REG - Sylvania Platinum - Annual Financial Report
07/09/2023 07:15
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RNS Number : 6985L Sylvania Platinum Limited 07 September 2023
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse regulation
(EU) no.596/2014 as amended by the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit)
Regulations 2019.
7 September 2023
Sylvania Platinum Limited
("Sylvania", the "Company" or the "Group")
Final Results to 30 June 2023
Sylvania (AIM: SLP) the platinum group metals ("PGM") producer and developer, with assets in South Africa, is pleased to announce its final results for the year ended 30 June 2023. Unless otherwise stated, the consolidated financial information contained in this report is presented in United States Dollars ("USD").
Operational Highlights
· Sylvania Dump Operations ("SDO") exceeded target production by
delivering 75,469 4E PGM ounces for the year (FY2022: 67,053 4E PGM ounces);
· Run of Mine ("ROM") grades received from the host mine at
Mooinooi increased significantly over the year contributing to additional
ounce production;
· Successful commissioning of Tweefontein MF2 improved metal
recoveries;
· Optimisation of blending improved grade, recovery and ounce
production, especially at the Eastern operations; and
· Pilot-scale work on pelletizer project completed; the Company is
currently engaging with potential industry partners to assess the commercial
viability of the technology.
Financial Highlights
· Net revenue generated for the period totalled $130.2 million
(FY2022: $152.0 million);
· Group EBITDA of $66.0 million (FY2022: $82.8 million);
· Net profit of $45.4 million (FY2022: $56.2 million);
· New Dividend Policy approved by the Board and effective from 1
July 2022;
· Interim dividend of three pence per Ordinary Share declared by
the Board and paid in April 2023;
· Final cash dividend of five pence per Ordinary Share declared by
the Board, maintaining an annual eight pence per Ordinary Share dividend for
FY2023 (FY2022: eight pence per Ordinary Share);
· Group cash balance of $124.2 million (excluding $0.8 million
restricted cash held as guarantees) with no debt and no pipeline financing;
and
· Bought back a total of 4.8 million Ordinary Shares during the
year at an average price of 81.5 pence per share, equating to $4.9 million in
aggregate.
ESG Highlights
· Doornbosch achieved 11-years Lost-Time Injury ("LTI") free in
June 2023;
· New initiatives relating to improved water management undertaken
at the Company's operations during the period and a Dynamic Water Balance
developed for each plant;
· 24 local community members took part in this year's training and
development programme, 11 of whom are women;
· Support for three ongoing internships and eight internal
learnerships, plus 12 external bursaries maintained, and Community Based
Employee Training provided to 10 employees; and
· No occupational illnesses were recorded in FY2023.
Outlook
· Re-mining of Dam 6A at the Mooinooi Plant has commenced with the
focus on optimising the blend to ensure the planned grade profile is achieved;
· Continuous operational performance improvements relating to the
optimisation of feed sources, throughput, recoveries, and cost saving
initiatives planned;
· The updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at Volspruit is
expected to be completed during Q1 FY2024, and the Preliminary Economic
Assessment ("PEA") for the entire project is expected during Q3 FY2024;
· The Group maintains strong cash reserves to allow funding of
expansion and process optimisation capital, and upgrading of the Group's
exploration and evaluation assets with the potential to return value to
shareholders;
· The commissioning of the Lannex MF2 flotation circuit to commence
in Q1 FY2024, which will further improve PGM recovery efficiencies; and
· Annual production target of 74,000 to 75,000 4E PGM ounces for
FY2024.
Post Period End
· On 14 July 2023, the Company announced that 3,624,275 Ordinary
Shares held in Treasury had been cancelled; and
· On 9 August 2023, the Company announced that its wholly owned
South African subsidiary, Sylvania Metals (Pty) Limited ("Sylvania Metals"),
entered into an unincorporated Joint Venture Agreement ("JV") with Limberg
Mining Company (Pty) Limited ("LMC"), a subsidiary of ChromTech Mining Company
(Pty) Limited ("ChromTech"), the Thaba Joint Venture ("Thaba JV").
Share Buyback
· The Company will reinstate the Share Buyback programme initiated
in May 2023 and will purchase on market Ordinary US$0.01 Shares ("Ordinary
Shares") of the Company's issued share capital up to a maximum of $6.4
million. This is the balance of the $10.0 million originally allocated to the
Share Buyback.
Commenting on the results, Sylvania's CEO Jaco Prinsloo said:
"I am pleased with another strong production performance by the SDO in
delivering 75,469 4E PGM ounces for the period, exceeding our original
forecast production. This performance, once again, emphasises our teams'
impeccable work ethic, a big thank you to all of you. Keep up the great work!
"The performance was achieved as a result of several factors including the
Tweefontein MF2 circuit optimisation following commissioning in Q2 FY2023
which continues to contribute to improved recoveries. The Lesedi MF2 plant was
fully commissioned with optimisation of the fine grinding and flotation
circuit resulting in improved performance, which, together with improved feed
stability and flotation performance at Mooinooi, has contributed towards the
overall improved recovery performance. Focus has remained on increasing
runtime and improving operational stability and has contributed to improved
efficiencies at all sites.
"With regards to safety, our Doornbosch plant achieved 11-years LTI-free in
June 2023, which is a major milestone for the operation and is testament to
Sylvania's high safety standards. Regrettably, during FY2023, there were two
LTIs recorded, an ankle and a knee sprain. Fortunately, both employees
recovered well. We have increased our efforts to instil a safety-first mindset
by launching the 'Make It Personal' safety campaign during H2 FY2023, designed
to improve and maintain personal safety across all our operations.
"Commodity prices remained a challenge with declines of around 28% in the
average basket price received for the period. This negatively impacted our
overall financial results for the year; however, we remain optimistic about
price improvements.
"Rising input costs are a reality for the Group, and for the broader sector,
therefore we continue to sustain a pragmatic cash management policy with
disciplined capital allocation and control, as well as production cost
control. This approach has ensured that the Company has the necessary cash
reserves to cover working capital for the pipeline period, finance capital
projects, fund growth and exploration, and mitigate any potential future
difficulties it may have to deal with. Nonetheless, despite these challenges,
I am pleased to report that the Board has declared a final cash dividend of
five pence per Ordinary Share for FY2023, resulting in a combined annual
dividend of eight pence for the financial year.
"The announcement of the Thaba JV with LMC post year-end represents a major
step forward in Sylvania's growth strategy and is a significant step forward
for Sylvania Metals in expanding our operations and leveraging the Group's
expertise in the recovery of chrome and PGM concentrates. The Thaba JV
combines the strengths and expertise of both companies in the mining and
processing industry. Sylvania Metals has a proven record in the recovery, sale
and distribution of PGMs, while LMC contributes ChromTech's extensive
experience of chrome operations, with particular expertise in fine chrome
beneficiation.
"I am enthusiastic about the year ahead and believe our operations will
continue to deliver a strong production performance and, as a consequence,
have set an annual production target of 74,000 to 75,000 4E PGM ounces for
FY2024."
The Sylvania cash generating subsidiaries are incorporated in South Africa
with the functional currency of these operations being South African Rand
("ZAR"). Revenues from the sale of PGMs are received in USD and then converted
into ZAR. The Group's reporting currency is USD as the parent company is
incorporated in Bermuda. Corporate and general and administration costs are
incurred in USD, Pounds Sterling ("GBP") and ZAR.
For the 12 months under review, the average ZAR:USD exchange rate was
ZAR17.75:$1 and the spot exchange rate was ZAR18.89:$1.
Operational and Financial Summary
Production Unit % Change FY 2023 FY 2022
Plant Feed T 9% 2,615,994 2,393,355
Feed Head Grade g/t -4% 1.89 1.96
PGM Plant Feed Tons T 12% 1,372,936 1,221,687
PGM Plant Feed Grade g/t -5% 3.06 3.21
PGM Plant Recovery % 5% 55.86% 53.24%
Total 4E PGMs Oz 13% 75,469 67,053
Total 6E PGMs Oz 12% 95,965 85,659
USD Audited ZAR
FY 2022 FY 2023 % Change Unit Unit % Change FY 2023 FY 2022
Financials
2,890 2,086 -28% $/oz Average 4E Gross Basket Price(1) R/oz -16% 37,035 43,964
142,489 116,575 -18% $'000 Revenue (4E) R'000 -5% 2,069,339 2,167,753
12,368 13,312 8% $'000 Revenue (by-products including base metals) R'000 26% 236,295 188,154
-2,912 309 111% $'000 Sales Adjustments R'000 112% 5,491 -44,299
151,944 130,196 -14% $'000 Net Revenue R'000 0% 2,311,125 2,311,608
48,039 48,277 0% $'000 Direct Operating costs R'000 17% 856,920 730,842
17,426 13,492 -23% $'000 Indirect Operating costs R'000 -10% 239,477 265,115
2,860 2,790 -2% $'000 General and Administrative costs R'000 14% 49,523 43,510
82,768 65,964 -20% $'000 Group EBITDA(4) R'000 -7% 1,170,861 1,259,195
1,254 5,203 315% $'000 Net Interest R'000 384% 92,353 19,078
56,151 45,352 -19% $'000 Net Profit(4) R'000 -6% 804,998 854,252
16,405 14,491 -12% $'000 Capital Expenditure R'000 3% 257,215 249,579
121,282 124,160 2% $'000 Cash Balance(5) R'000 18% 2,345,382 1,986,185
Ave R/$ rate R/$ 17% 17.75 15.21
Spot R/$ rate R/$ 15% 18.89 16.38
Unit Cost/Efficiencies
716 640 -11% $/oz SDO Cash Cost per 4E PGM oz(3) R/oz 4% 11,355 10,899
561 503 -10% $/oz SDO Cash Cost per 6E PGM oz(3) R/oz 5% 8,930 8,532
897 771 -14% $/oz Group Cash Cost Per 4E PGM oz(3) R/oz 0% 13,685 13,643
702 606 -14% $/oz Group Cash Cost Per 6E PGM oz(3) R/oz 1% 10,757 10,679
1,052 874 -17% $/oz All-in Sustaining Cost (4E) R/oz -3% 15,509 16,008
1,256 1,033 -18% $/oz All-in Cost (4E) R/oz -4% 18,345 19,109
(1) The gross basket price in the table is the average gross basket for the
year, used for revenue recognition of ounces delivered over FY2023, before
penalties/smelting costs and applying the contractual payability.
(2) Revenue (6E) for FY2023, before adjustments is $129.1 million (6E prill
split is Pt 52%, Pd 17%, Rh 9%, Au 0.2%, Ru 17%, Ir 5%).
(3) The cash costs include operating costs and exclude indirect cost for
example royalty tax and EDEP payments.
(4)The net profit and Group EBITDA include the profit on the sale of Grasvally
Chrome (Pty) Ltd of $1.3 million.
(5)An additional $823,144 restricted cash is held which serves as guarantees
to Eskom and the DMRE.
A. OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
Health, safety and environment
During the period under review, the operations continued to focus on health,
safety and environmental compliance. The Group is proud to report that there
were no significant health or environmental incidents reported during the year
and that it remains fatality-free since inception in 2006.
The Doornbosch operation achieved 11 years LTI-free on 26 June 2023, which is
a remarkable achievement by industry and global standards, and management are
exceptionally proud of the Doornbosch team. Lannex achieved three years
LTI-free during the period and Millsell and Tweefontein are now both LTI-free
for more than a year. Regrettably, there was one LTI at the Mooinooi operation
(an ankle sprain) and one LTI at the Lesedi operation (a knee sprain) during
Q3 FY2023.
The Company continues to target zero harm to employees and every injury that
is recorded is fully investigated and corrective measures are implemented to
prevent any future reoccurrences. By working together with management and all
our employees, we continuously strive to maintain high safety standards and a
safe working environment at all operating sites, with each plant continuing to
operate in accordance with legislated safety and occupational regulations
pertaining to the industry. Moreover, we launched the 'Make It Personal'
campaign, which is designed to improve and maintain personal safety on site.
We believe that by making safety a personal matter that everyone is
responsible for, it will become second nature for all. This will assist to
ensure all workers make it home safely, every day, in line with Sylvania's
goal of achieving zero harm.
Operational performance
The SDO surpassed the Company's original guidance for the financial year by
delivering an annual production of 75,469 4E PGM ounces, which was 13% higher
than the prior financial year.
PGM plant feed tons were 12% higher than the previous period owing primarily
to the improvement of feed stability and running time at Lesedi, following the
tailings related disruptions experienced during FY2022, and optimisation of
feed stability and feed sources received from the host mines at the other
operations. PGM feed grades decreased by 5% year-on-year, impacted by a lower
grade feed source being mined at Lesedi, while recovery efficiencies increased
by 5%. This significant recovery improvement was enabled by successful
optimisation and commissioning of the Lesedi MF2 and Tweefontein MF2 circuits,
respectively during the year, while Mooinooi also saw improved performance as
flotation stability and ROM quality improved.
The SDO cash cost per 4E PGM ounce increased by 4% in ZAR (the functional
currency) from ZAR10,899/ounce to ZAR11,355/ounce while the USD cash cost
decreased 11% to $640/ounce against $716/ounce in the prior year, due to
currency movements. The increase in local currency costs was again primarily
driven by higher electricity costs and reagent price increases. The effects of
rising inflation worldwide and international instability continues to directly
impact the cost of reagents, fuel and transport, which all cause operating
costs to increase.
Operational focus areas
Based on the success of the roll-out of our secondary milling and flotation
programme, Lannex will be the last of our SDO plants where a MF2 circuit will
be commissioned, and we expect to complete this by the end of Q1 FY2024. This
will further improve PGM recovery efficiencies and enable optimisation of PGM
concentrate
quality.
PGM concentrate quality remains a focus area with the potential to improve
smelter payability, as both concentrate grade and metal recoveries contribute
positively towards the revenue stream of the Group. We are also evaluating a
filtration plant to convert to dry filtered concentrate transport instead of
the current slurry tankers, which would assist in reducing concentrate
transport costs and remediate handling challenges at off-take smelters.
Unfortunately, the Company again experienced localised power supply
constraints to operations during the year as a result of load curtailment by
the national power utility, as well as vandalism and cable theft at its
substations, which especially impacted on production performance at the Lesedi
operation that experienced over 300 hours downtime during FY2023. Fortunately,
no other operations were materially affected by load reduction. The
procurement, installation and commissioning of a back-up generator for Lesedi
is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 FY2024. This forms part of the
power mitigation strategy.
Capital Projects
Capital expenditure for the year increased 3% to ZAR257.2 million ($14.5
million) from ZAR249.6 million ($16.4 million) in the 2022 financial year in
line with the Group's capital project strategy. Capital expenditure for the
year was mainly incurred on the construction of the Lannex and Tweefontein MF2
flotation circuits of ZAR94.1 million ($5.3 million) and ZAR46.2 million ($2.6
million) on various tailings deposition facilities.
The Lannex MF2 project was executed during the year and commissioning of the
flotation circuit has commenced in Q1 FY2024 with the fine grinding circuit
commissioning to commence in Q3 FY2024. Progressive improvement in recoveries
is expected at Lannex throughout the year.
The procurement and installation of the back-up generators for the Lesedi and
Millsell operations are on track to be commissioned during early FY2024 in
order to reduce the impact of power interruptions caused by instability of the
national and provincial supply grids. While the Company is fully committed to
reducing its carbon footprint in line with its ESG objectives, standalone
emergency backup plants operating fully on renewable technologies are still
not currently a viable option for the operations. However, these will be
introduced in future, where feasible, to lower diesel consumption and boost
energy capacity during peak day time running hours.
Approximately ZAR20.2 million ($1.1 million) was spent during FY2023, with a
further ZAR15.9 million ($0.9 million) planned for FY2024 for the required
expansion of the Company's tailing facilities. This is to ensure integrity and
capacity at the tailings deposition facilities, cater for remaining sources
that need to be processed at the operations and extend operational life at
selected operations.
As part of its commitment to further improve the viability of its exploration
projects at the Volspruit and Far Northern Limb projects, the Company
anticipates spending approximately ZAR9.0 million ($0.5 million) during FY2024
on the required regulatory Social and Labour Plan ("SLP") spend. More work is
currently being carried out through assays and testwork to improve the
fundamental parameters that underpin the projects' viability. The outcome of
these will be considered before further investment in resource optimisation
and feasibility studies is made.
Sylvania partnered with a 'binding technology' player to co-develop a novel
chemical bonding process. The aim is to create a cold-bonded chromite ore
pellet suitable for ferrochrome ("FeCr") smelters but with the added potential
to markedly cut the smelters' electrical energy consumption per ton of FeCr
produced. In exchange for funding development costs in the venture, Sylvania
holds the licence for any future chrome pellet production in South Africa.
This research and development project is expected to yield positive results
and may enable the Company to diversify into other areas and commodities. The
pelletizer project has progressed well, and pilot-scale work has been
completed. Additionally, potential industry partners are being engaged with to
assess the commercial viability of the technology.
Post-period end, on 9 August 2023, Sylvania announced that its wholly owned
South African subsidiary, Sylvania Metals has entered into an unincorporated
JV with LMC, a subsidiary of ChromTech, the Thaba JV. The Thaba JV will
process PGM and chrome ores from historical tailings dumps and current
arisings from the Limberg Chrome Mine, located on the northern part of the
Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. The Thaba JV will add
attributable production of approximately 6,500 4E PGM ounces and introduce
200,000 tons of chromite concentrate to Sylvania Metals' existing annual
production profile. Construction is expected to commence in November 2023,
with orders for long-lead time equipment being placed from the end of
September 2023.
Outlook
Based on the very robust performance during FY2023 and the continued drive for
operational enhancements, particularly in optimising feed sources, throughput,
recoveries, and cost-saving initiatives, I am expecting another strong
operational performance during FY2024. As the optimisation of the Tweefontein
MF2 circuit continues and Lannex MF2 circuit comes online during the year, it
will assist to mitigate the impact of slightly lower PGM feed grades at some
operations, and Sylvania will therefore be able to maintain an annual
production guidance between 74,000 to 75,000 4E PGM ounces for the financial
year.
B. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
2023 2022
Note(s) $ $
Revenue 1 130,196,100 151,944,273
Cost of sales (61,290,716) (61,823,181)
Royalties tax 2 (4,903,977) (6,920,404)
Gross profit 64,001,407 83,200,688
Other income 3 1,792,134 82,132
Other expenses 4 (4,020,070) (3,608,140)
Operating profit before net finance costs and income tax expense 61,773,471 79,674,680
Finance income 5,780,364 1,711,371
Finance costs (576,958) (457,363)
Profit before income tax expense 66,976,877 80,928,688
Income tax expense 5 (21,625,108) (24,777,844)
Net profit for the period 45,351,769 56,150,844
Items that are or may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss:
Foreign operations - foreign currency translation differences (17,183,248) (17,747,559)
Total other comprehensive loss (net of tax) (17,183,248) (17,747,559)
Total comprehensive income for the year 28,168,521 38,403,285
Cents Cents
Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share 17.01 20.62
Diluted earnings per share 16.95 20.40
1. Revenue is generated from the sale of PGM ounces produced at the
six retreatment plants, net of pipeline sales adjustments, penalties and
smelting charges. Revenue excludes profit/loss on foreign exchange.
2. Royalty tax was paid at a rate of 5.6% on attributable platinum
ounces and decreased from the prior reporting period due to the lower revenue.
3. Other income includes the profit on the sale of Grasvally Chrome
(Pty) Ltd.
4. Other expenses relate to corporate activities and include
consulting fees, travel cost, audit fees, insurance, forex profit/(loss) on
revenue, Directors' fees, share based payments and other administrative costs.
5. Income tax expense include current tax, deferred tax and dividend
withholding tax.
The average gross basket price for PGMs in the financial year was $2,086/ounce
- a 28% decrease on the previous year's basket price of $2,890/ounce. The
decrease in the overall PGM basket price was primarily due to a circa 40%
decrease in rhodium and palladium prices.
Revenue on 4E PGM ounces delivered decreased by 18% in dollar terms to $116.6
million year-on-year (FY2022: $142.5 million) with revenue from base metals
and by-products contributing $13.3 million to the total revenue (FY2022: $12.4
million). Net revenue, after adjustments for ounces delivered in the prior
year but invoiced in FY2023, decreased 14% on the previous year's $151.9
million to $130.2 million. The decrease in revenue is as a result of the 28%
drop in the basket price, mitigated by the increase in production.
The operational cost of sales is incurred in ZAR and represents the direct and
indirect costs of producing the PGM concentrate and amounted to ZAR1.1 billion
for the reporting period compared to ZAR996.0 million for the period ended 30
June 2022. The main cost contributors being employee costs of ZAR354.0 million
(FY2022: ZAR300.6 million), reagents and milling costs of ZAR114.4 million
(FY2022: ZAR81.1 million), and electricity costs of ZAR135.3 million (FY2022:
ZAR113.4 million). In addition to these the Company paid mineral royalty tax
of ZAR87.1 million (FY2022: ZAR105.3 million). The decrease in mineral royalty
tax is directly related to the decrease in net revenue and earnings
year-on-year.
Group cash costs decreased by 14% year-on-year from $897/ounce
(ZAR13,643/ounce) to $771/ounce (ZAR13,685/ounce). Direct operating costs
increased 17% in ZAR (the functional currency) from ZAR730.8 million to
ZAR856.9 million and indirect operating costs decreased 10% from ZAR265.1
million to ZAR239.5 million. The decrease in indirect costs is attributable to
the decrease to the annual rehabilitation closure cost provision adjustment of
ZAR22.2 million (FY2022: ZAR23.0 million increase) and the reduction in
mineral royalty taxes.
All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") decreased by 17% to $874/ounce
(ZAR15,509/ounce) from $1,052/ounce (ZAR16,008/ounce). Similarly all-in costs
("AIC") of 4E PGMs decreased by 18% to $1,033/ounce (ZAR18,345/ounce) from
$1,256/ounce (ZAR19,109/ounce) recorded in the previous period as a result of
the higher ounce production during FY2023.
General and administrative costs, included in the Group cash costs, are
incurred in USD, GBP and ZAR and are impacted by exchange rate fluctuations
over the reporting period. These costs decreased 2% to $2.8 million from $2.9
million in the reporting currency year-on-year mainly due to the depreciation
of the ZAR against the USD in USD terms.
However, in ZAR terms there was a 14% increase to ZAR49.5 million from ZAR43.5
million in FY2022. The increase relates mainly to administrative and shared
services employee costs (ZAR2.6 million), professional services and fees
(ZAR0.6 million), and overseas travel (ZAR2.8 million).
Group EBITDA decreased 20% year-on-year to $66.0 million (FY2022: $82.8
million), the decrease is mainly attributable to the lower metal prices in
FY2023 compared to FY2022.
The Group net profit for the year was $45.4 million (FY2022: $56.2 million).
Interest is earned on surplus cash invested in South Africa and Mauritius at
an average interest rate of 5.52% per annum across the portfolio. Interest
is accounted for on various leases that are in place.
The Group paid ZAR317.0 million ($17.9 million) in income tax for the
financial year compared to ZAR342.6 million ($22.5 million) for the previous
financial year. The decrease is as a result of decreased taxable profits
mainly due to the decrease in the metal prices during the year. Income tax is
paid in ZAR on taxable profits generated at the South African operations.
Dividend withholding tax of $1.8 million (ZAR32.6million) was paid during the
year.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
2023 2022
Note(s) $ $
Net cash inflow from operating activities 6 62,986,987 69,611,329
Net cash outflow from investing activities 7 (15,568,808) (17,168,387)
Net cash outflow from financing activities 8 (40,778,927) (32,748,480)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 6,639,252 19,694,462
Effect of exchange fluctuations on cash held (3,761,823) (4,547,472)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of reporting period 121,282,425 106,135,435
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 124,159,854 121,282,425
6. Net cash inflow from operating activities includes net cash inflow
from operations of $77,677,868, finance income of $5,093,760 and taxation paid
of $19,784,637.
7. Net cash outflow from investing activities includes payments for
property, plant and equipment of $12,869,246, exploration and evaluation
assets of $1,621,616 and advances paid to the joint operation and third-party
loan of $239,528.
8. Net cash outflow from financing activities includes dividend
payments $35,460,674, payment for share transactions $4,912,348 and the
repayment of borrowings and leases $405,905.
The cash balance on 30 June 2023 was $125.0 million (FY2022: $121.3 million),
including $0.8 million in financial guarantees (FY2022: $0.9 million) which
was reallocated to 'other financial assets' for reporting purposes in FY2023.
Cash generated from operations before working capital movements was $64.0
million, with net changes in working capital of $13.7 million mainly due to
the movement in trade receivables of $12.1 million. Net finance income
amounted to $5.1 million and $19.8 million was paid in income tax for the
period, including dividend withholding tax of $1.8 million.
At the corporate level, 3.6 million shares were bought back through the Share
Buyback programme for a cost of $3.6 million. In December 2022, the Company
cancelled 1.2 million Ordinary Shares held in Treasury and a further 3.6
million Ordinary Shares held in Treasury were cancelled post year-end, on 13
July 2023. Bonus shares of 1.8 million Ordinary Shares were exercised by
various persons displaying management responsibilities ("PDMRs") and employees
which vested from bonus shares awarded to them in August 2019. 0.7 million of
the vested bonus shares were repurchased by the Company to satisfy the tax
liabilities of PDMRs and certain employees and a further 0.5 million shares
were repurchased from PDMRs and certain employees during September 2022 and
May 2023. The Company paid its first cash interim dividend of three pence per
Ordinary Share amounting to $9.9 million. Dividends of $35.5 million were paid
out and a further $1.0 million was paid through the Employee Dividend
Entitlement Plan ("EDEP").
The impact of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held at year end was a $3.8
million loss due to the ZAR depreciating against the USD by 15%.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
2023 2022
Note(s) $ $
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation expenditure 46,464,143 46,087,453
Property, plant and equipment 48,650,611 46,298,978
Other financial assets 9 6,352,325 283,450
Other assets 30,024 -
Deferred tax asset 11,088 -
Total non-current assets 101,508,191 92,669,881
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 10 124,159,854 121,282,425
Trade and other receivables 11 35,714,003 52,939,589
Other financial assets 9 1,800,402 1,029,205
Inventories 12 5,103,550 4,258,960
Current tax asset 1,472,104 3,486,226
168,249,913 182,996,405
Assets held for sale - 3,771,661
Total current assets 168,249,913 186,768,066
Total assets 269,758,104 279,437,947
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 (continued)
2023 2022
Note(s) $ $
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity
Issued capital 13 2,790,000 2,801,557
Reserves 14 17,461,465 38,663,288
Retained profit 219,112,582 209,221,487
Total equity 239,364,047 250,686,332
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings and leases 15 380,833 35,031
Provisions 16 4,040,854 5,936,804
Deferred tax liability 12,118,702 11,614,765
Total non-current liabilities 16,540,389 17,586,600
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 13,522,940 11,110,196
Borrowings and leases 15 330,729 48,957
13,853,669 11,159,153
Liabilities directly associated with the assets classified as held for sale - 5,862
Total current liabilities 13,853,669 11,165,015
Total liabilities 30,394,057 28,751,615
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity 269,758,104 279,437,947
9. Other financial assets consist of:
a. Contribution paid to the host mine for rehabilitation purposes.
b. A loan receivable granted to TS Consortium from Sylvania South
Africa (Pty) Ltd. Sylvania South Africa (Pty) Ltd interest in the TS
Consortium joint operation increased to 75% in the assets and liabilities
during the reporting period.
c. Two separate loans to Forward Africa Mining Pty (Ltd) secured over
the Grasvally Plant and bearing interest at the Johannesburg inter-Bank Offer
Rate (JIBOR) + 3%.
10. The majority of the cash and cash equivalents are held in ZAR and USD.
11. Trade and other receivables consist mainly of amounts receivable for
the sale of PGMs.
12. Inventory held includes spares and consumables for the SDO.
13. The total number of issued ordinary shares at 30 June 2023 was
279,000,000 Ordinary Shares of US$0.01 each (including 15,939,737 shares held
in Treasury).
14. Reserves include the share premium, foreign currency translation
reserve, which is used to record exchange differences arising from the
translation of financial statements of foreign controlled entities,
share-based payments reserve, treasury share reserve, the non-controlling
interests reserve and the equity reserve. The decrease relates mainly to the
movement in the foreign currency translation of $17,747,559 due to the
weakening of the ZAR against the USD.
15. Borrowings and leases consist of right-of-use lease liabilities.
16. Provision is made for the present value of closure, restoration and
environmental rehabilitation costs in the financial period when the related
environmental disturbance occurs.
C. MINERAL ASSET DEVELOPMENT
The Group owns various mineral asset development projects on the Northern Limb
of the Bushveld Igneous Complex located in South Africa for which it has
approved mining rights. In the 2021 financial year, a new phase of targeted
studies was commissioned on both the Volspruit and Far Northern Limb PGM
opportunities to determine how best to optimise the respective projects. In
October 2022, significant progress was reported in the Exploration Results and
Resource Statement and work continued during FY2023 towards unlocking mineral
potential on these projects.
Volspruit Project
Historical resource statements for Volspruit reported relatively low in-situ
grades and, consequently, low PGM concentrates would have necessitated
capital-intensive in-house smelting and refining facilities using unproven
technologies. This was one of the primary reasons for the relatively slow
progress on this project in earlier years. Based on the improved metal prices
in recent years and an improved focus on unlocking the potential and further
value from existing assets, the Company initiated a resource optimisation
study in 2021.
The primary objective was to improve the ore feed grades for the project to
enable the production of a higher grade, saleable PGM concentrate, eliminating
the need for expensive and complicated downstream processing infrastructure.
The Statement of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Scoping Study
released in October 2022 provided a revised Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE")
defining a narrower mineralised zone of the Volspruit North Body, on which a
Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was completed. The result of this
initial study was a ROM/Mill feed grade of 15.7 million tons at a grade of
2.13 g/t 3E and a stripping ratio of 6.7 over the life of mine.
Further optimisation studies were identified during the initial study that
have continued into the 2023 financial year. More specifically, these include
a MRE of the South Body, and the inclusion of the rhodium into an updated
Mineral Resource over the entire project area. Updated geological information
has been included in the current study phase through the completion of a
detailed relogging programme on the historical core which will be included in
the interpretation for the new MRE expected to be completed by the end of Q1
FY2024.
A drilling programme of 10 large diameter drillholes was completed in the
third quarter of 2023, from which further metallurgical test work will be
completed with the aim of increasing the metal recoveries and providing the
required detail for plant and infrastructure design to be carried out during
the Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") phase. The metallurgical test work
results are expected in the third quarter of FY2024. An updated PEA is
expected in the same quarter that will include the updated Mineral Resources
of the North and South Bodies with the addition of rhodium.
All capital and operational cost inputs will be updated and revised. With the
completion of the updated scoping study, the Company will assess whether to
proceed to a PFS and the declaration of a Joint Ore Reserves Committee
("JORC") compliant mineral ore reserve over the entire Volspruit project.
The investment in the permitting requirements necessary for the existing
mining right has made steady progress during the 2023 financial year with the
updated SLP including revised Local Economic Development projects submitted in
the fourth quarter. The Water Use License application for mining and on-site
processing operations and the updated Environmental Impact Assessment
submissions are expected to occur in the first quarter of FY2024.
Far Northern Limb Projects
The Company currently holds approved mining rights for PGMs and Base Metals
for both the Hacra and Aurora project areas. Similarly to Volspruit,
historical MREs for the project areas did not provide sufficient ore feed
grade to produce a saleable PGM concentrate, and consequently limited progress
was made in previous years to develop these projects.
As reported last year, the Company commissioned a targeted review of both the
Hacra and Aurora projects through infill drilling projects, relogging
programmes and selected optimisation studies, which was reported in the
Statement of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Scoping Study
released in October of 2022. A proof-of-concept study that included the
reinterpretation of the mineralisation at Aurora enabled the identification of
the near surface T-zone on the La Pucella farm. This represents approximately
12% of the potential strike length held under mining rights on Aurora.
A JORC-compliant Measured and Indicated Resource of 16.2 million tons
(including 10% geological loss) at a grade of 2.63 g/t 3E was declared for
this proof-of-concept study over the limited area. Initial economic evaluation
of the resource indicated a need for increased resource volume, and further
studies during the 2023 financial year were conducted to determine the
continuity of mineralisation along the remaining strike length. At the end of
FY2023, 30,385 metres (76%) of the 40,230 metres of historical core available
within the mining right had been relogged. This programme will be completed in
Q2 FY2024. A technical study, to be completed in the third quarter of FY2024,
will assess the continuity of the T-Zone mineralisation and allow for targeted
resource upgrade drilling programmes to be designed.
As reported in the Statement of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and
Scoping Study released in October 2022, the Hacra North underground target has
provided for some significant drilling results. Work continues to evaluate the
underground potential with a technical review of the project expected to be
completed during the first quarter of FY2024.
D. CORPORATE ACTIVITIES
Dividend Approval and Payment
The Board declared the payment of a cash dividend for FY2022 of eight pence
per Ordinary Share, paid on 2 December 2022. Payment of the dividend was made
to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 28 October 2022
and the ex-dividend date was 27 October 2022.
As stated in the FY2022 report the Board committed to review the Company's
Dividend Policy and effective 1 July 2022, the new Dividend Policy was
instituted. The new Dividend Policy allows for a pay out of a minimum of 40%
of adjusted free cash flow for the financial year. Where annual dividends are
declared, these will be paid in two tranches with an interim dividend equating
to one third of the expected full dividend and the final dividend equating to
the remaining unpaid balance of the minimum of 40% of actual adjusted free
cash flow. The payment of dividends remains at the discretion of the Board. In
accordance with the new Dividend Policy, the Board declared its first interim
dividend of three pence per Ordinary Share, which was paid out on 6 April
2023. Payment of the interim dividend was made to shareholders on the register
at the close of business on 3 March 2023 and the ex-dividend date was 2 March
2023.
The Board has now declared the payment of a final cash dividend for FY2023 of
five pence per Ordinary Share, payable on 1 December 2023, which will bring
the combined dividend for FY2023 to eight pence per Ordinary Share. Payment of
the final dividend will be made to shareholders on the register at the close
of business on 27 October 2023 and the ex-dividend date is 26 October 2023.
Further to the dividends paid to shareholders, in accordance with the
Company's EDEP whereby eligible employees receive an equivalent dividend paid
on shares bought back by the Company in the market and ring-fenced for the
EDEP, a total of ZAR16.9 million ($1.0 million) was paid out during the
financial year.
Transactions in Own Shares
Returning capital to shareholders remains a key element of the Company's
strategic goals and it will continue to review opportunities to do so, when
and wherever possible.
At the commencement of the 2023 financial year, shares in the Company were
valued at 88 pence per Ordinary Share and at the close of FY2023, the share
price had depreciated 9% to 80 pence per Ordinary Share, largely influenced by
the macroeconomic environment and volatile PGM prices. As stated previously,
even though a great many of the factors influencing the share price are
outside of the Company's control, management always pays close attention and
will continue to manage the business in the best way possible to provide
maximum value for shareholders.
Options over 1,755,000 Ordinary Shares were exercised by various PDMRs and
employees which vested from bonus shares awarded to them in August 2019. All
shares awarded came from Treasury. 702,300 of the vested bonus shares were
repurchased by the Company to satisfy the tax liabilities of PDMRs and certain
employees, and an additional 498,950 shares were bought back from various
employees during FY2023.
In May 2023, the Company announced an on-market Share Buyback programme to
purchase Ordinary $0.01 Shares of the Company's issued share capital, up to a
maximum consideration of $10.0 million. 3.6 million shares were bought back
through the programme for a cost of $3.6 million up to 30 June 2023. The Board
has taken the decision to reinstate this Share Buyback programme to acquire
Ordinary US$0.01 Shares to a maximum consideration of $6.4 million.
On 15 December 2022, 1,155,657 Ordinary Shares held in Treasury were
cancelled. Additionally, post financial year-end, on 13 July 2023, a total of
3,624,275 Ordinary Shares held in Treasury were cancelled.
At 30 June, the Company's issued share capital was 279,000,000 Ordinary
Shares, of which a total of 15,939,737 Ordinary Shares were held in Treasury.
Therefore, the total number of Ordinary Shares with voting rights was
263,060,263.
E. ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE ("ESG")
Operating as a values-centric business, sustainability remains at the core of
our business operations, forming the bedrock of our comprehensive ESG
approach. Sylvania stands resolute in its dedication to fostering a
constructive impact on its workforce, the sector, and the communities in which
it operates.
Sylvania's ESG journey follows a pathway that began with identifying and
activating the drivers of ESG, gathering baseline information on potential
material risks to ensure that future targets are based on verifiable
information and assumptions. The transition phase included designing an ESG
strategy and reporting framework. Finally, ESG was embedded throughout
Sylvania's business strategy, identifying and including ESG in the Sylvania
strategic risk register. This ensures that mitigation strategies for risks or
opportunities linked to ESG elements are prioritised.
The spotlight is increasingly on the mining and processing sector due to
potential operational hazards and environmental impacts, affecting both
employees and communities. As a mineral re-processor, our Company treats its
commitment to the planet and people as seriously as its obligations to
customers and shareholders. Sylvania believes that a sustainable industry
player fosters diversity and inclusivity among its workforce for their growth,
while responsibly lessening its environmental footprint and benefiting local
communities. Our strategy aligns with the International Council on Mining and
Metals' ("ICMM") principles for sustainable development, harmonizing with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ("UNSDGs").
In the current year, our ESG review accentuates climate action, water
security, tailings management and rehabilitation for environmental aspects.
Socially, it underscores female empowerment, workforce diversity, safety,
health, training, community relations, and addressing gender-based violence.
Governance-wise, the focus encompasses process, code of conduct, sustainable
growth, stakeholder engagement, economic contribution, and resource
management. Further details will be outlined in the Company's upcoming report,
ESG: Supporting our Strategy.
CONTACT DETAILS
For further information, please contact:
Jaco Prinsloo CEO +27 11 673 1171
Lewanne Carminati CFO
Nominated Adviser and Broker
Liberum Capital Limited +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
Richard Crawley / Scott Mathieson / Kane Collings
Communications
BlytheRay +44 (0) 20 7138 3205
Tim Blythe / Megan Ray sylvania@BlytheRay.com (mailto:sylvania@BlytheRay.com)
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Registered and postal address: Sylvania Platinum Limited
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
SA Operations postal address: PO Box 976
Florida Hills, 1716
South Africa
Sylvania Website: www.sylvaniaplatinum.com (http://www.sylvaniaplatinum.com)
About Sylvania Platinum Limited
Sylvania Platinum is a lower-cost producer of platinum group metals (PGM)
(platinum, palladium and rhodium) with operations located in South Africa. The
Sylvania Dump Operations (SDO) comprises six chrome beneficiation and PGM
processing plants focusing on the retreatment of PGM-rich chrome tailings
materials from mines in the Bushveld Igneous Complex. The SDO is the largest
PGM producer from chrome tailings re-treatment in the industry. The Group also
holds mining rights for PGM projects in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld
Complex.
For more information visit https://www.sylvaniaplatinum.com/
(https://www.sylvaniaplatinum.com/)
For the purposes of MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2016/1055, this announcement is being made on behalf of the Company by
Jaco Prinsloo.
ANNEXURE
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FY2023
The following definitions apply throughout the period:
3E PGMs 3E ounces include the precious metal elements Platinum, Palladium and Gold
4E PGMs 4E ounces include the precious metal elements Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and
Gold
6E PGMs 6E ounces include the 4E elements plus additional Iridium and Ruthenium
AGM Annual General Meeting
AIM Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange
All-in sustaining cost Production costs plus all costs relating to sustaining current production
and sustaining capital expenditure.
All-in cost All-in sustaining cost plus non-sustaining and expansion capital expenditure
BCM Bank cubic metres
CLOs Community Liaison Officers
Current arisings Fresh chrome tails from current operating host mines processing operations
DMRE Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
EBITDA Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
EA Environmental Authorisation
EAP Employee Assistance Program
EEFs Employment Engagement Forums
EDEP Employee Dividend Entitlement Programme
ESG Environment, social and governance
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIR Effective interest rate
EMPR Environmental Management Programme Report
ESG Environment, Social and Governance
GBP Pounds Sterling
GHG Greenhouse gases
GISTM Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management
GRI Global Reporting Initiative
JORC Joint Ore Reserves Committee
IASB International Accounting Standards Board
ICE Internal combustion engine
IFRIC International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards
Lesedi Phoenix Platinum Mining Proprietary Limited, renamed Sylvania Lesedi
LSE London Stock Exchange
LTI Lost-time injury
LTIFR Lost-time injury frequency rate
MF2 Milling and flotation technology
MPRDA Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act
MRA Mining Right Application
MRE Mineral Resource Estimate
Mt Million Tonnes
NWA National Water Act 36 of 1998
PGM Platinum group metals comprising mainly platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold
PAR Pan African Resources Plc
PDMR Person displaying management responsibility
PEA Preliminary Economic Assessment
PFS Preliminary Feasibility Study
Pipeline ounces 6E ounces delivered but not invoiced
Pipeline revenue Revenue recognised for ounces delivered, but not yet invoiced based on
contractual timelines
Pipeline sales adjustment Adjustments to pipeline revenues based on the basket price for the period
between delivery and invoicing
Project Echo Secondary PGM Milling and Flotation (MF2) program announced in FY2017 to
design and install additional new fine grinding mills and flotation circuits
at Millsell, Doornbosch, Tweefontein, Mooinooi and Lesedi.
Revenue (by products) Revenue earned on Ruthenium, Iridium, Nickel and Copper
ROM Run of mine
SDO Sylvania dump operations
SLP Social and Labour Plan
Sylvania Sylvania Platinum Limited, a company incorporated in Bermuda
tCO2e Tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
TRIFR Total recordable injury frequency rate
TSF Tailings storage facility
UNSDGs United Nations Sustainability Development Goals
USD United States Dollar
WULA Water Use Licence Application
UK United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
ZAR South African Rand
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