The 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
24 June 2024
AIM: AAU
FINAL AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Ariana Resources plc ("Ariana" or "the Company"), the AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with gold mining interests in
The Report and Accounts will be posted to shareholders as applicable and are available on the Company's website.
In accordance with Rule 20 of the AIM Rules, Ariana Resources confirms that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 and notice of the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and related proxy form will be available to view on the Company's website on 24 June 2024 and will be posted to shareholders. The AGM will be held on 19 July 2024, at 10.30 a.m. at East India Club, 16 St James's Square,
Chairman's Statement
As we reflect on the achievements and milestones of Ariana Resources plc in 2023, I am pleased to share that this year has been a period of remarkable progress and significant transformation for our Company. Despite global economic challenges, Ariana Resources has demonstrated resilience, innovation and a commitment to sustainable growth, positioning us strongly for the future.
Most significantly, after completing an assessment of several early and advanced-staged exploration and development opportunities, particularly in
Operational Highlights
Several substantial advancements across our portfolio of assets, particularly in Türkiye, were seen in 2023. The Kiziltepe Mine has continued to perform robustly during a period which witnessed the development of its fourth open-pit on the Banu Vein. This has been a testament to the operational efficiencies and strategic investments made toward enhancing the mine's capacity and productivity. The specific focus on optimising the Mineral Resource and Reserves, operational workflows and employing state-of-the-art technologies, has resulted in an overall increase in production since operations commenced in 2017, exceeding our initial projections by over 50,000oz of gold by the year-end.
In parallel, the development of the Tavşan Project has progressed significantly after a five-month period in which construction was suspended in 2023 following a local court ruling against its Environmental Impact Assessment. Our operating company in Türkiye, Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. (of which we own 23.5%), successfully navigated this situation and was able to recommence mine construction in July 2023. Furthermore, initial gold production from Tavşan has been recorded post-period end following the trucking of high-grade ore to the Kiziltepe CIL processing plant. We currently anticipate the commencement of gold production from the Tavşan heap-leach towards the end of 2024. These developments underscore our commitment to expanding our production base and diversifying our project portfolio.
Exploration and Expansion
Exploration remains at the heart of Ariana Resources. Our strategic partnership with Özaltin Holding and Proccea Construction continues to yield benefits, particularly in the context of the Salinbaş Project. These collaborations have provided the financial strength and technical expertise to support the exploration and development of this project, ensuring its efficient advancement through an extensive drilling programme over the past couple of years. This year, our exploration team contributed to important discoveries, including the identification of new mineralised zones, such as Hizarliyayla, which has opened exciting opportunities for future investigation.
Elsewhere, the exploration being undertaken by the team at Western Tethyan Resources Limited in partnership with Newmont is proceeding exceptionally well. This work included extensive new generative exploration programmes across both
Financial Performance
Ariana delivered a financial result for 2023 in line with expectations, underpinned by the production from the Kiziltepe operation and prudent financial management of the Tavşan mine build, which had been funded entirely by Zenit Madencilik to the year-end. Revenue recorded within Zenit Madencilik benefitted from favourable commodity prices, despite the lower throughput and grade of ore being processed compared to the prior year, and cost control across the Kiziltepe and Tavşan operations delivered a robust year-end profit. Meanwhile, our exploration and associated expenditure increased during the year, largely reflecting the work being undertaken by our subsidiary Western Tethyan, in addition to some Turkish exploration costs. By year-end, we had maintained a healthy cash and gold bullion-backed bank position, the latter held in Türkiye in preference to holding Turkish Lira given the significant currency fluctuations impacting prior years.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Sustainability is a core pillar of our business strategy. In 2023, we made meaningful progress in our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. We have implemented several measures to reduce our environmental footprint and promote environmental stewardship, including energy-efficient practices and waste management programmes. In particular, our dedicated office facilities in
initiatives in Türkiye and elsewhere. We continue to prioritise the health and safety of our employees and their personal development, adhering to the highest standards of workplace safety, including access to a helicopter-based medevac service while our team maintained an on-site presence in
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to 2024 and beyond, Ariana Resources is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, particularly with respect to the development of the Dokwe Gold Project, which we intend to advance into a project feasibility study. Our strategic focus will remain on enhancing operational efficiencies, advancing our exploration projects, and pursuing value-accretive opportunities. We are confident that our financially disciplined, technology-driven approach and our robust project pipeline will drive sustainable growth and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated employees, partners, and shareholders for their unwavering support. Your commitment and confidence in Ariana Resources have been instrumental in our success. Together, we will continue to build a prosperous future for our company and all its stakeholders.
Michael de Villiers
Chairman
21 June 2024
Financial Review
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position reports essentially a break-even position for the year to December 2023 in terms of profit before tax, as compared to a profit of
Our Administrative Costs were lower by over
As far as the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is concerned, the interests in our Equity Accounted Investments, where we have a significant interest but not overall control of these companies, declined by
The Group remains in a strong financial position, with interests in a variety of exciting projects, and remains extremely well positioned for future growth.
Outlook
The past year witnessed a consolidation of our core strategy to identify an advanced project capable of being progressed through to the feasibility stage. This culminated in a Merger Implementation Agreement entered with Rockover Holdings Limited on the circa 1.8Moz Dokwe Gold Project in
In addition, we have implemented a cutting-edge on-site geochemical laboratory at Dokwe, known as the detectORETM system developed by Portable PPB Pty. Ltd. in
We are aiming to advance the Dokwe Project through feasibility in the coming year, as we progress our strategy to become a mid-tier mine developer in the longer term. As part of this strategy, we are planning to dual-list the company on the Australian Securities Exchange, aiming to encourage investment from a new market, increasing liquidity and creating the circumstances to enable a better valuation. This will be important as we build on our plan to advance the Dokwe Project through feasibility and then eventually into construction and operation. Having built the Company from the ground up, particularly after having navigated successfully through the challenges of mine development and financing in Türkiye, we are confident we have the skills, capacity and will to see the Dokwe Project through to a successful conclusion.
2024 marks two decades since the commencement of our first exploration programmes in Türkiye and, coincidentally, two decades since the independent discovery of the Dokwe Project by the Rockover team. In that time, both companies charted a remarkably similar course, with a resolute focus on achieving exploration success and developing innovative approaches to make discoveries, culminating in the identification of mineral resources of comparable scale. Most remarkably, both companies were able to achieve this outcome at a near identical discovery cost per resource ounce, which demonstrates better than any other metric, the similarity of vision and strategy of Ariana and Rockover in their exploration across frontier jurisdictions. These factors contribute substantially to our understanding that the proposed merger with Rockover represents a synergistic alliance of fundamental values and core strengths.
We are looking forward to completing the Merger with Rockover this year and welcome the support of our stakeholders in enabling our ongoing development. By continuing to build on the impressive and unusually successful exploration track-records demonstrated by both Ariana and Rockover to date, we will collectively enhance value and create a sustainable future.
Dr Kerim Sener
Managing Director
21 June 2024
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Continuing operations |
Note |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Administrative costs (net of exchange gains) |
4a |
(1,828) |
(555) |
General exploration expenditure |
|
(218) |
(181) |
Operating loss |
4b |
(2,046) |
(736) |
Fair value gain on gold bullion backed bank accounts |
5 |
175 |
- |
Profit on disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
5 |
168 |
- |
Fair value loss on listed investments through profit or loss |
13 |
(165) |
- |
Share of profit of associate accounted for using the equity method |
6c |
2,080 |
6,010 |
Share of loss of associate accounted for using the equity method |
6b |
(513) |
(551) |
Other income |
|
128 |
159 |
Investment income |
|
232 |
135 |
Profit before tax |
|
59 |
5,017 |
Taxation |
8 |
(277) |
(987) |
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations |
|
(218) |
4,030 |
Earnings per share (pence) attributable to equity holders of the company |
|
|
|
Basic and diluted |
10 |
(0.02) |
0.36 |
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations |
|
(5,466) |
(3,504) |
Other comprehensive loss for the year net of income tax |
|
(5,466) |
(3,504) |
Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the year |
|
(5,684) |
526 |
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
Note |
|
2023 £'000 |
|
2022 £'000 |
Assets Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
16 |
|
666 |
|
414 |
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
13 |
|
883 |
|
639 |
Intangible assets |
11 |
|
112 |
|
130 |
Land, property, plant and equipment |
12 |
|
331 |
|
461 |
Investment in associates accounted for using the equity method |
6 |
|
13,479 |
|
15,317 |
Exploration expenditure |
14a |
|
1,085 |
|
199 |
Earn-In advances |
14b |
|
416 |
|
87 |
Total non-current assets |
|
|
16,972 |
|
17,247 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
17 |
|
854 |
|
1,280 |
Gold bullion backed bank accounts |
5 |
|
1,590 |
|
- |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
2,517 |
|
9,375 |
Liquid funds available to the Group |
|
|
4,107 |
|
9,375 |
Total current assets |
|
|
4,961 |
|
10,655 |
Total assets |
|
|
21,933 |
|
27,902 |
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Called up share capital |
19 |
|
1,147 |
|
1,147 |
Share premium |
19 |
|
2,207 |
|
2,207 |
Other reserves |
|
|
720 |
|
720 |
Translation reserve |
|
|
(17,148) |
|
(11,682) |
Retained earnings |
|
|
34,448 |
|
34,666 |
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent |
|
|
21,374 |
|
27,058 |
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
140 |
|
30 |
Total equity |
|
|
21,514 |
|
27,088 |
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
18 |
|
419 |
|
814 |
Total current liabilities |
|
|
419 |
|
814 |
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
21,933 |
|
27,902 |
Company Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
Note |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Assets Non-current assets |
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
16 |
3,728 |
3,850 |
Investments in group undertakings |
15 |
377 |
377 |
Investment in associate accounted for using the equity method |
6 |
2,035 |
2,612 |
Total non-current assets |
|
6,140 |
6,839 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
17 |
370 |
540 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
- |
- |
Total current assets |
|
370 |
540 |
Total assets |
|
6,510 |
7,379 |
Equity |
|
|
|
Called up share capital |
19 |
1,147 |
1,147 |
Share premium |
19 |
2,207 |
2,207 |
Retained earnings |
|
3,130 |
3,886 |
Total equity |
|
6,484 |
7,240 |
Liabilities Current liabilities |
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
18 |
26 |
139 |
Total current liabilities |
|
26 |
139 |
Total equity and liabilities |
|
6,510 |
7,379 |
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Other reserves £'000 |
Share based payments reserve £'000 |
Capital reduction reserve £'000 |
Translation reserve £'000 |
Retained earnings £'000 |
Total attributable to equity holders of parent £'000 |
Non- controlling interest £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Changes in equity to 31 December 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
1,097 |
305 |
720 |
173 |
7,222 |
(8,178) |
27,160 |
28,499 |
30 |
28,529 |
Profit for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,030 |
4,030 |
- |
4,030 |
Other |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(3,504) |
- |
(3,504) |
- |
(3,504) |
Total |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(3,504) |
4,030 |
526 |
- |
526 |
Issue of ordinary shares |
50 |
1,902 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1,952 |
- |
1,952 |
Dividend paid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(3,919) |
(3,919) |
- |
(3,919) |
Transfer between reserves |
- |
- |
- |
(173) |
(7,222) |
- |
7,395 |
- |
- |
- |
Transactions |
50 |
1,902 |
- |
(173) |
(7,222) |
- |
3,476 |
(1,967) |
- |
(1,967) |
Balance at |
1,147 |
2,207 |
720 |
- |
- |
(11,682) |
34,666 |
27,058 |
30 |
27,088 |
Changes in equity to 31 December 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(218) |
(218) |
- |
(218) |
Other |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(5,466) |
- |
(5,466) |
- |
(5,466) |
Total |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(5,466) |
(218) |
(5,684) |
- |
(5,684) |
Transactions between shareholders |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
110 |
110 |
Transactions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
110 |
110 |
Balance at |
1,147 |
2,207 |
720 |
- |
- |
(17,148) |
34,448 |
21,374 |
140 |
21,514 |
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Capital reduction Reserve £'000 |
Share based payments reserve £'000 |
Retained earnings £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Changes in equity to 31 December 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1 January 2022 |
1,097 |
305 |
7,222 |
173 |
34 |
8,831 |
Profit for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
376 |
376 |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
376 |
376 |
Issue of ordinary shares |
50 |
1,902 |
- |
- |
- |
1,952 |
Dividend paid to shareholders |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(3,919) |
(3,919) |
Transfer between reserves |
- |
- |
(7,222) |
(173) |
7,395 |
- |
Transactions with owners |
50 |
1,902 |
(7,222) |
(173) |
3,476 |
(1,967) |
Balance at 31 December 2022 |
1,147 |
2,207 |
- |
- |
3,886 |
7,240 |
Changes in equity to 31 December 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(756) |
(756) |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(756) |
(756) |
Transactions with owners |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Balance at 31 December 2023 |
1,147 |
2,207 |
- |
- |
3,130 |
6,484 |
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
Profit/(loss) for the year |
(218) |
4,030 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
Depreciation of non-current assets |
74 |
93 |
Share of profit in equity accounted associate |
(2,080) |
(6,010) |
Share of loss in equity accounted associate |
513 |
551 |
Fair value loss on listed investments Profit on disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
165 (168) |
- - |
Fair value gain on investment in gold bullion backed bank accounts |
(175) |
- |
Expenditure settled in shares for non-controlling shareholders |
60 |
- |
Investment income |
(232) |
(135) |
Income tax expense |
277 |
987 |
Movement in working capital |
(1,784) |
(484) |
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables |
(842) |
(361) |
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables |
(263) |
46 |
Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities |
(2,889) |
(799) |
Taxation paid |
(256) |
(1,882) |
Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities |
(3,145) |
(2,681) |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
Earn-In Advances |
(330) |
(87) |
Purchase of land, property, plant and equipment |
(94) |
(333) |
Payments for intangible and exploration assets |
(896) |
(199) |
Purchase of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
(1,916) |
- |
Proceeds from disposal of gold bullion backed bank accounts |
671 |
- |
Purchase of associate investment |
(200) |
- |
Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
(443) |
(155) |
Loan granted to associate |
(350) |
(500) |
Investment income |
232 |
135 |
Net cash generated from/ (used in) investing activities |
(3,326) |
(1,139) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
Issue of share capital |
- |
1,952 |
Proceeds from non-controlling interest |
50 |
- |
Payment of shareholder dividend (excluding uncashed) |
(8) |
(4,022) |
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities |
42 |
(2,070) |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(6,429) |
(5,890) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
9,375 |
16,389 |
Exchange adjustment on cash and cash equivalents |
(429) |
(1,124) |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
2,517 |
9,375 |
|
|
|
Liquid funds available to the Group. |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,517 |
9,375 |
Gold bullion backed bank accounts held at year end at market value. |
1,590 |
- |
|
4,107 |
9,375 |
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.
Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023
1. General Information
Ariana Resources PLC (the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated, domiciled and registered in the
The Company's shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") are related to the exploration for and development of gold and technology-metals, principally in south-eastern
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling (£), which is the parent company's functional and presentation currency, and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand except where otherwise indicated. The financial information has been prepared on the historical cost basis modified to include revaluation to fair value of certain financial instruments and the recognition of net assets acquired including contingent liabilities assumed through business combinations at their fair value on the acquisition date modified by the revaluation of certain items, as stated in the accounting policies.
Basis of Preparation
The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. As permitted by that Act, the separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Going Concern
These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.
The Directors are mindful that there is an ongoing need to monitor overheads and costs associated with delivering on its strategy and certain exploration programmes being undertaken across its portfolio. The Group has no bank facilities and has been meeting its working capital requirements from cash resources and its gold bullion-backed bank accounts which are convertible into cash on demand. At the year end the Group had liquid funds amounting to
The Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the Group for the period to 30 September 2025 based on their assessment of the prospects of the Group's operations. The cash flow forecasts include expected future cash flows from our equity-accounted associates along with the normal operating costs for the Group over the period together with the discretionary and non-discretionary exploration and development expenditure. The Group can of course reduce its discretionary operational expenditure as well as liquidate available-for-sale investments.
The forecasts indicate that on the basis of existing cash and other resources, and expected future dividend payments from Zenit, the Group may require additional funds if it is to meet all its expected obligations in delivering all of its work programmes for the forthcoming year, particularly on completion of the acquisition of Rockover Holdings Limited (see note 24). This project is being acquired with the intention of advancing immediately to its feasibility-stage development and the forecasts specifically include this outcome.
The Directors are obliged to consider a variety of options as regards to the financing of the Group going forward, and this may include an equity raise via an open offer or placing, or alternative sources of finance if thought appropriate. Planning is also underway with regard to a dual-listing on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") which will provide further opportunities to raise capital. Despite the continuing challenging market conditions for exploration and development companies, the Company and the Group have been successful historically in raising finance (having last done so in 2017) and in the light of this, the Directors have a reasonable expectation of securing sufficient funding to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
In preparing these financial statements the Directors have given consideration to the above matters and on this basis they believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
4. Administrative costs & Operating loss
4a. Administrative costs amounting to
4b. The operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):
|
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Depreciation and amortisation - owned assets |
73 |
93 |
Office lease rentals |
6 |
8 |
Exceptional exchange (gain) in Türkiye |
(712) |
(2,821) |
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains) |
60 |
156 |
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Group's and Company's annual accounts |
50 |
50 |
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for other services: - The audit of the Company's subsidiaries |
25 |
25 |
5. Gold Bullion Backed Bank Accounts
During March 2023 the Group, through its wholly owned subsidiary company Galata Madencilik San. Ve Tic Ltd, reinvested some of its currency reserves into gold bullion-backed bank accounts. As at the end of the year and due to the significant increase in the market price for this commodity, the resulting uplift in the market valuation compared to its original cost, resulted in an unrealised gain amounting to
6. Equity accounted Investments
The Group and Company's investments comprise the following: -
Associates and joint ventures companies |
Note |
Group 2023 £'000 |
Company 2023 £'000 |
Group 2022 £'000 |
Company 2022 £'000 |
Associate Interest in Pontid Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Pontid") |
6a |
4,139 |
- |
4,139 |
- |
Associate Interest in Venus Minerals Ltd ("Venus") |
6b |
2,035 |
2,035 |
1,848 |
2,612
|
Associate Interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Zenit") |
6c |
7,305 |
- |
9,330 |
- |
Carrying amount of investment at 31 December |
|
13,479 |
2,035 |
15,317 |
2,612 |
6a Associate Interest in Pontid
Following the disposal in the prior year by Greater Pontides Exploration B.V. (holding company) of its entire interest in Pontid Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. ("Pontid") to Ozaltin Holding A.S and Proccea Construction Co., the Group reinvested
Financial information based on Pontid's translated financial statements, and reconciliations with the carrying amount of the investment in the consolidated financial statements are set out below.
Statement of financial position As at 31 December 2023 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Assets Non-current assets |
|
|
Other receivables |
- |
14 |
Intangible exploration assets |
2,567 |
2,006 |
Land, property, plant and machinery |
47 |
69 |
Total non-current assets |
2,614 |
2,089 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
470 |
337 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,626 |
4,377 |
Total current assets |
3,096 |
4,714 |
Total assets |
5,710 |
6,803 |
Current liabilities |
|
|
Other payables |
38 |
131 |
Total current liabilities |
38 |
131 |
Equity |
5,672 |
6,672 |
Proportion of the Group's ownership |
23.5% |
23.5% |
Share of net assets per above analysis |
1,333 |
1,568 |
Goodwill on acquisition and share of interest post-acquisition |
2,806 |
2,571 |
Carrying amount of investment in Pontid |
4,139 |
4,139 |
6b Share of loss of associate interest in Venus Minerals Ltd
The Company and group acquired 50% of Venus Minerals Ltd ("Venus") through an earn-in agreement on 5 November 2021. During the period the Company provided additional support to Venus, initially in the form of convertible loan finance and subsequently on the conversion of this loan into equity. Following the loan conversion during May 2023, the Company's shareholding in Venus increased from 50% to 58% (post-period end 61%). The Ariana Board recognises that this additional equity stake is solely to assist with the short-term funding of Venus and has no direct impact on its operational control. On this basis, the Ariana Board believes it appropriate to continue to use the equity method of accounting for its investment in Venus.
On the 1 November 2023, Venus changed its legal status from Limited to PLC ahead of its planned IPO.
The Group and Company accounts for its associate interest in Venus using the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 (revised). The results set out below includes the Group`s and Company's share of loss for the year to 31 December 2023.
|
Group 2023 £'000 |
Company 2023 £'000 |
Group 2022 £`000 |
Company 2022 £`000 |
|
Equity accounted Associate interest |
Equity accounted Associate interest |
Equity accounted Associate interest |
Equity accounted Associate interest |
At 1 January 2023 |
1,848 |
2,612 |
2,399 |
2,612 |
Equity acquired |
700 |
700 |
- |
- |
Share of loss since significant influence recognised by Group and Company |
(513) |
(1,277) |
(551) |
- |
At 31 December 2023 |
2,035 |
2,035 |
1,848 |
2,612 |
6c Share of profit of associate interest in Zenit
The Group accounts for its associate interest in Zenit using the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 (revised). In prior years Zenit was also accounted for using the equity method of accounting, albeit the company was then classified as a joint venture, until part disposal by the Group in February 2021. At 31 December 2023 the Group has a 23.5% interest in Zenit, and profits from Zenit are shared in the ratio of 23.5% the Group, 23.5% Proccea and the remaining 53% interest to Ozaltin Holding A.S.
Zenit was incorporated in, and has its principal place of business in
Financial information based on Zenit's translated financial statements, and reconciliations with the carrying amount of the investment in the consolidated financial statements are set out below:
Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended 31 December 2023 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Revenue |
31,247 |
47,489 |
Cost of sales |
(21,355) |
(26,244) |
Gross Profit |
9,892 |
21,245 |
Administrative and other expenditure (including government levy) |
(2,265) |
(555) |
Operating profit |
7,627 |
20,690 |
Finance expenses including foreign exchange losses |
(944) |
(1,102) |
Finance income including foreign exchange gains |
6,629 |
4,728 |
Profit before tax |
13.312 |
24,316 |
Taxation charge (including deferred taxation) |
(4.459) |
1,259 |
Profit for the year |
8,853 |
25,575 |
Proportion of the Group's profit share |
23.5% |
23.5% |
Group's share of profit for the year |
2,080 |
6,010 |
6c Share of profit of interest in associate in Zenit
Statement of financial position As at 31 December 2023 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
||||
Assets Non-current assets |
|
|
||||
Other receivables and deferred tax asset |
4,242 |
6,287 |
||||
Intangible exploration assets |
14 |
50 |
||||
Kiziltepe Gold Mine (including capitalised mining, land, property and equipment |
8,006 |
12,889 |
||||
Tavşan Mine in construction |
10,883 |
4,709 |
||||
Total non-current assets |
23,145 |
23,935 |
||||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|||
Trade and other receivables |
314 |
281 |
||||
Inventories |
2,287 |
3,424 |
||||
Other receivables, VAT and prepayments |
3,458 |
5,345 |
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
10,904 |
15,420 |
||||
Total current assets |
16,963 |
24,470 |
||||
Total assets |
40,108 |
48,405 |
||||
Liabilities |
|
|
||||
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
||||
Asset retirement obligation |
417 |
582 |
||||
Total non-current liabilities |
417 |
582 |
||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
||||
Borrowings |
- |
361 |
||||
Trade payables |
2,403 |
3,345 |
||||
Other payables |
6,203 |
4,415 |
||||
Total current liabilities |
8,606 |
8,121 |
||||
Total liabilities |
9,023 |
8,703 |
||||
Equity |
31,085 |
39,702 |
||||
Proportion of the Group's ownership |
23.5% |
23.5% |
||||
Carrying amount of investment in associate |
7,305 |
9,330 |
||||
Movement in Equity - our share |
|
|
||||
Opening balance |
9,330 |
4,864 |
||||
Profit for the year |
2,080 |
6,010 |
||||
Translation and other reserves |
(4,105) |
(1,544) |
||||
Closing balance |
7,305 |
9,330 |
||||
9. Profit and distributable reserves of parent Company
(a) Profit of parent company
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the statement of comprehensive income of the parent Company is not presented as part of these financial statements. The parent Company's loss for the financial year was
(b) Distributable reserves of parent company
The Company paid its first shareholder inaugural special dividend on 24 September 2021 amounting to
(c) Dividends
During the prior year, a second interim and third final part of the inaugural special dividend distribution was paid out of distributable reserves. The second interim payment on 11 March 2022 of
10. Earnings per share on continuing operations
The calculation of basic profit/(loss) per share is based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of
13. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Group and Company |
Group
£'000 |
At 1 January 2023 |
639 |
Additions |
443 |
Fair value adjustment |
(165) |
Exchange movement |
(34) |
At 31 December 2023 |
883 |
Carrying value |
|
At 31 December 2022 |
639 |
At 31 December 2023 |
883 |
During the year, the Group's wholly owned subsidiary, Asgard Metals Pty. Ltd., continued with its investment strategy, with the acquisition of both listed and unlisted investments amounting to
As at 31 December 2023, due to a change in the market valuation of its listed securities, a fair value loss amounting to
16. Non-current trade and other receivables
|
Group |
Company |
||
|
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Amounts owed by Group undertakings |
- |
- |
3,728 |
3,850 |
Amounts owed by associate interest |
666 |
414 |
- |
- |
|
666 |
414 |
3,728 |
3,850 |
The amount owed to the Group relates to an instalment-based interest free loan agreed upon following the disposal by Galata of its three remaining satellite projects to Zenit at a rate of
The directors have assessed that the future fair value return on settlement of this debt is not materially different from the carrying value shown above.
17. Trade and other receivables
|
Group |
Company |
||
|
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Other receivables |
370 |
155 |
20 |
29 |
Amounts owed by associate interest |
- |
497 |
- |
- |
Loan to associate interest |
350 |
500 |
350 |
511 |
Prepayments |
134 |
128 |
- |
- |
|
854 |
1,280 |
370 |
540 |
The carrying values of other receivables and amounts owed by associate interest approximate their fair values as these balances are expected to be cash settled in the near future.
A convertible loan agreement with Venus Minerals Limited amounting to
A second convertible loan agreement was completed with Venus Minerals PLC (previously Ltd) and at the end of the year amounted to
18. Trade and other payables
|
Group |
Company |
||
|
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
2023 £'000 |
2022 £'000 |
Trade and other payables |
118 |
189 |
20 |
102 |
Social security and other taxes |
172 |
355 |
- |
- |
Other creditors and advances |
21 |
137 |
- |
29 |
Accruals and deferred income |
108 |
133 |
6 |
8 |
|
419 |
814 |
26 |
139 |
The above listed payables are all unsecured. Due to the short-term nature of current payables, their carrying values approximate their fair value.
19. Called up share capital, share premium and capital reduction reserve
Allotted, issued and fully paid ordinary 0.1p shares |
Number |
Ordinary Shares £'000 |
Share £'000 |
In Issue 1 January & 31 December 2023 |
1,146,363,330 |
1,147 |
2,207 |
22. Contingent liabilities
Following the restructuring of the Group and the part disposal by Galata Mineral Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. of 26.5% of its interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S., 75% of the resulting gain on disposal is exempt from Turkish corporation tax provided the gain is retained under equity by Galata for a period of 5 years. This potentially exempt taxable gain, including the previously reported gain during 2019 on Çamyol Gayrimenkul, Madencilik, Turizm, Tarim ve Hayvancilik Ltd ("Camyol") is as follows:
Contracting parties |
Shareholding |
Taxable gain in Lira |
Contingent liability in Lira |
Contingent Liability in GBP |
Galata |
26.5% |
127,766,456 |
31,941,614 |
|
Çamyol |
99% |
4,529,343 |
1,132,335
|
|
24. Post year end events
On 25 April 2024, the Company announced that it had entered into a conditional Merger Implementation Agreement, which if concluded would affect an all-share acquisition of Rockover Holdings Limited ("Rockover"), a company that owns the c. 1.3Moz Dokwe Gold Project in
Contacts:
Ariana Resources plc |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7407 3616 |
Michael de Villiers, Chairman |
|
Kerim Sener, Managing Director |
|
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Roland Cornish / Felicity Geidt |
|
Panmure Gordon ( |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2500 |
Hugh Rich / Atholl Tweedie / Rauf Munir |
|
WHIreland Limited (Joint Broker) Harry Ansell / Katy Mitchell / George Krokos Yellow Jersey PR Limited (Financial PR) |
Tel: +44 (0) 207 2201666
Tel: +44 (0) 7983 521 488 |
Dom Barretto / Shivantha Thambirajah / |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Editors' Note:
The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Dr. Kerim Sener BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, Managing Director of Ariana Resources plc. Dr. Sener is a Fellow of The Geological Society of
About Ariana Resources:
Ariana is an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company with an exceptional track-record of creating value for its shareholders through its interests in active mining projects and investments in exploration companies. Its current interests include gold production in Türkiye and copper-gold exploration and development projects in
The Company holds 23.5% interest in Zenit Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.S. a joint venture with Ozaltin Holding A.S. and Proccea Construction Co. in Türkiye which contains a depleted total of c. 2.2 million ounces gold equivalent (as at March 2024, using a price ratio of 90 Ag to 1 Au). The joint venture comprises the Kiziltepe Mine and the Tavsan and Salinbas projects.
The Kiziltepe Gold-Silver Mine is located in western Türkiye and contains a depleted JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 171,700 ounces gold and 3.3 million ounces silver (as at March 2024). The mine has been in profitable production since 2017 and has been producing at an average rate of c.22,000 ounces of gold per annum. A Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty of 2.5% on production is being paid to Franco-Nevada Corporation.
The Tavsan Gold Mine is located in western Türkiye and contains a JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 311,000 ounces gold and 1.1 million ounces silver (as at March 2024). Following the approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment and associated permitting, Tavsan is being developed as the second gold mining operation in Türkiye and is currently in construction. A NSR royalty of up to 2% on future production is payable to Sandstorm Gold.
The Salinbas Gold Project is located in north-eastern Türkiye and contains a JORC Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource of 1.5 million ounces of gold (as at July 2020). It is located within the multi-million-ounce Artvin Goldfield, which contains the "Hot Gold Corridor" comprising several significant gold- copper projects including the 4 million ounce Hot Maden project, which lies 16km to the south of Salinbas. A NSR royalty of up to 2% on future production is payable to Eldorado Gold Corporation.
Ariana owns 100% of
Ariana owns 75% of
Ariana owns 61% of
Panmure Gordon (
For further information on Ariana, you are invited to visit the Company's website at www.arianaresources.com.
Ends.
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