entity’s liabilities and cash flows and on the entity’s exposure to liquidity risk. No significant impact expected
Amendments to IAS 21 – Lack of Exchangeability Effective date: 1 January 2025 (early adoption permitted). The amendments have been made to clarify: * when a currency is exchangeable into another currency; and No significant impact expected
* how a company estimates a spot rate when a currency lacks exchangeability.
We are committed to improving disclosure and transparency and will continue to
work with our different stakeholders to ensure they understand the detail of
these accounting changes. We continue to remain committed to a robust
financial policy.
Key judgements and estimates
Areas where key estimates and judgements are considered to have a significant
effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements include:
Life of mine and reserves
The directors consider their judgements and estimates surrounding the life of
the mine and its reserves, as disclosed in note 12, to have a significant
effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements and to be an area
where the financial statements are subject to significant estimation
uncertainty. The life of mine remaining is currently estimated at 6 years.
This life of mine is based on the Group’s existing coal reserves including
reserves acquired but subject to regulatory approval. The Group continues to
evaluate new opportunities to extend the life of its existing mining and
processing operations in South Africa. The life of mine excludes future coal
purchases and coal reserve acquisitions.
The Group’s estimates of proven and probable reserves are prepared utilising
the South African code for the reporting of exploration results, mineral
resources and mineral reserves (the SAMREC code) and are subject to
assessment by an independent Competent Person experienced in the field of coal
geology and specifically opencast and pillar coal extraction. Estimates of
coal reserves impact assessments of the carrying value of property, plant and
equipment, depreciation calculations and rehabilitation and decommissioning
provisions. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating coal
reserves and changes to these assumptions may result in restatement of
reserves. These assumptions include geotechnical factors as well as economic
factors such as commodity prices, production costs, coal demand outlook and
yield.
Depreciation, amortisation of mineral rights, mining development costs and
plant & equipment
The annual depreciation/amortisation charge is dependent on estimates,
including coal reserves and the related life of mine, expected development
expenditure for probable reserves, the allocation of certain assets to
relevant ore reserves and estimates of residual values of the processing
plant. The charge can fluctuate when there are significant changes in any of
the factors or assumptions used, such as estimating mineral reserves which in
turn affects the life of mine or the expected life of reserves. Estimates of
proven and probable reserves are prepared by an independent Competent Person.
Assessments of depreciation/amortisation rates against the estimated reserve
base are performed regularly. Details of the depreciation/amortisation charge
can be found in note 12.
Provision for mining rehabilitation including restoration and de-commissioning
costs
A provision for future rehabilitation including restoration and
decommissioning costs requires estimates and assumptions to be made around the
relevant regulatory framework, the timing, extent and costs of the
rehabilitation activities and of the risk free rates used to determine the
present value of the future cash outflows. The provisions, including the
estimates and assumptions contained therein, are reviewed regularly by
management. The Group annually engages an independent expert to assess the
cost of restoration and final decommissioning as part of management’s
assessment of the provision. Details of the provision for mining
rehabilitation can be found in note 21.
Impairment
Property, plant and equipment representing the Group’s mining assets in
South Africa are reviewed for impairment when there are indicators of
impairment. The impairment test is performed using the approved Life of Mine
plan and those future cash flow estimates are discounted using asset specific
discount rates and are based on expectations about future operations. The
impairment test requires estimates about production and sales volumes,
commodity prices, proven and probable reserves (as assessed by the Competent
Person), operating costs and capital expenditures necessary to extract
reserves in the approved Life of Mine plan. Changes in such estimates could
impact recoverable values of these assets. Details of the carrying value of
property, plant and equipment can be found in note 12.
The impairment test indicated significant headroom as at 31 December 2023 and
therefore no impairment is considered appropriate. The key assumptions
include: coal prices, including domestic coal prices based on recent pricing
and assessment of market forecasts for export coal; production based on proven
and probable reserves assessed by the independent Competent Person and yields
associated with mining areas based on assessments by the Competent Person and
empirical data. An 9% reduction in average forecast coal prices or a 8%
reduction in yield would give rise to a breakeven scenario. However, the
directors consider the forecasted yield levels and pricing to be appropriate
and supportable best estimates.
Fair value measurements of investment properties
An assessment of the fair value of investment properties, is required to be
performed. In such instances, fair value measurements are estimated based on
the amounts for which the assets and liabilities could be exchanged between
market participants. To the extent possible, the assumptions and inputs used
take into account externally verifiable inputs. However, such information is
by nature subject to uncertainty. The fair value of investment property is set
out in note 11, whilst the carrying value of investments in joint ventures
which themselves include investment property held at fair value by the joint
venture is set out at note 13.
Measurement of development property
The development property included within the Group’s joint venture
investment in West Ealing Projects limited is considered by Management to fall
outside the scope of investment property. A property intended for sale in the
ordinary course of business or in the process of construction or development
for such sale, for example, property acquired exclusively with a view to
subsequent disposal in the near future or for development and resale is
expected to be recorded under the accounting standard of IAS 2 Inventories.
The directors have discussed the commercial approach with the directors of the
underlying joint venture and the current plan is to sell or to complete the
development and sell. The Directors therefore consider the key judgement of
accounting treatment of the property development under IAS 2 Inventories to be
correct.
IAS 2 Inventories require the capitalised costs to be held at the lower of
cost or net realisable value. At 31 December 2023, the costs capitalised
within the development based on a director’s appraisal for the property
estimated the net realisable value at a surplus over the cost for the
development. The directors have reviewed the underlying inputs and key
assumptions made in the appraisal and consider them adequate. However, such
information is by nature subject to uncertainty. The cost of the development
property is set out in note 14.
Basis of consolidation
The Group accounts incorporate the accounts of Bisichi PLC and all of its
subsidiary undertakings, together with the Group’s share of the results of
its joint ventures. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are presented
separately from the equity attributable to equity owners of the parent
company. On acquisition of a non-wholly owned subsidiary, the non-controlling
shareholders’ interests are initially measured at the non-controlling
interests’ proportionate share of the fair value of the subsidiaries net
assets. Thereafter, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the
amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling
interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. For subsequent changes in
ownership in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control, the
consideration paid or received is recognised entirely in equity.
The definition of control assumes the simultaneous fulfilment of the following
three criteria:
• The parent company holds decision-making power over the relevant
activities of the investee,
• The parent company has rights to variable returns from the
investee, and
• The parent company can use its decision-making power to affect the
variable returns.
Investees are analysed for their relevant activities and variable returns, and
the link between the variable returns and the extent to which their relevant
activities could be influenced in order to ensure the definition is correctly
applied.
Revenue
The Group’s revenue from contracts with customers, as defined under IFRS 15,
includes coal revenue and service charge income. Coal revenue is derived
principally from export revenue and domestic revenue.
Both export revenue and domestic revenue is recognised when the customer has a
legally binding obligation to settle under the terms of the contract when the
performance obligations have been satisfied, which is once control of the
goods has transferred to the buyer at the delivery point. For export revenue
this is generally recognised when the product is delivered to the export
terminal location specified in the customer contract, at which point control
of the goods have been transferred to the customer. For domestic coal revenues
this is generally recognised on collection by the customer from the mine or
from the mine’s rail siding when loaded into transport, where the customer
pays the transportation costs. Fulfilment costs to satisfy the performance
obligations of coal revenues such as transport and loading costs borne by the
Group from the mine to the delivery point are recoded in operating costs.
Coal revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the contract with
a customer on a per metric tonne basis. Both export and domestic contracts are
typically on a specified coal volume basis and less than a year in duration.
Export contracts are typically linked to the price of Free on Board (FOB) Coal
from Richards Bay Coal Terminal (API4 price). Domestic contracts are typically
linked to a contractual price agreed.
Service charges recoverable from tenants are recognised over time as the
service is rendered.
Lease property rental income, as defined under IFRS 16, is recognised in the
Group income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
This includes the effect of lease incentives.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised in respect of goods and services received. Where
coal is purchased from third parties at point of extraction the expenditure is
only recognised when the coal is extracted and all of the significant risks
and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
Investment properties
Investment properties comprise freehold and long leasehold land and buildings
and head leases. Investment properties are carried at fair value in accordance
with IAS 40 ‘Investment Properties’. Properties are recognised as
investment properties when held for long-term rental yields, and after
consideration has been given to a number of factors including length of lease,
quality of tenant and covenant, value of lease, management intention for
future use of property, planning consents and percentage of property leased.
Investment properties are revalued annually by professional external surveyors
and included in the balance sheet at their fair value. Gains or losses arising
from changes in the fair values of assets are recognised in the consolidated
income statement in the period to which they relate. In accordance with IAS
40, investment properties are not depreciated. The fair value of the head
leases is the net present value of the current head rent payable on leasehold
properties until the expiry of the lease.
Mining reserves, plant and equipment and development cost
The cost of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price and any
costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and
condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in accordance with
agreed specifications. Freehold land included within mining reserves is not
depreciated. Other property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost
less accumulated depreciation. The cost recognised includes the recognition of
any decommissioning assets related to property, plant and equipment.
The purpose of mine development is to establish secure working conditions and
infrastructure to allow the safe and efficient extraction of recoverable
reserves. Depreciation on mine development costs is not charged until
production commences or the assets are put to use. On commencement of full
commercial production, depreciation is charged over the life of the associated
mine reserves extractable using the asset on a unit of production basis. The
unit of production calculation is based on tonnes mined as a ratio to proven
and probable reserves and also includes future forecast capital expenditure.
The cost recognised includes the recognition of any decommissioning assets
related to mine development.
Post production stripping
In surface mining operations, the Group may find it necessary to remove waste
materials to gain access to coal reserves prior to and after production
commences. Prior to production commencing, stripping costs are capitalised
until the point where the overburden has been removed and access to the coal
seam commences. Subsequent to production, waste stripping continues as part of
extraction process as a mining production activity. There are two benefits
accruing to the Group from stripping activity during the production phase:
extraction of coal that can be used to produce inventory and improved access
to further quantities of material that will be mined in future periods.
Economic coal extracted is accounted for as inventory. The production
stripping costs relating to improved access to further quantities in future
periods are capitalised as a stripping activity asset, if and only if, all of
the following are met:
• it is probable that the future economic benefit associated with
the stripping activity will flow to the Group;
• the Group can identify the component of the ore body for which
access has been improved; and
• the costs relating to the stripping activity associated with that
component or components can be measured reliably.
In determining the relevant component of the coal reserve for which access is
improved, the Group componentises its mine into geographically distinct
sections or phases to which the stripping activities being undertaken within
that component are allocated. Such phases are determined based on assessment
of factors such as geology and mine planning.
The Group depreciates deferred costs capitalised as stripping assets on a unit
of production method, with reference the tons mined and reserve of the
relevant ore body component or phase. The cost is recognised within Mine
development costs within the balance sheet.
Other assets and depreciation
The cost, less estimated residual value, of other property, plant and
equipment is written off on a straight-line basis over the asset’s expected
useful life. This includes the washing plant and other key surface
infrastructure. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if
appropriate, at each balance sheet date. Changes to the estimated residual
values or useful lives are accounted for prospectively. Heavy surface mining
and other plant and equipment is depreciated at varying rates depending upon
its expected usage.
The depreciation rates generally applied are:
Mining equipment 5 – 10 per cent per annum of the earlier of its useful life or the life of the mine
Motor 25 – 33 per cent per annum
vehicles
Office equipment 10 – 33 per cent per annum
Provisions and contingent liabilities
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result
of a past event which it is probable will result in an outflow of economic
benefits that can be reliably estimated.
A provision for rehabilitation of the mine is initially recorded at present
value and the discounting effect is unwound over time as a finance cost.
Changes to the provision as a result of changes in estimates are recorded as
an increase / decrease in the provision and associated decommissioning asset.
The decommissioning asset is depreciated in line with the Group’s
depreciation policy over the life of mine. The provision includes the
restoration of the underground, opencast, surface operations and
de-commissioning of plant and equipment. The timing and final cost of the
rehabilitation is uncertain and will depend on the duration of the mine life
and the quantities of coal extracted from the reserves.
Management exercises judgment in measuring the Group’s exposures to
contingent liabilities through assessing the likelihood that a potential claim
or liability will arise and where possible in quantifying the possible range
of financial outcomes. Where there is a dispute and where a reliable estimate
of the potential liability cannot be made, or where the Group, based on legal
advice, considers that it is improbable that there will be an outflow of
economic resources, no provision is recognised.
Employee benefits
Share based remuneration
The company operates a share option scheme. The fair value of the share option
scheme is determined at the date of grant. This fair value is then expensed on
a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the
number of shares that will eventually vest. The fair value of options granted
is calculated using a binomial or Black-Scholes-Merton model. Payments made to
employees on the cancellation or settlement of options granted are accounted
for as the repurchase of an equity interest, i.e. as a deduction from equity.
Details of the share options in issue are disclosed in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on page 42 under the heading Share option schemes which is
within the audited part of that report.
Pensions
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions
payable to the scheme are expensed in the period to which they relate.
Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year end exchange rates and
the resulting exchange rate differences are included in the consolidated
income statement within the results of operating activities if arising from
trading activities, including inter-company trading balances and within
finance cost/income if arising from financing.
For consolidation purposes, income and expense items are included in the
consolidated income statement at average rates, and assets and liabilities are
translated at year end exchange rates. Translation differences arising on
consolidation are recognised in other comprehensive income. Foreign exchange
differences on intercompany loans are recorded in other comprehensive income
when the loans are not considered as trading balances and are not expected to
be repaid in the foreseeable future. Where foreign operations are disposed of,
the cumulative exchange differences of that foreign operation are recognised
in the consolidated income statement when the gain or loss on disposal is
recognised.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling
on the transaction date.
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.
Financial assets
Financial assets are classified as either financial assets at amortised cost,
at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) or at fair
value through profit or loss (“FVPL”) depending upon the business model
for managing the financial assets and the nature of the contractual cash flow
characteristics of the financial asset.
A loss allowance for expected credit losses is determined for all financial
assets, other than those at FVPL, at the end of each reporting period. The
Group applies a simplified approach to measure the credit loss allowance for
trade receivables using the lifetime expected credit loss provision. The
lifetime expected credit loss is evaluated for each trade receivable taking
into account payment history, payments made subsequent to year end and prior
to reporting, past default experience and the impact of any other relevant and
current observable data. The Group applies a general approach on all other
receivables classified as financial assets. The general approach recognises
lifetime expected credit losses when there has been a significant increase in
credit risk since initial recognition.
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.
Bank loans and overdrafts
Bank loans and overdrafts are included as financial liabilities on the Group
balance sheet at the amounts drawn on the particular facilities net of the
unamortised cost of financing. Interest payable on those facilities is
expensed as finance cost in the period to which it relates.
Lease liabilities
For any new contracts entered into the Group considers whether a contract is,
or contains a lease. A lease is defined as ‘a contract, or part of a
contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a
period of time in exchange for consideration’. To apply this definition the
Group assesses whether the contract contains an identified asset and has the
right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the
identified asset throughout the period of use.
At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a
lease liability on the balance sheet. Right-of-use assets, excluding property
head leases, have been included in property, plant and equipment and are
measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease
liability and any initial direct costs incurred by the Group. The Group
depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight-line basis from the lease
commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the
right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term.
At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the
present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, discounted using the
interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the
Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Liabilities relating to short term
leases are included within trade and other payables.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up
of fixed payments and variable payments based on an index or rate, initially
measured using the index or rate at the commencement date. Subsequent to
initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and
increased for interest. It is re-measured to reflect any reassessment or
modification. When the lease liability is re-measured, the corresponding
adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the
right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.
Lease liabilities that arise for investment properties held under a leasehold
interest and accounted for as investment property are initially calculated as
the present value of the minimum lease payments, reducing in subsequent
reporting periods by the apportionment of payments to the lessor.
The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases of low-value
assets using the practical expedients available in IFRS 16. Instead of
recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in relation
to these are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line
basis over the lease term.
Investments
Current financial asset investments and other investments classified as
non-current (“The investments”) comprise of shares in listed companies.
The investments are measured at fair value. Any changes in fair value are
recognised in the profit or loss account and accumulated in retained earnings.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are accounted for at amortised cost. Trade receivables do
not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by
appropriate expected credit loss allowances for estimated recoverable amounts
as the interest that would be recognised from discounting future cash payments
over the short payment period is not considered to be material.
Trade payables
Trade payables cost are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal
value, as the interest that would be recognised from discounting future cash
payments over the short payment period is not considered to be material.
Other financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s other financial assets and liabilities not disclosed above are
accounted for at amortised cost.
Joint ventures
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose activities the
Group has joint control, as established by contractual agreement, are included
at cost together with the Group’s share of post-acquisition reserves, on an
equity basis. Dividends received are credited against the investment. Joint
control is the contractually agreed sharing of control over an arrangement,
which exists only when decisions about relevant strategic and/or key operating
decisions require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Control
over the arrangement is assessed by the Group in accordance with the
definition of control under IFRS 10. Loans to joint ventures are classified as
non-current assets when they are not expected to be received in the normal
working capital cycle. Trading receivables and payables to joint ventures are
classified as current assets and liabilities.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost
includes materials, direct labour and overheads relevant to the stage of
production. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Net
realisable value is based on estimated selling price less all further costs of
completion and all relevant marketing, selling and distribution costs.
Impairment
Whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount
of an asset may not be recoverable an asset is reviewed for impairment. This
includes mining reserves, plant and equipment and net investments in joint
ventures. A review involves determining whether the carrying amounts are in
excess of their recoverable amounts. An asset’s recoverable amount is
determined as the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its
value in use. Such reviews are undertaken on an asset-by-asset basis, except
where assets do not generate cash flows independent of other assets, in which
case the review is undertaken on a cash generating unit basis.
If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount an asset’s
carrying value is written down to its estimated recoverable amount (being the
higher of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use) if that is less
than the asset’s carrying amount. Any change in carrying value is recognised
in the comprehensive income statement.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the tax computations, and
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax
liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and
deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary
differences can be utilised. In respect of the deferred tax on the revaluation
surplus, this is calculated on the basis of the chargeable gains that would
crystallise on the sale of the investment portfolio as at the reporting date.
The calculation takes account of indexation on the historical cost of the
properties and any available capital losses.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the
period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is
charged or credited in the Group income statement, except when it relates to
items charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income, in which
case it is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.
Dividends
Dividends payable on the ordinary share capital are recognised as a liability
in the period in which they are approved.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand and on-demand deposits. Cash and cash equivalents
comprises short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of
changes in value and original maturities of three months or less. The cash and
cash equivalents shown in the cashflow statement are stated net of bank
overdrafts that are repayable on demand as per IAS 7. This includes the
structured trade finance facility held in South Africa as detailed in note 22.
These facilities are considered to form an integral part of the treasury
management of the Group and can fluctuate from positive to negative balances
during the period.
Segmental reporting
For management reporting purposes, the Group is organised into business
segments distinguishable by economic activity. The Group’s material business
segments are mining activities and investment properties. These business
segments are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of
other business segments and are the primary basis on which the Group reports
its segment information. This is consistent with the way the Group is managed
and with the format of the Group’s internal financial reporting. Significant
revenue from transactions with any individual customer, which makes up 10
percent or more of the total revenue of the Group, is separately disclosed
within each segment. All coal exports are sales to coal traders at Richard
Bay’s terminal in South Africa with the risks and rewards passing to the
coal trader at the terminal. Whilst the coal traders will ultimately sell the
coal on the international markets the Company has no visibility over the
ultimate destination of the coal. Accordingly, the export sales are recorded
as South African revenue.
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023
1. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
2023
Business analysis Mining £’000 Property £’000 Other £’000 Total £’000
Significant revenue customer A 22,283 - - 22,283
Significant revenue customer B 10,659 - - 10,659
Significant revenue customer C 4,854 - - 4,854
Other revenue 9,628 1,268 561 11,457
Segment revenue 47,424 1,268 561 49,253
Operating profit before fair value adjustments & exchange movements (113) 711 556 1,154
Revaluation of investments & exchange movements (158) 145 759 746
Operating profit and segment result (271) 856 1,315 1,900
Segment assets 26,767 13,402 14,996 55,165
Unallocated assets
– Non-current assets 54
– Cash & cash equivalents 3,242
Total assets excluding investment in joint ventures and assets held for sale 58,461
Segment liabilities (17,680) (709) 3 (18,386)
Borrowings (3,563) (3,920) - (7,483)
Total liabilities (21,243) (4,629) 3 (24,869)
Net assets 32,592
Non segmental assets
– Investment in joint ventures 1,002
Net assets as per balance sheet 33,594
Geographic analysis United Kingdom £’000 South Africa £’000 Total£’000
Revenue 1,829 47,424 49,253
Operating profit and segment result 411 1,489 1,900
Depreciation (34) (1,459) (1,493)
Non-current assets excluding investments 10,873 18,842 29,715
Total net assets 26,018 7,576 33,594
Capital expenditure 35 5,909 5,944
2022
Business analysis Mining £’000 Property £’000 Other £’000 Total £’000
Significant revenue customer A 57,381 - - 57,381
Significant revenue customer B 29,934 - - 29,934
Significant revenue customer C 2,167 - - 2,167
Other revenue 3,931 1,108 590 5,629
Segment revenue 93,413 1,108 590 95,111
Operating profit before fair value adjustments & exchange movements 37,033 652 585 38,270
Revaluation of investments & exchange movements (270) (60) 1,036 706
Operating profit and segment result 36,763 592 1,621 38,976
Segment assets 25,911 12,682 13,478 52,071
Unallocated assets
– Non-current assets 53
– Cash & cash equivalents 10,590
Total assets excluding investment in joint ventures and assets held for sale 62,714
Segment liabilities (17,928) (2,536) (5) (20.469)
Borrowings (3,845) (3,880) - (7,725)
Total liabilities (21,773) (6,416) (5) (28,194)
Net assets 34,520
Non segmental assets
– Investment in joint ventures 1,041
Net assets as per balance sheet 35,561
Geographic analysis United Kingdom £’000 South Africa £’000 Total£’000
Revenue 1,698 93,413 95,111
Operating profit and segment result (3,696) 42,672 38,976
Depreciation (41) (1,052) (1,093)
Non-current assets excluding investments 10,688 16,324 27,012
Total net assets 28,285 7,276 35,561
Capital expenditure 46 8,434 8,480
2. REVENUE
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Coal sales and processing 47,424 93,413
Service charges recoverable from tenants 181 98
Other:
Rental income 1,087 1,010
Other revenue 561 590
Revenue 49,253 95,111
Segmental mining revenue is derived principally from coal sales and is
recognised once the control of the goods has transferred from the Group to the
buyer. Segmental property revenue is derived from rental income and service
charges recoverable from tenants. This is consistent with the revenue
information disclosed for each reportable segment (see note 1). Rental income
is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Service
charges recoverable from tenants are recognised over time as the service is
rendered. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in the
contract with the customer or tenant.
3. OPERATING COSTS
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Mining 38,620 43,209
Property 339 269
Cost of sales 38,959 43,478
Administration 9,140 13,363
Operating costs 48,099 56,841
The direct property costs are:
Direct property expense 305 250
Bad debts 34 19
339 269
Operating costs above include depreciation of £1,493,000 (2022: £1,093,000).
4. (LOSS)/GAIN ON REVALUATION OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The reconciliation of the investment (deficit)/surplus to the gain on
revaluation of investment properties in the income statement is set out below:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Investment surplus/(deficit) 145 (60)
Gain/(Loss) on valuation movement in respect of head lease payments 38 (5)
Gain/(Loss) on revaluation of investment properties 183 (65)
5. PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION
Profit before taxation is arrived at after charging:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Staff costs (see note 29) 7,270 11,991
Depreciation 1,493 1,093
Exchange loss (158) (270)
Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s annual accounts 55 50
Fees payable to the company’s auditor and its associates for other services:
The audit of the company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 40 43
Inventories recognised as an expense 35,808 35,969
6. DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS
Directors’ emoluments are shown in the Directors’ remuneration report on
page 41 which is within the audited part of that report.
7. INTEREST PAYABLE
2023£’000 2022 £’000
On bank overdrafts and bank loans 771 507
Unwinding of discount 112 319
Lease liabilities 27 25
Other interest payable 563 196
Interest payable 1,473 1,047
8. TAXATION
2023£’000 2022 £’000
(a) Based on the results for the year:
Current tax - UK - -
Current tax - Overseas 1,318 11,520
Corporation tax - adjustment in respect of prior year – UK - -
Current tax 1,318 11,520
Deferred tax (1,018) 388
Total tax in income statement charge 300 11,908
(b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year:
The corporation tax assessed for the year is different from that at the
standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom of 23.5% (2022: 19%).
The differences are explained below:
Profit/ Loss on ordinary activities before taxation 610 38,014
Tax on profit/ loss on ordinary activities at 23.50% (2022: 19.00%) 143 7,223
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 241 280
Non-taxable income (95) (83)
Capital gains\(losses) on disposal - 14
Differences in tax rates to UK Tax rate (75) 4,491
Other differences 86 (17)
Adjustment in respect of prior years - -
Total tax in income statement charge/(credit) 300 11,908
(c) Analysis of United Kingdom and overseas tax:
United Kingdom tax included in above:
Current tax - -
Deferred tax (93) (937)
(93) (937)
Overseas tax included in above:
Current tax 1,318 11,520
Adjustment in respect of prior years - -
Current tax 1,318 11,520
Deferred tax (925) 1,325
393 12,845
Overseas tax is derived from the Group’s South African mining operation.
Refer to note 1 for a report on the Groups’ mining and South African
segmental reporting. The adjustment to tax rate arises due to the deferred tax
rate used in the UK for the year of 25% (2022: 25%) and the corporation tax
rate assessed in South Africa for the year of 27% (2022: 28%) being different
from the corporation tax rate in the UK.
9. SHAREHOLDER DIVIDENDS
2023 Per share 2023 £’000 2022 Per share 2022 £’000
Dividends paid during the year relating to the prior period 12p 1,282 6.00p 641
Dividends relating to the current period:
Interim dividend 3.00p 320 10p 1,067
Proposed final dividend 4.00p 427 4p 427
Proposed special dividend 0.00p - 8p 854
7.00p 747 22p 2,348
The interim dividend for 2022 was approved by the Board on 30th August 2022,
paid on 3rd February 2023 and accounted for as payable as at 31 December 2022.
The total dividends to shareholders accounted during the year of £1,602,000
(2022: £1,708,000) comprise of dividends paid during the year relating to the
prior period of £1,282,000 (2022: £641,000) and the interim dividend of
£320,000 (£1,067,000). The final dividend for 2023 is not accounted for
until it has been approved at the Annual General Meeting.
10. PROFIT AND DILUTED PROFIT PER SHARE
Both the basic and diluted profit per share calculations are based on a profit
after tax attributable to equity holders of the company of £259,000 (2022:
£17,612,000). The basic profit/(loss) per share of 2.43p has been calculated
on a weighted average of 10,676,839 (2022: 10,676,839) ordinary shares being
in issue during the period. The diluted profit per share of 2.43p has been
calculated on the weighted average number of shares in issue of 10,676,839
(2022: 10,676,839) plus the dilutive potential ordinary shares arising from
share options of nil (2022: nil) totalling 10,676,839 (2022: 10,676,839).
11. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Freehold £’000 Long Leasehold £’000 Head Lease£’000 Total£’000
Valuation at 1 January 2023 8,270 2,195 170 10,635
Revaluation 125 20 38 183
Valuation at 31 December 2023 8,395 2,215 208 10,818
Valuation at 1 January 2022 8,230 2,295 175 10,700
Revaluation 40 (100) (5) 65
Valuation at 31 December 2022 8,270 2,195 170 10,635
Historical cost
At 31 December 2023 5,851 728 - 6,579
At 31 December 2022 5,851 728 - 6,579
Long leasehold properties are those for which the unexpired term at the
balance sheet date is not less than 50 years. All investment properties are
held for use in operating leases and all properties generated rental income
during the period.
Freehold and Long Leasehold properties were externally professionally valued
at 31 December on an open market basis by:
2023 £’000 2022 £’000
Carter Towler 10,610 10,465
The valuations were carried out in accordance with the Statements of Asset
Valuation and Guidance Notes published by The Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors.
Each year external valuers are appointed by the Executive Directors on behalf
of the Board. The valuers are selected based upon their knowledge,
independence and reputation for valuing assets such as those held by the
Group.
Valuations are performed annually and are performed consistently across all
investment properties in the Group’s portfolio. At each reporting date
appropriately qualified employees of the Group verify all significant inputs
and review the computational outputs. Valuers submit their report to the Board
on the outcome of each valuation round.
Valuations take into account tenure, lease terms and structural condition. The
inputs underlying the valuations include market rent or business
profitability, likely incentives offered to tenants, forecast growth rates,
yields, EBITDA, discount rates, construction costs including any specific site
costs (for example section 106), professional fees, developer’s profit
including contingencies, planning and construction timelines, lease regear
costs, planning risk and sales prices based on known market transactions for
similar properties to those being valued.
Valuations are based on what is determined to be the highest and best use.
When considering the highest and best use a valuer will consider, on a
property by property basis, its actual and potential uses which are
physically, legally and financially viable. Where the highest and best use
differs from the existing use, the valuer will consider the cost and
likelihood of achieving and implanting this change in arriving at its
valuation.
There are often restrictions on Freehold and Leasehold property which could
have a material impact on the realisation of these assets. The most
significant of these occur when planning permission or lease extension and
renegotiation of use are required or when a credit facility is in place. These
restrictions are factored in the property’s valuation by the external
valuer.
IFRS 13 sets out a valuation hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at
fair value as follows:
Level 1: valuation based on inputs on quoted market prices in active
markets
Level 2: valuation based on inputs other than quoted prices included within
level 1 that maximise the use of observable data directly or from market
prices or indirectly derived from market prices.
Level 3: where one or more significant inputs to valuations are not based
on observable market data
The inter-relationship between key unobservable inputs and the Groups’
properties is detailed in the table below:
Class of property Level 3 Valuation Key Carrying/fair value2023£’000 Carrying/ fair value 2022 £’000 Range (weighted average) 2023 Range (weighted average) 2022
technique unobservable inputs
Freehold – external valuation Income Estimated rental value per sq ft p.a 8,395 8,270 £4-£29(£21) £4 – £29 (£21)
capitalisation
Equivalent Yield 8.8% - 13.5%(10.7%) 8.9% – 15.8% (11.4%)
Long leasehold – external valuation Income Estimated rental value per sq ft p.a 2,215 2,195 £9-£9(£9) £8 – £8 (£8)
capitalisation
Equivalent yield 10.4% - 10.4%(10.4%) 9.8% – 9.8% (9.8%)
At 31 December 10,610 10,465
There are interrelationships between all these inputs as they are determined
by market conditions. The existence of an increase in more than one input
would be to magnify the input on the v aluation. The impact on the
valuation will be mitigated by the interrelationship of two inputs in opposite
directions, for example, an increase in rent may be offset by an increase in
yield.
The table below illustrates the impact of changes in key unobservable inputs
on the carrying / fair value of the Group’s properties:
Estimated rental value 10% increase or decrease Equivalent yield 25 basis Point contraction or expansion
2023£’000 2022 £’000 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Freehold – external valuation 840/(840) 827 / (827) 215/(205) 205 / (195)
Long Leasehold – external valuation 222/(222) 220 / (220) 55/(52) 57 / (55)
12. MINING RESERVES, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Mining reserves £’000 Mining equipment and development costs £’000 Motor vehicles £’000 Office equipment £’000 Total£’000
Cost at 1 January 2023 2,332 36,291 385 168 39,176
Exchange adjustment (273) (4,333) (33) (14) (4,653)
Additions - 5,903 27 14 5,944
Disposals -
Cost at 31 December 2023 2,059 37,861 379 168 40,467
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2023 1,099 21,347 256 97 22,799
Exchange adjustment (174) (2,517) (20) (10) (2,721)
Charge for the year 1,443 28 22 1,493
Disposals - - - - -
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2023 925 20,273 264 109 21,571
Net book value at 31 December 2023 1,134 17,588 115 59 18,896
Cost at 1 January 2022 1,097 29,063 396 179 30,735
Exchange adjustment (13) 134 3 1 125
Additions 1,248 7,117 55 60 8,480
Disposals - (23) (69) (72) (164)
Cost at 31 December 2022 2,332 36,291 385 168 39,176
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2022 1,089 20,167 264 150 21,670
Exchange adjustment 10 166 3 1 180
Charge for the year - 1,037 38 18 1,093
Disposals - (23) (49) (72) (144)
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2022 1,099 21,347 256 97 22,799
Net book value at 31 December 2022 1,233 14,944 129 71 16,377
Included in the above line items are right-of-use assets over the following:
Mining Equipment and development costs £’000 Motor vehicles £’000 Total£’000
Net book value at 1 January 2023 186 21 207
Additions 1 - 1
Exchange adjustment (24) - (24)
Depreciation (35) (12) (47)
Net book value at 31 December 2023 128 9 137
Net book value at 1 January 2022 219 48 267
Additions - - -
Exchange adjustment 5 - 5
Depreciation (38) (27) (65)
Net book value at 31 December 2022 186 21 207
13. INVESTMENTS HELD AS NON-CURRENT ASSETS
2023Net 2023Other £’000 2022 Net 2022 Other £’000
investment in jointventuresassets£’000 investment
in joint ventures assets £’000
At 1 January 1,041 12,590 1,130 3,631
Gain in investment - 856 - 718
Additions - 1,189 - 9,758
Disposals - (377) - (1,517)
Share of (loss) in joint ventures (39) - (89) -
Net assets at 31 December 1,002 14,258 1,041 12,590
Other investments comprise of the following:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Net book value of unquoted investments - -
Net book and market value of readily realisable investments listed on stock exchanges in the United Kingdom 6,843 6,782
Net book and market value of readily realisable investments listed on overseas stock exchanges 7,415 5,808
14,258 12,590
Dividend income from investments held as non-current assets was £501,000
(2022: £437,000) for the year.
14. JOINT VENTURES
Development Physics Limited
The company owns a third of the issued share capital of Development Physics
Limited, an unlisted property development company. At year end, the negative
carrying value of the investment held by the Group was £24,000 (2022:
£14,000). The remaining two thirds is held equally by London & Associated
Properties PLC and Metroprop Real Estate Ltd. Development Physics Limited is
incorporated in England and Wales and its registered address is 12 Little
Portland Street, London, W1W 8BJ. It has issued share capital of 99 (2022: 99)
ordinary shares of £1 each. No dividends were received during the period.
Dragon Retail Properties Limited
The company owns 50% of the issued share capital of Dragon Retail Properties
Limited, an unlisted property investment company. At year end, the carrying
value of the investment held by the Group was £593,000 (2022: £606,000). The
remaining 50% is held by London & Associated Properties PLC. Dragon Retail
Properties Limited is incorporated in England and Wales and its registered
address is 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 8BJ. It has issued share
capital of 500,000 (2022: 500,000) ordinary shares of £1 each. No dividends
were received during the period. It holds a Santander bank loan of
£0.95million secured against its investment property. The bank loan of
£0.95million is secured by way of a first charge on specific freehold
property at a value of £2.03 million. The interest cost of the loan is 4.2
per cent above the bank’s base rate. A refinancing of this loan is currently
underway. The loan originally expired in September 2020, but has been extended
to July 2024. Santander have indicated that they are willing to provide a new
term loan and we expect to complete this in the near future.
West Ealing Projects Limited
The company owns 50% of the issued share capital of West Ealing Projects
Limited, an unlisted property development company. At year end, the carrying
value of the investment held by the Group was £434,000 (2022: £449,000). The
remaining 50% is held by London & Associated Properties PLC. West Ealing
Projects Limited is incorporated in England and Wales and its registered
address is 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W 8BJ. It has issued share
capital of 1,000,000 (2022: 1,000,000) ordinary shares of £1 each. No
dividends were received during the period.
Development Physics £’000 Dragon £’000 West 2023£’000 Development Physics £’000 Dragon £’000 West 2022 £’000
Ealing £’000 Ealing £’000
Turnover - 168 65 233 - 168 53 221
Profit and loss:
(Loss)/Profit before depreciation, interest and taxation (28) 53 (32) (7) (33) (5) (71) (109)
Depreciation and amortisation - (2) - (2) - (3) - (3)
(Loss)/Profit before interest and taxation (28) 51 (32) (9) (33) (8) (71) (112)
Interest Income - - - - - - - -
Interest expense - (79) (1) (80) - (51) (1) (52)
(Loss)/Profit before taxation (28) (28) (33) (89) (33) (59) (72) (164)
Taxation - - - - - (2) (34) (36)
(Loss)/Profit after taxation (28) (28) (33) (89) (33) (61) (106) (200)
Balance sheet
Non-current assets - 2,030 - 2,030 - 2,038 - 2,038
Cash and cash equivalents 5 57 9 71 2 107 9 118
Property inventory 483 - 8,889 9,372 348 - 8,112 8,460
Other current assets - 112 64 176 2 269 47 318
Current borrowings - (950) (4,386) (5,336) - (1,143) (4,399) (5,542)
Other current liabilities (559) (64) (3,709) (4,332) (395) (59) (2,862) (3,316)
Net current assets (71) (845) 867 (49) (43) (826) 907 38
Non-current borrowings - - - - - - (9) (9)
Other non-current liabilities - - - - - - - -
Net assets at 31 December (71) 1,185 867 1,981 (43) 1,212 898 2,067
Share of net assets at 31 December (24) 593 434 1,002 (14) 606 449 1,041
15. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
The company owns the following ordinary share capital of the subsidiaries
which are included within the consolidated financial statements:
Activity Percentage of share Registered address Country of incorporation
capital
Directly held:
Mineral Products Limited Share dealing 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi (Properties) Limited Property 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi Northampton Limited Property 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi Trustee Limited Property 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Urban First (Northampton) Limited Property 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited Holding company 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Ninghi Marketing Limited Dormant 90.1% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi Mining Management Services Limited Dormant 100% 12 Little Portland Street, London, W1W8BJ England and Wales
Bisichi Coal Mining (Pty) Limited Coal mining 100% Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050 South Africa
Indirectly held:
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Limited Coal mining 62.5% Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050 South Africa
Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited Coal processing 62.5% Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050 South Africa
Black Wattle Klipfontein (Pty) Limited Coal mining 62.5% Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050 South Africa
Amandla Ehtu Mineral Resource Development (Pty) Limited Dormant 70% Samora Machel Street, Bethal Road, Middelburg, Mpumalanga, 1050 South Africa
Details on the non-controlling interest in subsidiaries are shown under note
27.
16. INVENTORIES
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Coal
Washed 1,949 4,758
Mining Production 542 162
Work in progress 85 221
Other 3 58
2,579 5,199
The amount of inventories recognised as an expense during the period was
£35,808,000 (2022: £35,969,000).
17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Financial assets falling due within one year:
Trade receivables 4,180 4,067
Amount owed by joint venture 1,844 1,379
Other receivables 1,727 860
Non-financial instruments falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income 183 131
7,934 6,437
Financial assets falling due within one year are held at amortised cost. The
fair value of trade and other receivables approximates their carrying amounts.
The Group applies a simplified approach to measure the credit loss allowance
for trade receivables using the lifetime expected credit loss provision. The
lifetime expected credit loss is evaluated for each trade receivable taking
into account payment history, payments made subsequent to year end and prior
to reporting, past default experience and the impact of any other relevant and
current observable data. The Group applies a general approach on all other
receivables classified as financial assets. At year end, the Group allowance
for doubtful debts provided against trade receivables was £374,000 (2022:
£89,000).
18. INVESTMENTS IN LISTED SECURITIES HELD AT FVPL
2023Other £’000 2022 Other £’000
At 1 January 886 685
(Loss)/Gain in investments (97) 318
Additions - 449
Disposals (55) (566)
Market value at 31 December 734 886
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Market value of listed Investments:
Listed in Great Britain 618 686
Listed outside Great Britain 116 200
734 886
Original cost of listed investments 760 846
Unrealised (deficit)/surplus of market value versus cost (26) 40
Dividend income from investments in listed securities held at FVPL was
£54,000 (2022: £147,000) for the year.
19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Trade payables 8,673 8,519
Amounts owed to joint ventures 33 120
Lease liabilities (Note 31) 63 54
Other payables 1,949 2,000
Accruals 649 2.366
Deferred Income 222 223
11,589 13,282
20. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES – BORROWINGS
Current Non-current
2023£’000 2022 £’000 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Bank overdraft (secured) 3,534 3,225 - -
Bank loan (secured) 3,927 570 22 3,930
7,461 3,795 22 3,930
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Bank overdraft and loan instalments by reference to the balance sheet date:
Within one year 7,461 3,795
From one to two years 22 3,906
From two to five years - 24
7,483 7,725
Bank overdraft and loan analysis by origin:
United Kingdom 3,920 3,880
Southern Africa 3,563 3,845
7,483 7,725
In South Africa, an R85million trade facility is held with Absa Bank Limited
by Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited (“Sisonke Coal Processing”) in
order to cover the working capital requirements of the Group’s South African
operations. The interest cost of the loan is at the South African prime
lending rate plus 3.8% The facility is renewable annually, is repayable on
demand and is secured by way of a first charge over specific pieces of mining
equipment, inventory and the debtors of the relevant company which holds the
loan which are included in the financial statements at a value of £9,373,603
(2022: £11,482,554). All banking covenants were either adhered to or waived
by Absa Bank Limited during the year.
In the UK, the Group holds a £3.9million term loan facility with Julian Hodge
Bank Limited. The loan is secured against the Group’s UK retail property
portfolio. The debt package has a five year term and is repayable at the end
of the term in December 2024. The overall interest cost of the loan is 4.00%
above the Bank of England base rate. The loan is secured by way of a first
charge over the investment properties in the UK which are included in the
financial statements at a value of £10,610,000 (2022: £10,465,000). No
banking covenants were breached by the Group during the year. The Group
intends to renew or refinance the loan prior to the end of its term.
Dragon Retail Properties Limited (“Dragon”), the Group’s 50% owned joint
venture, holds a Santander bank loan of £0.95million secured against its
investment property, see note 14. The bank loan is secured by way of a first
charge on specific freehold property at a value of £2.03 million. The
interest cost of the loan is 4.2 per cent above the bank’s base rate. A
refinancing of this loan is currently underway. The loan originally expired in
September 2020, but has been extended to July 2024. Santander have indicated
that they are willing to provide a new term loan and we expect to complete
this in the near future.
Consistent with others in the mining and property industry, the Group monitors
its capital by its gearing levels. This is calculated as the total bank loans
and overdraft less remaining cash and cash equivalents as a percentage of
equity. At year end the gearing of the Group was calculated as follows:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Total bank loans and overdraft 7,483 7,725
Less cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdraft) (3,242) (10,590)
Net debt 4,241 (2,865)
Total equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 31,990 33,802
Gearing (13.3%) (8.5%)
Analysis of the changes in liabilities arising from financing activities:
Bank Bank Lease 2023£’000 Bank borrowings £’000 Bank overdrafts £’000 Lease liabilities £’000 2022 £’000
borrowings £’000 overdrafts £’000 liabilities £’000
Balance at 1 January 4,499 3,225 398 8,122 3,983 2,536 454 6,973
Exchange adjustments (64) (388) (24) (476) (9) 11 5 7
Cash movements excluding exchange adjustments (486) 697 (39) 172 525 678 (56) 1,147
Additions - - 38 38 - - (5) (5)
Balance at 31 December 3,949 3,534 373 7,856 4,499 3,225 398 8,122
21. PROVISION FOR REHABILITATION
2023£’000 2022£’000
As at 1 January 1,715 1,390
Exchange adjustment (213) 6
Increase in provision - -
Unwinding of discount 112 319
As at 31 December 1,614 1,715
22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Total financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s financial assets and liabilities are as follows, representing
both the fair value and the carrying value:
Financial Assets measured at amortised cost £’000 Financial Liabilities measured at amortised cost £’000 Investments held at FVPL 2023£’000 Financial Assets measured at amortised cost £’000 Financial Liabilities measured at amortised cost £’000 Investments held at FVPL 2022 £’000
£’000 £’000
Cash and cash equivalents 3,242 - - 3,242 10,590 - - 10,590
Non-current other investments held at FVPL - - 14,258 14,258 - - 12,590 12,590
Investments in listed securities held at FVPL - - 734 734 - - 886 886
Trade and other receivables 7,571 - - 7,571 6,306 - - 6,306
Bank borrowings and overdraft - (7,483) - (7,483) - (7,725) - (7,725)
Lease Liabilities - (373) - (373) - (398) - (398)
Other liabilities - (16,495) - (16,495) - (17,261) - (17,261)
10,993 (24,351) 14,992 1,634 16,896 (25,384) 13,476 4,988
Investments in listed securities held at fair value through profit and loss
fall under level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into which fair value
measurements are recognised in accordance with the levels set out in IFRS 7.
The comparative figures for 2022 fall under the same category of financial
instrument as 2023.
The carrying amount of short term (less than 12 months) trade receivable and
other liabilities approximate their fair values. The fair value of non-current
borrowings in note 20 approximates its carrying value and was determined under
level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and is estimated by discounting the future
contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates for UK borrowings
and for the South African overdraft facility. The fair value of the lease
liabilities in note 31 approximates its carrying value and was determined
under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and is estimated by discounting the
future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates.
Treasury policy
Although no derivative transactions were entered into during the current and
prior year, the Group may use derivative transactions such as interest rate
swaps and forward exchange contracts as necessary in order to help manage the
financial risks arising from the Group’s activities. The main risks arising
from the Group’s financing structure are interest rate risk, liquidity risk,
market risk, credit risk, currency risk and commodity price risk. There have
been no changes during the year of the main risks arising from the Group’s
finance structure. The policies for managing each of these risks and the
principal effects of these policies on the results are summarised below.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument or
cashflows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in
market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing
financial assets and liabilities that the Group uses. Treasury activities take
place under procedures and policies approved and monitored by the Board to
minimise the financial risk faced by the Group. Interest bearing assets
comprise cash and cash equivalents which are considered to be short-term
liquid assets and loans to joint ventures.
Interest bearing borrowings comprise bank loans, bank overdrafts and variable
rate finance lease obligations. The rates of interest vary based on Bank of
England in the UK and PRIME in South Africa.
As at 31 December 2023, with other variables unchanged, a 1% increase or
decrease in interest rates, on investments and borrowings whose interest rates
are not fixed, would respectively change the profit/loss for the year by
£56,000 (2022: £35,000). The effect on equity of this change would be an
equivalent decrease or increase for the year of £56,000 (2022: £35,000).
Liquidity risk
The Group’s policy is to minimise refinancing risk. Efficient treasury
management and strict credit control minimise the costs and risks associated
with this policy which ensures that funds are available to meet commitments as
they fall due. As at year end the Group held borrowing facilities in the UK in
Bisichi PLC and in South Africa in Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Ltd.
The following table sets out the maturity profile of contractual undiscounted
cash flows of financial liabilities as at 31 December:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Within one year 24,431 21,511
From one to two years 62 4,259
From two to five years 130 479
Beyond five years 144 126
24,767 26,375
The following table sets out the maturity profile of contractual undiscounted
cash flows of financial liabilities as at 31 December maturing within one
year:
2023£’000 2022£’000
Within one month 7,512 15,635
From one to three months 11,255 4,150
From four to twelve months 5,664 1,726
24,431 21,511
In South Africa, an R85million trade facility is held with Absa Bank Limited
by Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited (“Sisonke Coal Processing”) in
order to cover the working capital requirements of the Group’s South African
operations. The interest cost of the loan is at the South African prime
lending rate plus 3.8%. The facility is renewable annually, is repayable on
demand and is secured against inventory, debtors and cash that are held by
Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Limited. The facility is included in cash and
cash equivalents within the cashflow statement.
In the UK, the Group holds a £3.9million term loan facility with Julian Hodge
Bank Limited. The loan is secured against the Group’s UK retail property
portfolio. The debt package has a five year term and is repayable at the end
of the term in December 2024. The overall interest cost of the loan is 4.00%
above the Bank of England base rate. The Group intends to renew or refinance
the loan prior to the end of its term.
As a result of the above agreed banking facilities, the Directors believe that
the Group is well placed to manage its liquidity risk.
Credit risk
The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents,
trade and other receivables and amounts owed by joint ventures as per the
balance sheet. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the
carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet which at year end
amounted to £10,993,000 (2022: £16,896,000).
To mitigate risk on its cash and cash equivalents, the Group only deposits
surplus cash with well-established financial institutions of high quality
credit standing.
The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables.
Trade debtor’s credit ratings are reviewed regularly. The Group’s review
includes measures such as the use of external ratings and establishing
purchase limits for each customer. The Group had amounts due from its
significant revenue customers at the year end that represented 73% (2022: 84%)
of the trade receivables balance. These amounts have been subsequently
settled. The Group approach to measure the credit loss allowance for trade
receivables is outlined in note 17. At year end, the Group allowance for
doubtful debts provided against trade receivables was £374,000 (2022:
£89,000). As at year end the amount of trade receivables held past due date
less credit loss allowances was £144,000 (2022: £159,000). To date, the
amount of trade receivables held past due date less credit loss allowances
that has not subsequently been settled is £19,000 (2022: £122,000).
Management have no reason to believe that this amount will not be settled.
The Group exposure to credit risk on its loans to joint ventures and other
receivables is mitigated through ongoing review of the underlying performance
and resources of the counterparty including evaluation of different scenarios
of probability of default and expected loss applicable to each of the
underlying balances.
Financial assets maturity
On 31 December 2023, cash at bank and in hand amounted to £3,242,000 (2022:
£10,590,000) which is invested in short term bank deposits maturing within
one year bearing interest at the bank’s variable rates. Cash and cash
equivalents all have a maturity of less than 3 months.
Foreign exchange risk
All trading is undertaken in the local currencies except for certain export
sales which are invoiced in dollars. It is not the Group’s policy to obtain
forward contracts to mitigate foreign exchange risk on these contracts as
payment terms are within 15 days of invoice or earlier. Funding is also in
local currencies other than inter-company investments and loans and it is also
not the Group’s policy to obtain forward contracts to mitigate foreign
exchange risk on these amounts. During 2023 and 2022 the Group did not hedge
its exposure of foreign investments held in foreign currencies.
The principal currency risk to which the Group is exposed in regard to
inter-company balances is the exchange rate between Pounds sterling and South
African Rand. It arises as a result of the retranslation of Rand denominated
inter-company trade receivable balances held within the UK which are payable
by South African Rand functional currency subsidiaries.
Based on the Group’s net financial assets and liabilities as at 31 December
2023, a 25% strengthening of Sterling against the South African Rand, with all
other variables held constant, would decrease the Group’s profit after
taxation by £280,000 (2022: £121,000). A 25% weakening of Sterling against
the South African Rand, with all other variables held constant would increase
the Group’s profit after taxation by £466,000 (2022: £201,000). The 25%
sensitivity has been determined based on the average historic volatility of
the exchange rate.
The table below shows the currency profiles of cash and cash equivalents:
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Sterling 1,570 7,779
South African Rand 1,109 2,238
US Dollar 563 573
3,242 10,590
Cash and cash equivalents earn interest at rates based on Bank of England
rates in Sterling and Prime in Rand.
The tables below shows the currency profiles of net monetary assets and
liabilities by functional currency of the Group:
2023: Sterling£’000 South
AfricanRands £’000
Sterling 12,082 -
South African Rand 40 (12,583)
US Dollar 2,095 -
14,217 (12,583)
2022: Sterling£’000 South
AfricanRands £’000
Sterling 14,715 -
South African Rand 45 (11,743)
US Dollar 1,971 -
16,731 (11,743)
23. DEFERRED TAXATION
2023 2022
£’000 £’000
As at 1 January 872 506
Recognised in income (1,018) 388
Exchange adjustment (172) (22)
As at 31 December (318) 872
The deferred tax balance comprises the following:
Revaluations 924 671
Capital allowances 4,562 3,855
Short term timing difference (846) (813)
Unredeemed capital deductions (2,665) (1,439)
Losses and other deductions (2,293) (1,402)
(318) 872
Refer to note 8 for details of deferred tax recognised in income in the
current year. Tax rates of 25% (2022: 25%) in the UK and 27% (2022: 27%) in
South Africa were utilised to calculate year end deferred tax balances.
24. SHARE CAPITAL
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Authorised: 13,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each 1,300 1,300
Allotted and fully paid:
2023Number of ordinaryshares 2022 Number of ordinary shares 2023£’000 2022 £’000
At 1 January and outstanding at 31 December 10,676,839 10,676,839 1,068 1,068
25. OTHER RESERVES
2023£’000 2022£’000
Equity share options 1,026 1,026
Net investment premium on share capital in joint venture 86 86
1,112 1,112
26. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
Details of the share option scheme are shown in the Directors’ remuneration
report on page 42 under the heading Share option schemes which is within the
audited part of this report. Further details of the share option schemes are
set out below.
The Bisichi PLC Unapproved Option Schemes:
Year of grant Subscriptionprice per share Period within which optionsexercisable Number of share for which options outstanding at 31 December 2022 Number of share options lapsed/surrendered /awarded during year Number of share for which optionsoutstanding at31 December 2023
2022 352.0p Sep 2022 – Sep 2032 760,000 - 760,000
On 1 September 2022 the company granted additional options to the following
directors of the company:
A. Heller 380,000 options at an exercise price of 352.0p per share.
G. Casey 380,000 options at an exercise price of 352.0p per share.
The options vest on date of grant and are exercisable within a period of 10
years from date of grant. There are no performance or service conditions
attached to the 2022 options which are outstanding at 31 December 2022. The
above options were valued at £547,200 at date of grant using the
Black-Scholes-Merton model with the following assumptions:
Expected volatility 54.18% (Based on historic volatility)
Expected life 4 years
Risk free rate 1.58%
Expected dividends 6.90%
2023Number 2023Weightedaverageexercise price 2022 Number 2022 Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at 1 January 760,000 352.00p 680,000 79.46p
Lapsed/Surrendered/cancelled during the year - - (680,000) 79.46p
Issued during the year - - 760,000 352.00p
Outstanding at 31 December 760,000 352.00p 760,000 352.00p
Exercisable at 31 December 760,000 352.00p 760,000 352.00p
27. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
2023£’000 2022£’000
As at 1 January 1,759 323
Issue of shares in subsidiary - 1
Share of profit/(loss) for the year 51 8,494
Dividends paid - (7,034)
Exchange adjustment (206) (25)
As at 31 December 1,604 1,759
The non-controlling interest comprises of a 37.5% interest in Black Wattle
Colliery (Pty) Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiary Sisonke Coal Processing
(Pty) Ltd. Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd is a coal mining company and
Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Ltd is a coal processing company both
incorporated in South Africa. Summarised financial information reflecting 100%
of the underlying consolidated relevant figures of Black Wattle Colliery (Pty)
Ltd’s and its wholly owned subsidiary Sisonke Coal Processing (Pty) Ltd is
set out below.
2023£’000 2022£’000
Revenue 47,423 93,356
Expenses (47,275) (63,289)
Profit/(loss) for the year 148 30,067
Other comprehensive Income - -
Total comprehensive income for the year 148 30,067
Balance sheet
Non-current assets 18,843 16,325
Current assets 9,033 11,752
Current liabilities (20,451) (18,873)
Non-current liabilities (2,262) (3,522)
Net assets at 31 December 5,163 5,682
The non-controlling interest originates from the disposal of a 37.5%
shareholding in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd in 2010 when the total issued
share capital in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd was increased from 136 shares
to 1,000 shares at par of R1 (South African Rand) through the following shares
issue:
* a subscription for 489 ordinary shares at par by Bisichi Mining
(Exploration) Limited increasing the number of shares held from 136 ordinary
shares to a total of 625 ordinary shares;
* a subscription for 110 ordinary shares at par by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd;
* a subscription for 265 “A” shares at par by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd
On 12 April 2022 the total issued share capital in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty)
Ltd was increased further from 1000 shares to 1002 shares at par of R1 through
the following share issue:
* a subscription of 1 “B” Share at par by Bisichi Mining (Exploration
Limited);
* a subscription of 1 “B” Share at par by Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd
Bisichi Mining (Exploration) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bisichi
PLC incorporated in England and Wales.
Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd is a South African Black Economic Empowerment company
and minority shareholder in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd.
The “A” shares rank pari passu with the ordinary shares save that they
will have no dividend rights until such time as the dividends paid by Black
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd on the ordinary shares subsequent to 30 October 2008
will equate to R832,075,000.
A non-controlling interest of 15% in Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd is
recognised for all profits distributable to the 110 ordinary shares held by
Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd from the date of issue of the shares (18 October
2010). An additional non-controlling interest will be recognised for all
profits distributable to the 265 “A” shares held by Vunani Mining (Pty)
Ltd after such time as the profits available for distribution, in Black Wattle
Colliery (Pty) Ltd, before any payment of dividends after 30 October 2008,
exceeds R832,075,000.
The “B” shares rank pari passu with the ordinary shares save that they
have sole rights to the distributable profits attributable to certain mining
reserves held by Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd. A non-controlling interest
is recognised for all profits distributable to the “B” shares held by
Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd from the date of issue of the shares (12 April 2022).
28. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At 31 December During the year
Amounts owed to related party £’000 Amounts owed by related party £’000 Costs recharged (to)/by related party £’000 Cash paid (to)/by related party £’000
Related party:
London & Associated Properties PLC (note (a)) - - 200 (200)
West Ealing Projects Limited (note (b)) - (1,618) - (381)
Dragon Retail Properties Limited (note (c)) 33 - (36) (51)
Development Physics Limited (note (d)) - (226) - (84)
As at 31 December 2023 33 (1,844) 164 (716)
London & Associated Properties PLC (note (a)) - - 200 (241)
West Ealing Projects Limited (note (b)) - (1,237) - (239)
Dragon Retail Properties Limited (note (c)) 120 - (36) -
Development Physics Limited (note (d)) - (142) - (75)
As at 31 December 2022 120 (1,379) 164 (555)
(a) London & Associated Properties PLC – London & Associated Properties
PLC (“LAP”) is a substantial shareholder and parent company of Bisichi
PLC. Property management, office premises, general management, accounting and
administration services are provided for Bisichi PLC and its UK subsidiaries.
Bisichi PLC continues to operate as a fully independent company and currently
LAP owns only 41.52% of the issued ordinary share capital. However, LAP is
deemed under IFRS 10 to have effective control of Bisichi PLC for accounting
purposes.
(b) West Ealing Projects Limited – West Ealing Projects Limited (“West
Ealing”) is an unlisted property company incorporated in England and Wales.
West Ealing is owned equally by the company and London & Associated Properties
PLC and is accounted as a joint venture and treated as a non-current asset
investment.
(c) Dragon Retail Properties Limited – (“Dragon”) is owned equally by
the company and London & Associated Properties PLC. Dragon is accounted as a
joint venture and is treated as a non-current asset investment.
(d) Development Physics Limited – Development Physics Limited (“DP”) is
an unlisted property company incorporated in England and Wales. DP is owned
equally by the company, London & Associated Properties PLC and Metroprop Real
Estate Ltd and is accounted as a joint venture and treated as a non-current
asset investment.
Key management personnel comprise of the directors of the company who have the
authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the
activities of the company. Details of key management personnel compensation
and interest in share options are shown in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 41 and 42 under the headings Directors’ remuneration,
Pension schemes and incentives and Share option schemes which is within the
audited part of this report. The total employers’ national insurance paid in
relation to the remuneration of key management was £326,000 (2022:
£580,000). In 2012 a loan was made to one of the directors, Mr A R Heller,
for £116,000. Interest is payable on the Director’s Loan at a rate of 6.14
per cent. There is no fixed repayment date for the Director’s Loan. The loan
amount outstanding at year end was £41,000 (2022: £41,000) and no repayment
(2022: £nil) was made during the year.
The non-controlling interest to Vunani Mining (Pty) Ltd is shown in note 27.
In addition, the Group holds an investment in Vunani Limited with a fair value
of £40,000 (2022: £44,000) and an investment in Vunani Capital Partners
(Pty) Ltd of £70,000 (2022: £189,000). Both are related parties to Vunani
Mining (Pty) Ltd and are classified as non-current available for sale
investments.
29. EMPLOYEES
2023£’000 2022£’000
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Salaries 6,495 8,891
Social security costs 326 580
Pension costs 449 300
Share based payments - 2,220
7,270 11,991
2023 2022
The average weekly numbers of employees of the Group during the year were as follows:
Production 209 213
Administration 15 15
224 228
30. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Commitments for capital expenditure approved and contracted for at the year end - -
31. LEASE LIABILITIES AND FUTURE PROPERTY LEASE RENTALS
The lease liabilities are secured by the related underlying assets. The
undiscounted maturity analysis of lease payments at 31 December 2023 is as
follows:
Mining Equipment & Development costs £’000 Motor Head Lease 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Vehicles £’000 Property £’000
Within one year 41 9 13 62 71
Second to fifth year 136 - 52 188 210
After five years 9 - 1,564 1,573 1,341
186 9 1,629 1,824 1,622
Discounting adjustment (30) - (1,421) (1,451) (1,222)
Present value 156 9 208 373 400
The present value of minimum lease payments at 31 December 2023 is as follows:
Mining Equipment & Development costs £’000 Motor Vehicles £’000 Head Lease 2023£’000 2022 £’000
Property £’000
Within one year (Note 19) 41 9 13 54 54
Second to fifth year 110 - 41 157 170
After five years 5 - 154 163 176
Present value 156 9 208 373 400
With the exception of short-term leases and leases of low-value underlying
assets, each lease is reflected on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset
and a lease liability. The Group classifies its right-of-use assets in a
consistent manner to its property, plant and equipment. Lease liabilities due
within one year are classified within trade and other payables in the balance
sheet.
The Group has one lease for mining equipment in South Africa and one lease for
motor vehicles in the United Kingdom. Both leases have terms of less than 5
years are either non-cancellable or may only be cancelled by incurring a
substantive termination fee. Lease payments for mining equipment are subject
to changes in consumer price inflation in South Africa.
The Group has one lease contract for an investment property. The remaining
term for the leased investment property is 125 years (2022: 126 years).
The annual rent payable is the higher of £7,500 or 6.25% of the revenue
derived from the leased assets.
The Group has entered into rental leases on its investment property portfolio
consisting mainly of commercial properties. These leases have terms of between
1 and 105 years. All leases include a clause to enable upward revision of the
rental charge on an annual basis according to prevailing market conditions.
The future aggregate minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable
operating leases are as follows:
2023£’000 2022£’000
Within one year 959 973
Second year 854 875
Third year 756 801
Fourth year 674 716
Fifth year 624 645
After five years 9,327 9,530
13,194 13,540
32. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Bank Guarantees
Bank guarantees have been issued by the bankers of Black Wattle Colliery (Pty)
Limited on behalf of the company to third parties. The guarantees are secured
against the assets of the company and have been issued in respect of the
following:
2023£’000 2022£’000
Rail siding 43 49
Rehabilitation of mining land 1,614 1,715
Water & electricity 41 47
Contingent tax liability
The interpretation of laws and regulations in South Africa where the Group
operates can be complex and can lead to challenges from or disputes with
regulatory authorities. Such situations often take significant time to
resolve. Where there is a dispute and where a reliable estimate of the
potential liability cannot be made, or where the Group, based on legal advice,
considers that it is improbable that there will be an outflow of economic
resources, no provision is recognised.
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd is currently involved in a tax dispute in
South Africa related to VAT. The dispute arose during the year ended 31
December 2020 and is related to events which occurred prior to the years ended
31 December 2020. As at 22 April 2024, the Group has been advised that it has
a strong legal case, that it has complied fully with the legislation and,
therefore, no economic outflow is expected to occur. Because of the nature and
complexity of the dispute, the possible financial effect of a negative
decision cannot be measured reliably. Accordingly, no provision has been
booked at the year end. At this stage, the Group believes that the dispute
will be resolved in its favour.
Bisichi PLC
Company balance sheet
at 31 December 2023
Notes 2023£’000 2022£’000
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 35 99 98
Investment in joint ventures 36 665 665
Other investments 36 20,614 18,946
21,378 19,709
Current assets
Debtors – amounts due within one year 37 3,820 2,754
Debtors – amounts due in more than one year 37 1,280 1,159
Bank balances 1,651 7,928
6,751 11,841
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year 38 (782) (2,514)
Net current assets 5,969 9,327
Total assets less current liabilities 27,347 29,036
Creditors – amounts falling in more than one year 38 - (9)
Net assets 27,347 29,027
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 24 1,068 1,068
Share premium account 258 258
Other reserves 1,027 1,027
Retained earnings 33 24,994 26,674
Shareholders’ funds 27,347 29,027
The loss for the financial year, before dividends payable, was £78,000 (2022:
profit of £15,415,000)
The company financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the
board of directors on 22 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
A R Heller G J
Casey Company
Registration No. 00112155
Director
Director
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Other reserve £’000 Retained earnings £’000 Shareholdersfunds£’000
Balance at 1 January 2022 1,068 258 622 12,967 14,915
Dividends paid - - - (1,708) (1,708)
Share options cancelled - - (142) - (142)
Share options issued - - 547 - 547
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year - - - 15,415 15,415
Balance at 1 January 2023 1,068 258 1,027 26,674 29,027
Dividends paid - - - (1,602) (1,602)
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year - - - (78) (78)
Balance at 31 December 2023 1,068 258 1,027 24,994 27,347
Company accounting policies
for the year ended 31 December 2023
The following are the main accounting policies of the company:
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial
Reporting Standard 100 Application of Financial Reporting Requirements and
Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. The principal
accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are
set out below.
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except
for the revaluation of leasehold property and certain financial instruments.
Going concern
Details on the Group’s adoption of the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the annual financial statements can be found on page 70.
Disclosure exemptions adopted
In preparing these financial statements the company has taken advantage of all
disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS 101 as well as disclosure exemptions
conferred by IFRS 2, 7, 13 and 16.
Therefore these financial statements do not include:
• certain comparative information as otherwise required by IFRS;
• certain disclosures regarding the company’s capital;
• a statement of cash flows;
• the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted;
• the disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel;
and
• disclosure of related party transactions with the company’s
wholly owned subsidiaries.
In addition, and in accordance with FRS 101, further disclosure exemptions
have been adopted because equivalent disclosures are included in the
company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Dividends received
Dividends are credited to the profit and loss account when received.
Depreciation
Provision for depreciation on tangible fixed assets is made in equal annual
instalments to write each item off over its useful life. The rates generally
used are:
Office equipment 10 – 33 percent
Joint ventures
Investments in joint ventures, being those entities over whose activities the
Group has joint control as established by contractual agreement, are included
at cost, less impairment.
Other Investments
Investments of the company in subsidiaries are stated in the balance sheet as
fixed assets at cost less provisions for impairment.
Other investments comprising of shares in listed companies are classified at
fair value through profit and loss.
Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies have been
translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All
exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.
Financial instruments
Details on the Group’s accounting policy for financial instruments can be
found on page 76.
Deferred taxation
Details on the Group’s accounting policy for deferred taxation can be found
on page 78.
Leased assets and liabilities
Details on the Group’s accounting policy for leased assets and liabilities
can be found on page 77.
Pensions
Details on the Group’s accounting policy for pensions can be found on page
76.
Share based remuneration
Details on the Group’s accounting policy for share based remuneration can be
found on page 76. Details of the share options in issue are disclosed in the
directors’ remuneration report on page 42 under the heading share option
schemes which is within the audited part of this report.
33. PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT
A separate profit and loss account for Bisichi PLC has not been presented as
permitted by Section 408(2) of the Companies Act 2006. The loss for the
financial year, before dividends paid, was £78,000 (2022: profit:
£15,415,000)
Details of share capital are set out in note 24 of the Group financial
statements and details of the share options are shown in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on page 42 under the heading Share option schemes which is
within the audited part of this report and note 26 of the Group financial
statements.
34. DIVIDENDS
Details on dividends can be found in note 9 in the Group financial statements.
35. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Leasehold Property £’000 Motor Vehicles £’000 Office equipment £’000 Total£’000
Cost at 1 January 2023 45 104 44 193
Additions - 27 8 35
Cost at 31 December 2023 45 131 52 228
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2023 - 83 12 95
Charge for the year - 17 17 34
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2023 - 100 29 129
Net book value at 31 December 2023 45 31 23 99
Net book value at 31 December 2022 45 21 32 98
Leasehold property consists of a single unit with a long leasehold tenant. The
term remaining on the lease is 36 years. Included in Motor Vehicles is a
right-of-use asset with a net book value of £9,000.
36. INVESTMENTS
Joint venturesshares£’000 Shares in subsidiaries £’000 Other investments £’000 Total£’000
Net book value at 1 January 2023 665 6,356 12,590 18,946
Invested during the year - - 1,189 1,189
Repayment - - (377) (377)
Gain in investments - - 856 856
Net book value at 31 December 2023 665 6,356 14,258 20,614
Investments in subsidiaries are detailed in note 15. In the opinion of the
directors the aggregate value of the investment in subsidiaries is not less
than the amount shown in these financial statements.
Other investments comprise of £14,258,000 (2022: £12,590,000) shares in
listed companies.
37. DEBTORS
2023£’000 2022 £’000
Amounts due within one year:
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings 1,664 1,079
Other debtors 188 237
Joint venture 1,844 1,379
Prepayments and accrued income 124 59
3,820 2,754
Amounts due in more than one year:
Deferred taxation 1,280 1,159
1,280 1,159
Amounts due within one year are held at amortised cost. The Group applies a
simplified approach to measure the loss allowance for trade receivables using
the lifetime expected loss provision. The Group applies a general approach on
all other receivables. The general approach recognises lifetime expected
credit losses when there has been a significant increase in credit risk since
initial recognition. The company has reviewed and assessed the underlying
performance and resources of its counterparties including its subsidiary
undertakings and joint ventures.
38. CREDITORS
2023£’000 2022£’000
Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 63 15
Joint venture 33 120
Other taxation and social security 76 64
Other creditors 104 71
Lease Liabilities 9 11
Accruals and deferred income 497 2,233
782 2,514
Amounts falling due in more than one year:
Lease Liabilities - 9
Lease liabilities comprise of leases on Motor vehicles with remaining leases
of less than 1 year. With the exception of short-term leases and leases of
low-value underlying assets, each lease is reflected on the balance sheet as a
right-of-use asset and a lease liability.
39. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At 31 During the year
December
At 31 December Amounts owed by related party £’000 Costs Cash paid (to)/ by related party £’000
recharged / accrued (to)/ by related party £’000
Related party:
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd (note (a)) (995) (850) -
Ninghi Marketing Limited (note (b)) (102) - -
As at 31 December 2023 (1,097) (850) -
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd (note (a)) (145) (972) 1,464
Ninghi Marketing Limited (note (b)) (102) - -
As at 31 December 2022 (247) (972) 1,464
(a) Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd – Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd is a
coal mining company based in South Africa.
(b) Ninghi Marketing Limited – Ninghi Marketing Limited is a dormant coal
marketing company incorporated in England & Wales.
Black Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd and NInghi Marketing Limited are subsidiaries
of the company.
In addition to the above, the company has issued a company guarantee of
R20,061,917 (2022: R20,061,917) (South African Rand) to the bankers of Black
Wattle Colliery (Pty) Ltd in order to cover bank guarantees issued to third
parties in respect of the rehabilitation of mining land.
A provision of £102,000 has been raised against the amount owing by Ninghi
Marketing Limited in prior years as the company is dormant.
In 2012 a loan was made to one of the directors, Mr A R Heller, for £116,000.
Further details on the loan can be found in note 28 of the Group financial
statements.
Under FRS 101, the company has taken advantage of the exemption from
disclosing transactions with other wholly owned Group companies. Details of
other related party transactions are given in note 28 of the Group financial
statements.
40. EMPLOYEES
2023£’000 2022 £’000
The average weekly numbers of employees of the company during the year were as follows:
Directors & administration 5 5
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Salaries 1,350 3,264
Social security costs 326 580
Pension costs 125 21
Share based payments - 2,220
1,801 6,085
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