Quarterly Activities and Cash Flow Report September 2023
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
resourcing the new economy for a better tomorrow
EQ Resources Limited
Quarterly Activities Report
Quarter ended 30 September 2023
EQ Resources Limited (EQR) is the 100% owner of the Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine near Cairns,
Australia’s leading primary producer of tungsten, a critical metal. Production recommenced in 2020
with dual product streams of tungsten concentrate and by-product high-quality specialised aggregate
and road-making materials. Re-Opening and mining of the historical Andy White Open Pit
commenced in June 2023.
HIGHLIGHTS
MT CARBINE OPERATIONS
-
Open cut mining operations ramping up with regular blasts
-
Record monthly tungsten concentrate production for July and new record for September 2023, with a 181%
increase quarter-on-quarter
MT CARBINE EXPLORATION
-
Exploration drilling was undertaken at the Ruby Vein (Part of the Iron Duke Formation) and in the eastern
area of the Mt Carbine Deposit
-
36 Reverse Circulation (RC) holes were drilled for a total of 1,817m with all holes reaching 51m in depth
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & FUNDING
-
EQR acquires leading European tungsten concentrate producer Saloro S.L.U., and secures $25 million
investment by Oaktree Capital Management*
-
XRT ore sorter trials at Saloro’s Barruecopardo mine hit targets showing strong operational results, in terms
of throughput and metal recovery
-
Investors holding convertible notes issued in September 2021 convert 100% of their notes into EQR
ordinary shares
-
EQR has been awarded the permit for resource exploration across the Wolfram Camp Mine, Bamford Hill
Mine and surrounding exploration areas under the program for ‘Recommercialisation of Abandoned Mines’
by the Queensland Department of Resources
* As of the date of this report, the transaction remains subject to various closing conditions, incl. the approval of foreign direct investment agencies in
Australia and Spain.
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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MT CARBINE OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION
Mt Carbine
Q1 FY2024
Q4 FY2023
% change
QoQ
FY2024 YTD
Material blasted
t
363,000
-
-
363,000
Material extracted
t
279,000
-
-
279,000
Ore Stockpiled
t
95,030
-
-
95,030
Ore Crushed
t
150,600
159,390
-6%
150,600
Ore Sorted
t
130,519
94,282
38%
130,519
Sorter Concentrate Produced
t
11,448
10,499
9%
11,448
Ore Gravity Processed
t
73,000
82,604
-12%
73,000
50% Equivalent WO 3 Produced
t
422.6
150.5
181%
422.6
OPEN CUT MINING
Open Cut Mining Operations are now well underway, and our geology department continues to work closely with Golding
our Mining Contractor to ensure best outcomes for both quantities and grade of ore. An ore grade colour coding system
was introduced to ensure effective management of material at ROM 1.
Colour coding of the pit face before blast
-
13 blasts have been carried out this quarter for a total 363,000 tonnes of material blasted.
-
279,159 tonnes total material extracted from the pit during this quarter. Extraction increased significantly in August
following the mobilisation of additional heavy equipment.
-
95,030 tonnes of ore on stockpile as of beginning of October ready to be processed.
-
Ramp up to full production will continue during Q2 FY2024 with the target to reach 83,000 tonnes of ore and
150,000 tonnes of waste per month. On 1st November 2023 a Hitachi EX1900 excavator with a 11 m3 bucket
will come online with an additional 4 x Cat 775 Trucks of 60 tonnes capacity each.
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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resourcing the new economy for a better tomorrow
Excavation operations ongoing at the bottom of the pit (Left); Current stockpiles, sorted by grade from left to right: Blue ‘low grade’, Yellow
‘medium grade’, Pink ‘high grade’ (Right)
CRUSHING OPERATIONS
Transition from feeding Low-Grade Stockpile (LGS) to mostly exclusively open pit material.
Mobile jaw crusher added ahead of the crushing circuit to crush the -700mm ore delivered from the blasts in the open pit.
This feed preparation step almost removed all oversize material through the plant.
The Crushing Plant processed 150,600 tonnes of open pit material and produced 113,000 tonnes of Sorter feed during the
quarter.
New Sandvik mobile cone crusher was added to increase output and produce more feed to the Ore Sorter Plant and
Gravity Plant on quarter end.
XRT SORTER
The Ore Sorter Plant processed 130,000 tonnes of ore and produced 11,448 tonnes of sorter concentrate with a recordbreaking 48,000 tonnes processed in September alone.
Commissioning of the XRT Tomra Unit 3 finalised end of August, with newer programming and increased efficiencies, the
plant is already seeing the benefits of the upgrade, with an increased run time from around 50% previous months to 74%
in September and will continue to deliver next quarter.
GRAVITY PLANT
Significant improvement of key operational parameters:
-
181% increase of concentrate production from quarter-to-quarter with 422 tonnes of 50% WO3 concentrate from
150.5 tonnes in Q4 FY2023.
-
September record of monthly production at 202.8 tonnes of 50% WO3 concentrate
-
Daily production record of 11.1 tonnes during a 24-hour period
Primary driver behind this increase has been the introduction of open pit material to the processing circuit, delivering a
substantially higher grade than the LGS. The feed through the Crushing Plant from the open pit averaged over 0.2%, in
stark contrast to the 0.13% average from the LGS.
Operational efficiency has shown marked improvements, 82.4% runtime of this quarter as opposed to 75.5% in Q1 FY2023.
Sorter concentrate processed through the Gravity Plant this quarter increased to 13,000 tonnes, compared to 11,000
tonnes in Q4 FY2023 and 8,000 tonnes in Q3 FY2023.
Both the Gravity Plant and the Ore Sorter Plant are not only performing robustly but have also demonstrated their capability
to handle an estimated additional 30% capacity.
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The Phase 2 expansion is continuing across the site, particularly at the Gravity Plant. A new mineral jig has arrived on site
and will be commissioned. Both mineral jigs will be working in parallel for increase production and increase run time. A
second dewatering screen has been installed and will be complemented by a rolls crusher to double the milling capacity
at the plant. With doubling of capacity underway, the plant will be able to have a minimal downtime and reduce all risk of
bottlenecking at the plant.
WO3 Concentrate Production 50%
Equivalent (kg)
WO3 Concentrate Production 50%
Equivalent (kg)
500,000
250,000
400,000
200,000
300,000
150,000
200,000
100,000
100,000
50,000
Q2
FY2023
Q3
FY2023
Q4
FY2023
-
Q1
FY2024
Figure 1: Gravity Plant Quarterly Concentrate Production
Jul-23
Aug-23
Sep-23
Figure 2: Gravity Plant Monthly Concentrate Production Q1 FY2024
QUARRY OPERATIONS
EQR remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its circular economy. The dedicated website for the Quarry is now
online at the following link: https://mtcarbinequarries.com.au
The Mt Carbine Quarries continues to supply a wide range of aggregates and concrete raw materials to regional contractors
and project owners, such as the Mareeba Shire Council.
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SUSTAINABILITY
See EQR’s Annual Report 2023 page 18 to 29 for a recent, in-depth sustainability review. EQR reports its safety and ESG
development according to its core values outlined in its ESG Program Framework. See: Sustainability Framework and
Materiality Assessment.
EQR has added a sustainability tab to its website that communicates the company’s ESG commitments and its ESG
initiatives. See: What We Care About and ESG Showcase.
HEALTH AND SAFETY STATISTICS
Value: Act Safe. Feel Safe
EQR’s commitment to a safer work environment is illustrated by the 1,854 positive safety indicators logged this quarter.
Thanks to enhanced workplace inspections by Area Foremen and Supervisors, site safety has been augmented, ensuring
all areas meet and exceed industry standards, highlighting our dedication to continuous improvements.
During the upcoming quarter, EQR is prioritising its commitment to safety by scheduling its annual safety reset in line with
the Queensland mining sector. This vital initiative emphasises reinforcing safety protocols, addressing any worker
concerns, and fostering an environment where the well-being of every individual on the team remains at the forefront of
our operations.
DIVERSITY AND PARTICIPATION STATISTICS
Value: Embrace Difference
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS
Value: Tread Lightly
Figure 3: Example of ARTEH’s performance dashboard.
As EQR works towards future reporting and net-zero readiness, developmental work with Arteh on an emissions tracking
dashboard is ongoing with data collection and inputs underway. See: EQ Resources’ Collaboration with Arteh: Advancing
ESG Excellence in the mining industry.
LOCAL PROCUREMENT, PARTNERING & ENGAGEMENT STATISTICS
Value: Buddy Up
EQR is currently planning an updated Stakeholder Sentiment Survey to further understand the environmental and social
aspects that matter most to its stakeholders. Building on insights from the 2021 survey and guided by the Turner &
Townsend JukesTodd ESG Categorisation framework, this initiative aims to align EQR's ESG program more closely with
the evolving needs of its stakeholders. EQR remains dedicated to ongoing enhancement of its ESG policies and practices
to reflect the company's growth and the aspirations of its stakeholders.
SUSTAINABILITY STATISTICS
Value: Lead with Integrity
EQR have commenced a review of industry best practice sustainability reporting standards to identify which metrics and
reporting framework will be most appropriate to our operations. Utilising the International Council of Mining and Metals
(ICMM) self-assessment of conformance, EQR have commenced a gap assessment to identify where we currently meet
the ICMM best practice principals and where we can further develop our ESG program. We are also looking at future
alignment and reporting against GRI (Global Reporting Index) general disclosures, as well as the GRI Mining Standards
which are expected to be released in Q4 this year. The purpose of this exercise is to proactively close gaps in EQR’s
sustainability data collection. This will ensure we remain transparent and industry-leading with our outward messaging and
put EQR in a favourable position for potential future mandatory sustainability reporting requirements.
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CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING
EQR ACQUIRES SALORO AND SECURES $25 MILLION INVESTMENT BY OAKTREE
EQR has entered into binding terms to acquire European tungsten producer Saloro S.L.U. from Oaktree, positioning EQR
as a leading global supplier of sustainable critical minerals and the largest tungsten concentrate producer in the Western
World. This acquisition expands EQR's portfolio and aligns with their strategy to become a leader on the tungsten market.
Oaktree supports this transaction with a $25 million investment in EQR. This deal offers EQR shareholders increased
production scale, exposure to two major tungsten operations, and potential growth within the exploration permits at Mt.
Carbine and Barruecopardo. Both sites, with established customer bases spanning Asia, Europe, and North America,
expect to realize operational cost savings and synergies. Saloro is recognized by the EU as a provider of Critical Raw
Minerals and operates the historic Barruecopardo mine in Salamanca, Spain. Having restarted the mine in 2019 following
a 40-year hiatus, its monthly production is now around 140 tonnes of high-grade tungsten concentrate. As part of the
project due diligence work, EQR’s experts have defined key priorities with regards to further operational improvement
initiatives to be implemented.
Saloro’s Barruecopardo mine in Spain, with the processing plant on the left and crushing and screening circuit on the right.
(See ASX Announcement ‘EQR Acquires Leading European tungsten Producer, Saloro S.L.U., and secures $25 Million
investment by Oaktree’ dated 10th August 2023).
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BARRUECOPARDO XRT ORE SORTER TRIALS
The initial tests of the Ore sorter at Barruecopardo have been
promising, achieving a notable 10.2-times upgrade with an 85%
recovery rate in the 8,957t trial. With further optimization,
recoveries are projected to surpass 90%. The geology of the mine
mirrors that of EQR’s Mt Carbine Tungsten Mine, both being highgrade sheeted vein systems. The unique coarse nature of the
scheelite at Barruecopardo has enabled the implementation and
commissioning of the TOMRA XRT Ore Sorter in August 2023.
Upon successful commissioning, Saloro aims to purchase more
XRT Ore Sorters to expand its processing capacity. This move
will result in cost savings since only around a third of the present
ore volume will be processed, albeit at a higher grade. This, in
turn, will boost recoveries in the processing plant as the input
grade elevates. EQR’s experience from the Mt Carbine operation
will be pivotal for the Barruecopardo ore body, and a specialized
team has been set up to ensure effective knowledge transfer.
(See ASX Announcement ‘XRT Sorter Trials at Barruecopardo Mine Hit Targets’ dated 19 September 2023).
WOLFRAM CAMP MINE EXPLORATION PERMIT
EQR has been selected as the favoured tenderer for resource exploration at the historic Wolfram Camp mine site to
determine the feasibility of re-commissioning. This aligns with the Queensland Government's plan to invest $245 million in
the Critical Minerals Strategy, emphasizing the re-commercialization of old mines for economic growth and a sustainable
future. The permit encompasses a 477km² RA442 license area, which includes the Wolfram Camp mine and Bamford Hill
advanced exploration target. There's about 5 million tonnes of Low Grade Stockpile and Tailings available for evaluation.
Over the next year, EQR aims for a comprehensive regional review, which includes drilling over 10,000 meters in the next
3 years and collecting 4,000 soil samples. An XRT Sorter trial will also be undertaken to evaluate its compatibility with the
existing Mt Carbine processes. This initiative supports EQR's growth strategy, located 60 km from Mt Carbine, will further
solidify the region's role as a critical mineral hub.
(See ASX Announcement ‘EQR Awarded Permit For Historic Wolfram Camp Mine’ dated 27 July 2023).
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EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
MINERAL RESOURCES ESTIMATE
No change to the resources / reserves of the company has occurred in the current quarter with the following tables outlining
as follows:
Table 1 – Mt Carbine Mineral Resources Estimate as of April 2023
ORE RESERVES
Table 2 – Mt Carbine Ore Reserves as of 15th May 2023
EXPLORATION TENEMENTS
Exploration drilling was undertaken at the Ruby Vein (Part of the Iron Duke Formation) and in the eastern area of the Mt
Carbine Deposit. A total of 36 Reverse Circulation (RC) holes were drilled for a total of 1,817m with all holes reaching 51m
in depth. This scout drilling was done on essentially 25m centres to determine any surface vein locations.
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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Figure 4 - Model of the Open Pit with Ruby Vein and Eastern Extension
The Ruby vein was observed to be intersected in all drill holes and has now been demonstrated to continue for 450 meters
strike. The Ruby zone reaches a maximum width of 3 meters with multiple narrow zones (10-50cm) of visible tungsten
mineralization (wolframite & scheelite). In the Eastern exploration work no substantial veins were encountered and it is
postulated the eastern extension is offset further to the northwest of this test drilling. Assaying of the RC chips will be
completed next quarter in Q2 FY2024.
Figure 5 - Completed drillholes over Ruby Vein prospect.
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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resourcing the new economy for a better tomorrow
Figure 6 - Completed drillholes from the Iron Duke area/ Eastern Extension
TENEMENT INTERESTS
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.3.3, the following table is submitted with respect to tenements held by the Company
and is controlled entities:
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
EQR’s cash balance as at 30 September 2023 was $3.749 million (compared with $5.336 million for the quarter
ended 30 June 2023), representing a net decrease of $1.587 million for the quarter.
Cash receipts from customers totalled $3.529 million (compared with $1.076 million in the previous quarter)
representing about threefold increase from previous quarter mainly due to a record production of Tungsten
concentrate and 50% share of its sales from the unincorporated joint venture in this quarter.
The increase in production costs to $2.146 million is in line with the announced ramp-up production activities
in the quarter to generate the increased sales revenue.
The Company continues its investment of $1.994 million on property, plant and equipment with an additional
$1.334 million being expended on capitalised exploration and evaluation activities.
The cash flows from financing activities were improved with proceeds from exercise of various options for
$2.196 million in this quarter.
The Company continues to maintain a strong focus on cost control across its operating and corporate activities
as the ramp-up production continues generating the targeted cash flows.
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
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CORPORATE
CHANGES IN EQR BOARD & LEADERSHIP TEAM
There have been no changes in the EQR Board and leadership team during this quarter.
RELATED PARTY PAYMENTS
In line with its obligations under ASX Listing Rule 5.3.5, the Company has advised in the Appendix 5B for the period ended
30 September 2023, that the only payments to related parties of the Company pertain to payments to Directors and Senior
Executives for salaries, fees and consultancy including expense reimbursements.
Released on authority of the Board by:
Kevin MacNeill
Chief Executive Officer
Further Enquiries:
Peter Taylor
Investor Relations
0412 036 231
peter@nwrcommunications.com.au
About the Company
EQ Resources Limited is an ASX-listed company transforming its world-class tungsten assets at Mt Carbine in North
Queensland; leveraging advanced technology, historical stockpiles and unexploited resource with the aim of being the preeminent tungsten producer in Australia. The Company also holds gold exploration licences in New South Wales. The
Company aims to create shareholder value through the exploration and development of its current portfolio whilst
continuing to evaluate corporate and exploration opportunities within the new economy and critical minerals sector.
Forward-looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and
conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently
anticipated in such statements. Particular risks applicable to this announcement include risks associated with planned
production, including the ability of the Company to achieve its targeted production outline due to regulatory, technical or
economic factors. In addition, there are risks associated with estimates of resources, and there is no guarantee that a
resource will have demonstrated economic viability as necessary to be classified as a reserve. There is no guarantee that
additional exploration work will result in significant increases to resource estimates. Neither the Australian Securities
Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Australian Securities Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this announcement.
Follow us:
Quarterly Activities Report - Quarter ended 30 September 2023
Page 13
Rule 5.5
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report
Name of entity
EQ RESOURCES LIMITED
ABN
Quarter ended (“current quarter”)
77 115 009 106
30 September 2023
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Current quarter
$A’000
1.
Cash flows from operating activities
1.1
Receipts from customers
1.2
Payments for
Year to date
(3 months)
$A’000
3,529
3,529
-
-
(b) development
(203)
(203)
(c) production
(2,146)
(2,146)
(d) staff costs
(1,566)
(1,566)
(535)
(535)
(a) exploration & evaluation
(e) administration and corporate costs
1.3
Dividends received (see note 3)
-
-
1.4
Interest received
7
7
1.5
Interest and other costs of finance paid
(22)
(22)
1.6
Income taxes paid
-
-
1.7
Government grants and tax incentives
-
-
1.8
Other
- Diesel Fuel Tax Credits
104
104
(832)
(832)
(a) entities
-
-
(b) tenements
-
-
(c) property, plant and equipment
(1,994)
(1,994)
(d) exploration & evaluation
(1,334)
(1,334)
(e) investments
-
-
(f)
-
-
1.9
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities
2.
Cash flows from investing activities
2.1
Payments to acquire or for:
other non-current assets
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 1
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report
Consolidated statement of cash flows
2.2
Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(3 months)
$A’000
Proceeds from the disposal of:
(a) entities
-
-
(b) tenements
-
-
(c) property, plant and equipment
-
-
(d) investments
-
-
(e) other non-current assets
-
-
(210)
(210)
2.3
Cash flows from loans to other entities
2.4
Dividends received (see note 3)
-
-
2.5
Other (provide details if material)
-
-
2.6
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities
(3,538)
(3,538)
3.
Cash flows from financing activities
3.1
Proceeds from issues of equity securities
(excluding convertible debt securities)
-
-
-
-
2,196
2,196
(7)
(7)
675
675
3.2
Proceeds from issue of convertible debt
securities
3.3
Proceeds from exercise of options
3.4
Transaction costs related to issues of equity
securities or convertible debt securities
3.5
Proceeds from Borrowings
- Other Working Capital Loans
(unincorporated joint venture)
3.6
Repayment of borrowings
-
-
3.7
Transaction costs related to loans and
borrowings
-
-
3.8
Dividends paid
-
-
3.9
Other
-Lease Repayments
(71)
(71)
2,793
2,793
3.10
Net cash from / (used in) financing
activities
4.
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents for the period
4.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
5,336
5,336
4.2
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities (item 1.9 above)
(832)
(832)
4.3
Net cash from / (used in) investing activities
(item 2.6 above)
(3,538)
(3,538)
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 2
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(3 months)
$A’000
4.4
Net cash from / (used in) financing activities
(item 3.10 above)
2,793
2,793
4.5
Effect of movement in exchange rates on
cash held
(10)
(10)
4.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
3,749
3,749
5.
Reconciliation of cash and cash
equivalents
Current quarter
$A’000
Previous quarter
$A’000
at the end of the quarter (as shown in the
consolidated statement of cash flows) to the
related items in the accounts
5.1
Bank balances
3,749
5,336
5.2
Call deposits
-
-
5.3
Bank overdrafts
-
-
5.4
Other (provide details)
-
-
5.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)
3,749
5,336
6.
Payments to related parties of the entity and their
associates
6.1
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 1
116
6.2
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 2
-
Current quarter
$A'000
Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an
explanation for, such payments.
Payments to Directors and Senior Executives for salaries (including superannuation), fees,
consultancy, and expense reimbursements.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 3
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report
7.
Financing facilities
Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing
arrangements available to the entity.
Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the
sources of finance available to the entity.
Total facility
amount at quarter
end
$A’000
Amount drawn at
quarter end
$A’000
-
-
7.1
Loan facilities
7.2
Shareholder Loan
1,500
1,500
7.3
Convertibles Notes
-
-
7.4
Total financing facilities
1,500
1,500
7.5
Unused financing facilities available at quarter end
7.6
Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest
rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing
facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end,
include a note providing details of those facilities as well.
-
7.2 Unsecured Loan at an interest rate of 8.00% p.a. to be settled by July 2024.
$A’000
8.
Estimated cash available for future operating activities
8.1
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)
8.2
(Payments for exploration & evaluation classified as investing
activities) (item 2.1(d))
(1,334)
8.3
Total relevant outgoings (item 8.1 + item 8.2)
(2,166)
8.4
Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)
3,749
8.5
Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)
8.6
Total available funding (item 8.4 + item 8.5)
8.7
Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.6 divided by
item 8.3)
(832)
3,749
1.7
Note: if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings (ie a net cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as “N/A”.
Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.7.
8.8
If item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:
8.8.1
Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating
cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?
Answer: The Company is expecting further positive quarter-on-quarter improvement of its
net operating cashflows, driven by a further increase of production output, i.e.
coming from the open pit mining operations started just ahead of this quarter. As
part of the ramp-up, higher-grade feed is available for concentrate production. It
shall also be noted that the Company initiated a large Capex Expansion Program (as
outlined in the Bankable Feasibility Study) with all expenses associated with the
open-cut mining operations capitalised as deferred evaluation expenditure in the
current quarter. The Company anticipates that this level of expenditure on
capitalised exploration and evaluation will decrease from its current level next
quarter.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (17/07/20)
+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
Page 4
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report
8.8.2
Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further
cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it
believe that they will be successful?
Answer: The Company has binding agreements in place for a share subscription by Oaktree
Capital as part of the Saloro acquisition. Upon closing, the Company will raise $25
million through issuance of new ordinary shares to Oaktree Capital.
Nevertheless, the Company already started to support the Saloro operations with
manpower (incurring labour and travelling expenses). The Company will
furthermore be required to pay all deal expenses related to the Saloro acquisition.
Relevant costs might be absorbed by the Company’s corporate development budget,
or otherwise the Company will secure bridge financing and secure cash in other
forms, in order to complete the Saloro acquisition as soon as possible.
8.8.3
Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business
objectives and, if so, on what basis?
Answer: While production ramp-up in this quarter has been slower than projected with the
Bankable Feasibility Study, the start of the open pit mining along with further
implementation of the Mt Carbine Capex program and related improvements show
positive results on the production output and the Company expects production to
meet target levels within the coming months.
Note: where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be answered.
Compliance stateme
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