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AFRICAN COPPER (ACU)
smiler o
- 13 Mar 2007 08:10
African Copper PLC is an UK incorporated company that holds prospecting and retention licences in north eastern Botswana:
the northern Dukwe Project (covering approximately 319 km2) which contains a near production target (the Dukwe deposit) and a number of exploration areas; and
the southern Matsitama Project (covering approximately 4,000 km2) which contains a large number of prioritized exploration targets.
Location Map
Two Large Project Maps
Dukwe Project Overview
The Dukwe deposit, which is contained within the Dukwe Project, has been traced by drilling and surface sampling over a total strike length of 4,370 m, of which the central 2,000 m section is currently being considered for selective underground mining. The deposit has been tested by drilling to a maximum depth of 550 m. The deposit contains near-surface supergene and transition copper resources and a substantial underlying sulphide resource. The Company intends to develop a flotation concentrator and underground access at Dukwe throughout 2007, subject to financing. Under this timetable, commericial production would be realized in early 2008 at a rate of about 44 million pounds of copper per year.
The southerly Matsitama Project is a 4,000 km2 prospective exploration area containing numerous showings of copper, lead-zinc and nickel and covering the entire Matsitama Belt. A number of strataform and stratabound sedimentary hosted copper deposits are known to occur within the belt. A large number of high amplitude geochemical anomalies also exist, but these latter targets have seen virtually no exploration. Af4rican Copper has embarked on a multi-year exploration programme in Matsitama and intends to complete a pre-feasibility study on the Thakadu/Makala copper-silver deposits in 2006.
Sun Dec 31, 2006
Share Structure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Issued 128.84m
Market Cap 83.75m
Key Personnel
CEO Joseph Hamilton
COO Chris Fredericks
http://www.africancopper.com/s/Home.asp
http://www.metalprices.com/FreeSite/metals/cu/cu.asp
Fred1new
- 05 Feb 2008 11:09
- 39 of 56
Or stay on the side lines!
smiler o
- 05 Feb 2008 11:31
- 40 of 56
In this market a safe bet !!
But if they stage a recovery at this level ! we will see ?
But if they stage a recovery at this level ! we will see ?
smiler o
- 25 Feb 2008 09:42
- 41 of 56
African Copper sees Mowana production of 29,000 tonnes in 2012 vs 5,500 in 2008
AFX
LONDON (Thomson Financial) - African Copper PLC said it expects production at its Mowana mine in Botswana to grow to 29,000 tonnes of copper in 2012 from 5,500 tonnes in 2008 after reviewing the operating parameters.
The company said the new production schedule has the potential to generate higher production, lower costs and defer additional capital requirements for two years, adding it expects the cash costs of production to drop to 1.49 usd/lb from 2.48 usd/lb in the period to 2012.
African Copper said it expects the first concentrate in the second quarter, with the first shipment in June.
In a statement, the AIM-listed miner also added recent exploration has increased the strike extent of the known mineralization at Mowana by up to 40 pct, or 800 metres south of the open pit.
'We anticipate being able to maintain production above 30,000 tonnes of copper per year beyond 2012 by integrating an underground mine into Mowana,' chief executive Joe Hamilton said.
AFX
LONDON (Thomson Financial) - African Copper PLC said it expects production at its Mowana mine in Botswana to grow to 29,000 tonnes of copper in 2012 from 5,500 tonnes in 2008 after reviewing the operating parameters.
The company said the new production schedule has the potential to generate higher production, lower costs and defer additional capital requirements for two years, adding it expects the cash costs of production to drop to 1.49 usd/lb from 2.48 usd/lb in the period to 2012.
African Copper said it expects the first concentrate in the second quarter, with the first shipment in June.
In a statement, the AIM-listed miner also added recent exploration has increased the strike extent of the known mineralization at Mowana by up to 40 pct, or 800 metres south of the open pit.
'We anticipate being able to maintain production above 30,000 tonnes of copper per year beyond 2012 by integrating an underground mine into Mowana,' chief executive Joe Hamilton said.
smiler o
- 26 Feb 2008 15:49
- 42 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
TSX, AIM SYMBOL: ACU
February 26, 2008
African Copper PLC: Total Voting Rights
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 26, 2008) - In accordance with the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency
Rules, African Copper PLC (TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) advises that as at 26 February 2008 its
issued share capital comprised 146,858,957 ordinary shares of 1p each. The voting rights of all of these shares
are identical, with each share carrying the right to one vote. The Company holds no ordinary shares in
treasury.
The above figures may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will
determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
TSX, AIM SYMBOL: ACU
February 26, 2008
African Copper PLC: Total Voting Rights
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 26, 2008) - In accordance with the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency
Rules, African Copper PLC (TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) advises that as at 26 February 2008 its
issued share capital comprised 146,858,957 ordinary shares of 1p each. The voting rights of all of these shares
are identical, with each share carrying the right to one vote. The Company holds no ordinary shares in
treasury.
The above figures may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will
determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
smiler o
- 01 Apr 2008 19:52
- 43 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
March 31, 2008
African Copper Plc: Preliminary Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2007
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - March 31, 2008) - AFRICAN COPPER PLC ("African Copper" or the "Company")
(TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December
2007 and its Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) unsecured debt financing.
Highlights
Corporate
- The Company recorded a net gain for fiscal 2007 of Pounds Sterling 117,409 (0.09p), compared with a net loss
of Pounds Sterling 2,100,884 (2.20p) in fiscal 2006. Higher bank interest receivable and foreign exchange gains
more than offset higher corporate costs and Botswana administration costs contributing to the net gain in
fiscal 2007.
- Raised Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) - On 28 March 2008, Messina Copper (Botswana) (Pty)
Ltd ("Messina"), African Copper's 100% owned subsidiary, received binding subscription agreements as part of a
Pula 200 million Botswana Note Programme for Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) notes from local
Botswana institutions (the "Botswana Bond"). The Botswana Bond is denominated in Pula and is an unsecured fixed
rate note that bears interest at 14.0% per annum and has a bullet maturity in 7 years.
- Signed a concentrate sale and purchase agreement (the "Off-take Agreement") with MRI Trading AG ("MRI") for
100% of all copper products shipped from the Mowana Mine. The Off-take Agreement has a duration of 5 years and
is renewable. In conjunction with the Off-take Agreement, MRI subscribed for 7,284,000 ordinary shares of the
Company for net proceeds of Pounds Sterling 5 million.
Mowana Project Development
- Signed a five-year contract with Moolman Mining Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
- Mining Activities - Mining commenced in July 2007 with the removal of free-digging loose material from the
open-pit area. By the end of 2007, the full fleet of face-loading shovels had arrived on-site and these were
commissioned in January 2008. Even with the heavy rains experienced in January 2008 pre-stripping was
maintained close to schedule and blasting in the pit and stockpiling of ore had commenced by the end of January
2008. At the end of March 2008, the stockpiles at Mowana consisted of about 200,000 tonnes of material at 0.9%
copper, including about 33,000 tonnes grading 1.8% copper on the high grade stockpile.
- Strengthened the management and operating team - by the end of 2007, all senior positions had been filled.
The technical and operational team in Botswana has grown from 22 as at the end of 2006 to over 50 at the end of
2007 and currently numbers 77. Recruitment of junior level staff is on-going. The Company expects to have
approximately 175 employees when the Mowana Mine goes into production in the second quarter of 2008.
- Capital Costs - have been kept within the revised budgets presented in November 2007. The estimated 8%
increase in capital over the 2006 budget estimate was composed of intentional design changes to the crushing
circuit (4.5%) and to cost escalation that is being experienced throughout the industry.
- Construction Activities - As of the end of February 2008, construction of surface facilities was about 90%
complete.
- Start-up - Commissioning of the mechanical portions of the plant commenced in late March 2008 and should
culminate in the hot commissioning of the primary crusher in May 2008. The Company expects to be shipping
concentrate in June or July of this year. Completion of construction activities on site is expected in July
2008 with a hand-over from EPCM teams to operational teams. Commercial production should be declared in the
third quarter of 2008.
- Growing Production at Mowana - Metallurgical studies were also conducted to optimise process design and
recoveries, and explore the benefits of a Dense Media Separation plant. At the conclusion of these studies, the
Company released its open-pit production profile in February 2008 (see press release 25 February 2008) for the
first five years of mining at the Mowana mine. The resultant production estimates show a five-fold increase in
annual copper production from 5,500 tonnes in 2008 to 29,000 tonnes in 2012. Once the operation is treating
predominately sulphide ores cash costs are expected to be around US$1.49 per pound.
- Expanded Reserves and Resource - the RSV Technical Report issued in November 2007 confirmed about 87.7
million tonnes of measured and indicated resources at 0.71% copper of which approximately 14.8 million tonnes
had been converted into proven and probable reserves at 1.1% copper.
- Underground Development - In 2007 a pre-feasibility study was commissioned to investigate the viability of an
underground mine. DMS studies completed during 2007 showed that it would be possible to use bulk mining methods
underground to extract mineralization and that this material could be upgraded prior to the introduction into
the ball mill and flotation circuits. A complete mine layout was developed in late 2007 which encompassed multi-
level development over the entire 2 kilometre strike extent of the known mineralization at Mowana to a depth of
850 metres.
- Exploration at Matsitama Belt - the Company published a resource estimate for the Thakadu mineralization of
4.7 million tonnes of 1.72% copper and 3,558 tonnes of silver grading 16 grams/tonne. In addition, African
Copper has identified four high priority areas for further exploration in 2008 - The Gaokae nickel-PGM anomaly,
Nakalakwana Hill copper-gold targets, Phute copper anomaly and the 75-kilometre Lepashe Snake copper anomaly.
Results in 2007 were hindered by excessively long turnaround times for sample analysis.
The Chairman of African Copper, Roy Corrans said, "The Board is delighted with the support that we have
received from Botswana based shareholders and investors throughout 2007 and into early 2008. The response and
the financial support shown by Botswana institutions and the Botswana Stock Exchange have been unequalled. The
Board remains confident that the Company development objectives are achievable in 2008 and believes that the
share price will respond positively as we meet our corporate goals throughout the balance of 2008."
Full details of the foregoing are contained in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for
the year ended 31 December 2007 attached hereto. The Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31
December 2007 and the Company's Annual Information Form is available at
www.africancopper.com
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
March 31, 2008
African Copper Plc: Preliminary Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2007
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - March 31, 2008) - AFRICAN COPPER PLC ("African Copper" or the "Company")
(TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December
2007 and its Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) unsecured debt financing.
Highlights
Corporate
- The Company recorded a net gain for fiscal 2007 of Pounds Sterling 117,409 (0.09p), compared with a net loss
of Pounds Sterling 2,100,884 (2.20p) in fiscal 2006. Higher bank interest receivable and foreign exchange gains
more than offset higher corporate costs and Botswana administration costs contributing to the net gain in
fiscal 2007.
- Raised Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) - On 28 March 2008, Messina Copper (Botswana) (Pty)
Ltd ("Messina"), African Copper's 100% owned subsidiary, received binding subscription agreements as part of a
Pula 200 million Botswana Note Programme for Pula 150 million (Pounds Sterling 11.4 million) notes from local
Botswana institutions (the "Botswana Bond"). The Botswana Bond is denominated in Pula and is an unsecured fixed
rate note that bears interest at 14.0% per annum and has a bullet maturity in 7 years.
- Signed a concentrate sale and purchase agreement (the "Off-take Agreement") with MRI Trading AG ("MRI") for
100% of all copper products shipped from the Mowana Mine. The Off-take Agreement has a duration of 5 years and
is renewable. In conjunction with the Off-take Agreement, MRI subscribed for 7,284,000 ordinary shares of the
Company for net proceeds of Pounds Sterling 5 million.
Mowana Project Development
- Signed a five-year contract with Moolman Mining Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
- Mining Activities - Mining commenced in July 2007 with the removal of free-digging loose material from the
open-pit area. By the end of 2007, the full fleet of face-loading shovels had arrived on-site and these were
commissioned in January 2008. Even with the heavy rains experienced in January 2008 pre-stripping was
maintained close to schedule and blasting in the pit and stockpiling of ore had commenced by the end of January
2008. At the end of March 2008, the stockpiles at Mowana consisted of about 200,000 tonnes of material at 0.9%
copper, including about 33,000 tonnes grading 1.8% copper on the high grade stockpile.
- Strengthened the management and operating team - by the end of 2007, all senior positions had been filled.
The technical and operational team in Botswana has grown from 22 as at the end of 2006 to over 50 at the end of
2007 and currently numbers 77. Recruitment of junior level staff is on-going. The Company expects to have
approximately 175 employees when the Mowana Mine goes into production in the second quarter of 2008.
- Capital Costs - have been kept within the revised budgets presented in November 2007. The estimated 8%
increase in capital over the 2006 budget estimate was composed of intentional design changes to the crushing
circuit (4.5%) and to cost escalation that is being experienced throughout the industry.
- Construction Activities - As of the end of February 2008, construction of surface facilities was about 90%
complete.
- Start-up - Commissioning of the mechanical portions of the plant commenced in late March 2008 and should
culminate in the hot commissioning of the primary crusher in May 2008. The Company expects to be shipping
concentrate in June or July of this year. Completion of construction activities on site is expected in July
2008 with a hand-over from EPCM teams to operational teams. Commercial production should be declared in the
third quarter of 2008.
- Growing Production at Mowana - Metallurgical studies were also conducted to optimise process design and
recoveries, and explore the benefits of a Dense Media Separation plant. At the conclusion of these studies, the
Company released its open-pit production profile in February 2008 (see press release 25 February 2008) for the
first five years of mining at the Mowana mine. The resultant production estimates show a five-fold increase in
annual copper production from 5,500 tonnes in 2008 to 29,000 tonnes in 2012. Once the operation is treating
predominately sulphide ores cash costs are expected to be around US$1.49 per pound.
- Expanded Reserves and Resource - the RSV Technical Report issued in November 2007 confirmed about 87.7
million tonnes of measured and indicated resources at 0.71% copper of which approximately 14.8 million tonnes
had been converted into proven and probable reserves at 1.1% copper.
- Underground Development - In 2007 a pre-feasibility study was commissioned to investigate the viability of an
underground mine. DMS studies completed during 2007 showed that it would be possible to use bulk mining methods
underground to extract mineralization and that this material could be upgraded prior to the introduction into
the ball mill and flotation circuits. A complete mine layout was developed in late 2007 which encompassed multi-
level development over the entire 2 kilometre strike extent of the known mineralization at Mowana to a depth of
850 metres.
- Exploration at Matsitama Belt - the Company published a resource estimate for the Thakadu mineralization of
4.7 million tonnes of 1.72% copper and 3,558 tonnes of silver grading 16 grams/tonne. In addition, African
Copper has identified four high priority areas for further exploration in 2008 - The Gaokae nickel-PGM anomaly,
Nakalakwana Hill copper-gold targets, Phute copper anomaly and the 75-kilometre Lepashe Snake copper anomaly.
Results in 2007 were hindered by excessively long turnaround times for sample analysis.
The Chairman of African Copper, Roy Corrans said, "The Board is delighted with the support that we have
received from Botswana based shareholders and investors throughout 2007 and into early 2008. The response and
the financial support shown by Botswana institutions and the Botswana Stock Exchange have been unequalled. The
Board remains confident that the Company development objectives are achievable in 2008 and believes that the
share price will respond positively as we meet our corporate goals throughout the balance of 2008."
Full details of the foregoing are contained in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for
the year ended 31 December 2007 attached hereto. The Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31
December 2007 and the Company's Annual Information Form is available at
www.africancopper.com
hlyeo98 - 15 Aug 2008 16:17 - 44 of 56
smiler o
- 18 Aug 2008 20:27
- 45 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
August 15, 2008
African Copper Plc: Half Yearly Report
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Aug. 15, 2008) - African Copper Plc
(AIM:ACU)(TSX:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) -
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For the Period Ended 30 June 2008
The following management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of the operating results and financial
condition of African Copper Plc ("African Copper" or the "Company") and its subsidiaries is for the
three and six months ended 30 June 2008 compared with 30 June 2007. The MD&A should be read in
conjunction with the 31 December 2007 audited consolidated financial statements of the Company (the
"Financial Statements") and the related notes thereto (the "Notes"). The Financial Statements have
been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") (see Note 2: Principal Accounting Policies). All amounts herein are
expressed in British Pounds Sterling unless otherwise indicated and the information is current to 14
August 2008.
The scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been prepared under the supervision of Mr.
James Arthur, FSAIMM, the General Manager of the Mowana Mine and a "qualified person" as defined by
Canadian National Instrument 43-101.
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is
available at
www.africancopper.com
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
August 15, 2008
African Copper Plc: Half Yearly Report
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Aug. 15, 2008) - African Copper Plc
(AIM:ACU)(TSX:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) -
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For the Period Ended 30 June 2008
The following management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of the operating results and financial
condition of African Copper Plc ("African Copper" or the "Company") and its subsidiaries is for the
three and six months ended 30 June 2008 compared with 30 June 2007. The MD&A should be read in
conjunction with the 31 December 2007 audited consolidated financial statements of the Company (the
"Financial Statements") and the related notes thereto (the "Notes"). The Financial Statements have
been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards ("IFRS") (see Note 2: Principal Accounting Policies). All amounts herein are
expressed in British Pounds Sterling unless otherwise indicated and the information is current to 14
August 2008.
The scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been prepared under the supervision of Mr.
James Arthur, FSAIMM, the General Manager of the Mowana Mine and a "qualified person" as defined by
Canadian National Instrument 43-101.
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form, is
available at
www.africancopper.com
smiler o
- 17 Sep 2008 08:46
- 46 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
TSX, AIM SYMBOL: ACU
September 17, 2008
African Copper Mowana Mine Update
- Concentrate currently being stockpiled for commencement of first shipment during September
- Mining to date shows higher mixed ore at better grades than previously modelled
- Increased presence of supergene mineralisation should provide overall improved recoveries
- Further optimisation of mining plans and ore reserves ongoing
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2008) - African Copper Plc ("African Copper" or "the
Company")(TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) is pleased to provide shareholders with an update
on the progress at the Mowana open pit mine in Botswana.
The commissioning of the mill is in its final stage following the successful resolution of some issues
with the mill's bearings and lubrication system during the commissioning process. Concentrate is
currently being stockpiled for commencement of first shipment during September. High grade ore is now
being put through the mill and the engineering, procurement, construction and management contractor is
currently undertaking the completion guarantees and will hand over the mill to African Copper during
September 2008. The period from the start of construction to final commissioning has been less than 24
months.
The mining operations, which commenced in January 2008, continue to perform well with over 850,000
tonnes of ore stockpiled, including 300,000 tonnes at 1.74% copper as at 8th September 2008. This
represents approximately 9 months of production, based on the mill capacity of 1 million tonnes per
annum.
The mining operations have now exposed ore along a 1.5 kilometre strike within the pit and have shown
an increased presence of supergene (high grade Chalcocite) mineralisation at shallow depths, compared
with the geological resource model which had anticipated primarily oxide mineralisation at these
elevations. For information on the geological resource model see Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve
Estimates included in the report entitled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report On The Mowana
Mine, Botswana" dated 26 November 2007 by Read, Swatman & Voigt (Pty) Ltd. (the "Technical Report"),
which is available on
www.sedar.com
or on the Company's website.
As a result of the increased presence of supergene mineralisation, the mixed ore grades encountered
are higher than the oxide mineralisation grade predicted in the geological resource model. The current
operational strategy allows the segregation of stockpile ore into a high grade direct mill feed
stockpile and a Dense Medium Separation ("DMS") plant feed stockpile.
African Copper has also recently undertaken a reconciliation exercise between the geological resource
model and all the blocks mined to the end of July 2008. This indicates that higher ore grades are
being mined, primarily due to presence of mixed ore and operational grade control measures.
Modelled Mined
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes Grade Copper Tonnes Grades Copper
Units Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct Feed 439,455 1.16% 5,084 224,031 1.78% 3,892
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
DMS 418,089 0.22% 903 487,660 0.62% 3,020
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Ore 857,544 0.70% 5,987 711,691 0.97% 6,912
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Net
Gain (Loss) -17.0% 39.1% 15.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/T/
A further in-pit reconciliation of the 980mL bench in the south of the pit confirms the above trend
and has indicated lower ore tonnages (27% decrease) but a significant increase (57%) in contained
copper as a result of higher grades.
The impact on the operation of a higher amount of mixed ore at better grades than previously modelled
is threefold. Firstly, due to the higher grades in the DMS stockpile material, the Company is
considering bringing forward the introduction of a DMS plant from 2010 to the third quarter 2009,
which is part of the detailed mine review underway and, if proceeded with, will require additional
financing. Secondly, higher input grades to the DMS will result in improved mill feed grade from the
DMS. Thirdly, the increased presence of supergene material will result in the direct mill feed having
approximately 25% higher overall recoveries than the oxide recoveries previously modelled.
African Copper will carry out a full mass balance reconciliation as mined material is processed
through the plant which is expected to lead to a re-assessment of Mowana's mineral reserves and
resources. This will be integrated into the mine plan that is currently under review.
This press release has been prepared under the supervision of James Arthur, FSAIMM, the General
Manager of the Mowana Mine and a "qualified person" within the meaning of Canadian National Instrument
43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Arthur has verified the data disclosed in
this press release.
This press release contains or refers to forward-looking information, including statements regarding
estimates and/or assumptions about the first shipment of concentrate, the Company's plan and
expectations with respect to bringing forward the introduction of the DMS plant to the third quarter
of 2009, the Company's beliefs and expectations with respect to obtaining improved mill feed grade
from the DMS plant, the Company's expectations with respect to realizing improved recoveries, the
Company's expectations of completing a full mass balance reconciliation and reassessment of the Mowana
Mine's mineral resources and reserves, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and
reserves, mine development plans, recoveries and timing of the commencement of operations, and is
based on current expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual
results may vary from the forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information include, but are not limited
to, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the possibility
that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the mining plan for
Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs
proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates
(including, in particular the inferred mineral resources included in the mine plan not being
recoverable at the grade and/or volume used in the calculation of estimated operating costs), the
capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, political risks arising from
operating in Africa, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the
future (including to build the DMS plant and complete the development of the Mowana Mine), changes in
equity and/or debt markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices,
delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and
development industry. When used in this press release, words such as "schedule", "could", "plan",
"anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "believe", "intend", "will", "may" and similar expressions are
forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are
reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that
actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information. Forward-looking information
is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from expected results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is made as of the date hereof and the
Company assumes no responsibility to update it or to revise it to reflect new events or circumstances,
except as required by law.
TSX, AIM SYMBOL: ACU
September 17, 2008
African Copper Mowana Mine Update
- Concentrate currently being stockpiled for commencement of first shipment during September
- Mining to date shows higher mixed ore at better grades than previously modelled
- Increased presence of supergene mineralisation should provide overall improved recoveries
- Further optimisation of mining plans and ore reserves ongoing
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2008) - African Copper Plc ("African Copper" or "the
Company")(TSX:ACU)(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) is pleased to provide shareholders with an update
on the progress at the Mowana open pit mine in Botswana.
The commissioning of the mill is in its final stage following the successful resolution of some issues
with the mill's bearings and lubrication system during the commissioning process. Concentrate is
currently being stockpiled for commencement of first shipment during September. High grade ore is now
being put through the mill and the engineering, procurement, construction and management contractor is
currently undertaking the completion guarantees and will hand over the mill to African Copper during
September 2008. The period from the start of construction to final commissioning has been less than 24
months.
The mining operations, which commenced in January 2008, continue to perform well with over 850,000
tonnes of ore stockpiled, including 300,000 tonnes at 1.74% copper as at 8th September 2008. This
represents approximately 9 months of production, based on the mill capacity of 1 million tonnes per
annum.
The mining operations have now exposed ore along a 1.5 kilometre strike within the pit and have shown
an increased presence of supergene (high grade Chalcocite) mineralisation at shallow depths, compared
with the geological resource model which had anticipated primarily oxide mineralisation at these
elevations. For information on the geological resource model see Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve
Estimates included in the report entitled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report On The Mowana
Mine, Botswana" dated 26 November 2007 by Read, Swatman & Voigt (Pty) Ltd. (the "Technical Report"),
which is available on
www.sedar.com
or on the Company's website.
As a result of the increased presence of supergene mineralisation, the mixed ore grades encountered
are higher than the oxide mineralisation grade predicted in the geological resource model. The current
operational strategy allows the segregation of stockpile ore into a high grade direct mill feed
stockpile and a Dense Medium Separation ("DMS") plant feed stockpile.
African Copper has also recently undertaken a reconciliation exercise between the geological resource
model and all the blocks mined to the end of July 2008. This indicates that higher ore grades are
being mined, primarily due to presence of mixed ore and operational grade control measures.
Modelled Mined
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnes Grade Copper Tonnes Grades Copper
Units Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct Feed 439,455 1.16% 5,084 224,031 1.78% 3,892
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
DMS 418,089 0.22% 903 487,660 0.62% 3,020
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Ore 857,544 0.70% 5,987 711,691 0.97% 6,912
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Net
Gain (Loss) -17.0% 39.1% 15.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/T/
A further in-pit reconciliation of the 980mL bench in the south of the pit confirms the above trend
and has indicated lower ore tonnages (27% decrease) but a significant increase (57%) in contained
copper as a result of higher grades.
The impact on the operation of a higher amount of mixed ore at better grades than previously modelled
is threefold. Firstly, due to the higher grades in the DMS stockpile material, the Company is
considering bringing forward the introduction of a DMS plant from 2010 to the third quarter 2009,
which is part of the detailed mine review underway and, if proceeded with, will require additional
financing. Secondly, higher input grades to the DMS will result in improved mill feed grade from the
DMS. Thirdly, the increased presence of supergene material will result in the direct mill feed having
approximately 25% higher overall recoveries than the oxide recoveries previously modelled.
African Copper will carry out a full mass balance reconciliation as mined material is processed
through the plant which is expected to lead to a re-assessment of Mowana's mineral reserves and
resources. This will be integrated into the mine plan that is currently under review.
This press release has been prepared under the supervision of James Arthur, FSAIMM, the General
Manager of the Mowana Mine and a "qualified person" within the meaning of Canadian National Instrument
43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Arthur has verified the data disclosed in
this press release.
This press release contains or refers to forward-looking information, including statements regarding
estimates and/or assumptions about the first shipment of concentrate, the Company's plan and
expectations with respect to bringing forward the introduction of the DMS plant to the third quarter
of 2009, the Company's beliefs and expectations with respect to obtaining improved mill feed grade
from the DMS plant, the Company's expectations with respect to realizing improved recoveries, the
Company's expectations of completing a full mass balance reconciliation and reassessment of the Mowana
Mine's mineral resources and reserves, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and
reserves, mine development plans, recoveries and timing of the commencement of operations, and is
based on current expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual
results may vary from the forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information include, but are not limited
to, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the possibility
that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the mining plan for
Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs
proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates
(including, in particular the inferred mineral resources included in the mine plan not being
recoverable at the grade and/or volume used in the calculation of estimated operating costs), the
capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, political risks arising from
operating in Africa, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the
future (including to build the DMS plant and complete the development of the Mowana Mine), changes in
equity and/or debt markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices,
delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and
development industry. When used in this press release, words such as "schedule", "could", "plan",
"anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "believe", "intend", "will", "may" and similar expressions are
forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are
reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that
actual results will be consistent with this forward-looking information. Forward-looking information
is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from expected results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is made as of the date hereof and the
Company assumes no responsibility to update it or to revise it to reflect new events or circumstances,
except as required by law.
justyi - 05 Dec 2008 10:47 - 47 of 56
Another one which was over-valued...
AIM-listed African Copper plummets 18 percent after Numis Securities downgrades to 'sell', saying it will need $15 million in interim financing by mid-January.
'Considering the company's current market cap we remain sceptical of the company's ability to raise such finance in the current climate,' Numis says in a note. 'Currently we see little improvement in market conditions for at least all of 2009.'
AIM-listed African Copper plummets 18 percent after Numis Securities downgrades to 'sell', saying it will need $15 million in interim financing by mid-January.
'Considering the company's current market cap we remain sceptical of the company's ability to raise such finance in the current climate,' Numis says in a note. 'Currently we see little improvement in market conditions for at least all of 2009.'
smiler o
- 21 Jan 2009 11:07
- 48 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
January 21, 2009
African Copper Plc: Mowana Mine Update
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 21, 2009) - African Copper plc ("African Copper" or "The
Company") (AIM:ACU)(TSX:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces that in response to the Company's
current working capital deficit and immediate need to raise up to $US15 million for its working
capital needs (the "Required Financing") and the sharp reduction in the demand and price for copper
worldwide, the Company's Mowana mine in Botswana has been placed on care and maintenance pending the
finalisation of negotiations to obtain the Required Financing. For at least the next three weeks all
employees, except essential service workers, will take accrued paid leave.
Management is in discussion with a number of finance providers with a view to providing the Required
Financing but there is no certainty that any of these discussions will result in the Company being
able to raise the required additional funds. The Company's ability to continue to operate with its
current working capital deficit and ultimately meet its obligations and continue as a going concern is
dependent on the Company's ability to manage its relationships with existing creditors, re-negotiate
the amount and timing of certain of its existing obligations which are due and to obtain the Required
Financing. If the Company is unable to obtain the Required Financing, the Company will be unable (in
the absence of alternate funding) to meet its obligations and continue as a going concern.
The ramp up to commercial production continued during the fourth quarter of 2008. However, following
the first shipment of copper concentrate that was dispatched at the end of October, further production
delays were experienced during the fourth quarter as a result of, among other things, lack of spare
parts due to the Company's working capital deficit and unexpected equipment failures. These delays
have resulted in production shortfalls during the quarter from the copper in concentrate production
forecast of approximately 1,500 tonnes to 270 tonnes.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or
anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding the
duration of the period of time during which the Company's employees will be stood down, the Company's
expectations regarding when the Mowana mine will resume operation and the Company's expectations
regarding its ability to continue to operate in the short term pending negotiations of the Required
Financing) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current
expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.
Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the
actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking
information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no
assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that
could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among
other things, changes in commodity prices and world copper markets and equity and/or debt markets,
political developments and risks in Botswana, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation,
changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability
and costs of financing needed in the future, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling
results and other geological data, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral
resources to reserves, the possibility that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and
assumptions used in the mining plan for the Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production
schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore
which is mined varying from estimates, the capital and operating costs varying significantly from
estimates, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral
exploration and development industry disclosed in the Company's most recent annual information form
filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
AIM, TSX SYMBOL: ACU
January 21, 2009
African Copper Plc: Mowana Mine Update
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 21, 2009) - African Copper plc ("African Copper" or "The
Company") (AIM:ACU)(TSX:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces that in response to the Company's
current working capital deficit and immediate need to raise up to $US15 million for its working
capital needs (the "Required Financing") and the sharp reduction in the demand and price for copper
worldwide, the Company's Mowana mine in Botswana has been placed on care and maintenance pending the
finalisation of negotiations to obtain the Required Financing. For at least the next three weeks all
employees, except essential service workers, will take accrued paid leave.
Management is in discussion with a number of finance providers with a view to providing the Required
Financing but there is no certainty that any of these discussions will result in the Company being
able to raise the required additional funds. The Company's ability to continue to operate with its
current working capital deficit and ultimately meet its obligations and continue as a going concern is
dependent on the Company's ability to manage its relationships with existing creditors, re-negotiate
the amount and timing of certain of its existing obligations which are due and to obtain the Required
Financing. If the Company is unable to obtain the Required Financing, the Company will be unable (in
the absence of alternate funding) to meet its obligations and continue as a going concern.
The ramp up to commercial production continued during the fourth quarter of 2008. However, following
the first shipment of copper concentrate that was dispatched at the end of October, further production
delays were experienced during the fourth quarter as a result of, among other things, lack of spare
parts due to the Company's working capital deficit and unexpected equipment failures. These delays
have resulted in production shortfalls during the quarter from the copper in concentrate production
forecast of approximately 1,500 tonnes to 270 tonnes.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or
anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding the
duration of the period of time during which the Company's employees will be stood down, the Company's
expectations regarding when the Mowana mine will resume operation and the Company's expectations
regarding its ability to continue to operate in the short term pending negotiations of the Required
Financing) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current
expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.
Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the
actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking
information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no
assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that
could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among
other things, changes in commodity prices and world copper markets and equity and/or debt markets,
political developments and risks in Botswana, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation,
changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability
and costs of financing needed in the future, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling
results and other geological data, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral
resources to reserves, the possibility that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and
assumptions used in the mining plan for the Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production
schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore
which is mined varying from estimates, the capital and operating costs varying significantly from
estimates, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral
exploration and development industry disclosed in the Company's most recent annual information form
filed on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com
smiler o
- 16 Mar 2009 08:54
- 49 of 56
PRESS RELEASE
16 March 2009
www.africancopper.com
AIM: ACU
BSE: African Copper
TSX: ACU
London, United Kingdom: African Copper plc ('African Copper' or 'the Company') (AIM/TSX: ACU, BSE: African Copper) announces that it has signed an agreement with Natasa Mining Ltd. ('Natasa'), an investment company in the mining finance industry which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and on AIM, to assist the Company and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') to meet its immediate and critical working capital requirements. Under the terms of the agreement, Natasa has agreed to make available a short-term, interest-free, secured loan facility of US$1.5 million (the 'Bridge Loan'), to be repaid out of a proposed US$6.5 million private placement of ordinary shares (the 'Equity Placement') and funds advanced to the Company pursuant to a proposed US$8.5 million debt facility (the 'Debt Facility'). The Equity Placement and Debt Facility are also proposed to be provided by Natasa. The Bridge Loan is conditional upon the execution of security documentation over the Group's principal assets, and will be repayable no later than 15 May 2009 (the 'Repayment Date'). It is a further condition of the Bridge Loan that Natasa appoints two Senior Managers to Messina Copper (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited ('Messina'), the Company's wholly owned principal operating subsidiary to oversee the application of the proceeds of the Bridge Loan. If the Bridge Loan is not repaid on the Repayment Date, it will begin to accrue interest at LIBOR plus 10 per cent. Under the terms of the Bridge Loan, the Company has provided Natasa with a right of exclusivity, which, save in certain limited circumstances, prevents the Company, from, inter alia, entering into discussions with any other party in relation to any corporate transaction until 15 May 2009.
Under the terms of the proposed Equity Placement, Natasa has agreed in principle, subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, to subscribe for 1,581,557,998 ordinary shares at 0.30 pence per share in African Copper to provide aggregate gross proceeds of 4.7 million (US$6.5 million) to the Company. Following the issue of new ordinary shares to Creditors described below, the Equity Placement will result in Natasa holding 70% of the enlarged ordinary share capital of the Company. The Equity Placement will be subject to certain conditions precedent including: African Copper shareholder approval; agreement of legal documentation in relation to the Debt Facility; the delisting of African Copper from the Toronto Stock Exchange; and African Copper and the Company's subsidiaries arranging with its bondholders and certain large creditors, namely the Company's mining and EPCM contractor (together 'Creditors'), a compromise of debts (the 'Debt for Equity Agreement') such that the Group's liabilities will be extinguished in full leaving a cash balance of at least $US3.0 million for working capital purposes. It will also be a condition of the Equity Placement and the Debt Facility that all the Directors and officers of the Company resign and be replaced with nominees of Natasa. These nominees will be identified in the Company's information circular to be sent to the Company's shareholders to convene the extraordinary general Meeting of African Copper in connection with the proposed Equity Placement, Debt for Equity Agreement and other matters.
Under the terms of the proposed Debt Facility, Natasa has agreed in principle, subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, to make available a 6.2 million (US$8.5 million) loan facility to Messina that will be secured on the Company's principal assets. The Debt Facility will bear interest at 12% per annum on funds drawn, and provides capital and interest repayment from cash generated by the Mowana mine. The Debt Facility will be conditional on the completion of the Equity Placement.
As part of the Debt for Equity Agreement, it is proposed that African Copper will pay to the Creditors the sum of 4.3 million (US$5.9 million) representing approximately 20 per cent of the amount owed to them. This payment will be funded from the proceeds of the Debt Facility and the Equity Placement. In addition, it is proposed that the Company will issue to the Creditors 530,951,614 new ordinary shares at a deemed price of 3.2 pence per ordinary share pursuant to the Debt for Equity Agreement in satisfaction of the balance of the 17.1 million (US$23.7 million) owed to them. Such payment and issue of shares will be in full and final settlement of all sums owed to the Creditors and will give to the Creditors an interest of 23.5 per cent of the enlarged ordinary share capital of the Company following the issue of shares pursuant to the Equity Placement.
Following completion of the Equity Placement and the Debt for Equity Agreement, the Company's enlarged issued share capital is expected to comprise 2,259,368,569 ordinary shares to be held as set out below:
Description
Ordinary shares*
% of total following Equity Placement
Existing shares in issue
146,858,957
6.5%
Shares to be issued to Creditors
530,951,614
23.5%
Shares to be issued to Natasa
1,581,557,998
70.0%
Total following Equity Placement and Debt for Equity Agreement
2,259,368,569
100.00%
Note: *The Equity Placement and Debt for Equity Agreement are subject to agreement of legal documentation and therefore the number of shares and the price at which they may be issued is subject to change
The Company's current broker and nominated adviser, Numis Securities Limited ('Numis'), has expressed its intention to resign at the same time as the Company's existing Directors. Should the Company be unable to appoint a new nominated adviser to replace Numis the Company will be suspended from trading on AIM until such appointment occurs. If no such appointment is made within six months the Company's AIM quotation will be cancelled.
In view of the fact that the Debt Facility and the Equity Placement are subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, and the fact that the availability of the funds pursuant to the Debt Facility and Equity Placement are subject to a number of conditions precedent, including execution of the Debt for Equity Agreement, no assurance can be given that any funds will be advanced to and/or raised by the Company pursuant to the Debt Facility and/or the Equity Placement.
Due to the severe reduction in the demand and price for copper worldwide over the last six months, delays in shipping first concentrate resulting from the delays in commissioning of the Mowana Mine, and current market volatility and uncertainty, African Copper has been unable to achieve and/or obtain the anticipated cashflow required to finance its working capital requirements for continued operations. This situation, coupled with the unfolding global financial crisis, has resulted in extreme difficulties regarding the availability and terms of possible financing proposals. The Directors have aggressively pursued financing alternatives for the Company over the past 7 months and have held advanced discussions with a number of finance providers. Having regard to the requirements of the creditors, the Directors have determined that the proposed terms of investment by Natasa are the best terms available to the Company. In deciding to enter into the Bridge Loan and the proposed arrangements with Natasa in preference to other possible options available, the Board has, in view of the Company's financial position, been advised that it must primarily have regard to the interests of the Group's creditors rather than the interests of the Company's shareholders. The Creditors indicated that the proposed transaction with Natasa was preferred by them above other possible options. If the Company is unable to complete the proposed transactions with Natasa, the Directors believe that the Company will be unable (in the absence of immediate alternative funding) to avoid formal insolvency proceedings.
Both the Directors of African Copper and the Directors of Natasa believe that the Group's assets have significant potential. Following completion of the transaction, Natasa will deploy its experienced team of senior mining professionals to optimise financial performance from the African Copper assets. As well as identifying the best mining methods and processing parameters to maximise the short and longer term potential of the Mowana mine, the team will be tasked to evaluate cost-effective expansion of plant throughput capabilities beyond the 25,000 tonnes per annum copper output currently envisaged in the African Copper five year plan.
A further announcement will be made in due course in relation to the Equity Placement, the Debt Facility and the Debt for Equity Agreement.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, the anticipated terms of the Equity Placement, the Debt Facility and the Debt for Equity Agreement and the expected results of completing each such transaction, including the amount of the cash balance anticipated to be retained by the Company for working capital purposes following the completion of the transactions and the Company's expectation that such amount will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, the anticipated dilutive effect of the Equity Placement and the Debt for Equity Agreement on the holders of ordinary shares, the Company's intention to delist the ordinary shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company's expectation that Natasa will continue to develop the Mowana mine towards commercial production following the completion of the proposed transactions, the anticipated shareholder value that may result from the proposed transactions, and other statements which are not historical facts) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, the Company failing to complete the Equity Placement and Debt Facility and failing to enter into the Debt for Equity Agreement prior to the Repayment Date, the amount of the cash balance anticipated to be retained by the Company for working capital purposes following the completion of the transactions being insufficient for the Company's working capital requirements, the Company not being able to pay any interest owing under the Bridge Loan, as well as to repay the principal amount of the Bridge Loan, in the event it fails to complete the Equity Placement, Debt Facility and Debt for Equity Agreement prior to the Repayment Date, the Company's failure to obtain shareholder approval and any other regulatory approval and/or consent which may be required in order to complete the proposed transactions,
changes in commodity prices and world copper markets and equity and/or debt markets, political developments and risks in Botswana, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the possibility that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the mining plan for the Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates, the capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry disclosed in the Company's most recent annual information form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information speaks only as of the date hereof and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in the forward-looking information, as well as the assumptions inherent therein, are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
16 March 2009
www.africancopper.com
AIM: ACU
BSE: African Copper
TSX: ACU
London, United Kingdom: African Copper plc ('African Copper' or 'the Company') (AIM/TSX: ACU, BSE: African Copper) announces that it has signed an agreement with Natasa Mining Ltd. ('Natasa'), an investment company in the mining finance industry which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and on AIM, to assist the Company and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') to meet its immediate and critical working capital requirements. Under the terms of the agreement, Natasa has agreed to make available a short-term, interest-free, secured loan facility of US$1.5 million (the 'Bridge Loan'), to be repaid out of a proposed US$6.5 million private placement of ordinary shares (the 'Equity Placement') and funds advanced to the Company pursuant to a proposed US$8.5 million debt facility (the 'Debt Facility'). The Equity Placement and Debt Facility are also proposed to be provided by Natasa. The Bridge Loan is conditional upon the execution of security documentation over the Group's principal assets, and will be repayable no later than 15 May 2009 (the 'Repayment Date'). It is a further condition of the Bridge Loan that Natasa appoints two Senior Managers to Messina Copper (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited ('Messina'), the Company's wholly owned principal operating subsidiary to oversee the application of the proceeds of the Bridge Loan. If the Bridge Loan is not repaid on the Repayment Date, it will begin to accrue interest at LIBOR plus 10 per cent. Under the terms of the Bridge Loan, the Company has provided Natasa with a right of exclusivity, which, save in certain limited circumstances, prevents the Company, from, inter alia, entering into discussions with any other party in relation to any corporate transaction until 15 May 2009.
Under the terms of the proposed Equity Placement, Natasa has agreed in principle, subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, to subscribe for 1,581,557,998 ordinary shares at 0.30 pence per share in African Copper to provide aggregate gross proceeds of 4.7 million (US$6.5 million) to the Company. Following the issue of new ordinary shares to Creditors described below, the Equity Placement will result in Natasa holding 70% of the enlarged ordinary share capital of the Company. The Equity Placement will be subject to certain conditions precedent including: African Copper shareholder approval; agreement of legal documentation in relation to the Debt Facility; the delisting of African Copper from the Toronto Stock Exchange; and African Copper and the Company's subsidiaries arranging with its bondholders and certain large creditors, namely the Company's mining and EPCM contractor (together 'Creditors'), a compromise of debts (the 'Debt for Equity Agreement') such that the Group's liabilities will be extinguished in full leaving a cash balance of at least $US3.0 million for working capital purposes. It will also be a condition of the Equity Placement and the Debt Facility that all the Directors and officers of the Company resign and be replaced with nominees of Natasa. These nominees will be identified in the Company's information circular to be sent to the Company's shareholders to convene the extraordinary general Meeting of African Copper in connection with the proposed Equity Placement, Debt for Equity Agreement and other matters.
Under the terms of the proposed Debt Facility, Natasa has agreed in principle, subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, to make available a 6.2 million (US$8.5 million) loan facility to Messina that will be secured on the Company's principal assets. The Debt Facility will bear interest at 12% per annum on funds drawn, and provides capital and interest repayment from cash generated by the Mowana mine. The Debt Facility will be conditional on the completion of the Equity Placement.
As part of the Debt for Equity Agreement, it is proposed that African Copper will pay to the Creditors the sum of 4.3 million (US$5.9 million) representing approximately 20 per cent of the amount owed to them. This payment will be funded from the proceeds of the Debt Facility and the Equity Placement. In addition, it is proposed that the Company will issue to the Creditors 530,951,614 new ordinary shares at a deemed price of 3.2 pence per ordinary share pursuant to the Debt for Equity Agreement in satisfaction of the balance of the 17.1 million (US$23.7 million) owed to them. Such payment and issue of shares will be in full and final settlement of all sums owed to the Creditors and will give to the Creditors an interest of 23.5 per cent of the enlarged ordinary share capital of the Company following the issue of shares pursuant to the Equity Placement.
Following completion of the Equity Placement and the Debt for Equity Agreement, the Company's enlarged issued share capital is expected to comprise 2,259,368,569 ordinary shares to be held as set out below:
Description
Ordinary shares*
% of total following Equity Placement
Existing shares in issue
146,858,957
6.5%
Shares to be issued to Creditors
530,951,614
23.5%
Shares to be issued to Natasa
1,581,557,998
70.0%
Total following Equity Placement and Debt for Equity Agreement
2,259,368,569
100.00%
Note: *The Equity Placement and Debt for Equity Agreement are subject to agreement of legal documentation and therefore the number of shares and the price at which they may be issued is subject to change
The Company's current broker and nominated adviser, Numis Securities Limited ('Numis'), has expressed its intention to resign at the same time as the Company's existing Directors. Should the Company be unable to appoint a new nominated adviser to replace Numis the Company will be suspended from trading on AIM until such appointment occurs. If no such appointment is made within six months the Company's AIM quotation will be cancelled.
In view of the fact that the Debt Facility and the Equity Placement are subject to the agreement of formal legal documentation, and the fact that the availability of the funds pursuant to the Debt Facility and Equity Placement are subject to a number of conditions precedent, including execution of the Debt for Equity Agreement, no assurance can be given that any funds will be advanced to and/or raised by the Company pursuant to the Debt Facility and/or the Equity Placement.
Due to the severe reduction in the demand and price for copper worldwide over the last six months, delays in shipping first concentrate resulting from the delays in commissioning of the Mowana Mine, and current market volatility and uncertainty, African Copper has been unable to achieve and/or obtain the anticipated cashflow required to finance its working capital requirements for continued operations. This situation, coupled with the unfolding global financial crisis, has resulted in extreme difficulties regarding the availability and terms of possible financing proposals. The Directors have aggressively pursued financing alternatives for the Company over the past 7 months and have held advanced discussions with a number of finance providers. Having regard to the requirements of the creditors, the Directors have determined that the proposed terms of investment by Natasa are the best terms available to the Company. In deciding to enter into the Bridge Loan and the proposed arrangements with Natasa in preference to other possible options available, the Board has, in view of the Company's financial position, been advised that it must primarily have regard to the interests of the Group's creditors rather than the interests of the Company's shareholders. The Creditors indicated that the proposed transaction with Natasa was preferred by them above other possible options. If the Company is unable to complete the proposed transactions with Natasa, the Directors believe that the Company will be unable (in the absence of immediate alternative funding) to avoid formal insolvency proceedings.
Both the Directors of African Copper and the Directors of Natasa believe that the Group's assets have significant potential. Following completion of the transaction, Natasa will deploy its experienced team of senior mining professionals to optimise financial performance from the African Copper assets. As well as identifying the best mining methods and processing parameters to maximise the short and longer term potential of the Mowana mine, the team will be tasked to evaluate cost-effective expansion of plant throughput capabilities beyond the 25,000 tonnes per annum copper output currently envisaged in the African Copper five year plan.
A further announcement will be made in due course in relation to the Equity Placement, the Debt Facility and the Debt for Equity Agreement.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, the anticipated terms of the Equity Placement, the Debt Facility and the Debt for Equity Agreement and the expected results of completing each such transaction, including the amount of the cash balance anticipated to be retained by the Company for working capital purposes following the completion of the transactions and the Company's expectation that such amount will be sufficient to meet the Company's working capital requirements, the anticipated dilutive effect of the Equity Placement and the Debt for Equity Agreement on the holders of ordinary shares, the Company's intention to delist the ordinary shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company's expectation that Natasa will continue to develop the Mowana mine towards commercial production following the completion of the proposed transactions, the anticipated shareholder value that may result from the proposed transactions, and other statements which are not historical facts) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, the Company failing to complete the Equity Placement and Debt Facility and failing to enter into the Debt for Equity Agreement prior to the Repayment Date, the amount of the cash balance anticipated to be retained by the Company for working capital purposes following the completion of the transactions being insufficient for the Company's working capital requirements, the Company not being able to pay any interest owing under the Bridge Loan, as well as to repay the principal amount of the Bridge Loan, in the event it fails to complete the Equity Placement, Debt Facility and Debt for Equity Agreement prior to the Repayment Date, the Company's failure to obtain shareholder approval and any other regulatory approval and/or consent which may be required in order to complete the proposed transactions,
changes in commodity prices and world copper markets and equity and/or debt markets, political developments and risks in Botswana, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, uncertainty regarding failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the possibility that actual circumstances will differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the mining plan for the Mowana Mine (there is no certainty that the production schedule, recoveries and/or operating costs proposed will be achieved), the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates, the capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry disclosed in the Company's most recent annual information form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information speaks only as of the date hereof and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in the forward-looking information, as well as the assumptions inherent therein, are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Balerboy
- 29 Apr 2009 08:37
- 50 of 56
Anybody watching this one, looks like it likes the latest rns and a bit of profit to be made.
Latest news
Latest news
Balerboy
- 12 May 2009 08:08
- 51 of 56
Look at this one go, nice little earner..:)))
ThenewTradesman
- 09 Sep 2009 08:18
- 52 of 56
up on news of re-opening of plant
31% at open
31% at open
smiler o
- 18 Jan 2010 13:44
- 53 of 56
AIM SYMBOL: ACU
January 18, 2010
African Copper Plc Press Release Dated 18 January 2010
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2010) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or the "Company")
(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announced that Zambia Copper Investments ("ZCI") has received
shareholder approval to replace the US$7 million bridge loan facility and the US$25.4 million bridge
loan facility that ZCI provided to the Company in May 2009 with a four year secured credit facility
(the "Facility") of US$31,129,100. This Facility will place ACU's borrowings from ZCI on a more
permanent footing.
January 18, 2010
African Copper Plc Press Release Dated 18 January 2010
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2010) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or the "Company")
(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announced that Zambia Copper Investments ("ZCI") has received
shareholder approval to replace the US$7 million bridge loan facility and the US$25.4 million bridge
loan facility that ZCI provided to the Company in May 2009 with a four year secured credit facility
(the "Facility") of US$31,129,100. This Facility will place ACU's borrowings from ZCI on a more
permanent footing.
smiler o
- 02 Feb 2010 10:00
- 54 of 56
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC
AIM SYMBOL: ACU
February 1, 2010
African Copper Press Release 1 February 2010
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2010) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or the "Company")
(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces that the Company and Zambia Copper Investments ("ZCI")
have now completed the refinancing of the bridge loan facilities that ZCI provided to the Company in
May 2009 with a four year secured credit facility (the "Facility"). The Facility places ACU's
borrowings from ZCI on a more permanent footing.
AIM SYMBOL: ACU
February 1, 2010
African Copper Press Release 1 February 2010
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2010) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or the "Company")
(AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER) announces that the Company and Zambia Copper Investments ("ZCI")
have now completed the refinancing of the bridge loan facilities that ZCI provided to the Company in
May 2009 with a four year secured credit facility (the "Facility"). The Facility places ACU's
borrowings from ZCI on a more permanent footing.
smiler o
- 26 Jan 2012 10:04
- 55 of 56
African Copper Plc: Appointment of Non-Executiv...
PIM
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC AIM SYMBOL: ACU January 26, 2012 African Copper Plc: Appointment of Non-Executive Director LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 26, 2012) - African Copper Plc (AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER)("African Copper" or "the Company"), the copper producer and exploration company, focused on Botswana, announces the appointment of Steven Georgala as a Non-executive Director with immediate effect. Steve Georgala is CEO of Maitland, an international provider of administration and wealth management services to private, institutional and corporate clients. Steve joined Maitland in Luxembourg in 1985, becoming a partner in 1987, and subsequently worked in the Paris office before moving to London in 2009. Prior to joining Maitland, he qualified as an attorney in South Africa. Steve has 25 years' experience in international tax planning and the structuring of international collective investment funds. He holds BCom and LLB degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and a HDip Company Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is a South African Attorney and Notary, a Solicitor, England and Wales and a Registered Legal Practitioner, Isle of Man. David Rodier, Chairman of African Copper, said, "On behalf of the directors, I welcome Steve to the Board. We all look forward to working with Steve, his knowledge and experience mean that he will make a strong contribution to our Board." Save as disclosed in the appendix to this release, there are no additional disclosures required under schedule 2(g) to the AIM Rules for Companies. For further information, please visit www.africancopper.com. Note: In accordance with Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules, the Company discloses the following in respect of Steven Georgala: i. Full name: Steven Georgala ii. Age: 54 iii. Current directorships: Maitland International Holdings plc and various subsidiary companies Insinger de Beaufort Holdings SA Absolute Return Strategy SICAV IdB Manager Selection SICAV Multiple Managers SICAV Key Hedge Fund Inc Key Multi Strategy Fund Inc Key Global Inc Key Asia Holdings Inc Key Global Emerging Markets Inc Key Europe Inc Key Recovery Fund Inc Bridge Trust Co Limited iv.
PIM
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC AIM SYMBOL: ACU January 26, 2012 African Copper Plc: Appointment of Non-Executive Director LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Jan. 26, 2012) - African Copper Plc (AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER)("African Copper" or "the Company"), the copper producer and exploration company, focused on Botswana, announces the appointment of Steven Georgala as a Non-executive Director with immediate effect. Steve Georgala is CEO of Maitland, an international provider of administration and wealth management services to private, institutional and corporate clients. Steve joined Maitland in Luxembourg in 1985, becoming a partner in 1987, and subsequently worked in the Paris office before moving to London in 2009. Prior to joining Maitland, he qualified as an attorney in South Africa. Steve has 25 years' experience in international tax planning and the structuring of international collective investment funds. He holds BCom and LLB degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and a HDip Company Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is a South African Attorney and Notary, a Solicitor, England and Wales and a Registered Legal Practitioner, Isle of Man. David Rodier, Chairman of African Copper, said, "On behalf of the directors, I welcome Steve to the Board. We all look forward to working with Steve, his knowledge and experience mean that he will make a strong contribution to our Board." Save as disclosed in the appendix to this release, there are no additional disclosures required under schedule 2(g) to the AIM Rules for Companies. For further information, please visit www.africancopper.com. Note: In accordance with Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules, the Company discloses the following in respect of Steven Georgala: i. Full name: Steven Georgala ii. Age: 54 iii. Current directorships: Maitland International Holdings plc and various subsidiary companies Insinger de Beaufort Holdings SA Absolute Return Strategy SICAV IdB Manager Selection SICAV Multiple Managers SICAV Key Hedge Fund Inc Key Multi Strategy Fund Inc Key Global Inc Key Asia Holdings Inc Key Global Emerging Markets Inc Key Europe Inc Key Recovery Fund Inc Bridge Trust Co Limited iv.
smiler o
- 01 Feb 2012 08:59
- 56 of 56
African Copper Plc: Additional USD5 Million Fac...
PIM
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC AIM SYMBOL: ACU February 1, 2012 African Copper Plc: Additional USD5 Million Facility Secured from ZCI LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2012) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or "the Company") (AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER), the copper producer and exploration company focused on Botswana, announces that it has secured an additional loan of USD5 million from its controlling shareholder ZCI Limited ("ZCI"). The purpose of the new loan is to provide the Company with further working capital and to invest in its Mowana Mine facilities and operations. The new USD5 million loan from ZCI is a secured loan facility with an interest rate of 9.0%, repayable on 31 March 2013 (the "Facility"). Interest will be accrued and interest payments deferred until 31 March 2013. The terms and conditions of the Facility are on substantially similar terms to the previous term loans from ZCI. USD1 million will be invested in increasing the trucking of ore from the nearby Thakadu deposit to the Mowana facilities, USD2 million will be invested in a Larox Filter to be installed at Mowana to reduce moisture content in exported concentrate and USD2 million of the Facility will be used for general working capital purposes. Mining and processing at Mowana are making positive progress toward reaching commercial production levels and earning positive monthly cashflow. Both the Larox Filter and the increased Thakadu trucking campaign are key initiatives in the plan to become cash positive. As ZCI owns 84.19 per cent of African Copper's total issued ordinary share capital at the date of this announcement and is providing financing to the Company, the ZCI Loan falls within the definition of a related party transaction under Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. The independent directors of the Company consider, having consulted with nominated adviser Canaccord Genuity Limited, that the terms of the transactions are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. For further information please visit www.africancopper.com. Notes to Editors: African Copper Plc is an AIM and Botswana listed copper producer and exploration company, currently focused on Botswana. The Company's flagship project is the copper producing open pit Mowana mine. ACU also owns the rights to the adjacent Thakadu-Makala deposit. Both deposits are situated on the highly prospective Matsitama belt, located close to Botswana's second largest city, Francistown, in the north-eastern part of the country. -30- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: African Copper Plc Brad Kipp Chief Financial Officer +1 (416) 847 4866 bradk@africancopper.com OR Tavistock Communications (PR and IR) Simon Hudson +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 OR Canaccord Genuity (NOMAD and Broker) Andrew Chubb/Tarica Mpinga +44 (0) 20 7050 6500 -0- African Copper PLC
PIM
FOR: AFRICAN COPPER PLC AIM SYMBOL: ACU February 1, 2012 African Copper Plc: Additional USD5 Million Facility Secured from ZCI LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2012) - African Copper Plc ("ACU" or "the Company") (AIM:ACU)(BOTSWANA:AFRICAN COPPER), the copper producer and exploration company focused on Botswana, announces that it has secured an additional loan of USD5 million from its controlling shareholder ZCI Limited ("ZCI"). The purpose of the new loan is to provide the Company with further working capital and to invest in its Mowana Mine facilities and operations. The new USD5 million loan from ZCI is a secured loan facility with an interest rate of 9.0%, repayable on 31 March 2013 (the "Facility"). Interest will be accrued and interest payments deferred until 31 March 2013. The terms and conditions of the Facility are on substantially similar terms to the previous term loans from ZCI. USD1 million will be invested in increasing the trucking of ore from the nearby Thakadu deposit to the Mowana facilities, USD2 million will be invested in a Larox Filter to be installed at Mowana to reduce moisture content in exported concentrate and USD2 million of the Facility will be used for general working capital purposes. Mining and processing at Mowana are making positive progress toward reaching commercial production levels and earning positive monthly cashflow. Both the Larox Filter and the increased Thakadu trucking campaign are key initiatives in the plan to become cash positive. As ZCI owns 84.19 per cent of African Copper's total issued ordinary share capital at the date of this announcement and is providing financing to the Company, the ZCI Loan falls within the definition of a related party transaction under Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. The independent directors of the Company consider, having consulted with nominated adviser Canaccord Genuity Limited, that the terms of the transactions are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. For further information please visit www.africancopper.com. Notes to Editors: African Copper Plc is an AIM and Botswana listed copper producer and exploration company, currently focused on Botswana. The Company's flagship project is the copper producing open pit Mowana mine. ACU also owns the rights to the adjacent Thakadu-Makala deposit. Both deposits are situated on the highly prospective Matsitama belt, located close to Botswana's second largest city, Francistown, in the north-eastern part of the country. -30- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: African Copper Plc Brad Kipp Chief Financial Officer +1 (416) 847 4866 bradk@africancopper.com OR Tavistock Communications (PR and IR) Simon Hudson +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 OR Canaccord Genuity (NOMAD and Broker) Andrew Chubb/Tarica Mpinga +44 (0) 20 7050 6500 -0- African Copper PLC
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