goldfinger
- 29 Jul 2004 00:59
WARNING, this share is so speculative do not even think about buying it unless you can afford to throw your money down the toilet.
The Group's principal activity is international mining development and investment. Toledo Copper Corporation plc was introduced to the AIM market on the 5th April 2004 via a Placing of 166.6 million shares at 1.5p each. The funds raised will contribute towards a feasibility study with Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development - a company based in the Philippines and quoted on the Philippine stock exchange. That study will determine if the Philippines-based Toledo Copper Mine, in which TCU has a right to acquire a 40% stake potentially worth 316 million US dollars, can be re-opened
There are 453.7 million ordinary shares of 0.01p each in issue.
Major Shareholders (as at 18th April 2004): RAB Special Solutions LP, 96,000,000 shares (21.16%); Resources Investment Trust plc, 77,000,000 shares (16.97%); Chrisilios Chris Kyriakou (Dir), 50,000,000 shares (11.02%); Sierra International Services Ltd, 50,000,000 shares (11.02%); Craggan International Ltd, 30,000,000 shares (6.61%); Golden Dragon Trading, 20,000,000 shares (4.41%); Wai Yip Investments Ltd, 20,000,000 shares (4.41%); and Hartford Investment Group Ltd, 15,000,000 shares (3.31%).
TCU Director Merfyn Roberts is an 18% partner in Absolute Resources LP, which holds 10,000,000 Ordinary Shares. The Company has also granted the Directors options to subscribe for a further 17,500,000 Ordinary Shares at 0.02p per Ordinary Share at any time up to the third Anniversary of Admission.#
cheerrs GF.
The Saint
- 07 Dec 2004 06:35
- 161 of 203
RNS Number:0335G
Toledo Mining Corporation PLC
06 December 2004
TOLEDO MINING CORPORATION PLC
INTERIM RESULTS
FOR THE PERIOD 25 FEBRUARY 2004 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2004
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the Company's first financial report since its shares
were admitted for trading on the AIM market in April 2004.
The period from incorporation to date has been very active and I am very pleased
with the progress which the Company has made, including the key achievements
discussed below.
Berong Nickel Project
The Berong Nickel property comprises four nickel laterite deposits (Berong,
Moorsom, Long Point and Tagkawayan) having an aggregate area of 10,659 ha.
These are located adjacent to the coast in mid-western Palawan, Philippines
adjacent to the South China Sea. The Company will earn a 44% economic interest
in the property, through meeting project development expenditures of US$2
million, and by the Company issuing 150 million fully paid ordinary shares to
the vendors and the payment to them of US$400,000. As at 30 September 2004, the
Company had advanced US$0.2 million against this commitment.
The nickel resources within the four deposits of the property, based on 3,866
test pits (spaced at 300m x 300m) have been calculated by independent geological
consultants to be 275 million tonnes at 1.30% Ni and 0.074% Co at a cut-off
grade-of 0.90% Ni. The resource is one of the largest in the world; possibly
the fourth largest based on contained nickel of 3.5 million tonnes.
Extensive testing of the property was carried out during the late 1960s and
early 1970s, culminating in an independent bankable feasibility study into the
development of an ammonia leach plant producing 60 million lbs of nickel metal
per year. This project was shelved following the significant increase in oil
prices.
A further 1,197 test pits were sunk in a selected area of 324 ha in Berong on a
50m and 25m spacing to establish direct shipping ore content and, in 1996, an
independent pre-feasibility study was carried out into a direct shipping
operation. As part of this pre-feasibility study, an independent consultant
estimated the ore reserves within the selected area to be 2.105 million tonnes
at 2.3% Ni. At a cut-off grade of 2.0% Ni, the estimated indicated resource
within the selected area was estimated to be 4.2 million tonnes at 2.3% Ni. At
a reduced cut-off of 1.8% Ni, the resource increases to 7.0 million tonnes at
2.1% Ni, from which direct shipping saprolite ore (low Fe) at a grade of 2.3% Ni
and direct shipping limonite ore (high Fe) at a grade of 1.8% Ni+Co can be
co-produced.
Initially, the focus of the Company's activities will be the development of a
direct shipping operation from the selected area at Berong. The first shipment
is scheduled for mid-2005 at the rate of 300,000 tonnes per annum of saprolite
ore to ferro nickel smelters in Japan, pursuant to a contract entered into in
August 2004. Discussions are also underway with another major Japanese company
for a further 350,000 tonnes per year. Negotiations have commenced with a major
Australian consumer for the direct shipment of 600,000 tonnes per year of high
grade limonite ore (> 1.8% Ni+Co), which will be produced as a co-product at
little additional cost.
Cost estimates from the 1996 independent pre-feasibility study costs have been
updated and the funding requirement to positive cash flow is estimated to be
US$6.5 million. The procurement of the necessary permits is progressing on
schedule with considerable support from the various government units, following
the Philippine Government's declaration of major support to rehabilitate the
mining industry to its former state as a major contributor to the economy.
The direct shipping project is planned to generate a significant cash flow.
Part of this cash flow will be utilized to fund the Company's ongoing program of
completing a bankable feasibility study into a subsequent large scale (+50
million lbs/annum) operation, for which four development options have been
identified.
Celestial Nickel Project
The Celestial Nickel laterite property covers an area of 2,835 ha and is also
located on Palawan Island in the Philippines. This property is well advanced
and has substantial permitting already in place. The Company will earn a 52%
economic interest in this project, with the right to increase its economic
interest to 71.2% on payment of further moneys, through meeting project
development expenditures of US$2 million and by the Company issuing to the
vendors 75 million fully paid ordinary shares and 75 million options over
ordinary shares in the Company exercisable at 2.5p per share within two years,
the payment of US$150,000 and the reimbursement of costs incurred by the vendors
of US$100,000. In addition, the Company has a commitment to pay US$200,000 on
achievement of certain milestones and is also required to pay property
maintenance fees of US$200,000 per annum.
Acid leach metallurgical test work has been conducted on the property and a
pre-feasibility study has demonstrated economic viability, subject to more
detailed work being carried out for a bankable feasibility study.
The property has been well explored, yielding a current resource estimate of 77
million tonnes of 1.25% Ni and 0.10% Co within an area of 800 ha.
Metallurgical test work was carried out for suitability for a High Pressure Acid
Leach (HPAL) plant, and a proposal was generated by independent international
consultants to use this technology to produce 40,000 tonnes of Ni metal per
annum at a capital cost of US$840 million (US$9.55/annual lb of capacity), with
a projected operating cost of US$1.38/lb before cobalt credits.
Subsequent experience with HPAL in Australia has lead to wide scepticism as to
its economic viability, notwithstanding that it has worked profitably in Cuba
for decades. The process has since been refined by BHP Billiton, Sumitomo and
others and now represents a credible alternative for bringing this property into
profitable production.
However, in the last two years several new technologies have been developed,
including atmospheric heap leaching and elevated temperature vat leaching, which
together with advancements made in the metal recovery and refining process,
suggest that better alternatives to HPAL are now practical offering, lower
capital cost, lower operating cost and less down time.
The previous operators of the property performed metallurgical tests on an
atmospheric vat leach with modest success, achieving a recovery of about 65%.
The Company believes that this method has excellent potential, and that an
advanced form of this technology with better recovery potential is now
available. It is proposed as part of the future program to conduct an
evaluation of vat leaching and other alternative technologies.
The property also contains indications of the presence of direct shipping ore
which requires further investigation.
Carmen Copper Project
The Company entered into an agreement with Atlas Consolidated Mining &
Development Corporation, a company quoted on the Philippine Stock Exchange,
under which it has the option to acquire a 40 per cent interest in the Toledo
copper assets owned by Atlas. In order to earn the full amount of the interest,
the Company will be required to make payments and loans up to US$28 million to
fund in part the development of the Toledo copper mine, including final
feasibility work, the equity component of the project funding and other related
costs. As at 30 September 2004, the Company had advanced US$2.2 million against
this commitment.
A feasibility study of the rehabilitation and re-opening of the mine has been
prepared and is being subject to independent technical audit by consultants
Behre Dolbear Australia Limited. The study has been subject to delays caused by
the recent sharp increase in smelting/refining charges and in particular, the
cost of oil and coal which has necessitated a revision of the cost estimates and
the method of power supply to the mine. The Directors will assess the
conclusions of this study in deciding whether to exercise the option.
Based on the revised energy plan, key figures from the study are:
Capital cost US$171.38 million
Cash costs US$0.64/lb copper
Based on a gold price of $385/oz and an exchange rate of Php55=$1.00, the net
present value using a discount rate of 10% at a copper price of $1.00/lb, $1.20/
lb and $1.40/lb is $12.09 million, $93.52 million and $173.60 million
respectively.
Future scheduled rates of production are 42,000 tonnes per day (15.2 million
tonnes per year) from the Carmen Lift 1, through a system of underground
crushing followed by conveying through a decline directly to the Carmen
concentrator. This will result in significant cost savings over the scheduled
11-year life of Carmen Lift 1. Existing shaft hoisting facilities will provide
hoisting back up. Average annual payable production will be 108.5 million lbs
of copper and 47,900 oz of gold.
The mining of DAS Lifts 2 and 3 at 42,000 tonnes per day is being studied. This
will extend mine life beyond 20 years. Total mine resource is estimated at 848
million tonnes and promises a much longer mine life. In addition, several
higher grade exploration targets in proximity to the existing production shafts
have been identified and will be drilled at a later date.
Retained senior management at the mine is of high international repute and
represents many years of operating experience. Suitably experienced expatriate
staff will provide full technical and commercial back-up to the mine staff. A
fully experienced mine workforce is available in the district.
The Company is making good progress with major companies in Japan and China for
the provision of copper concentrate offtake and project financing agreements.
The Company has engaged Endeavour Financial to provide financial advice with
respect to financing the rehabilitation and re-development of the mine.
Endeavour has one of the largest investment banking teams dedicated exclusively
to the mining industry and has significant experience in raising capital for
mining projects on a global basis.
The Toledo mine commenced operations in 1955 and operated continuously for a
period of 31 years. In 1994 mining operations were suspended when an unseasonal
super typhoon caused flooding of the underground mine due to lack of
maintenance of the drainage system above the block cave area.
The Carmen Lift 1 was in partial production prior to the suspension of mining
operations and the mining method to be deployed at Carmen Lift 1 is well
established and proven.
Prior to suspension of operations, mine production peaked at 110,000 tonnes per
day from open pit and underground block caving, and Toledo was at the time, the
largest copper mine in Asia. Full gravity block caving was practiced for many
years at the mine, which was amongst the lowest cost producers in the world.
Production over the last 15 years of operations was at the same grade as the
remaining resource and also the projected future production. During this period
the mine produced profits of up to $100 million per annum before tax, debt
service and management fees. To date, the mine has produced total operating
cash flow of $1.31 billion before tax, debt service and management fees.
Chrisilios Kyriakou
Executive Chairman
3 December, 2004
UNAUDITED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Period 25 February 2004 to 30 September 2004
Period from
25 February 2004 to
30 September 2004
Note #
Administrative costs (400,022)
_________________________________________________________________________
Operating Loss (400,022)
Interest receivable 5 30,913
_________________________________________________________________________
Loss on Ordinary Activities (369,109)
Before Taxation
Tax on loss on ordinary activities 2 -
_________________________________________________________________________
Loss on Ordinary Activities (369,109)
After Taxation
_________________________________________________________________________
Loss per share (pence) 3 0.086p
The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the
period as set out above.
UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET
Note As at
30 September 2004
#
Fixed Assets
Intangible Assets 4 354,247
Tangible Assets 2,684
Investments 5 1,207,673
_________________________________________________________________________
1,564,604
Current Assets
Debtors 6 2,530,029
Investments 7 600,000
Cash held in trust bank account 8 634,805
Cash at bank and in hand 1,937,423
_________________________________________________________________________
5,702,257
Creditors: Amounts falling due (269,124)
within one year
_________________________________________________________________________
Net Current Assets 5,433,133
_________________________________________________________________________
Total assets less current liabilities 6,997,737
_________________________________________________________________________
Capital and Reserves
Called-up equity share capital 673,667
Share premium account 6,693,179
Profit and loss account (369,109)
_________________________________________________________________________
Equity Shareholders' Funds 6,997,737
_________________________________________________________________________
UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Period from
25 February 2004 to
30 September 2004
Note #
Net cash outflow from operating activities 10 (2,660,628)
Returns on investments
and servicing of finance
Loan interest receivable 30,913
Capital Expenditure
and financial investment
Purchase of intangible fixed assets (354,247)
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (2,983)
Loan investments made (1,207,673)
Purchase of current assets investments (600,000)
_________________________________________________________________________
Net cash outflow for capital expenditure (2,164,903)
and financial investments
_________________________________________________________________________
Financing
Issue of share capital 7,366,846
_________________________________________________________________________
Increase in cash 2,572,228
_________________________________________________________________________
Cash at beginning of period -
_________________________________________________________________________
Cash at end of period 2,572,228
_________________________________________________________________________
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Period 25 February 2004 to 30 September 2004
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
The financial information for the period 25 February 2004 to 30 September 2004
is unaudited and has been prepared on the basis of the Company's adopted
accounting policies. This financial information does not constitute statutory
accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
Depreciation
Depreciation has been provided on fixed assets at rates calculated to write off
the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its useful
economic life as, follows:
Office equipment and fixtures 33 1/3% - 100% straight line
Foreign Currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at
the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
are translated at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date.
Investments
Investments are included at cost less any amounts written off.
Intangible Assets - Exploration Expenditure
Costs relating to the acquisition, exploration and development of mining
projects are capitalised under intangible assets. When it is determined that
such costs will be recouped through successful development and exploitation or
alternatively by sale of such interests acquired, the expenditure will be
transferred to tangible assets and depreciated over the expected productive life
of the asset. Whenever a project is considered no longer viable, the associated
exploration expenditure is written off to the profit and loss account.
2. Taxation
No provision for corporation tax has been provided for, due to losses incurred
in the period.
3. Loss per Share
The loss per share has been calculated by dividing the loss after taxation of
#369,109 by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue of
426,796,557.
4. Intangible fixed assets
Exploration
Expenditure
#
Additions in period 354,247
________
At 30 September 2004 354,247
========
The above exploration expenditure relates to three projects: the Berong Nickel
Project, the Celestial Nickel Project and the Carmen Copper Project, all of
which are located in the Philippines.
5. Fixed asset investment
Loan
Investment
#
Loan advanced in period 1,207,673
_________
At 30 September 2004 1,207,673
=========
The loan investment relates to amounts advanced to Atlas Consolidated Mining &
Development Corporation, a Philippines company quoted on the Philippine Stock
Exchange. The loan is interest bearing at 8% per annum.
6. Debtors
Period ended
30 September 2004
#
Trade debtors 2,135
VAT 20,394
Called up share capital unpaid 2,507,500
_________
2,530,029
=========
7. Current Investments
Investments held as current assets are carried in the balance sheet at cost.
Their value as quoted on the AIM market at 30th September 2004 was
#923,333.
8. Trust Bank Account
The company has transferred funds to a trust account in the Philippines to
facilitate the payment of various expenses on the Philippine projects. Funds can
only be released from this account on the authority of Toledo Mining
Corporation Plc.
9. Reconciliation of movement in shareholders' funds
Period from
25 February 2004 to
30 September 2004
#
Loss for the period (369,109)
_________
Issue of share capital - nominal value 673,667
- share premium 6,693,179
_________
Closing shareholders' equity funds 6,997,737
=========
10. Reconciliation of operating loss to net
cash outflow from operating activities
Period from
25 February 2004 to
30 September 2004
#
Operating loss (400,022)
Increase in debtors (2,530,029)
Increase in creditors 269,124
Depreciation 299
__________
(2,660,628)
==========
11. Post balance sheet events
Since the balance date, the Company has:
* advanced a short-term unsecured loan of #270,000 to Archipelago
Resources plc. The loan bears interest at 10% per annum, is unsecured and is
due to be repaid on 11 May 2005.
* sold 72.4% of the current investments referred to in note 7 for proceeds
of #1,205,843 generating a profit before income tax of #771,593.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR FSDFUDSLSESE
wilbs
- 07 Feb 2005 12:14
- 168 of 203
This maybe old news but just found it on the net, just having a poke around on TMC.
Atlas in talks with Chinese on reopening copper mine
Posted: 0:39 AM | Jan. 26, 2005
Inquirer News Service
printable version email a story write the editor feedback
ATLAS Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said it was negotiating with Chinese mining groups on possible resumption of operations in its copper mine in Toledo City in the central Philippines province of Cebu.
It told the stock exchange the Chinese groups had expressed strong interest to participate in reopening the mine. It did not identify them.
Atlas also said it had approved an exit agreement with Toledo Mining Corp. in which the latter relinquished its rights to the Toledo copper project -- making room for others to come in.
A study by Behre Dolbear Australia Ltd. showed that reopening the Toledo Copper mine would cost $170 million, including the cost of putting up a 50-megawatt power plant.
At current metal prices, the mine would generate $150 million in foreign exchange annually, it added.
Three major open-pit operations were done at the Toledo mine over 39 years until Atlas closed it in the 1990s after a mudslide and amid continuing financial losses. Atlas mined about 667 metric tons of ore in the Toledo mine.
Toledo Mining said it would focus on nickel projects -- a new prospective undertaking for Atlas -- in the island of Palawan, southwest of Manila, in which Atlas has substantial interests.
Atlas has a 35.2-percent interest in a nickel project in Berong town in Palawan, diluted from 46 percent; and 42 percent in another nickel project in Ulugan town.
Toledo Mining said it would invest $3 million in development of these projects. Australian-listed holding firm Investika Ltd. earlier gave $1 million in funding.
Investika has a right to acquire 10 percent of Atlas' stake in the Berong project, which is said to contain about 275 million tons of nickel.
Discussions are underway with Japanese ferronickel smelters on developing the first stage of the project, which may start this year. With INQ7.net
http://money.inq7.net/topstories/view_topstories.php?yyyy=2005&mon=01&dd=26&file=4
wilbs