Company Announcements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March 2024

(1)      General information

Kropz is an emerging plant nutrient producer and developer with an advanced stage phosphate mining project in South Africa and an exploration phosphate project in the Republic of Congo ("RoC"). The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company for the Group, as well as performing all administrative, corporate finance, strategic and governance functions of the Group.

The Company was incorporated on 10 January 2018 and is a public limited company, with its ordinary shares admitted to the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange on 30 November 2018 trading under the symbol, "KRPZ". The Company is domiciled in England and incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is 35 Verulam Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QE. The registered number of the Company is 11143400.

The Company changed its accounting reference date from 31 December to 31 March in November 2023. Accordingly, these financial statements cover the 15 months from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2024. Comparative amounts are for the year ended 31 December 2022.

(2)      Summary of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

(a)      Basis of preparation

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for any financial assets, financial liabilities and game animals which are stated at fair value through profit or loss. The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States Dollars, the presentation currency of the Company and figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Going concern

During the period ended 31 March 2024, the Group incurred a net profit/(loss) of US$ 0.3 million (twelve months ended 31 December 2022: loss of US$ (97.8) million) and experienced net cash outflows from operating activities. Cash and cash equivalents totalled US$ 0.97 million at 31 March 2024 (31 December 2022: US$ 2.1 million).

Elandsfontein is currently the Group's only operating asset and source of revenue. As Elandsfontein is still busy ramping up its operations and yet to achieve break-even production levels, an operating loss is also expected in the year following the date of these accounts. The Group is consequently dependent on future fundraisings to meet any production costs, overheads, future development and exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met from existing cash resources and sales revenue.

The Company did not reach project completion as stipulated in the BNP facility agreement by 31 December 2022. The Company also failed to fund the debt service reserve account as required. BNP has waived these requirements, preventing the Company from falling into default on its loan terms, by means of several waivers since December 2022 to 30 September 2024.

At the end of the waiver period the bank has the contractual right to request the immediate repayment of the outstanding loan amount of US$ 3,750,000. However, the latest waiver expiry date coincides with the final payment date.

Elandsfontein's forecast cashflows were estimated using market-based commodity prices, exchange rate assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs and capital requirements over an 18-month period. As with the impairment assessment, the going concern assessment only considered Elandsfontein's resources defined as "measured" and "indicated" per the updated MRE. The resource classified as "inferred" was not considered part of the mine plan for purposes of the going concern and impairment assessments. However, it is expected that as mining and drilling activities progress, progressively more of the total resource will be reclassified from inferred to measured and indicated. In the current period of assessment, the measured and indicated portions increased by 72% based on updated drilling and statistical estimation.

The 18-month forecast assumed fundraising described in Note 34 will be concluded by the end of September 2024. The short-term cash flow needs of the Group depend on the successful conclusion of the restructuring and fundraising transaction.

The critical estimates in the LOM plan and forecast cashflows expected to be generated can be summarised as follows:

·            Phosphate rock prices and grade;

·            Phosphate recoveries;

·            Operating costs;

·            Foreign exchange rates; and

·            Discount rates.

The going concern assessment and forecast cashflows are highly sensitive to these estimates.

Phosphate rock prices and grade: Forecast phosphate rock prices are based on management's estimates of quality of production and selling price and are derived from forward price curves and long-term views of global supply and demand in a changing environment, particularly with respect to climate risk, building on past experience of the industry and consistent with external sources.

In total Elandsfontein managed to achieve trial production sales totalling US$40 million during the current period (Twelve months ended 31 December 2022: US$ nil). Since 31 March 2024 and the date of the financial statements, an additional US$13 million production sales were achieved.

Kropz is a new entrant to the phosphate market and has to date sold its shipments at a discount to prevailing market prices. The discount was taken into account in the going concern and impairment testing models. The discount is, however, expected to unwind as Elandsfontein builds its reputation, establishes itself in the global market and improves its production quality and stability. As modification are planned and efficiency improvements are implemented at Elandsfontein, Elandsfontein should see a gradual improvement in both grade and quality, some of which have already materialised.

Phosphate recoveries: Estimated production volumes are based on detailed LOM plans of the measured and indicated resource as defined in the MRE and take into account development plans for the mine agreed upon by management as part of the long-term planning process. Production volumes are dependent on a number of variables, such as: the recoverable quantities; the production profile; the cost of the development of the infrastructure necessary to extract the reserves; the production costs; the contractual duration of mining rights; and the selling price of the commodities extracted.

Estimated production volumes are subject to significant uncertainty given the ongoing ramp-up. The production ramp-up has been delayed largely by the need to re-engineer parts of the fine flotation circuit proposed by the vendor. Mining and processing have also been affected by early unpredicted ore variability and lack of operator experience. The Company is in the process of analysing the hard bank and pink ore material to identify the appropriate method of mining and processing to improve production yield. The Western Cape has experienced unprecedented rain this season which has led to severely wet mining conditions and has hindered ore delivery to the plant and concentrate production during the period This is being addressed by increased drainage. Production throughput is also being limited by the nature of slimes material and, the Company is investing in new equipment to seek to overcome this and aims to increase production throughput.

Reserves and resources: The LOM plan includes only the measured and indicated resources as defined in the MRE which represents only around 8 years of forecast production. There was a significant increase in the measured and indicated resources in the MRE issued in March 2024 (an increase of 72%) compared to the MRE issued in December 2022 as set out in the Strategic report. The Directors believe that the inferred resources in the MRE are capable of being accessed giving a mine life of around 12 years, but this has not been taken into account in the discounted cashflows.

Exchange rates: Foreign exchange rates are estimated with reference to external market forecasts. The assumed long-term US dollar/ZAR exchange rate are based on a consensus for the period to year 2028. Future years' exchange rates were estimated using the prevailing inflation and interest rate differential between USD and ZAR.

Operating cost: Operating costs are estimated with reference to contractual and actual current costs adjusted for inflation. Key operating cost estimates are mine and plant operating costs and transportation and port costs. The forecast mine and plant costs were based on the contracted rates with the current mine and plant operators. Production cost per tonne currently is higher than sales per tonne as full production has not been reached to date, leading to a gross loss per tonne. The forecast assumes that as production volumes increase the average cost per tonne of phosphate will decrease with economies of scale and further efficiency gains.

Mine and plant operating costs: The forecast mine and plant costs were based on the contracted rates with the current mine and plant operators.

Port costs: The Group has a draft port access agreement with Transnet for Saldanha port but this has not yet been signed. The Group has paid guest port charges (the higher rates were used in the forecast) for Saldanha for the shipments in 2023 and 2024 to date.

Discount rates: A discount rate of 14.05% was applied to the discounted cash flows used in the LOM plan. This discount rate is derived from the Group's post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC), with appropriate adjustments made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU and to determine the pre-tax rate. The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by the Group's investors. The cost of debt is based on the interest-bearing borrowings the Group is obliged to service and the expected cost of any incremental debt. Specific risk is incorporated by applying beta factors.

There is a risk that revenue remains subdued and below operating costs and as a result the expected improvement in operating margin included in the discounted cashflows, may not materialise. In such a scenario the recoverable amount from the Elandsfontein mine will be lower than the discounted cashflows and subsequently impact the impairment assessment conclusion.  Please also see Note 25 Impairment losses for sensitivity analysis.

Funding

The Group is dependent on future fundraisings to meet production costs, overheads, future development, exploration requirements and quarterly repayments on the BNP loan that cannot be met from existing cash resources and sales revenue alone.

The ARC Fund, on various occasions in the past, provided funding to support the Group's operations. During the 2024 financial period, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to further funding totalling ZAR 820 million (approximately US$ 44.2 million) bridge loan facilities ("Loan") to meet immediate cash requirements at Kropz Elandsfontein. Subsequent to the year end, Kropz, Kropz Elandsfontein and ARC Fund agreed to a further ZAR 140 million (approximately US$ 8 million) bridge loan facilities ("New Loan"). The loan is now fully drawn. Kropz is completing a Restructuring and Fundraising transaction is more fully described in Note 34.

Management engages frequently with BNP regarding the capital repayment and refinancing of the BNP debt facility. The Company did not reach project completion as stipulated in the BNP facility agreement by 31 December 2022. Considering the delay in achieving sales, the Company also failed to fund the debt service reserve account as required. BNP have, waived these requirements, preventing the Company from falling in default of its loan terms. Kropz Elandsfontein has made all the capital and interest payments to BNP as required to the date of this report. Remaining balances as at 31 March 2024 US$ 11 250 000.00.

Management has successfully raised money in the past from its supportive major shareholder, but there is no guarantee that any additional funds that might be required will be available if needed in the future. Management engages frequently with BNP regarding the capital repayment and refinancing of the BNP debt facility.

Going concern basis

Based on the Group's current available reserves, recent operational performance, forecast production and sales coupled with Management's track record to successfully raise additional funds as and when required, to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements, the Board have concluded that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and at least for a period of 18 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

As more fully described in Note 34 Material Subsequent Events, the Group has entered into a Restructuring of its debt obligations and a Fundraising transaction. As a result of the Restructuring, Elandsfontein Subsidiaries will extinguish its debt obligations to the ARC Fund. Kropz will have convertible debt of totalling £88.9 million (including accumulated interest) outstanding to the ARC Fund, being the aggregate of the new CLN and the Existing Equity Facilities. Additionally, in September 2024, Kropz is completing a Fundraising of £8.9 million from ARC and other shareholders before expenses through the issue of new Ordinary shares an Issue Price of 1.387 pence per new Ordinary Share in the capital of the Company. The Issue Price represents a discount of approximately 5 per cent. to the 30-day volume weighted average share price per existing Ordinary Share to 23 August 2024. In aggregate, 643,873,018 new Ordinary Shares will be allotted and issued pursuant to the Fundraising.

For these reasons, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of normal business activities and the realisation of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business.

As there can be no guarantee that any additional funding that might be required can be raised in the necessary timeframe, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

The financial statements do not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or to the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Group not continue as a going concern.

Operational cash flows and impairment

An impairment reversal of US$ 19 million has been recognised as at 31 March 2024 in relation to the Elandsfontein mine based on the latest life of mine (LOM) plans following the updated mineral resource estimate as announced on 20 June 2024 and set out in the Strategic report. Please refer to Note 25 for some key assumptions and sensitivity analysis of the impairment assessment performed. The recoverable amount of the Elandsfontein mine was estimated based on discounted cash flows expected to be generated from the continued use of the cash generating unit (CGU) using market-based commodity prices and exchange rate assumptions, estimated quantities of recoverable minerals, production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and its eventual disposal based on the CGU's latest LOM plans. These calculations include a number of estimates which if the actual outcome were different could have a significant impact on the impairment assessment, financial outcome of the Elandsfontein mine operations and the Group's funding needs.

Functional and presentational currencies

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US Dollars.

The functional currency of Kropz plc is Pounds Sterling and its presentation currency is US Dollars, due to the fact that US Dollars is the recognised reporting currency for most listed mining resource companies on AIM.

The functional currency of Kropz SA and its subsidiaries (as shown below) is South African Rand, being the currency in which the majority of the companies' transactions are denominated.

The functional currencies of Cominco Resources and its subsidiaries are Euros, Pounds Sterling and Central African Francs being the currency in which the majority of the companies' transactions are denominated. Its presentation currency is US Dollars.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction.

At the end of each financial period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing as of the end of the financial period. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on retranslation of monetary items are included in profit or loss for the period. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in profit or loss for the period except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and losses are recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange component of that gain or loss is also recognised directly in equity.

In order to satisfy the requirements of IAS 21 with respect to presentation currency, the consolidated financial statements have been translated into US Dollars using the procedures outlined below:

·      Assets and liabilities where the functional currency is other than US Dollars were translated into US Dollars at the relevant closing rates of exchange;

·      Non-US Dollar trading results were translated into US Dollars at the relevant average rates of exchange;

·      Differences arising from the retranslation of the opening net assets and the results for the period have been taken to the foreign currency translation reserve;

·      Share capital has been translated at the historical rates prevailing at the dates of transactions; and

·      Exchange differences arising on the net investment in subsidiaries are recognised in other comprehensive income.

Changes in accounting policies

(i)         New standards, interpretations and amendments adopted from 1 January 2023

The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2023:

The Group has considered the above new standards and amendments and has concluded that they are either not relevant to the Group or they do not have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

(ii)         New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these consolidated Group financial statements, the following standards and interpretations, which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective. Management is currently assessing the impact of these new standards on the Group. 

With the exception of IAS 1 presentation of financial statements (amendment - classification of liabilities as current or non-current), the Group does not believe that the amendments will have a significant impact.

On implementation of IAS 1 presentation of financial statements (amendment - classification of liabilities as current or non-current), the Group will present its convertible loan liabilities as current liabilities as opposed to non-current liabilities which is the presentation in these financial statements.

(b)      Basis of consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries listed in Note 3.

A subsidiary is defined as an entity over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has all of the following:

a)   Power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

b)   Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

c)   The ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. When the Group has less than a majority of the voting, or similar, rights of an investee, it considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:

·      The contractual arrangements with the other vote holders of the investee;

·      Rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

·      The Group's voting rights and potential voting rights.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated; unrealised losses are also eliminated unless cost cannot be recovered. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to ensure consistency of accounting policies with those of the Group.

The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.

Accounting for asset acquisition within a corporate structure

Acquisitions of mineral assets through acquisition of non-operational corporate structures that do not represent a business, and therefore do not meet the definition of a business combination, are accounted for as the acquisition of an asset and recognised at the fair value of the consideration.

Non-controlling interests

The Group initially recognised any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests. The benefit accruing to the non-controlling interests arising from their proportionate share of the portion of the non-redeemable and non-participating preference share investment by Kropz plc into Kropz Elandsfontein is attributed to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.

Merger relief

The issue of shares by the Company is accounted for at the fair value of the consideration received. Any excess over the nominal value of the shares issued is credited to the share premium account other than in a business combination where the consideration for shares in another company includes the issue of shares, and on completion of the transaction, the Company has secured at least a 90% equity holding in the other company. In such circumstances the credit is applied to the merger relief reserve. In the case of the Company's acquisition of Cominco Resources, where shares were acquired on a share for share basis, then merger relief has been applied to those shares issued in exchange for shares in Cominco Resources.

(c)      Property, plant, equipment and mine development

Property, plant, equipment and mine development includes buildings and infrastructure, machinery, plant and equipment, site preparation and development and essential spare parts that are held to minimise delays arising from plant breakdowns, that are expected to be used during more than one period.

Assets that are in the process of being constructed are measured at cost less accumulated impairment and are not depreciated. All other classes of property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment. Land is depreciated over the life of the mine.

Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items, including:

·      The estimated costs of decommissioning the assets and site rehabilitation costs to the extent that they related to the asset;

·      Capitalised borrowing costs;

·      Capitalised pre-production expenditure; and

·      Topsoil and overburden stripping costs.

The cost of items of property, plant and equipment are capitalised into its various components where the useful life of the components differs from the main item of property, plant and equipment to which the component can be logically assigned. Expenditure incurred to replace a significant component of property, plant and equipment is capitalised and any remaining carrying value of the component replaced is written off as an expense in the income statement.

Direct costs incurred on major projects during the period of development or construction are capitalised. Subsequent expenditure on property, plant and equipment is capitalised only when the expenditure enhances the value or output of the asset beyond original expectations, it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the entity and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Costs incurred on repairing and maintaining assets are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss.

Depreciation

All items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated on either a straight-line method or unit of production method at cost less estimated residual values over their useful lives as follows:

* Depreciation of mining assets is computed principally by the units-of-production method over life-of-identified ore based on estimated quantities of economically recoverable proved and probable reserves, which can be recovered in future from known mineral deposits.

Useful lives and residual values

The asset's useful lives and residual values are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

Stripping activity asset

The costs of stripping activity which provides a benefit in the form of improved access to ore is capitalised as a non-current asset until ore is exposed where the following criteria are met:

·      it is probable that future economic benefit in the form of improved access to the ore body will flow to the entity;

·      the component of the ore body for which access has been improved can be identified; and

·      the cost of the stripping activity can be reliably measured.

The stripping activity is initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost less depreciation and impairment losses.

(d)      Mineral exploration and evaluation costs

All costs incurred prior to obtaining the legal right to undertake exploration and evaluation activities on a project are written off as incurred. Following the granting of a prospecting right, general administration and overhead costs directly attributable to exploration and evaluation activities are expensed and all other costs are capitalised and recorded at cost on initial recognition.

The following expenditures are included in the initial and subsequent measurement of the exploration and evaluation assets:

·      Acquisition of rights to explore;

·      Topographical, geological, geochemical or geographical studies;

·      Exploratory drilling;

·      Trenching;

·      Sampling;

·      Activities in relation to the evaluation of both the technical feasibility and the commercial viability of extracting minerals;

·      Exploration staff related costs; and

·      Equipment and infrastructure.

Exploration and evaluation costs that have been capitalised are classified as either tangible or intangible according to the nature of the assets acquired and this classification is consistently applied.

If commercial reserves are developed, the related deferred exploration and evaluation costs are then reclassified as development and production assets within property, plant and equipment.

All capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment in accordance with IFRS 6. One or more of the following facts and circumstances indicate that an entity should test exploration and evaluation assets for impairment:

·      The period for which the entity has the right to explore in the specific area has expired during the period or will expire in the near future and is not expected to be renewed

·      Substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned.

·      Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and the entity has decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area; or

·      Sufficient data exist to indicate that, although a development in the specific area is likely to proceed, the carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or by sale.

(e)      Leases

All leases are accounted for by recognising a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for:

·      Leases of low value assets; and

·      Leases with a duration of 12 months or less.

Identifying Leases

The Group accounts for a contract, or a portion of a contract, as a lease when it conveys the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases are those contracts that satisfy the following criteria:

(a) There is an identified asset;

(b) The Group obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the asset; and

(c) The Group has the right to direct use of the asset. 

The Group considers whether the supplier has substantive substitution rights. If the supplier does have those rights, the contract is not identified as giving rise to a lease.

In determining whether the Group obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the asset, the Group considers only the economic benefits that arise from use of the asset, not those incidental to legal ownership or other potential benefits.

In determining whether the Group has the right to direct use of the asset, the Group considers whether it directs how and for what purpose the asset is used throughout the period of use. If there are no significant decisions to be made because they are pre-determined due to the nature of the asset, the Group considers whether it was involved in the design of the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose the asset will be used throughout the period of use. If the contract or portion of a contract does not satisfy these criteria, the Group applies other applicable IFRSs rather than IFRS 16.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease unless (as is typically the case) this is not readily determinable, in which case the Group's incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used.

The discount rate is the rate implicit in the lease, if readily determinable. If not, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used which the Company has assessed to be 7.22%, being an average SOFR plus 3%, being an appropriate level of risk to the risk-free rate of borrowing.

Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease liability if they depend on an index or rate.  In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable element will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments are expensed in the period to which they relate.

On initial recognition, the carrying value of the lease liability also includes:

·      amounts expected to be payable under any residual value guarantee;

·      the exercise price of any purchase option granted in favour of the Group if it is reasonably certain to assess that option; and

·      any penalties payable for terminating the lease, if the term of the lease has been estimated on the basis of termination option being exercised.

Right of use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received, and increased for:

·      lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease;

·      initial direct costs incurred; and

·      the amount of any provision recognised where the Group is contractually required to dismantle, remove or restore the leased asset (typically leasehold dilapidations).

Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made.  Right-of-use assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than the lease term.

When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-assesses the probability of a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to make over the revised term, which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease commencement.  The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease payments dependent on a rate or index is revised.  In both cases an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being amortised over the remaining (revised) lease term.

(f)      Game animals

Game animals are wild animals that occur on the farm properties owned by the Group. The animals are owned by Elandsfontein Land Holdings and held within the approximately 5,000 hectares of farmland owned by Elandsfontein Land Holdings. The property is appropriately fenced with game specific fencing. These animals are managed in terms of a game management plan and excess animals are either sold as live animals or harvested as and when required based on estimated stocking levels and vegetation conditions. Law in South Africa specifies that wild animals are the property of the owner of the land that they occupy.

Game animals are measured at their fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs, fair value being determined upon the age and size of the animals and relevant market prices. Market price is determined on the basis that the animal is either to be sold to be slaughtered or realised through sale to customers at fair market value.

Fair market value of game animals is determined by using average live game animal selling prices achieved at live game animal auctions during the relevant period and published from time to time on game animal auctioneering websites.

(g)      Financial instruments

Classification and measurement

The Group classifies its financial instruments into the following categories:

·      Financial assets measured at amortised cost;

·      Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss;

·      Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost; and

·      Derivative financial instruments accounted for at fair value through profit and loss.

Classification of financial assets depends on the business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows. Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. Generally, the Group does not acquire financial assets for the purpose of selling in the short term. The Group's business model is primarily that of "hold to collect" (where assets are held in order to collect contractual cash flows).

Financial assets held at amortised cost

This classification applies to debt instruments which are held under a hold to collect business model and which have cash flows that meet the "solely payments of principal and interest" ("SPPI") criteria.

At initial recognition, trade and other receivables that do not have a significant financing component are recognised at their transaction price. Other financial assets are initially recognised at fair value plus related transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Any gain or loss on de-recognition or modification of a financial asset held at amortised cost is recognised in the income statement.

Financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Assets and liabilities in this category are classified as current if they are expected to be settled within twelve months, otherwise they are classified as non-current.

Call options in the Company's own equity are recorded at fair value and change in fair value recorded through income statement. 

Undrawn facilities with a conversion option, for which the terms give rise to a derivative, are revalued for changes in the share price prior to draw down with a resulting loss for revaluation booked to Profit and Loss and the remaining receivable extinguished through equity based on the relative draw down percentage of undrawn facilities at each reporting period. 

Impairment of financial assets

A forward-looking expected credit loss ("ECL") review is required for debt instruments measured at amortised cost or held at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial guarantees not measured at fair value through profit or loss and other receivables that give rise to an unconditional right to consideration.

As permitted by IFRS 9, the Group applies the "simplified approach" to trade receivables, contract assets and lease receivables and the "general approach" to all other financial assets. The general approach incorporates a review for any significant increase in counterparty credit risk since inception. The ECL reviews include assumptions about the risk of default and expected loss rates.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. These are classified as financial assets at amortised cost.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are classified as financial liabilities at amortised cost.

Interest bearing borrowings

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.

Modification of debt instruments

When the contractual terms of a financial liability are substantially modified, it is accounted for as an extinguishment of the original debt instrument and the recognition of a new financial liability. The new debt instrument is recorded at fair value and any difference from the carrying amount of the extinguished liability, including any non-cash consideration transferred, is recorded in profit or loss. Any costs or fees incurred are generally included in profit or loss, too.

If a modification to the terms of a financial liability is not substantial, then the amortised cost of the liability is recalculated as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The resulting gains or losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the modified financial liability and are amortised over its term. The periodic re-estimation of cash flows to reflect movements in market rates of interest will change the effective interest rate of a floating-rate financial liability.

To determine whether a modification of terms is substantial, the Company performs a quantitative assessment. If the difference in the present values of the cash flows is less than 10 percent, then the Company performs a qualitative assessment to identify substantial differences in terms that by their nature are not captured by the quantitative assessment. Performing a qualitative assessment may require a high degree of judgement based on the facts and circumstances.

(h)     Taxation

Current tax assets and liabilities

Current tax for current and prior periods is, to the extent unpaid, recognised as a liability. If the amount already paid in respect of current and prior periods exceeds the amount due for those periods, the excess is recognised as an asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.

A deferred tax liability is recognised for all taxable temporary differences, except to the extent that the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent they are controlled and probably will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

A deferred tax asset is recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilised. A deferred tax asset is not recognised when it arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Tax expense

Tax expense is recognised in the same component of total comprehensive income (i.e. continuing operations, discontinued operations, or other comprehensive income) or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense.

(i)         Impairment of non-financial assets

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the asset.

If there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the recoverable amount is estimated for the individual asset. If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the individual asset, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs is determined.

The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit ('CGU') is the higher of its fair value less costs to of disposal ('FVLCD') and its value in use ('VIU').

If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss.

An impairment loss, of assets carried at cost less any accumulated depreciation or amortisation, is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The increased carrying amount of an asset other than goodwill attributable to a reversal of an impairment loss does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior periods.

A reversal of an impairment loss of assets carried at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortisation other than goodwill is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Any reversal of an impairment loss of a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation increase.

(j)       Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Plant spares and consumables stores are capitalised to the balance sheet and expensed to the income statement as they are utilised.

Spares and consumables are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method.

Obsolete, redundant and slow-moving items of spares and consumables are identified on a regular basis and written down to their net realisable value.

Inventories are included in current assets, unless the inventory will not be used within 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

(k)           Provisions and contingencies

Environmental rehabilitation

The provision for environmental rehabilitation is recognised as and when an obligation to incur rehabilitation and mine closure costs arises from environmental disturbance caused by the development or ongoing production of a mining property. Estimated long-term environmental rehabilitation provisions are measured based on the Group's environmental policy taking into account current technological, environmental and regulatory requirements. Any subsequent changes to the carrying amount of the provision resulting from changes to the assumptions as to the timing of the rehabilitation applied in estimating the obligation are recognised in property, plant and equipment.

The provisions are based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the environmental disturbance that has occurred up to the reporting date, using the risk-free rate and the risk adjusted cash flows that reflect current market assessments and the risks specific to the provisions. Increases due to the additional environmental disturbances are capitalised and amortised over the remaining life of the mine.

Decommissioning provision

The estimated present value of costs relating to the future decommissioning of plant or other site preparation work, taking into account current environmental and regulatory requirements, is capitalised as part of property, plant and equipment, to the extent that it relates to the construction of an asset, and the related provisions are raised in the statement of financial position, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises.

These estimates are reviewed at least annually and changes in the measurement of the provision that result from the subsequent changes in the timing of costs and the risk-free rate, are added to, or deducted from, the cost of the related asset in the current period. Other changes are charged to profit or loss. If a decrease in the liability exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the excess is recognised immediately in the income statement. If the asset value is increased and there is an indication that the revised carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment test is performed in accordance with the accounting policy on impairment of non-financial assets above.

(l)       Share capital and equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity and are recorded at the proceeds received net of issue costs.

(m)     Convertible debt

The proceeds received on issue of the Group's convertible debt which fail the fixed-for-fixed criterion under IFRS are allocated into their liability and derivative liability components. The derivative liability is measured at fair value with subsequent changes recognised in profit or loss The debt component is accounted for as a financial liability measured at amortised cost until extinguished on conversion or maturity of the debt.

(n)      Borrowing costs

Interest on borrowings directly related to the financing of qualifying capital projects under development is added to the capitalised cost of those projects during the development phase, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale which, in the case of mining properties, is when they are capable of commercial production. Where funds have been borrowed specifically to finance the project, the amount capitalised represents the actual borrowing costs incurred. Where the funds used to finance a project forming part of general borrowings, the amount capitalised is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to relevant general borrowings of the Group during the period.

Qualifying assets are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time (more than 12 months) to get ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowing costs are added to the cost of these assets, until the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

Capitalisation is suspended during extended periods in which active development is interrupted.

Capitalisation ceases when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use or sale are complete.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

(o)      Employee benefits

The cost of short-term employee benefits, such as leave pay and sick leave, bonuses, and non-monetary benefits such as medical care, are recognised in the period in which the service is rendered and are not discounted.

(p)      Intangible assets

All intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

(q)      Finance income

Interest income is recognised as other income on an accrual basis based on the effective yield on the investment.

(r)      Share-based payment arrangements

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. Equity-settled share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of services received, or if this cannot be measured, at the fair value of the equity instruments granted at the date that the Group obtains the goods or counterparty renders the service.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity.

Where there are no vesting conditions, the expense and equity reserve arising from share-based payment transactions is recognised in full immediately on grant.

At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to other reserves.

Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based transactions are set out in the Directors' Report and Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(s)      Revenue from contracts with customers

IFRS 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when income is recognised. Under IFRS 15, income is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for transferring goods or services to a customer. Income is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Group recognises income when it transfers control over a product or services to a customer.

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable from the sale of products or services rendered in the ordinary course of the Group's activities. Revenue is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with a transaction will flow to the Group and the amount of income, and associated costs incurred or to be incurred can be measured reliably.

The Group recognises revenue from the following major sources:

Phosphate income

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods.

Rock phosphate sales are generally physically delivered to customers in the period in which it is produced, with the sales price based on contractual agreement. The price applied will be the prevailing rate at the point of revenue recognition. The agreed price is adjusted if the grade, tonnage or moisture content of the rock phosphate differs from that guaranteed by the Group.

As the transfer of risks and rewards is at a point in time under IFRS 15, the key judgements in reaching this conclusion are that the control of all goods and services (transferred to the customer under a sales contract) is satisfied at the point in time when loading at port is complete and there are no materially distinct performance obligations.

Most export sales are free on-board origin (FOB) whereby the buyer assumes all risk once the Group has loaded the product on board the vessel.

All the Group's sales are wholesale.

Payment of the transaction price is typically made on presentation of Bills of Lading and the issue of Certificates of Quality and Quantity issued by an independent surveyor. At this point in time, the Group's performance obligations are complete, and revenues are recognised in full immediately, i.e. when control of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer. The full consideration is allocated to the performance obligation per the contract which is the sale of the phosphate concentrate.

The Group has concluded that it is the principal in its revenue contracts because it typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer.

A receivable is recognised by the Group when the goods are shipped to the customer as this represents the point in time at which the right to consideration becomes unconditional, as only the passage of time is required before payment is due.

(t)      Cost of sales

When inventories are sold, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognised. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses of inventories are recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realisable value, is recognised as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.

(u)      Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management, from time to time, to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

The critical judgements made by management in applying accounting policies, apart from those involving estimations, that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements, are outlined as follows:

(i)         Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 5)

The application of the Group's accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets requires judgement in determining whether it is likely that costs incurred will be recovered through successful development or sale of the asset under review when assessing impairment. Estimates and assumptions made may change if new information becomes available. If, after expenditures are capitalised, information becomes available suggesting that the recovery of expenditures is unlikely, the amount capitalised is written off in the net profit or loss in the period when the new information becomes available. In situations where indicators of impairment are present for the Group's exploration and evaluation assets, estimates of recoverable amount must be determined as the higher of the estimated VIU or the estimated FVLCD. 

(ii)         Functional currency

The Group transacts in multiple currencies. The assessment of the functional currency of each entity within the consolidated Group involves the use of judgement in determining the primary economic environment each entity operates in. The Group first considers the currency that mainly influences sales prices for goods and services, and the currency that mainly influences labour, material and other costs of providing goods or services. In determining functional currency, the Group also considers the currency from which funds from financing activities are generated, and the currency in which receipts from operating activities are usually retained. See Note 31 for sensitivity analysis of foreign exchange risk.

(iii)        Decommissioning and rehabilitation provisions (Note 16)

Quantifying the future costs of these obligations is complex and requires various estimates and judgements to be made, as well as interpretations of and decisions regarding regulatory requirements, particularly with respect to the degree of rehabilitation required, with reference to the sensitivity of the environmental area surrounding the sites. Consequently, the guidelines issued for quantifying the future rehabilitation cost of a site, as issued by the South African Department of Mineral Resources, have been used to estimate future rehabilitation costs. The Group appointed Braaf Environmental Practitioners to conduct an independent specialist update of the decommissioning and rehabilitation provision.

(iv)        Other financial assets

The Group has given guarantees to a number of third parties as described in Note 7 and lodged funds as security.

The amounts are recoverable subject to satisfactory performance of certain conditions which requires judgement as to the likelihood of the return of such guarantees. At the balance sheet date the Directors make judgements on the amounts expected to be returned and consider that all amounts are recoverable.

(v)        Taxation

Judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes due to the complexity of legislation. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business.

The Group recognises the net future tax benefit related to deferred income tax assets to the extent that it is probable that the deductible temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. Assessing the recoverability of deferred income tax assets requires the Group to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecast cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Group to realise the net deferred tax assets recorded at the end of the reporting period could be impacted.

Management's judgement is that due to the mine not being at steady state production it is premature to recognise a deferred tax asset for the accumulated tax losses.

(vi)        Fair value of financial instruments

The judgements and estimates made by the Group in determining the fair values of the financial instruments are described in Note 13 and 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(vii)       Impairment indicator assessment

The Group reviews and tests the carrying value of assets when events or changes in circumstances ("impairment indicators") suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. At 31 March 2024 and a calculation of recoverable amount was performed and an impairment reversal of US$ 19 million is recorded (refer to Note 25). As part of the impairment indicator assessment, management evaluate the life of mine plan discounted cash flow model. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions. The key estimates made include discount rates, being the Group's weighted average cost of capital, future prices of phosphate rock, mine production levels and foreign currency exchange rates.

(v)      Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Property, plant and equipment

The depreciable amount of property, plant and equipment is allocated on a systematic basis over its useful life. In determining the depreciable amount management makes certain assumptions with regard to the residual value of assets based on the expected estimated amount that the Group would currently obtain from disposal of the asset, after deducting the estimated cost of disposal, if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life. If an asset is expected to be abandoned the residual value is estimated at zero.

In determining the useful lives of property, plant and equipment that is depreciated, management considers the expected usage of assets, expected physical wear and tear, legal or similar limits of assets such as mineral rights as well as obsolescence.

This estimate is further impacted by management's best estimation of proved and probable phosphate ore reserves and the expected future life of each of the mines within the Group. The forecast production could be different from the actual phosphate mined. This would generally result from significant changes in the factors or assumptions used in estimating phosphate reserves. These factors include:

·      changes in proved and probable ore reserves;

·      differences between achieved ore prices and assumptions;

·      adverse movements in foreign exchange;

·      unforeseen operational issues at mine sites; and

·      changes in capital, operating, mining, processing, reclamation and logistics costs, discount rates and foreign exchange rates.

Any change in management's estimate of the useful lives and residual values of assets would impact the depreciation charge. Any change in management's estimate of the total expected future life of each of the mines would impact the depreciation charge as well as the estimated rehabilitation and decommissioning provisions.

In determining the FVLCD for purposes of the impairment consideration, the value is most sensitive to the following assumptions:

·      Phosphate rock prices;

·      Phosphate recoveries;

·      Foreign exchange rates; and

·      Operating costs.

Refer to Note 25 for further details.

Life of mine

Life of mine is defined as the remaining years of production, based on proposed production rates and ore reserves and will be assessed as soon as additional exploration drilling has been performed and further reserves proven based on additional test results.

Fair value of derivative instruments

Information about the specific techniques, assumptions and inputs is disclosed in Note 13 and 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The key estimates associated with the fair value of the derivative liability include volatility and the assumptions regarding conversion timing.

(3)      Subsidiaries of the Group

The subsidiaries of the Group, all of which are private companies limited by shares, as at 31 March 2024, are as follows: