29th March 2023
Botswana Diamonds PLC ("Botswana Diamonds" or the "the Company")
Unaudited Interim Statement and Financial Results for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2022
Botswana Diamonds PLC (AIM:BOD) is a diamond explorer in Sub-Saharan Africa with startup diamond production in
Highlights:
- The first diamonds have now been produced from the Marsfontein dumps and gravels project in
- Plans to begin production on the nearby Thorny River hard rock kimberlite dyke system are well advanced.
- In
Despite global political and economic turbulence, diamond prices have been resilient.
Supply disruptions support prices. Alrosa - the world's largest diamond producer by volume - continues to supply - though more smaller stones could hit the market. Diamonds from
The industry is in a period of adjustment, as lab grown diamonds find their market niche as an entry-level "value" diamond for those not yet able to afford the real thing. But the re-sale value of non-natural stones shows that they constitute a separate segment. Consider the automotive industry, which offers excellent economy and mid-priced cars but luxury car sales grow. There will be (consumer) room for both.
Natural diamonds are more than compressed carbon. Owning them represents a mix of human emotions, aspirations and feelings. Diamonds are forever.
Operations:
Our recent focus has been bringing two operations into production: Marsfontein dumps and gravels and the adjacent Thorny River Dyke system. Diamonds are now being produced from Marsfontein, which is a proof-of-concept trial project. We have contracted out all production operations in return for a 15% production royalty on Run-of-Mine goods, and 25% on special diamonds. This plant, plus operational experience gained, will facilitate operations this year on the larger Thorny River project.
Teething issues at Marsfontein, along with plant delivery delays and adverse weather delayed the first production by a month. Current operations are processing 500 tons of dumps and gravels per day. Diamonds are now being produced although as yet we do not have a true representation of the average grade and quality.
Over the past two years we conducted drilling campaigns on the Thorny River kimberlite dyke system and have identified several areas where dykes have expanded, making mining more commercial. We plan to mine these hot-spots using the same operational approach as at Marsfontein - for a 15% production royalty agreement using the same plant and equipment. These projects will thus deliver cash to BOD with no further capital expenditure.
BOD is obtaining two full mining permits over the Thorny River licences. Once the permits have been issued and the gravels mined out at Marsfontein, the plant and equipment will move to Thorny River. Production at Thorny River is expected to commence in the second half of 2023.
Current Botswanan activities are in the under-explored Kalahari. Negotiations with the receiver of BCL (a former
Prevailing circumstances during 2022 complicated our efforts to secure a new joint venture partner to acquire the Ghaghoo mine, which is close to our KX36 project. This fully equipped diamond mine was placed on care and maintenance by the owner, Gem Diamonds.
There now seems reviewed market interest in Ghaghoo, and we will report as appropriate.
Outlook:
In January 2023, we raised
Recent years have been difficult for junior diamond explorers with little new cash available. But without exploration there can be no new mines. And most new greenfield discoveries are made by juniors.
Botswana Diamonds has raised money and prospected for ten years with some limited success to date; most of our early-stage investors continue to support new funding efforts and I hope that their loyalty can be rewarded shortly.
John Teeling
Chairman
29th March 2023
_______________
This release has been approved by James Campbell, Managing Director of Botswana Diamonds plc, a qualified geologist (Pr.Sci.Nat), a Fellow of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Institute of Materials, Metals and Mining (UK) and the Geological Society of South Africa and who has over 35-years' experience in the diamond sector.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 596/2014. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was James Campbell, Director
A copy of this announcement is available on the Company's website, at www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk
ENDS
Enquiries:
Botswana Diamonds PLC James Campbell, Managing Director Jim Finn, Director |
+353 1 833 2833 +27 83 457 3724 +353 1 833 2833 |
Beaumont Cornish - Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish |
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Beaumont Cornish Limited - Broker Felicity Geidt |
+44 (0) 207 628 3396 |
First Equity Limited - Joint Broker
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+44 (0) 207 374 2212 |
BlytheRay - PR Said Izagaren
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+44 (0) 207 138 3206 +44 (0) 207 138 3553 +44 (0) 207 138 3206 +44 (0) 207 138 3206
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Teneo Luke Hogg Alan Tyrrell
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+353 (0) 1 661 4055 +353 (0) 1 661 4055
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Botswana Diamonds plc |
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Financial Information (Unaudited) |
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|
|
|
|
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months |
|
Six Months |
|
Year |
|
Ended |
|
Ended |
|
Ended |
|
31 Dec 22 |
|
31 Dec 21 |
|
30 Jun 2022 |
|
unaudited |
|
unaudited |
|
audited |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative expenses |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(486) |
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets |
- |
|
- |
|
(253) |
OPERATING LOSS |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(739) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS BEFORE TAXATION |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(739) |
Income tax expense |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
LOSS AFTER TAXATION |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(739) |
Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations |
(24) |
|
(159) |
|
23 |
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD |
(354) |
|
(387) |
|
(716) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS PER SHARE - basic and diluted |
(0.04p) |
|
(0.03p) |
|
(0.09p) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET |
31 Dec 22 |
|
31 Dec 21 |
|
30 Jun 2022 |
|
unaudited |
|
unaudited |
|
audited |
ASSETS: |
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
8,764 |
|
8,126 |
|
8,185 |
Plant and equipment |
207 |
|
207 |
|
207 |
|
8,971 |
|
8,333 |
|
8,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables |
38 |
|
16 |
|
49 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
95 |
|
318 |
|
159 |
|
133 |
|
334 |
|
208 |
TOTAL ASSETS |
9,104 |
|
8,667 |
|
8,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
(1,041) |
|
(650) |
|
(734) |
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
(1,041) |
|
(650) |
|
(734) |
NET ASSETS |
8,063 |
|
8,017 |
|
7,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital - deferred shares |
1,796 |
|
1,796 |
|
1,796 |
Share capital - ordinary shares |
2,392 |
|
2,124 |
|
2,198 |
Share premium |
11,844 |
|
11,383 |
|
11,487 |
Share based payments reserve |
111 |
|
111 |
|
111 |
Retained Deficit |
(6,774) |
|
(5,933) |
|
(6,444) |
Translation Reserve |
(323) |
|
(481) |
|
(299) |
Other reserves |
(983) |
|
(983) |
|
(983) |
TOTAL EQUITY |
8,063 |
|
8,017 |
|
7,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY |
|||||||
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|
|
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|
|
Share based |
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
Share |
Payment |
Retained |
Translation |
Other |
Total |
|
Capital |
Premium |
Reserves |
Deficit |
Reserve |
Reserve |
Equity |
|
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at 30 June 2021 |
3,778 |
10,984 |
111 |
(5,705) |
(322) |
(983) |
7,863 |
Ordinary shares issued |
142 |
418 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
560 |
Share issue expenses |
- |
(19) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(19) |
Total comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
(228) |
(159) |
- |
(387) |
As at 31 December 2021 |
3,920 |
11,383 |
111 |
(5,933) |
(481) |
(983) |
8,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares issued |
74 |
104 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
178 |
Total comprehensive loss |
|
|
- |
(511) |
182 |
- |
(329) |
As at 30 June 2022 |
3,994 |
11,487 |
111 |
(6,444) |
(299) |
(983) |
7,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares issued |
194 |
357 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
551 |
Share issue expenses |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total comprehensive loss |
- |
|
- |
(330) |
(24) |
- |
(354) |
As at 31 December 2022 |
4,188 |
11,844 |
111 |
(6,774) |
(323) |
(983) |
8,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW |
Six Months |
|
Six Months |
|
Year |
|
Ended |
|
Ended |
|
Ended |
|
31 Dec 22 |
|
31 Dec 21 |
|
30 Jun 2022 |
|
unaudited |
|
unaudited |
|
audited |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(739) |
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets |
- |
|
- |
|
253 |
Foreign exchange losses |
(2) |
|
2 |
|
16 |
|
(332) |
|
(226) |
|
(470) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movements in Working Capital |
76 |
|
(69) |
|
(17) |
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
(256) |
|
(295) |
|
(487) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to exploration and evaluation assets |
(105) |
|
(91) |
|
(222) |
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
(105) |
|
(91) |
|
(222) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from share issue |
295 |
|
560 |
|
738 |
Share issue costs |
- |
|
(19) |
|
(19) |
NET CASH GENERATED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
295 |
|
541 |
|
719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
(66) |
|
155 |
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period |
159 |
|
165 |
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes |
2 |
|
(2) |
|
(16) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT AT THE END OF THE PERIOD |
95 |
|
318 |
|
159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
1. INFORMATION
The financial information for the six months ended 31 December 2022 and the comparative amounts for the six months ended 31 December 2021 are unaudited. The financial information above does not constitute full statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Interim Financial Report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union.
The accounting policies and methods of computation used in the preparation of the Interim Financial Report are consistent with those used in the Group 2022 Annual Report, which is available at www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk
The interim financial statements have not been audited or reviewed by the auditors of the Group pursuant to the Auditing Practices board guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information.
2. DIVIDEND
No dividend is proposed in respect of the period.
3. LOSS PER SHARE
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the loss after taxation for the period available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue and ranking for dividend during the period.
Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the loss after taxation for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, adjusted for the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares that were outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):
|
Six Months Ended 31 Dec 22 |
|
Six Months Ended 31 Dec 21 |
|
Year Ended 30 Jun 22 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
Numerator |
|
|
|
|
|
For basic and diluted EPS retained loss |
(330) |
|
(228) |
|
(739) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. |
|
No. |
|
No. |
Denominator Weighted average number of ordinary shares |
924,921,167 |
|
813,171,948 |
|
844,141,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share - Basic and Diluted |
(0.04p) |
|
(0.03p) |
|
(0.09p) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from the weighted average number of shares for the purposes of the diluted earnings per share:
|
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No. |
|
No. |
|
No. |
Share options |
11,410,000 |
|
11,410,000 |
|
11,410,000 |
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
31 Dec 22 |
|
31 Dec 21 |
|
30 June 22 |
Exploration and evaluation assets: |
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
|
£'000 |
Cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
9,807 |
|
9,563 |
|
9,563 |
Additions |
603 |
|
91 |
|
222 |
Exchange variance |
(24) |
|
(159) |
|
22 |
|
10,386 |
|
9,495 |
|
9,807 |
Impairment: |
|
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
1,622 |
|
1,369 |
|
1,369 |
Provision for impairment |
- |
|
- |
|
253 |
|
1,622 |
|
1,369 |
|
1,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Value: |
|
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
8,185 |
|
8,194 |
|
8,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing balance |
8,764 |
|
8,126 |
|
8,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regional Analysis |
31 Dec 22 £'000 |
|
31 Dec 21 £'000 |
|
30 Jun 22 £'000 |
Botswana |
6,638 |
|
6,925 |
|
6,636 |
South Africa |
2,126 |
|
1,201 |
|
1,549 |
Zimbabwe |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
8,764 |
|
8,126 |
|
8,185 |
Exploration and evaluation assets relate to expenditure incurred in exploration for diamonds in Botswana and South Africa. The directors are aware that by its nature there is an inherent uncertainty in exploration and evaluation assets and therefore inherent uncertainty in relation to the carrying value of capitalized exploration and evaluation assets.
During the prior year, the Group recorded an impairment charge of
On 11 November 2014 the Brightstone block was farmed out to BCL Investments (Proprietary) Limited, a Botswana Company, who assumed responsibility for the work programme. Botswana Diamonds will retain a 15% equity interest in the project.
On 6 February 2017 the Group entered into an Option and Earn-In Agreement with Vutomi Mining Pty Ltd and Razorbill Properties 12 Pty Ltd (collectively known as 'Vutomi'), a private diamond exploration and development firm in South Africa. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Botswana Diamonds earned a 40% equity interest in the project. A separate agreement for funding of exploration resulted in the Company's interest in Vutomi increasing from 40% to 45.94%.
On 28 September 2022 the Group increased its' interest from 45.94% to 74%. The consideration for Vutomi comprised 56,989,330 new ordinary shares of
The realisation of these intangible assets is dependent on the successful discovery and development of economic diamond resources and the ability of the Group to raise sufficient finance to develop the projects. It is subject to a number of significant potential risks, as set out below:
· licence obligations;
· exchange rate risks;
· uncertainties over development and operational costs;
· political and legal risks, including arrangements with governments for licenses, profit sharing and taxation;
· foreign investment risks including increases in taxes, royalties and renegotiation of contracts;
· title to assets;
· financial risk management;
· going concern; and
· operational and environmental risks.
Included in additions for the period are
5. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
|
31 Dec 22 £'000 |
|
31 Dec 21 £'000 |
|
30 Jun 22 £'000 |
Opening balance |
207 |
|
207 |
|
207 |
Additions |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Closing |
207 |
|
207 |
|
207 |
On 18 July 2020 the Group entered into an agreement to acquire the KX36 Diamond discovery in Botswana, along with two adjacent Prospecting Licences and a diamond processing plant. These interests are part of a package held by Sekaka Diamond Exploration (Pty) Ltd. The acquisition was completed on 20 November 2020. The diamond processing plant is a recently constructed, fit-for-purpose bulk sampling plant on site. The sampling plant includes crushing, scrubbing, dense media separation circuits and x-ray recovery modules within a secured area.
6. SHARE CAPITAL
Deferred Shares - nominal value of 0.75p per share |
Number |
|
Share Capital £'000 |
|
Share Premium £'000 |
At 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2022 |
239,487,648 |
|
1,796,157 |
|
- |
At 30 June 2022 and 31 December 2022 |
239,487,648 |
|
1,796,157 |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares - nominal value of 0.25p per share |
Number |
|
Share Capital £'000 |
|
Share Premium £'000 |
At 1 July 2021 |
792,721,902 |
|
1,982 |
|
10,984 |
Issued during the period |
56,683,333 |
|
142 |
|
418 |
Share issue expenses |
- |
|
- |
|
(19) |
At 31 December 2021 |
849,405,235 |
|
2,124 |
|
11,383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued during the period |
29,666,667 |
|
74 |
|
104 |
Share issue expenses |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
At 30 June 2022 |
879,071,902 |
|
2,198 |
|
11,487 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued during the period |
77,543,877 |
|
194 |
|
357 |
Share issue expenses |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
At 31 December 2022 |
956,615,779 |
|
2,392 |
|
11,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movements in share capital
On 4 July 2022, a total of 1,666,667 warrants were exercised at a price of 0.60p per warrant for
On 8 September 2022, a total of 47,000,000 warrants were exercised at a price of 0.60p per warrant for
On 28 September 2022, a total of 28,464,665 shares were issued at a price of 0.90p per share totalling
On 6 October 2022, a total of 412,545 warrants were exercised at a price of 0.60p per warrant for
7. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
|
31 Dec 22 £'000 |
|
31 Dec 21 £'000 |
|
30 Jun 22 £'000 |
Trade payables |
82 |
|
25 |
|
48 |
Petra Diamonds creditor |
123 |
|
104 |
|
123 |
Accruals |
594 |
|
521 |
|
563 |
Consideration due - Vutomi acquisition |
242 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,041 |
|
650 |
|
734 |
It is the Company's normal practice to agree terms of transactions, including payment terms, with suppliers and provided suppliers perform in accordance with the agreed terms, payment is made accordingly. In the absence of agreed terms it is the Company's policy that the majority of payments are made between 30 - 40 days. The carrying value of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.
The Company was due to issue a total of 28,524,665 ordinary shares of
8. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
WARRANTS
|
Dec 2022 |
Jun 2022 |
Dec 2021 |
|||
|
Number of Warrants |
Weighted average exercise price in pence |
Number of Warrants |
Weighted average exercise price in pence |
Number of Warrants |
Weighted average exercise price in pence |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at beginning of the period |
162,816,667 |
1.07 |
192,483,334 |
1.07 |
139,166,667 |
0.60 |
Issued |
- |
- |
|
0.60 |
55,000,000 |
2.00 |
Exercised |
(49,079,212) |
0.60 |
(29,666,667) |
0.60 |
(1,683,333) |
0.60 |
Expired |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at end of the period |
113,737,455 |
1.28 |
162,816,667 |
1.07 |
192,483,334 |
1.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Further information of the warrants are detailed in Note 6 above.
9. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
On 27 January 2023, the Company issued 28,524,665 ordinary shares of
On 27 January 2023 the Company announced that it had raised
10. APPROVAL
The Interim Report for the period to 31st December 2022 was approved by the Directors on 28th March 2023.
11. AVAILABILITY OF REPORT
The Interim Statement will be available on the website at www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk
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