Interim Results for Six Months Ended 30 June 2018

19 September 2018

Central Asia Metals plc

(the 'Group', the 'Company' or 'CAML')

Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2018

Central Asia Metals plc (AIM: CAML) is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018 ('H1 2018' or the 'Period').

Financial summary

•      H1 2018 dividend of 6.5 pence per share (H1 2017: 6.5 pence)

•      Group gross revenue of $102.4 million (H1 2017: $38.6 million)

•      Kounrad C1 copper cash cost of $0.53 per pound (H1 2017: $0.45 per pound)

•      Sasa C1 zinc equivalent cash cost of $0.44 per pound (FY 2017: $0.44 per pound)

•      Group EBITDA of $64.6 million (H1 2017: $24.3 million), margin of 63% (H1 2017: 63%)

•      Profit before tax of $38.4 million (H1 2017: $20.7 million)

•      EPS from continuing operations of 16.37 cents per share (H1 2017: 13.77 cents per share)

•      Group cash balance as at 30 June 2018 of $40.4 million (31 December 2017: $45.8 million)

•      Group net debt as at 30 June 2018 of $125.2 million (31 December 2017: $136.1 million)

Operational summary

•      Kounrad copper production of 6,747 tonnes (H1 2017: 7,027 tonnes)

•      Kounrad copper sales of 6,044 tonnes (H1 2017: 6,870 tonnes)

•      Sasa zinc in concentrate production of 11,020 tonnes, payable sales of 9,256 tonnes

•      Sasa lead in concentrate production of 14,386 tonnes, payable sales of 13,701 tonnes

•      2018 Shuak exploration programme commenced in May, core hydrotransport ('CHT') drilling programme complete in August 2018

Outlook 

·     On course to achieve 2018 base metal production guidance of:

o  13,000 - 14,000 tonnes of copper

o  21,000 - 23,000 tonnes of zinc

o  28,000 - 30,000 tonnes of lead

·     Shuak diamond drilling and induced polarisation ('IP') geophysical survey commenced, to be completed in H2 2018 and announced in Q1 2019

Nigel Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We have today reported another strong financial performance for the CAML Group, which highlights the quality of our business. These results reflect a full six-month period of operations at Sasa, and I believe they clearly demonstrate our rationale for acquiring the mine, which was to provide CAML with a second low cost, cash generative base metals operation, as well as commodity and geographical diversification.

"We are pleased to declare a 6.5 pence per share interim dividend, which is in line with our payment for the first half of 2017 and our newly implemented dividend policy.

"We are disappointed to report four lost time injuries ('LTIs') during H1 2018, with two at each of our sites. We take our health and safety responsibilities very seriously and have, during the period, appointed a Group Health and Safety Manager and a Safety Engineer at Sasa.

"In April 2018, I was appointed Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Ferrar was appointed Chief Financial Officer and, in addition, Scott Yelland joined us as Chief Operating Officer. These changes have provided continuity to our team, while positioning the Company for its next stage of development.

"In terms of outlook, the prices of copper, zinc and lead have been under considerable pressure since June over fears for global growth as a result of trade disputes. While we cannot control the prices of our metal products, we can control our costs and our output, and we are pleased to remain a low cost base metals producer with two operations that are on track to deliver 2018 annual production guidance.

"Given that our Sasa integration process is now largely complete, we are once again actively looking for additional growth opportunities."

Analyst conference call

There will be an analyst conference call on Wednesday 19 September 2018 at 09:30 (BST) at the offices of Peel Hunt. The call can be accessed by dialling 0808 109 0700 and quoting the confirmation code 'CAML Interim Results'.  The presentation will be available on the Company's website and there will be a replay of the call available following the presentation at www.centralasiametals.com.

For further information contact:

Note to editors:

Central Asia Metals plc, an AIM-listed UK company based in London, owns the Kounrad SX-EW copper project in central Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in Macedonia. The Company also owns 80% of the Shuak copper exploration property in northern Kazakhstan. For further information, please visit www.centralasiametals.com.

Chief Executive Officer Review

The CAML Board of Directors is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 6.5 pence per ordinary share, which is in line with the stated policy. This is to be paid on 26 October 2018.

At Kounrad, copper production was slightly below that of H1 2017 due to a particularly cold winter in Kazakhstan, and sales were also below those achieved during the same period due to a temporary increase in the inventory of cathode on site awaiting dispatch. However, the average copper price received at $6,672 per tonne was approximately $1,000 higher than that received in H1 2017, which resulted in increased revenue of $40.5 million at Kounrad versus $38.6 million for H1 2017. C1 cash costs remained low by industry standards at $0.53 per pound and Kounrad remains one of the lowest cost copper producers in the world. This operational performance ensured a strong financial result from Kounrad, with H1 2018 EBITDA of $29.2 million and a margin of 72%.

Sasa's H1 2018 production demonstrates that the mine is on track to deliver the Company's annual zinc and lead production guidance. With C1 zinc equivalent cash costs that are in line with 2017 (CAML owned Sasa for only two months of that year) at $0.44 per pound (2017: $0.44 per pound), Sasa is also a highly profitable operation, and has delivered revenue of $61.9 million and EBITDA of $41.7 million with a margin of 67% for the reported period.

These operational results have delivered a 166% increase in H1 2018 Group EBITDA to $64.6 million versus H1 2017, which largely reflects the addition of Sasa into the Group, plus improved copper prices. CAML EPS growth of 19% to 16.37 cents per share also demonstrates the accretive nature of the Sasa acquisition.

CAML is disappointed to report that after over three years with no LTIs, the Company suffered four in H1 2018. The two injured Kounrad employees have recovered and are back at work. In Macedonia, two sub-contractors who were assisting with the construction of the new tailings storage facilities ('TSF4') were injured on Sasa property. A Group Health and Safety Manager has since been appointed to oversee both operations, as well as a Safety Engineer at Sasa.  

At Shuak, the second exploration season commenced in May 2018 and, since then, the 19,467 metre CHT drilling programme has been completed, plus 1,050 metres of diamond drilling. An IP survey is also underway. The Kyzyl-Sor prospect has been identified as the key area of interest in terms of oxide mineralisation, with the northern area of the licence showing the most promise for sulphide mineralisation.  

In addition to the senior management changes announced at the time of the 2017 results, during H1 2018 the CAML Board was pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Yelland as Chief Operating Officer. Scott has already made a positive impact on the business. In May 2018, Oleg Telnoi, who was one of two General Directors at Kounrad, assumed the role of General Director of the Sasa mine. Oleg was instrumental in establishing Kounrad as the well-structured operation it is today.

With a strong leadership team and two reliable low cost operations, CAML's future looks positive producing three important base metals with strong fundamentals in both Kazakhstan and Macedonia.

Operational Review

Kounrad  

Operations 

CAML is pleased to report a period of strong operational performance at Kounrad, with copper cathode production of 6,747 tonnes for the first six months of 2018 (H1 2017: 7,027 tonnes). While output was slightly below that achieved in H1 2017 due to the particularly cold winter in Kazakhstan, the Company remains on course to achieve its full year 2018 copper production guidance of between 13,000 tonnes and 14,000 tonnes. During the period, leaching was undertaken on both the Eastern Dumps and Western Dumps, with 4,312 tonnes of copper, equating to 64% of production, having been leached from the Western Dumps.

Copper sales during H1 2018 were 6,044 tonnes and 763 tonnes were in stock as at 30 June 2018. The cathode was sold predominantly through CAML's offtake partner, Traxys, and the technical quality of the copper cathode remains high at 99.998% and continues to meet the requirements of CAML's customers.

During the reported period, the Kounrad team undertook a cathode refurbishment programme and also focussed on strengthening the trench walls around the Western Dumps Initial Leaching Area ('ILA'). Utilisation of the SX-EW facility remained high throughout H1 2018, with an average of 99.4% achieved during the reported period.

Corporate and Social Responsibility ('CSR') 

It is disappointing to report two lost time injuries at Kounrad during H1 2018. In April, an employee fell and broke his arm in the SX-EW processing facility and, in May, an employee trapped and broke his finger, also in the processing plant. Both employees have recovered and are now back at work. The total LTI free man hours worked was reset to the most recent incident and currently stands at 77,626 hours. CAML has since employed a Group Health and Safety Manager to ensure that operations are managed to the highest standards.

During 2017, the site team set up the Kounrad Charitable Foundation, which has a mandate to make appropriate social donations to enhance the lives of those in the local communities of Kounrad and Balkhash. CAML intends to fund the foundation with 0.25% of its Kounrad revenue annually, which equates to approximately $0.2 million. In H1 2018, the team was approached with 29 requests for funds and is currently actioning five of these, which include the construction of new recreational areas and playgrounds in Kounrad, repairs to the roof of one of the local schools and purchase of school supplies for underprivileged children.

In terms of environmental protection, the team continues with routine inspections of the site and borehole tests and, to date, there has been no contamination identified in any of the boreholes surrounding the ILA. By the end of 2018, there will be in the order of 255 boreholes being monitored around the Western Dumps.

Sasa

Operations

Sasa delivered a strong production performance during H1 2018, which demonstrates that the Company is on track to meet its 2018 zinc and lead production guidance of between 21,000 and 23,000 tonnes of zinc and between 28,000 and 30,000 tonnes of lead. In H1 2018, total ore mined was 390,932 tonnes and ore processed was 393,605 tonnes. The average mill head grades for H1 2018 were 3.34% for zinc and 3.91% for lead. The average H1 2018 metallurgical recoveries were 83.8% for zinc and 93.5% for lead.

Sasa produces a zinc concentrate and a separate lead concentrate that contains silver. Total H1 2018 production was 22,624 tonnes of zinc concentrate at an average grade of 48.7% and 19,712 tonnes of lead concentrate at an average grade of 73.0%.  

Sasa typically receives from smelters approximately 85% of the value of its zinc in concentrate and approximately 95% of the value of its lead in concentrate. Accordingly, H1 2018 payable production of zinc was 9,211 tonnes and of lead was 13,666 tonnes. Payable base metal in concentrate sales for the six month period were 9,256 tonnes of zinc and 13,701 tonnes of lead. During H1 2018, Sasa sold 180,233 ounces of payable silver. Due to an existing streaming agreement with Osisko Gold Royalties, CAML's silver production has been pre-sold.

*H1 2017 Sasa production pre-dates CAML ownership

During H1 2018, construction of TSF4 continued with completion achieved of the river diversion tunnel, water channel and starter dam. Subject to final approvals from the relevant authorities, the Company remains on track for completion of this new facility by the end of 2018.

After consultation with its key site trade union in April 2018, Sasa offered an average pay rise of 16% to the workforce, which was well received.

In H1 2018, a review and audit of the processing plant was undertaken and several areas identified for incremental performance improvement. The results of these studies are currently being implemented. In April 2018, Sasa took delivery of a stirred media detritor ('SMD') mill that was ordered by the previous owners with the expectation of improved zinc recoveries, which replaced the existing zinc regrind mill. The mill was installed with some metallurgical successes, although its inclusion in the processing plant has not, as yet, resulted in a consistently improved performance. Zinc recoveries will be monitored during H2 2018.   

In Q2 2018, CAML commenced a 'Life of Mine Study' for Sasa, which comprises a full review of appropriate mining methods, processing plant capacity and geological potential for the future, with a view to optimising mine production.

CSR 

The Directors are disappointed to report that there were two lost time injuries at Sasa during H1 2018. Both incidents were injuries to sub-contractors working on the construction of TSF4 - one contractor fell and broke his arm in February, while the other injured his thumb while installing the power line in June.

In addition to the employment of the Group Health and Safety Manager, Sasa has also appointed a Safety Engineer with initial responsibility primarily for the tailings dam construction phase. 

In April 2018, the Macedonian State Environmental Inspectorate undertook an official inspection at Sasa and there were no identified non-compliances. In addition, an ISO 14001 external inspection in Q1 2018 also demonstrated that Sasa is in full compliance with its environmental obligations.

In Q1 2018, Sasa opened a Community Relations Office in the local town, Makedonska Kamenica, which enables local residents to talk to mine personnel face-to-face. During the reported period, over $0.1 million was spent on community development, including sponsorship and support to various clubs and sporting facilities for local residents, as well as local community events.

Shuak

CAML's second exploration season at Shuak commenced in May 2018 and, since then, the 19,467 metre CHT drilling programme has been completed. Kyzyl-Sor has been identified as the key prospect of interest for oxide mineralisation and this was the main area of focus for CHT drilling.

In addition, a diamond drilling programme commenced in August 2018 in this area and, to date, 1,050 metres have been drilled. An IP geophysical survey that will focus on deeper sulphide mineral potential has recently commenced. 77 kilometres have been surveyed, with an additional 7-10 kilometres planned during H2 2018.

Financial Review

Overview

CAML has reported a strong set of financial results, with increased revenue and EBITDA compared to H1 2017 predominantly due to the acquisition of Sasa on 6 November 2017 as well as higher copper prices received for the cathode produced at Kounrad. 

The Group generated H1 2018 EBITDA of $64.6 million (H1 2017: $24.3 million), representing an increase of 166% from the prior corresponding period, and an EBITDA margin of 63% (H1 2017: 63%). EBITDA for Kounrad was $29.2 million, with a margin of 72% and for Sasa was $41.7 million, with a margin of 67%.

Income statement

Group profit after tax from continuing operations increased by 88% to $28.8 million (H1 2017: $15.3 million), primarily as a result of increased revenue following the acquisition of Sasa. Earnings per share from continuing operations also increased by 19% to 16.37 cents (H1 2017: 13.77 cents), which highlights the accretive nature of the Sasa acquisition.

Revenue

The Group generated H1 2018 gross revenue of $102.4 million (H1 2017: $38.6 million), which is reported after deduction of treatment charges but before deductions of off-takers fees, smelter adjustments, silver purchases for the silver stream and freight. Sasa has an existing streaming agreement with Osisko Gold Royalties where approximately $5 per ounce is received for its silver production for the life of the mine.

The Group reports both a gross revenue and a net revenue line, which in part reflects the deduction of the directly attributable off-takers fee. During H1 2018, the fee for Kounrad was $1.1 million (H1 2017: $1.3 million) and for Sasa the fee was $0.7 million (H1 2017: $nil).

Kounrad

A total of 5,972 tonnes (H1 2017: 6,813 tonnes) of copper cathode from Kounrad were sold as part of the Company's off-take arrangements with metals trader, Traxys, and a further 72 tonnes (H1 2017: 57 tonnes) were sold locally. Total Kounrad copper sales were 6,044 tonnes (H1 2017: 6,870 tonnes), representing a 12% decrease in sales volumes and resulted in a temporary increase of cathode in stock awaiting dispatch.

While copper cathode sales volumes decreased when compared to H1 2017, revenue benefited from an 18% increase in the average copper price received, which was $6,672 per tonne in H1 2018 (H1 2017: $5,659 per tonne). This generated gross revenue for Kounrad of $40.5 million (H1 2017: $38.6 million). 

CAML's copper off-take arrangement with Traxys has been fixed through to September 2022 and the commitment is for a minimum of 95% of the Kounrad copper cathode production.

Sasa

A total of 9,256 tonnes of payable zinc in concentrate and 13,701 tonnes of payable lead in concentrate were sold during H1 2018. The average zinc price achieved was $3,256 per tonne and for lead this was $2,478 per tonne. After deduction of treatment charges of $4.7 million, Sasa's base metal production generated gross revenues of $61.9 million.

Zinc and lead concentrate marketing agreements have been arranged with Traxys though to December 2022 for 100% of Sasa production.

Cost of sales

Group cost of sales for the period was $38.0 million (H1 2017: $10.4 million) which is significantly greater than H1 2017 due to the inclusion of Sasa cost of sales and an increase in depreciation and amortisation recognised in relation to the impact of the fair value uplift of Sasa amounting to $5.6 million. The total Group depreciation and amortisation amounted to $17.3 million (H1 2017: $3.3 million).

Kounrad

Kounrad's H1 2018 cost of sales was $11.0 million (H1 2017: $10.4 million). Cost of sales increased due to recognising a full period relating to the Western Dumps leaching process, which commenced in April 2017. Cost of sales also includes depreciation charges and mineral extraction tax ('MET') incurred from selling copper.

Sasa

As a result of the Sasa acquisition, Group cost of sales has increased significantly due to higher sales volumes of base metals incurred recognising depreciation, staff salaries, reagents and materials, royalties and consulting costs.

Sasa's cost of sales for the period was $27.0 million, which includes the fair value uplift depreciation charges and the revenue-based concession fee payable in Macedonia, which amounted to $1.5 million. This is calculated at the rate of 2% on the value of metal recovered during the period.

C1 cash cost of production

C1 cash cost of production is a standard metric used in the mining industry to allow comparison across the sector. In line with the Wood Mackenzie approach, CAML calculates C1 cash cost by including all direct costs of production at Kounrad and Sasa (realisation charges such as freight and treatment charges, reagents, power, production labour and materials) as well as local administrative expenses. Royalties and depreciation and amortisation charges are excluded from C1 cash cost.

Kounrad

Kounrad's C1 cash cost of copper production remains firmly in the lowest quartile of the industry cost curve for copper production at $0.53 per pound (H1 2017: $0.45 per pound). The increase in C1 cash costs is as a result of leaching operations at the Western Dumps for a full six month period, which resulted in slightly higher electricity and reagent costs, as well as labour charges.  

Sasa

Sasa's C1 zinc equivalent cash cost of production for H1 2018 was $0.44 per pound, which was at the lower end of the second quartile of the zinc industry cost curve. 2017 Sasa C1 zinc equivalent cash cost was also $0.44 per pound.

Group

Following the acquisition of the Sasa mine, CAML reports its C1 cash cost on a copper equivalent basis incorporating the production costs at Sasa. CAML's H1 2018 C1 copper equivalent cash cost was $0.79 per pound. This number is calculated based on Sasa's six month 2018 zinc and lead payable production which equates to 9,294 copper equivalent tonnes (based on H1 2018 average commodity prices achieved) added to Kounrad's H1 2018 copper production of 6,747 tonnes.

In addition to the C1 cash cost of copper equivalent production, CAML also reports a fully inclusive cost that includes capital expenditure, local taxes including MET and concession fees, interest on loans and corporate overheads associated with the Kounrad and Sasa projects. In prior periods, CAML reported its fully inclusive unit cost to include depreciation but exclude capital expenditure. As of H1 2018, this methodology has been adopted as the Group believes that this is a better representation of the cost to the Company of operating its two assets. This is primarily due to the significant fair value uplift depreciation charge for Sasa. The Group's fully inclusive copper equivalent unit cost for the period was $1.51 per pound (H1 2017: $1.08 per pound).

The fully inclusive unit cost has increased as expected due to the acquisition of Sasa in 2017, with additional capital expenditure during the period for Sasa, including the construction of TSF4, additional finance costs that have arisen with the debt borrowings and the concession fee recognised on sales of zinc and lead payable in Macedonia.

Administrative expenses

During the period, administrative expenses were $11.2 million (H1 2017: $5.8 million). The increase was as a result of the enlarged Group size following the Sasa acquisition last year and the Group recognising a share based payment charge of $3.1 million (H1 2017: $1.2 million) in relation to the Company's Share Option Schemes awarded upon successful acquisition of Sasa which vested on issue amounting to $1.9 million.

Discontinued operations

The assets and liabilities of the Copper Bay entities are presented as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet following the decision of the CAML Board to sell the project. The financial results of the Copper Bay entities for H1 2018 and the comparative period for H1 2017 are shown within discontinued operations in the consolidated income statement. An advisor to dispose of this asset was appointed in H1 2018.

The Group exited its position in Mongolian company, Zuunmod UUL LLC, in April 2018.

Balance sheet

During the period, there were additions to property, plant and equipment of $8.2 million (H1 2017: $1.2 million). The additions were a combination of $1.0 million Kounrad sustaining capital expenditure, $3.3 million sustaining Sasa capital expenditure and costs associated with the construction of TSF4 amounting to $3.9 million.

As at 30 June 2018, current trade and other receivables were $13.3 million (31 December 2017: $13.7 million) which include offtake sales receivable. Non-current trade and other receivables were $2.5 million (31 December 2017: $2.5 million) which relate to VAT recoverable in Kounrad. The current trade and other payables were $24.9 million (31 December 2017: $22.4 million), including deferred consideration of $12.0 million payable in relation to the Sasa acquisition.

As at 30 June 2018, non-current and current borrowings were $123.8 million and $41.9 million respectively. These borrowings are comprised of two loan facilities. The first is a project finance facility provided to Sasa by Societe Generale and Investec prior to the acquisition, and the second is an acquisition finance facility provided to CAML by Traxys. The Group also has short term borrowings with Macedonian based Ohridska Bank. The Traxys debt financing has monthly repayments of $2.0 million and the Sasa debt facility has $2.5 million repayments due quarterly. During the period, repayments of $18.2 million were made to reduce the borrowings with interest paid totalling $6.0 million. More details are included in the notes to the financial statements.

Cash flows

The strong operational performance of both Kounrad and Sasa resulted in robust cash flows for the Group during the period, with net cash generated from operating activities increasing to $40.8 million (H1 2017: $17.4 million).

Taking into account capital expenditure, CAML's free cash flow for H1 2018 was $32.3 million. (H1 2017: $15.7 million)

During the period, $24.7 million (H1 2017: $13.5 million) was returned to shareholders as the final 2017 dividend.

Kounrad

$7.4 million of Kazakhstan corporate income tax was paid during the period (H1 2017: $5.8 million). Payments made during H1 2018 included $6.1 million towards the 2018 corporate income tax liability and $1.3 million of 2017 corporate income tax paid in April 2018.

Sasa

$6.3 million of Macedonia corporate income tax was paid during the period. Payments made during H1 2018 included $1.8 million towards the 2018 corporate income tax liability and $4.5 million of 2017 corporate income tax paid in April 2018.

Dividend

The Company's dividend policy is that it will return to shareholders a target range of between 30% and 50% of free cash flow, defined as net cash generated from operating activities less capital expenditure. The CAML Board has declared an interim dividend for the period of 6.5 pence per ordinary share in line with this policy. This will be payable on 26 October 2018 to shareholders registered on 5 October 2018.

Directors' Responsibility Statement

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

a)       the condensed consolidated interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union; and

b)       These interim results include a fair review of the information required by:

-          DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial information; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-          DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related parties' transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during that period; and any changes in the related parties' transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

On behalf of the Board

Gavin Ferrar

Chief Financial Officer