Interim Results: 1 May 2023 – 31 October 2023
31/01/2024 07:00
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Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining
31 January 2024
Vast Resources plc
(‘Vast’ or the ‘Company’)
Interim Results: 1 May 2023 – 31 October 2023
Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company, is pleased to announce that
it has released its unaudited interim report and financial results for period
from 1 May 2023 to 31 October 2023.
The report can be found on the Company’s website at the following address:
https://www.vastplc.com/investor-information/document-downloads
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain information contained within this announcement is deemed by the
Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse
Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of
the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK MAR”) until the release of
this announcement.
**ENDS**
For further information, visit www.vastplc.com or please contact:
Vast Resources plc Andrew Prelea (CEO) www.vastplc.com + 44 (0) 20 7846 0974
Beaumont Cornish – Financial & Nominated Advisor Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com +44 (0) 20 7628 3396
Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited – Joint Broker Toby Gibbs / James Thomas (Corporate Advisory) www.shorecapmarkets.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7408 4050
Axis Capital Markets Limited – Joint Broker Richard Hutchinson www.axcap247.com +44 (0) 20 3206 0320
St Brides Partners Limited Susie Geliher / Zoe Briggs www.stbridespartners.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7236 1177
ABOUT VAST RESOURCES PLC
Vast Resources plc is a United Kingdom AIM listed mining company with mines
and projects in Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe.
In Romania, the Company is focused on the rapid advancement of high-quality
projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines.
The Company's Romanian portfolio includes 100% interest in Vast Baita Plai SA
which owns 100% of the producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine, located in the
Apuseni Mountains, Transylvania, an area which hosts Romania's largest
polymetallic mines. The mine has a JORC compliant Reserve & Resource Report
which underpins the initial mine production life of approximately 3-4 years
with an in-situ total mineral resource of 15,695 tonnes copper equivalent with
a further 1.8M-3M tonnes exploration target. The Company is now working on
confirming an enlarged exploration target of up to 5.8M tonnes.
The Company also owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which the
Company is looking to bring back into production following a period of care
and maintenance. The Company has also been granted the Manaila Carlibaba
Extended Exploitation Licence that will allow the Company to re-examine the
exploitation of the mineral resources within the larger Manaila Carlibaba
licence area.
Vast has an interest in a joint venture company which provides exposure to a
near term revenue opportunity from the Takob Mine processing facility in
Tajikistan. The Takob Mine opportunity, which is 100% financed, will provide
Vast with a 12.25 percent royalty over all sales of non-ferrous concentrate
and any other metals produced. Vast has also been contractually appointed to
manage and develop the Aprelevka Gold Mines located along the Tien Shan Belt
that extends through Central Asia, currently producing approximately 11,600 oz
of gold and 116,000 oz of silver per annum. It is the intention to increase
production closer to historical peak production of 27,000 oz gold and 250,000
oz silver. Vast will be entitled to a 4.9% effective interest in the mines
with the option to acquire equity in the future.
The Company retains a continued presence in Zimbabwe in respect of the
Historic claims.
Overview of the Interim Results for the six months to 31 October 2023
Financial
* 7.4% decrease in revenues for the six month period ended 31 October 2023
(US$1.791 million) compared to the six month period ended 31 October 2022
($1.934 million) due mainly due to a reduction in consultancy revenues.
* 4.4% decrease in administrative and overhead expenses for the six month
period ended 31 October 2023 (US$1.848 million) compared to the six month
period ended 31 October 2022 (US$1.934 million). Administrative and overhead
expenses for the six month period ended 31 October 2023 (US$1.848 million) are
lower compared to the six month period ended 30 April 2023 (US$1.946 million).
* A decrease in losses after taxation in the six month period ended 31 October
2023 (US$6.220 million) compared to the six month period ended 31 October 2022
(US$6.779 million). Eliminating the effects of foreign exchange gains and
losses, the loss for the period has decreased 4.6% from US$5.094 million for
the six month period ended 31 October 2022 to US$4.861 million for the six
month period ended 31 October 2023.
* Foreign exchange loss of US$1.359 million for the period compared to a loss
of US$1.685 million for the six month period ended 31 October 2022. These
losses are substantially offset by exchange gains on translation of foreign
operations.
* Cash balances at the end of the period US$0.964 million compared to $0.604
million as at 31 October 2022.
* Debt of US$9.825 million at the end of the period compared to US$9.169
million at 30 April 2023.
Operational Development
* Initial drilling results for BPPM received after the year end were very
encouraging confirming the potential to extend the mining area.
* On 14 July 2023, an employee was fatally injured in a mine transportation
incident. The Directors and Management of Vast express their sincere
condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased.
* Execution of first shipment to Trafigura of lead and zinc concentrate from
the Takob mine in Tajikistan.
Post period end:
* On 16 January 2024, Bay Square Ltd acquired the entire share capital of Gulf
International Minerals Ltd (‘Gulf’). Gulf has a 49% interest in an
undertaking with the Government of Tajikistan (holding 51%) which owns the
Joint Tajik-Canadian Limited Liability Company, Aprelevka. Vast has been
contractually appointed to manage and develop the Aprelevka gold mines in the
Tien Shan Belt of Tajikistan on behalf of the owners.
* Execution of a three-year marketing agreement with a Swiss investment
company for the exclusive distribution of high grade PGM concentrates produced
within the EU. Vast will receive a 2.5% commission based on the sales value of
the concentrates distributed under this agreement.
Funding
Share issues during the period: gross proceeds / consideration before cost of
issue
£ $ Shares Issued Issued to
3,520,350 4,409,350 1,419,000,000 Placing with investors
3,520,350 4,409,350 1,419,000,000
Post period end:
£ $ Shares Issued Issued to
1,255,625 1,594,643 1,225,000,000 Placing with investors
1,255,625 1,594,643 1,225,000,000
Debt Funding
The Company agreed a further debt extension with Alpha and Mercuria to 30
November 2023 and subsequent to the period end, agreed a further extension to
31 January 2024 with a period of one month to 29 February 2024 to effect
repayment. The original maturity date for these facilities was 15 May 2023 and
this has been extended on several occasions. The Company has been in
continuing discussions with Mercuria and Alpha for extensions in the repayment
date for the totality of the debt owed so as to allow further time to realise
the proceeds associated with a historic claim in its operations. Alpha and
Mercuria continue to remain supportive.
Board and Management
We were very saddened by the passing of Andrew Hall, Commercial Director of
Vast Resources. Andrew joined the Vast team in 2018 and has been a very valued
member of the team. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
The Group continues to make progress in its core operations. Initial results
from our current drilling program at Baita Polymetallic Mine (‘BPPM’) have
been very encouraging confirming the potential to significantly expand the
mining area. In Tajikistan, the Group executed its first shipment of lead and
zinc concentrate, and subsequent to the period end, begins its participation
in the management and development of the Aprelevka gold mines in the Tien Shan
Belt [of Tajkiistan]. I believe this reaffirms the underlying potential of the
Group and Andrew expands on this theme in his report.
After the period end, the Company entered into an exclusive marketing
agreement for the distribution of high grade PGM concentrate and for which we
have received our first offer. This offers an exciting opportunity for the
Company, and we hope to expand this trading relationship in the future. We
believe it will bring significant revenue and further collaborative
opportunities.
Our lenders have been and continue to be very supportive. We have agreed a
number of debt extensions in order to allow the Company to repay the loans
with the proceeds associated with an historic claim. The current extension is
to 31 January 2024 with a period of one month to 29 February 2024 to effect
repayment. Substantial progress has been regarding the historic claim, with
further inroads having been made during the period.
Very sadly, on 14 July 2023, a mine employee at BPPM was fatally injured in a
mine transportation incident. We were also very saddened by the sudden passing
of Andrew Hall, Commercial Director of Vast. Andrew joined the Vast team in
2018 and has been a very valued member of the team. Our thoughts go out to
their families, friends, and colleagues.
I wish all our stakeholders well in these difficult times and, as always,
remain committed to the safety of our employees and the communities in which
we operate.
Brian Moritz
Chairman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
As previously reported, the Group began a drilling campaign at BPPM with the
objective of establishing an enlarged JORC compliant Mineral Resource
potentially upgrading the existing Mineral Resource with the inclusion of a
JORC compliant Exploration Target of 11.65 to 12.65 million tonnes. Initial
results received during the period were very encouraging confirming the
potential to extend the mining area. Current production, having improved from
low historical levels, is still not at the level we would like. Given the
potential of the mine, and the incorporation of new data from the drilling
campaign, it is important that we continue to invest further to ensure that we
can increase productivity and smooth natural grade variability. Our primary
focus is on accelerating the development of the decline to access the
higher-grade ore. This investment will realise significant reduction in both
underground fuel consumption and transportation times, resulting in
significant productivity gains. The development provides accelerated access to
high grades at depth versus current working areas, maximising the value of
existing concentrate production by enhancing the grade.
Our Manaila Polymetallic Mine (MPM) continued to remain on care and
maintenance during the period and we plan to restart production once we have
successfully engaged new lenders for the project.
Tajikistan provides the Company with an exciting opportunity to develop local
mining and production capabilities in partnership with Takob. The Company
executed its first shipment to Trafigura of lead and zinc concentrate from the
Takob mine in Tajikistan and on 16 January 2024 was appointed to manage and
develop the Aprelevka gold mines located along the Tien Shan Belt that extends
through Central Asia, currently producing approximately 11,600 oz of gold and
116,000 oz of silver per annum. It is the intention to increase production
closer to historical peak production of 27,000 oz gold and 250,000 oz silver.
Vast will be entitled to a 4.9% effective interest in the mines with the
option to acquire equity in the future.
After the period end, the Company executed a three-year marketing agreement
with a Swiss investing company for the exclusive distribution of high grade
PGM concentrates produced within the EU. Vast will receive a 2.5% commission
based on the final sales value of the concentrate distributed under the
agreement. Vast has commenced to market the product and as announced on 22
January 2024, has received an offer and is in the process of finalising
execution. This marks the beginning of an important additional revenue stream
for Vast. We anticipate that this agreement will result in further
collaborative opportunities that will strengthen the operating capabilities of
the Company.
We were very saddened on 14 July 2023 by a fatality at BPPM. An employee was
fatality injured in a mine transportation incident. Very sadly, we also lost
Andrew Hall, Commercial Director of Vast, who passed away at the end of
November. Andrew was a highly valued part of the team and will be missed very
much. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends, and colleagues.
Many thanks to fellow Board members and management for the commitment and hard
work that has been put into the Group. I thank all our stakeholders for their
continued support.
Andrew Prelea
Chief Executive Officer
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 31 October 2023
31 Oct 2023 30 Apr 2023 31 Oct 2022
6 Months 12 Months 6 Months
Group Group Group
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Note $’000 $’000 $’000
Revenue 1,791 3,720 1,934
Cost of sales (2,989) (8,402) (3,827)
Gross loss (1,198) (4,682) (1,893)
Overhead expenses (3,836) (3,454) (3,983)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (308) (706) (352)
Profit / (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment - - -
Share option and warrant expense (329) (274) -
Sundry income 8 (5) (12)
Exchange gain / (loss) (1,359) 1,411 (1,685)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (1,848) (3,880) (1,934)
Fair value movement in available for sale investments - - -
Loss from operations (5,034) (8,136) (5,876)
Finance income - - -
Finance expense (1,186) (2,370) (903)
Loss before taxation from continuing operations (6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
Taxation charge - - -
Total (loss) taxation for the period (6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to either profit or loss
(Loss) / gain on available for sale financial assets - - -
Exchange gain /(loss) on translation of foreign operations 1,132 (1,197) 1,219
Total comprehensive expense for the period (5,088) (11,703) (5,560)
Total profit / (loss) attributable to:
- the equity holders of the parent company (6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
- non-controlling interests - - -
(6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
Total comprehensive profit / (loss) attributable to:
- the equity holders of the parent company (5,088) (11,703) (5,560)
- non-controlling interests - - -
(5,088) (11,703) (5,560)
(Loss) per share - basic and diluted - amount in cents ($) 4 (0.19) (0.56) (0.51)
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share capital Share premium Share option reserve Foreign currency translation reserve Retained deficit Total
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
At 30 April 2022 41,458 94,707 2,574 (376) (136,234) 2,129
Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - 1,219 (6,779) (5,560)
Share option and warrant charges - - - - - -
Share options and warrants lapsed - - - - - -
Share warrants issued to lenders - - 277 - - 277
Shares issued:
- for cash consideration 1,265 4,189 - - - 5,454
- to settle liabilities 630 1,120 - - - 1,750
At 31 October 2022 43,353 100,016 2,851 843 (143,013) 4,050
Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (2,416) (3,727) (6,143)
Share option and warrant charges - - 274 - - 274
Share options and warrants lapsed - - (2,193) - 2,193 -
Share warrants issued to lenders - - - -
Shares issued:
- for cash consideration 1,020 3,342 - - - 4,362
- to settle liabilities - - - - - -
At 30 April 2023 44,373 103,358 932 (1,573) (144,547) 2,543
Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - 1,132 (6,220) (5,088)
Share option and warrant charges - - 329 - - 329
Share options and warrants lapsed - - - - - -
Share warrants issued to lenders - - - - - -
Shares issued:
- for cash consideration 1,760 2,274 - - - 4,034
- to settle liabilities - - - - - -
At 31 October 2023 46,133 105,632 1,261 (441) (150,767) 1,818
for the six months ended 31 October 2023
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 October 2023
31 Oct 2023 30 Apr 2023 31 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Assets Note
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 3 17,351 17,840 16,502
Available for sale investments 891 891 891
Investment in associates 417 417 417
18,659 19,148 17,810
Current assets
Inventory 5 1,113 973 1,234
Receivables 6 3,560 2,936 2,734
Cash and cash equivalents 964 530 604
Total current assets 5,637 4,439 4,572
Total Assets 24,296 23,587 22,382
Equity and Liabilities
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Parent
Share capital 46,133 44,373 43,353
Share premium 105,632 103,358 100,016
Share option reserve 1,261 932 2,851
Foreign currency translation reserve (441) (1,573) 843
Retained deficit (150,767) (144,547) (143,013)
1,818 2,543 4,050
Non-controlling interests - - -
Total equity 1,818 2,543 4,050
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 - - -
Provisions 9 1,151 1,165 1,124
Trade and other payables 8 2,052 1,933 1,713
3,203 3,098 2,837
Current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 9,825 9,169 8,903
Trade and other payables 8 9,450 8,777 6,592
Total current liabilities 19,275 17,946 15,495
Total liabilities 22,478 21,044 18,332
Total Equity and Liabilities 24,296 23,587 22,382
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flow
for the six months ended 31 October 2023
31 Oct 2023 30 Apr 2023 31 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit (loss) before taxation for the period (6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment charges 308 706 352
Share option expense 329 274 -
Finance expense 1,186 2,370 903
Unrealised foreign currency exchange loss / (gain) 1,626 (1,661) 1,891
(2,771) (8,817) (3,633)
Changes in working capital:
Decrease (increase) in receivables (624) (101) 100
Decrease (increase) in inventories (140) (134) (394)
Increase (decrease) in payables 588 2,656 373
(176) 2,421 79
Taxation paid - - -
Cash generated by / (used in) operations (2,947) (6,396) (3,554)
Investing activities:
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment (315) (1,896) (1,314)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 1 25 -
.
Total cash used in investing activities (314) (1,871) (1,314)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares 4,034 9,816 5,454
Proceeds from loans and borrowings granted - 4,500 4,265
Repayment of loans and borrowings (339) (5,622) (4,350)
Total proceeds from financing activities 3,695 8,694 5,369
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 434 427 501
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 530 103 103
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 964 530 604
Interim report notes
1 Interim Report
These condensed interim financial statements, which are unaudited, are for the
six months ended 31 October 2023 and consolidate the financial statements of
the Company and all its subsidiaries. The statements are presented in United
States Dollars.
The financial information set out in these condensed interim financial
statements does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434(3)
of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed interim financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group
for the period ended 30 April 2023 which have been prepared in accordance with
UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and the Companies Act 2006. The
Auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not
contain a statement under s.498(2) or s.498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
While the Auditors’ report for the period ended 30 April 2023 was
unqualified, it did include a material uncertainty related to going concern,
to which the Auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying
their report. Full details of these comments are contained in the report of
the Auditors on Pages 24-28 of the annual financial statements for the period
ended 30 April 2023, released elsewhere on this website on 31 October 2023.
The accounts for the period have been prepared in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” (“IAS
34”) and the accounting policies are consistent with those of the annual
financial statements for the period ended 30 April 2023, unless otherwise
stated, and those envisaged for the financial statements for the year ended 30
April 2024.
Changes in Accounting Policies
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, a number of
Standards and Interpretations were in issue but were not yet effective. The
Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards and
interpretations, or any of the amendments made to existing standards as a
result of the annual improvements cycle, will have a material effect on the
financial statements in the year of initial application.
Going concern
After review of the Group’s operations and expectations regarding the
recovery of an historic claim, and ongoing refinancing and investor
discussions, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, the Directors
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the unaudited condensed
interim financial statements.
This interim report was approved by the Directors on 30 January 2024.
2 Segmental Analysis
Mining, exploration, and development Admin and corporate Total
Europe & Central Asia Africa
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Year to 31 October2023
Revenue 1,791 - - 1,791
Production costs (2,989) - - (2,989)
Gross profit (loss) (1,198) - - (1,198)
Depreciation (308) - - (308)
Profit (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment - - - -
Share option and warrant expense - - (329) (329)
Sundry income 8 - - 8
Exchange (loss) gain (1,323) - (36) (1,359)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (992) - (856) (1,848)
Fair value movement in available for sale investments - - - -
Finance income - - - -
Finance expense (317) - (869) (1,186)
Taxation (charge) - - - -
Profit (loss) for the year (4,130) - (2,090) (6,220)
31 October 2023
Total assets 22,893 - 1,403 24,296
Total non-current assets 17,348 - 1,311 18,659
Additions to non-current assets 315 - - 315
Total current assets 5,545 - 92 5,637
Total liabilities 14,642 - 7,836 22,478
Mining, exploration, and development Admin and corporate Total
Europe & Central Asia Africa
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Year to 30 April 2023
Revenue 3,720 - - 3,720
Production costs (8,402) - - (8,402)
Gross profit (loss) (4,682) - - (4,682)
Depreciation (704) - (2) (706)
Share option and warrant expense - - (274) (274)
Sundry income (5) - - (5)
Exchange (loss) gain 1,098 - 313 1,411
Other administrative and overhead expenses (2,165) - (1,715) (3,880)
Finance expense (775) - (1,595) (2,370)
Profit (loss) for the year (7,233) - (3,273) (10,506)
30 April 2023
Total assets 22,290 - 1,297 23,587
Total non-current assets 17,916 - 1,232 19,148
Additions to non-current assets 1,595 - 301 1,896
Total current assets 4,374 - 65 4,439
Total liabilities 13,937 - 7,107 21,044
Mining, exploration, and development Admin and corporate Total
Europe & Central Asia Africa
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Year to 31 October2022
Revenue 1,934 - - 1,934
Production costs (3,827) - - (3,827)
Gross profit (loss) (1,893) - - (1,893)
Depreciation (352) - - (352)
Sundry income (12) - - (12)
Exchange (loss) gain (1,561) - (124) (1,685)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (788) - (1,146) (1,934)
Finance income - - - -
Finance expense (385) - (518) (903)
31 October 2022
Total assets 19,943 - 2,439 22,382
Total non-current assets 16,839 - 971 17,810
Additions to non-current assets 1,085 - 229 1,314
Total current assets 3,104 - 1,468 4,572
Total liabilities 11,509 - 6,823 18,332
3 Property, Plant and equipment
Group Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings and equipment Computer assets Motor vehicles Buildings and Improvements Mining assets Capital Work in progress Total
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Cost at 1 May 2022 3,443 72 160 763 3,146 12,070 2,983 22,637
Additions during the period 9 - - - - 178 1,127 1,314
Reclassification 297 - - 237 - 663 (1,197) -
Foreign exchange movements (177) (15) (8) (89) (135) (486) (129) (1,039)
Cost at 31 October 2022 3,572 57 152 911 3,011 12,425 2,784 22,912
Additions during the period 1 - - - - - 582 583
Reclassification 146 - - 66 - 28 (240) -
Disposals during the year (5) - - (37) - (1) - (43)
Foreign exchange movements 311 18 12 129 237 853 208 1,768
Cost at 30 April 2023 4,025 75 164 1,069 3,248 13,305 3,334 25,220
Additions during the period 7 - - - - - 308 315
Reclassification 14 10 - 18 - - (42) -
Disposals during the period (1) - - (3) - - - (4)
Foreign exchange movements (137) (15) (5) (46) (92) (339) (110) (744)
Cost at 31 October 2023 3,908 70 159 1,038 3,156 12,966 3,490 24,787
Depreciation at 1 May 2022 2,838 65 107 190 1,037 1,584 604 6,425
Charge for the period 146 4 5 24 38 135 - 352
Reclassification - - - - - - - -
Foreign exchange movements (148) (12) (7) (60) (73) (67) - (367)
Depreciation at 31 October 2022 2,836 57 105 154 1,002 1,652 604 6,410
Charge for the period 116 4 5 37 48 144 - 354
Disposals during the period (1) - - (16) - - - (17)
Reclassification - (4) 4 - - - - -
Foreign exchange movements 268 14 11 79 132 129 - 633
Depreciation at 30 April 2023 3,219 71 125 254 1,182 1,925 604 7,380
Charge for the period 82 3 5 42 23 153 - 308
Disposals during the period (1) - - (2) - - - (3)
Reclassification - - - - - - - -
Foreign exchange movements (107) (5) (5) (25) (52) (55) - (249)
Depreciation at 31 October 2023 3,193 69 125 269 1,153 2,023 604 7,436
Net book value at 31 October 2022 736 - 47 757 2,009 10,773 2,180 16,502
Net book value at 30 April 2023 806 4 39 815 2,066 11,380 2,730 17,840
Net book value at 31 October 2023 715 1 34 769 2,003 10,943 2,886 17,351
4 Loss per share
Profit and loss per ordinary share has been calculated using the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the relevant financial year.
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period is:
31 Oct 2023 30 Apr 2023 31 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period is: 3,250,324,470 1,862,916,300 1,323,933,416
Profit / (loss) for the period: ($’000) (6,220) (10,506) (6,779)
Profit / (Loss) per share basic and diluted (cents) (0.19) (0.56) (0.51)
The effect of all potentially dilutive share options is anti-dilutive.
5 Inventory
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Minerals held for sale 552 402 634
Production stockpiles 6 6 5
Consumable stores 555 565 595
1,113 973 1,234
6 Receivables
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Trade receivables 739 215 257
Other receivables 1,779 1,624 1,482
Short term loans 334 335 324
Prepayments 104 125 115
VAT 604 637 556
3,560 2,936 2,734
7 Loans and borrowings
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Non-current
Secured borrowings 8,967 8,213 8,161
Unsecured borrowings 625 728 500
less amounts payable in less than 12 months (9,592) (8,941) (8,661)
- - -
Current
Secured borrowings - - -
Unsecured borrowings 232 227 241
Bank overdrafts 1 1 1
Current portion of long term borrowings - secured 8,967 8,213 8,161
- unsecured 625 728 500
9,825 9,169 8,903
Total loans and borrowings 9,825 9,169 8,903
8 Trade and other payables
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Trade payables 3,768 3,458 3,066
Other payables 1,724 1,872 1,656
Other taxes and social security taxes 3,889 3,346 1,813
Accrued expenses 69 101 57
9,450 8,777 6,592
Vast Baita Plai SA (‘VBP’) established a repayment schedule on 20 May 2022
to defer the its payroll tax liability over a five year period. During the
period, the Company has entered into discussions for a new and required
restructuring plan in order to ensure the Company can affordably repay the
total amounts due to the tax authorities. The amounts currently deferred and
disclosed below are consistent with the old plan in existence and reported on
for the year ended 30 April 2023 in line with management’s current
expectations.
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Amounts due between one and two years 483 455 495
Amounts due between two and three years 615 579 457
Amounts due between three and four years 770 725 457
Amounts due between four and five years 185 174 304
2,052 1,933 1,713
9 Provisions
Oct 2023 Apr 2023 Oct 2022
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$’000 $’000 $’000
Provision for rehabilitation of mining properties
- Provision brought forward from previous periods 1,165 1,145 1,145
- Liability recognised during period - - -
- Derecognised on disposal of subsidiary - - -
- Other movements (14) 20 (21)
1,151 1,165 1,124
10 Contingent liabilities
In the normal course of conducting business in Romania, the Company’s
Romanian businesses are subject to a number of legal proceedings and claims.
These matters comprise claims by the Romanian tax authorities. The Company
records liabilities related to such matters when management assesses that
settlement of the exposure is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Based
on current information and legal advice, management does not expect any such
proceedings or claims to result in liabilities and therefore no liabilities
have been recorded at 31 October 2023. However, these matters are subject to
inherent uncertainties and there exists the remote possibility that the
outcome of these proceedings and claims could have a material impact on the
Group.
11 Contingent assets
As mentioned in the highlights, Chairman’s and Chief Executive Officer’s
report, the Company has an historic claim in its operations. No asset has been
recorded in respect of the claim.
12 Events after the reporting date
Share issuance:
£ $ Shares Issued Issued to
1,255,625 1,594,643 1,225,000,000 Placing with investors
1,255,625 1,594,643 1,225,000,000
On 16 January 2024, the Company was appointed to manage and develop the
Aprelevka gold mines located along the Tien Shan Belt that extends through
Central Asia.
The Company executed a three-year marketing agreement with a Swiss investing
company for the exclusive distribution of high grade PGM concentrates produced
within the EU
Recent news on Vast Resources
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Update on Proposed Acquisition
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Brief: Vast Resources Says Co Extends SPA Long Stop Date To 30 June 2026
Update on Proposed RTO and General Update